cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the dispersion of gold and platinum nanoparticles on indium tin oxide for the electrocatalytic oxidation of cysteine and arsenite

Abstract Gold and platinum nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by chemical reduction of the corresponding metal complex bound by ion-exchange to generation-4 poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (PAMAM). Arrays of the NPs on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes were formed by adsorbing a monolayer comprising a controlled ratio of NP-PAMAM to PAMAM on ITO that was modified with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane; subsequently, the organic components were thermally destroyed. Varying the above-defined ratio resulted in a commensurate change of the density of the NPs on the surface. Using an electrode modified in a solution with a mole fraction of Au-PAMAM (relative to total of Au-PAMAM and PAMAM) of 0.06, which gave NPs separated by 200 nm, the current for the catalytic oxidation of cysteine reached a value that did not increase when more nanoparticles were present. The analogous experiment on the oxidation of As III with PtNPs as the catalyst was optimized at a mole fraction of 0.2. Calculations assuming hemispherical diffusion suggested that the diffusion domains during cyclic voltammetry at 5 mV s −1 were less than the distance between the NPs.
On the calibration of design weights using a displacement function

In the present investigation, we propose a new method to calibrate the estimator of the general parameter of interest in survey sampling. We demonstrate that the linear regression estimator due to Hansen et al. (Sample Survey Method and Theory. Wiley, NY, 1953) is a special case of this. We reconfirm that the sum of calibrated weights has to be set equal to sum of the design weights within a given sample as shown in Singh (Advanced sampling theory with applications: How Michael ‘selected’ Amy, Vol. 1 and 2. Kluwer, The Netherlands, pp 1–1247, 2003; Proceedings of the American Statistical Association, Survey Method Section [CD-ROM], Toronto, Canada: American Statistical Association, pp 4382–4389, 2004; Metrika:1–18, 2006a; Presented at INTERFACE 2006, Pasadena, CA, USA, 2006b) and Stearns and Singh (Presented at Joint Statistical Meeting, MN, USA (Available on the CD), 2005; Comput Stat Data Anal 52:4253–4271, 2008). Thus, it shows that the Sir. R.A. Fisher’s brilliant idea of keeping sum of observed frequencies equal to that of expected frequencies leads to a “Honest-Balance” while weighing design weights in survey sampling. The major benefit of the proposed new estimator is that it always works unlike the pseudo empirical likelihood estimators listed in Owen (Empirical Likelihood. Chapman & Hall, London, 2001), Chen and Sitter (Stat Sin 9:385–406, 1999) and Wu (Sur Methodol 31(2):239–243, 2005). The main endeavor of this paper is to bring a change in the existing calibration technology, which is based on only positive distance functions, with a displacement function that has the flexibility of taking positive, negative, or zero value. At the end, the proposed technology has been compared with its competitors under several kinds of linear and non-linear non-parametric models using an extensive simulation study. A couple of open questions are raised.
Remodeling of hyperplastic pituitaries in hypothyroid α-subunit knockout mice after thyroxine and 17β-estradiol treatment: Role of apoptosis

Hyperplasia of pituitary thyrotrophs is often associated with hypothyroidism. In this study, the effects of thyroxine and 17β-estradiol on thyrotroph hyperplasia was analyzed using a hypothyroid mouse model resulting from targeted disruption of the glycoprotein hormone α-subunit (αSU) gene, which leads to lack of functional thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and underdevelopment of the thyroid and gonads. Thyroxine replacement for 2 mo resulted in a decrease in the relative percent of thyrotrophs and an increase of lactotrophs and somatotrophs numbers to normal values. A twofold increase in the relative percent of gonadotrophs was observed compared to wild-type mouse pitutary. Treatment for 2 mo with 17β-estradiol led to an increase in lactotroph numbers to normal levels, but had no influence on thyrotroph hyperplasia. Rearrangement of the hyperplastic pituitary phenotype after hormonal replacement proceeded without any evidence of pituitary cell necrosis. A slight increase in apoptotic cell death was observed in hormone-treated pituitaries, and this was localized to TSH cells by double-labeling experiments. Chronic thyroxine treatment resulted in increased expression of Bcl-2 protein in hypertrophied pituitary cells, whereas 17β-estradiol increased expression of Bad protein in prolactin cells. These results suggest that apoptotic cell death is involved in reversal of thyrotroph hyperplasia in the presence of thyroid hormone. Thyroxine and 17β-estradiol may influence cell death in this model by regulating expression of the Bcl-2 protein family in a cell-type specific manner.
Fluctuation analysis of work function of organic semiconductors

We demonstrate, for the first time, work function fluctuations of a polyaniline film when used as the gate conductor of an insulated-gate field-effect transistor. The work function fluctuations induce drain current fluctuations, which are in excess of the channel noise of the transistor and the Nyquist noise of the polyaniline film. Using the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, it is determined that the fluctuations have a Lorentzian-like spectrum and are thermally activated with an activated energy of ca. 300 meV. The activation energy, as well as the corner frequency and magnitude of the fluctuations, depend on the applied electric field at the polyaniline–insulator interface. These results, along with coherence measurements, suggest that the fluctuations originate near the interface in the space-charge region of polyaniline. This technique provides kinetic and thermodynamic information about the gate conductor, at equilibrium, which cannot be extracted using other techniques that measure work function. Furthermore, by this technique it is possible to distinguish the fluctuations of the work function from the Nyquist noise. This approach should be generally applicable to any semiconducting material used as the gate conductor of a field-effect transistor.
Giant biocompatible and biodegradable PEG-PMCL vesicles and microcapsules by solvent evaporation from double emulsion droplets

We report the formation of giant vesicles and microcapsules having diameters of the order of 250 microm obtained using the biocompatible and biodegradable amphiphilic block copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(gamma-methyl epsilon-caprolactone). Using the solvent evaporation method with monodisperse water-oil-water double emulsion droplets, we found either preferentially giant vesicles or preferentially spherical microcapsules with thicker walls compared to the vesicle membrane. The morphology depends on the volume of the evaporating oil shell of the double emulsion droplets for a given concentration of the block copolymer. Accordingly, by using a microfluidic flow focusing device to form the double emulsion, it is possible to direct whether vesicles or microcapsules are preferentially formed, simply by adjusting the volume of the oil shell through the volumetric flow rates of the device. During the evaporation of the organic solvents from the oil shells, rough surface morphologies of the double emulsion droplets were observed as intermediate stages in their transformation to either vesicles or microcapsules. These intermediate stages are most likely related to a dewetting of the evaporating oil phase from the surface of the inner droplet, resulting in a spot-like dewetting pattern, or a phase separation of the oil phase into polymer-rich and polymer-poor domains.
Variations among high volume surgeons in the rate of complications after radical prostatectomy: Further evidence that technique matters

ABSTRACTPurpose:: A strong association between surgeon, hospital volume and postoperative morbidity of radical prostatectomy has been demonstrated. While better outcomes are associated with high volume surgeons, the degree of variation in outcomes among surgeons has not been fully examined.Materials and Methods:: Using a linked database from Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registries and federal Medicare claims data, we analyzed outcomes of consecutive patients treated with radical prostatectomy between 1992 and 1996. We focused on variations in several measures of morbidity (perioperative complications, late urinary complications and long-term incontinence) among patients of high volume surgeons, defined as those with 20 or more patients in the study period. After adjusting for hospital, surgeon volume and case mix, we examined the extent to which variations in the rates of adverse outcomes differed among surgeons for all 3 end points.Results:: Of the 999 surgeons 16% (159) performed 48.7% (5,...
Dietary Diversity, Diet Quality, and Body Weight Regulation

Is dietary variety good or bad? The answer depends on how the variety is defined and the outcome of interest. The evidence for overall diet quality and food security still suggests that variety in consumption patterns is a net plus. However, variety in certain selected foods--energy-dense foods, for example--may contribute to overweight and obesity. The issue for overweight and obesity is clearly energy balance; results presented in this paper suggest that energy balance is harder to achieve with diets high in total fat and energy.
Aerodynamics of cable-supported bridges

Abstract Basic aerodynamic principles underlying the response to wind of cable-supported bridges are outlined. Their links to aeronautical methodology as well as their important differences of detail are mentioned. The problems treated are the basic oscillatory stability under wind and the response to turbulence. The treatment, originating in the time domain, is transformed to the frequency domain; the response is then calculated by power spectral methods. In particular, the interrelated roles of indicial aerodynamic response functions, flutter derivatives and aerodynamic admittances are reviewed. The theory outlined is representative of methodology currently applied in the design studies of numerous long-span cable-supported bridges.
Consequences of natural exposure to rubella during pregnancy.

SummaryBlood specimens collected early in pregnancy and again at delivery from 347 women with histories of exposure to rubella were tested for antibodies by the indirect fluorescent-antibody technique. Gamma globulin had been administered to 72 following exposure. Previous immunity was detected in 265 of the women who were found to have antibodies of identical titer in both specimens. Serological evidence of infection during pregnancy was demonstrated in 41 of the 82 women whose first sera were negative for antibodies. Twenty-six of these infections were subclinical and only 15 were recognized as clinical rubella. Gamma globulin did not reduce the incidence of infection in susceptible women, which was actually higher than in the uninjected, but markedly suppressed the development of clinical disease. Damage to the fetus following first trimester infection resulted only once among 14 pregnancies in which gamma globulin had been administered. By contrast, four of 27 pregnancies of un-inoculated women termin...
An A-Train satellite based stratiform mixed-phase cloud retrieval algorithm by combining active and passive sensor measurements.

Aims: To develop a new satellite -based mixed-phase cloud retrieval algorithm for improving mixed-phase cloud liquid water path (LWP) retrievals by combining Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), CloudSat, and Cloud -Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) measurements. Study Design:Algorithm development and evaluation by using collocated NASA A
Chromatin structure depends on what's in the nucleosome's pocket.

Two new studies point to a heretofore underappreciated mechanism by which chromatin higher-order structure can be regulated by surfaces in the nucleosome that are not associated with DNA.
Hypopituitarism stabilizes the renal and retinal complications of diabetes mellitus.

In 1953, Poulsen described the remarkable case of a woman with type I diabetes mellitus who experienced resolution of her retinopathy following postpartum pituitary necrosis [1]. Since that time, many
Genetic Evidence that GTP Is Required for Transposition of IS903 and Tn552 in Escherichia coli

Surprisingly little is known about the role of host factors in regulating transposition, despite the potentially deleterious rearrangements caused by the movement of transposons. An extensive mutant screen was therefore conducted to identify Escherichia coli host factors that regulate transposition. An E. coli mutant library was screened using a papillation assay that allows detection of IS903 transposition events by the formation of blue papillae on a colony. Several host mutants were identified that exhibited a unique papillation pattern: a predominant ring of papillae just inside the edge of the colony, implying that transposition was triggered within these cells based on their spatial location within the colony. These mutants were found to be in pur genes, whose products are involved in the purine biosynthetic pathway. The transposition ring phenotype was also observed with Tn552, but not Tn10, establishing that this was not unique to IS903 and that it was not an artifact of the assay. Further genetic analyses of purine biosynthetic mutants indicated that the ring of transposition was consistent with a GTP requirement for IS903 and Tn552 transposition. Together, our observations suggest that transposition occurs during late stages of colony growth and that transposition occurs inside the colony edge in response to both a gradient of exogenous purines across the colony and the developmental stage of the cells.
Isolation of chloramphenicol-resistant variants from a human cell line

Variant clones resistant to 40 μg/ml chloramphenicol were isolated from the human cell line VA 2-B after treatment with either ethyl methanesulfonate or N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. Among 17 clones analyzed, one variant, CAP-23, was investigated in detail. CAP-23 cells in the presence of 40 or 100 μg/ml chloramphenicol grew at essentially the same rate as cells in the absence of the drug; chloramphenicol resistance persisted even after 20 generations in the absence of the drug. No obvious morphological changes in mitochondria were observed by electron microscopy of thin sections of CAP-23 cells. In vivo mitochondrial protein synthesis in CAP-23 cells was inhibited little, if any, by chloramphenicol, and the variant showed partial cross resistance to mikamycin and carbomycin. In vitro protein synthesis in mitochondria isolated from CAP-23 cells showed, likewise, low levels of inhibition by chloramphenicol. This suggests that the drug resistance of the variant CAP-23 is due to altered mitochondria.
Chandra Observations of A85: Merger of the South Subcluster

We present an analysis of a highly asymmetric cluster merger from a Chandra observation of A85. The merger shows significant disruption of the less massive subcluster from ram pressure effects. Nevertheless, a cold core, coincident with the cD galaxy, is observed to persist in the subcluster. We derive dynamical information from the motion of the cold core through the main cluster's intracluster medium. Multiple derivations of the velocity of the core suggest a Mach number of ≈ 1.4, or v ~ 2150 km s-1, although with substantial uncertainty. We construct a consistent kinematic model for the merger based on this dynamical analysis. As has been found for other such "cold fronts," conduction appears to be suppressed across the front. Thermal conduction may be suppressed by a magnetic field with a significant component perpendicular to the subcluster's direction of motion. The effect of the merger interaction in creating and shaping the observed radio sources is also discussed. It appears most likely that the radio source is due to distorted and detached lobes from the subcluster cD galaxy, rather than being a radio halo.
Blocking Dishevelled signaling in the noncanonical Wnt pathway in sea urchins disrupts endoderm formation and spiculogenesis, but not secondary mesoderm formation.

Dishevelled (Dsh) is a phosphoprotein key to beta-catenin dependent (canonical) and beta-catenin independent (noncanonical) Wnt signaling. Whereas canonical Wnt signaling has been intensively studied in sea urchin development, little is known about other Wnt pathways. To examine roles of these beta-catenin independent pathways in embryogenesis, we used Dsh-DEP, a deletion construct blocking planar cell polarity (PCP) and Wnt/Ca2+ signaling. Embryos overexpressing Dsh-DEP failed to gastrulate or undergo skeletogenesis, but produced pigment cells. Although early mesodermal gene expression was largely unperturbed, embryos exhibited reduced expression of genes regulating endoderm specification and differentiation. Overexpressing activated beta-catenin failed to rescue Dsh-DEP embryos, indicating that Dsh-DEP blocks endoderm formation downstream of initial canonical Wnt signaling. Because Dsh-DEP-like constructs block PCP signaling in other metazoans, and disrupting RhoA or Fz 5/8 in echinoids blocks subsets of the Dsh-DEP phenotypes, our data suggest that noncanonical Wnt signaling is crucial for sea urchin endoderm formation and skeletogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 238:1649–1665, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Self-Help Large-Group Therapy for Alcoholism: A Controlled Study

An innovative approach to ambulatory alcoholism treatment is proposed, based on adapting a self-help modality to the institutional clinic setting, for more cost-effective care. It draws on the principles of social influence in large groups, and diffuses the therapist's Derogative* among more advanced patients. The program thereby operates with half the usual counseling staff. In this study (n = 235), a controlled comparison of this approach was made with more conventional clinic treatment, based on small-group therapy. Retention and visit rates of the experimental patients over 1 year of care were no different from the control patients, and engagement of inpatients into ambulatory care was more effective.
You Don’t Know Jack about Disks: Whatever happened to cylinders and tracks?

Traditionally, the programmer’s working model of disk storage has consisted of a set of uniform cylinders, each with a set of uniform tracks, which in turn hold a fixed number of 512-byte sectors, each with a unique address. The cylinder is made up of concentric circles (or tracks) on each disk platter in a multiplatter drive. Each track is divided up like pie slices into sectors. Because any location in this three-dimensional storage space could be uniquely identified by the cylinder number, head (surface) number, and sector number, this formed the basis for the original programming model for disk drives: cylinder-head-sector access.
Advances in animal ecology from 3D-LiDAR ecosystem mapping

The advent and recent advances of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) have enabled accurate measurement of 3D ecosystem structure. Here, we review insights gained through the application of LiDAR to animal ecology studies, revealing the fundamental importance of structure for animals. Structural heterogeneity is most conducive to increased animal richness and abundance, and increased complexity of vertical vegetation structure is more positively influential compared with traditionally measured canopy cover, which produces mixed results. However, different taxonomic groups interact with a variety of 3D canopy traits and some groups with 3D topography. To develop a better understanding of animal dynamics, future studies will benefit from considering 3D habitat effects in a wider variety of ecosystems and with more taxa.
Calcium depletion produces Na+-dependent, sustained depolarizations of Retzius cell membranes in the leech CNS

1. Ca++ free/EGTA Ringer produces an abrupt change in the Retzius cell (RZ) membrane conductance resulting in a sustained depolarization: a plateau potential. 2. The long-lasting plateau potential is a consequence of Ca++ depletion and not a specific effect of EGTA. 3. The amplitude of this increased conductance plateau depends upon the external concentration of Na+. 4. Mn++ and La+++ completely block Ca++ depletion plateaus while Sr++ and Mg++ decrease plateau duration. Co++ has effects which are intermediate between these two cation groups. 5. We suggest that RZ membranes have a repolarizing potassium conductance which depends primarily upon Ca++ conductance and not membrane potential.
Two applications of information complexity

We show the following new lower bounds in two concrete complexity models:(1) In the two-party communication complexity model, we show that the tribes function on n inputs[6] has two-sided error randomized complexity Ω(n), while its nondeterminstic complexity and co-nondeterministic complexity are both Θ(√n). This separation between randomized and nondeterministic complexity is the best possible and it settles an open problem in Kushilevitz and Nisan[17], which was also posed by Beame and Lawry[5].(2) In the Boolean decision tree model, we show that the recursive majority-of-three function on 3h inputs has randomized complexity Ω((7/3)h). The deterministic complexity of this function is Θ(3h), and the nondeterministic complexity is Θ(2h). Our lower bound on the randomized complexity is a substantial improvement over any lower bound for this problem that can be obtained via the techniques of Saks and Wigderson [23], Heiman and Wigderson[14], and Heiman, Newman, and Wigderson[13]. Recursive majority is an important function for which a class of natural algorithms known as directional algorithms does not achieve the best randomized decision tree upper bound.These lower bounds are obtained using generalizations of information complexity, which quantifies the minimum amount of information that will have to be revealed about the inputs by every correct algorithm in a given model of computation.
Bioseparations, Especially by Hollow Fibers

Downstream processing in biotechnology is best idealized as a four step process: removal of insolubles, isolation, purification, and polishing. The first and last steps are relatively easily achieved; the isolation and purification steps include most of the potential problems. While purification has often been presumed the most difficult, isolation may involve the greatest cost, presumably because it involves getting a small volume of concentrate from a large volume of feed. Both purification and isolation can sometimes use hollow fibers for extraction and chromatography
Intrinsic Limitations on the |E| 4 Dependence of the Enhancement Factor for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

Analysis of the bandwidth of the Clausius−Mosotti local field factor challenges the standard assumption that both incident and scattered fields are equally enhanced in surface-enhanced Raman scatte...
Resist Characterization And Optimization Using A Hevelonment Rimulation Romnuter Nrooram, Prostm.

Computer simulation is a well established tool in the design and processing of integrated circuits. The best known such simulation program in microlithography is SAMPLE (1), which is based on the Dill model (2). A new computer simulation program, PROSIM, has been developed (3). It uses the aerial image calculated by SAMPLE and the string development algorithm of SAMPLE, but replaces calculated photoresist development rates with rates measured using in-situ interferometry. Three different positive photoresist systems were investigated under varying process conditions typically examined during the characterization process. PROSIM simulated profiles and exposure latitudes are in good agreement with experimental measurements, showing that PROSIM can be used as an effective tool to aid in the characterization and optimization of positive resist processes.
An unstructured direct simulation Monte Carlo methodology with Kinetic-Moment inflow and outflow boundary conditions

The mathematical and computational aspects of the direct simulation Monte Carlo on unstructured tetrahedral grids (U3DSMC) with a Kinetic-Moment (KM) boundary conditions method are presented. The algorithms for particle injection, particle loading, particle motion, and particle tracking are presented. The KM method applicable to a subsonic or supersonic inflow/outflow boundary, couples kinetic (particle) U3DSMC properties with fluid (moment) properties. The KM method obtains the number density, temperature and mean velocity needed to define the equilibrium, drifting Maxwellian distribution at a boundary. The moment component of KM is based on the local one dimensional inviscid (LODI) boundary conditions method consistent with the 5-moment compressible Euler equations. The kinetic component of KM is based on U3DSMC for interior properties and the equilibrium drifting Maxwellian at the boundary. The KM method is supplemented with a time-averaging procedure, allows for choices in sampling-cell procedures, minimizes fluctuations and accelerates the convergence in subsonic flows. Collision sampling in U3DSMC implements the no-time-counter method and includes elastic and inelastic collisions. The U3DSMC with KM boundary conditions is validated and verified extensively with simulations of subsonic nitrogen flows in a cylindrical tube with imposed inlet pressure and density and imposed outlet pressure. The simulations cover the regime from slip to free-molecular with inlet Knudsen numbers between 0.183 and 18.27 and resulting inlet Mach numbers between 0.037 and 0.027. The pressure and velocity profiles from U3DSMC-KM simulations are compared with analytical solutions obtained from first-order and second-order slip boundary conditions. Mass flow rates from U3DSMC-KM are compared with validated analytical solutions for the entire Knudsen number regime considered. Error and sensitivity analysis is performed and numerical fractional errors are in agreement with theoretical errors. The KM method is shown to be a robust technique allowing efficient computation of subsonic flows. Additional verification of U3DSMC is achieved with simulations of the heat transfer process in a stationary argon gas between two flat plates. The numerical heat flux is in agreement with analytical results that cover the transitional to free molecular regimes. Additional validation of U3DSMC is achieved with simulations of hypersonic rarefied flows of nitrogen over a finite thickness flat pate at 0 and 10 degrees angle of attack. Numerical predictions of the pressure and heat flux to the plate are in agreement with experiments.
Estimating item parameters and latent ability when responses are scored in two or more nominal categories

A multivariate logistic latent trait model for items scored in two or more nominal categories is proposed. Statistical methods based on the model provide 1) estimation of two item parameters for each response alternative of each multiple choice item and 2) recovery of information from “wrong” responses when estimating latent ability. An application to a large sample of data for twenty vocabulary items shows excellent fit of the model according to a chi-square criterion. Item and test information curves are compared for estimation of ability assuming multiple category and dichotomous scoring of these items. Multiple scoring proves substantially more precise for subjects of less than median ability, and about equally precise for subjects above the median.
Distinct Ca2+ and Sr2+ Binding Properties of Synaptotagmins: DEFINITION OF CANDIDATE Ca2+ SENSORS FOR THE FAST AND SLOW COMPONENTS OF NEUROTRANSMITTER RELEASE

Ca(2+)-dependent neurotransmitter release consists of at least two components: a major fast component that is insensitive to Sr2+ and a minor slow component that is potentiated by Sr2+ (Goda, Y., and Stevens, C. F. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. U. S. A. 91, 12942-12946). These results suggest that at least two Ca2+ sensors act in synaptic vesicle fusion with distinct Ca2+ and Sr2+ binding properties. We have now investigated the relative Ca2+ and Sr2+ binding activities of synaptotagmins to evaluate their potential roles as Ca2+ sensors for the fast and slow components. Our results demonstrate that the first C2 domains of synaptotagmins I, II, III, V, and VII have very similar Ca2+ requirements for phospholipid binding (range of EC50 = 2.6 microM to 5.0 microM), but distinct Sr2+ requirements (EC50 range = 23 microM to 133 microM); synaptotagmins I and II had the lowest Sr2+ affinity, and synaptotagmin III the highest Sr2+ affinity. Purified synaptotagmin I from bovine brain exhibited similar properties as its recombinant first C2 domain, suggesting that the first C2 domain fully accounts for its Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid binding properties. Sr2+ was unable to trigger syntaxin binding by synaptotagmin I at all concentrations tested, whereas it was effective for synaptotagmin III. These results suggest that different C2 domains have distinct Sr2+ binding properties. They support the hypothesis that synaptotagmins localized on the same vesicle perform distinct functions, with synaptotagmins I and II serving as candidate Ca2+ sensors for the fast component in release and synaptotagmin III for the slow component.
Hodgkin's disease associated with Kaposi's sarcoma and malignant melanoma. Case report of multiple primary malignancies.

A case of malignant melanoma, Hodgkin's disease, and Kaposi's sarcoma is reported. From the literature, it appears likely that the malignant melanoma is a chance occurrence while the Kaposi's sarcoma and Hodgkin's disease are more closely related. Yet this case raises the possibility of the existence of a general mesenchymal susceptibility to tumor induction. In evaluating cancer patients with new symptoms, the possible presence of another primary neoplasm, particularly one with a more favorable prognosis, should be considered.
Large deformation of antisymmetric angle-ply laminates resulting from nonuniform temperature loadings

A recently proposed incremental-loading procedure [1] is used to obtain approximate solutions for the moderately large deflections of antisymmetric angle-ply plates under nonuniform temperature fields. A parabolic in-plane variation and a linearly varying transverse distribution of temperature are considered. The analysis predicts the existence of a bifurcation along the thermal load-deflection path for certain laminate configurations and loadings. Results based on the large-deflection theory are compared with exact solutions to the classical small-deformation formulation for various fiber-reinforced laminates.
Coronary Calcification and Osteoporosis in Men and Postmenopausal Women Are Independent Processes Associated with Aging

The objective of this study was to investigate whether low bone mass is directly associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in men and postmenopausal women self-referred for evaluation of coronary atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. Low bone mass was evaluated by measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) using quantitative computerized tomography (QCT). Coronary atherosclerosis was evaluated by measurement of coronary calcium (CC) burden using electron beam computerized tomography (EBCT). Using a cross-sectional design, we tested the hypothesis that osteoporosis and coronary atherosclerosis are correlated, age-dependent processes. Study variables were BMD, CC scores, and other known risk factors for osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. Qualifying for the study were 313 postmenopausal women and 167 men. Men had higher baseline CC scores and higher body mass indexes compared to women. In females, those patients with coronary calcification were older and had significantly lower BMD compared to those without calcification. In males, those patients with coronary calcification were older. By univariate correlation analysis, the degree of coronary calcification was inversely associated with BMD in postmenopausal women (P < 0.0001) but not in men. However, after controlling for age, this association was absent for both men and postmenopausal women. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis in women and men separately, age was the only significant predictor of positive CC status and low BMD. Our study suggests that in postmenopausal women and in men, after controlling for age, osteoporosis and coronary atherosclerosis are independent processes.
Histochemistry of mucus in the skin of the frog, Rana pipiens

Histochemical characteristics of the integumentary mucous glands of the leopard frog (Rana pipiens) are described so that their role in water balance can be better understood. Mucus is acidic, due to its content of sulfate and carboxylic acids. The carbohydrate moiety contains periodate-engendered groups which are not in close proximity to acid radicals. Protein was not demonstrated. Neuraminic acid is either absent or is not susceptible to neuraminidase digestion.
Nodal contention in colorless, directionless ROADMs using traffic growth models

We study the impact of intra-node contention in colorless, directionless ROADMs under traffic growth conditions. Our results indicate that modular add/drop banks provide blocking performance approaching that of contentionless architectures.
Optical Properties of Natural Caries Lesions in Dental Enamel at 1310-nm

A fundamental understanding of how near-IR light propagates through sound and carious dental hard tissues is essential for the development of clinically useful optical diagnostic systems, since image contrast is based on changes in the optical properties of these tissues upon demineralization. The optical properties of enamel can be quantitatively described by defining the optical constants, the absorption and scattering coefficients, and the scattering phase function. Our aim was to measure the optical scattering properties of natural enamel caries. Near-IR attenuation measurements and angular-resolved goniometer measurements coupled with Monte Carlo simulations were used to determine the optical properties of natural lesions. An ultra-high resolution digital microradiography system was used to quantify the lesion severity by measurement of the relative mineral loss for comparison with optical scattering measurements. Natural demineralization increases the scattering coefficient more than two orders of magnitude at 1310-nm and the scattering is highly forward directed.
Effect of ionosphere on radar waveforms

Abstract Consideration is given to the determination of the distortion introduced by the ionosphere on radar waveforms from which we can in turn obtain the effect of the resolution capabilities, the measurement capabilities and the dynamic range of a radar system. The analysis was carried out for a variety of waveforms: A rectangular pulse; a Gaussian pulse; an unweighted chirped pulse; a Taylor weighted chirped pulse, weighted to provide 40 db sidelobe level; and finally, an unweighted and Taylor weighted step frequency coded pulse, the weighting being used to provide 40 db sidelobe level. It was found that the available bandwidth of the ionosphere was dependent to some extent on the receiver processing used. In particular, it was found that if an unweighted chirp pulse is transmitted, and if on reception, this signal is Taylor weighted with the weighting being adjusted to give 40 db skirt levels, then the available bandwidth can be increased by 50 per cent over that for the case where no weighting is used in the receiver. The available bandwidth was also found to be dependent on the waveform transmitted. For example, if a chirp signal is transmitted and Taylor weighting used in the receiver, then the available bandwidth is at least 50 per cent greater than if a Gaussian pulse is transmitted. For a system carrier frequency of 2 kmc and an uncompensated receiver, it was found that the available bandwidth is 120 mc for a system using either a Gaussian pulse, an unweighted chirped pulse, or an unweighted step frequency coded signal. For the system using a chirped signal or a step frequency coded signal and Taylor weighting on reception, the available bandwidth was found to be 180 mc at the 2 kmc carrier frequency. A more complete summary of the results obtained on the available bandwidth for the various signals considered is given in Table I. The results given in the table apply for an uncompensated receiver. The resolution achievable by the radar will most of the time be one over the maximum available bandwidth indicated in the table.
Note on formulas for the drag of a sphere

Standard approximations expressing the drag of a sphere as a function of Reynolds number are reappraised in the light of the evident requirement that drag reverses with the direction of motion. It is thereby highlighted that the relation between the drag and the velocity of a sphere is not analytic. Another, simpler example is cited to illustrate a non-analytic relation between physical properties, which is appreciated to be a common feature of hydrodynamic models that rely on the abstract notion of an infinite incompressible fluid.
Vitamin B12 deficiency in patients after enterocystoplasty

Summary Introduction Serum B12 deficiency is a known sequlae of enterocystoplasty. The complications of B12 deficiency include megaloblastic anemia, neuropsychiatric disease, and demyelinating diseases such as peripheral neuropathy. Some studies have suggested that underlying disease states may be more important than enteric absorptive capacity in predicting acquired B12 deficiency. A 38% incidence of low or low-normal serum B12 in patients who have undergone enterocystoplasty has previously been reported, and oral B12 supplementation has been demonstrated to be an effective short-term therapy; however, the long-term results remain unclear. Aims This study hypothesized that oral vitamin B12 supplementation in patients with B12 deficiency following enterocystoplasty is an effective long-term treatment. Additionally, it sought to determine if underlying disease state predicts B12 deficiency following enterocystoplasty. Design Children who underwent enterocystoplasty at the present institution prior to August 2007 were reviewed. Patients with non-ileal augment, insufficient follow-up or hematologic disorders were excluded. Patients with low or low-normal B12 levels were included. Treatment consisted of daily oral therapy of 250 mcg or monthly parenteral therapy of 1000 mcg IM. Separately, the institutional database of 898 patients who underwent enterocystoplasty was searched and patients with at least one post-operative B12 level were highlighted. The indication for enterocystoplasty was classified as neuropathic or non-neuropathic. Results Twenty-three patients met inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up was 49 months (range 5–85) following initial abnormal B12 level. On the last follow-up, 4/23 (17%) patients had normal serum B12 levels. No patients reported sequelae of long-term B12 deficiency. In the secondary investigation, 113 patients met inclusion criteria. A total of 101 had neuropathic indications for enterocystoplasty, and 12 had non-neuropathic indications. At any time during follow-up, 48/101 (47.5%) neuropathic patients had low or low-normal B12 levels, and 4/12 (33.3%) non-neuropathic patients had low or low-normal B12 levels during follow-up (P = 0.54) (Figure). Discussion The initial success of oral B12 deficiency treatment following enterocystoplasty does not persist over time. This contradicts previous results with short duration follow-up. Underlying disease as the indication for enterocystoplasty did not predict B12 deficiency risk. The study was limited by the small number of patients with B12 deficiency who were started on treatment, as well as by the small number of patients with non-neuropathic indications for enterocystoplasty. Conclusion The aims of the study were met. Further investigation is required to assess predictors of B12 deficiency following enterocystoplasty. Download : Download high-res image (159KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure . Underlying indication for enterocystoplasty does not predict B12 deficiency.
REC-MEDIATED RECOMBINATIONAL HOT SPOT ACTIVITY IN BACTERIOPHAGE LAMBDA. I. HOT SPOT ACTIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH SPI-DELETIONS AND bio SUBSTITUTIONS

In order to survey the distribution along the bacteriophage X chromosome of Rec-mediated recombination events, crosses are performed using conditions which block essentially all DNA synthesis. One parent is density-labeled and carries a genetic marker in the left terminal X gene (A), while the other parent is unlabeled and carries a genetic marker in the right terminal X gene (R). Both parents are deleted for the X recombination genes int and red, together with other recombination-associated genes, by virtue of either (1) a pure deletion or (2) a bio insertion-deletion. The distribution in a cesium density gradient of the resulting A+R+ recombinant phage reflects the chromosomal distribution of the recombination events which gave rise to those phage. Crosses employing either of two different pure deletion phage strains exhibit recombinational hot spot activity located near the right end of the X chromosome, between the cl and R genes. This hot spot activity persists when unlimited DNA synthesis is allowed. Crosses employing bioi-substituted phage strains exhibit recombinational hot spot activity located to the right of the middle of the chromosome and to the left of the cl gene. Crosses employing either bioi or bio69-substituted phage strains indicate that the bio-associated hot spot activity occurs in the presence of DNA synthesis, but is dependent on a functional host recB gene. HE bacteriophage X chromosome is subject to the action of three genetic reTcombination system: Int, which is site specific for the X attachment locus, and Red and Rec, which are generalized (SINGER 1971). The products of the phage genes int, reda and redB are essential components of their respective recombination systems (see Figure 1). The reda gene product-X exonucleasevery likely is involved directly in the recombinatioc process; the role of the redP gene product-+ protein-is unknown (RADDING 1973). Similarly, the recBrecC DNase of E. coli appears to be a central component of the Rec recombination system (CLARK 1973). However, residual recombination typically occurs in recB- or recC- hosts. By way of contrast, loss of the recA gene product blocks all host-mediated recombination; the function of the recA gene is unknown. The Red and Rec recombination systems presumably are capable of mediating recombination events essentially anywhere on the chromosome. Moreover. the
Iterative RELIEF for Feature Weighting: Algorithms, Theories, and Applications

RELIEF is considered one of the most successful algorithms for assessing the quality of features. In this paper, we propose a set of new feature weighting algorithms that perform significantly better than RELIEF, without introducing a large increase in computational complexity. Our work starts from a mathematical interpretation of the seemingly heuristic RELIEF algorithm as an online method solving a convex optimization problem with a margin-based objective function. This interpretation explains the success of RELIEF in real application and enables us to identify and address its following weaknesses. RELIEF makes an implicit assumption that the nearest neighbors found in the original feature space are the ones in the weighted space and RELIEF lacks a mechanism to deal with outlier data. We propose an iterative RELIEF (I-RELIEF) algorithm to alleviate the deficiencies of RELIEF by exploring the framework of the expectation-maximization algorithm. We extend I-RELIEF to multiclass settings by using a new multiclass margin definition. To reduce computational costs, an online learning algorithm is also developed. Convergence analysis of the proposed algorithms is presented. The results of large-scale experiments on the UCI and microarray data sets are reported, which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms, and verify the presented theoretical results
Design optimization for higher stabilized efficiency and reduced light‐induced degradation in boron‐doped Czochralski silicon solar cells

Traditional boron-doped Czochralski-grown Si solar cells are known to suffer from light-induced degradation (LID). By replacing B with Ga as the dopant in the Cz melt or by reducing the oxygen content by implementing the magnetic-Cz (MCz) growth technique, not only can LID be eliminated, but also higher efficiency manufacturable screen-printed cells can be achieved. The use of thinner wafers for cell fabrication can significantly reduce the impact of LID on conventional boron-doped Cz cells. Knowledge of the degraded cell parameters can be used to determine the optimal thickness for the highest stabilized efficiency. A methodology is developed to maximize the stabilized efficiency after LID by using thinner wafers. A combination of device modeling and experimental data is used to demonstrate that, for traditional B-doped Cz Si, which degraded from 75 to 20 μs, the optimum cell thickness is in the range of 150–190 μm for a back-surface recombination velocity of ∼104 cm/s. This cell design reduces the material cost and the absolute efficiency degradation from 0.75% (375 μm device) to 0.24% (157 μm device) and gives the highest stabilized Cz cell efficiency. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Avirulence of Candida albicans auxotrophic mutants in a rat model of oropharyngeal candidiasis

The virulence of Candida albicans strain SC5413 and two isogenic derivatives have been investigated in a rat model of oropharyngeal candidiasis. The results demonstrate that both mutant strains are avirulent in this animal model while the parental strain readily initiates infection. Avirulence is not related to altered growth characteristics or the inability of the strains to undergo yeast-to-hyphal morphogenesis. The potential importance of nutritional sufficiency as a virulence factor as well as the possibility of utilizing such strains in the development of an in vitro expression technology system for Candida albicans is discussed.
Grid Engine Script Generating Tool

Most high performance computing centers use a batch queuing system to facilitate job throughput by matching computer resources against job requirements. Users typically communicate their job constraints to the queuing system by writing a job submission script. This scripting task can be frustrating to some users because errors can keep the script from submitting the job properly, or cause the queuing system to handle the job differently than what the user intended. At the ARL MSRC, we have recently developed and released the Grid Engine Script Generating Tool (GEST) to help users produce batch scripts for ARL's most utilized COTS software packages. GEST imposes a framework across all applications, dynamically configuring the GUI for application-specific inputs based on information entered by the user. Scripts subsequently generated can be submitted directly, or saved for further customization by the user. GEST allows users to avoid the typical mistakes that can occur when they write their own scripts. It significantly reduces the amount of time that users spend writing and debugging scripts. By using GEST, users minimize and in most cases eliminate incorrect runs from improperly constructed submission scripts resulting in more effective use of the overall computing resources.