cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable nanoparticles for drug delivery and targeting

Throughout the world today, numerous researchers are exploring the potential use of polymeric nanoparticles as carriers for a wide range of drugs for therapeutic applications. Because of their versatility and wide range of properties, biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles are being used as novel drug delivery systems. In particular, this class of carrier holds tremendous promise in the areas of cancer therapy and controlled delivery of vaccines.
Using a meiosis detection toolkit to investigate ancient asexual “scandals” and the evolution of sex

Sexual reproduction is the dominant reproductive mode in eukaryotes but, in many taxa, it has never been observed. Molecular methods that detect evidence of sex are largely based on the genetic consequences of sexual reproduction. Here we describe a powerful new approach to directly search genomes for genes that function in meiosis. We describe a “meiosis detection toolkit”, a set of meiotic genes that represent the best markers for the presence of meiosis. These genes are widely present in eukaryotes, function only in meiosis and can be isolated by degenerate PCR. The presence of most, or all, of these genes in a genome would suggest they have been maintained for meiosis and, implicitly, sexual reproduction. In contrast, their absence would be consistent with the loss of meiosis and asexuality. This approach will help to understand both meiotic gene evolution and the capacity for meiosis and sex in putative obligate asexuals. BioEssays 30:579–589, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Generalizability of Cognitive Interview-Based Measures across Cultural Groups.

We addressed the challenge of scoring cognitive interviews in research involving multiple cultural groups. We interviewed 123 fourth- and fifth-grade students from three cultural groups to probe how they related a mathematics item to their personal lives. Item meaningfulness—the tendency of students to relate the content and/or context of an item to activities in which they are actors—was scored from interview transcriptions with a procedure similar to the scoring of constructed-response tasks. Generalizability theory analyses revealed a small amount of score variation due to the main and interaction effect of rater but a sizeable magnitude of measurement error due to the interaction of person and question (context). Students from different groups tended to draw on different sets of contexts of their personal lives to make sense of the item. In spite of individual and potential cultural communication style differences, cognitive interviews can be reliably scored by well-trained raters with the same kind of rigor used in the scoring of constructed-response tasks. However, to make valid generalizations of cognitive interview-based measures, a considerable number of interview questions may be needed. Information obtained with cognitive interviews for a given cultural group may not be generalizable to other groups.
Determination of Activation Volume in Nanocrystalline Cu Using the Shear Punch Test

The mechanical behavior of nanocrystalline metals has been a research topic of interest for the past two decades. The current understanding is summarized in several recent reviews. Researchers have been investigating the deformation mechanisms in nanocrystalline metals and alloys through experimental and modeling routes. Modeling results indicate that there is a transition from dislocation generation at sources within grains to grain-boundary mediated dislocation generation in the grain size range between about 100 to 10 nm. Below 10 nm, grain boundary deformation modes (sliding, rotation, etc.) become dominant and inverse Hall-Petch effects have been reported. Experimental evidence to confirm these predictions is an active area of research. Two important experimental parameters that are useful in characterizing the deformation kinetics of materials are the strain rate sensitivity m and the activation volume V*. 11, 12] These are related by m = kT/V*r where k is Boltzmann’s constant, T is temperature (K) and r is the stress. There is a limited amount of data available on m and V* measurements for nanocrystalline metals. 5, 11–14] One aspect of this is the fact that research-scale synthesizing techniques often produce small quantities of material and mechanical testing procedures suited to small sample sizes are required. 5, 7, 13–18] In addition to this fact there is a tremendous scarcity of testing methodologies for testing the materials at small scales such as Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) where micro tensile and nanoindentation tests are used for understanding the deformation behaviour. 20] The aim of the present work was to extend the shear punch test (SPT) technique to the measurement of activation volumes on small scale specimens of few millimeters (∼ 1 mm to 3 mm). The advantage of SPT over nanoindentation and micro tensile tests is the deformation zone where a large number of grains undergo deformation within the shear zone and overcomes the problem of strain gradient plasticity effects, gain size effects as well as the specimen size effects. The SPT has been used for evaluating the yield and ultimate stress by numerous researchers, including us. The SPT shear yield or ultimate strength value s can be correlated with its tensile test counterpart r using the relation r = as. The correlation factor a depends upon the testing setup and data analysis methods. The Von Mises (VM) yield criterion predicts a = 3 if the SPT approximates pure shear loading conditions. This was the case in where the details and standardization of the SPT technique used in the present research work are given. The stress relaxation method has been used to determine activation volumes and dislocation dynamics in coarse-grain metals and alloys and in nanocrystalline Ni. The tests are normally done using uniaxial loading conditions. In the present study, we use the stress relaxation method in conjunction with the SPT technique. As far as we are aware, this is the first time that the full implementation of this method has been reported.
Some aspects of mining under aquifers in China

Abstract A number of case studies of mining-induced permeability enhancement are documented. The extent of strata failure around active underground mines is determined through use of a borehole discharge test. The test delimits zones and the severity of extraction induced fracturing. From these data, empirical relationships are developed to determine the vertical and horizontal extents of the caving and fracture zones induced by mining. These relationships are developed for a variety of strata types and strengths and give quantitative recommendations applicable to similar mining conditions elsewhere. These recommendations are particularly important for sub-sea or sub-aquifer mining to ensure hazard-free operation.
A stereochemical study of the thermolysis of cyclobutane-1,2-dione

Abstract The thermolysis of both dl and meso -3,4-dideuterio-cyclobutane-1,2-dione at 250°C yields ethylene and carbon monoxide in which 79% of the stereochemistry of the reactant is retained in the ethylene.
Predicting Storm-triggered Landslides

Abstract An overview of storm-triggered landslides is presented. Then a recently developed and extensively verified landslide modeling system is used to illustrate the importance of two important but presently overlooked mechanisms involved in landslides. The model's adaptive design makes the incorporation of new physical mechanisms convenient. For example, by implementing a land surface scheme that simulates macropore features of fractured sliding material in the draining of surface ponding, it explains why precipitation intensity is critical in triggering catastrophic landslides. Based on this model, the authors made projections of landslide occurrence in the upcoming 10 years over a region of Southern California, using atmospheric parameters provided by a highresolution climate model under a viable emission future scenario. Current global coupled ocean–atmosphere climate model (CGCM) simulations of precipitation, properly interpreted, provide valuable information to guide studies of storm-triggered lan...
Abstract LB-194: Restoration of miR-31 function in already-established metastases elicits an anti-metastatic therapeutic responsein vivo.

Discussion Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-194.
The control of embryonic pigment cell proliferation in culture by cyclic AMP.

Abstract Isolated pigment cells in long-term cultures derived from 14-day mouse epidermal ectoderm are responsive to cAMP in the culture medium. By 48 hr after stimulation 62% of the cells are proliferating as measured by the uptake of [3H]thymidine, compared to 7% in control cultures. Both melanoblasts and melanocytes respond, and within a short period of time the cultures contain large numbers of proliferating pigmented and unpigmented cells. Melanocytes still within the epidermal sheets of short-term cultures do not respond to added cAMP, and their normal rate of proliferation is totally inhibited. Melanoblasts in 14-day embryonic epidermis that has been completely dissociated respond to cAMP by a higher planting efficiency and increased rate of proliferation. These results suggest that the cAMP system may play an important role in the control of melanoblast and melanocyte numbers during development when the events of cell migration and the establishment of density relationships within the epidermis are occurring.
The X-ray structures of three zirconium monohalide hydrides

The structures of ZrBrH0.5 (space group, C2/m) and the isostructural ZrBrH and ZrClH (P3m1) have been solved and refined using Guinier powder X-ray data. Each contain tightly bound layers in the sequence XZrZrX, as do the parent ZrX phases. Hydride formation is accompanied by progressive displacement of two layers with respect to the other two, starting with the ABCA sequence in ZrX and terminating with the ABAB sequence in ZrXH. Hydrogen is presumed to lie in tetrahedral metal interstices. The distortion in ZrBrH0.5 produces zigzag chains of distorted tetrahedra with only alternate chains occupied (dHH = 2.73 A) because otherwise the HH separations would be too short.
Gels as Functional Nanomaterials for Biology and Medicine

This perspective focuses on the potential uses of gels as materials in biological and medical applications. It describes how molecular self-assembly can confer well-defined secondary structures (e.g., nanofibers, nanotubes, and nanospheres) in a liquid that initiates functions within biological systems. Some prospects for future development and the challenges for achieving them are discussed.
The Projection of Cervical Primary Fibers to the DCN of the Squirrel, Sciurus niger: Fiber Sorting in the Dorsal Columns

The course and terminal distribution of cervical primary afferents in the dorsal column nuclei were studied in the fox squirrel, Sciurus niger. Unilateral rhizotomies were performed at cervical levels C3, C4, C5, C6 and C8. For all spinal levels studied except C8, degeneration in the medullary cuneate fasciculus was present within two distinct groups. They included a large oblique lateral lamina and a small superficial group of degeneration. The superficial group was horizontal, located medial to the large lamina and appeared to be formed by the medial shifting of fibers away from the initial larger group. Fibers in the large primary lamina appeared to terminate primarily in the ventrolateral areas of the cuneate nucleus. Fibers from the superficial group, however, appeared to project mostly to dorsal cuneate nuclear areas. Hence, the dual transverse terminal patterns for cervical fibers in the cuneate nucleus appeared to be related directly to a fiber sorting process that involved the formation of two often separate ascending fiber groups in the cuneate fasciculus. The results of this study are compared with the mechanosensory mapping of the dorsal column nuclei in the squirrel.
Long term studies of the rat reticuloendothelial system and endocrine gland responses to foreign particles.

Changes in morphology and responses of macrophages to a single intravenous injection of carbon or thorium dioxide (Thorotrast) were studied in rats. Localization of C particles is described in detail, although an identical response of macrophages to ThO/sub 2/ was observed. In lever, C particles were observed in Kupffer cells lining the sinusoids of the hepatic lobule 24 hr after injection. At 48 hr the concentration of C increased within the hepatic lobule. The increased uptake of C by individual Kupffer cells eventually led to conglomeration of these macrophages and apparent sinusoidal occlusion. Only a minimal amount of C particles was observed in the lungs at one month, but migration of Claden macrophages to lung from liver began one month after the injection and quickly ceased shortly afterward. There was a relative increase in the particles demonstrated in the spleen as the experiment progressed. Administration of the reticuloendothelial blocking agents resulted in morphological changes in the thyroid gland, anterior pituitary, and adrenals. Both C and ThO/sub 2/ produced a hyperplasia of the thyroid follicles. Concomitantly, there was a marked increase in the number of thyrotrophic cells of the anterior pituitary, suggesting thyrotropin production or release. There was also an increasedmore » infiltration of a sudanophilic positive substance into all the zones of the adrenal cortex. (H.H.D.)« less
Effects of fermentation substrate conditions on corn-soy co-fermentation for fuel ethanol production.

Abstract Soy skim, a protein-rich liquid co-product from the aqueous extraction of soybeans, was co-fermented with corn to produce ethanol. Effects of soy skim addition level, type of skim, corn particle size, water-to-solids ratio, and urea on co-fermentation were determined. The addition of 20–100% skim increased the fermentation rate by 18–27% and shortened the fermentation time by 5–7 h without affecting ethanol yield. Finely ground corn or high water-to-solids ratio (⩾3.0) in the mash gave higher fermentation rates, but did not increase the ethanol yield. When the water was completely replaced with soy skim, the addition of urea became unnecessary. Soy skim retentate that was concentrated by nanofiltration increased fermentation rate by 25%. The highest level of skim addition resulted in a finished beer with 16% solids, 47% protein (dwb) containing 3.6% lysine, and an ethanol yield of 39 g/100 g dry corn.
Alteration of atrial natriuretic peptide levels by short term cadmium treatment.

Cadmium (Cd) exposure is known to alter cardiovascular function and has been implicated in the etiology of hypertension. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a hormone secreted by the heart, has been established as a diuretic, natriuretic, smooth muscle relaxant and may be a modulator of central cardiovascular regulation. The effects of Cd treatment on ANP levels in select tissues were studied as a possible mechanism underlying Cd-induced cardiovascular toxicity. Male rats were injected with CdCl2 (0.01, 0.1, 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.), twice a day for 7 days and then maintained for a period of 30 days. On experimental day 38 plasma renin activity and plasma ANP content were not significantly altered. The high dose of Cd significantly decreased plasma aldosterone levels and atrial ANP levels on day 38. Hypothalamic ANP was significantly decreased at the 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg doses. Throughout the 37-day period, water consumption was not altered. Urine output was decreased in all treatment groups on day 37. The results indicate that Cd can alter select tissue content of the ANP and this interaction may play an important role in the cardiovascular effects of Cd.
Biologic effect of metallic contaminants--the next step.

Abstract In this supercharged world of high inventiveness and continual demands for “morel,” it is perhaps too much to expect that administrative control will ever progress much beyond a hesitating movement from crisis to crisis; but it is too bad when research, the only really stabilizing force that administration can call upon, permits itself to be dominated by a spirit of breathless urgency. Research, pure or applied, must, of course, respond to felt needs, but only with one part of its complement. For the rest it must continue devotion to its centuries-old concept of seeking principles rather than instances, understanding rather than mere factual knowledge. The charge usually but apparently incorrectly (1, 2) referred to as Occam's razor— entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem —is still its ideal.
A fast multipole approach to analyze scattering from an inhomogeneous bianisotropic cylindrical object embedded in a chiral host

This paper presents a computationally efficient algorithm to compute oblique scattering from a bianisotropic object immersed in a chiral host. The analysis is performed in terms of Beltrami fields, as these form a natural basis for representing waves in a chiral medium. Volume integral equations are derived solely in terms of the axial components of the Beltrami fields and are discretized using pyramidal basis functions. The integral equations are solved iteratively using a fast multipole accelerated method of moments technique with a computational complexity of O(N1.4) per iteration. A windowed translation operator is introduced, which further reduces the computational complexity of the algorithm to O(N1.33). Our numerical results are validated against Mie-type solutions for anisotropic cylinders and shells. Results for scattering from large bianisotropic corrugated surfaces are presented.
Comparative Fertility of Freshly Collected vs Frozen–Thawed Semen with Laparoscopic Oviductal Artificial Insemination in Domestic Cats

Artificial insemination (AI) is potentially invaluable as an adjunct to natural breeding for the conservation management of non-domestic felid populations. The efficacy of AI, however, must be substantially improved for applied use, especially when using frozen semen. Our recent advances in using laparoscopic oviductal AI (LO-AI) with low sperm numbers and freezing of cat semen in a soy lecithin-based cryoprotectant medium suggest that combining these two approaches might improve pregnancy outcomes with frozen-thawed spermatozoa. In this study, our objectives were to (i) assess the effect of two gonadotropin dosages (100 vs 150 IU eCG) on ovarian response in domestic cats and (ii) compare the relative fertility of frozen-thawed and fresh semen in vivo following LO-AI. All 16 females ovulated after gonadotropin treatment and were inseminated with fresh semen from one male and frozen-thawed semen from a second male. There were no differences between gonadotropin dosages in CL number, pregnancy percentage or litter size. Half (8/16) of the females conceived, with seven females giving birth to a total of 36 offspring. Paternity analysis showed that more kittens resulted from LO-AI with fresh (28/36, 78%) than frozen-thawed (8/36, 22%) semen, possibly due to impaired motility and longevity of thawed sperm. These results demonstrated that viable offspring can be produced by AI using semen frozen in a soy lecithin-based medium. Insemination with greater numbers of frozen-thawed spermatozoa, combined with further refinement of cat sperm cryopreservation methods, may be necessary to optimize pregnancy success with LO-AI in domestic and nondomestic cats.
Cloning of tetrahymena genomic sequences whose message abundance is increased during conjugation

A molecular and biochemical inquiry into protein regulation during Tetrahymena thermophila conjugation was carried out in two ways: a two-dimensional gel analysis of newly translated proteins and the molecular cloning of genes whose message abundance is increased. The two-dimensional gel analysis indicated that the synthesis of 32 predominantly basic proteins was stimulated in conjugating cells. The induction of these proteins could not be correlated with length of starvation or with mating type. The transcription pattern and molecular organization of three clones of T. thermophila genomic DNA, selected on the basis of differential hybridization to conjugating or control cell RNA, were investigated. Two of the clones, which were homologous to transcripts detected in conjugating cells, showed no rearrangements between micro- and macronuclear DNA. A third clone was divided into three segments. One segment was homologous to sequences limited to the micronucleus. A second segment hybridized to a large number of restriction fragments of micronuclear DNA digested with HindIII but to only two fragments of macronuclear DNA. A third segment, which was complementary to one transcript in conjugating cells and to two different transcripts in control cells, hybridized to two fragments in micronuclear DNA and one fragment in macronuclear DNA.
Reduction of rotating imbalance measurement variation resulting from test apparatus redesign

A case study is presented describing an undergraduate MET capstone design project aimed at reducing the measurement variation of rotating imbalance during the testing of vehicular powertrain products. Primary focus involved the redesign of the rotor assembly interfacing the balance machine and the product. The project entailed the implementation of innovative statistical methods discovered during the ongoing applied research activities of the faculty advisor. These methods were conveyed to the students who were charged with their application during the project. Tasks assigned to the students included the evaluation of existing measurement variation, identification of sources of measurement variation, redesign of the test apparatus to reduce the sources of variation, and quantification of the impact of redesign on measurement variation. The redesign of the rotor assembly and the marked reduction in measurement variation resulting from the design changes are described within the paper. The case study provides an example of the successful integration of technology development derived during the advising faculty’s innovative applied research with technology application by students during a successful undergraduate capstone student design experience.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Observations on Askenasia volvox (Claparède & Lachmann, 1859)

SYNOPSIS Specimens of Askenasia volvox from southwestern Indiana have a variable body shape and a size range of 29 × 22 μ m to 42 × 27 μ m. The pectinelles, membranelles, and cirri each number 47–48, and respectively have a length of 8–10, 20, and 30 μ m. The pectinelles arise from ciliary rows consisting of ∼10 kinetosomes, and every membranelle originates from 2 adjacent rows of ∼14–17 kinetosomes. Different algae as well as Bodo and certain other protozoa are ingested. The macronucleus, micronucleus, the cytoplasm and its inclusions, trichites, the function of the contractile vacuole, and movements and behavior are described.
Development of two new approaches for preparation of zirconium silicate systems at low temperature

Homogeneous and stable zirconium silicate sols and gels were prepared via the sol-gel process. Two synthesis procedures were explored based on using acetylacetone (acac) and acetic acid (HOAc) as modifying agents. The homogeneous sols were characterized by small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and 29Si NMR in the early stages of polymerization. Zr addition to the Si sols caused significant modification of the extent of condensation of the Si species as determined by 29Si NMR. TGA and DTA of the two types of xerogels revealed differences attributed to the modifying agents. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of acac xerogels showed a band at 1600 cm−1, assigned to acac bonded to Zr. FTIR spectra of the HOAc xerogels were consistent with OAc bidentate ligands bonded to Zr. UV-Vis spectroscopy results of the HOAc2.3 thin film presented a band assigned to OAc singly coordinated to Zr.
Fiscal Illusion in State and Local Finances: A Hindrance to Transparency

There is increasing pressure on state and local governments to be transparent. The ultimate goal of increased transparency is to improve the accountability and the efficiency of government through ...
P-glycoprotein-170 inhibition significantly reduces cortisol and ciclosporin efflux from human intestinal epithelial cells and T lymphocytes.

Aim: To assess the role of P-glycoprotein-170 (P-gp) in transporting cortisol and ciclosporin from human intestinal epithelium and T lymphocytes. Methods: The effect of P-gp inhibitors (verapamil, 0–100 μM; PSC 833, 0–20 μM) on the intracellular accumulation of 3H-cortisol and 3H-ciclosporin was studied in confluent layers of human Caco-2 cells (n=6), a P-gp-dependent absorptive intestinal epithelial cell phenotype, and moderately resistant MDRhigh CEM/VBL 100 T cells (n=6). The transport of 3H-vinblastine, a strong multidrug resistance (MDR) substrate, and 3H-progesterone, a poor MDR substrate, was also studied. Results: Caco-2 cells had a 2.4-, 6.6-, 6.7- and 1.03-fold higher net basal to apical transport (efflux) of 3H-cortisol, 3H-ciclosporin, 3H-vinblastine and 3H-progesterone, respectively. PSC 833 (20 μM) reduced cortisol efflux by 69% (0.23 ± 0.04 to 0.07 ± 0.01 pmol/cm2/h, P 0.1 μM) and verapamil (> 1 μM) restored the intracellular level of 3H-cortisol and 3H-ciclosporin in MDRhigh CEM/VBL 100 T cells to that of MDRlow CEM cells with little change in accumulation in the MDRlow parental cell line. Conclusions: P-gp inhibitors significantly increase intracellular cortisol and ciclosporin levels in human intestinal epithelium and T lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner, demonstrating a potential mechanism for overcoming poor response to immunosuppressant therapy in refractory inflammatory bowel disease.
Optical limiting of C 60 , C 60 charge-transfer complexes, and higher fullerenes from 532 to 750 nm

The wavelength-dependence of optical limiting in the reverse saturable absorber C 60 has been studied in detail over a large spectral range and compared to that of two phthalocyanines. The reverse saturable absorption of C 60 is found to increase at wavelengths longer than the standardly measured 532 nm. The optical limiting data have been analyzed in terms of the dynamical population rate equations to obtain the excited state absorption cross-sections. The computational effort of the analysis is greatly reduced by a semi-analytic solution to the rate equations that we have developed. We have also demonstrated that the spectral window for optical limiting of fullerenes can be increased to include longer wavelengths at which C 60 is transparent. Both a C 60 charge-transfer complex and C 76 have been shown to exhibit strong reverse saturable absorption at long wavelengths.
Direct determination of amino acids by capillary electrophoresis/electrochemistry using a copper microelectrode and zwitterionic buffers.

Sixteeen free amino acids were separated by capillary electrophoresis (CE) using zwitterionic buffers of pH 9.8 and detected amperometrically using a copper microelectrode. Low conductivity buffers make possible the use of higher buffer concentrations. This depresses the electroosmotic flow, leading to a better separation of the amino acids compared to that obtained using strong electrolytes. The use of zwitterionic buffers also minimizes the amount of Joule heating in the capillary, leading to more efficient separations. Perhaps most importantly for electrochemical (EC) detection, these buffers reduce the noise due to high separation current at the EC detector. The increased signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) results in much better detection limits for amino acids than those reported previously for capillary electrophoresis/electrochemistry (CEEC) with a copper electrode. Detection limits ranged from 10 to 400 nm, and the response was linear over three orders of magnitude for most of the amino acids. The system demonstrated good long-term stability and reproducibility with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 5% for both the migration time and peak current (n = 20). This method was employed for the determination of amino acids in urine and in brain microdialysate samples.
Two Isoforms of Protein Disulfide Isomerase Alter the Dimerization Status of E2A Proteins by a Redox Mechanism

We have shown previously that E2A helix-loop-helix proteins spontaneously form an intermolecular disulfide cross-link that is required for stable homodimer binding to DNA (Benezra, R. (1994) Cell 79, 1057–1067). These homodimers are important for the development of B lymphocytes but are not present in other cell lineages. We have purified two proteins that are capable of regulating the formation of this disulfide bond and found them to be members of the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family. By regulating the formation of the disulfide cross-link, these proteins are capable of regulating the dimerization state of E proteins. PDI-mediated reduction appears to dissociate E protein homodimers and favors heterodimer formation with other basic helix-loop-helix proteins in both a purified protein system and in cellular extracts. These studies suggest that PDI may play an important role in the regulation of E2A transcription factor dimerization and the development of the B lymphocyte lineage.
Eulerian shape design sensitivity analysis and optimization with a fixed grid

Conventional shape optimization based on the finite element method uses Lagrangian representation in which the finite element mesh moves according to shape change, while modern topology optimization uses Eulerian representation. In this paper, an approach to shape optimization using Eulerian representation such that the mesh distortion problem in the conventional approach can be resolved is proposed. A continuum geometric model is defined on the fixed grid of finite elements. An active set of finite elements that defines the discrete domain is determined using a procedure similar to topology optimization, in which each element has a unique shape density. The shape design parameter that is defined on the geometric model is transformed into the corresponding shape density variation of the boundary elements. Using this transformation, it has been shown that the shape design problem can be treated as a parameter design problem, which is a much easier method than the former. A detailed derivation of how the shape design velocity field can be converted into the shape density variation is presented along with sensitivity calculation. Very efficient sensitivity coefficients are calculated by integrating only those elements that belong to the structural boundary. The accuracy of the sensitivity information is compared with that derived by the finite difference method with excellent agreement. Two design optimization problems are presented to show the feasibility of the proposed design approach.
Structure/function in neuroprotection and apoptosis

The three-dimensional conformation of proteins influences their potential to function correctly within the cell. Protein conformational issues are particularly important in neurodegeneration, as has been shown by misfolded protein forming the basis of plaques in Alzheimer's disease and prion diseases. This article focuses on protein structure/function specifically for proteins important in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative conditions and those involved in apoptosis. The proteins used as examples in this review include α-synuclein, the promyelocytic leukemia protein, and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase.
Wave functions constructed from an invariant sum over histories satisfy constraints.

Invariance of classical equations of motion under a group parametrized by functions of time implies constraints between canonical coordinates and momenta. In the Dirac formulation of quantum mechanics, invariance is normally imposed by demanding that physical wave functions are annihilated by the operator versions of these constraints. In the sum-over-histories quantum mechanics, however, wave functions are specified, directly, by appropriate functional integrals. It therefore becomes an interesting question whether the wave functions so specified obey the operator constraints of the Dirac theory. In this paper, we show for a wide class of theories, including gauge theories, general relativity, and first-quantized string theories, that wave functions constructed from a sum over histories are, in fact, annihilated by the constraints provided that the sum over histories is constructed in a manner which respects the invariance generated by the constraints. By this we mean a sum over histories defined with an invariant action, invariant measure, and an invariant class of paths summed over.We use this result to give three derivations of the Wheeler-DeWitt equation for the wave function of the universe starting from the sum-over-histories representation of it. The first uses Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin methods and the explicit path-integral construction of Batalin, Fradkin, and Vilkovisky. The second is a direct derivation from the gauge-fixed Hamiltonian path integral. The third exploits the embedding variables introduced by Isham and Kucha\ifmmode \check{r}\else \v{r}\fi{}, in terms of which the connection with the constraints representing the four-dimensional diffeomorphism group is most clearly seen. In each case it is found that the symmetry leading to the Wheeler-DeWitt equation is not in fact four-dimensional diffeomorphism invariance; rather, it is the closely connected but slightly larger canonical symmetry of the Hamiltonian form of the action of general relativity. By allowing our path-integral construction to be either Euclidean or Lorentzian, we show that the consequent Wheeler-DeWitt equation is independent of which one is taken as a starting point. Our results are general, in that they do not depend on a particular representation of the sum over histories, but they are also formal, in that we do not address such issues as the operator ordering of the derived constraints. Instead, we isolate those general features of a sum over histories which define an invariant construction of a wave function and show that these imply the operator constraints.
Five properties of software regimes that affect engineering potential and practical interest

The notion of software regimes is presented. By understanding the regimes and the properties which allow them to support engineering activities, the authors are in a better position to create true software engineering environments. A regime's ability to support engineering activities is affected by five properties: completeness, consistency, understanding, scope, and mapping complexity. The authors outline three approaches for representing software regimes. The five properties are defined using these representations. The authors define the notion of a regime's engineering potential and its practical interest. Some important benefits of establishing complete and consistent regimes are discussed. >
CONTAMINANTS IN LESSER SCAUP EGGS AND BLOOD FROM YUKON FLATS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, ALASKA

Abstract Documented declines in Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) populations may be caused by several factors, including reduced reproductive success or survival from exposure to environmental contaminants during winter, migration, or breeding. We evaluated organochlorines and inorganic elements in Lesser Scaup blood (n = 14) and eggs (n = 10) from a breeding area in the relatively pristine Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge in interior Alaska. Most contaminants were not at concentrations of concern. Lead was detected in only four blood samples, with an average when detected (0.29 mg kg−1 wet weight [ww]) slightly above background levels (0.20 mg kg−1 ww). Our study area had little or no hunting, but since lead exposure is correlated with hunting pressure, lead should be evaluated in other Lesser Scaup breeding areas. Strontium in eggs (mean = 10.90 mg kg−1 dry weight [dw]) was significantly negatively correlated with eggshell thickness. Eggshell thickness was also 18% lower than in museum specimens,...
Ret is critical for podocyte survival following glomerular injury in vivo.

Podocyte injury and loss directly cause proteinuria and the progression to glomerulosclerosis. Elucidation of the mechanisms of podocyte survival and recovery from injury is critical for designing ...
Fine grinding of silicon wafers: machine configurations for spindle angle adjustments

This paper addresses an important aspect of silicon wafer fine grinding: machine design. For any commercially available wafer grinders, spindle angle adjustments based on the wafer shape ground is almost inevitable in order to achieve flat wafers. However, there has been no commonly accepted guidance for the design of machine configurations to ensure the easiest adjustment. Practitioners doing spindle angle adjustments have been frustrated by the difficulties of achieving the adjustments on commercial wafer grinders. This paper first illustrates such difficulties with a machine configuration frequently cited in the literature. It then demonstrates the potential ease of spindle angle adjustments with a proposed machine configuration. Next, it shows mathematically that the proposed configuration (specifically, a pair of the axes for spindle angle adjustments) is uniquely determined once the wheel diameter and wafer diameter are known. It also shows that the proposed configuration is the best in terms of ease in spindle angle adjustments. The spindle angle adjustments will be more difficult with any other configurations deviating from the proposed one.
Apnea during anesthesia

Abstract 1. 1. Observations of clinical cases are presented which corroborate the experimental findings that when central respiratory depression and anoxemia are present the administration of oxygen may further depress respiration to the point of respiratory arrest. 2. 2. When the two conditions, depressed respiratory center and anoxemia, exist, respiration is carried on mainly by an “anoxemic stimulus” mediated through the carotid body. 3. 3. Morphine medication is a frequent factor in causing central respiratory depression with ensuing hypoxemia resulting in respiratory activity maintained by an “anoxemic stimulus.” Further addition of an anesthetic agent enhances the central depression so that the administration of high concentrations of oxygen may produce apnea by removal of the “anoxemic stimulus.” 4. 4. To avoid such apnea during anesthesia, it is recommended that preanesthetic morphine be reduced when a potent non-irritating anesthetic agent like cyclopropane and excess oxygen is to be used. 5. 5. When such apnea does occur it is suggested to maintain high oxygen concentration and employ artificial respiration until spontaneous respiration is resumed. During such apnea the use of carbon dioxide is not advised. A central respiratory stimulant, such as metrazol, may be useful in conjunction with oxygen therapy. 6. 6. When respiratory activity is maintained largely by an anoxemic stimulus by way of the carotid body, treatment with oxygen is indicated to prevent cerebral damage from oxygen want.
Particle dipole-dipole interaction in AC electric fields [cellular application]

The authors derive an expression for the dielectrophoretic force and rotational torque acting on two neighbouring particles resulting from dipole-dipole interactions induced by an applied AC electric field. Non-uniformities in both the magnitude and phase components of the induced dipolar fields are found to play an important role in pearl-chain formation. Torque on the two particles is proportional to the product of the out-of-phase components of their dipole-moments. Comparison is made between the rotation of particles induced by non-rotating and rotating applied fields. >
The potential to reduce the risk of manipulation of financial statements using the identification models of creative accounting

Explanatory power of accounting information is the key question for deciding of users of financial statements. A whole range of economic indicators is available to the users of financial statements to measure the firm productivity. When the accounting statements (and applied methods) are manipulated, the economic indicators may reveal clearly different results. The users of financial statements should have the possibility to assess the risk of manipulation of accounting statements in time considering potential risk of accounting fraud. The aim of this paper was based on the synthesis of knowledge from the review of literature, the CFEBT model analysis and Beneish Model proposing a convenient model for identifying risks of manipulation of financial statements. The paper summarizes the outcomes of possibilities and limits of manipulated financial statements and their identification. The testing hypothesis is assessing whether there is a close relation of a loss and an increase in the cash flow in 3-5 years time; whether the sum of the amounts for 3-5 year's time would reveal the same results respectively. The hypothesis was verified on the accounting statements of the accounting entities of prepared case studies respecting the true and fair view of accounting based on Czech accounting standards.
A new approach to performance measurement and goal setting

To support their continuous improvement programs, we developed and implemented a performance-measurement and goal-setting system for the six regional water utility operating companies that are all managed by one holding company. The performance-measurement and goal-setting stages both have two sample-based methodological components: (1) estimation of past and future cumulative distribution functions (c.d.f.s) of the key performance metric for a population of operating companies in the industry, and (2) regression analysis of the same metric for comparing period-to-period changes (both past and projected) in the performance of individual operating companies. This system has allowed the holding company to better evaluate and plan for its own performance in relation to that of its peers and to establish credible, individualized goals for its six regional companies based on estimates of their inherent capability.
Suppression of Interleukin-1β-converting Enzyme-mediated Cell Death by Insulin-like Growth Factor (∗)

COS cells are resistant to cell death induced either by interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme (*ICE) and ICE homolog (ICH-1L) overexpression or by serum deprivation. COS cells deprived of serum undergo apoptosis after transfection with an ICE expression construct, but not an ICH-1L construct. ICE-mediated apoptosis of COS cells in serum-free medium is suppressed by insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and insulin. Viability of Rat-1 cell line (Rat-1/ICE) expressing low levels of ICE-LacZ fusion protein is lower than those of cell lines expressing either both Bcl-2 and ICE or mutant ICEGly-->Ser during serum deprivation. Enzymatic activation and processing of ICE are observed in cells induced to die by serum deprivation, which are suppressed by IGF-1. IGF-1 or insulin suppresses ICE-mediated cell death without affecting the expression levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-x, or Bax. Taken together, these results indicate that ICE is activated by growth factor deprivation, and IGF-1 is able to suppress ICE-mediated cell death through a mechanism independent of the expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-x, or Bax.
The Imagery and Expression of Anger: An Initial Study

This study, the first in a projected series, investigated the relationship between anger and anger imagery and between anger and positive action. In addition, the colors, themes, and formal element...
Resource Management for Elastic Cloud Workflows

Cloud computing systems have joined campus and private grids as powerful and highly scalable environments for scientific computing. Furthermore, distributed applications are typically expressed in a form that allows them to run on an arbitrary number of nodes while tolerating failures and changes in available resources. This flexibility introduces problems relating to how many nodes an application can use, and how they should be allocated. In this paper, we explore these problems by presenting a general purpose architecture for scalable cloud applications, and describe inherent resource management problems. We address these challenges by developing methods for runtime measurement of the number of nodes an application can use, for appropriately placing masters and workers, and for matching workers to masters. Finally, we propose a resource management mechanism that allows automatic resource allocation and flexible resource distribution. These techniques are presented in the context of our specific cloud architecture, but the lessons apply to any system where competing elastic applications must be right-sized to the available resources.
Intraprocedural yttrium-90 positron emission tomography/CT for treatment optimization of yttrium-90 radioembolization.

Abstract Radioembolization with yttrium-90 ( 90 Y) microspheres relies on delivery of appropriate treatment activity to ensure patient safety and optimize treatment efficacy. We report a case in which 90 Y positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) was performed to optimize treatment planning during a same-day, three-part treatment session. This treatment consisted of ( i ) an initial 90 Y infusion with a dosage determined using an empiric treatment planning model, ( ii ) quantitative 90 Y PET/CT imaging, and ( iii ) a secondary infusion with treatment planning based on quantitative imaging data with the goal of delivering a specific total tumor absorbed dose.
Influence of age, sex, and method of rearing on tibia length and mineral deposition in broilers.

Two experiments were conducted to determine linear growth and mineral deposition in the tibiae of Vantress x Arbor Acres broilers. In Experiment 1, birds were maintained in battery brooders for 21 days then housed in floor pens from Day 22 to 70. In the second experiment, birds were reared either in battery brooders and grow-out cages or floor pens from Day 1 to 63. Males and females were maintained separately. Birds in both trials were weighted at weekly intervals and three birds of each sex per treatment were euthanatized weekly to obtain tibia samples. Tibiae were cleaned of muscle and connective tissues, dried, extracted with diethyl ether, measured for length in centimeters, weighed, and ashed. Results from both experiments show a curvilinear response for weight gain, bone length, and bone ash weight. In some cases, sex by week or week by rearing interactions (P less than .001) were observed. As expected, males had greater weight gain and bone length than females. In Experiment 2, birds grown in floor pens had greater (P less than .05) bone length, tibia weight, and tibia ash weight than cage-reared birds, but percentage tibia ash was not different between the two rearing systems. Tibia growth and mineral deposition were influenced by gender and rearing systems. Bone ash weight data for females in both trials had a response curve that approached a sigmoidal shape. Response curve for males tended to be more quadratic, indicating a significant (P less than .003) week by week by sex interaction. Thus, there was evidence for bone growth differences not only between rearing systems, but also between sexes, the latter not unexpected.