cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the glutamate transporter in retinal cones of the tiger salamander

L-Glutamate elicits an inwardly rectifying current at hyperpolarized potentials in isolated retinal cones of the tiger salamander, as measured under whole-cell patch clamp. Evidence presented in this article supports the notion that cones possess a high-affinity glutamate transporter. This glutamate-elicited current shows no desensitization over a period of several minutes, and has an affinity (Km) of 10 microM. The inward current is mimicked by the amino acids L-aspartate, D-aspartate, L-cysteate, and to a lesser extent D-glutamate. It is neither blocked by the glutamate receptor antagonists kynurenic acid (1 mM), 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (100 microM), or 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (100 microM), nor elicited by the glutamate receptor agonists (100 microM each) kainate, quisqualate, NMDA, or 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate. The glutamate-elicited current was reduced by the glutamate transport blockers dihydrokainate (DHKA), DL-threo-beta-hydroxyaspartate (beta HA), and L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid. When glutamate was present on both sides of the membrane, the blockers reduced both uptake and release; the blocker-sensitive current as a function of membrane potential represents the transport current-voltage relation (I-V), and the reversal potential of the I-V represents the transporter equilibrium potential. This potential was a function of the equilibrium potential for glutamate. DHKA and beta HA depolarized horizontal cells in a retinal slice, and abolished their light responses, suggesting that in the absence of glutamate transport, glutamate concentrations in the cleft rise to a level that saturates the postsynaptic receptors. The high capacity of the cone glutamate transporter is well suited for the rapid removal of glutamate from the synaptic cleft required for the signaling of a light onset to postsynaptic cells.
International trial of adjuvant therapy in high risk stage I non-squamous cell carcinoma identified by a 14-gene prognostic signature

There is widespread agreement amongst clinical oncologists that more refined risk-stratification in early-stage lung cancer patients beyond conventional TNM staging is needed. Over the past decade, a number of molecular prognostic signatures have been designed to meet this need by correlating patterns in the differences in gene expression or modification to patient prognosis. Unfortunately, the majority of proposed signatures are not amenable to practical widespread implementation or have not yet undergone large-scale, rigorous clinical validation. A practical 14-gene prognostic signature that has undergone large-scale blinded independent validation is now ready for widespread clinical use. An international clinical trial is underway that has been designed to document the precise degree of benefit derived from adjuvant therapy in high-risk stage I patients identified by the 14-gene prognostic assay.
Cloudlet Scheduling with Particle Swarm Optimization

Cloud computing is a particularly interesting and truly complex concept of providing services over networks on demand. Many tools have previously been created to simulate the work of the clouds, such as CloudSim. The main use of these tools is evaluation and testing of architectures and services before deployment on network centers and hosts in order to avoid any potential failures or inconveniences. The benefits of using the pay-per-use clouds may be affected by underutilization of the already reserved resources, so the maximization of system utilization while simultaneously minimizing makespan is of great interest to cloud providers wishing to reduce costs. To minimize makespan and increase resource utilization, a hybrid of particle swarm optimization and simulated annealing is implemented inside of CloudSim to advance the work of the already implemented simple broker. The new method maximizes the resource utilization and minimizes the makespan.
Packaging, Containers for Industrial Materials

Packaging fulfills several important functions in the safe delivery of chemical products through the distribution system to customers: containment, protection, use features, and communication. Development of industrial packaging with these functions in mind is critical for the safe efficient delivery of industrial products. There are many regulations making demands on package development, including domestic rail and motor freight classifications as well as other carrier requirements, and U. N. recommendations for international transport of dangerous goods (perhaps virtually all chemicals), which are restated in U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. Many types and sizes of industrial packages for chemicals are in use, ranging from small boxes, pails, and drums, through intermediate bulk containers, to specialized rail cars. The variety of packaging alternatives, sizes, materials, and applications are all discussed. Keywords: packaging; regulations; bulk handling; hazardous materials; steel drums; pails; plastic drums; wooden barrels; fiber drums; bags; laminated textiles; carboys; bottles; boxes
Overexpression of p21waf1 Decreases G2-M Arrest and Apoptosis Induced by Paclitaxel in Human Sarcoma Cells Lacking Both p53 and Functional Rb Protein

We examined the effect of overexpression of p21(waf1) on cytotoxicity of paclitaxel, a microtubule stabilizer, using a tetracycline-inducible expression system in human sarcoma cells (SaOs-2) that lack both functional retinoblastoma protein and p53. Under normal growth conditions, p21(waf1) is not detectable in SaOs-2 cells. Upon p21(waf1) induction by tetracycline withdrawal, we observed a reduced apoptotic response to paclitaxel with a 3- to 6-fold increase in IC50 values compared with that of cells not induced by p21(waf1). We also observed a 5-fold increase in the IC50 value when cytotoxicity to vincristine, another microtubule-disrupting agent, was assessed, whereas we observed a marked decrease in the IC50 value after p21(waf1) induction in response to etoposide, a topoisomerase II inhibitor. After treatment with paclitaxel, less accumulation of G2-M was observed in p21(waf1)-induced cells compared with non-p21(waf1)-induced cells (57% versus 74%). p21(waf1) induction also inhibited the increased cyclin B1-associated kinase activity induced by paclitaxel. Overexpression of p21(waf1) in SaOs-2 cells lacking both p53 and functional retinoblastoma protein may decrease the G2-M arrest induced by paclitaxel due to suppression of the S-G2 checkpoint, resulting in a decreased apoptotic response of cells to paclitaxel.
A Unified Algebraic Approach to 2-D and 3-D Motion Segmentation

We present an analytic solution to the problem of estimating multiple 2-D and 3-D motion models from two-view correspondences or optical flow. The key to our approach is to view the estimation of multiple motion models as the estimation of a single multibody motion model. This is possible thanks to two important algebraic facts. First, we show that all the image measurements, regardless of their associated motion model, can be fit with a real or complex polynomial. Second, we show that the parameters of the motion model associated with an image measurement can be obtained from the derivatives of the polynomial at the measurement. This leads to a novel motion segmentation algorithm that applies to most of the two-view motion models adopted in computer vision. Our experiments show that the proposed algorithm outperforms existing algebraic methods in terms of efficiency and robustness, and provides a good initialization for iterative techniques, such as EM, which is strongly dependent on correct initialization.
A combined genome-wide linkage and association approach to find susceptibility loci for platelet function phenotypes in European American and African American families with coronary artery disease

The inability of aspirin (ASA) to adequately suppress platelet aggregation is associated with future risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Heritability studies of agonist-induced platelet function phenotypes suggest that genetic variation may be responsible for ASA responsiveness. In this study, we leverage independent information from genome-wide linkage and association data to determine loci controlling platelet phenotypes before and after treatment with ASA. Clinical data on 37 agonist-induced platelet function phenotypes were evaluated before and after a 2-week trial of ASA (81 mg/day) in 1231 European American and 846 African American healthy subjects with a family history of premature CAD. Principal component analysis was performed to minimize the number of independent factors underlying the covariance of these various phenotypes. Multi-point sib-pair based linkage analysis was performed using a microsatellite marker set, and single-SNP association tests were performed using markers from the Illumina 1 M genotyping chip from deCODE Genetics, Inc. All analyses were performed separately within each ethnic group. Several genomic regions appear to be linked to ASA response factors: a 10 cM region in African Americans on chromosome 5q11.2 had several STRs with suggestive (p-value < 7 × 10-4) and significant (p-value < 2 × 10-5) linkage to post aspirin platelet response to ADP, and ten additional factors had suggestive evidence for linkage (p-value < 7 × 10-4) to thirteen genomic regions. All but one of these factors were aspirin response variables. While the strength of genome-wide SNP association signals for factors showing evidence for linkage is limited, especially at the strict thresholds of genome-wide criteria (N = 9 SNPs for 11 factors), more signals were considered significant when the association signal was weighted by evidence for linkage (N = 30 SNPs). Our study supports the hypothesis that platelet phenotypes in response to ASA likely have genetic control and the combined approach of linkage and association offers an alternative approach to prioritizing regions of interest for subsequent follow-up.
Biotech finance: a family affair.

Financing your biotechnology company is a matter of building an extended family of committed individuals.
A beamforming approach to imaging of stationary indoor scenes under known building layout

In this paper, we exploit a priori knowledge of building layout for imaging of stationary scenes associated with through-the-wall radar imaging and urban sensing. More specifically, the support of the part of the image corresponding to the exterior and interior walls is assumed known. This information may be available either through building blueprints or from prior surveillance operations. The contributions of the exterior and interior walls are removed from the data through use of projection matrices, which are determined from wall specific dictionaries. The wall-free data is then processed by delay-and-sum beamforming to obtain the image of the stationary indoor scene. Numerical electromagnetic data is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Domains of life satisfaction in social anxiety disorder: relation to symptoms and response to cognitive-behavioral therapy

A general sense of satisfaction with life has been shown to be discriminable from symptom levels and disability in clinical populations. The current study focused on the utility of identifying domains of life satisfaction in social anxiety disorder and differential changes in these domains following cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT). An exploratory principal axis factor analysis of the items of the Quality of Life Inventory in clients with a principal diagnosis of social anxiety disorder (N=138) yielded four domains of life satisfaction: (1) Achievement, (2) Social Functioning, (3) Personal Growth, and (4) Surroundings. Prior to treatment, clients reported dissatisfaction in the Achievement and Social Functioning domains. Further, levels of satisfaction in these domains were significantly related to severity of social anxiety and depressive symptoms. Finally, analyses of a subsample of clients completing 12-weeks of cognitive-behavioral group therapy revealed significant improvements in the Achievement and Social Functioning factors. These findings provide further support for the assertion that social anxiety disorder has important implications for clients' quality of life and that CBGT can successfully impact several domains of satisfaction.
Conformational analysis of saturated heterocycles ab initio studies of ethylene ozonides

Ab initio conformational analyses were carried out for ethylene primary and final ozonides using a minimal Gaussian basis set. The final ozonide results, including propylene final ozonide, are in close agreement with experimental microwave structures. The primary ozonide results indicate that three conformers are close enough in energy that none is the predominant form. Semiempirical studies on the ethylene primary ozonides are shown to be in disagreement with the ab initio results.
Transplacental needle passage in early amniocentesis and pregnancy loss

Objective: To determine whether transplacental needle passage affects the frequency of pregnancy loss in early amniocentesis. Methods: We reviewed 380 consecutive cases of amniocentesis performed before 14.9 weeks' gestation because of advanced maternal age (at least 35 years old). Procedure and pregnancy outcome data were obtained from reviews of patients' charts and telephone contact with patients or referring physicians. Results: Transplacental needle passage occurred in 147 cases (38.7%). Pregnancy loss rates were similar in the transplacental and nontransplacental groups. Only the frequency of bloody taps was significantly increased among women undergoing early transplacental amniocentesis. Conclusion: Transplacental needle passage in cases of amniocentesis performed before 14.9 weeks' gestation does not appear to increase the risk of pregnancy loss. Therefore, deferring early amniocentesis to a later time at which nontransplacental amniocentesis may be performed should be reserved only for cases complicated by placental vessels, placental vascular lacuna (“placental lakes”), or subchorionic hematomas that should not be traversed by a needle.
Design and Implementation of the LEARN Testbed

The Optical Communications Research Laboratory (OCRL) at Stanford University and Sprint Advanced Technology Laboratories have designed and constructed an experimental WDM network called LEARN: Lightwave Exchangeable Add/Drop Ring Network. LEARN employs two optical add/drop multiplexers (OADMs), one optical wavelength translating cross-connect (OWTC), and an out- of-band control channel for network management and topology reconfiguration. The structure of OADM and OWTC using array waveguide (AWG) routers is described in detail. The implementations of the out-of-band control network based on two architectures, the server-client and the broker, are compared. The LEARN testbed has demonstrated format and bit-rate transparency.
Substitution of Gly with Ala enhanced the melanoma uptake of technetium-99m-labeled Arg-Ala-Asp-conjugated alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone peptide.

The purpose of this study was to determine the melanoma targeting property of 99mTc-RAD-Lys-(Arg11)CCMSH in B16/F1 melanoma-bearing C57 mice and compare with 99mTc-RGD-Lys-(Arg11)CCMSH we previously reported. 99mTc-RAD-Lys-(Arg11)CCMSH exhibited rapid and high tumor uptake (19.91 ± 4.02% ID/g at 2 h post-injection) in B16/F1 melanoma-bearing C57 mice. The tumor uptake of 99mTc-RAD-Lys-(Arg11)CCMSH was 1.51, 1.34 and 1.43 times the tumor uptake of 99mTc-RGD-Lys-(Arg11)CCMSH at 0.5, 2 and 4 h post-injection, respectively. Flank B16/F1 melanoma lesions were clearly imaged at 2 h post-injection using 99mTc-RAD-Lys-(Arg11)CCMSH as an imaging probe. The substitution of Gly with Ala significantly enhanced the melanoma uptake of 99mTc-RAD-Lys-(Arg11)CCMSH compared to 99mTc-RGD-Lys-(Arg11)CCMSH in B16/F1 melanoma-bearing C57 mice, providing a new insight into the design of α-MSH peptides for melanoma targeting.
Prediction of the three‐dimensional structure of human growth hormone

In recent years, the protein-folding problem has attracted the attention of molecular biologists. Efforts have focused on developing heuristic and energy-based algorithms to predict the three-dimensional structure of a protein from its amino acid sequence. We have applied a series of heuristic algorithms to the sequence of human growth hormone. A family of five structures which are generically right-handed fourfold alpha-helical bundles are found from an investigation of approximately 10(8) structures. A plausible receptor binding site is suggested. Independent crystallographic analysis confirms some aspects of these predictions. These methods only deal with the "core" structure, and conformations of many residues are not defined. Further work is required to identify a unique set of coordinates and to clarify the topological alternative available to alpha-helical proteins.
Molecular dynamics simulations of organic photovoltaic materials: Investigating the formation of π-stacked thiophene clusters in oligothiophene/fullerene blends

Abstract The behavior of short oligothiophene molecules in the presence of a fullerene surface have been investigated via fully atomistic molecular dynamics studies. The simulations mimic the hybrid assemblies characteristic of bulk heterojunction structures that are ubiquitous in current state-of-the-art polymer-based solar cells. This manuscript focuses on the development of thiophene ring clusters, and demonstrates the manner in which the surface drives the orientation and stacking of rings into clusters in prototypical optoelectronic materials. The proximity of the substrate is shown to significantly hinder the development of charge transfer pathways in the polymer: simulations on bulk oligothiophenes show dramatically better cluster formation in comparison with oligothiophene/fullerene systems, indicated by higher populations, and larger cluster sizes. Furthermore, the properties of percolating clusters that are capable of transporting charges across the simulation box are degraded in the presence of the surface. The fullerene substrate also influences the temperature-dependent behavior of the polymer phase, with more subtle changes in π-stacked order in the presence of the C60, than in the bulk. Our results unveil molecular details of the structure of oligothiophene chains in the context of the nanoscale morphology in organic photovoltaic devices, and reveal how the presence of the acceptor filler can result in lower hole mobilities.
Measurements of photosynthesis in the field: utility of the CO2 depletion technique

Abstract A portable system for the rapid measurement of photosynthetic rates in the field is described and evaluated. The measurement of photosynthesis is based on extraction of volumes of air from a closed system cuvette containing a leaf over a set time interval. CO2 content of the gas volumes is determined with an infrared gas analyser, and photosynthetic rate is calculated from the cuvette CO2 concentration depletion rate. The magnitudes of sources of error with this system were analysed and methods of reducing the errors discussed. Representative examples of data obtainable with this technique are presented. From the inlet and outlet ports of a cuvette for measurements of Sorghum bicolor dark respiration rates in the laboratory. We have modified their technique and report the utility of the CO2 depletion technique for measurements of photosynthesis on plants in the field, far from laboratory facilities. The technique is reliable and easy to operate in the field. A description of the technique, as well as an analysis of the sources of error and examples of the data which can be obtained with it are presented.
Intra-amniotic bleeding and fetal echogenic bowel.

Abstract Objective: To assess the relationship between intra-amniotic bleeding and fetal echogenic bowel. Methods: Comprehensive fetal ultrasound examinations were done before and 12 hours after fetal transfusions. Follow-up ultrasound examinations were done weekly in 28 fetuses with intra-amniotic bleeding. Hyperechogenic bowel was diagnosed when the echogenicity of fetal bowel was similar to that of bone. Postpuncture bleeding was identified when a stream of echogenic material from the cord into the amniotic space was seen, lasting at least 60 seconds. Results: None of the fetuses had echogenic bowel before initial transfusions. Intra-amniotic bleeding was followed by bowel echogenicity in seven of 28 fetuses within the first 12 hours after bleeding episodes. Echogenic bowel remained in five fetuses 2 weeks after the bleeding episodes. In three fetuses, echogenic bowel was still seen 4 weeks later. Conclusion: Intra-amniotic bleeding can lead to echogenic bowel.
Implication of the NorB Efflux Pump in the Adaptation of Staphylococcus aureus to Growth at Acid pH and in Resistance to Moxifloxacin

Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen that adapts and survives in low-pH environments. One component of this adaptation involves the regulation of genes encoding bacterial transporters that could affect response to antibiotics under these conditions. We previously demonstrated that the transcriptional regulator MgrA in its phosphorylated form (MgrA-P) represses the expression of norB, encoding the NorB multidrug resistance efflux pump. In this study, we focused on changes in the expression of mgrA at the transcriptional and posttranslational levels, following a shift from pH 7.0 to pH 4.5. We then correlated those changes with modifications in transcript levels of norB and to resistance to moxifloxacin, a substrate of NorB. At pH 4.5, S. aureus MgrA increased 2-fold and MgrA-P decreased 4-fold, associated with an 8-fold increase in norB transcripts and a 6-fold reduction in bacterial killing by moxifloxacin, and the phenomenon was dependent on intact mgrA. Taken together, these new data showed that phosphoregulation of MgrA at low pH reverses its repression of norB expression, conferring resistance to moxifloxacin.
A proof that the induction motor circle diagram: Applies to the transmission line

The paper shows that the well-known circle diagram, first developed for the induction motor, is in reality applicable to the general network, however complicated, and therefore to the transmission line. The double-frequency power diagram is criticised as needlessly complicated, and the well-known constructions applied to all quantities of interest in the transmission line. Since it occupies only a few lines, elementary proofs are given of those parts of general circuit theory needed.
Is fetal gender associated with adverse perinatal outcome in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in perinatal outcome by gender among growth-restricted fetuses. Study design This was a retrospective cohort study of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) singleton pregnancies over a 5-year period. Clinical outcomes compared by gender included preterm delivery, perinatal mortality (PNM), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), grade 3 or 4 intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Statistical analysis included bivariate and multivariable techniques. Results Seven hundred and twenty-seven singleton pregnancies with IUGR were identified. Three hundred and forty-six (47.6%) were males. Birth weight was similar between the groups. After adjusting for maternal demographics, medical history, gestational age, mode of delivery, and antenatal corticosteroids, adverse perinatal outcomes were similar between the groups. Severity of outcomes was also similar between males and females ( P =.66). Conclusion Male fetuses with IUGR have similar outcomes when compared with female IUGR fetuses. Gender does not play a role in perinatal outcome in the setting of fetal growth restriction.
Ranitidine increases the bioavailability of imbibed alcohol by accelerating gastric emptying.

To investigate the mechanism of the increase in alcohol bioavailability by ranitidine, we determined by nuclear scan the changes in gastric emptying of a 10% ethanol solution (containing 0.3 g ethanol/kg body weight and 300 μCi of technetium-labeled diethylene triamine pentacetic acid) in 8 normal men, before and after treatment with 300 mg ranitidine orally each evening for 1 week. We compared these changes with those of ethanol bioavailability, calculated by integration of the Michaelis-Menten function over the entire alcohol curves after random i.v. and, on a separate day, oral administration of the same ethanol dose, pre- and post-ranitidine. With ranitidine, we found an acceleration of gastric emptying in 7 of 8 subjects, with 20% shortening of the time to 50% emptying (51.8 ± 4.1 min vs 64.3 ± 3.4, without ranitidine; P < .001 by paired t test). Despite the disappearance (from the stomach) of most of the dose by the end of the blood alcohol curves, only 83 ± 4% reached the systemic blood vs 64 ± 4% without ranitidine (P < .02), most likely because of a shortened exposure of alcohol dehydrogenase to optimal ethanol concentrations. As a result, after oral but not intravenous alcohol administration, ranitidine increased blood alcohol concentrations (29 ± 4 mg/dl vs 22 ± 3, without ranitidine; P < .02), with a corresponding decrease in first pass metabolism of ethanol from 107 ± 16 mg/kg to 47 ± 16 (P < .01).
Operator-splitting with ISAT to model reacting flow with detailed chemistry

We further increase the computational performance of an operator-split projection scheme for the solution of the equations governing reacting flows with detailed chemistry. This enhancement is achieved by using in situ adaptive tabulation (ISAT) to compute the pure reaction sub-steps; the treatment of diffusion and convection is unchanged. The modified scheme is applied to an unsteady one-dimensional laminar premixed methane–air flame problem using detailed GRIMech3.0 chemical kinetics. For this problem we demonstrate second-order temporal convergence, investigate the impact of the ISAT error tolerance on solution accuracy, and compare results with and without ISAT. Computational performance is also examined where we observe a reaction sub-step speed-up factor due to ISAT of approximately 13; the overall time step speed-up is approximately 7.5. Extension of the scheme to multiple dimensions is discussed.
Germanium geochemistry and mineralogy

Abstract Germanium is enriched in the following geologic environments: 1. (1) iron meteorites and terrestrial iron-nickel; 2. (2) sulfide ore deposits, particularly those hosted by sedimentary rocks; 3. (3) iron oxide deposits; 4. (4) oxidized zones of Ge-bearing sulfide deposits; 5. (5) pegmatites, greisens, and skarns; and 6. (6) coal and lignitized wood. In silicate melts, Ge is highly siderophile in the presence of native iron-nickel; otherwise, it is highly lithophile. Among silicate minerals, Ge is concentrated in those having less polymerized silicate tetrahedra such as olivine and topaz. In deposits formed from hydrothermal solutions, Ge tends to be enriched mostly in either sulfides or in fluorine-bearing phases; it is thus concentrated both in some hydrothermal sulfide deposits and in pegmatites, greisens, and skarns. In sulfide deposits that formed from solutions having low to moderate sulfur activity, Ge is concentrated in sphalerite in amounts up to 3000 ppm. Sulfide deposits that formed from solutions having higher sulfur activity allowed Ge to either form its own sulfides, particularly with Cu, or to substitute for As, Sn, or other metals in sulfosalts. The Ge in hydrothermal fluids probably derives from enrichment during the fractional crystallization of igneous fluids, or is due to the incorporation of Ge from the country rocks, particularly from those containing organic material. Germanium bonds to lignin-derivative organic compounds that are found in peat and lignite, accounting for its common concentration in coals and related organic material. Germanium is precipitated from water together with iron hydroxide, accounting for its concentration in some sedimentary and supergene iron oxide deposits. It also is able to substitute for Fe in magnetite in a variety of geologic environments. In the oxidized zone of Ge-bearing sulfide deposits, Ge is concentrated in oxides, hydroxides, and hydroxy-sulfates, sometimes forming its own minerals. It is particularly enriched in some iron- and manganese-bearing oxides and hydroxides, including goethite (up to 5300 ppm) and hematite (up to 7000 ppm).
About the Paterson-Wegman linear unification algorithm

Abstract The Paterson-Wegman unification algorithm is investigated. An error is removed. The proper input format is clarified. A pre-processor is described that associates with each node a list of parent nodes, as required by the core algorithm. A post-processor is described that transforms an ordered substitution, produced by the core algorithm, into a regular substitution, making use of structure sharing when possible. The combination of pre-processor, core algorithm, and post-processor is still a linear algorithm (with respect to the sum of nodes and edges in the input graph).
Charge transfer and ionization of lithium by protons and helium ions.

Proton and helium-ion impact on atomic lithium is studied for impact energies ranging from 15 to 200 keV. By observing the final lithium charge states, cross sections for pure single electron capture from lithium as well as for single capture plus ionization are presented. Cross sections for double electron capture by He/sup 2 +/ projectiles are also measured and the decrease in the double-capture cross section below 20 keV/amu is confirmed. Cross sections for ionization of lithium by these same projectiles are also presented and compared with theoretical calculations.
Innovate engineering outreach: A special application of the Xbox 360 Kinect sensor

In November of 2010, Microsoft released the Kinect sensor for the Xbox 360 video game console. This device-similar to a webcam-allows an individual to interact with an Xbox 360 or a computer in three-dimensional space using an infrared depth-finding camera and a standard RGB camera. As of January of 2012, over 24 million units have been sold. Using a combination of custom and open-source software, we were able to develop a means for students to visualize and interact with the data allowing us to introduce the concepts and skills used in the field of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The unique technological application, visual appeal of the output, and the widespread ubiquity of the device make this an ideal platform for raising interest in the field of Electrical and Computer Engineering among high school students.In order to understand the appeal of the Kinect, a working knowledge of the technical details of the device is useful. The novelty and appeal of the Kinect sensor lies in its infrared camera, which is comprised of two distinct devices. An infrared projector sends out a 640x480 grid of infrared beams, and an infrared detector is used to measure how long the reflection of each beam takes to return to the sensor. This data set is known as a “point cloud”. This point cloud is a three-dimensional vector comprised of data points between 40 and 2000, which correspond to distance from the device of each beam. The data in this array can then be parsed to construct a 3d image. The Kinect's infrared camera operates at 30Hz, or 30 samples per second, so the device is able to deliver a frame rate that is sufficient to create the illusion of motion. This allows for the development of applications that give the user a sense of interacting in real time with the image on the screen. The unique visual appeal, novelty of interaction, and relatively easy-to-understand theory of operation make the Kinect an attractive platform for recruitment and outreach. Using the Kinect, a recruiter is able to quickly and effectively demonstrate a range of concepts involving hardware, software, and the design process on a platform that students are familiar with and find appealing. In a short window of time they are able to show examples and explain the fundamental principles of the system while providing tangible, meaningful, and enjoyable interactivity with the device itself. This level of approachability and familiarity is rare among highly-technical fields, and provides an excellent catalyst to develop interest in Electrical and Computer Engineering education.
Mosaic partial deletion of the PTEN gene in a patient with Cowden syndrome

Cowden syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition caused by pathogenic mutations in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene. Only a small proportion of identified pathogenic mutations have been reported to be large deletions and rearrangements. We report on a female patient with a previous history of breast ductal carcinoma in situ who presented to our institution for management of gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyposis. Although several neoplastic predisposition syndromes were considered, genetic evaluation determined that the patient met clinical diagnostic criteria for Cowden syndrome. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization was performed and revealed a mosaic partial deletion of the PTEN gene. Follow-up clinical history including bilateral thyroid nodules, dermatological findings, and a new primary “triple-negative” adenocarcinoma of the contralateral breast are discussed. We highlight the need for recognition and awareness of mosaicism as it may provide an explanation for variable phenotypic presentations and may alter the genetic counseling risk assessment of affected individuals and family members.
Formation of single‐phase MAsx films on GaAs by selective wet‐hydrogen oxidation and etching

A technique which shows promise for achieving stable contacts is reported. This technique involves the selective oxidation of Ga in H2O/H2 mixtures simultaneous with the reaction of the metal and As to form a metal arsenide compound. The oxidation step is followed by removing the Ga2O3 layer using an acid etch. The large free energy of formation of gallium oxide enables the adjustment of the partial pressure of H2O to H2 so that only gallium is oxidized, while the GaAs substrate, metal, and metal arsenide are not. This method is discussed for three metal contacts to GaAs: In, Pt, and Cr. The technique was applied to GaPt/PtAs2/GaAs structures. The GaPt phase can be oxidized completely, whereas the inner PtAs2 is left unoxidized. The oxide can be etched off to leave a structure consisting only of platinum‐arsenide on the GaAs substrate.
Emerging evidence for a shared biosynthetic pathway among clavulanic acid and the structurally diverse clavam metabolites

Abstract [1- 13 C]- l -Valine and [2,3,- 13 C 2 - d,l -proclavaminic acid were administered to Streptomyces antibioticus (Tu 1718). 13 C-NMR spectroscopic analyses demonstrated intact incorporation of the later into valclavam and 2-hydroxyethyl clavam and the former into valclavam. These results, in conjunction with earlier findings, provide evidence for a common biosynthetic origin among all clavam metabolites.
College Sophomores in the Laboratory Redux: Influences of a Narrow Data Base on Social Psychology's View of the Nature of Prejudice

Twenty years have passed since Sears (1986) alerted social psychologists to the many possible dangers faced by relying on a database composed mostly of students, especially with respect to the generalizability of the theoretical conclusions we come to. With a focus this time on the prejudice literature, this article examines how much has changed in our approach to whom we study. Content analyses show that prejudice researchers who publish in social psychology's major journals continue to rely heavily on student samples. Next, data are presented showing that important differences may exist between student and nonstudent participants in terms of how prejudice-related variables are expressed and used. The article concludes by raising metatheoretical concerns about the continued use of student samples both in the conclusions we arrive at as a science and in the very topics we study in the prejudice literature, with various recommendations suggested for decreasing this trend in relying on such a narrow database.
The influence of octyl β-D-glucopyranoside on cell lysis induced by ultrasonic cavitation

Octyl β-D-glucopyranoside (OGP) has been reported to completely inhibit cavitation-induced cell lysis in vitro, possibly by quenching critical free-radical effects. In this study, the influence of OGP on cell lysis in a 60 rpm rotating-tube exposure apparatus was assessed. HL-60 cell lysis was estimated with a Coulter Multisizer counter. Cavitation activity from the 2.3 MHz, 30 s duration exposures were monitored at the 1.15 MHz subharmonic. Cavitation nucleation was accomplished by addition of an ultrasound contrast agent, or by using freshly dissolved culture media. For both nucleation methods, exposures were conducted for 0–0.7 MPa peak rarefactional pressure-amplitudes with and without 5 mM OGP, and for 0.5 MPa with 0-5 mM OGP. The addition of OGP to the cell suspension medium generally had little influence on cavitation-induced cell lysis. Exposures with no rotation had reduced subharmonic and lysis for added contrast agent, but essentially no cavitation for the fresh medium. Since the decreases or increases in cell lysis found for added OGP generally were accounted for by concomitant decreases or increases in cavitation activity, the changes in cell lysis could be explained by variation of the mechanical effects of cavitation without invoking a critical role for free-radical effects.
Movements in autistic disorder.

Autistic disorder, an extremely disabling syndrome with onset in early childhood, is associated with multiple comorbid conditions. Although autistic disorder is hetergeneous in its manifestations, there is a subgroup of individuals with autistic disorder who display movements that appear to be unique for the disorders. Hand flapping and a variety of movements termed stereotypies may be pathognomonic of autistic disorder. Therefore, identification of a movement disorder characteristic of autistic disorder may imply that the individual has autistic disorder.
A comparative study of cooperative and competitive achievement in two secondary biology classrooms: The group investigation model versus an individually competitive goal structure

Achievement in individually competitive and cooperatively reward-structured environments was examined in two high-school biology classrooms. Each was pretested and taught an identical unit of study, one in an individually competitive structure and the other using a cooperative group-investigation model. At the end of seven weeks both classes were posttested. A two-way within-subjects ANOVA was used to determine significant differences in pre- and post-test scores between the two treatment groups. The two groups were not significantly different from each other on the pretest. While both cooperative and competitive techniques obtained significantly (p < 0.05) higher posttest scores, neither treatment was superior over the other in producing academic achievement. Results are compared to previous studies which have examined differences among cooperatively, competitively, and individually structured classrooms.
The effect of the use of a counter-torque device on the abutment-implant complex.

Statement of problem. Little is known about the condition of the abutment-screw joint before loading, after the development of the preload. Purpose. This study examined the tightening force transmitted to the implant with and without the use of a counter-torque device during the tightening of the abutment screw. Materials and methods. Forty Branemark implants and 10 CeraOne, Estheticone, Procera, and AurAdapt abutments formed the experimental populations. Samples in each group were further divided into 2 groups, 1 group was tightened with a torque controller without the use of a counter-torque device, whereas the other used the counter-torque device. Samples were positioned in a special holder within the grips of a Tohnichi BTG-6 torque gauge for measuring transmitted forces. Results. There were significant differences ( P =.0001) in the tightening forces transmitted to the implant with and without the use of a counter-torque device when tightening the abutment screws. Conclusion. An average of 91% of the recommended preload tightening torque was transmitted to the implant-bone interface in the absence of a counter-torque device. In all abutment systems, less than 10% of the recommended preload tightening torque was transmitted to the implant when the counter-torque device was used.
Electronic Spectra and Coordination of Nickel Centers in Liquid Lithium Chloride—Potassium Chloride Mixtures

The electronic absorption spectra (4–28 kK) of dilute solutions of NiCl2 in liquid LiCl–KCl mixtures were measured at representative solvent compositions and temperatures from pure LiCl to pure KCl and and from 363° to 1070°C. Phenomenologically the spectra respond to changes in temperature at high temperature and changes in solvent composition at low temperatures in ways that are quantitatively very regular. At intermediate temperatures the behavior is more intricate. The data agree well with the following model. Nickel is partitioned between two types of centers, labeled T and O, which are in equilibrium. The T/O concentration ratio increases with increasing temperature and KCl content in the solvent. At low temperatures the fraction of each kind of center varies linearly with the mole fraction of KCl. The O‐center concentration falls below the detection limit at 900°C in all solvents and in KCl at all temperatures. The coordination geometries of these centers are best described as being distributions about particular averages rather than as sharply defined arrangements. At low temperatures T centers have a distribution of coordination geometries that is narrow, composition invariant, and are clustered about a tetrahedral average. Their outer‐shell cations are mostly K+. At high temperatures the distribution broadens and in LiCl‐rich melts, Li+ ions invade their outer shells. The O centers are accurately studied only at rather low temperatures where they have a relatively broad coordination‐geometry distribution with an average distinctively different from tetrahedral. Their outer shells consist largely of Li+ ions.
Percutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of renal neoplasms: factors influencing success.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to evaluate the success rate for radiofrequency ablation of renal tumors and to determine the risk of serious complications.CONCLUSION. No serious complications occurred after 27 CT-guided radiofrequency ablation sessions in 22 patients. In total, no residual tumor was detected on follow-up contrast-enhanced CT or MRI 1–35 months (mean, 7 months) after final tumor ablation in 20 (91%) of 22 patients. Two patients with residual viable tumor deferred further treatment. Complete tumor ablation was achieved after a single treatment session in 83% of patients, and in 8% of patients after subsequent ablation sessions. Size was the major determinant for achieving tumor eradication with a single session of ablation, with all 11 tumors 3 cm or smaller being completely ablated after one session. Tumor location, histology, and the presence of renal disease did not correlate with treatment success. Contrast-enhanced CT performed immediately after ablation is reliable to exclu...
The importance of the industrial inside sales force: A case study

Abstract There is ample evidence that the relative roles of the inside and field sales force of industrial firms are changing. To cope with this change, this study investigates those traits which industrial customers desire from those in both inside and outside sales positions. To illustrate the strategic importance of the emerging inside selling position, a case study of a major U.S. tool and die manufacturer was conducted. Specifically, analysis connects the firm's inside and field rep performance to aspects of customer satisfaction. Findings indicate that for the focal firm it is as important, and in some cases more important, for inside reps to possess many similar traits as field reps. Results also show that the performance of the firm's inside sales force has a greater impact on customer satisfaction than that of its field sales force.
Macrophages Transmit Potent Proangiogenic Effects of oxLDL In Vitro and In Vivo Involving HIF-1α Activation: a Novel Aspect of Angiogenesis in Atherosclerosis

Neovascularization has been linked to the progression and vulnerability of atherosclerotic lesions. Angiogenesis is increased in lipid-rich plaque. Hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIF-1α) is a key transcriptional regulator responding to hypoxia and activating genes, which promote angiogenesis, among them vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is generated in lipid-rich plaque by oxidative stress. It triggers an inflammatory response and was traditionally thought to inhibit endothelial cells. New data, however, suggest that oxLDL can activate HIF-1α in monocytes in a hypoxia-independent fashion. We hypothesized that HIF-1α activation in monocyte-macrophages could transmit proangiogenic effects of oxLDL linking hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and angiogenesis in atherosclerosis. First, we examined the effect of oxLDL on HIF-1α and VEGF expression in monocyte-macrophages and on their proangiogenic effect on endothelial cells in vitro in a monocyte-macrophage/endothelial co-culture model. OxLDL strongly induced HIF-1α and VEGF in monocyte-macrophages and significantly increased tube formation in co-cultured endothelial cells. HIF-1α inhibition reversed this effect. Second, we demonstrated a direct proangiogenic effect of oxLDL in an in vivo angiogenesis assay. Again, HIF-1α inhibition abrogated the proangiogenic effect of oxLDL. Third, in a rabbit atherosclerosis model, we studied the effect of dietary lipid lowering on arterial HIF-1α and VEGF expression. The administration of low-lipid diet significantly reduced the expression of both HIF-1α and VEGF, resulting in decreased plaque neovascularization. Our data point to oxLDL as a proangiogenic agent linking hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and angiogenesis in atherosclerosis. This effect is dependent on macrophages and, at least in part, on the induction of the HIF-1α pathway.
Characterization and evolution of MHC class II B genes in Galápagos marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus).

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules play a key role in the adaptive immune system of vertebrates. Class II B genes appear to evolve in a very different manner in mammals and birds. Orthology is commonly observed among mammal loci, while genes tend to cluster phylogenetically within bird species. Here we present class II B data from a representative of another major group of amniotes, the squamates (i.e. lizards, snakes, amphisbaenians), with the ultimate goal of placing mammalian and avian MHC evolution into a broader context. In this study, eight class II B cDNA sequences were obtained from the Galapagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) which were divided into five locus groups, Amcr-DAB1 through -DAB5, based on similarities along most of the coding and noncoding portions of the transcribed gene. All marine iguana sequences were monophyletic with respect to class II genes from other vertebrates indicating that they originated from a common ancestral locus after squamates split from other reptiles. The beta-1 domain, which is involved in antigen binding, exhibited signatures of positive selection as well as interlocus gene conversion in both long and short tracts-a pattern also observed in birds and fish, but not in mammals. On the other hand, the beta-2 domain was divergent between gene groups, which is characteristic of mammals. Based on these results, we preliminarily show that squamate class II B genes have been shaped by a unique blend of evolutionary forces that have been observed in differing degrees in other vertebrates.