cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Instent restenosis after carotid stenting: treatment using an off-label cardiac scoring balloon.

Instent restenosis represents an important source of morbidity after carotid artery stenting as the procedure becomes increasingly utilized as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy. Treatment of instent restenosis due to circumferential or calcified lesions can be difficult and refractory to conventional balloon angioplasty. We describe the off-label use of a cardiac scoring balloon that was used for lesions refractory to angioplasty with other balloons.
Network-based approach identifies SP1 as a common node in emphysema and lung cancer

Introduction : Cigarette smoking is the major culprit behind emphysema and lung cancer development, yet their pathogeneses seem to have opposing molecular mechanisms. For example, VEGFR2 blockade is effective against lung cancer yet spurs emphysema in mice. Objectives : Using protein interaction networks, we sought to identify a common node in the frequently comorbid conditions. Methods : A global interactome of 12,760 nodes and 77,005 edges was constructed from data sets including protein-protein, transcription factor-target, kinase-substrate, and protease-substrate interactions. 105 emphysema proteins were identified from the literature, while 989 lung cancer proteins were taken from a list curated by the National Cancer Institute. A hypergeometric enrichment score based upon the number of edges connecting lung cancer proteins and an emphysema interactome was used to derive p-values. Results : An emphysema interactome was constructed within the global network based upon the 105 emphysema proteins identified in the literature. Compared to 100,000 randomly generated networks of 105 nodes, the emphysema interactome contained 89 edges (random mean = 5.16, p -7 ) and a largest connected component of 58 nodes (random mean = 3.54, p -7 ) indicating a robust, connected network. Among lung cancer proteins, SP1 was the most connected with 16 edges to the emphysema interactome (p = 1.14 x 10 -12 ). Conclusions : Our network-based analysis predicted SP1 to be a common node in lung cancer and emphysema. The SP1 inhibitor mithramycin is known to impede lung cancer progression in mice, and we are evaluating the effect of mithramycin on emphysema development in mice with results to be presented at the meeting.
Prenatal and Neonatal Exposure of Male Rat Pups to Cimetidine But Not Ranitidine Adversely Affects Subsequent Adult Sexual Functioning

Cimetidine, ranitidine, or water was administered to pregnant rats from the 12th day of pregnancy through weaning at 21 days of age. The effects of such treatments upon the male progeny were evaluated. Anogenital distance and indices, measures of masculinity, were found to be reduced (p
Transcriptional Regulation by the Short-Chain Fatty Acyl Coenzyme A Regulator (ScfR) PccR Controls Propionyl Coenzyme A Assimilation by Rhodobacter sphaeroides

ABSTRACT Propionyl coenzyme A (propionyl-CoA) assimilation by Rhodobacter sphaeroides proceeds via the methylmalonyl-CoA pathway. The activity of the key enzyme of the pathway, propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC), was upregulated 20-fold during growth with propionate compared to growth with succinate. Because propionyl-CoA is an intermediate in acetyl-CoA assimilation via the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway, acetate growth also requires the methylmalonyl-CoA pathway. PCC activities were upregulated 8-fold in extracts of acetate-grown cells compared to extracts of succinate-grown cells. The upregulation of PCC activities during growth with propionate or acetate corresponded to increased expression of the pccB gene, which encodes a subunit of PCC. PccR (RSP_2186) was identified to be a transcriptional regulator required for the upregulation of pccB transcript levels and, consequently, PCC activity: growth substrate-dependent regulation was lost when pccR was inactivated by an in-frame deletion. In the pccR mutant, lacZ expression from a 215-bp plasmid-borne pccB upstream fragment including 27 bp of the pccB coding region was also deregulated. A loss of regulation as a result of mutations in the conserved motifs TTTGCAAA-X4-TTTGCAAA in the presence of PccR allowed the prediction of a possible operator site. PccR, together with homologs from other organisms, formed a distinct clade within the family of short-chain fatty acyl coenzyme A regulators (ScfRs) defined here. Some members from other clades within the ScfR family have previously been shown to be involved in regulating acetyl-CoA assimilation by the glyoxylate bypass (RamB) or propionyl-CoA assimilation by the methylcitrate cycle (MccR). IMPORTANCE Short-chain acyl-CoAs are intermediates in essential biosynthetic and degradative pathways. The regulation of their accumulation is crucial for appropriate cellular function. This work identifies a regulator (PccR) that prevents the accumulation of propionyl-CoA by controlling expression of the gene encoding propionyl-CoA carboxylase, which is responsible for propionyl-CoA consumption by Rhodobacter sphaeroides. Many other Proteobacteria and Actinomycetales contain one or several PccR homologs that group into distinct clades on the basis of the pathway of acyl-CoA metabolism that they control. Furthermore, an upstream analysis of genes encoding PccR homologs allows the prediction of conserved binding motifs for these regulators. Overall, this study evaluates a single regulator of propionyl-CoA assimilation while expanding the knowledge of the regulation of short-chain acyl-CoAs in many bacterial species.
mTOR pathway inhibition prevents neuroinflammation and neuronal death in a mouse model of cerebral palsy.

Abstract Background and purpose Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway signaling governs cellular responses to hypoxia and inflammation including induction of autophagy and cell survival. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder linked to hypoxic and inflammatory brain injury however, a role for mTOR modulation in CP has not been investigated. We hypothesized that mTOR pathway inhibition would diminish inflammation and prevent neuronal death in a mouse model of CP. Methods Mouse pups (P6) were subjected to hypoxia–ischemia and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation (HIL), a model of CP causing neuronal injury within the hippocampus, periventricular white matter, and neocortex. mTOR pathway inhibition was achieved with rapamycin (an mTOR inhibitor; 5 mg/kg) or PF-4708671 (an inhibitor of the downstream p70S6kinase, S6K, 75 mg/kg) immediately following HIL, and then for 3 subsequent days. Phospho-activation of the mTOR effectors p70S6kinase and ribosomal S6 protein and expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1α) were assayed. Neuronal cell death was defined with Fluoro-Jade C (FJC) and autophagy was measured using Beclin-1 and LC3II expression. Iba-1 labeled, activated microglia were quantified. Results Neuronal death, enhanced HIF-1α expression, and numerous Iba-1 labeled, activated microglia were evident at 24 and 48 h following HIL. Basal mTOR signaling, as evidenced by phosphorylated-S6 and -S6K levels, was unchanged by HIL. Rapamycin or PF-4,708,671 treatment significantly reduced mTOR signaling, neuronal death, HIF-1α expression, and microglial activation, coincident with enhanced expression of Beclin-1 and LC3II, markers of autophagy induction. Conclusions mTOR pathway inhibition prevented neuronal death and diminished neuroinflammation in this model of CP. Persistent mTOR signaling following HIL suggests a failure of autophagy induction, which may contribute to neuronal death in CP. These results suggest that mTOR signaling may be a novel therapeutic target to reduce neuronal cell death in CP.
Digit-serial DSP architectures

The authors present a systematic unfolding transformation technique to transform bit-serial architectures into equivalent digit-serial ones. The novel feature of the technique is the generation of functionally correct control circuits in the digit-serial architectures. Bit-serial systems process one bit of a word or sample in a clock cycle. For some applications bit-serial architectures may be too slow, and bit-parallel architectures may be faster than necessary and may require too much hardware. The desired sample rate can be achieved using the digit-serial approach, where multiple bits of a sample are processed in a single clock cycle. The number of bits processed in one clock cycle in the digit-serial systems is the digit size; the digit size can be any arbitrary integer. A digit-serial implementation of two's complement adders and multipliers is presented. Unfolding of multiple-rate operations (such as interpolators and decimators) is also presented. >
Understanding risk in hypercholesterolemia

Atherosclerosis was relatively uncommon 100 years ago, when researchers first established its link to elevated cholesterol. As the twentieth century progressed, however, factors such as high-fat diets, sedentary lifestyles, cigarette smoking, and urbanization combined to increase the prevalence of both hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease (CHD) throughout the developed world. Atherogenesis begins at an early age and progresses throughout life, and cholesterol levels during young adulthood strongly predict the risk of CHD and related mortality during the ensuing decades. The total cholesterol level in youth also determines the actual age at which a critical level of atherosclerosis will be reached. Early studies on the primary and secondary prevention of CHD failed to identify a linear relationship between lipid lowering and risk reduction, primarily because older lipid-lowering agents lacked the potency to reduce cholesterol levels significantly enough to achieve lower cardiovascular event and mortality rates. The introduction of the statins, with their powerful lipid-lowering activity, overcame this limitation. Several large-scale trials of statins firmly established the efficacy of these agents in both primary and secondary CHD prevention. With the availability of statin therapy, we are now able to reduce the risk of major adverse CHD events by an average of 30%, regardless of patient age or gender.
SU‐GG‐T‐101: Dosimetric Analysis of Matching 6 MV Photon and Electron Fields in Chestwall Treatment

Purpose: To investigate dose distribution for matching 6MV photon and electron fields in chestwall treatment. Method and Materials: A rectangular water equivalent phantom was used to investigate dose distribution at junction of adjacent photon and electron fields. Both 3D and simple IMRT plans have been created for photon fields. Electron plans with different electron energy were created and normalized to 90% iso‐dose line. Photon and electron fields were matched based on skin markings. Monte Carlo simulation has been applied for photon plans. We compared plans with a single photon‐electron match line to “mixed treatment” plans using 2 photon‐electron match lines (ie day1/day2) Results: Hot spots are observed at junction of photon field for all energy electron fields. The highest dose are 129%, 134%, 137%, 139% and 139% of dose for 6, 9, 12, 16 and 20 MeV electrons, respectively, with 6MV photon fields. The depths of these hot spots from skin surface are 1.5, 2.5, 3.4, 4.6 and 5.5cm, as compared with dmax for the electron fields individually (1.4, 2.2, 3.0, 3.0 and 2.0 cm, respectively). The hot spots for “mixed treatment” arrangement (day 1 and day 2) are 120%, 123%, 126%, 129% and 130% of dose, much lower than for the single match‐line fields. The depth for hot spot for day 1 and day 2 arrangement stays similar with day1 treatment. Results from Monte Carlo simulation agree with pencil beam dose calculation algorithm in skin region. Conclusion: Hot spots are reduced to clinically acceptable level by mixed treatment arrangement with two or even more matching lines between photon and electron fields. Further study is warranted to compare these results with intensity and/or energy modulated electron treatment, which may provide a more homogeneous dose distribution for chestwall treatment.
Composite Organic Radical - Inorganic Hybrid Cathode for Lithium-ion Batteries

Abstract A new organic radical–inorganic hybrid cathode comprised of poly(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy-4-yl methacrylate) (PTMA)/LiFePO 4 composite system was developed and reported for the first time. The hybrid electrodes' voltammetry contains three pairs of reversible redox peaks indicating the combination of electrochemical characteristics between LiFePO 4 and PTMA electrodes and shows a decrease in voltage gap between oxidation and reduction that corresponds to an improvement in the rate and reversibility of the redox couples. Results from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy show lower charge-transfer resistance of cycled hybrid cathodes suggesting an enhanced electrode/electrolyte interface formed in hybrid systems which leads to faster migration of Li ions through the interface and longer cycle life capability when compared with pure LiFePO 4 or PTMA cathode system. Optimizing the hybrid cathode's ratio of PTMA/LiFePO 4 yields a significant improvement in high pulse power performance (30 mAh cm −3 ) over the pure PTMA (16 mAh cm −3 ) or LiFePO 4 (3.0 mAh cm −3 ) cathode. Further characterization of the hybrid electrodes using SEM showed a more compact surface morphology after high rate pulse experiments. The demonstrated properties of hybrid cathodes are promising for transportation and other high pulse power applications that require long cycle life and low cost.
Specificity of the fluorescein transport process in Malpighian tubules of the cricket Acheta domesticus.

SUMMARY We demonstrate the presence of an efficient, multispecific transport system for excretion of organic anions in the Malpighian tubules of the cricket Acheta domesticus using fluorescein (FL) as a model substrate. Malpighian tubules rapidly accumulated FL via a high affinity process ( K m =7.75 μmol l –1 ); uptake was completely eliminated by the prototypical organic anion transport inhibitor probenecid (1 mmol l –1 ), but not by p -aminohippuric acid (3 mmol l –1 ). FL uptake was inhibited by monocarboxylic acids at a high concentration (3 mmol l –1 ), and inhibition was more effective with an increase in the carbon chain of the monocarboxylic acid (37% inhibition by 5-carbon valeric acid, and 89% inhibition by 7-carbon caprylic acid). Likewise, tests using a series of aliphatic glutathione conjugates indicated that only the compound with the longest side-chain (decyl-glutathione) significantly inhibited FL uptake (81% inhibition). FL uptake was inhibited by a number of xenobiotics, including a plant alkaloid (quinine), herbicides (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-butyric acid), and the insecticide metabolites malathion monocarboxylic acid (MMA) and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (PBA), suggesting that this transport system plays an active role in excretion of xenobiotics from Acheta by Malpighian tubules. HPLC quantification of MMA and PBA accumulation into Malpighian tubules verified that MMA accumulation was via a mediated transport process, but suggested that PBA accumulation was by nonspecific binding. The presence of a transport system in Malpighian tubules that handles at least one pesticide metabolite (MMA) suggests that transport processes could be a mechanism conferring resistance to xenobiotic exposure in insects.
Community-based participatory research: Changing scientific practice from research on communities to research with and for communities

Abstract This paper examines community based participatory research from the viewpoint of the author, a doctoral student seeking to understand the concepts and framework of successful participatory research as a complement to traditional discipline driven research. Challenges and progress of CBPR within academia are examined, including acceptance, funding, training, and development of equal partnerships between university researchers and communities. Case studies (Latowsky, 2003; Ammerman et al., 2003; Stratford et al., 2003) focus on CBPR in different environmental justice communities, revealing the need to foster trust and communication in order to execute culturally competent and relevant research projects.
Fundamental array mode operation of semiconductor laser arrays using external spatial filtering

Detailed broad-area coupled-mode analysis of in-phase mode selection in carrier-guided arrays coupled to external cavities with spatial filters is presented and compared with experimental results. A high-power (68 mW with output facet reflectivity of 90% which corresponds to estimated 266 mW with output facet reflectivity of 30%), on-axis, single-lobe far field with nearly diffraction-limited (0.64 degree(s)) full width at half maximum is achieved from a ten- stripe carrier-guided anti-reflection-coated laser array by coupling to an external cavity with a spatial filter. The in-phase operation is verified by wavefront measurements using shearing interferometry.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Polyisobutylene-Based Thermoplastic Elastomers. 5. Poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) Triblock Copolymers by Coupling of Living Poly(styrene-b-isobutylene) Diblock Copolymers

Poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (PSt−PIB−PSt) triblock copolymers have been prepared for the first time via coupling of living PSt-PIB diblock copolymers in a one-pot procedure. The PSt−PIB diblock copolymer was synthesized by living sequential cationic polymerization in methylcyclohexane (MeChx)/methyl chloride (MeCl) or hexane (Hex)/MeCl solvent mixtures at −80 °C using TiCl4 as co-initiator. It was found that, due to decomposition of the living PSt ends, the crossover efficiency (Ceff) from living PSt to IB decreases precipitously with time at close to 100% St conversion. To obtain high Ceff, IB must therefore be added at ≤95% St conversion. It was also found that in the presence of unreacted St the rate of IB block copolymerization decreases with time; this was attributed to the formation of relatively unreactive −St−IB−Cl ends. Due to the relatively high concentration of these ends, coupling of living PSt−PIB was slow and incomplete. The obtained PSt−PIB−PSt triblock copolymers exhibited reason...
Activity of 2,4-Diaminoquinazoline Compounds against Candida species

Abstract Forty recent clinical isolates of three different Candida sp. were tested in the microtiter system for susceptibility to two new 2,4-diaminoquinazoline (DAQ) compounds, amphotericin B and flucytosine. The two DAQ preparations showed activity similar to amphotericin B and flucytosine. The geometric mean minimal inhibitory concentrations for these four drugs were as follows: DAQ 1A, 0.64 μg/ml; DAQ 2A, 1.39 μg/ml; amphotericin B, 1.03 μg/ml; and flucytosine, 0.72 μg/ml. An additional seven DAQ compounds were tested but showed less or no activity against 17 Candida isolates. Forty-eight-hour viability studies with DAQ 2A alone or in combination with amphotericin B, flucytosine, or sulfamethoxazole were carried out with one isolate of intermediate susceptibility to each of these agents except sulfamethoxazole. For this isolate the combination of DAQ 2A and sulfamethoxazole was synergistic, and the combination of DAQ 2A and AMB was either synergistic or additive, whereas the combination of DAQ 2A and flucytosine was antagonistic. Although regrowth of cultures exposed to DAQ 2A was noted over a 48-h period, neither degradation of the drug nor development of resistance to the drug could be detected. Swiss white mice receiving DAQ 1A at a dose of 6 mg/kg for 5 days showed no obvious signs of toxicity, including weight loss.
NASA Lewis Research Center's combustor test facilities and capabilities

NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) presently accommodates a total of six combustor test facilities with unique capabilities. The facilities are used to evaluate combustor and afterburner concepts for future engine applications, and also to test the survivability and performance of innovative high temperature materials, new instrumentation, and engine components in a realistic jet engine environment. The facilities provide a variety of test section interfaces and lengths to allow for flametube, sector and component testing. The facilities can accommodate a wide range of operating conditions due to differing capabilities in the following areas: inlet air pressure, temperature, and flow; fuel flow rate, pressure, and fuel storage capacity; maximum combustion zone temperature; cooling water flow rate and pressure; types of exhaust - atmospheric or altitude; air heater supply pressure; and types of air heaters - vitiated or nonvitiated. All of the facilities have provisions for standard gas (emissions) analysis, and a few of the facilities are equipped with specialized gas analysis equipment, smoke and particle size measurement devices, and a variety of laser systems. This report will present some of the unique features of each of the high temperature/high pressure combustor test facilities at NASA LeRC.
Co-rumination and co-problem solving in the daily lives of adolescents with major depressive disorder.

Objective This study examines differences in the prevalence and nature of co-rumination during real-world social interactions with peers and parents among adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to healthy controls. Method A total of 60 youth (29 with current MDD and 31 controls without psychopathology) completed a self-report measure of co-rumination and a 3-week ecological momentary assessment (EMA) protocol that measured the nature of face-to-face social interactions with peers and parents after a negative event in the adolescents' daily lives. Specifically, EMA was used to assess rates of problem talk, including both co-rumination and co–problem solving. Group differences in self-report and EMA measures were examined. Results Adolescents with MDD reported co-ruminating more often than adolescents with no Axis 1 disorders during daily interactions with both parents (Cohen's d = 0.78) and peers ( d = 1.14), and also reported more co-rumination via questionnaire ( d = 0.58). Adolescents with MDD engaged in co–problem solving with peers less often than did healthy controls ( d = 0.78), but no group differences were found for rates of co–problem solving with parents. Conclusions Results are consistent with previous research linking co-rumination and depression in adolescence and extend these self-report–based findings to assessment in an ecologically valid context. Importantly, the results support that MDD youth tend to co-ruminate more and to problem-solve less with peers in their daily lives compared to healthy youth, and that co-rumination also extends to parental relationships. Interventions focused on decreasing co-rumination with peers and parents and improving problem-solving skills with peers may be helpful for preventing and treating adolescent depression.
DNA Mismatch Repair Complex MutSβ Promotes GAA·TTC Repeat Expansion in Human Cells

While DNA repair has been implicated in CAG·CTG repeat expansion, its role in the GAA·TTC expansion of Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is less clear. We have developed a human cellular model that recapitulates the DNA repeat expansion found in FRDA patient tissues. In this model, GAA·TTC repeats expand incrementally and continuously. We have previously shown that the expansion rate is linked to transcription within the repeats. Our working hypothesis is that structures formed within the GAA·TTC repeat during transcription attract DNA repair enzymes that then facilitate the expansion process. MutSβ, a heterodimer of MSH2 and MSH3, is known to have a role in CAG·CTG repeat expansion. We now show that shRNA knockdown of either MSH2 or MSH3 slowed GAA·TTC expansion in our system. We further characterized the role of MutSβ in GAA·TTC expansion using a functional assay in primary FRDA patient-derived fibroblasts. These fibroblasts have no known propensity for instability in their native state. Ectopic expression of MSH2 and MSH3 induced GAA·TTC repeat expansion in the native FXN gene. MSH2 is central to mismatch repair and its absence or reduction causes a predisposition to cancer. Thus, despite its essential role in GAA·TTC expansion, MSH2 is not an attractive therapeutic target. The absence or reduction of MSH3 is not strongly associated with cancer predisposition. Accordingly, MSH3 has been suggested as a therapeutic target for CAG·CTG repeat expansion disorders. Our results suggest that MSH3 may also serve as a therapeutic target to slow the expansion of GAA·TTC repeats in the future.
Live-cell Imaging of Migrating Cells Expressing Fluorescently-tagged Proteins in a Three-dimensional Matrix

Traditionally, cell migration has been studied on two-dimensional, stiff plastic surfaces. However, during important biological processes such as wound healing, tissue regeneration, and cancer metastasis, cells must navigate through complex, three-dimensional extracellular tissue. To better understand the mechanisms behind these biological processes, it is important to examine the roles of the proteins responsible for driving cell migration. Here, we outline a protocol to study the mechanisms of cell migration using the epithelial cell line (MDCK), and a three-dimensional, fibrous, self-polymerizing matrix as a model system. This optically clear extracellular matrix is easily amenable to live-cell imaging studies and better mimics the physiological, soft tissue environment. This report demonstrates a technique for directly visualizing protein localization and dynamics, and deformation of the surrounding three-dimensional matrix. Examination of protein localization and dynamics during cellular processes provides key insight into protein functions. Genetically encoded fluorescent tags provide a unique method for observing protein localization and dynamics. Using this technique, we can analyze the subcellular accumulation of key, force-generating cytoskeletal components in real-time as the cell maneuvers through the matrix. In addition, using multiple fluorescent tags with different wavelengths, we can examine the localization of multiple proteins simultaneously, thus allowing us to test, for example, whether different proteins have similar or divergent roles. Furthermore, the dynamics of fluorescently tagged proteins can be quantified using Fluorescent Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) analysis. This measurement assays the protein mobility and how stably bound the proteins are to the cytoskeletal network. By combining live-cell imaging with the treatment of protein function inhibitors, we can examine in real-time the changes in the distribution of proteins and morphology of migrating cells. Furthermore, we also combine live-cell imaging with the use of fluorescent tracer particles embedded within the matrix to visualize the matrix deformation during cell migration. Thus, we can visualize how a migrating cell distributes force-generating proteins, and where the traction forces are exerted to the surrounding matrix. Through these techniques, we can gain valuable insight into the roles of specific proteins and their contributions to the mechanisms of cell migration.
Atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the vertebrobasilar system in young adults and its surgical consideration.

A young diabetic man with recurrent attacks of headache, dizziness, and blurred vision who was originally thought to have episodes of hypoglycaemia, underwent investigation for the possibility of an occlusive cerebrovascular disease; and eventually was operated upon for Vertebrobasilar insufficiency. The young age, the degree of occlusive disease, the clinical picture, and the surgical results in this patient on the one hand, and the scanty literature on the other prompted this report.
Cotton and soybean root system growth in three soil temperature regimes

Exploration of the soil by roots has significant implications for both plant growth and soil water dynamics. The important environmental determinants of root growth are identified, but an integrated and quantitative understanding of their relative importance through a range of environments is not yet available. The role of seasonal patterns of soil temperature on root system development throughout a crop's life was studied in controlled-environment experiments. Cotton, then soybean, was grown in 1.8-m deep controlled-temperature rhizotrons. Three soil temperature regimes were replicated three times for each species. In all treatments of an experiment, the near-surface (0 to 15 cm) temperatures were equal, to promote similar aboveground growth. This near-surface temperature was increased during the experiment so as to mimic field conditions typical for each species. One treatment was isothermal with depth, the entire soil column warming the same as the surface. A pattern of subsoil warming similar to that found in regions where the crop is grown was the second treatment, and the third set of columns warmed at roughly one-half the rate of the second treatment. Rate of downward growth of root systems of both crops increased with the rate at which the soil body warmed. Cotton roots grew downward at 1.7, 1.4, and 0.7 cm d-1 in the treatments used for that study; soybean rooting depth increased at 2.6, 1.2, and 0.9 cm d-1. Results supported the hypothesis that root system growth can be predicted from the local soil temperature of the deepest roots and the temperature-dependent extension rate of seedling roots.
Magnetic-resonance exchange scattering at the iron L II and L III edges

Specular reflectivity of p-polarized light near the iron ${\mathit{L}}_{\mathrm{II}}$ and ${\mathit{L}}_{\mathrm{III}}$ absorption edges was measured from a single-crystal iron film with an external magnetic field perpendicular to the scattering plane. Large changes in reflectivity were observed upon reversal of the direction of the magnetic field. We attribute this resonant magnetization-sensitive effect to the interference between magnetic and nonmagnetic contribution to the resonant scattering. Similar effects can be expected in other ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic systems.
Modeling the cell division cycle: cdc2 and cyclin interactions.

Abstract The proteins cdc2 and cyclin form a heterodimer (maturation promoting factor) that controls the major events of the cell cycle. A mathematical model for the interactions of cdc2 and cyclin is constructed. Simulation and analysis of the model show that the control system can operate in three modes: as a steady state with high maturation promoting factor activity, as a spontaneous oscillator, or as an excitable switch. We associate the steady state with metaphase arrest in unfertilized eggs, the spontaneous oscillations with rapid division cycles in early embryos, and the excitable switch with growth-controlled division cycles typical of nonembryonic cells.
Types Distinct from Our Own: Franz Boas on Jewish Identity and Assimiliation

Boas's published writings on assimilation were deeply influenced by his German Jewish background. In particular, his unwillingness to recognize Jewish cultural identity as a reality was central to his persistent emphasis on human plasticity and his insistence that people not be “classified” in groups. In support of this argument, 19th-century German and German Jewish history is reviewed, focusing on the relation between Kultur ideology and anti-Semitism. It is suggested that this approach to Boas's statements offers fresh perspective on some of the apparent confusion in his ideas about culture and assimilation.
Bismuth oxide doped scandia-stabilized zirconia electrolyte for the intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract Electrical and structural properties of bismuth oxide doped scandia-stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) electrolyte for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have been evaluated by means of XRD, TGA, DTA, and impedance spectroscopy. The amount of Bi 2 O 3 in the ScSZ was varied in the range of 0.25–2.0 mol%. The original ScSZ samples indicated a rhombohedral crystalline structure that in general has lower conductivity than the cubic phase. However, the addition of Bi 2 O 3 to ScSZ electrolyte was found to stabilize the cubic crystalline phase as detected by XRD. Impedance spectroscopy measurements in the temperature range between 350 and 900 °C indicated a sharp increase in conductivity for the system containing 2 mol% of Bi 2 O 3 that is attributed to the presence of the cubic phase. In addition, impedance spectroscopy measurements revealed significant decrease of both the grain bulk and grain boundary resistances with respect to the temperature change from 600 to 900 °C and concentration of Bi 2 O 3 from 0.5 to 2 mol%. The electrical conductivity at 600 °C obtained for 2 mol% Bi 2 O 3 doped ScSZ was 0.18 S cm −1 .
TU-E-224A-04: Determination of Total Scatter Factors for Stereotactic Radiation Fields by Optimized Fitting of Readings From a Small Ion Chamber and a Mini-Diode

Purpose: To determine the total scatter factors (TSF) for small radiation fields on the BrainLab micro‐MLC (M3) and cones by fitting the readings from two detectors: a small ion chamber and a mini‐diode. Method and Materials: Outputs were measured for 6MV beams using a small ion chamber (Wellhofer IC3, active volume 28mm3) and a stereotactic diode (Scanditronix DEB050, active volume 0.017mm3). It has been reported that ion chambers (IC) underestimate output for small fields ( 50mm). Herein outputs at intermediate field sizes (20–50 mm) were used to combine data from the two detectors. The output from IC was normalized to a reference 10×10cm field; the output from diode was scaled to match the output from IC at intermediate field sizes. The scaling was determined with modified least square optimization. The final TSF was composed of scaled diode output for small fields, IC output for large fields, and their averages for intermediate fields. Results: For square fields formed by M3 and secondary jaws, the scaled TSF from diode matched the TSF from IC to within ±0.6% for field sizes 24–60 mm. The diode overestimated TSF of the reference field by 3.2% at depth of 5cm. The IC underestimated TSF by 23%, 5%, 1.4% for 6, 12, 18 mm fields, respectively. Similar results were found for the cones. TSF from diode was 0.702 for the 5mm cone, an improvement of 29% from IC measurement. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that neither IC or diode alone provides accurate TSF for stereotactic fields of all sizes. The diode is more accurate than IC for fields <20 mm, however, we show that the diode should be cross‐compared with an IC using radiation fields of intermediate sizes. A modified least square optimization method is presented for this purpose.
In situ proteolysis, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of a VHH that binds listeria internalin B.

The variable region of camelid heavy-chain antibodies produces the smallest known antibody fragment with antigen-binding capability (a VHH). The VHH R303 binds internalin B (InlB), a virulence factor expressed by the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. InlB is critical for initiation of Listeria infection, as it binds a receptor (c-Met) on epithelial cells, triggering the entry of bacteria into host cells. InlB is surface-exposed and is required for virulence, hence a VHH targeting InlB has potential applications for pathogen detection or therapeutic intervention. Here, the expression, purification, crystallization and X-ray diffraction of R303 are reported. Crystals of R303 were obtained following in situ proteolysis with trypsin. Gel filtration and SDS–PAGE revealed that trypsin removed the C-terminal tag region of R303, facilitating crystal formation. Crystals of R303 diffracted to 1.3 A resolution and belonged to the monoclinic space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a = 46.4, b = 31.2, c = 74.8 A, β = 93.8°. The crystals exhibited a Matthews coefficient of 1.95 A3 Da−1 with two molecules in the asymmetric unit.
ISSE: an interactive source separation editor

Traditional audio editing tools do not facilitate the task of separating a single mixture recording (e.g. pop song) into its respective sources (e.g. drums, vocal, etc.). Such ability, however, would be very useful for a wide variety of audio applications such as music remixing, audio denoising, and audio-based forensics. To address this issue, we present ISSE - an interactive source separation editor. ISSE is a new open-source, freely available, and cross-platform audio editing tool that enables a user to perform source separation by painting on time-frequency visualizations of sound, resulting in an interactive machine learning system. The system brings to life our previously proposed interaction paradigm and separation algorithm that learns from user-feedback to perform separation. For evaluation, we conducted user studies and compared results between inexperienced and expert users. For a variety of real-world tasks, we found that inexperienced users can achieve good separation quality with minimal instruction and expert users can achieve state-of-the-art separation quality.
A relation between relative density, alloy composition and sample shrinkage for nanoporous metal foams

Nanoporous metal foams synthesized by dealloying inherently undergo dimensional changes (shrinkage). If these changes are unaccounted for in the measurement of relative density, this can be underestimated, causing up to an order of magnitude error in weight-normalized properties. In constrained samples the shrinkage leads to build-up of tensile stress that modifies the porosity and may lead to crack formation. A relationship between shrinkage, relative density and atomic fraction is proposed and experimentally verified.
We Shall Be No More: Suicide and Self-Government in the Newly United States

“Every man in a republic is public property. … [his] life belongs to his country,” wrote famed physician, reformer, and humanitarian Benjamin Rush (10). The foundation of the early Republic, as man...
Superresolution via sparsity constraints

Consider the problem of recovering a measure $\mu $ supported on a lattice of span $\Delta $, when measurements are only available concerning the Fourier Transform $\hat \mu (\omega )$ at frequencies $|\omega | \leqslant \Omega $. If $\Omega $ is much smaller than the Nyquist frequency ${\pi / \Delta }$ and the measurements are noisy, then, in general, stable recovery of $\mu $ is impossible. In this paper it is shown that if, in addition, we know that the measure $\mu $ satisfies certain sparsity constraints, then stable recovery is possible. Say that a set has Rayleigh index less than or equal to R if in any interval of length ${{4\pi } / \Omega } \cdot R$ there are at most R elements. Indeed, if the (unknown) support of $\mu $ is known, a priori, to have Rayleigh index at most R, then stable recovery is possible with a stability coefficient that grows at most like $\Delta ^{ - 2R - 1} $ as $\Delta \to 0$. This result validates certain practical efforts, in spectroscopy, seismic prospecting, and astrono...
FEM AND EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE ACTUATOR ‘BUTTERFLY MODE’ IN A HARD-DISK DRIVE

Abstract As the recording track density increases in hard-disk drives, the off-track error-rejection capability of the servo controller must also be increased. The high rejection capability is achieved by increasing the servo bandwidth; however, the ability to extend the bandwidth is limited by the actuator's structural resonance. One particular resonance mode of interest is the so-called ‘butterfly mode’ where it exhibits as the primary resonance with a 180° phase in the structural (open-loop) transfer function plot. The factors influencing the butterfly mode were investigated using finite element analysis and confirmed by prototype testing. Although the mass-to-stiffness ratio in bearing cartridge pivot and the sway mode of the actuator structure by themselves were at a high enough frequency range, it was observed that the coupling effect in the pivot and actuator structure limited the frequency that it can be achieved. With the knowledge gained from the analysis, it is now possible to design an actuator to enable the high servo bandwidth required to follow track densities of more than 50 kilotracks per inch (kTPI) without the need for a dual-stage actuator.
TRANSPORT OF PROTEASES ACROSS NEONATAL INTESTINE AND DEVELOPMENT OF LIVER DISEASE IN INFANTS WITH α1-ANTITRYPSIN DEFICIENCY

Abstract The transport of macromolecules from the intestinal lumen into the systemic circulation is considerably greater in neonatal than in adult animals. Transport of both immunoglobulin and nonimmunoglobulin proteins is enhanced. It is postulated that luminal enzymes are also transported into the systemic circulation of the neonate and reach the liver. In the absence of protease inhibitors, such as occurs in α 1 -antitrypsin (α 1 -AT) deficiency, these intestinal enzymes may cause inflammation and, eventually, fibrosis of the liver. If this hypothesis is valid, treatment with trypsin inhibitors and elemental diets until the excessive macromolecular transport across the intestine ceases may help to prevent the liver disease associated with (α 1 -AT) deficiency.
Dietary methionine and its influence on cystine excretion in cystinuric patients.

Abstract The intake of methionine containing foods was restricted in 1 cystinuric patient. L-methionine was administered to 3 other cystinuric patients in amounts of 1 Gm. daily. Neither experiment influenced the urinary excretion of cystine to an appreciable extent. The results of this study suggest that the dietary restriction of methionine is of doubtful merit in the management of cystinuric patients.
Digital filtering of left ventricular heart volume and calculation of aortic valve blood flow.

Abstract The volume of the left ventricle of the heart can be calculated from measurements taken from cine angiocardiograms. During normal systole, blood leaves the left ventricle via the aortic valve; therefore, the first derivative of left ventricular volume with respect to time (during systole) is equal to aortic valve blood flow. Since a curve of left ventricular volume versus time contains significant scatter, it must be filtered, or smoothed, prior to differentiation. This paper describes three methods of digitally filtering left ventricular volume, and discusses methods of calculating aortic valve blood flow. All three methods of smoothing volume give similar results.
Gating of the Hv1 Proton Channel

Voltage-gated proton channels mediate proton extrusion from the cytoplasm of a wide variety of cells. Hv1, the first and so far only cloned voltage-gated proton channel, is composed of a voltage-sensing domain, consisting of transmembrane segments S1-S4, but lacks the two transmembrane segments that form the pore domain of the “classical” voltage-gated channels. Hv1 channels associate as dimers, each subunit containing its own pore. Earlier work showed that the opening of the two pores occurs in a cooperative manner. As in “classical” voltage-gated channels, the arginine-rich S4 transmembrane helix is the voltage sensor in Hv1. However, the molecular mechanism of opening is still ill-defined. Using Voltage Clamp Fluorometry, we are searching for the part of the protein that undergoes a structural change during the opening transition. Environmentally-sensitive fluorophores attached at the outer end of S4 report on protein motions that are as fast as opening, but are dominated by slower signals that occur at negative voltage where channels do not open. However, sites elsewhere in the protein nicely track the opening and closing transitions. We are using this information to reconstruct the opening transition.
Modeling of non-uniform heat dissipation and prediction of hot spots in power transistors

In this work a heat generation model induced by current crowding is proposed. This model, in turn, is applied to the thermal calculation of typical multi-finger emitter structures of BJTs. The internal temperature distribution obtained from this model provides clear indication of the existence of hot spots in base-emitter contact region. The characteristics of the location and the magnitude of hot spots are also presented in this paper. Various pertinent effects due to the non-uniform heat dissipation are discussed. The result of this study serves to locate potential hot spots, which must be considered to prevent thermal breakdown of power BJTs as well as other types of power devices.
Online adaptive rough-terrain navigation vegetation

Autonomous navigation in vegetation is challenging because the vegetation often hides the load-bearing surface, which is used for evaluating the safety of potential actions. It is difficult to design rules for finding the true ground height in vegetation from forward looking sensor data, so we use an online adaptive method to automatically learn this mapping through experience with the world. This approach has been implemented on an autonomous tractor and has been tested in a farm setting. We describe the system and provide examples of finding obstacles and improving roll predictions in the presence of vegetation. We also show that the system can adapt to new vegetation conditions.
Competitive PWB manufacturing: what is needed to maintain a viable industry in Europe?

There are an increasing number of predictions on the future of the European PWB manufacturing industry stating that Europe is becoming increasingly uncompetitive in the field of PWB manufacture and that, as a result, the European PWB manufacturing industry will collapse as OEMs and assemblers seek to source their PWBs from other regions of the world. This paper will review the competitive position of Europe in the global marketplace. Global technology, differing regional manufacturing cost structures, individual company financial expectations and other influencing factors such as governmental policy and environmental legislation will be discussed in detail. Reasons both “for” and “against” an indigenous European PWB source will be developed and compared and contrasted. This paper will then seek to develop potential “winning” business strategies to ensure the survival of PWB manufacture in the region.
Hemodynamic conditions in a failing peripheral artery bypass graft

Objective The mechanisms of restenosis in autogenous vein bypass grafts placed for peripheral artery disease are not completely understood. We investigated the role of hemodynamic stress in a case study of a revised bypass graft that failed due to restenosis. Methods The morphology of the lumen was reconstructed from a custom three-dimensional ultrasound system. Scans were taken at 1, 6, and 16 months after a patch angioplasty procedure. Computational hemodynamic simulations of the patient-specific model provided the blood flow features and the hemodynamic stresses on the vessel wall at the three times studied. Results The vessel was initially free of any detectable lesions, but a 60% diameter-reducing stenosis developed during the 16-month study interval. As determined from the simulations, chaotic and recirculating flow occurred downstream of the stenosis due to the sudden widening of the lumen at the patch location. Curvature and a sudden increase in the lumen cross-sectional area induced these flow features that are hypothesized to be conducive to intimal hyperplasia. Favorable agreement was found between simulation results and in vivo Doppler ultrasound velocity measurements. Conclusions Transitional and chaotic flow occurs at the site of the revision, inducing a complex pattern of wall shear as computed with the hemodynamic simulations. This supports the hypothesis that the hemodynamic stresses in the revised segment, produced by the coupling of vessel geometry and chaotic flow, led to the intimal hyperplasia and restenosis of the graft.