cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrical and electrochemical behavior of a zinc-rich epoxy coating system with carbon nanotubes as a diode-like material

Abstract Non-conventional responses in the impedance spectra of a zinc-rich coating system were observed in electrical and electrochemical impedance measurements that have previously been considered to have no effect on the system. Despite the impressive progress in zinc-rich coating systems to control corrosion in metal structures through galvanic effects, some physical properties influencing the responses of electrochemical systems remain unexplored. Electrochemical and non-electrolytic cells on zinc-rich (55 vol%) coatings with multi-wall carbon nanotube systems were analyzed to determine the intrinsic response of the coating with electrical passive and active analogs under electrical conditioning cycles. In the dry condition, the impedance spectra of the carbon nanotube-added zinc-rich coating showed increased electrical resistance of the film under consecutive cyclic testing. The non-conventional response of the increase in impedance was studied by determining the impedance responses under various temperatures and bias potentials and performing a current-voltage method. The non-conventional phenomenon was found to be caused by an increased barrier height between the semiconducting zinc oxide material and metal, which is susceptible to an external electrical field. During immersion, the change in impedance of the zinc-rich primer (ZRP) film under consecutive electrochemical sequences differed from that under natural degradation. This non-conventional response of the ZRP coating was influenced by the applied bias potential. The capacitive behavior influenced by the zinc corrosion products in the coating had a longer relaxation time, thus decreasing the open circuit potential. To understand this phenomenon, we propose a charging-relaxation potential model. In addition, the potential exhibited a change in the electrical resistance of the ZRP film during consecutive electrochemical testing.
Methotrexate enhances ALA-mediated photodynamic therapy in prostate cancer cells.

2011 BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging binary treatment for cancer. As most non-surgical cancer therapies are used in combination regimens, we have evaluated the combination of methotrexate (MTX) with PDT using aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in prostate cancer cells. Induction of differentiation enhances the efficacy of photodynamic treatment in several cell lines (Ortel et al., Brit J. Cancer 77:1744-1751, 1998). Because differentiation is associated with growth arrest, we have explored the use of chemotherapy-induced transitory growth arrest as a way to enhance ALA-PDT. Because the accumulation of photoactive porphyrins in cells after ALA administration occurs through upregulation of the coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPO), we have also begun detailed studies on the regulation of this enzyme during binary treatments, such as MTX therapy. METHODS: MTX was used in combination with ALA-dependent PDT in the human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP, and in mouse BALB/MK keratinocytes. Cells were exposed to 1mg/L MTX for 72 hours. MTX was removed and cells were incubated with ALA for 4 hours, followed immediately by irradiation with 514 nm light. Survival was assessed by MTT and clonogenic assays. To investigate changes in expression of the CPO gene, 1 kb of the mouse CPO promoter was cloned upstream of the luciferase (LUC) gene, and the CPO-LUC reporter construct was transfected into cells along with expression constructs for a number of different isoforms of the C/EBP gene family. Expression of the C/EBP proteins was confirmed by Western blot. RESULTS: MTX treatment of cells resulted in growth arrest, and in expression of GADD153 (a C/EBP family member associated with ER stress). Subsequent exposure to ALA for 4 hours resulted in a 4.3 ± 1.2-fold increase in the rate of PpIX formation in LNCaP cells. Consequently, cytotoxicity at 24 hours after light exposure was enhanced, and long-term survival as quantified by colony formation was reduced with MTX pretreatment. The interaction of MTX and ALA was sequence dependent, i.e., LNCaP cells exposed first to ALA-PDT and later to methotrexate, showed no reduction in long-term survival . Thus, enhancement of cytotoxicity by MTX in the combined regimen is due to the increase in PpIX formation. In studies using the CPO-LUC reporter, cotransfection with all C/EBPbeta isoforms (LAP*, LAP, and LIP) and with GADD153 led to CPO promoter activation, but the largest induction was seen consistently with GADD153. Interestingly, treatment of cells with MTX led to upregulation of GADD153 protein. GADD153 may thus play a role in the activation of CPO expression, elevation of PpIX levels, and enhancement of ALA-PDT efficacy. CONCLUSION: The combination of short-term chemotherapy and subsequent ALA-PDT may help reduce dose-related toxicity of either component and thus improve existing PDT regimens for cancer treatment.
Broadband acoustic quantification of mesopelagic zooplankton

In addition to its critical role in biogeochemical cycling, the mesopelagic zone has the potential to become an important global fisheries resource. A growing number of studies have focused on estimating the global biomass of mesopelagic fishes, but that of mesopelagic zooplankton is far more uncertain. Yet, quantification of zooplankton biomass and distribution is crucial to both understanding the ecology of the mesopelagic zone and informing policy makers on sustainable exploitation. Shipboard, narrowband, volume backscattering measurements—typically performed at 18 and/or 38 kHz—are likely dominated by gas-bearing organisms, hindering accurate assessment of zooplankton biomass. A towed vehicle, Deep-See, was developed and equipped with broadband acoustics from 1–450 kHz, optical sensors, and environmental sensors to address the challenges associated with systematically acquiring holistic, quantitative data to infer mesopelagic biomass. Broadband backscattering spectra (50–160 kHz) collected by Deep-See in Summer 2018 and 2019 off the New England shelf break are used to classify scattering layers into fluid-like zooplankton (e.g., jellies, copepods, krill) or gas-bearing organisms (e.g., fishes, siphonophores), then physics-based scattering models are used to estimate abundance and biomass. Consistent with the acoustic measurements, digital holographic images collected by Deep-See reveal multiple deep scattering layers, some consisting mainly of weakly scattering krill.
Mathematics and Sports

Preface Part I. Baseball: 1. Sabermetrics: the past, the present, and the future Jim Albert 2. Surprising streaks and playoff parity: probability problems in a sports context Rick Cleary 3. Did humidifying the baseball decrease the number of homers at Coors Field? Howard Penn 4. Streaking: finding the probability for a batting streak Stanley Rothman and Quoc Le Part II. Basketball: 5. Bracketology: how can math help? Tim Chartier, Erich Kreutzer, Amy Langville and Kathryn Pedings 6. Down 4 with a minute to go G. Edgar Parker 7. Jump shot mathematics Howard Penn Part III. Football: 8. How deep is your playbook? Tricia Muldoon Brown and Eric B. Kahn 9. A look at overtime in the NFL Chris Jones 10. Extending the Colley method to generate predictive football rankings R. Drew Pasteur 11. When perfect isn't good enough: retrodictive rankings in college football R. Drew Pasteur Part IV. Golf: 12. The science of a drive Douglas N. Arnold 13. Is Tiger Woods a winner? Scott M. Berry 14. G. H. Hardy's golfing adventure Roland Minton 15. Tigermetrics Roland Minton Part V. NASCAR: 16. Can mathematics make a difference? Exploring tire troubles in NASCAR Cheryll E. Crowe Part VI. Scheduling: 17. Scheduling a tournament Dalibor Froncek Part VII. Soccer: 18. Bending a soccer ball with math Tim Chartier Part VIII. Tennis: 19. Teaching mathematics and statistics using tennis Reza Noubary 20. Percentage play in tennis G. Edgar Parker Part IX. Track and Field: 21. The effects of altitude in the 400m sprint with various IAAF track geometries Vanessa Alday and Michael Frantz 22. Mathematical ranking of the Division III Track and Field Conferences Chris Fisette 23. What is the speed limit for Men's 100 Meter Dash? Reza Noubary 24. May the best team win: determining the winner of a cross country race Stephen Szydlik 25. Biomechanics of running and walking Anthony Tongen and Roshna E. Wunderlich.
The Development and Validation of a Measure of Science Capital, Habitus, and Future Science Interests

There is growing evidence that science capital (science-related forms of social and cultural capital) and family habitus (dispositions for science) influence STEM career decisions by youth. This study presents reliability and validity evidence for a survey of factors that influence career aspirations in science. Psychometric properties of the NextGen Scientist Survey were evaluated with 889 youth in grades 6–8. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) found four factors (Science Expectancy Value, Science Experiences, Future Science Task Value, and Family Science Achievement Values). Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), four separate factor models were tested. The CFA affirmed that the four-factor solution extracted during the EFA was the best-fitting model. The analyses also found acceptable internal consistency for each of the four factors. The results validate the use of the NextGen Scientist Survey for measuring science capital for middle school youth.
A Hands-On Cybersecurity Curriculum Using a Robotics Platform

This paper presents a study using a robotics platform for teaching computing and cybersecurity concepts to high school students. 38 students attended a week-long camp, starting with projects such as a simulation-only game and a simple autonomous driving program for the robots in order to learn and apply computational thinking (CT) and networking skills. They were then assigned a series of challenges that required developing progressively more advanced cybersecurity measures to protect their robots. This culminated in a final challenge that required implementing defensive measures such as encryption, secure key exchange and sequence numbers. We used an evidence-centered design framework to construct rubrics for grading student work. The pre- and post-test results show that the interventions helped students learn cybersecurity and CT concepts, but they had difficulties with networking concepts. These results correlate with scores from the game and the final challenge. Overall, surveys show that the competition-based robotics learning framework engaged students and supported their overall learning, but our intervention needs to be modified to help students learn networking concepts
CRT-100.88 Procedural Characteristics and Trends of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions Being Performed During Normal Work Versus Non-Work Hours

It has been thought that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed during off hours may have worse procedural outcomes due to operator fatigue, patient characteristics and a difference in the process of care through the hospital. We sought to analyze a large cohort of patients who underwent
Chronic intercostal neuralgia after placement of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit with prosthetic valve.

Adults with congenital heart disease often have complex medical issues requiring individualised multidisciplinary care for optimising outcomes and quality of life. Chronic pain is an example. We report a rare case of intercostal neuralgia seemingly caused by irritation from a prosthetic valve in a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit in a patient with tetralogy of Fallot. Intercostal neuralgia is a painful disorder linked to nerve irritation or injury from trauma, infection or pressure. Although chronic postsurgical pain after cardiac surgery is prevalent, rarely the aetiology relates to valve irritation on a single intercostal nerve. After failing pharmacological therapy for 8 months, the neuralgia completely resolved after an ultrasound-guided neurolytic block with long-term effectiveness and improvement in patient satisfaction.
Monitoring human activity at a very local scale with ground-motion records: The early stage of covid-19 pandemic in california, u.s.a., new york city, u.s.a., and mexicali, mexico

Author(s): Wu, Baoning; Douilly, Roby; Ford, Heather A; Funning, Gareth; Lee, Hsin-Yu; Niyogi, Shankho; Mendoza, Manuel; Kyriakopoulos, Christodoulos; Oglesby, David | Abstract: Abstract In this article, we analyze the change in anthropogenic seismic noise level within a frequency range of 4–14nHz, through a survey of seismic stations in California, United States, New York City, United States, and Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico from early December 2019 to late April 2020. Our analysis shows that some stations recorded a drop in anthropogenic seismic noise during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the timing of the anthropogenic noise decrease typically correlates with the timing of a strict curtailment of personal and economic activity issued by the local government. In other locations, the drop in the anthropogenic seismic noise appears not to follow the lockdown timing perfectly. During our analysis, we observed that many stations did not record a drop during the early stage of COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 19 stations of the Southern California Seismic Network that were surveyed, we found that only five show a similar extent of drop in anthropogenic seismic noise comparable to the Christmas holiday break in 2019. This suggests that the human activity that caused seismic noise did not significantly reduce during the COVID-19 pandemic near most surveyed stations in southern California. A further analysis implies that the primary seismic noise source in southern California might be traffic, and the continuation of industrial traffic, such as cargo transportation, during the COVID-19 pandemic may be the reason why many stations did not record a noise drop. Our results show that the anthropogenic seismic noise recorded by seismic stations is capable of indicating human activity, and that this metric is, particularly, powerful in measuring how localized communities initially responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SocialCattle: IoT-based Mastitis Detection and Control through Social Cattle Behavior Sensing in Smart Farms

Effective and efficient animal disease detection and control have drawn increasing attention in smart farming in recent years. It is crucial to explore how to harvest data and enable data-driven decision making for rapid diagnosis and early treatment of infectious diseases among herds. This paper proposes an IoT-based animal social behavior sensing framework to model mastitis propagation and infer mastitis infection risks among dairy cows. To monitor cow social behaviors, we deploy portable GPS devices on cows to track their movement trajectories and contacts with each other. Based on those collected location data, we build directed and weighted cattle social behavior graphs by treating cows as vertices and their contacts as edges, assigning contact frequencies between cows as edge weights, and determining edge directions according to contact spatial-temporal information. Then, we propose a flexible probabilistic disease transmission model, which considers both direct contacts with infected cows and indirect contacts via environmental contamination, to estimate and forecast mastitis infection probabilities. Our model can answer two common questions in animal disease detection and control: 1) which cows should be given the highest priorities for an investigation to determine whether there are already infected cows on the farm; 2) how to rank cows for further screening when only a tiny number of sick cows have been identified. Both theoretical and simulation-based analytics of in-the-field experiments (17 cows and more than 70-hours data) demonstrate the proposed framework’s effectiveness. In addition, somatic cell count (SCC) mastitis tests validate our predictions as correct in real-world scenarios.
Das Symptombild des Patienten und der Einfluss prämorbider Faktoren

Nachdem wir uns mit dem subjektiven Erleben des Patienten beschattigt haben, besteht der nachste Schritt in der Diagnostik der neuropsychologischen Funktionsstorungen. Sie sollte in einer respektvollen Art und Weise durchgefuhrt werden und darf den Patienten nicht uberfordern. Berucksichtigt werden sollte, was fur ein Mensch der Patient vor der Hirnschadigung war und wie er auf die durch die Hirnschadigung hervorgerufenen Storunqen reagiert. In einer entspannten Atmosphare sollte gemeinsam mit dem Patienten versucht werden herauszufinden, wo die hirnverletzungsbedingten Schwierigkeiten liegen. Darin besteht die „Kunst“ einer erfolgreichen neuropsychologischen Untersuchung.
Antibodies to viral gastroenteritis viruses in Crohn's disease.

Abstract Antibody prevalence and titer to rotavirus and Norwalk virus were studied in Crohn's disease patients and in age-, sex-, and time-matched controls. There were no significant antibody differences between the groups studied.
The Impact of Polyvictimization on Delinquency Among Latino Adolescents: A General Strain Theory Perspective

Although criminological research has provided support for general strain theory (GST), there is still little known about the relationship between victimization and delinquency among Latino adolescents. This study seeks to fill the gap in the literature by examining the association between a broader measure of victimization (i.e., polyvictimization) and delinquent behavior using data from the Dating Violence Among Latino Adolescents (DAVILA) Study, a national sample of Latino youth. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine two issues: (a) whether polyvictimization is associated with self-reported delinquent behavior and (b) whether anger mediates the relationship between polyvictimization and delinquency. Our findings provided partial support for GST among Latino youth. Specifically, the effect of polyvictimization on delinquency was explained in part by its effect on anger. Contrary to the theory’s hypothesis, the effect of polyvictimization was not conditional on the effect of social suppor...
The existence of FKrCF3, FKrSiF3, and FKrGeF3: A theoretical study

Abstract The possible existence of three new metastable compounds, FKrCF3, FKrSiF3, and FKrGeF3 is investigated by employing ab initio methods [MP2 and CCSD(T)] and density functional theory [B3LYP and B3PW91], in conjunction with the correlation consistent basis sets cc-pVnZ and aug-cc-pVnZ [where n = D(2), T(3), Q(4), and 5]. Optimized geometries, relative energies, vibrational frequencies, and charge distributions have been determined. This study suggests the existence of the first neutral krypton–silicon and krypton–germanium compounds.
Progress in computer-aided VLSI design

Parallel algorithms and design for fundamental operations in cryptography designing systolic processors using SYSIM2 mutliple-valued VLSI and systolic array with CCD realization data path syntheses of pipelined designs - theoretical foundations VLSI design using Caesar and MOSIS - a detailed tutorial new directions in semicustom arrays VLSI and CAD/CAM applications a CMOS 16 x 16 parallel multiplier design and simulation of a reduced instruction set computer.
Internet Governance Is Our Shared Responsibility

This essay looks at the the different roles that multistakeholder institutions play in the Internet governance ecosystem. We propose a model for thinking of Internet governance within the context of the Internet's layered model. We use the example of the negotiations in Dubai in 2012 at the World Conference on International Telecommunications as an illustration for why it is important for different institutions within the governance system to focus on their respective areas of expertise (e.g., the ITU, ICANN, and IGF). Several areas of conflict (a "tussle") are reviewed, such as the desire to promote more broadband infrastructure, a topic that is in the remit of the International Telecommunications Union, but also the recurring desire of countries like Russia and China to use the ITU to regulate content and restrict free expression on the Internet through onerous cybersecurity and spam provisions. We conclude that it is folly to try and regulate all these areas through an international treaty, and encourage further development of mechanisms for global debate like the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).
Molecular cloning and characterization of supQ/newD, a gene substitution system for the leuD gene of Salmonella typhimurium.

Abstract The isopropylmalate isomerase of Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli is a complex of the leuC and leuD gene products. The supQ/new D gene substitution system in S. typhimurium restores leucine prototrophy to leuD mutants of S. typhimurium. Previous genetic evidence supports a model that indicates the replacement of the missing LeuD polypeptide by the newD gene product. This model proposed that this gene substitution is possible when a mutation at the supQ locus (near newD) liberates unaltered newD polypeptide from its normal complex with the supQ protein product. In this study, recombinant plasmids carrying newD, supQ, or both were transformed into E. coli and S. typhimurium strains deleted for the leuD and supQ genes to test the supQ/newD gene substitution model for suppression of leucine auxotrophy. It was determined that the newD gene encodes a 22-kilodalton polypeptide which can restore leucine prototrophy to leuD deletion strains and that a functional supQ gene prevents this suppression. It was also determined that the supQ and newD genes are separated by a gene encoding a 50-kilodalton protein, pB. While there is extensive DNA sequence homology between the leucine operons of S. typhimurium and E. coli, DNA hybridization experiments did not indicate substantial homology between the newD and leuD genes. These data, taken together with previously obtained genetic data, eliminate the possibility that supQ and newD are recently translocated segments of the leucine operon.
Returns to Skills & Personnel Management: U.S. DOD Scientists and Engineers

Personnel records are used to examine compensation, recruitment, and retention of a group of very highly skilled workers: civilian scientists and engineers in U.S. Department of Defense laboratories. In contrast to the private sector, returns to skills were largely flat for this group from 1982-1996. Despite this, quality and performance of recruits relative to earlier cohorts, and of those retained relative to those who left, remained stable. One explanation is the importance of defense-industry-specific human capital. These results hold for three different pay plans, including the federal government's primary plan and two intended to introduce greater flexibility in personnel management.
APC and its modifiers in colon cancer

Colon cancer closely follows the paradigm of a single “gatekeeper gene.” Mutations inactivating the APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene are found in ∼80% of all human colon tumors and heterozygosity for such mutations produces an autosomal dominant colon cancer predisposition in humans and in murine models. However, this tight association between a single genotype and phenotype belies a complex association of genetic and epigenetic factors that together generate the broad phenotypic spectrum of both familial and sporadic colon cancers. In this Chapter, we give a general overview of the structure, function and outstanding issues concerning the role of Apc in human and experimental colon cancer. The availability of increasingly close models for human colon cancer in genetically tractable animal species enables the discovery and eventual molecular identification of genetic modifiers of the Apc-mutant phenotypes, connecting the central role of Apc in colon carcinogenesis to the myriad factors that ultimately determine the course of the disease.
Trends in opioid prescribing and co-prescribing of sedative hypnotics for acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain: 2001-2010.

Purpose Characterize trends in opioid prescribing and co-prescribing of sedative hypnotics at acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain visits from 2001 to 2010. Methods We conducted a repeated cross-sectional analysis of 15 344 visits for acute pain and 19 958 visits for chronic pain in the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey/National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2001 to 2010. The primary outcome was receipt of an opioid, and secondary outcomes were co-prescribing of a benzodiazepine or sedative hypnotic (benzodiazepine, muscle relaxant, or insomnia medications). We used multivariable logistic regression to assess temporal trends. Results Between 2001 and 2010, opioid prescribing at acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain visits increased by 50% (10.4% [95%CI 7.9–12.9%] to 15.6% [95%CI 12.5–18.6%]) and 79% (12.9% [95%CI 9.7–16.0%] to 23.1% [95%CI 18.3–27.9%]), respectively. For chronic pain visits, opioid prescribing plateaued between 2006 and 2010, and spline analysis detected a possible 2007 peak at 28.2% (95%CI 21.4–34.9%) of visits. Benzodiazepines were co-prescribed with opioids at 8.1% (95%CI 6.0–10.1%) of acute pain visits and 15.5% (95%CI 12.8–18.2%) of chronic pain visits. Sedative hypnotics were co-prescribed at 32.7% (95%CI 28.9–36.5%) of acute pain visits and 36.1% (95%CI 32.5–39.8%) of chronic pain visits. We found no evidence for decreased co-prescribing of opioids and sedative hypnotics by any of our measures. Conclusions Opioid prescribing for acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain increased from 2001 to 2010, plateauing from 2006 to 2010 for chronic pain visits. Co-prescribing of opioids and sedative hypnotics is common and may represent a target for interventions to improve the safety of opioid prescribing. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abundance, genetic diversity and conservation of Louisiana black bears (Ursus americanus luteolus) as detected through noninvasive sampling

Although the Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolus) is currently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, there have been no attempts to estimate range-wide abundance. This subspecies was thought to occupy a near contiguous range across southern Mississippi, Louisiana and east Texas but is now restricted to three isolated areas in Louisiana. In 1964, Louisiana initiated a restocking program in which black bears from Minnesota were introduced into two of these areas. It is not clear how the additions affected population structure or if substantial breeding occurred between native and introduced bears. Using baited sites to snare hair samples, and microsatellite DNA analysis to distinguish individuals, we estimated abundance of two geographically isolated bear populations in south central Louisiana: Inland and Coastal. Additionally, we examined genetic variation both within and between the two populations. Mark recapture analysis of the distribution of individual captures during two primary sampling periods resulted in population estimates of 77 ± 9 for Coastal and 41 ± 6 for Inland. Genetic analysis revealed significant population differentiation (FST = 0.206) between the two populations. The apparently smaller Inland population exhibited more diversity than the Coastal, which suggests that the genetic structure of the Inland population has been influenced by the reintroduction. Both of these populations are isolated and face considerable demographic and genetic threats, thus conservation measures to protect both are warranted. However, the Coastal population is more representative of Louisiana black bears prior to reintroduction and special consideration should be given to insure its integrity.
Changes in the ultrastructure of Nematospiroides dubius (nematoda) intestinal cells during development from fourth stage to adult.

The general fine structure of intestinal cells and changes which occur in ultrastructure during development from fourth-stage to adult N. dubius are reported. In fourth-stage worms pigment granules are prominent in intestinal cells. In adults the number of pigment granules appears to be reduced and phagolysosomes containing membranous profiles and pigment material increase in number. Another reorganization of cell structure involves mitochondria which are randomly distributed in the cytoplasm of cells in fourth-stage worms, concentrated in the apical cytoplasm in worms in the molting process, and confined to the base of cells in adult worms. Other changes involved structure of the nucleus, rough endoplasmic reticulum and glycogen content of cells.
The Y Chromosome Epistatic and Ecogenetic Interactions in Genetic Hypertension

Previous studies have revealed conflicting evidence concerning a Y-chromosome effect on blood pressure (BP) in genetic crosses involving different strains of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR or SHRSP). We had previously found an approximately 16 mm Hg difference in systolic BP (P < 10(-7)) at baseline but not after dietary salt loading (P = .82) between F2 males derived from an SHRSPHD grandfather and a Wistar-Kyoto (WKYHD-0) grandmother and F2 males from a reciprocal cross (WKYHD-0 grandfather). When we examined F2 animals from reciprocal crosses between SHRSPHD and a congenic strain, WKYHD-1, which carries a 6-centimorgan-long SHRSPHD-homologous genomic fragment on chromosome 10 that contains a quantitative trait locus linked to BP (BP/SP-la), we found no significant differences either at baseline (P = .39) or after salt loading (P = .51) in the two reciprocal F2 cohorts. To test the hypothesis that Y-chromosome-autosomal epistasis accounts for the discrepant Y-chromosome effects on BP, we analyzed the interaction between BP/SP-1a and reciprocal cross status on BP in the two crosses. In the F2 (WKYHD-0xSHRSPHD) cross, no significant interaction was found for basal systolic BP (P = .89), arguing against a major influence of BP/SP-1a on the Y-chromosome effects on basal BP. However, a significant interaction between zygosity at the BP/SP-1a locus and reciprocal cross status for systolic BP after salt loading (P = .022) indicated that the BP/SP-1a-SHRSPHD allele exhibited a significant effect on BP after dietary excess salt only in males that inherited the SHRSP Y chromosome. These results support the relevance of a Y-chromosome effect on BP and suggest that a complex interplay of epistatic and ecogenetic interactions governs its effect on phenotype.
Neutron detection alternatives to 3He for national security applications

One of the main uses for 3He is in gas proportional counters for neutron detection. Large radiation detection systems deployed for homeland security and proliferation detection applications use such systems. Due to the large increase in use of 3He for homeland security and basic research, the supply has dwindled, and can no longer meet the demand. This has led to the search for an alternative technology to replace the use of 3He-based neutron detectors. In this paper, we review the testing of currently commercially available alternative technologies for neutron detection in large systems used in various national security applications.
A comparison of the utilization of methyl and p-nitrophenyl esters in determining the specificity of α-chymotrypsin

Abstract The rates of hydrolysis by α-chymotrypsin (α-CT) of the p-nitrophenyl esters (NPE) of several N-acetyl- d - and l -amino acids have been measured. The kinetic data for these esters and the corresponding methyl esters (ME) make it possible to compare the employment of k 3 , ( k c K m ) ME and ( k c K m ) NPE for determining the specificity of α-CT in the hydrolysis of RCH(NHCOCH3)COX substrates. We find: (1) where structural specificity toward acetyl- l -amino acid derivatives is considered, the order of susceptibility toward variations in R is ( k c K m ) ME > ( k c K m ) NPE > k 3 ; (2) for d -amino acid derivatives, ( k c K m ) NPE , unlike k3, is remarkably insensitive to the R-group present; (3) if stereospecificity is measured, the nature of R influences [ ( k c K m ) L ( k c K m ) D ] ME far more than it does (k 3 ) L (k 3 ) D or [ ( k c K m ) L ( k c K m ) D ] NPE .
Pustular eruption induced by olanzapine, a novel antipsychotic agent☆☆☆★

Pustular eruptions caused by medications are unusual. Antipsychotic agents have not been previously reported to cause pustular reactions. We report a case of olanzapine-induced pustular drug eruption.
Disproportionation reactions between CF2H and C2H5 radicals in the gas phase

The disproportionation and combination reactions between CF2H and C2H5 radicals have been studied in the gas phase from room temperature to 70°C. For the pathway which yields CF2H2 + C2H4, relative to CF2HC2H5, Δ = 0.072 ± 0.019. The competing reaction channel that produces CF2 + C2H6 is approximately four times as efficient, with Δ = 0.265 ± 0.038. With CF2D radicals an isotope effect for the CF2 + C2H5D reaction pathway was observed with Δ ≅ 0.2.
Electron microscopic investigations on the upper respiratory tracts of infants and children for detecting viral infections.

Abstract The upper respiratory tract of 20 infants and children, suffering from viral diseases, have been investigated cytochemically and electron microscopically. We employed the electron microscope negative staining and the concanavalin-A-peroxidase methods in our investigations, besides the usual serological and immunological ones. Concanavalin-A-peroxidase reaction showed a characteristic damaging of the cell-surface which may play an important role in viral infection. The electron microscope negative staining investigations showed adeno-, herpes- and influenza-virions which are referring to viruses. These morphological methods are useful and they increase the efficiency of diagnosing viral infections.
Polychlorinated biphenyls in the sediments and fish of an Oklahoma stream

Sediments of Pryor Creek, Oklahoma, USA, are polluted with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from an industrial source. PCBs enter the stream as rainfall erodes a mixture of clay and paper pulp containing PCBs. Concentrations of PCBs in the sediments ranged from 0·23 to 7·20 μg/g, but no PCBs have been detected in the water. No correlation was found between PCB concentrations in sediments and downstream distance. PCB levels in sediments were significantly greater (0·05 < p < 0·01) at areas of increased sediment deposition. Concentrations of PCBs in fish fillets were significantly greater (0·05 < p < 0·01) in detritivores than in either omnivores or predators. No significant difference was found between omnivores and predators. PCB concentrations in fillets from two species were found to be significantly correlated with either body weight, lipid content, or both. Concentration factors for fish fillets ranged from 0·319 for white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) up to 10·319 for river carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio).
INFRARED SOLID STATE IMAGING ARRAYS

Possible system applications of Infrared Charge Transfer Devices are reviewed. It is found that this device technology can have a very significant systems impact. Analyses are performed to calculate the quantum efficiency, quantum yield, frequency response, photoconductive gain, operating temperature, noise and the distinction between parallel and transverse bias configurations of silicon detectors. Tables of silicon detector properties are included. Approaches to the interface circuitry which couples the detectors and the CTD multiplexer are examined. Examples of existing low background and high background IRCTD detector arrays are given.
Predicting Commercial Mortgage Foreclosure Experience

This study has two objectives: (1) it directly evaluates the relationship between commercial mortgage default incidence and characteristics of the mortgage, borrower, property, market, and general economic conditions, and (2) it uses this relationship to predict the exposure of life insurers to future mortgage defaults and to examine the relative importance of various causes of current and past credit quality problems. A theoretical model of the default decision predicts that the decision would be expected to be driven primarily by the borrower's current equity stake in the property, or the ratio of the market value of the loan to property value (Mt/Vt), but that the presence and magnitude of transaction costs associated with default would be expected to result in underexercise of the default option. Empirical estimation making use of American Council of Life Insurance (ACLI) and National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF) data confirms both expectations. A high proportion of the longitudinal variation in foreclosure incidence is explained by variations in Mt/Vt, but even at high ratios Mt/Vt in excess of 1.1. only 5% to 8% of mortgagors default, although this magnitude of underexercise is probably overstated because of problems in measuring Mt and for other reasons. Simulations using the model provide a pessimistic outlook for future defaults. Default rates are predicted to double in the five-year period 1988–93. Other simulations examine the relative importance of interest rate fluctuations, property value declines, and geographic or temporal correlations in lending during the 1976–88 period on current default experience.
Comment on "Characterization of the tunneling conductance across DNA bases".

In a recent paper, Zikic et al. [Phys. Rev. E 74, 011919 (2006)] present first-principles calculations of the DNA nucleotides' electrical conductance. They report qualitative and quantitative differences with previous work, in particular with that of Zwolak and Di Ventra [Nano Lett. 5, 421 (2005)] and Lagerqvist et al. [Nano Lett. 6, 779 (2006)]. In this comment we address the alleged discrepancies, showing that they come from a misrepresentation of our research. Further, we discuss in more detail the issue of geometric fluctuations previously investigated by us, and raised again in the work of Zikic et al. In addition, we point out erroneous comments made by Zikic et al. regarding the use of density functional theory calculations in transport.
Poly(acenaphtho[1,2-b]thieno[3,4-e]pyrazine): a new low band gap conjugated polymer

The preparation of a new conjugated polymer with a low band gap of ∼0.5 eV has been accomplished via the electropolymerization of acenaphto[1,2-b]thieno[3,4-e]pyrazine.
Effect on Dental Caries of Self-Application of Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride Paste and Gel

The caries inhibitory effect of self-applied acidulated phosphate fluoride paste and gel was evaluated in a three-year study. Annual examinations revealed significant caries inhibitory effects after two and three years that are attributed to the application of the fluoride gel but not the fluoride paste. No significant effect was found after the first year. Children in groups using the fluoride gel exhibited caries increments in DMF teeth and surfaces ranging from 22.1% to 24.8% less than children whose teeth were treated with the nonfluoride gel. Participants in this study were lifelong residents of communities in which the water supplies were deficient in fluoride.
Determining Thurston classes using Nielsen types

In previous work [3] we showed how the Thurston or Bers classifications of diffeomorphisms of surfaces could be obtained using the Nielsen types of the lifts of the diffeomorphism to the unit disc. In this paper we find improved conditions on the Nielsen types for the Thurston and Bers classes. We use them to verify that an example studied by Nielsen is a pseudo-Anosov diffeomorphism with stretching factor of degree 4. This example is of interest in its own right, but it also serves to illustrate exactly how the Nielsen types are used for verifying examples. We discuss the general usefulness of this method.
The Effect of Vagotomy and Pyloroplasty on the Gastrointestinal Mucosa of the Rat

Five weeks after truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty in rats, there was a trend towards a reduction in mucosal thickness of the stomach and small intestine compared with sham-operated animals. The reduction, however, was only significant in the corpus mucosa of the stomach (P = 0.02). Epithelial cell proliferation was reduced in the stomach compared with the sham-operated rats. The reduction, however, was only significant in the pyloric mucosa (P < 0.01). In the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, on the other hand. cell proliferation was increased compared with the sham-operated animals. In the jejenum the increase was highly significant (P < 0.01).
Improved Monolithic Photovoltaic-Electrochromic Devices Incorporating an a-SiC:H Solar Cell

In the tandem photovoltaic-electrochromic (PV-EC) device, a wide-gap, semitransparent, amorphous silicon-carbon alloy (a-SiC:H) photovoltaic device and an electrochromic optical transmittance modulator (EC device) are deposited sequentially to form a monolithic device on a single substrate. This device can be used as a “smart” window for active control of daylighting and building cooling load without an external electrical connection. Last year we reported preliminary results on our development of a semi-transparent PV cell incorporating an a-SiC:H i-layer. Here we report our recent progress on the semitransparent PV component of a PV-EC device and development of a Li-based EC device that colors at voltages below 0.9 V. Finally, we discuss both recent progress and difficulties in integrating the two devices on one substrate.
Biochemistry of adenosine triphosphatase activity of avian fast and slow muscle

Abstract The posterior latissimus dorsi (PLD), a pure twitch muscle, and the anterior latissimus dorsi (ALD), a pure tonus muscle, of the chicken were examined for a comparison of their actomyosin adenosine triphosphatase (AM-ATPase) activity. Other investigators have determined that the PLD contracts six to eight times faster than the ALD. The AM-ATPase activity of the PLD is only 1.4 times that of the ALD, which does not account for the difference in contraction times. Rather, the morphological differences between the two muscles are proposed as the basis for the difference in speeds of contraction. The well-developed SR and T system in the PLD provide a more rapid and efficient excitation-contraction coupling than in the ALD. The effects of cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) on these muscles were studied, and found to inhibit the AM-ATPase and lower the optimal ATP concentration. Rabbit skeletal muscle was studied for comparison, and cAMP was again found to inhibit the AM-ATPase. However, there was a differential inhibition of the fast and slow twitch muscles; the fast twitch muscles were inhibited to a greater degree than the slow twitch.
Intracellular Expression of the Plasmid-Encoded Toxin from Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli

The plasmid-encoded toxin (Pet) from enteroaggregative Escherichia coli is a serine protease autotransporter that acts as an enterotoxin and cytotoxin. When applied to epithelial cells in culture, purified toxin induces cell elongation and rounding, followed by exfoliation of cells from the substratum. These effects are accompanied by loss of actin stress fibers and electrophysiologic changes. Although it has been hypothesized that Pet has an intracellular site of action, evidence for this is indirect. In addition, Pet has recently been shown to cleave spectrin in vitro and in vivo. If Pet requires intracellular localization to execute its toxic effects, then intracellular expression of the protein could induce cytopathic effects similar to those observed when the toxin is applied to the cell surface. To test this hypothesis, we expressed the mature Pet toxin (comprising only the passenger domain of the Pet precursor) in the cytoplasm of HEp-2 cells by using mammalian expression vectors. Separately, we expressed the Pet passenger domain mutated at the catalytic serine (PetS260A), a construct that has been reported to lack toxic effects. Forty-eight hours after transient transfection of pcDNA3.1-pet in HEp-2 cells, we observed cell elongation and other morphological changes similar to those induced by applied toxin. Cells transfected with pcDNA3.1 vector alone appeared normal, while cells expressing the PetS260A mutant displayed similar (though less pronounced) changes compared with those in cells expressing pcDNA3.1-pet. Notably, intracellular expression of Pet was accompanied by condensation of the spectrin cytoskeleton. These studies corroborate an intracellular site of action for the Pet toxin, further implicate a role for spectrin in Pet intoxication, and provide a powerful tool for Pet structure and function analyses.
A cost-effective, case-control study on the association between breast cancer and pregnancy through web mining

We report a case-control epidemiological study through mining people's stories from the Internet. Our overarching goal is to test whether mining openly available, personal stories from the Internet is a cost-effective way for reliable epidemiological discoveries. As a case study, we focus on the association between breast cancer risk and pregnancy, which is clearly established through controlled clinical survey studies. Specifically, we automatically collected and mined 30,000 online obituary articles via a series of tailored cyber-informatics tools we developed. Replicating a case-control study design, we analyzed the collected data confirming with statistical significance that parity is associated with lower breast cancer risk. Our web mining study demonstrates promising preliminary evidence that online content mining can be a cost-effective and reliable way for epidemiological knowledge discovery.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma developed from human fallopian tube epithelial cells through defined genetic modifications.

Recent studies have suggested that some ovarian and pelvic serous carcinomas could originate from the fimbriated end of the distal fallopian tube. To test this hypothesis, we immortalized a normal human fallopian tube epithelial (FTE) cell line by using retrovirus-mediated overexpression of the early region of the SV40 T/t antigens and the human telomerase reverse transcriptase subunit (hTERT). These immortalized FTEs were then transformed by ectopic expression of oncogenic human HRAS (V12) . Tumorigenicity of the immortalized and/or transformed cells was subsequently tested by anchorage-independence growth assay and inoculation into nude mice via subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injection. As expected, the HRAS (V12) -transformed FTEs produced tumors through both subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections, whereas no tumor growth was observed in immortalized FTEs. Unexpectedly, histopathological examination of tumors resulting from subcutaneous as well as intraperitoneal injections revealed largely poorly differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma mixed with undifferentiated carcinoma. The tumor implants invaded extensively to the liver, colon, spleen, omentum, adrenal gland and renal capsule. Immunohistochemical staining of tumor cells showed positive staining for the epithelial cell markers cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and Mullerian lineage marker PAX8. Our study demonstrates that FTEs can generate poorly differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma mixed with undifferentiated carcinoma through genetic modifications. Thus, we provide the first experimental evidence that fimbrial epithelial cells of the fallopian tube could be a potential source of ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma.
Nanophotonics: Optical time reversal with graphene

Would you ever guess that a microscopic flake of graphite could reverse the diffraction of light? An experiment that demonstrates just such an effect highlights the exciting optical applications of graphene — an atomic layer of carbon with a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice.
CG Muscae: A Cataclysmic Mis-Classification

We have obtained extensive photometry of the suspected cataclysmic variable CG~Muscae, and find that it is in fact an RR Lyrae star. We measure its light curve parameters and derive physical parameters including metal abundance, reddening and distance. We also have discovered three new variables in the nearby field. We suspect that two are contact binary stars, while the third is too faint to determine its variability type with certaint.