cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1460: AKAP12 regulates melanoma tumor growth and metastasis

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Skin cancer, which accounts for at least half of all cancers in the United States, is predicted to affects 1 in 5 Americans in their lifetime. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is also the leading cause of all skin cancer deaths. This study demonstrates that AKAP12 (SSeCKS, AKAP250, gravin), a hypoxia-inducible scaffold protein, is considerably increased at the protein and RNA level in melanoma cell lines. In addition, there is a significant increase in RNA expression in primary and metastatic tumors when compared to normal specimens, as well as patients with poor prognosis, as measured by diminished 5- year survival. AKAP12 functions to dock many kinases and signaling proteins that regulate cell adhesion, spreading and migration, including: PKC, Src and F-actin. Since these processes are critical for tumor cell metastasis, we hypothesize that AKAP12 could be a central regulator of cancer progression. Stable knockdown of AKAP12 in two melanoma cell lines demonstrate decreases in invasion, migration and clonogenic potential in vitro, as well reduced colony forming abilities in conditions requiring anchorage-independent growth in soft agar. In vivo studies in a metastatic model of melanoma demonstrate a statistically significant decrease in tumors within the lungs of the AKAP12 knockdown groups, highlighting the importance of AKAP12 in metastatic disease. An orthotopic model also demonstrates decreased primary tumor growth and metastatic potential in mice injected with AKAP12 knocked down cells. Additionally, changes in cell morphology characteristic of increased motility and invasiveness are seen in cells containing AKAP12 but not those in which it had been knocked down. While this scaffold protein has been found to act as a tumor suppressor in several tissue types (lung, colon, prostate), we have uncovered its novel oncogenic properties in metastatic melanoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1460. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1460
Tip-sample interaction effects in scanning-tunneling and atomic-force microscopy

We present a theoretical analysis of tip-sample interactions in scanning-tunneling and atomic-force microscopy with atomic resolution, based on ab initio calculations of electronic structure, total energy, and forces. Our results for model systems consisting of a graphite monolayer and of 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2 or 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}3 arrays of aluminum-tip atoms at high-symmetry sites indicate that at separations below 4 A\r{} the tip already induces changes in electronic structure accompanied by significant charge rearrangements. In particular, site-specific localized states appear and provide a net binding interaction. Because the tip admixes states different than those near the Fermi level of pristine graphite, the tunneling current can deviate considerably from the commonly assumed proportionality to the local density of states of the unperturbed sample. Drastic changes occur at shorter distances where an overall repulsion prevails and where most measurements have been made to date. The ion-ion repulsion is found to determine the force corrugation in that range and up to the separation corresponding to maximum attraction. For the system considered here, the net attractive force on the tip and the corresponding gradient are weaker at the top site than at the hollow site.
Current and Emerging Chemotherapy Treatment Strategies for Wilms Tumor in North America

Wilms tumor is the most common primary renal malignancy occurring in childhood. Approximately 500 children are diagnosed with Wilms tumor annually in the US alone, most of whom are aged 90% for patients with tumors of favorable histology. However, the treatment of patients with Wilms tumor with anaplastic histology remains challenging. The optimal treatment strategies for Wilms tumor in relapse will be studied via international collaboration in the near future. Goals of emerging studies include minimizing toxicity while maintaining the outstanding cure rates for patients with a good prognosis and, through advancing biologic understanding and developing novel therapeutic approaches, improving the prognosis for those patients in whom effective cure of their disease continues to elude physicians.
Affecting Kt/V: An Analysis of Staff Interventions

This article examines current and past literature on the use of Kt/V to determine dialysis adequacy and the staff-dependent factors that influence this measurement of dialysis adequacy. The variance in Kt/V values between centers and between regions of the United States has been noted as a limitation in the interpretation of much evidence-based research and the topic of several studies. It is important for the dialysis staff, nurses in particular, to take a leading role in managing patient care in order to maximize Kt/V values, which are linked to morbidity and mortality. Although some believe that Kt/V is an inadequate measure of adequacy, it seems to be the value most associated with dialysis patients. Dialysis nurses are an essential link in managing a patient's dialysis prescription, central venous catheter management, and patient and staff education—the latter of critical importance in maximizing dialysis adequacy.
Contrapower Harassment in Academia: A Survey of Faculty Experience with Student Incivility, Bullying, and Sexual Attention

This study defines contrapower harassment in academia as student incivility, bullying, and sexual attention aimed at faculty. A U.S., Alaskan sample of 399 professors (50% women, 88% white) at the state’s largest public university was surveyed about their experience with contrapower harassment. Although men reported more sexual attention from students and comparable levels of student incivility–bullying, women reported that such behaviors were more upsetting and had a greater negative impact on their health and work-lives; they were also more likely to take action following such experiences than men. Tenure-track faculty appear to be at increased risk of student hostility. Discussion focuses on how gender and other markers of socio-cultural or institutional power relate to the experience of contrapower harassment.
Survey of publications and the H-index of Academic Emergency Medicine Professors.

Introduction: The number of publications and how often these have been cited play a role in academic promotion. Bibliometrics that attempt to quantify the relative impact of scholarly work have been proposed. The h-index is defined as the number (h) of publications for an individual that have been cited at least h times. We calculated the h-index and number of publications for academic emergency physicians at the rank of professor. Methods: We accessed the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine professor list in January of 2012. We calculated the number of publications through Web of Science and PubMed and the h-index using Google scholar and Web of Science. Results: We identified 299 professors of emergency medicine. The number of professors per institution ranged from 1 to 13. Median h-index in Web of Science was 11 (interquartile range [IQR] 6–17, range 0–51), in Google Scholar median h-index was 14 (IQR 9–22, range 0–63) The median number of publications reported in Web of Science was 36 (IQR 18–73, range 0–359. Total number of publications had a high correlation with the h-index (r=0.884). Conclusion: The h-index is only a partial measure of academic productivity. As a measure of the impact of an individual's publications it can provide a simple way to compare and measure academic progress and provide a metric that can be used when evaluating a person for academic promotion. Calculation of the h-index can provide a way to track academic progress and impact. [West J Emerg Med. 2014;15(3):290–292.]
Native Point Defect Densities and Dark Line Defects in ZnSe

Native point defect densities (including vacancies, antisites and interstitials) in ZnSe are calculated using a quasichemical formalism, including both vibrational and electronic contributions to the defect free energy. The electronic contribution to the defect formation free energy is calculated using the self-consistent first-principles full-potential linearized muffin-tin orbital (FP-LMTO) method and the local-density approximation (LDA). Gradient corrections are included so that absolute reference to zinc atoms in the vapor phase can be made. We find that the Frenkel defect formation energy is ~0.3 eV lower at a stacking fault than in the bulk lattice. Nonradiative-recombination-induced Frenkel defect generation at stacking faults is proposed as a mechanism responsible for the limited device lifetimes.
A Requirements Management System based on an Optimization Model of the Design Process

Abstract In this paper, the engineering design process is modeled as an optimization problem over the system design space, where the goals, desired outcomes, and trade-off preferences of the customer define measurable objective functions. In this formulation, customer requirements become constraints that define the feasible region of all potential system designs. This paper proposes an implementation of a requirement management process that is based on the aforementioned reformulation of the design process. The ultimate goals of such a reformulation are to provide a way of viewing the requirements that better communicates customer wishes to the design team, to increase customer participation in the system definition process, improve adherence to customer wishes when conflicts and trade-off situations arise, and to allow for integration of decision making techniques and rationales with the requirements discovery and management processes. After describing the proposed requirements management model, this paper describes some potential methods of solving non-linear optimization problems that may be applied to this formulation of the design process, and under what conditions those methods apply. Further case studies are suggested to evaluate this methodology's performance against traditional requirements management systems in relation to the metrics described above.
The Nature of Technology-Mediated Instruction in Globalized Distance Education

The purpose of this paper is to discuss technology-mediated communication and interaction in globalized distance education. We will briefly present the context, methods, findings, and implications of a research and development program we have been running for the last five years at Western Illinois University in collaboration with other institutions in the US, Mexico, and Cyprus (Intercollege). The emphasis will be on discussing the differences between face-to-face (F2F) and technology-mediated interaction. Online interaction may be slower and ‘lacking’ in continuity, richness, and immediacy, when compared to F2F interaction; however, in some ways online interaction may be as good as or even superior to F2F interaction. We will use selected findings from our work to theorize the nature of interaction in online distance education in a globalized world. Our argument is that despite differences between F2F and online distance education, the latter should not be considered as second best, because there are significant qualities of online education that are often ignored.
Acoustic models and sonar systems

The basic types of acoustic models are reviewed. These include ray models, spectral integral models, normal mode models, parabolic equation modeling, and 3-D acoustic modeling. Their application to conventional sonar simulation problems is demonstrated. Examples of their use in more advanced signal processing applications are presented. >
Free amino acids of human foetal and adult liver.

THE glycine and α-amino nitrogen concentrations in rabbit foetal muscle are approximately three times as great as in maternal muscle1. Previous studies on regenerating rat liver indicate increased concentrations of α-amino nitrogen and glutathione during regeneration2. These observations suggest a relationship between high concentrations of amino acids and increased protein synthesis. Studies of the amino acid concentrations of tumours also show that elevated concentrations of amino acids are present during rapid growth3. The foetal liver of the guinea-pig, however, unlike foetal muscle, has been found to have the same concentration of amino acids as the maternal liver.
Identifying high yield sources of patients with coronary artery disease for clinical trials: Lessons from the asymptomatic cardiac ischemia pilot (ACIP) experience

Background and hypothesis: Successful recruitment strategies for ischemic heart disease (IHD) clinical trials must identify high yield sources and efficient methods for selecting patients likely to have coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemia, but such information is lacking. Methods: Data from the recently completed Asymptomatic Cardiac Ischemia Pilot (ACIP) Trial were used as a model contemporary CAD/IHD trial to determine the relative patient yields, within a specific time frame, for various recruitment sources. Results: Over 15 months, a total of 88,881 patient records was screened at 10 sites. The highest yield source was found by screening records of patients directly referred by a physician for possible study entry. This source accounted for 595 of 814 or 73% of potential patients and for 30% of patients eventually randomized. The largest volume of potential patients was observed from coronary angiographic laboratory record screening, and this source accounted for 39% (n = 7,542) of potential patients and for 24% of those randomized. The exercise electrocardiography (ECG) laboratory patient records yielded only 16% (5,340/33,784) of potential patients and 35% of patients randomized, but this source required considerably more time and resources for screening. Conclusions: Considering that time and resources for screening are fixed by budget in any trial, there is a need to balance high volume-moderate yield sources with low volume-high yield sources in order to optimize recruitment in future larger scale trials, and these data provide information and direction to focus such screening efforts.
Stability of Repeated Sequence Clusters in Hybrids of Maize as Revealed by FISH

Previous studies of genome size in inbreds and hybrids had revealed that in some combinations the genome size in hybrids deviates from the midparent value of the parents. We examined whether repetitive sequence arrays such as knob heterochromatin, centromere repeats and ribosomal RNAs, as visualized cytologically in root tip chromosome spreads, would reveal any changes in copy number in such hybrids. The results indicate that no obvious changes in copy number are observed. Thus, the mechanisms by which repetitive arrays change copy number seem unrelated to the hybrid effect. Moreover, the hybrid genome effect is not manifested in gross changes in the most common repetitive sequences in the genome as determined in root tip spreads.
ENCOMPASS: An environment for the incremental development of software

Abstract ENCOMPASS is an integrated environment constructed by the SAGA project to support incremental software development in a manner similar to the Vienna Development Method. In this paper, we describe the architecture of ENCOMPASS and give an example of software development in the environment. In ENCOMPASS, software is modeled as entities that may have relationships between them. These entities can be structured into complex hierarchies that may be seen through different views. The configuration management system stores and structures the components developed and used in a project, as well as providing a mechanism for controlling access. The project management system implements a milestone-based policy using the mechanism provided. In ENCOMPASS, software is first specified using a combination of natural language and PLEASE, a wide-spectrum, executable specification and design language. Components specified in PLEASE are then incrementally refined into components written in Ada®; ∗ this process can be viewed as the construction of a proof in the Hoare calculus. Each refinement is verified before another is applied; therefore, the final components produced by the development satisfy the original specification. PLEASE specifications may be used in formal proofs of correctness; they may also be transformed into executable prototypes that can be used in the validation and design processes. ENCOMPASS provides automated support for all aspects of software development using PLEASE. We believe the use of ENCOMPASS will enhance the software-development process.
Expression of multiple forms of the prolactin receptor in mouse liver

We have characterized the PRL receptor (PRL-R) present in mouse liver by purification, cross-linking, and immunological analysis of the protein, and by the isolation of PRL-R cDNA clones. Analysis of the cDNA clones indicates that the liver receptor is actually a family of proteins. Two of these proteins are predicted to be synthesized as precursors of 303 and 292 amino acids, with common signal sequences, extracellular domains, and transmembrane domains; a portion of their cytoplasmic domains are also identical, but these proteins differ markedly in the terminal region of this domain. A third PRL-R protein is predicted to be a truncated form and may be secreted. These multiple PRL-R mRNAs appear to be encoded by at least two genes, with the sequence variation for the two full-length proteins likely due to alternative RNA splicing. These results suggest that the varied actions of PRL may involve multiple receptors that are part of distinct signal transduction pathways.
Brief prevention for adolescent risk-taking behavior

AIMS: Despite widespread prevention efforts to decrease adolescent risk-taking, substance use and driving after drinking (DD) are prevalent in the United States. The current study compared the efficacy of an abbreviated version of Drug Abuse and Resistance Education (DARE-A) to a new Risk Skills Training Program (RSTP). DESIGN: Adolescent participation in drinking, drug use, DD and riding with a drunk driver was examined longitudinally. After baseline assessments, adolescents were randomly assigned to the RSTP. DARE-A or a no intervention control group and then completed 2-month post-test and 6-month follow-up assessments. SETTING: Adolescents attended a mid-sized suburban high school. PARTICIPANTS: The sample (N = 300) was comprised of 58% females and the age range was 14-19 years. INTERVENTION: The RSTP was developed to target several risk behaviors and to examine the feasibility of conducting a brief personalized prevention program in a group setting. DARE-A focused on increasing knowledge and understanding the deleterious effects of substance use. MEASUREMENTS: Risk-taking behavior, perception of peer risk-taking and positive and negative alcohol expectancies were assessed. FINDINGS: RSTP participants decreased participation in several risk behaviors at post-test, but reductions were not maintained at 6-month follow-up. The control and DARE-A groups increased their positive and decreased their negative alcohol expectancies. The control group increased their alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that a brief, personalized, group prevention program is a feasible approach to reducing adolescent risk-taking. Strategies must be developed to solidify these positive changes so that they are longer-lasting. Language: en
Temperature Influence on Acetyllysine Interaction with Glucose in Model Systems due to Maillard Reaction

Abstract : The interaction between N-alpha-acetyllysine and glucose was investigated in a dry cellulose matrix (1.8% moisture) at 40, 50 and 60 deg C and a sub w 0.19-0.21. The loss in acetyllysine in 6 days at those temperatures was 22, 54, and 79%, respectively. The degradation data more clearly fit a double exponential function (AeBX + CeDX) than the first order function, AeBx. An estimate of the activation energy of 36 kcal/ mol and a Ql0 of 5.5 was computed from second order rate constants for acetyllysine and glucose degradation. The increase in color followed zero order kinetics and indicated an activation energy of 44 kcal/mol for the presumed third phase of the Maillard reaction in the solid state.
Confidence curves in nonlinear regression

Abstract Standard Wald confidence regions for parameters in a normal nonlinear regression model often fail to capture accurately the uncertainty of estimation as reflected by the corresponding profile log-likelihood. We present a graphical method, along with a stable computational algorithm, for inference on scalar parameters in a nonlinear regression model.
Explosive spread F caused by lightning-induced electromagnetic effects

Lightning-produced electromagnetic effects may produce significant modifications in the ionospheric plasmas. An outstanding phenomenon investigated in this paper is the so-called explosive spread F, whose close link with lightning has been identified (Woodman and Kudeki, 1984). Parametric instability excited by the lightning-induced whistler waves is proposed as a potential source mechanism causing the explosive spread F.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy using a single nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond

We present investigation of a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond and couplings to surrounding electron spins. Using double electron-electron resonance spectroscopy, we demonstrate magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy of nitrogen electron spins surrounding a single NV center in diamond. In addition, we discuss development of a MR system to investigate NV centers at high magnetic fields.
Synthesis and conformational analysis of polydepsipeptides

The synthesis and conformational analysis of several polydepsipeptides containing alkyl or polar residues are reported. Five separate routes to the synthesis of depsipeptide monomers and two methods of polymerization are decribed. Polydepsipeptides containing alanine, valine, leucine, lactic acid, α-hydroxyisovaleric acid, glutamic acid, and lysine were prepared and their conformations in solution analyzed. Helix-to-coil transitions for specific polydespsipeptides are obsurved in single organic solvents such as chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, or trifluoroethanol. A statistical thermodynamic theory of polymer melting successfully describes the observed transitions and allows quantitative determination of the tendency of specific amino acid residues to form helical arrays.
Positional characteristics of capacitive power transfer as a resonance coupling system

Capacitive power transfer has many important merits including less heating, less effect from metal barriers and more material options. But its positional characteristics had not been studied quantitatively and generically enough. This study analyzed the capacitive power transfer with the same manner as magnetic resonance. The analysis on the equivalent circuit model showed the positional characteristics of the efficiency are determined by coupling coefficient as in magnetic resonance. The coupling coefficient simulation showed the effective range is as long as that of magnetic resonance along the distance and is longer along the one of misalignment directions.
Laser applications to fundamental weak interaction studies

The possibility of performing weak interaction experiments usingspectroscopic techniques is discussed. In such an experiment, a laser is tunedto an electronic transition of the daughter, and a signal whose strength isproportional to the number of recoil atoms is monitored, such as fluorescence,absorption, or anisotropy induced in radiation emitted in a subsequent nucleardecay. As a specific example of this technique, we consider measuring theangular correlation between the momenta of the electron and the antineutrinoemitted in the decay/sup 85/Kr/r arrow//sup 85/Rb/sup m/+..beta../sup /minus//+/nu/bar //using the laser-induced nuclear orientation technique. Such anexperiment is currently under way.
An ultrasound window to perform scanned, focused ultrasound hyperthermia treatments of brain tumors

A series of calculations and tests were performed on polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylic, and a commercially available polymethyl methacrylate cranioplastic to determine which material would best serve as an acoustical window in the skull. The purpose of the window is to transmit focused ultrasound to treat brain tumors with hyperthermia. Each material was evaluated based on its ability to transmit power and to protect the brain. The results revealed that, of the four materials tested, polyethylene transmitted the largest percentage of incident power and is the toughest and best suited material to protect the brain. Further physical tests showed that a polyethylene plate does not significantly distort the sound field. Finally, acute and chronic dog tests (supported by theoretical calculations) using the polyethylene as an acoustical window through the skull showed that it will not reach temperatures greater than the target hyperthermia temperature (42 degrees C) at the required intensity levels unless the tumor is near the skull and the skin surface is not cooled. Since polyethylene effectively transmits power without distorting the sound field of overheating in dog tests, it may now be used in Phase 1 clinical ultrasound hyperthermia tests on human patients. However, the chronic animal studies indicated that the collagen which composes the dura thickens under the cranioplasty and absorbs increasingly greater amounts of power with time. A thick layer of organized fibrous tissue also formed on the external surface of the cranioplasty, filling in the cavity formed by the exterior surface of the cranioplasty and by the excision of the temporalis muscle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Exploring the Relationships among Multicultural Training Experiences and Attitudes toward Diversity among Counseling Students.

The authors surveyed a national sample of master's-level counseling students regarding their multicultural training experiences and their attitudes toward racial diversity and gender equity (see G. L. Dickson & D. A. Jepsen, 2007). Hierarchical regression models showed that student perceptions of program cultural ambience predicted positive cognitive attitudes toward racial diversity. Participatory instructional strategies predicted positive affective attitudes toward racial diversity. Los autores entrevistaron a una muestra nacional de estudiantes de Master en programas de consejeria en relacion a sus experiencias en formacion multicultural y sus actitudes hacia la diversidad racial y la igualdad de sexo (ver G. L. Dickson & D. A. Jepsen, 2007). Los modelos de regresion jerarquica mostraron que las percepciones de los estudiantes de la atmosfera cultural en sus programas predijeron actitudes cognitivas positivas hacia la diversidad racial. Las estrategias didacticas participativas predijeron actitudes afectivas positivas hacia la diversidad racial.
The protonation of alkyldiazenido derivatives of molybdenum. The crystal and molecular structure of the benzene solvate of iodo-N-octylhydrazidobis[1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane] molybdenum iodide

Abstract The monoprotonation of MoI(N2C8H17)(dppe)2 (I, where dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) by anhydrous HX (where X = Cl, Br, and I) to give [MoI(NNHC8H17)(dppe)2] X is reported. The crystal and molecular structure of the benzene solvate of [MoI(NNHC8H17)(dppe)2] I has been determined and the unique hydrogen atom located.
Computer models for computation and verification of bronchial morphology

Accurate physiological measurements of the parameters like branching angles, branch lengths, and diameters of bronchial tree structures help in addressing the mechanistic and diagnostic questions related to obstructive lung disease. In order to facilitate these measurements, bronchial trees are reduced to a central axis tree. The approach we take employs first setting up a theoretical computerized tree structure, and then applying a 3D analysis to obtain the required anatomical data. A stick model was set up in 3D, with segment endpoints and diameters as input parameters to the model generator. By fixing the direction in which the slices are taken, a stack of 2D images of the generated 3D tree model is obtained, thereby simulating bronchial data sets. We design a two pass algorithm to compute the central axis tree and apply it on our models. In the first pass, the topological tree T is obtained by implementing a top-down seeded region growing algorithm of the 3D tree model. In the second pass, T is used to region growth along the axes of the branches. As the 3D tree model is traversed bottom-up, the centroid values of the cross sections of the branches are stored in the corresponding branch of T. At each bifurcation, the branch point and the three direction vectors along the branches are computed, by formulating it as a nonlinear optimization problem that minimizes the sum of least squares error of the centroid points of the corresponding branches. By connecting the branch points with straight lines, we obtain a reconstructed central axis tree which closely corresponds to the input stick model. We also studied the effect of adding external noise to out tree models and evaluating the physiological parameters. We conclude with the results of our algorithm on real airway trees.
Comment on Jack Parker's article 'How much is a scientist worth?' in EMBO reports, November 2002.

What is frequently overlooked when comparing scientists' salaries is the situation in the pre‐accession countries to the European Union (EU) that are likely to soon join the EU and its labour market. This will definitely change the comparison of average postdoctoral salaries as laid out by Jack Parker in his article. As an example, the lowest possible salary for a postdoc …
994-97 Quantitating Pulmonary Capillary Volume Using Digital Parametric Angiographic Analysis

Assessment of the distal pulmonary vasculature in patients with pulmonary hypertension has been limited to qualitative description of pulmonary arteriograms. Digital parametric imaging, using contrast density and transit time, has been used to qualitative blood volume and flow in the coronary and renal vascular beds. This study was performed to determine whether digital parametric imaging can quantitate vascular volume in the distal pulmonary capillary bed with pulmonary flow intact. Two digital angiograms of the pulmonary vasculature were acquired in 11 patients with varying degrees of pulmonary hypertension. A balloon flotation catheter was advanced distally into the pulmonary artery. The first angiogram (static image) was performed with blood flow occluded by inflation of the catheter balloon. Non-ionic contrast was then hand injected to completely fill the vasculature beyond the balloon occlusion. The second angiogram (flow image) was performed with the balloon deflated and blood flow preserved. A hand injection of a rapid bolus of contrast, 1–2 cc, was given. Digital subtraction image data were obtained at 15 frames/sec at end expiration for both angiograms. Contrast density measurements of the distal pulmonary vasculature were determined from the static images in various 2 × 2 mm areas using digital parametric imaging. The maximum density in these same areas was similarly determined from the flow images. The correlation of the density measurements between the static and the flow images in 64 regions of interest was excellent (R = 0.92, regression slope = 0.98). This correlation was similar to that observed for repeated injections using the same technique (flow image) (R = 0.97, regression slope = 0.97). Conclusion Digital parametric measurements of pulmonary capillary volume obtained with blood flow preserved are the same as those obtained with flow occluded and the entire bed replaced by contrast. This method allows quantitation of pulmonary vascular volume and flow using a simple, single contrast injection in the distal pulmonary artery.
Graphene-Supported High-Resolution TEM and STEM Imaging of Silicon Nanocrystals and their Capping Ligands

Using graphene as an ultrathin support, high-resolution transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM and STEM) images of organic ligand-stabilized silicon (Si) nanocrystals with unprecedented clarity were obtained. TEM images of Si nanocrystals are usually obscured on conventional amorphous carbon TEM supports because of low atomic number (Z) contrast. The atomically thin graphene supports enabled clear images of the crystalline Si cores and, for the first time, organic capping ligands. Various twin defects were observed, often accompanied by very significant lattice distortion and anisotropic strain.
Determination of photomodified oligodeoxynucleotides by exonuclease digestion, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization and post-source decay mass spectrometry.

A fast method to detect and sequence photomodified oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) by exonuclease digestion and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) is reported. Upon treatment of modified ODNs with both phosphodiesterase I and phosphodiesterase II, the digestion stops at the sites of photomodification. Post-source decay (PSD) of MALDI-produced ions from two enzymatic digestion end products distinguishes isomers such as 5′-d(T[cis-syn]TAAGC) and 5′-d(CGAAT[cis-syn]T), which have symmetrical or identical compositions at the 3′ and 5′ ends, respectively. Studies have also been done to follow the kinetics for enzyme degradation of photomodified ODNs. The calculated rate constants from a mathematical treatment of the time-dependent MALDI data clearly show that the enzymatic digestion rate slows as the enzyme approaches the modified site.
Axisymmetric instabilities of electrically driven viscoelastic jets

Abstract A theoretical and experimental investigation of the axisymmetric stability of electrically driven viscoelastic jets observed during electrospinning is presented. In the theoretical study, a linear stability analysis for the emergence of axisymmetric instability is coupled with a model for the development of the ‘stable jet’ in electrospinning. The Oldroyd-B fluid model is used to account for the non-Newtonian viscoelastic behavior of the polymer solutions that are electrospun. The simulation predicts the critical conditions (growth rate and wavenumber) at the onset of axisymmetric instability. In our experimental study, viscoelastic polyisobutylene (PIB)-based Boger fluids are electrospun. The axisymmetric instabilities observed are captured using high-speed photography, and the experimental instability growth rate and wavenumber are extracted from the digitized images. These are then compared with the stability analysis predictions. Both stability analysis and experiments show that increasing the fluid viscoelasticity up until a certain point results in a drastic stabilization of the axisymmetric mode. Such drastic stabilization of the axisymmetric mode by viscoelasticity coincides with the coil-stretch transition of polymer molecules in the unperturbed state. The examination of the disturbance-energy equation shows that both electric stress and polymeric stress give rise to strong stabilization.
Thiolato-technetium complexes. 4(1): Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical properties of bis(1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)-ethane)technetium(III) complexes with arene-thiolato ligands

The reaction of trans-[Tcv(OH)(O)(DMPE)2]2+ (DMPE = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane) with a series of arenethiols in base produces the novel complexes cis-[TcIII-(SC6H4X-p)2 (DMPE)2]+ for X = H, Cl, Me, OMe, t-Bu. One of the complexes has been characterized by X-ray crystallography: cis-[Tc(SPh)2(DMPE)2]PF6, chemical formula Tc1S2P5F6C24H42, crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P21nb with Z = 4 and lattice parameters a = 9.311(1) A, b=11.190(2) A, c = 31.936(4) A, Vol = 3327.3(8) A3. The final weighted R-value was 0.033. Averaged structural parameters are Tc—S = 2.29(2) A, Tc—P (trans to P) = 2.42(1) A, Tc—P (trans to S) = 2.49(3) A, Tc—S—C = 118.5(5)°. The complexes have been characterized by FAB mass spectrometry and u.v.-vis. spectroscopy. The visible region charge transfer bands are diagnostic for cis geometry in the [Tc(SR)2(DMPE)2]+ complexes. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical measurements show reversible TcIII/II redox couples in the range -0.19V to -0.38V versus Ag/AgCl (3 M NaCl). Irreversible couples are exhibited at ca. -1.1 V to -1.2 V for TcII/I and +0.7V to +0.9V for TcIV/III. Variation in redox potential is discussed in terms of sulphur nucleophilicity.
Diarrhea and medullary carcinoma of the thyroid

A retrospective analysis of data from all cases of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid seen at the Mayo Clinic from 1927 to 1969 was done to document the incidence and clinical patterns of diarrheal syndromes associated with this condition. 11 patients with histologically confirmed carcinoma of the thyroid were included. 32% (n-36) had diarrhea as a significant complaint during the course of malignant disease. The bowel problem was more frequent in patients with proven metastases. In 15 patients the diarrhea developed during the course of the disease and in 21 it preceded the diagnosis of cancer by a median time of 1 year. Of 16 patients who had diarrhea before resection of primary lesion 11 had remission of diarrhea after surgery. In general the diarrhea was moderate in frequency and was loose or watery; 2 patients had mild steatorrhea. 2 other patients had significantly elevated urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Therefore medullary carcinoma produces a variety of circulating substances of which the acetic acid is one that may produce gastrointestinal toxicity.
Parallel synthesis and biophysical characterization of a degradable polymer library for gene delivery.

We recently reported the parallel synthesis of 140 degradable poly(β-amino esters) via the conjugate addition of 20 primary or secondary amine monomers to seven different diacrylate monomers. To explore possible structure/function relationships and further characterize this class of materials, we investigated the ability of each DNA-complexing polymer to overcome important cellular barriers to gene transfer. The majority of vectors were found to be uptake-limited, but complexes formed from polymers B14 and G5 displayed high levels of internalization relative to “naked” DNA (18× and 32×, respectively). Effective diameter and zeta potential measurements indicated that, in general, small particle size and positive surface charge led to higher internalization rates. Of the 10 DNA/polymer complexes with the highest uptake levels, all had effective diameters less than 250 nm and nine had positive zeta potentials. Lysosomal trafficking was investigated by measuring the pH environment of delivered DNA. Complexes ...
COPPER METALLURGY IN A PREHISTORIC HOUSEHOLD, CASMA VALLEY, PERU

Excavations at the site of Manchan in 1982 uncovered evidence for simple copper metallurgy in domestic contexts in a barrio of cane-walled structures. Seventy-eight items with evidence of copper working were located in a 1200 m2 area, representing three activity areas. Evidence indicates that metallurgical activities took place on a simple scale, by part-time craftsmen, and were not spatially separated from domestic activities.
Wnt10b activates the wnt, notch, and NFκB pathways in u2os osteosarcoma cells

Although osteosarcoma represents the most common bone malignancy, the molecular and cellular mechanisms influencing its pathogenesis have remained elusive. Recent evidence has suggested that the Wnt signaling pathway may play a crucial role in osteosarcoma. This study employed a microarray approach to discover novel genes and pathways involved in Wnt signaling in osteosarcoma. We developed a Wnt10b-expressing cell line using the human U2OS osteosarcoma model (U2OS-Wnt10b) and performed microarray and pathway analyses using parental U2OS cells as control. Differential expression of 1,003 genes encompassing 28 pathways was noted. The Wnt, NFκB, and Notch pathways were chosen for further study based on their known importance in bone biology. Known Wnt-responsive genes Axin-2 (4.9-fold), CD44 (2.1-fold), endothelin-1 (4.2-fold) and sclerostin domain containing-1 (43-fold) were regulated by Wnt10b. The proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1α and tumor necrosis factor-α, known inducers of NFκB, were upregulated both at the transcript and protein level, and NFκB reporter activity was stimulated 3.8-fold, confirming NFκB activation. Interestingly, genes involved in Notch signaling [Notch-1 (2.4-fold) and Jagged-1 (3.1-fold)] were upregulated, whereas the Notch inhibitor, lunatic fringe, was downregulated (8.2-fold). This resulted in the activation of the classic Notch-responsive genes, hairy and enhancer of split-1 (Hes-1; 2.2-fold) and hairy/enhancer-of-split related with YRPW motif-1 (Hey-1; 2.5-fold). A Hey-1 reporter construct was regulated 9.1-fold in U2OS-Wnt10b cells, confirming Notch activation. Interestingly, Wnt3a failed to induce the Notch and NFκB pathways, demonstrating Wnt-specificity. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that Wnt10b, but not Wnt3a, stimulates the NFκB and Notch pathways in U2OS osteosarcoma cells.
Quantitative comparison of reactive distillation with conventional multiunit reactor/column/recycle systems for different chemical equilibrium constants

Recent advances in technologies based on process intensification offer different design alternatives for chemical processes including reaction and separation units. An excellent example of process intensification is reactive distillation, which combines reaction and separation units in one piece of equipment. This paper studies the steady-state economic optimum design of a chemical process with a generic exothermic reversible reaction A + B ↔ C + D for two different process flowsheets: a conventional multiunit reactor/separator/recycle structure and a reactive distillation column. Each system is optimized in terms of the total annual cost for a wide range of chemical equilibrium constants, KEQ. In the conventional system, the design optimization variables include the reactor temperature, reactor size, and recycle flow rate. In the reactive distillation system, the design optimization variables include the pressure, number of reactive trays, and number of total trays. The two systems are designed for iden...
The Statistical Analysis of Multi-Voxel Patterns in Functional Imaging

The goal of multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) in BOLD imaging is to determine whether patterns of activation across multiple voxels change with experimental conditions. MVPA is a powerful technique, its use is rapidly growing, but it poses serious statistical challenges. For instance, it is well-known that the slow nature of the BOLD response can lead to greatly exaggerated performance estimates. Methods are available to avoid this overestimation, and we present those here in tutorial fashion. We go on to show that, even with these methods, standard tests of significance such as Students’ T and the binomial tests are invalid in typical MRI experiments. Only a carefully constructed permutation test correctly assesses statistical significance. Furthermore, our simulations show that performance estimates increase with both temporal as well as spatial signal correlations among multiple voxels. This dependence implies that a comparison of MVPA performance between areas, between subjects, or even between BOLD signals that have been preprocessed in different ways needs great care.
Policy-based validation of SAN configuration

Historically, storage has been directly connected to servers for fast local access and easy configuration. In recent years, storage area networks (SANs) have defined an alternative storage paradigm that allows storage to be shared among servers using fast interconnects. One of the key challenges of SAN management is the large number of configuration problems that are encountered in a typical SAN deployment. These configuration problems can be addressed by SAN management software. However, hard-coding the SAN configuration rules into the management software is not a viable option since it is not possible to easily modify or replace old configuration rules and specify new policies and guidelines. In this paper, we propose a novel policy-based SAN configuration validation system that can be used to specify, store, and evaluate configuration policies for SANs. We also introduce five new operators for collection policies that are useful for evaluating a wide variety of practical SAN configuration policies found in practice. The policy-based SAN configuration checking approach proposed in this paper is discussed within the context of device interoperability constraints. However, this approach is extensible as it can also be used to enforce performance, reliability, and security-related configuration constraints.
Analysis of full-wave conductor system impedance over substrate using novel integration techniques

An efficient approach to full-wave impedance extraction is developed that accounts for substrate effects through the use of two-layer media Green's functions in a mixed-potential-integral-equation (MPIE) solver. Particularly, the choice of implementation for the layered media Green's functions motivates the development of accelerated techniques for both volume and surface integrations in the solver. Solver accuracy is validated against measurements taken on fabricated devices; solver efficiency is demonstrated by its 9.8/spl times/ reduction in cost in comparison to the traditional integration approach.
A Selective Protection of 2,3-Diaminopropionic Acid

Abstract A two step selective protection of 2,3-diaminopropionic acid yields the useful diaminopropionic acid methyl ester 3a. Further manipulation yields 2(S)-(N-benzyloxycarbonylamino)-3-aminopropionic acid methyl ester hydrochloride 5 in >99.9%ee.
Hydrogen exchange of monomeric α-synuclein shows unfolded structure persists at physiological temperature and is independent of molecular crowding in Escherichia coli

Amide proton NMR signals from the N-terminal domain of monomeric α-synuclein (αS) are lost when the sample temperature is raised from 10°C to 35°C at pH 7.4. Although the temperature-induced effects have been attributed to conformational exchange caused by an increase in α-helix structure, we show that the loss of signals is due to fast amide proton exchange. At low ionic strength, hydrogen exchange rates are faster for the N-terminal segment of αS than for the acidic C-terminal domain. When the salt concentration is raised to 300 mM, exchange rates increase throughout the protein and become similar for the N- and C-terminal domains. This indicates that the enhanced protection of amide protons from the C-terminal domain at low salt is electrostatic in nature. Cα chemical shift data point to <10% residual α-helix structure at 10°C and 35°C. Conformational exchange contributions to R2 are negligible at both temperatures. In contrast to the situation in vitro, the majority of amide protons are observed at 37°C in 1H-15N HSQC spectra of αS encapsulated within living Escherichia coli cells. Our finding that temperature effects on αS NMR spectra can be explained by hydrogen exchange obviates the need to invoke special cellular factors. The retention of signals is likely due to slowed hydrogen exchange caused by the lowered intracellular pH of high-density E. coli cultures. Taken together, our results emphasize that αS remains predominantly unfolded at physiological temperature and pH—an important conclusion for mechanistic models of the association of αS with membranes and fibrils.