cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the stability of gas hydrates in Northern Alaska

Abstract The factors which control the distribution of in situ gas hydrate deposits in colder regions such as Northern Alaska include; mean annual surface temperatures (MAST), geothermal gradients above and below the base of permafrost, subsurface pressures, gas composition, pore-fluid salinity and the soil condition. Currently existing data on the above parameters for the forty-six wells located in Northern Alaska were critically examined and used in calculations of depths and thicknesses of gas hydrate stability zones. To illustrate the effect of gas hydrate stability zones, calculations were done for a variable gas composition using the thermodynamic model of Holder and John (1982). The hydrostatic pressure gradient of 9.84 kPa/m (0.435 lbf/in 2 ft), the salinity of 10 parts per thousand (ppt) and the coarse-grained soil conditions were assumed. An error analysis was performed for the above parameters and the effect of these parameters on hydrate stability zone calculations were determined. After projecting the hydrate stability zones for the forty-six wells, well logs were used to identify and to obtain values for the depth and thickness of hydrate zones. Of the forty-six wells, only ten wells showed definite evidence of the presence of gas hydrates.
Hall Mobility of the Small Polaron. II

A perturbation treatment of Kubo's basic formula for the electrical-conductivity tensor is used to derive an expression for the Hall mobility of the small polaron. The result disagrees with those of other treatments based on Kubo's formula, but coincides completely with that obtained previously by the present authors via a jump-probability approach.
The influence of reduced audible bandwidth on asynchronous double-vowel identification.

Purpose In this study, the authors sought to determine whether reduced audible bandwidth associated with hearing loss contributes to difficulty benefiting from an onset asynchrony between sounds. M...
Translational profiling of clock cells reveals circadianly synchronized protein synthesis.

Genome-wide studies of circadian transcription or mRNA translation have been hindered by the presence of heterogeneous cell populations in complex tissues such as the nervous system. We describe here the use of a Drosophila cell-specific translational profiling approach to document the rhythmic “translatome” of neural clock cells for the first time in any organism. Unexpectedly, translation of most clock-regulated transcripts—as assayed by mRNA ribosome association—occurs at one of two predominant circadian phases, midday or mid-night, times of behavioral quiescence; mRNAs encoding similar cellular functions are translated at the same time of day. Our analysis also indicates that fundamental cellular processes—metabolism, energy production, redox state (e.g., the thioredoxin system), cell growth, signaling and others—are rhythmically modulated within clock cells via synchronized protein synthesis. Our approach is validated by the identification of mRNAs known to exhibit circadian changes in abundance and the discovery of hundreds of novel mRNAs that show translational rhythms. This includes Tdc2, encoding a neurotransmitter synthetic enzyme, which we demonstrate is required within clock neurons for normal circadian locomotor activity.
Neonatal treatment with TRH affects development, learning, and emotionality in the rat

Abstract Rats that received injections of TRH from Days 2–7 postnatally ran faster to a palatable food reward than controls at 33–37 days of age. Rats treated with TRH were less emotional and more active in an open field both as pups and as adults. There were few notable differences in developmental measures except that the teeth erupted earlier in control animals. Weights of glands and brain parts showed that ovaries, testes, pineal gland, and hypothalamus were heavier in treated animals. The results indicated that TRH given early in life may affect adult behavior by reducing emotionality.
Some applications of the q -exponential formula

Some years ago Gessel [8] gave a q-analogue of the celebrated exponential formula. We present a new combinatorial interpretation of this formula, and apply it to give q-analogues of Bell numbers and Stirling numbers of the first and second kinds. Curiously, the q-Stirling numbers of the second kind obtained in this way are different from the existing q-Stirling numbers of the second kind, but the q-Stirling numbers of the first kind are the same. We further consider q-analogues of the iterated exponential integers.
Formation and Actions of Cyclic ADP-Ribose in Renal Microvessels

Abstract Recent studies indicated that cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) serves as a second messenger for intracellular Ca 2+ mobilization in a variety of mammalian cells. However, the metabolism and actions of cADPR in the renal vasculature are poorly understood. In the present study, we characterized the enzymatic pathway of the production and metabolism of cADPR along the renal vascular tree and determined the role of cADPR in the control of intracellular [Ca 2+ ] and vascular tone. The high performance liquid chromatographic analyses showed that cADPR was produced and hydrolyzed along the renal vasculature. The maximal conversion rate of nicotinamide guanine dinucleotide (NGD) into cyclic GDP-ribose (that represents ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity for cADPR formation) was 8.69 ± 2.39 nmol/min/mg protein in bulk-dissected intrarenal preglomerular vessels ( n = 7) and 4.35 ± 0.13, 2.23 ± 0.27, 2.40 ± 0.19, and 0.31 ± 0.02 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively, in microdissected arcuate arteries ( n = 6), interlobular arteries ( n = 6), afferent arterioles ( n = 7), and vasa recta ( n = 10). The activity of cADPR hydrolase was also detected in the renal vasculature. Using the fluorescence microscopic spectrometry, cADPR was found to produce a large rapid Ca 2+ release from β-escin-permeabilized renal arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs). In isolated, perfused, and pressurized small renal arteries, cADPR produced a concentration-dependent vasoconstriction when added into the bath solution. The vasoconstrictor effect of cADPR was completely blocked by tetracaine, a Ca 2+ -induced Ca 2+ release (CICR) inhibitor. These results suggest that an enzymatic pathway for cADPR production and metabolism is present along the renal vasculature and that cADPR may importantly contribute to the control of renal vascular tone through CICR.
Genetic loads and estimates of mutation rates in highly inbred plant populations

ESTIMATES of the rate of mutation to mildly deleterious alleles are fundamental to the testing of theories of the maintenance of sexual reproduction1 and recombination2,3. There are, however, few estimates of this parameter4,5. We suggest that data on inbreeding depression in highly self-fertilizing populations might provide such estimates. The effect of inbreeding in reducing genetic load and inbreeding depression is well known6,7, but little attention has been paid to the magnitude of these quantities in highly inbred natural populations. Modelling of mutational load shows that highly self-fertilizing populations should still have some genetic load and inbreeding depression8–10. In such populations, inbreeding depression is the converse of heterosis and its magnitude can be estimated from the increase in fitness-related characteristics in individuals produced by intercrossing different strains. Here we derive the inbreeding depression expected in completely inbred populations, and use it to estimate mutation rates per genome for some plant species.
Abstract A265: L-methionine restriction sensitizes triple-negative breast cancer cells to a TRAIL receptor-2 agonist by reducing the expression of the melanoma-associated antigen MAGE-D2.

The prognosis for most women with metastatic breast cancer remains poor due to a dearth of effective adjuvant therapies for this advanced stage of the disease. We have previously demonstrated that targeting TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor-2 (TRAIL-R2) suppressed metastases in a murine model of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, many TNBCs are resistant to TRAIL receptor agonists. Restriction of the essential amino acid L-methionine has been reported to inhibit growth of transformed cells in preclinical models. We postulated that methionine restriction would sensitize TNBC cells to TRAIL-R2 agonists such as the humanized monoclonal antibody lexatumumab. Here we demonstrate that methionine restriction sensitized TNBC cells to lexatumumab-induced caspase activation and apoptosis. Intriguingly, methionine restriction also sensitized transformed MCF10A-RasV12 cells, but not untransformed MCF10A-Vector cells, to lexatumumab. Methionine restriction enhanced the cell surface expression of TRAIL-R2. To delineate the underlying mechanism(s), we performed proteomics analyses of TNBC cells grown in methionine restricted media and observed that methionine restriction dramatically reduced the expression of the melanoma-associated antigen MAGE-D2, which has recently been reported to inhibit TRAIL-R2 expression. siRNAs targeting MAGE-D2 mimicked the actions of methionine restriction by augmenting cell surface expression of TRAIL-R2 and sensitizing TNBC cells to lexatumumab. Overall, our results demonstrate that methionine restriction sensitizes TNBC cells to TRAIL-R2 agonists and suggest that dietary methionine restriction may be a strategy to augment the antitumor effects of TRAIL receptor agonists in vivo. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):A265. Citation Format: Elena Strekalova, Dmitry Malin, David Good, Vincent Cryns. L-methionine restriction sensitizes triple-negative breast cancer cells to a TRAIL receptor-2 agonist by reducing the expression of the melanoma-associated antigen MAGE-D2. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A265.
Initial Scale Development: Sample Size for Pilot Studies:

Pilot studies are often recommended by scholars and consultants to address a variety of issues, including preliminary scale or instrument development. Specific concerns such as item difficulty, item discrimination, internal consistency, response rates, and parameter estimation in general are all relevant. Unfortunately, there is little discussion in the extant literature of how to determine appropriate sample sizes for these types of pilot studies. This article investigates the choice of sample size for pilot studies from a perspective particularly related to instrument development. Specific recommendations are made for researchers regarding how many participants they should use in a pilot study for initial scale development.
Progesterone inhibition of oxytocin signaling in endometrium

Expression of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in the endometrium of ruminant species is regulated by the ovarian steroids progesterone (P) and estradiol (E). Near the end of the estrous cycle, long-term exposure of endometrial epithelial cells to P results in loss of genomic P receptors (PGRs), leading to an increase in E receptors (ERs). Genomic regulation of the OXTR is mediated via suppression of ER signaling by P. Upon OT binding at the plasma membrane of endometrial cells, a signaling cascade is generated stimulating release of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha). Transport of PGF2alpha to the ovary results in release of OT by luteal cells in a positive feedback loop leading to luteal regression. This signaling cascade can be rapidly blocked by exposing endometrial cells to physiologic levels of P. This mini review will focus on the mechanisms by which P may act to block OXTR signaling and the luteolytic cascade in the ruminant endometrium, with special focus on both non-genomic signaling pathways and non-receptor actions of P at the level of the plasma membrane. While this review focuses on ruminant species, non-classical blockage of OXTR signaling may be important for fertility in women.
Shedding light on an underground problem.

In this issue of PNAS, Nishimura et al. demonstrate that ASTRAY, the legume homolog of HY5, a transcription factor that mediates light signaling and photomorphogenesis above ground, also affects the interaction between legume roots and their rhizobial endosymbionts underground (1). At first glance, this is a confusing result. What is a transcription factor that mediates light signaling doing regulating an underground (dark!) plant–microbe interaction? In fact, in Arabidopsis , HY5 regulates root architecture in addition to shoot photomorphogenetic events such as greening and hypocotyl elongation (2). What is a transcription factor that mediates light signaling doing regulating an underground (dark!) plant–microbe interaction? Still, fitting ASTRAY into the nodulation pathway is a puzzle. Nodulation-deficient mutants have allowed the identification of genes required for nodulation, but few of these genes have been cloned. Until recently, progress was hampered by the fact that these mutations were scattered throughout the crop legumes. With the advent of two model legumes, Lotus japonicus and Medicago truncatula , previously scattered efforts to investigate multiple crop legumes gradually turned into an intense focus on the genetics and genomics of these two species (3, 4). Extensive genetic screens of L. japonicus and M. truncatula have generated a large number of nodulation mutants, which, added to the wealth of nodulation mutants in pea (the original genetic organism!), have provided the foundation for a genetic analysis of nodulation (5–8). The recent cloning of LjNin1 , which encodes a putative transcription factor required for L. japonicus nodulation (9), and an LRR-type receptor required for nodulation of L. japonicus , M. truncatula , alfalfa, and pea has provided the first molecular insight into this genetic pathway (10, 11). The cloning of these nodulation genes has its roots in research begun more than 140 years ago. Legume root nodules first attracted …
Effect of Naja naja atra venom on cytochrome c oxidase, L-ascorbic acid oxidase, peroxidase, and catalase

Abstract The effects of Naja naja atra venom on cytochrome c oxidase, L-ascorbic acid oxidase, peroxidase, and catalase were investigated. It was found that the venom inhibited cytochrome c oxidase and L-ascorbic acid oxidase but not peroxidase nor catalase.
Quantitation of β-lapachone and 3-hydroxy-β-lapachone in human plasma samples by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

beta-Lapachone is an o-naphthoquinone found to have in vitro cytotoxicity in cancer cells, type I human immunodeficiency virus, and fungi. Analytical methods for evaluating beta-lapachone in biological fluids using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have not been published. The reversed-phase HPLC method described in this report utilizes liquid extraction of a 0.5-ml plasma sample with average recoveries of 67+/-10.8% and 70+/-10.3% for beta-lapachone and 3-hydroxy-beta-lapachone, respectively. Sensitivity of the assay using ultraviolet (UV) detection at 256 nm is 15 ng ml(-1) from a 100 microl injection. Plasma standards for beta-lapachone and 3-hydroxy-beta-lapachone are linear with no significant difference in slope between the compounds. The retention times of 2.7 min for 3-hydroxy-beta-lapachone and 5.9 min for beta-lapachone result in a clean separation permitting use of the same assay procedure without modification for both compounds. This assay offers the advantage that either beta-lapachone or 3-hydroxy-beta-lapachone can serve as the internal standard, depending on which compound is being analyzed.
The Canonical Ethylene Signaling Pathway

The structural simplicity of the plant hormone ethylene contrasts with its dramatic effects in various developmental processes, as well as in the responses to a diversity of environmental signals. This broad spectrum of responses is mediated by a single well-conserved signaling cascade. Ethylene is perceived by a family of two-component histidine kinase receptors that become inactivated upon ethylene binding. In the absence of the hormone, the receptors activate CTR1, a negative regulator of ethylene responses. Sequence similarity between CTR1 and the Raf protein kinases implies involvement of a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade in this signaling pathway. The first candidate MAPKs in the ethylene response pathway have been identified. EIN2 acts downstream of CTR1 and the possible kinase cascade. Although the biochemical function of EIN2 is not understood, its critical role is manifested by the complete ethylene insensitivity of the EIN2 loss-of-function mutants. Downstream of EIN2 there is a family of plant-specific EIN3-like transcription factors that mediate all known ethylene responses. The regulation of EIN3 stability by ethylene is accomplished by F-box-containing proteins that participate in the formation of a SCF complex, which targets proteins for degradation by the proteasome. A large number of ethylene-regulated genes have been identified, among them the AP2-domain containing ERF1 and EDF family of transcription factors, which suggests the participation of a transcriptional cascade in the ethylene response. The differential regulation of some components of this complex nuclear cascade by other signaling pathways provides a possible mechanism for interaction and signal integration. As new points of intersection with other pathways and additional participants in the pathway are identified, the Connections Map will be updated to include this new information.
Surface mixed valence in Sm and SmB/sub 6/

Surface-sensitive photoelectron measurements reveal bulk-to-surface shifts of the Sm 4f/sup 6/ level which imply inhomogeneous valence mixing on the surface of Sm and SmB/sub 6/. The surface valence fraction is estimated to be the same for both materials. The measurements take advantage of a large resonant enhancement of 4f electron emission due to 4d ..-->.. 4f photon absorption, and detailed spectra showing this phenomena are presented. It is shown that the 4d hole in the 4d ..-->.. 4f absorption process stabilizes the 4f state by approx. 4 --7 eV. Exposure of Sm films to oxygen is found to eliminate, rather than increase, the emission from the surface 4f/sup 6/ state, showing that the 4f/sup 6/ state does not arise from oxygen contamination. Observed variations in Sm film spectra are described, including the finding in some films of an unexplained photoemission peak 2.4 eV below the Fermi level. SmB/sub 6/ also displays a broad band of Auger emission when a boron 1s core hole is created, and this is ascribed to electrons in the boron 2p bonding band. Various trends in 4d and 4f binding energies for Sm and SmB/sub 6/ are pointed out and discussed.
Test solution selection using multiple-objective decision models and analyses

Designing new automatic test equipment (ATE) frameworks in alignment with the advances in semiconductor technology remains one of the most difficult challenges in the test community. This article presents an elegant methodology for analyzing different models for ATE operation. The methodology ultimately provides a single figure of merit for evaluation and comparison.
Auditory stimuli enhance MDMA-conditioned reward and MDMA-induced nucleus accumbens dopamine, serotonin and locomotor responses.

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), also known as ecstasy, is a popular drug often taken in environments rich in audio and visual stimulation, such as clubs and dance parties. The present experiments were conducted to test the notion that auditory stimulation influences the rewarding effects of MDMA. In Experiment 1, a conditioned place preference (CPP) procedure was conducted in which rats received MDMA (1.5 mg/kg, s.c.) in a distinctive environment accompanied by music (65–75 dB), white noise (70 dB), or no added sound. Animals were pretreated with saline on alternating days in an alternate environment. Results revealed CPP in animals exposed to white noise during MDMA trials. For Experiment 2, rats from Experiment 1 had access to operant levers that delivered intravenous MDMA (0.5 mg/kg/inj) or saline (0.1 ml) on alternate days in the presence or absence of the same types of auditory stimuli as previously experienced. After three each of MDMA and non-reinforced (saline) sessions, animals were tested for NAcc DA and 5-HT responses to MDMA (1.5 mg/kg) or saline under the same stimulus conditions. Findings revealed that NAcc DA and 5-HT increased after an MDMA injection, and both DA and 5-HT were significantly highest in animals exposed to music during the test session. These results indicate that paired sensorial stimuli can engage the same systems activated during drug use and enhance neurochemical and behavioral responses to MDMA administration.
No Train, No Gain?

[Clin Psychol Sci Prac 17: 36–40, 2010] What kind of training is needed for what type of clinician to deliver what type of therapy? Beidas and Kendall’s (2010) well-considered recommendations for further research into systematic strategies for training clinicians to utilize evidence-based treatments highlight the limitations of didactic training alone (without supervision, fidelity monitoring, and feedback) in conferring specific skills to clinicians. To further amplify some of the points made, we summarize findings from our recent series of trials, which involved training community-based addiction clinicians to perform evidence-based therapies in a multisite randomized clinical trial. In particular, review of tapes from the “treatment as usual” condition in that study suggests that (a) delivery of interventions associated with evidence-based treatment was infrequent, (b) clinicians overestimated the time spent on evidence-based interventions, and (c) ongoing supervision and performance-based feedback appear to suppress time spent in session on discourse unrelated to the patient’s problems and concerns. We also discuss computer-assisted treatment and computer-assisted clinician training as important new tools for disseminating evidence-based therapies.
Parallel Algorithm For Network Traffic Scheduling In Application-Specific Architectures

For many application-specific and mission-oriented multiple processor systems, the interprocessor communication is deterministic and can be specified at system inception. This specification can be automatically mapped onto a physical system using a network traffic scheduler. An iterative network traffic scheduler is presented which, given the arbitrary topology of the communication network, translates the deterministic communication into a network traffic routing pattern. Previous work has shown the existence of a network traffic scheduling algorithm based on a fluid-flow model that converges to an optimal solution. However, this algorithm assumes an external host that performs centralized scheduling. This paper presents a parallel version of the algorithm which can be executed in a parallel fashion by the network switching nodes themselves without requiring an external host. Hence, using such an algorithm a communication network can perform self scheduling of interprocessor traffic. Furthermore, with the self-scheduling capability, a network will be able to perform traffic routing and scheduling concurrently and on-line network reconfiguration.
Dynamic susceptibility of the Anderson model: A quantum Monte Carlo study.

Using a highly accurate method of analytic continuation, we calculated the dynamic susceptibility and NMR relaxation rate 1/{ital T}{sub 1} of magnetic (Anderson or Kondo) impurities over the {ital entire} range {ital T}{much lt}{ital T}{sub {ital K}} to {ital T}{much gt}{ital T}{sub {ital K}}. We find that the susceptibility and NMR relaxation rate are universal functions when properly scaled and that the NMR relaxation rate is directly proportional to the universal Kondo resistivity.
Extinct ulmaceous fruits from the Tertiary of Europe and Western North America

Abstract Fossil winged fruits formerly attributed to “Embothrites borealis” Unger from the Upper Eocene to Upper Miocene of Europe and to “Banksites” lineatus Lesquereux from the Middle Eocene to Lower Oligocene of western North America represent an extinct genus in the subfamily Ulmoideae of the Ulmaceae. This assignment is confirmed by a persistent stigmatic area at the distal tip of the fruit wing. Both of the generic names cited above, and the specific epithet borealis, have been applied to these extinct ulmaceous fruits for more than a century, but were originally applied to unrelated, non-ulmaceous material. The genus Cedrelospermum Saporta has priority and the correct species names are Cedrelospermum leptospermum (Ettingshausen) comb. nov. and C. lineatum (Lesq.) comb. nov. Leaves of Tremophyllum Ruffle, which occur in association with C. leptospermum and which have been found attached to branches bearing C. lineatum fruits, also show features characteristic of the Ulmoideae. The stratigraphic and geographic distribution of Cedrelospermum augments paleobotanical support for the concept of an Eocene North Atlantic land connection between North America and Europe.
LC oscillators in nanoscale DG-MOSFETs

The characteristics of a negative resistance LC oscillator and its quadrature extension have been investigated using nanoscale Double Gate MOSFETs (DG-MOSFET). The oscillatory criterion of g m R ≥ ~ ½ is verified by a small signal analysis for the common mode operation. This is a less stringent oscillatory criterion compared to an equivalent oscillator, designed in conventional CMOS. The observed phase noise in this mode is -133 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset. Next the oscillator is operated in the independent mode to vary the oscillation frequency via back gate bias. This unique feature of the DG-MOSFET substitutes the requirement of MOS varactors. A novel quantitative response for the voltage control characteristic of the oscillator has been established which is supported with theory and verified by simulations. The characteristic is dissimilar to the voltage control attribute of a Voltage Control Oscillator in the conventional single gate MOSFET. Finally, the quadrature LC oscillator is designed with only four transistors against eight required in single gate MOSFET architecture. The phase noise, phase error and the coupling strength of the proposed quadrature oscillator are -107 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset, 0.6° and 1 respectively. All the design and analyses are implemented in 32 nm DG-MOSFET/DG-FinFET technology.
Periodic Motions of a Hopping Robot With Vertical and Forward Motion

This article analyzes the global dynamical behavior of sim plified hopping robot models that are analogous to Raibert's experimental machines. We first review a one-dimensional ver tical hopping model that captures both the vertical hopping dynamics and nonlinear control algorithm. Second, we present a more complicated two-dimensional model that includes both forward and vertical hopping dynamics and a foot placement algorithm. These systems are analyzed using a Poincare return map. In this approach, issues of stability and global dynamical behavior are reduced to the study of the fixed points of this map. For the one-dimensional model, a closed-form return map is obtained. For the two-dimensional model, we derive an exact return map based on the first integrals of motion. Because this map can only be constructed numerically, we also derive an analytical approximation to the return map based on perturba tion methods. The approximate return map is shown to closely predict the behavior of the exact map for ...
Radiative B decays with four generations

Abstract We study the decay b→sγ in the four-generation model including the effects of QCD corrections. We find the fourth-generation contributions to be quite significant, extending the range of allowed branching ratios, BR(b→sγ), to lie both above and below the three-generation standard model value. The existence of a fourth family of quarks would make a prediction for the top-quark mass difficult to obtain from this process.
Group 13 and Lanthanide Complexes Supported by Tridentate Tripodal Triamine Ligands: Structural Diversity and Polymerization Catalysis

Several different synthetic approaches to a total of 13 novel B, Al, and Sm complexes derived from the tridentate tripodal triamine ligand [N3]H3 with a neopentane, trisilylmethane, or trisilylsilane backbone and different N-substituents, as well as applications of the selected complexes to polymerization catalysis, are reported. Salt metathesis between HC[SiMe2N(CH2Ph)]3Li3(THF)2 (THF = tetrahydrofuran) and AlCl3 in Et2O/hexanes leads to complete elimination of LiCl and formation of the corresponding tripodal triamido alane HC[SiMe2N(CH2Ph)]3Al·(THF) (1). On the other hand, the reaction of {MeC[CHN(SiMe3)]3Li3}2 and AlCl3 in Et2O/hexanes yields a LiCl-containing compound MeC[CH2N(SiMe3)]3AlCl[Li(Et2O)] (2). Alkane elimination involving [N3]H3 and 1 AlMe3 produces diamido−amino aluminum methyl HC[SiMe2NHAr][SiMe2NAr]2AlMe [Ar = 4-MeC6H4 (3), CH2Ph (4)], while the reaction using ≥2 AlMe3 gives amido−amino aluminum dimethyl [ArHNMe2Si](H)C[SiMe2NAr]2(AlMe2)2 (Ar = 4-MeC6H4, 5) and [(Me3Si)HNCH2](Me)C[CH2N(S...
Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) in support of nuclear waste management

Abstract Simulated complex nuclear waste solutions are characterized by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Simultaneous and sequential measurements are made of liquid extraction distribution coefficients needed in the development of process flow sheets for component separations. This paper describes the determination of 19 elements, comprised of process contaminants (Al, Cr, Fe, Ni) and nuclear fission products (Ba, Cd, Ce, Eu, La, Mo, Nd, Pd, Pr, Rh, Ru, Sm, Sr, Y, Zr), in diverse aqueous streams. The concentrations determined vary from 0.04 to 4000μg ml−1 with dilutions being used to bring analytical measurements into the range of calibration standards. The estimated precision and accuracy of the method are 1–5 %. Data are presented on recoveries and material balances for extraction systems that can be used for the implementation of actinide (III)-fission product separation schemes.
Redox Regulation of Stem/Progenitor Cells and Bone Marrow Niche

Bone marrow (BM)-derived stem and progenitor cell functions including self-renewal, differentiation, survival, migration, proliferation and mobilization are regulated by unique cell-intrinsic signals and -extrinsic signals provided by their microenvironment, also termed the ‘niche’. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), play important roles in regulating stem and progenitor cell function in various physiologic and pathologic responses. The low level of H2O2 in quiescent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) contributes to maintain their stemness, whereas a higher level of H2O2 within HSCs or their niche promotes differentiation, proliferation, migration, and survival of HSCs or stem/progenitor cells. Major sources of ROS are NADPH oxidase and mitochondria. In response to ischemic injury, ROS derived from NADPH oxidase are increased in the BM microenvironment, which is required for hypoxia and HIF1α expression and expansion throughout the BM. This, in turn, promotes progenitor cell expansion and mobilization from BM, leading to reparative neovascularization and tissue repair. In pathophysiological states such as aging, atherosclerosis, heart failure, hypertension and diabetes, excess amounts of ROS create an inflammatory and oxidative microenvironment, which induces cell damage and apoptosis of stem and progenitor cells. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of how ROS regulate the functions of stem and progenitor cells and their niche in physiological and pathological conditions will lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
The nursing home physician workforce.

Unlike a number of other health care professions practicing in nursing homes (NH), data specific to physicians is almost nonexistent. The only nationally representative study of physician practice in the NH was completed almost a decade ago and could not account for response bias owing to the nonrandom nature of the survey methodology employed. Nonetheless, only 1 in 5 physicians engaged in primary care noted involvement in NHs and spent an average of only 2 hours per week in the facility. No information was available in this study pertaining to physician-patient ratios in the NH or the mix of activities engaged in by physician providers. Although NHs are required to provide staffing data on an ongoing basis through online survey and certification reporting (OSCAR), physician-specific data are suspect. Feng et al recently demonstrated the nongeneralizability of OSCARgenerated physician data when compared to information gleaned from an intensive survey of medical directors, directors of nurses, and administrators. In contrast, the nursing shortage in NHs has been confirmed by OSCAR and has provided the basis for new policy and program initiatives.
Calcitonin as a marker for bronchogenic cancer: a prospective study.

A prospective study was done of serum calcitonin (HCT) levels in 61 patients with bronchogenic cancer. Initially, 52% of patients had hypercalcitonemia. Hypercalcitonemia was not confined to patients with any particular histologic type. Seventy-eight percent of those with high calcitonin remained normocalcemic. There was no correlation between high calcitonin levels and osseous metastases. Selective thyroid venous sampling delineated two types of hypercalcitonemia: thyroidal and ectopic. To date, the ectopic type has been associated with the small cell bronchogenic carcinoma. High initial calcitonin levels decreased significantly in 75% of patients on antitumor therapy. In 13 evaluable patients calcitonin levels mirrored clinical status changes 67% of the time. Calcitonin may be a useful marker to assess the results of therapy in patients with bronchogenic cancer. Cancer 44:680-684, 1979.
Microscale Study of Ash Accumulation Process in DPF Walls Using the Diesel Exhaust Filtration Analysis (DEFA) System

The Diesel Exhaust Filtration Analysis (DEFA) system, developed at the University of Wisconsin – Madison Engine Research Center (ERC), was used to study diesel particulate filters at the micro scale level. Previous measurements using the system have shown that there is a considerable effect of ash accumulation on the filter permeability evolution. Also the pressure drop and loading history are dependent on the number of times a filter had been filled and regenerated. The current investigation of the ash accumulation process has been done to understand its impact on the filter wall permeability over multiple loadings. Three different PM loading conditions were tested over four consecutive loading/regeneration cycles. The pressure history and particle breakthrough for each subsequent loading and regeneration has been recorded. The measurements examine the ash penetration and accumulation for the different operating conditions and for the different number of loadings and regenerations. The results show that the PM deposition mechanism has a significant impact on the ash accumulation process especially within the filter walls. The ash deposition process appears to have a distinct wall loading stage followed by ash membrane formation.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Focal accumulation of phosphorylated neurofilaments within anterior horn cell in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Distribution of phosphorylated neurofilament proteins within anterior horn cells in three cases of familial and six cases of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and ten control cases were investigated by using a monoclonal antibody. Two distinct staining patterns of perikarya were observed; (1) homogeneous pattern; either the entire or a part of the perikaryon was immunostained homogeneously (homogeneously diffuse or partial pattern); (2) focal pattern: perikarya contained very distinct, inclusion-like focal accumulation of immunoreactive products of various morphologies such as round, ring-shaped, cord-like, tube-like and more irregular shapes. The homogeneous pattern was found in all three groups but was most common in sporadic ALS. On the other hand, the focal pattern was seen almost exclusively in familial ALS. The focal accumulation of neurofilaments appears at least in part to be related to the Lewy body-like hyaline inclusion which is known to contain neurofilaments. In addition, cord-like swellings of neurites in familial ALS also showed focal neurofilament accumulation. These observations suggest that the focal accumulation of phosphorylated neurofilaments is characteristic of familial ALS, although it may not be specific to the entity. The pathological process(es) producing the neurofilamentous abnormality may play an important role in anterior horn cell degeneration in familial ALS.
RESIDUAL TRICUSPID REGURGITATION FOLLOWING TRICUSPID VALVE REPAIR DURING CONCOMITANT VALVE SURGERY DOES NOT WORSEN OVERALL SURVIVAL

Significant debate exists about when to intervene for residual tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after repair during concomitant mitral or aortic valve procedures. All patients undergoing tricuspid valve repair (TVr) during aortic and/or mitral valve (AV, MV) operations at our institution from 2005
The Role of Emotion Regulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Objective Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with amplified emotional responses and poor emotional control, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. This article provides a conceptual and methodologic framework for understanding compromised emotion regulation (ER) in ASD. Method After defining ER and related constructs, methods to study ER were reviewed with special consideration on how to apply these approaches to ASD. Against the backdrop of cognitive characteristics in ASD and existing ER theories, available research was examined to identify likely contributors to emotional dysregulation in ASD. Results Little is currently known about ER in youth with ASD. Some mechanisms that contribute to poor ER in ASD may be shared with other clinical populations (e.g., physiologic arousal, degree of negative and positive affect, alterations in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex), whereas other mechanisms may be more unique to ASD (e.g., differences in information processing/perception, cognitive factors [e.g., rigidity], less goal-directed behavior and more disorganized emotion in ASD). Conclusions Although assignment of concomitant psychiatric diagnoses is warranted in some cases, poor ER may be inherent in ASD and may provide a more parsimonious conceptualization for the many associated socioemotional and behavioral problems in this population. Further study of ER in youth with ASD may identify meaningful subgroups of patients and lead to more effective individualized treatments.
Design of Aspirated Compressor Blades Using Three-Dimensional Inverse Method

A three-dimensional viscous inverse method is extended to allow blading design with full interaction between the prescribed pressure-loading distribution and a specified transpiration scheme. Transpiration on blade surfaces and endwalls is implemented as inflow/outflow boundary conditions, and the basic modifications to the method are outlined. This paper focuses on a discussion concerning an application of the method to the design and analysis of a supersonic rotor with aspiration. Results show that an optimum combination of pressure-loading tailoring with surface aspiration can lead to a minimization of the amount of sucked flow required for a net performance improvement at design and off-design operations.
Relaxation in X-Space Magnetic Particle Imaging

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a new imaging modality that noninvasively images the spatial distribution of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs). MPI has demonstrated high contrast and zero attenuation with depth, and MPI promises superior safety compared to current angiography methods, X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging angiography. Nanoparticle relaxation can delay the SPIO magnetization, and in this work we investigate the open problem of the role relaxation plays in MPI scanning and its effect on the image. We begin by amending the X-space theory of MPI to include nanoparticle relaxation effects. We then validate the amended theory with experiments from a Berkeley x-space relaxometer and a Berkeley x-space projection MPI scanner. Our theory and experimental data indicate that relaxation reduces SNR and asymmetrically blurs the image in the scanning direction. While relaxation effects can have deleterious effects on the MPI scan, we show theoretically and experimentally that x-space reconstruction remains robust in the presence of relaxation. Furthermore, the role of relaxation in x-space theory provides guidance as we develop methods to minimize relaxation-induced blurring. This will be an important future area of research for the MPI community.
Flowshop sequencing with probabilistic processing times

Abstract This paper describes a study of the N-job, M-machine flowshop sequencing problem in which processing times are treated explicitly as random variables. A heuristic which uses the variance of processing times to design job sequence is described and compared with an effective heuristic which uses only mean processing times. Statistical analysis indicates that the new heuristic performs consistently better on probabilistic problems.
Protein geranylgeranyltransferase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is specific for Cys-Xaa-Xaa-Leu motif proteins and requires the CDC43 gene product but not the DPR1 gene product.

Abstract Protein prenylation occurs by modification of proteins with one of at least two isoprenoids, the farnesyl group and the geranylgeranyl group. Protein farnesyltransferases have been identified, but no such enzyme has been identified for geranylgeranylation. We report the identification of an activity in crude soluble yeast extracts that catalyzes the transfer of a geranylgeranyl moiety from geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate to proteins having the C-terminal sequence Cys-Ile-Ile-Leu or Cys-Val-Leu-Leu but not to a similar protein ending with Cys-Ile-Ile-Ser. This activity is dependent upon the CDC43/CAL1 gene, which is involved in budding and the control of cell polarity, but does not require the DPR1/RAM1 gene, which is known to be required for the farnesylation of Ras proteins. These results indicate that the protein geranylgeranyltransferase activity is distinct from the protein farnesyltransferase activity and that its specificity depends in part on the extreme C-terminal leucine in the protein to be prenylated.
The battle for hearts and minds: who is communicating most effectively with the cosmetic marketplace?

Background: Cosmetic surgery, historically the purview of plastic surgeons, has in recent years seen an influx of practitioners from other fields of training. Many of these new providers are savvy in marketing and public relations and are beginning to control a surprisingly large amount of cosmetic patient care. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to measure the amount of traffic being attracted to the Web sites of individual practitioners and organizations vying for cosmetic patients. This study investigates the trends of the past 12 months and identifies changes of special concern to plastic surgeons. Methods: The Web sites of 1307 cosmetic providers were monitored over a year’s time. The Web activity of two million individuals whose computers were loaded with a self-reporting software package was recorded and analyzed. The Web sites were analyzed according to the specialty training of the site owner and total unique visits per month were tallied for the most prominent specialties. The dominant Web sites were closely scrutinized and the Web optimization strategies of each were also examined. Results: There is a tremendous amount of Web activity surrounding cosmetic procedures and the amount of traffic on the most popular sites is continuing to grow. Also, a large sum of money is being expended to channel Web traffic, with sums in the thousands of dollars being spent daily by top Web sites. Overall in the past year, the private Web sites of plastic surgeons have increased their reach by 10%, growing from 200,000 to approximately 220,000 unique visitors monthly. Plastic surgery remains the specialty with the largest number of Web visitors per month. However, when combined, the private Web sites of all other providers of aesthetic services have significantly outpaced plastic surgery’s growth. The traffic going to non–plastic surgeons has grown by 50% (200,000 visitors per month in September 2008 to 300,000 visitors monthly in September 2009). Conclusions: For providers of aesthetic services, communication with the public is of utmost importance. The Web has become the single most important information resource for consumers because of easy access. Plastic surgeons are facing significant competition for the attention of potential patients, with increasingly sophisticated Web sites and listing services being set up by independent parties. It is important for plastic surgeons to become familiar with the available Internet tools for communication with potential patients and to aggressively utilize these tools for effective practice building.
Role of internal electric field on suppression of superconductivity by Pr in copper oxides

Abstract The influence of Pr on the superconductivity in copper oxides is argued to depend critically on the energy difference between the Fermi energy EF and the energy Ef of the Pr3+: 4f2 level. With a small fF−Ef, hybridization between Pr-4f and O-2p orbitals transforms the itinerant holes of the p-type superconductors into small polarons, which suppresses Tc. With a large EF−Ef, any such hybridization is too small to change the itinerant character of the mobile holes, and Pr has no more influence on Tc than do the other trivalent rare earths. Comparisons of the influence of Pr on the transition temperature Tc have been made for several systems. In each case, Pr3+ ions occupy sites having four oxygen atoms of a CuO2 sheet as nearest neighbors, and p-type superconductivity is suppressed by Pr only where the sum of the formal positive charge Q per formula unit at the planes adjacent to a CuO2 sheet exceed a critical value. We argue that changes in the local electric field at a Cu atom of the CuO2 sheets lowers EF relative to Ef with increasing Q.
Conformational analysis of N,N‐diisopropylamides by combined use of n.m.r. lanthanide‐induced shifts and conformational energy calculations

A new method of conformational analysis has been developed, in which energy minimization calculations are combined with lanthanide-induced shift data. First, exhaustive energy calculations are carried out on the free molecules in order to determine the conformations of lowest energy. Then, the coordinates of all low energy conformations or pairs of conformations are used in the pseudocontact shift equation for lanthanide-induced shifts in order to find which of the theoretically obtained conformation(s) gives the best agreement with experiment. The molecules complexed to the lanthanide shift reagent were N,N-diisopropylformamide (DIPF) and N,N-diisopropylacetamide (DIPA). Two different lanthanide shift reagents were used, Eu(fod)31 and Pr(fod)3, in order to check the validity of the method. Proton magnetic resonance spectra were taken at 6 °C in carbon tetrachloride solution. The principal conformation found was different for each amide. DIPF was found to exist as a mixture of I (39 mol%) and II (61 mol%) with Eu(fod)3, and a mixture of I (37%) and II (63%) with Pr(fod)3. DIPA was found to exist as a mixture of I (79%) and IV (21%) with Eu(fod)3 and a mixture of I (87%) and IV (13%) with Pr(fod)3. For both molecules, the two conformations of lowest computed energy were also the pair which gave the best fit to the lanthanide shift reagent data. The location of the principal magnetic axis of the complex was found to lie between 0° and 14° from the lanthanide atom–oxygen atom bond axis. The technique of combining lanthanide shift reagent data with energy calculations shows great promise in conformational analysis.