cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The generalized Nambu-Jona-Lasinio mechanism and the standard model

Abstract The generalized Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (NJL) model which has three independent terms in the Lagrangean is shown to be renormalizable within the framework of the 1/N expansion. Physics below the cut-off generated by the NJL mechanism is equivalent to the renormalizable Higgs-Yukawa sector of the Standard Model: the three independent parameters of the generalized NJL model are mapped into the vacuum expectation value (vev) of the Higgs field, the Higgs self-coupling, and the Yukawa coupling. Although the original NJL model with a single coupling constant is also known to be renormalizable in the 1/N expansion, the model is more short distance sensitive than simple renormalizable theories and new parameters are hidden in the cut-off procedure. The compositeness of the Higgs particle only appears on the cut-off scale and no constraint exists between the Higgs mass and top quark mass in the generalized NJL model without further assumptions on the three independent parameters of the Lagrangean. The “naturalness” of the assumptions will be discussed in Hill's toy gauge model which was introduced as a minimal extension of the Standard Model to illustrate the role of the NJL condensate in the top quark mode as advocated by Nambu, and Bardeen, Hill, Lindner (BHL). Universality arguments suggest that the analysis of the generalized NJL model presented here should remain valid beyond the 1/N expansion which only serves as a useful technical tool in the discussions.
3-standardness of the maximal ideal

Abstract We study a notion called n -standardness (defined by M.E. Rossi (2000) in [10] and extended in this paper) of ideals primary to the maximal ideal in a Cohen–Macaulay local ring and some of its consequences. We further study conditions under which the maximal ideal is 3-standard, first proving results for when the residue field has prime characteristic and then using the method of reduction to prime characteristic to extend the results to the equicharacteristic 0 case. As an application, we extend a result due to T. Puthenpurakal (2005) [9] and show that a certain length associated with a minimal reduction of the maximal ideal does not depend on the minimal reduction chosen.
Cervicothalamic tract in the dog

The spino-cervico-thalamic pathway in the dog was studied by means of the Marchi method. The pathway which takes its origin from the nucleus cervicalis lateralis (NCL) at the first two cervical segments of the spinal cord was demonstrated following restricted lesion in the dorsal quadrant involving the nucleus. The axon of neurons of NCL form a prominent bundle which crosses exclusively to the contralateral ventral funiculus via ventral white commissure. At first, the fiber bundle occupies a medial position and gradually shifts laterally as ascending. In the lower portion of the medulla oblongata the fiber bundle is closely attached to the lateral pole of the inferior olivary nucleus and gives collaterals to it. The pathway maintains its lateral position to the medial lemniscus throughout the brain stem and terminates in the nucleus ventralis posterolateralis of the thalamus occupying mainly its ventrolateral border. The topographic relation between cervicothalamic and classical spinothalamic pathways are discussed.
Acute Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage Due to Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis

A young, otherwise healthy man was hospitalized with clinical findings of acute retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Radiographic evaluation suggested a large bleeding renal mass that was thought to be renal cell carcinoma. Radical nephrectomy was performed after angio-embolization. Final pathological diagnosis was grade III transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis invading the renal parenchyma. Distal ureterectomy was subsequently performed 12 days after nephrectomy. Preoperative or intraoperative diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma would have spared our patient the morbidity of a delayed second procedure. Transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute retroperitoneal hemorrhage.
The effect of midazolam on the modality-match effect in implicit memory

Prominent theories of implicit memory claim that perceptual processes play a central role in implicit memory. The modality-match effect, the finding that priming is greater when the modality of stimulus presentation matches at study and test, provides the central evidence for these approaches. In this paper we use the benzodiazepine, midazolam, to explore the nature of the modality-match effect in implicit memory. We compared the modality-match effect in a midazolam and a saline (i.e., a placebo) condition. Our experimental results demonstrate that the modality-match effect is diminished substantially in a midazolam condition even though components of priming are preserved. Given the empirically-validated assumption that midazolam minimizes explicit memory, these results suggest that there exist components of implicit memory that are not mediated by perceptual processes and raise questions about the generality of prominent theories of implicit memory.
Health Services Research Resources for Surgeons

Background Health services research examines how people get access to health care, how much care costs, and what happens to patients as a result of this care. Some of the challenges to conducting methodologically rigorous health services research as a surgeon are support, training, funding, acquisition of data, and resources. Materials and Methods A review of support, training, funding, data, and organizational resources useful for surgeons interested in health services research, with a focus on existing online resources relevant to surgical health services researchers. Results Opportunities for research collaboration and mentoring are available through the Association for Academic Surgery, Society of University Surgeons, American College of Surgeons and surgical specialty societies. Advanced training is essential to performing high-impact health services research and is available through private foundations such as the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars program, the American College of Surgeons Fellowship, government funded fellowships, and institution hosted fellowships. Funding sources for health services research exist through academic surgical societies, private sector, and government sources. A variety of data sources for health services research are available, with different limitations, strengths, and ease of accessibility. Organizational resources in health services research include AcademyHealth, the Health Services Research Projects in Progress database, and the National Library of Medicine’s Health Services Research Resources. Conclusions The resources highlighted describe some of the opportunities available to surgeons pursuing health services research. It is valuable for surgeons to tap into the available resources and collaborate with existing expertise to facilitate methodologically rigorous surgical health services research.
Filling large holes in LiDAR data by inpainting depth gradients

We introduce a technique to fill large holes in LiDAR data sets. We combine concepts from patch-based image inpainting and gradient-domain image editing to simultaneously fill both texture and structure in a LiDAR scan. We discuss the problems with directly inpainting a depth image, and present a solution to this problem based on inpainting the depth gradients. Once the inpainted depth gradients are obtained, we use an image reconstruction technique to obtain the final 3D scene structure. We present several real-world examples of this technique with excellent results.
DIFFERENTIAL IMPACT OF TRADITIONAL RISK FACTORS FOR PREDICTING THE PROBABILITY OF OBSTRUCTIVE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE IN MEN AND WOMEN WITH CHEST PAIN: RESULTS FROM THE MULTINATIONAL CONFIRM REGISTRY

Whether certain traditional risk factors (RFs) provide greater predictive strength for obstructive coronary artery disease (≥50p diameter stenosis, “OCAD”) in patients with chest pain is unknown. From 8106 consecutive patients (mean age 58 years, 3999 men) without CAD history
Oligomerization And Interaction Of DDR1 With Collagen: An AFM And FRET Microscopy Study

Activation of Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1) by collagen is reported to regulate cell migration and survival processes. While the oligomeric state of DDR1 is reported to play a significant role in collagen binding, not much is known about the effect of collagen binding on DDR1 oligomerization and cellular distribution. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy we monitored the interaction between DDR1 tagged with either cyan (CFP) or yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) on live cells. Significant FRET signal, indicative of receptor dimerization was found even in the absence of collagen stimulation. Collagen stimulation induced aggregation of DDR1 followed by a sharp increase in FRET signal, localized in the regions of aggregated receptor. Further analysis of DDR1 aggregation revealed that DDR1 undergoes cytoplasmic internalization and incorporation into the early endosome. We found the kinetics of DDR1 internalization to be fast, with a significant percentage of the receptor population being internalized in the first few minutes of collagen stimulation. Our results indicate that collagen stimulation induces aggregation and internalization of DDR1 dimers at timescales much before receptor activation. These findings provide new insights in the cellular redistribution of DDR1 following its interaction with collagen type I.
Temporal Synaptic Tagging by Ih Activation and Actin: Involvement in Long-Term Facilitation and cAMP-Induced Synaptic Enhancement

Abstract Presynaptic I h channels become activated during a tetanus through membrane hyperpolarization resulting from Na + accumulation and electrogenic Na + /K + exchange. I h activation is obligatory for inducing long-term facilitation (LTF), a long-lasting synaptic strengthening. cAMP-induced synaptic enhancement also requires I h activation, and both processes are sensitive to actin depolymerization. Other mechanisms are responsible for expression of the responses. Once initiated, continued response to cAMP is I h and actin independent. Moreover, LTF-induced activation of I h renders subsequent cAMP enhancement insensitive to both I h blockers and actin depolymerization. This actin-stabilized "temporal synaptic tagging" set by I h activation is prolonged when I h is activated concurrent with an elevation in presynaptic calcium concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ), permitting the further strengthening of synapses given appropriate additional stimuli.
On driving a transducer to produce pulses shorter than the natural period of the transducer

Abstract When an acoustical transducer is given a short electrical impulse, the pressure wave produced is usually some sort of damped sine wave whose exact shape is determined by the physical properties of the transducer and the medium to which it is coupled. In order to produce pressure pulses shorter than this, it is necessary to drive the transducer with a more complex waveform. This paper describes how to calculate and produce the voltage waveform for any desired pressure waveform and shows some examples of the voltage waveforms necessary to drive a loudspeaker to produce pulses shorter than the natural resonant period of the loudspeaker.
Progressive posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus leads to changes of amplitude-integrated EEG activity in preterm infants

Aim Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is the most common cause of brain lesions in preterm infants. Among infants with IVH about 35% develop posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PPH) which may lead to secondary injury. Therapeutic interventions to reduce the increased intracranial pressure are invasive and carry a high risk of complications. Amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) allows continuous neurophysiological surveillance and may help in defining the optimal timing for intervention in infants with progressive PHH. In this report we show, for the first time, a change in aEEG activity in two preterm infants with PHH.
Quantitative X-ray analysis of interdiffusing Ta/Si multilayer structures

Abstract Multilayers of amorphous tantalum and silicon form a synthetic one-dimensional lattice which can be observed by a sequence of intense low angle X-ray diffraction peaks. Annealing a Ta/Si multilayer structure of 20 layer pairs, each layer pair consisting of nominally 4 nm thick tantalum and 7 nm thick silicon layers, leads to rapid diffusion of silicon into the tantalum layers forming a homogeneous TaSix solution. The thickness of the pure silicon layers decreases linearly with increasing annealing temperature. The width Δt of the transition layers between the silicon and the TaSix layers is analysed by comparing the measured absolute reflectivity of the multilayer structure with calculated data up to the 10th diffraction order. The computational approach is based on the Fresnel equations and assumes a linear composition profile at the interface leading to a trapezoidal lattice structure. An upper limit value of 0.7 nm for the interface width is estimated. The interdiffusion is complete at T = 540°C, indicated by the breakdown of the multilayer structure.
Prostate specific antigen density as a prognostic factor for patients with prostate carcinoma treated with radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The pretreatment serum prostate specific antigen level (PSAL) is the most significant predictor of biochemical and local failure in patients treated with definitive radiotherapy. The role of prostate specific antigen (PSA) density (PSAD) relative to PSAL for such patients is controversial. In this article, we describe a comparative analysis of the prognostic value of PSAL and PSAD. METHODS: The study was comprised of 365 patients who were treated with external beam radiotherapy for regionally localized (T1-T4, Nx, M0) adenocarcinoma of the prostate between 1987-1993 and in whom PSAL and pretreatment prostate volume by transrectal ultrasound were available. The mean and median doses were 66.8 Gy and 66 Gy. Median follow-up for those patients living was 27 months. The mean PSAL was 12.7 ng/mL with a median of 9.1 ng/mL. PSAD was calculated by dividing the PSAL by the pretreatment prostate transectal ultrasound volume (in cc). The mean PSAD was 0.44 and the median was 0.31. Biochemical failure was defined as two consecutive increases in follow-up PSAs, one increase by a factor of greater than 1.5 of an absolute increase of greater than 1 ng/mL. RESULTS: The distributions of PSAD and PSAL were similar and were positively skewed. When log-transformed, the distributions of both parameters were normalized and linear regression revealed a high correlation (P < 0.0001). PSAD was significantly associated with several potential prognostic factors, including stage, Gleason score, PSAL, and pretreatment prostatic acid phosphatase. Univariate analyses of PSAD and PSAL revealed that these were the most significant correlates of local and biochemical control. By contrast, stage and Gleason score were the only factors predictive of freedom from distant metastasis. Multivariate analyses using Cox proportional hazards models were then performed to determine if PSAD provided prognostic information independent of PSAL. The manner in which PSAD and PSAL were categorized (four, three, of two groups) dramatically influenced the significance of these covariates. Optimization of these groups for significance showed grouped PSAD to be the stronger predictor of the local control and grouped PSAL to be the stronger predictor of biochemical control. However, when PSAD and PSAL were used as continuous variables, PSAL was the only independently significant prognostic factor for local or biochemical control. CONCLUSIONS: PSAD was highly correlated with actuarial patient outcome in the univariate analyses and appeared to provide independent information when PSAL was between 4 and 20 ng/mL. However, the differences based on PSAD were relatively small and, therefore, not clinically useful.
Control of Uncertain Nonlinear Systems

This paper describes some of my research in the analysis and control of nonlinear uncertain systems in which the uncertainties are modeled deterministically rather than stochastically. The main applications are to mechanical/aerospace systems, such as robots and spacecraft; the underlying theoretical approach is based on Lyapunov theory
A normal-incident quantum well infrared photodetector enhanced by surface plasmon resonance

Quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) have demonstrated applications in many different areas, such as medical and biological imaging, environmental and chemical monitoring, and infrared imaging for space and night vision. However, QWIPs still suffer from low quantum efficiency and detectivity compared with mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) based interband photodetectors, which dominate current infrared detector market. Besides, n-type QWIPs cannot detect the normal incident infrared radiations because of the polarization selection rules of intersubband transitions. Here, we used periodic holes array perforated in gold film to convert normal-incident infrared light to surface plasmon waves, which can excite the intersubband tran sitions and be absorbed by quantum wells (QWs). Our 3D FDTD simulation results show that electric field component in the QWs growth direction can be enhanced by more than 5 times compared with the total electric field intensity without any plasmonic arrays. The experimental results show that the photodetector has a peak detection wavelength at ~8 m with a high detectivity of ~7.4x10
CHENOPODIUM, A SENSITIVE HOST FOR TMV-RNA.

Abstract The amount of naked tobacco mosaic virus ribonucleic acid (TMV-RNA) required to produce 1 lesion per square centimeter of leaf was 40, 300, and 11,000 times that of whole virus (coated RNA) in Chenopodium amaranticolor Coste and Reyn., Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Pinto, and Nicotiana tabacum L. var. Xanthi, nc. (nc-tobacco), respectively, when phosphate was used in the inoculum. When phosphate was not used, Chenopodium remained the most sensitive host, but the relative susceptibility of Pinto bean and nc-tobacco was reversed. No significant differences were found in total extractable leaf ribonuclease (RNase) activity between Chenopodium and nc-tobacco, but Pinto bean was consistently higher in total RNase activity than either Chenopodium or nc-tobacco. RNase exuded during abrasion of leaves was low in Chenopodium , moderate in nc-tobacco, and high in Pinto bean. Concomitantly, infection by naked TMV-RNA reflected the above order, being highest in Chenopodium , moderate in nc-tobacco, and lowest in Pinto bean except when phosphate was used in the inoculum. The greater susceptibility of Chenopodium than of bean or nc-tobacco may be due, in part, to the smaller amount of leaf RNase exuded by Chenopodium leaves than by bean and nc-tobacco leaves during inoculation.
Computerized analysis of resorbable polymer plates and screws for the rigid fixation of mandibular angle fractures

Purpose: This computer-based study used finite element analysis (FEA) to assess whether rigid fixation by resorbable polymer plates and screws can provide the required stiffness and strength for a typical mandibular angle fracture. Materials and Methods: Two separate 3-dimensional FEA models of the mandible were generated using 8-noded hexahedral elements. The jaw segments in 1 model were fixed with titanium plates and screws as those in common use today. The jaw segments in the other model were fixed with resorbable polymer plates and screws as used in a developmental product currently in trials. A commercial finite element solver was then applied to this mesh to compute stresses and bone interfragmentary displacements for both titanium fixation and resorbable fixation. Calculated displacements were compared with each other and to established norms for healthy bone regrowth. Calculated stresses were compared with the yield strength of each material. Finally, overall stress patterns in the fractured mandibles were compared with each other. Results: The study results indicate that titanium fixation more rigidly fixes the 2 bone segments in relative position. However, they also show that resorbable polymers provide sufficient stiffness to meet currently established norms for fracture immobility. Furthermore, the analyses show that resorbable polymers are capable of withstanding the stresses generated by the bite loads of postsurgical patients. The results indicate that mandibles, fixed with either titanium or resorbable materials, show nearly identical stress patterns. Conclusions: The resorbable polymer-based plates and screws tested in this investigation are of adequate strength and stiffness for their successful application to the rigid fixation of mandibular angle fractures. © 2003 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 61:481-487, 2003.
Kinetics of Alkaline Degradation of the Food Pigments Curcumin and Curcuminoids

Alkaline degradation of the pigments curcumin (CC), demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bis-demethoxycurcumin (BDMC) in aqueous solutions of purified and commercial oleoresin sources was investigated. Alkaline degradation of the compounds corresponded to pseudo-first-order kinetics. Responses were similar for pigments combined or alone in solutions. Profiles of rate constants were closely associated to polynominal curves. Degradation rate constants rapidly increased from pH 7.45 to a maximum at about 10.2 and then tended to decline at higher pH. Rates of alkaline degradation were lower for BDMC than for CC and DMC. Half-lives of CC, DMC and BDMC at pH 7.45 were 900, 1700 and 2200 hr, respectively. In contrast, half-lives of CC, DMC and BDMC at pH 10.2 were 0.4, 1.0 and 5.0 hr, respectively. Use of BDMC instead of CC in alkaline foods would be expected to improve color stability.
Effects of magnesium on growth and proliferation of human embryonic stem cells

The effects of magnesium on the growth and proliferation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) was explored to advance magnesium as an implant biomaterial. When magnesium ions from magnesium salt were added to the culture media at 10, 100, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 ppm (0.4, 4, 10, 20, 30, 40 mM) the rate of increase in viable cell coverage over time was higher for the larger doses of magnesium salt. Thus, the addition of magnesium ions exerted a positive effect on viable cell coverage. When hESCs were cultured with pure magnesium metal strips through transwell inserts, the cells underwent an initial increase in viable cell coverage, followed by rapid cell death within the first 24 hours. This initial increase in viable cell coverage corresponded to the colonies dispersing and losing their tightly packed morphologies. The cell death may be attributed to an increased alkalinity in the culture media incubated with the magnesium metal strips. In conclusion, since the degradation of magnesium results in both magnesium ions and OH- ions (an increase of pH), controlling the degradation of magnesium to obtain the perfect balance of ions is critical for advancing magnesium as an implant biomaterial.
Optimizing recovery of platelets in platelet rich plasma by the simplex strategy.

A Simplex is an empirical, geometric feedback strategy which progressively programs a series of experiments according to the results of the preceeding experiments. It leads to definition of conditions which maximize or minimize the result of experiments in two or more variables. When applied to study a laboratory method it dictates simultaneous variation of the conditions of an experiment, differing from the usual approach in which variables are altered sequentially and arbitrarily. A two variable Simplex (force and duration of centrifugation) has been applied to maximize platelet recovery in platelet rich plasma (PRP). The technique of Simplex is described. Maximal recovery of platelets in PRP was reached by centrifugation at 2160 X g for 2.7 minutes. To confirm the correctness of this result, platelet concentrates were prepared from PRP's separated by three different methods: 1) conditions determined by Simplex, 2) American National Red Cross recommended method (2820 X g for two minutes), and 3) Canadian Red Cross recommended method (995 X g for nine minutes). Mean recovery of 78 per cent was obtained by Simplex, significantly higher than 61 per cent with the American National Red Cross method (p greater than .005) and higher than 69 per cent with the Canadian Red Cross method. Simplex strategy is recommended as a simple, powerful technique for determining optimal experimental or laboratory conditions.
Ferrofluid liquid spring for vibration energy harvesting

This paper reports ferrofluid liquid spring used to suspend a magnet array for harvesting vibration energy. A new idea of ferrofluid-based suspension is used for a low resonant frequency for a microfabricated vibration-energy harvester as well as high reliability. The ferrofluid liquid spring has reduced the resonant frequency of a microfabricated electromagnetic energy harvester to around 340 Hz, at which 36 nW is delivered into a matched load of 2.3 Ω from 7 g acceleration.
Effects of Generation on Memory for Order

Abstract Seven experiments are reported on memory for order of stimuli either generated by the subject or presented to the subject. When subjects were required to assign items to precise positions, a generation decrement was obtained, with subjects showing worse memory for order when they had generated the items. However, no generation decrement in accuracy was obtained when subjects were asked for relative recency judgments. This suggests that judgments of absolute and relative position are made using somewhat different memory processes.
On pseudo-differential operators and smoothness of special Lie-group representations

Two algebras of global pseudo-differential operators over ℝn are investigated, with corresponding classes of symbols A0=CB∞ (all (x, ξ)-derivatives bounded over ℝ2n), and A1 (all finite applications of ∂xj, ∂ξj, and epq=ξp∂ξq−p∂xp on the symbol are in A0). The class A1 consists of classical symbols, i.e., ∂ α x ∂ β ξ a= 0((1+|ξ|)−|α|) for x ∈ Kc ℝ;n, K, compact. It is shown that a bounded operator A of 210C=L2(Rn) is a pseudo-differential operator with symbol a∈Aj if and only if the map A→G−1AG, G∈ gj is infinitely differentiable, from a certain Lie-group gj c GL(210C) to ℒ(210C) with operator norm. g0 is the Weyl (or Heisenberg) group. Extensions to operators of arbitrary order are discussed. Applications to follow in a subsequent paper.
Laser Photoionization Of Potassium Clusters Containing Up To 101 Atoms

Photoionization measurements on potassium clusters, KN, with 3 ≤N ≤101 atoms, show the influence of the clusters' electronic shell structure throughout the range of cluster sizes. Steps in the photoionization thresholds at the major shell closings are observed, and features in the photoionization spectra are correlated with the clusters' electronic levels. The trend of the thresholds toward the bulk work function is also observed.
Identification of Key Processes that Control Tumor Necrosis Factor Availability in a Tuberculosis Granuloma

Tuberculosis (TB) granulomas are organized collections of immune cells comprised of macrophages, lymphocytes and other cells that form in the lung as a result of immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. Formation and maintenance of granulomas are essential for control of Mtb infection and are regulated in part by a pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF). To characterize mechanisms that control TNF availability within a TB granuloma, we developed a multi-scale two compartment partial differential equation model that describes a granuloma as a collection of immune cells forming concentric layers and includes TNF/TNF receptor binding and trafficking processes. We used the results of sensitivity analysis as a tool to identify experiments to measure critical model parameters in an artificial experimental model of a TB granuloma induced in the lungs of mice following injection of mycobacterial antigen-coated beads. Using our model, we then demonstrated that the organization of immune cells within a TB granuloma as well as TNF/TNF receptor binding and intracellular trafficking are two important factors that control TNF availability and may spatially coordinate TNF-induced immunological functions within a granuloma. Further, we showed that the neutralization power of TNF-neutralizing drugs depends on their TNF binding characteristics, including TNF binding kinetics, ability to bind to membrane-bound TNF and TNF binding stoichiometry. To further elucidate the role of TNF in the process of granuloma development, our modeling and experimental findings on TNF-associated molecular scale aspects of the granuloma can be incorporated into larger scale models describing the immune response to TB infection. Ultimately, these modeling and experimental results can help identify new strategies for TB disease control/therapy.
Iron and sulfur mineral analysis methods for natural attenuation assessments

Abstract Based on electron acceptor abundance, Fe3+ and SO2− 4 reduction by bacteria may play a dominant role in intrinsic bioremediation of some organic contaminants in the subsurface. Both Fe3+ and SO2− 4 reduction processes involve mineral phases and may not be properly understood by evaluating only groundwater concentrations. Fe and S mineral analyses should be incorporated in natural attenuation studies; however, inherent problems with sample collection and analysis have discouraged such efforts. Methods are presented here for (1) sediment collection and anoxic preservation, (2) evaluation of biologically available Fe3+ and biogenically produced Fe2+ minerals, and (3) a simplified extended mineral sulfide analysis for ‐FeS and S°+FeS2. These techniques are demonstrated to evaluate Fe3+ and SO2− 4 reduction at three sites where the soil or aquifer matrix had been contaminated with gasoline fuel, methane gas, or landfill leachate. It is expected that these techniques will permit Fe and S mineral analys...
On the unified dispersion problem: Efficient formulations and exact algorithms

Abstract Facility dispersion problems involve placing a number of facilities as far apart from each other as possible. Four different criteria of facility dispersal have been proposed in the literature ( Erkut & Neuman, 1991 ). Despite their formal differences, these four classic dispersion objectives can be expressed in a unified model called the partial-sum dispersion model ( Lei & Church, 2013 ). In this paper, we focus on the unweighted partial sum dispersion problem and introduce an efficient formulation for this generalized dispersion problem based on a construct by Ogryczak and Tamir (2003) . We also present a fast branch-and-bound based exact algorithm.
Interpolation of images via histosplines

A method of piecewise quadratic polynomial approximation of histograms or digital pictures is described. An example is given of the use of this method to reconstruct a smooth image from averaged and sampled data.
Purkinje Cell Cytoplasmic Antibody Type 1 (Anti-Yo) Autoimmunity in a Child With Down Syndrome

Importance Purkinje cell cytoplasmic antibody type 1 (PCA-1)–IgG (or anti-Yo) is characteristically detected in women with gynecological or breast adenocarcinoma. We describe 2 unique scenarios occurring in 1 patient: PCA-1 paraneoplastic autoimmunity in a child, and a paraneoplastic neurological disorder in the context of Down syndrome. Observations A child with Down syndrome and a history of adrenocortical carcinoma resected at age 1 year presented at age 7 years with cerebellar ataxia of subacute onset. Paraneoplastic serological and cerebrospinal fluid evaluations revealed PCA-1. Serological and biochemical studies also supported a diagnosis of subclinical autoimmune hypothyroidism. Extensive serum, urine, and radiological testing did not reveal a new or recurrent neoplasm. Neurological improvements after standard immunotherapy were lacking. Conclusions and Relevance Solid organ neoplasms are uncommon among patients with Down syndrome, but organ-specific autoimmune diseases are common. In our patient, Down syndrome–related impaired T regulatory lymphocyte function (previously reported) may have resulted in both enhanced immunity against an undetected solid neoplasm and paraneoplastic neurological (PCA-1) autoimmunity.
An overview of problems in image-based location awareness and navigation

In this paper we describe some of the research issues and challenges in image-based location awareness and navigation. We will describe two systems being developed at Purdue University as testbeds for our ideas. The main system architecture combines image processing, mobility, wireless communication, and location awareness. We will describe two fundamental scenarios for using images to aid in mobile navigation problems. The first provides the ability to use a locally acquired image to determine the identity of an object, for example a building, as one roams in an area. The second problem is the use of images in a database to aid in vehicle navigation. The solution to these problems use location information, such as GPS signals, to compare and search location-annotated images in a database. We believe location information can improve the accuracy in image database search.
The cultural side of science communication

The main proposition of this paper is that science communication necessarily involves and includes cultural orientations. There is a substantial body of work showing that cultural differences in values and epistemological frameworks are paralleled with cultural differences reflected in artifacts and public representations. One dimension of cultural difference is the psychological distance between humans and the rest of nature. Another is perspective taking and attention to context and relationships. As an example of distance, most (Western) images of ecosystems do not include human beings, and European American discourse tends to position human beings as being apart from nature. Native American discourse, in contrast, tends to describe humans beings as a part of nature. We trace the correspondences between cultural properties of media, focusing on children’s books, and cultural differences in biological cognition. Finally, implications for both science communication and science education are outlined.
Message waiting time with interdependent uniform transfer and processing

Abstract This paper examines the model of a computer system where messages arrive continuously and are served by receiving some amount of processing. Both transfer and processing times depend on the length of the message, resulting in a degree of interdependence between them. Here we assume that transfer times have uniform marginal density and examine different types of joint density functions of interarrival and service times. We develop and solve a relationship between system times of successive messages, and we use the solution to develop the system state probabilities of the arrival instants.
Morphological, chromosomal, and molecular evolution are uncoupled in pocket mice.

C-, and G-banded chromosomes are presented for Perognathus amplus and Perognathus longimembris from Arizona, USA and Chaetodipus nelsoni from Coahuila, Mexico. The two species of Perognathus reveal similar C-band patterns, and extensive autosomal and X chromosome G-band identity with only pericentric inversions distinguishing pairs 4 and 6 and a difference in the morphology of pair 20. Three pairs of autosomal secondary constrictions were found in P. amplus and only one in P. longimembris. Only 50% of the amplus/longimembris G-banded karyotype could be aligned with that of C. nelsoni indicating extensive chromosomal restructuring has taken place since these genera last shared a common ancestor. A review of the literature suggests variable rates of morphological, chromosomal and molecular evolution in these animals.
Hypomagnesemic Seizures: Case Report and Presumed Pathophysiology

Hypomagnesemia has previously been recognized as an uncommon cause of seizures. The electrolyte abnormality is caused by poor gastrointestinal absorption or excessive renal wasting, both from a variety of causes. We report on a 5-week-old patient who developed hypomagnesemic seizures as a consequence of renal magnesium wasting. Although the exact pathophysiology of hypomagnesemic seizures remains uncertain, currently available information suggests that it is related to disinhibition of the N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptor-sodium channel complex.
The dielectric response of polystyrene latexes: Effects of alterations in the structure of the particle surface

Abstract The presence of a “hairy” layer has been hypothesized to explain discrepancies between the electrokinetic theory and experiments with polystyrene latexes by Van der Put and Bijsterbosch (J. Colloid Interface Sci.92, 499 (1983)]. We tested the hypothesis by making electrokinetic measurements on latexes before and after they had been heated above the polystyrene glass transition temperature. This sort of treatment may smooth the particle surface by collapsing or removing the charged polymer filaments which comprise the layer. Low-frequency dielectric measurements reveal that heat treatment improves the agreement between experiment and theory. For an amphoteric latex, the dielectric constant and conductivity decrease with heat-treatment time, and the characteristic relaxation frequency increases. This is consistent with the hairy surface hypothesis, suggesting that heat treatment smooths the surface, creating particles which more closely conform to the assumptions of the classical theory. Experiments with an anionic latex further suggest the presence of surface structure, but discrepancies between experiment and theory persist; it appears that factors other than hairiness contribute to these discrepancies. The suspension's dielectric properties are evidently very sensitive to the state of the particle surface, and thus dielectric spectroscopy offers a promising means of studying the structure of colloidal interfaces.
Kinetics, morphology and pulling regimes for sensing tips in near-field microscopy

Abstract The spatial resolution provided by near-field scanning optical microscopes depends critically on the shape and size of the sharpened tip of the optical fiber used as a source of light or sensing element. The fabrication of a tip by the commonly used heating and pulling method is examined. It consists of an initially pulling and rupture followed by a cooling and relaxation. Different thermal and mechanical regimes are possible. The presented analysis leads to a deeper physical understanding of these processes and suggests avenues for technical improvements.
Training Effectiveness Evaluation

The gap between evaluation theory and practice is a serious problem for training in industry and business[1]. A recent literature review of the summative evaluation on training noted:
Molecular Ionic Probes: A New Class of Hill Reagents and Their Potential for Nanofabrication and Biometallocatalysis

We report the results of an extensive experimental survey and characterization of over 20 species of transition-metal compounds for their activity in the Hill reaction and photoprecipitation of metal at the lipid−water interface of photosynthetic thylakoid membranes. Four new Hill reagents were identified: PtCl4, OsCl3, [RuCl6]2-, and [RuCl6]3-. Each can be photosynthetically reduced to form a metallic catalyst at the reducing site of photosystem I (PSI) in the thylakoid membranes. Negative charge of the metal-compound species is apparently essential for their interaction with the reducing site of PSI. When PtCl4 and OsCl3 are dissolved in water, they combine with water molecules to form H2[PtCl4(OH)2] and H3[OsCl3(OH)3], which can dissociate to negatively charged species [PtCl4(OH)2]2- and [OsCl3(OH)3]3- at neutral pH. Metallic ruthenium can also catalyze reduction of protons for H2 production, in addition to its known catalytic ability to fix CO2. These findings could have important implications for na...
Focal adhesions and associated proteins in medullary thyroid carcinoma cells.

Abstract Background. In medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), mutations in the RET protooncogene lead to oncogenic transformation. RET activation in other cell types has been shown to cause phosphorylation of the focal adhesion-associated proteins focal adhesion kinase (FAK), paxillin, and p130 CAS . We hypothesized that adhesion-dependent signaling might be deranged in MTC cells. Methods. Indirect immunofluorescence was used to label β 1 integrin, FAK, paxillin, and p130CAS. Rhodamine-labeled phalloidin was used to visualize actin microfilaments. Phosphorylated protein was detected by immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting for phosphotyrosine. MTC cell invasiveness was quantified using a modified Boyden chamber assay. Results. Clustering of β 1 integrin, FAK, paxillin, and p130 CAS into focal adhesions were not detected in MTC cells under any conditions, although clustering was seen as expected in control HeLa cells. Despite this failure, FAK, paxillin and p130 CAS were all found to be phosphorylated. Actin microfilaments were generally not seen although in a few cells, small, poorly formed microfilaments could be detected. MTC cells invaded poorly as compared with highly invasive cell lines. However a clear difference was noted between invasiveness on growth factor depleted Matrigel and regular Matrigel. Conclusions. In MTC cells, focal adhesions are not seen in response to interaction with extracellular matrix. Consistent with this failure, actin microfilaments are absent or poorly formed and invasion is weak. Despite the absence of focal adhesions, focal adhesion proteins remain phosphorylated, even though in normal cells their signaling activity is dependent on focal adhesion formation. Deranged adhesion-dependent signaling may contribute to MTC pathogenesis.
Preparation and characterization of silica-bound tetrairidium carbonyl cluster compounds

Abstract Supported tetrairidium carbonyl cluster compounds were synthesized in the presence of a functionalized silica surface. The activity of the catalysts for ethylene hydrogenation and synthesis gas conversion was determined in an infrared flow reactor cell. The structure of the cluster was investigated in situ by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Preparation of the silica bound cluster compounds involved: (1) silica surface functionalization performed in a batch reactor at 90 °C under 1 atm of nitrogen, with beta-diphenylphosphinoethyltriethoxysilane; and (2) tetrairidium cluster synthesis in the presence of the functionalized silica, performed in a batch reactor at 90 °C under 5 atm of carbon monoxide. The supported cluster compounds were successfully identified as Ir 4 (CO) 11 -(PPh 2 )SIL and Ir 4 (CO) 10 (PPh 2 ) 2 SIL using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Reaction kinetics for ethylene hydrogenation were determined for temperatures between 25 °C and 200 °C and for pressures between 1.0 atm and 1.5 atm. The reactor system, consisting of a differential flow reactor situated in the sample beam of a FTIR spectrometer and including an on-line gas chromatograph, was constructed for simultaneous monitoring of kinetics and infrared spectra. Ethylene hydrogenation orders at 27.5 °C of 0.7 and 1.2 were found for ethylene and hydrogen respectively. Catalytic enhancement of synthesis gas conversion was not detected.
Characterization of organic multi‐mode optical waveguides for electro‐optical printed circuit boards (EOPCB)

Purpose – To characterise the optical performance of organic multi‐mode optical waveguides integrated with printed circuit board (PCB) and to demonstrate the feasibility of 2.5 and 10 Gbps optical interconnection in board‐level, respectively.Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides both qualitative and quantitative approaches for the characterization the wave guide performance, i.e. using loss measurement, optical beam profiling, ethernet verification, and eye‐diagram testing. In addition to wave guide loss measurement, the most significance part of the work reported in this paper is to evaluate optical wave guides with coupled VCSELs, by which a 3 dB coupling design budget can thus be identified. Furthermore, by artificially manipulating coupling conditions, practical concerns of EOPCB integration, including waveguide geometry, VCSEL driving power, alignment tolerance, coupling spacing, etc. are studied.Findings – Thermal stability studies related to PCB lamination processes show the feasibility...
Bone Tissue Fluorescence Reduction for Visible Laser Raman Spectroscopy

We report the successful reduction of background fluorescence in bone tissue by photo-irradiation with green laser light. Irradiation of bone tissue with intense green light has been shown to be nondestructive and to reduce permanently over 70% of the fluorescence background. The laser power dependence of the fluorescence reduction was found to be nonlinear.
Two strategically placed base pairs in helix 8 of mammalian signal recognition particle RNA are crucial for the SPR19-dependent binding of protein SRP54

Signal recognition particle (SRP) guides secretory proteins to biological membranes in all organisms. Assembly of the large domain of mammalian SRP requires binding of SRP19 prior to the binding of protein SRP54 to SRP RNA. The crystal structure of the ternary complex reveals the parallel arrangement of RNA helices 6 and 8, a bridging of the helices via a hydrogen bonded A149–A201 pair and protein SRP19, and two A minor motifs between the asymmetric loop of helix 8 (A213 and A214) and helix 6. We investigated which residues in helix 8 are responsible for the SRP19-dependent binding of SRP54 by taking advantage of the finding that binding of human SRP54 to Methanococcus jannaschii SRP RNA is independent of SRP19. Chimeric human/M. jannaschii SRP RNA molecules were synthesized containing predominantly human SRP RNA but possessing M. jannaschii SRP RNA-derived substitutions. Activities of the chimeric RNAs were measured with respect to protein SRP19 and the methionine-rich RNA-binding domain of protein SRP54 (SRP54M). Changing A213 and A214 to a uridine has no effect on the SRP19-dependent binding of SRP54M. Instead, the two base pairs C189–G210 and C190–G209, positioned between the conserved binding site of SRP54 and the asymmetric loop, are critical for conveying SRP19 dependency. Furthermore, the nucleotide composition of five base pairs surrounding the asymmetric loop affects binding of SRP54M significantly. These results demonstrate that subtle, and not easily perceived, structural differences are of crucial importance in the assembly of mammalian SRP.