cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growth and phase transformations of Ir on Ge(111)

Abstract The growth of Ir on Ge(111) as a function of temperature between 23 °C and 820 °C is characterized with low energy electron microscopy (LEEM), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). Deposition onto a substrate at 350 °C revealed a novel growth mode consisting of multilayer Ir islands with (√3 × √3)R30° (abbreviated as √3) structure interconnected by “bridges” of single-layer Ir several atoms wide. For deposition onto substrates above 500 °C, the √3 Ir phase grows with dendritic morphology, and substrate step bunches act as barriers to √3 Ir growth. LEEM images showed Stranski–Krastanov growth for 650–820 °C: after the √3 phase covers the surface, corresponding to 2 monolayers (ML) Ir coverage, multilayer hexagonal-shaped Ir islands form, surrounded by regions of IrGe alloy. Hexagonal-shaped Ir islands also formed upon heating 1.2 ML of √3 Ir beyond 830 °C, which resulted in the elimination of √3 structure from the surface. The transformation from √3 to (1 × 1) structure upon heating to 830 °C was an irreversible surface phase transition. Annealing > 2.0 ML of Ir in the √3 phase above the 830 °C disorder temperature, followed by cooling, produced a (3 × 1) structure. Subsequent heating and cooling through 830 °C give evidence for a reversible (3 × 1) to (1 × 1) phase transition.
‘He didn’t want to let his team down’: the challenge of dual loyalty for team physicians

Team physicians have a complicated job that involves potentially conflicting obligations to multiple entities. Though responsible for the medical care of the athletes as individuals, they also have...
On Following a Rule

The question of what it is to follow a rule, much debated in the current literature on Wittgenstein, is more complicated than most of its discussants seem to have realized. In general, their writings exhibit a tendency to overlook or blur important distinctions, lapses that make it difficult or even impossible to determine exactly what is at issue. Baker and Hacker are certainly right when they say that unless it is understood what rules are “confusions about rules ramify into muddles about following rules”.1
Proclus the Successor on the First Alcibiades of Plato

The most valid and surest starting-point for the dialogues of Plato, and, practically for the whole of philosophical consideration, is, in our opinion, the discerning of our own being. If this is correctly posited, we shall in every way, I think, be able more accurately to understand both the good that is appropriate to us and the evil that fights against it. Of the things that are, as it is natural for each one to differ in being, so also their perfection varies in different cases, according to their descent in the scale of being. Either both being and the good proceed from the same hearth and primal spring, as Aristotle1 asserts, in which case individual objects must receive their limit of perfection according to the measure of their being ; or the good has come to things from one source, higher and more holy, and being and existence from another, in which case, as each one shares in being more dimly or more clearly, so also it will participate in the good, the primary beings in a greater and more perfect good, those that are assigned to an intermediate position, according to their own station, in a secondary good, and the lowest beings in a lowest good.
Teaching critical appraisal of medical evidence.

Three practical methods for actively teaching critical appraisal skills in an evidence-based medicine curriculum.
Evidence-Based Intelligence Practices: Examining the Role of Fusion Centers as a Critical Source of Information

Evidence-Based Intelligence Practices: Examining the Role of Fusion Centers as a Critical Source of Information
CD19 Alterations Emerging after CD19-Directed Immunotherapy Cause Retention of the Misfolded Protein in the Endoplasmic Reticulum

We previously described a mechanism of acquired resistance of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia to CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CART) immunotherapy. It was based on in-frame insertions in or skipping of CD19 exon 2. To distinguish between epitope loss and defects in surface localization, we used retroviral transduction and genome editing to generate cell lines expressing CD19 exon 2 variants (CD19ex2vs) bearing vesicular stomatitis virus G protein (VSVg) tags. These lines were negative by live-cell flow cytometry with an anti-VSVg antibody and resistant to killing by VSVg-directed antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), suggestive of a defect in surface localization. Indeed, pulse-chase and α-mannosidase inhibitor assays showed that all CD19ex2vs acquired endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-specific high-mannose-type sugars but not complex-type glycans synthesized in the Golgi apparatus. When fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP), CD19ex2vs (including a mutant lacking the relevant disulfide bond) showed colocalization with ER markers, implying protein misfolding. Mass spectrometric profiling of CD19-interacting proteins demonstrated that CD19ex2vs fail to bind to the key tetraspanin CD81 and instead interact with ER-resident chaperones, such as calnexin, and ER transporters involved in antigen presentation. Thus, even the intact domains of CD19ex2vs cannot be easily targeted with ADCs or current CD19 CARTs but could serve as sources of peptides for major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted presentation and T-cell receptor (TCR)-mediated killing.
Smartphone-based Indoor Localization for Blind Navigation across Building Complexes

Continuous and accurate smartphone-based localization is a promising technology for supporting independent mobility of people with visual impairments. However, despite extensive research on indoor localization techniques, they are still not ready for deployment in large and complex environments, like shopping malls and hospitals, where navigation assistance is needed. To achieve accurate, continuous, and real-time localization with smartphones in such environments, we present a series of key techniques enhancing a probabilistic localization algorithm. The algorithm is designed for smartphones and employs inertial sensors on a mobile device and Received Signal Strength (RSS) from Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons. We evaluate the proposed system in a 21,000 ${\text{m}^{2}}$ shopping mall which includes three multi-story buildings and a large open underground passageway. Experiments in this space validate the effect of the proposed technologies to improve localization accuracy. Field experiments with visually impaired participants confirm the practical performance of the proposed system in realistic use cases.
Acceptance-based behavioral counseling

Abstract Acceptance-based behavioral therapy (ABT) is a promising new approach for weight control. ABT builds upon several core strategies from standard behavioral treatment for obesity, including self-monitoring, stimulus control, goal setting, and problem solving. However, ABT acknowledges that these strategies, while necessary, are often insufficient as they may not sufficiently address uncomfortable internal experiences, including hedonic drives, emotions, and physical sensations, that may arise when one engages in weight control. ABT aims to enhance adherence to weight control by cultivating mindful awareness and acceptance of uncomfortable internal experiences, and developing willingness to persist in weight control behaviors in the service of one's values. This theoretical model of ABT for weight control is described in detail in this review. In addition, we summarize the growing body of empirical literature, including analog studies, open-trials, and randomized controlled trials, that suggests that ABT is an efficacious weight loss intervention. Finally, we describe future research directions, including the examination of potential moderators and mediators of ABT for weight control.
Micro-solenoid inductors with magnetic core for neural stimulation

Magnetic stimulation using micro-coils has shown to be an effective method for brain neural modulation [1]. These micro-coils could arguably be superior to commonly used micro-electrodes in terms of long-term functionality. This is because, unlike electrode based devices, magnetic coils do not need to have direct contact with brain tissues and thus their efficiency and stimulation capability do not degrade overtime. In this study, we compare three different micro-coils and show that the use of magnetic-core in the inductors could substantially improve the coil’s performance and help to generate more than 13 times stronger electric field and electric field gradient.
ISAR Imaging of Objects Embedded in Clutter Using Compressive Sensing

Imaging a weak target in the presence of strong clutter is a common problem associated with many radar imaging applications. Current ISAR imaging techniques assume an ideal target scene with Gaussian additive noise and coherent clutter backscatter will manifest as image artifacts. This paper will propose a method for separating target and clutter using compressive sensing techniques combined with a basis matrix formed with measured clutter data. The resulting images will be compared to traditional imaging methods.
Isolated right atrial rupture from blunt trauma: a case report with systematic review of a lethal injury

Isolated right atrial rupture (IRAR) from blunt chest trauma is rare. There are no physical exam findings and non-invasive testing specific to the condition, which result in diagnostic delays and poor outcomes. We present a case of IRAR along with a systematic review of similar cases in the literature. A 23-year-old male presented following a motor vehicle accident (MVA). He was bradycardic and hypotensive during transportation; and required intubation. There were contusions along the right chest wall with clear breath sounds, and no jugular venous distension, muffled heart sounds. Hemodynamic status progressively worsened, ultimately leading to his death. However, no external sources of bleeding or evidence of cardiac tamponade was found. A search of PubMed, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library using: (Blunt OR Blunt trauma) AND (Laceration OR Rupture OR Tear) AND (Right Atrium OR Right Atrial). Articles were included if they were original articles describing cases of IRAR. Forty-five reports comprising seventy-five (n = 75) cases of IRAR. IRAR most commonly occurs following MVAs as the result of blunt chest trauma. Rupture occurs at four distinct sites and is most commonly at the right atrial appendage. IRAR is a diagnostic challenge and requires a high index of suspicion, as patients’ hemodynamics can rapidly deteriorate. The presentations vary depending on multiple factors including rupture size, pericardial integrity, and concomitant injuries. Cardiac tamponade may have a protective effect by prompting the search for a bleeding source. A pericardial window can be diagnostic and therapeutic in IRAR. Outcomes are favourable with timely recognition and prompt surgical intervention.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Examining Her Path to the High Court Bench and its Intersection with the ACLU

This paper examines Justice Ginsburg's history, her impassioned activism on behalf of the American Civil Liberties Union, her confirmation to the United States Supreme Court, and the partisan politics of 2016, which resulted in the failed nomination of moderate jurist, Chief Judge Merrick Garland.
Cost effectiveness of dual mobility in hip–spine patients: A value-based algorithm of utilization

Abstract Objectives Prior spinal pathology or surgery may increase the risk of dislocation and revision surgery after total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this review is to present the etiology of dislocation, evaluate different implants to decrease risk of dislocation, and determine cost effectiveness of use. Findings Dual mobility implants for primary total hip arthroplasty can decrease postoperative dislocation and may result in long-term cost-savings. Conclusions Prior spinal pathology or lumbar surgery can result in higher dislocation rates after total hip arthroplasty. Preoperative evaluation with patient questionnaires, assessment of previous medical history, and the use of advance imaging can help determine the need for dual mobility implants. The proper use of dual mobility implants may decrease dislocation risk in a cost-effective manner.
Electrospun Polymer Nanofibers as Seed Coatings for Crop Protection

Ineffective delivery of pesticides leads to multiple application cycles of active ingredients (AIs), resulting in increased cost while endangering the environment via soil, water, and air contamina...
Diabetes drugs for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review

Fatty liver is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. While there are no approved drugs for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, strategies to ameliorate fatty liver often target these related diseases. We sought to determine if any medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat diabetes are helpful in reducing weight and improving steatohepatitis in patients with NAFLD. We conducted a systematic review of published and unpublished studies evaluating the comparative effectiveness and harms of diabetes medications for the treatment of NAFLD. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through 3rd quarter, 2019 using terms for included drugs and indications. We screened 1591 citations and included 18 trials of diabetes drugs to treat NAFLD. Studies of metformin found no difference from placebo in steatosis, fibrosis, NAFLD activity score, or resolution of NASH. While weight and glucose control were improved with metformin, it did not substantially impact liver disease. Studies of pioglitazone in NASH patients found benefits in liver function, liver fat, and NASH resolution, though significant increases in weight may be cause for concern. Evidence for other thiazolinediones was more limited and had somewhat mixed results, but findings were generally consistent with those for pioglitazone: liver fat and function and glucose measures improved, but weight also increased. We found some evidence that liraglutide improves liver fat, liver function, and HbA1c and is effective at resolving NASH and reducing weight. Exenatide performed less well but also resulted in significant reductions in liver fat and weight. Consistent with existing clinical practice guidelines, which recommend lifestyle intervention and treatment for comorbidities related to fatty liver disease as first-line treatment, trial evidence supports the efficacy of some diabetes drugs (especially pioglitazone) in patients with NAFLD or NASH, though weight gain with some diabetes drugs may warrant caution. Larger trials are needed to better characterize the efficacy and harms of diabetes pharmacotherapy in these patients.
A Crossed Undulator System for a Variable Polarization Synchrotron Radiation Source

A crossed undulator system can produce synchrotron radiation whose polarization is arbitrary and adjustable. The polarization can be linear and modulated between two mutually perpendicular directions, or it can be circular and can be modulated between right and left circular polarizations. The system works on low emittance electron storage rings and can cover a wide spectral range. Topics discussed include the basic principle of the system, the design equations and the limitations in performance.
Overview of Part II

In the previous three chapters, we have examined some problem behaviors that are often associated with casino gambling. Overall, the empirical analyses in these chapters suggest that individuals who engage in gambling are more likely than non-gamblers to engage in the other risky behaviors studied.
Children Expressing Mixed Emotion in a Nonsocial Context.

Efforts to demonstrate children’s ability to report experiencing mixed emotions have typically used an allocentric approach, asking children to report on emotions of other individuals in response t...
Do Public Equity Markets Matter in Emerging Economies? Evidence from India

Do public equity markets serve an unique role that is not easily served by other forms of financing in emerging economies? We analyze this question using the collapse of India's equity market in 1997, which provides an exogenous shock to firms' ability to issue equity. We find that both public and private firms exhibit higher bankruptcy rates and lower growth after 1997. The decline in growth is greater among firms with more external finance needs and fewer tangible assets. Overall, the evidence suggests that public equity markets are an important, not easily replaced, source of finance in emerging economies. Copyright 2013, Oxford University Press.
Post-radical prostatectomy (RP) outcome for patients with high-risk prostate cancer treated with intense neoadjuvant hormone therapy (NHT): Results of a pooled analysis of contemporary clinical trials.

238Background: Patients with high-risk prostate cancer have an increased risk of recurrence and death from prostate cancer. Intense NHT prior to RP has been associated with favorable pathologic res...
Nurse practitioner scope of practice and the prevention of foot complications in rural diabetes patients

PURPOSE Diabetic foot ulcers afflict a quarter of type-2 diabetes mellitus patients and are associated with higher mortality rates among people with diabetes. Routine primary and preventive care is essential to both prevent and treat foot ulcers before they can contribute to further adverse outcomes. One approach for expanding this care to people with diabetes in rural communities is increasing the practice authority of nurse practitioners. This study examines whether the presence of nurse practitioner practice authority is associated with fewer foot ulcer complications in rural populations as measured through the incidence of foot debridement-a common procedure for addressing severe diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS This study uses medical claims to estimate the incidence of foot debridement for US counties. A multivariable linear regression was performed to examine the association between nurse practitioner practice authority and the county incidence of foot debridement after adjusting for measures of local health care workforce and sociodemographics. FINDINGS Nurse practitioner practice authority was associated with 219.4 fewer foot debridements per 10,000 enrollees (P < .001) in rural counties. Rural health clinics (P < .03) and skilled nursing facilities (P < .03) were also associated with fewer rural debridements. The number of nurse practitioners (P < .69) and primary care physicians (P < .69) per enrollee were not significant. No measure of health care workforce was associated with the incidence of foot debridement in urban counties. CONCLUSIONS Expanding nurse practitioner practice authority may be an effective solution for preventing complications from diabetic foot ulcers in rural communities.
A Guide to Topology

Preface Part I. Fundamentals: 1.1. What is topology? 1.2. First definitions 1.3 Mappings 1.4. The separation axioms 1.5. Compactness 1.6. Homeomorphisms 1.7. Connectedness 1.8. Path-connectedness 1.9. Continua 1.10. Totally disconnected spaces 1.11. The Cantor set 1.12. Metric spaces 1.13. Metrizability 1.14. Baire's theorem 1.15. Lebesgue's lemma and Lebesgue numbers Part II. Advanced Properties: 2.1 Basis and subbasis 2.2. Product spaces 2.3. Relative topology 2.4. First countable and second countable 2.5. Compactifications 2.6. Quotient topologies 2.7. Uniformities 2.8. Morse theory 2.9. Proper mappings 2.10. Paracompactness Part III. Moore-Smith Convergence and Nets: 3.1. Introductory remarks 3.2. Nets Part IV. Function Spaces: 4.1. Preliminary ideas 4.2. The topology of pointwise convergence 4.3. The compact-open topology 4.4. Uniform convergence 4.5. Equicontinuity and the Ascoli-Arzela theorem 4.6. The Weierstrass approximation theorem Table of notation Glossary Bibliography Index.
Physics of meteor entry

A = cross-sectional area A* = reference area, Eq. (20) CD = drag coefficient CH = heat-transfer coefficient E = integrated zero-magnitude intensity Ek = kinetic energy Fd = drag force h = altitude H = enthalpy I = zero-magnitude light intensity K = density parameter, Eq. (19) 3TZ = magnitude m = mass P — power q = heat-transfer rate Q = effective heat of ablation or vaporization R = radius Re = Reynolds number t = time T = temperature, °K v = velocity a. = inverse scale height T = angle between flight path and horizontal e = function denoting second-order effects, Eq. (4) A = mean free path p — density or = entry parameter, Eq. (23) T = luminous efficiency factor TO = luminosity coefficient = ballistic parameter = 2wa s
Identification of amino acids in lac repressor protein cross-linked to operator DNA specifically substituted with bromodeoxyuridine.

Amino acids in lac repressor protein which form cross-links to lac operator DNA specifically substituted with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) have been identified. Five sites of cross-linking in BrdU-substituted operator DNA were found at positions +3, +4, +14, +18, and +19 relative to the initiation site for transcription (Wick, K.L., and Matthews, K.S. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 6106-6112). Irradiation of complexes of repressor and each of these five singly substituted operator DNAs was executed under large scale conditions to generate sufficient complex for proteolysis, separation of the peptide-DNA, and peptide sequencing. The DNAs substituted with BrdU for thymidine at positions +3, +18, and +19 yielded cross-links to the peptide spanning residues 23-33, with the cross-link identified at His-29. Substitution at position +14 resulted in a cross-link to Tyr-17 within the peptide containing amino acids 13-22. These results are consistent with the structure determined by NMR and molecular dynamics calculations of the NH2-terminal headpiece-symmetric operator complex (Lamerichs, R.M.J.N., Boelens, R., van der Marel, G.A., van Boom, J.H., Kaptein, R., Buck, F., Fera, B., and Ruterjans, H. (1989) Biochemistry 28, 2895-2991; de Vlieg, J., Berendsen, H.J.C., and van Gunsteren, W.F. (1989) Proteins 6, 104-127). This structure indicates proximity of His-29 in the major groove to thymidines at positions +3 and +4. Since base pairs at positions +18 and +19 occupy symmetrical positions to +3 and +4 in the promoter distal region of the operator, it would be anticipated that cross-links similar to the +3 and +4 positions would form at these sites; this prediction is not borne out by the behavior at +4/+18, as no peptide could be identified cross-linked to DNA substituted at +4. Molecular dynamics simulations and the NMR data indicate that Tyr-17 interacts with the thymine at position +8, which is symmetrically related to position +14. Although BrdU-associated strand scission at +8 is protected, this site does not cross-link with bound lac repressor; inversely, DNA substituted with BrdU at +14 cross-links to repressor, but is not protected from strand scission by the presence of the protein. These differences at symmetrically related nucleotide positions (+4 versus +18, +8 versus +14) reflect the inherent asymmetry in the interaction. The identification of amino acids in proximity to specifically substituted sites confirms that positions of several amino acids in the intact protein-operator complex correspond to those in the structure of the NH2-terminal headpiece-operator DNA complex.
Ideology and Agency in the Process of Schooling.

The concept of ideology is interrogated as the necessary basis for a more fully developed theory of emancipatory pedagogy. It is argued that within the Marxist tradition ideology has largely been d...
A comparison of learning techniques in second language learning

Abstract We present a machine learning program, called ANT, which learns the grammar of a second language. Input to the system is similar to what is found in a typical introductory foreign language text; that is, a mixture of instructions describing grammar rules, and examples illustrating these rules. We compare ANT's learning to two alternatives: learning from only instructions, and learning from only examples. We discuss why, from a. functional or processing standpoint, learning from a mixed input is more effective than either of the alternatives. We also present an empirical comparison of our algorithm's performance on input containing both instructions and examples vs. performance of the system when given instructions only or examples only. The results of the comparison support our hypotheses as to the utility of mixed input.
The role of hardware courses in the computer science curriculum at small colleges

The purpose of this panel is to examine the role hardware courses play in the Computer Science Curriculum at a Small College. The selected panelists come from different educational backgrounds, represent different types of schools, and outline contrasting points of view on the topic. The goals of the panel are to start a discussion on the relevance and place of hardware courses in the undergraduate Computer Science curriculum at small colleges, and to search for ways to better integrate hardware courses into CS Education.
Repeated verum but not placebo acupuncture normalizes connectivity in brain regions dysregulated in chronic pain

Acupuncture, an ancient East Asian therapy, is aimed at rectifying the imbalance within the body caused by disease. Studies evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture with neuroimaging tend to concentrate on brain regions within the pain matrix, associated with acute pain. We, however, focused on the effect of repeated acupuncture treatment specifically on brain regions known to support functions dysregulated in chronic pain disorders. Transition to chronic pain is associated with increased attention to pain, emotional rumination, nociceptive memory and avoidance learning, resulting in brain connectivity changes, specifically affecting the periaqueductal gray (PAG), medial frontal cortex (MFC) and bilateral hippocampus (Hpc). We demonstrate that the PAG–MFC and PAG–Hpc connectivity in patients with chronic pain due to knee osteoarthritis indeed correlates with clinical severity scores and further show that verum acupuncture-induced improvement in pain scores (compared to sham) is related to the modulation of PAG–MFC and PAG–Hpc connectivity in the predicted direction. This study shows that repeated verum acupuncture might act by restoring the balance in the connectivity of the key pain brain regions, altering pain-related attention and memory.
Terry Flew, Global Creative Industries

Since the notion of creative industries was first articulated in the United Kingdom in 1997, the term has caught on and experienced a global rise. Scholars from different geographical regions have theorized this old industry in new languages, such as creative class, cultural industries, and creative clusters and cities (Florida, 2002; Lash & Lury, 2007; Pratt, 2004), as well as from the perspectives of management and creative laborers (Bilton, 2007; Hesmondhalgh & Baker, 2011). However, author Terry Flew notes, “[F]ewer attempts have been made to situate this discussion in a global context” (p. vii). That is why Global Creative Industries explores the contradictions, traditions, and challenges of this vibrant economic sector both within and outside the West.
Performance improvement of all-digital wide-bandwidth receivers by linearization of ADCs and DACs

This paper will discuss recent advances in dynamic compensation of both analog to digital converters (ADCs) and digital to analog converters (DACs) for application in all-digital wide-bandwidth receivers. An overview of previous calibration and compensation procedures will be given. Recent ADC calibration procedures will be presented which speed the calibration process by several orders of magnitude. These procedures have been developed to allow for recalibration of an ADC outside of a laboratory environment. Calibration and compensation of DACs is also discussed. Highly linear DACs are desirable, since they may be used as calibration sources for ADCs, and are often fundamental building-blocks of high-resolution ADCs.
Progressive Compression of Normal Vectors

We present a method for compression of normal vectors that (1) is general, in the sense that it can be incorporated into many different progressive geometry compression schemes; (2) is progressive, and accommodates arbitrary view dependent refinement; and (3) gives compression ratios and rate-distortion performance superior to previous methods. Our method works by progressively refining a normal cone to one of eight possible sub-cones (including no refinement), and entropy encoding the choice. We experimentally demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach on both meshes and point clouds, in combination with two very different geometry progression methods.
BIODISTRIBUTION AND PHARMACOKINETICS OF COLON-SPECIFIC HPMA COPOLYMER – 9-AMINOCAMPTOTHECIN CONJUGATE IN MICE

Abstract A water soluble N -(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer–9-aminocamptothecin (9-AC) conjugate was designed for oral colon-specific drug delivery in the treatment of colon cancer. Comparative studies between the polymer conjugate and free drug have been performed to assess their biodistribution and pharmacokinetics in mice. After oral administration of equal doses of the polymer conjugate or free 9-AC, the drug concentrations in major organs at fixed time points were determined using an HPLC-fluorescence assay. Only 2 ± 1% of 9-AC released from the polymer conjugate was detected in the small intestine (SI), and the mean peak concentration of free 9-AC was 45-fold higher than that from released drug. Colon-specific release of 9-AC produced high local concentrations. The mean peak concentration of released 9-AC in cecal contents, feces, cecal tissue, and colon tissue were, respectively, 3.2-fold, 3.5-fold, 2.2-fold and 1.6-fold higher than that using free 9-AC. In plasma, the high and sharp drug concentration profile from free drug was in contrast to the relatively low and flat pharmacokinetic profile obtained from drug released from the HPMA copolymer. There was no significant difference between released and free drug for the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) and bioavailability values. As a consequence of the colon-specific release of unmodified 9-AC from the polymer conjugate, antitumor efficacy can be anticipated to be enhanced due to prolonged colon tumor exposure to higher and more localized drug concentrations.
Channel catfish soluble FcμR binds conserved linear epitopes present on Cμ3 and Cμ4

A linear epitope on catfish IgM has been identified as the docking site for the catfish soluble FcμR (IpFcRI). Western blot analyses and latex bead binding assays identified the consensus octapeptide motif FxCxVxHE located at the second cysteine that forms the intrachain disulfide bond of the catfish Cμ3 and Cμ4 immunolglobulin (Ig) domains as the IpFcRI binding sites. Furthermore, molecular modeling of catfish Cμ3 and Cμ4 confirmed that the octapeptide in both of these domains is accessible for IpFcRI interactions. In addition, since this octapeptide motif is also found in other vertebrate Ig domains, IpFcRI binding to Ig heavy (H) and light (L) chains from rainbow trout, chicken, mouse, rabbit, and goat were examined by Western blot analyses and latex bead binding assays. IpFcRI readily bound reduced rainbow trout (Igμ), chicken (Igν), mouse (Igμ, Igγ1, Igγ2a, Igγ2b, and Igα), rabbit (Igμ and Igγ) and goat (Igγ) IgH chains, and mouse Igκ and Igλ, and chicken Igλ IgL chains. IpFcRI also bound mouse IgM, IgA and IgG subclasses when examined under native conditions.
An Iatrogenic Complication of Radial Artery Cannulation

Here, we report a potentially serious iatrogenic complication of arterial cannulation, and discuss the management and prevention of accidental arterial cannula transection. A 73-year-old man suffered from accidental cannula transection after removal of a radial arterial cannula. Three-dimensional computed tomography was used to confirm and locate the retained catheter. Surgical exploration was performed to remove the retained catheter, and the operation was completed smoothly without residual sequelae. Iatrogenic transection of arterial cannula is rarely reported. However, we should always be aware of the possibility of occurrence of this severe complication. We provide some recommendations for its management and ways to prevent its occurrence.
Abstract A10: Off-target toxicity in white blood cells by AG-012986, a pan-CDK inhibitor, is mediated through inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling pathway

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) have been an attractive target for cancer research because these kinases are predominantly active during cell division. AG-012986 is a small molecule pan-CDK inhibitor that has in vitro and in vivo antitumor properties. This compound was stopped during development due in part to rapid bone-marrow independent white blood cell toxicity in non-human primate and rodent species, and the potential for acute and delayed immunosuppression in humans. Because peripheral leukocytes are largely nonproliferating cells, it was hypothesized that the effects of AG-012986 was due to an off-target mechanism and not driven by the intended pharmacology. Using primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and T-cells, we show that AG-012986 has a toxicity profile with greater specificity and more rapid cell death compared to the prototypical ATP-competitive kinase inhibitor, staurosporine. The cell toxicity mechanism was caspase-dependent and contained the hallmarks of apoptosis as indicated by cells staining double positive for propidium iodide and annexin-V. PBMCs or T-cells treated with AG-012986 and acutely stimulated either pharmacologically or through the T-cell receptor (TCR), exhibited decreased cellular toxicity compared to non-stimulated control cells. Interestingly under activating conditions with the pan-CDK compound, T-cells did not undergo significant cell division, as measured by BrdU incorporation, and were also rescued from apoptosis. This indicates that the pharmacology of AG-012986 was functioning as expected but that the toxicity due to its off-target effect had now been decoupled through cellular activation. Investigating the downstream signaling network showed that phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase was impaired in the presence of AG-012986. Thus we hypothesize that AG-012986 may target the upstream kinase MKK3 and/or MKK6 for inhibition under basal conditions, leading to cell death in T cells and perhaps other white blood cells. Citation Information: Clin Cancer Res 2010;16(14 Suppl):A10.
Cysteine-rich regions of pig gastric mucin contain von Willebrand factor and cystine knot domains at the carboxyl terminal

Abstract In order to sequence the cysteine-rich regions of pig gastric mucin (PGM), we used our previously identified pig gastric mucin clone PGM-2A to screen a pig stomach cDNA library and perform rapid amplification of cDNA ends to obtain two cysteine-rich clones, PGM-2X and PGM-Z13. PGM-2X has 1071 base pairs (bp) encoding 357 amino acids containing five serine–threonine-rich 16 amino acid tandem repeats, downstream from a cysteine-rich region similar to human and mouse MUC5AC. PGM-Z13 encodes the complete 3′-terminus of PGM and is composed of 3336 bp with a 2964 bp open reading frame encoding 988 amino acids with four serine–threonine-rich tandem repeats upstream from a cysteine-rich region similar to the carboxyl terminal regions of human and rat MUC5AC and human MUC5B. This region is homologous to von Willebrand factor C and D domains involved in acid induced polymerization, and to the carboxyl terminal cystine-knot domain of various mucins, TGF-β, vWF and norrin, which is involved in dimerization. These newly sequenced cysteine-rich regions of pig gastric mucin may be critical for its gelation and for its observed increased viscosity induced by low pH.
Processing of porous ceramics : Piezoelectric materials

Abstract The paper reviews processing techniques used to produce porous ceramics with tri-dimensionally interconnected porosity, in a wide range of pore volumes and pore size and distribution. Attention is focused on the development of porous electroceramics and especially piezoelectric PZT materials. The porosity can be introduced through dry or wet techniques. In the dry techniques, a fugitive phase is added to the perovskitic powder by mechanical mixing. Wet techniques involve the manipulation of suspensions and a better control of the final morphology and microstructure of the samples can be achieved by the colloidal approach. The whole spectrum of techniques for generation of porosity is surveyed; it includes burnout of volatile particles or thermally unstable sponge structures, generation of porosity by foaming, slip casting, tape casting, direct consolidation, solid freeform fabrication, die pressing. Porosities of up to 70% are obtained in aerogels by sol–gel processing. The pore size distribution and microstructural differences resulting from various processing parameters influence the physical properties, particularly the acoustic/piezoelectric response of PZT materials.
Substituent Ordering and Interpolation in Molecular Library Optimization

The substituent ordering problem in molecular libraries refers to identifying a rational ordering for molecular moieties such that coarse sampling and interpolation over the full space of possible library molecules may beefficiently performed. A practical solution to the ordering problem is proposed on the bases of (a) coarse sampling of the molecular substituents, (b) radial basis function interpolation over the full space, and (c) the use of genetic algorithms to find rational moiety orderings. The procedure is shown to be extremely effective for a variety of simulated libraries. This algorithm is also used to reorder and predict the glass transition temperature T g for a combinatorial polymer library.
Lipid Lateral Diffusion in Multi-bilayers, and in Monolayers at the Air/Water and Heptane/Water Interfaces

Lipid lateral diffusion in multilamellar stacked bilayers and in monolayers at the interfaces of air/water (A/W) and oil/water (O/W) have been examined. The technique for the diffusion measurement is fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, in conjunction with the Wilhelmy plate method for equilibrium surface pressure. The oil used is heptane, and the lipid is L-α-dilauroylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC). The diffusion in the multi-bilayer system is found to be slower than that in monolayers at the A/W interface by a factor of 2−3. On the other hand, the diffusion at the O/W interface is established to be constant at lower lipid surface density, while that at the A/W interface is faster in the same range of lipid surface density. The difference at the O/W and A/W interfaces, however, diminishes as the surface density increases and eventually disappears altogether at a high enough surface density that is equivalent to 40 A2 per lipid molecule. The observed different diffusion coefficient profile with respect...
A study of fission-fragment-induced nucleation of bubbles in superheated water

AbstractThis paper reports a study of bubble nucleation by fission fragments in superheated water. The experimental work was conducted using a small bubble chamber especially built for the program. The minimum superheat necessary for nucleation of visible bubbles by fission fragments (the threshold) was measured at temperatures between 380 and 440°F.Predictions of the threshold are based on comparison of the energy and linear energy transfer (LET) of fission fragments with the values required for bubble nucleation. Because of the variation in fission-fragment energy, the comparison is made on the basis of the median, 80’th percentile, and maximum energy and LET of the fragments present in the experiment.The data indicate that the LET comparison is the appropriate basis for prediction of the threshold. Using an empirically adjusted value of the LET required for nucleation, the calculated threshold agrees reasonably well with the data but becomes increasingly discrepant with increasing temperature. Reasons ...
Binding, eclipse, and penetration of the filamentous bacteriophage M13 in intact and disrupted cells

Abstract Interaction between the filamentous phage M13 and the Escherichia coli host progresses through stages of binding, eclipse, and penetration, defined as follows: binding of phage to cell receptor may be reversible or irreversible, eclipse of phage makes it noninfective and susceptible to DNase, and penetration entails uptake of phage components in a manner tightly coupled to replication. Binding (or adsorption) was specific for F+ cells, was relatively slow, did not follow simple bimolecular kinetics, and attained a value of about one phage per cell. It was blocked by low temperature, cyanide, or starvation and was unaffected by rifampicin. Binding capacity of phages was removed by subtilisin treatment which also released the gene 3 (adsorption) protein from the viral particle. Rifampicin which blocks replication prevents penetration of an irreversibly attached and altered (“eclipsed”) phage. Thus, decapsidation and penetration of the phage are coupled to replication of the viral DNA. Binding or eclipse triggered an alteration of the gene 3 protein to a lower molecular-weight form. The coat proteins (gene 3 and gene 8) were taken up by the cells to the same extent as the DNA. Cells disrupted by lysozyme-detergent treatment, as judged by release of β-galactosidase, retained their capacity to bind and eclipse the phage particle; binding to disrupted cells remained cyanide sensitive. After this treatment F− cells were as active in the binding of M13 as F+ cells. Such preparations from both F+ and F− cells had the capacity of replicating the DNA in intact phage particles to the duplex replicative form. In a discussion of these findings, current models for the key role of the F pilus (of F+ cells) in phage adsorption are discussed and a larger role for the phage adsorption protein is proposed.
Pion double charge exchange on T=1 nuclei

New measurements of /sup 14/C,/sup 26/Mg(..pi../sup +/,..pi../sup -/) differential cross sections are reported and compared to previous differential cross sections for double charge exchange on T> or =1 nuclei.
Higher rank curved Lie triples

A substantial proper submanifold M of a Riemannian symmetric space S is called a curved Lie triple if its tangent space at every point is invariant under the curvature tensor of S, i.e. a sub-Lie triple. E.g. any complex submanifold of complex projective space has this property. However, if the tangent Lie triple is irreducible and of higher rank, we show a certain rigidity using the holonomy theorem of Berger and Simons: M must be intrinsically locally symmetric. In fact we conjecture that M is an extrinsically symmetric isotropy orbit. We are able to prove this conjecture provided that a tangent space of M is also a tangent space of such an orbit.
Efficient search techniques—an empirical study of the N-Queens problem

This paper investigates the cost of finding the first solution to the N-Queens Problem using various backtrack search strategies. Among the empirical results obtained are the following: 1) To find the first solution to the N-Queens Problem using lexicographic backtracking requires a time that grows exponentially with increasing values of N. 2) For most even values of N < 30, search time can be reduced by a factor from 2 to 70 by searching lexicographically for a solution to the N+1-Queens Problem. 3) By reordering the search so that the queen placed next is the queen with the fewest possible moves to make, it is possible to find solutions very quickly for all N < 97, improving running time by dozens of orders of magnitude over lexicographic backtrack search. To estimate the improvement, we present an algorithm that is a variant of algorithms of Knuth and Purdom for estimating the size of the unvisited portion of a tree from the statistics of the visited portion.
Digital transmission via underwater acoustic particle velocity channels

Recent studies have shown that a compact underwater vector sensor receiver can perform as an array of scalar sensors. Here we propose a scheme to transmit data via underwater particle velocity channels using a dipole vector sensor. System equations are derived and simulations are presented. This demonstrates the possibility of digital transmission using a vector sensor.
Prebiotic ribose synthesis: a critical analysis.

The discovery of catalytic ability in RNA has given fresh impetus to speculations that RNA played a critical role in the origin of life. This question must rest on the plausibility of prebiotic oligonucleotide synthesis, rather than on the properties of the final product. Many cliams have been published to support the idea that the components of RNA were readily available on the prebiotic earth. In this article, the literature cited in support of the prebiotic availability of one subunit, D-ribose, is reviewed to determine whether it justifies the claim. Polymerization of formaldehyde (the formose reaction) has been the single reaction cited for prebiotic ribose synthesis. It has been conducted with different catalysts: numerous basic substances, neutral clays and heat, and various types of radiation. Ribose has been identified (yields are uncertain, but unlikely to be greater than 1%) in reactions run with concentrated (0.15 M or greater) formaldehyde. It has been claimed in reactions run at lower concentration, but characterization has been inadequate, and experimental details have not been provided. The complex sugar mixture produced in the formose reaction is rapidly destroyed under the reaction conditions. Nitrogenous substances (needed for prebiotic base synthesis) would interfere with the formose reaction by reacting with formaldehyde, the intermediates, and sugar products in undesirable ways. The evidence that is currently available does not support the availability of ribose on the prebiotic earth, except perhaps for brief periods of time, in low concentration as part of a complex mixture, and under conditions unsuitable for nucleoside synthesis.
Mechanism of chelation enhanced fluorescence in complexes of cadmium(II), and a possible new type of anion sensor.

The Cd(II) complex of adpa (N-(9-anthracenylmethyl)-N,N-di-(picolyl)amine) in MeOH–H2O has increased fluorescence intensity with [Cl−], a new type of anion sensor. The structure of [Cd(adpa)(NO3)2] has a proposed fluorescence-quenching π-contact between Cd and the fluorophore, while the Cl in [Cd(adpa)Cl2] disrupts the π-contact, restoring fluorescence.
Tongueduino: hackable, high-bandwidth sensory augmentation

The tongue is known to have an extremely dense sensing resolution, as well as an extraordinary degree of neuroplasticity, the ability to adapt to and internalize new input. Research has shown that electro-tactile tongue displays paired with cameras can be used as vision prosthetics for the blind or visually impaired; users quickly learn to read and navigate through natural environments, and many describe the signals as an innate sense. However, existing displays are expensive and difficult to adapt. Tongueduino is an inexpensive, vinyl-cut tongue display designed to interface with many types of sensors besides cameras. Connected to a magnetometer, for example, the system provides a user with an internal sense of direction, like a migratory bird. Piezo whiskers allow a user to sense orientation, wind, and the lightest touch. Through tongueduino, we hope to bring electro-tactile sensory substitution beyond the discourse of vision replacement, towards open-ended sensory augmentation that anyone can access.