cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anomalous temperature dependence of the positron diffusion constant in Ge

The positronium fraction is measured in Ge for positron implant energies from 25 to 5025 eV and sample temperatures from 300 to 1050 K. A simple one-dimensional diffusion model is fitted to this data to extract the positron diffusion constant (D/sub +/) in three Ge-single crystals. The abrupt decrease in D/sub +/ between 600 and 850 K cannot be explained by the mechanism established for metals: positron-vacancy trapping. An interpretation in terms of a transition from a free positron to a small positron-polaron state is proposed.
Reply to Jeff Goodwin

A main thrust of Theories of Civil Violence is to demonstrate that the "quest for quasi-Newtonian formulations on the origins of civil violence whenever and wherever it occurs has undoubtedly distracted good minds from seeking more informative regularities of others kinds" (p. 264). Jeff Goodwin apparently knew this all along knew it so well, apparently, that he is willing to write off examination of historically influential theories of civil upheaval from Hobbes to Tilly on the ground that they "do not much advance our understanding of exactly how and why actual revolutions have occurred."
Software-aided design of robotic mechanisms

Robotics, as a multi-disciplinary branch of science and technology, is concerned with a variety of computer-controlled electro-mechanical structures designed for a multitude of applications. A large body of knowledge has been accumulated on the operation and control of robot manipulators consisting of single kinematic chains. That knowledge is now being applied to multi-structure mechanisms that combine several kinematic chains into a variety of arrangements to create more complex robots. This article describes a software package developed to facilitate the design, analysis, and simulation of robot manipulators that can be effectively applied to the development and study of complex robotics structures through a divide-and-conquer method. The application of the software to the design and analysis of humanoid robots is described as a typical example application.
Attachment-regulated signaling networks in the fibroblast-populated 3D collagen matrix

Fibroblasts in the attached collagen matrix are in a pro-survival, pro-proliferative state relative to fibroblasts in the released collagen matrix, such that matrix cell number increases in the former over time. Gene array data from attached vs. released matrices were analyzed for putative networks that regulated matrix cell number. Select networks then underwent augmentation and/or inhibition in order to determine their biologic relevance. Matrix stress-release was associated with modulation of signaling networks that involved IL6, IL8, NF-κB, TGF-β1, p53, interferon-γ, and other entities as central participants. Perturbation of select networks in multiple fibroblast strains suggested that IL6 and IL8 secretion may have been involved in preservation of matrix cell population in the released matrix, though there was variability in testing results among the strains. NF-κB activation may have contributed to the induction of population regression after matrix release.
Cell signaling events: a view from the matrix

Cellular activities are primarily initiated, modulated and sustained by multifunctional molecules (cytokines and growth factors) that are secreted into the extracellular space and that signal through membrane-bound, high-affinity receptors. In contrast to the fairly well understood mechanisms that mediate the specificity of signal transduction within the confined and compartmentalized environment of the cell, significantly less is known about the mechanisms that regulate the availability of signaling molecules in the extracellular milieu. Recent findings have implicated the participation of extracellular protein macroaggregates in signaling events controlling patterning and morphogenesis. The results suggest a functional coupling between the tissue-specific organization of collagenous and elastic macroaggregates and their ability to perform instructive as well as structural functions. These observations open the way to a novel understanding in these poorly understood and critically important areas of cell and developmental biology.
Trichotillomania and Pathologic Skin Picking: clinical comparison with an examination of comorbidity.

Background. Pathologic Skin Picking (PSP) and trichotillomania (TTM) are repetitive behaviors presumed to share clinical characteristics. However, no studies have been conducted examining the clinical and phenomenological differences between PSP, TTM, and those persons with a comorbid PSP + TTM diagnosis. We sought to examine the similarities and differences between these three groups from a clinical viewpoint.Methods. Seventy-seven subjects with PSP, TTM, or PSP + TTM were analyzed for this study. They are comprised of both research subjects and outpatient clinic patients who voluntarily presented for treatment at a large, public university medical center.Results. There were far more similarities than differences in subjects with TTM, PSP, and PSP + TTM. Significant differences, however, were found in time spent picking/pulling, triggers to the behaviors, rates of comorbid depressive disorders, and family history of PSP.Conclusions. This represents the first comparison of PSP, TTM, and comorbid PSP + TTM...
NUMERICAL MODELING AND EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF RESONANCE PROPERTIES OF MICROWAVE CAPACITORS

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) field simulations have been employed to visualize standing-wave patterns in single-layer, rectangular, planar capacitors and capacitor chips. These patterns are used for the analysis of the resonant mode types, and for the determination of the resonance frequencies. The results of simulation are experimentally verified by measuring the S-parameter spectra. In addition, we show that the dimensions of the capacitor plates can be optimized in order to maximize the first resonant frequency of the capacitor, rendering it useful for high-frequency applications. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 29: 54–60, 2001.
A microarray method for identifying tumor antigens by screening a tumor cDNA expression library against cancer sera

The immune system responds to tumor cells. The challenge has been how to effectively use these responses to treat or protect against cancer. Toward the goal of developing a cancer vaccine, we are pursuing methodologies for the discovery and testing of useful antigens. We present an array-based approach for discovering these B cell antigens by directly screening for specific host-sera reactivity to lysates from tumor-derived cDNA expression libraries. Several cancer-specific antigens were identified, and these are currently being validated as potential candidates.
A Closer Look at Data Independence: Comment on “Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics (in Geology)”

[1] In his Forum (Eos, 90(47), 443, doi:10.1029/2009EO470004, 2009), P. Vermeesch suggests that statistical tests are not fit to interpret long data records. He asserts that for large enough data sets any true null hypothesis will always be rejected. This is certainly not the case! Here we revisit this author's example of weekly distribution of earthquakes and show that statistical results support the commonsense expectation that seismic activity does not depend on weekday (see the online supplement to this Eos issue for details (http://www.agu.org/eos_elec/)).
The haphazard approach to the early detection of asymptomatic renal cancer: results from a contemporary executive health programme.

OBJECTIVE To compare the detection of asymptomatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in an executive health programme (EHP) that uses traditional methods of screening (history, physical examination and urine analysis) to programmes that screen by renal imaging. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed case records from patients undergoing executive health examinations at Mayo Clinic between 1 January 2002 and 30 September 2007. Results Of 32 310 patients, 18 RCCs were detected; of these, 13 (72%) were detected by the EHP and five (28%) were missed by the initial EHP screening process but subsequently discovered within 4–24 months. Of the 13 detected through the EHP, eight were discovered incidentally, two because of symptoms, and three because of asymptomatic microscopic haematuria (AMH). Of the 13, 12 were classified as early-stage cancers (Stage I). By contrast, of the five cancers missed by the EHP screening process, two were diagnosed because of the development of symptoms and only one was classified as Stage I. To date, two of these patients whose cancers were undetected by the EHP developed metastasis and one of them has died. Both had been followed in the EHP for years and neither had MH in multiple specimens. CONCLUSION Our EHP follows standard policy and relies on a history, physical examination and urine analysis to decide who to evaluate for asymptomatic RCC. This practice missed >70% of the potentially diagnosable cancers. The patients with RCCs that were discovered initially by the EHP fared better than those whose diagnosis was delayed. Our detection rate of four per 10 000 was only a fraction of those reported by programmes using imaging as a screening tool. The logic behind our current approach to the early detection of asymptomatic RCC needs to be reassessed. AMH is coincidental in most cases and patients could forego imaging if they are unsuitable candidates for screening. However, AMH will miss most treatable cancers and is not an appropriate screening test for an early detection programme. In the absence of reliable biomarkers, renal imaging should be the primary screening tool for detecting asymptomatic RCC in informed, clinically suitable individuals enrolled in an early detection programme.
Acute promyelocytic leukemia: Aparadigm for differentiation therapy with retinoic acid

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a distinct subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) distinguished from all others by the presence of a balanced reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 15 and 17,1 by the achievement ofmorphologic complete remission without obligatory chemotherapy-induced marrow aplasia 2'3 and by the association with a life-threatening hemorrhagic diathesis. ~7 This subtype of AML represents 5 to l 5% of cases 6,s and is recognized morphologically by a maturation arrest at the promyelocytic stage of myeloid differentiation. Other well recognized features of APL include a younger median age at diagnosis, 9 frequent presentation with leukopenia 1° and a comparatively favorable prognosis once complete remission (CR) is achieved. 1°-13 The CR rate with anthracycline-based induction chemotherapy is approximately 70% 1'3'13 16 and the 5-year disease-free survival is 35 to 45%. 3'12'16 However, approximately 10 to 20% of patients die either before treatment or during induction chemotherapy of severe bleeding due to a peculiar coagulopathy which has been attributed to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIG). 17-2° Although the coagulopathy has been attributed to the release of procoagulants from abnormal promyelocytes, other data suggest that the pathogenesis is more complicated and may involve activation of a generalized proteolytic cascade with activation of both clotting and fibrinolysis. 21'22 Recently, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a vitamin
The reaction of elemental phosphorus with HF solutions

Abstract Red phosphorus reacted with HF at 200° under autogenous pressure to form PF 3 and H 2 . The conversion to PF 3 increased markedly when an alkali or alkaline earth metal fluoride was present in the reaction. When equivalent amounts of phosphorus and alkali or alkaline earth fluorides were used in an excess of HF under similar conditions, corresponding hexafluorophosphate salts were obtained, along with PF 3 and H 2 . The conversion to the hexafluorophosphate salts increased as the size of the cations increased, reaching about 90% for KPF 6 in the alkali metals and about 32% of Ba(PF 6 ) 2 in the alkaline earths.
Solvgroups are not almost convex

We show that no cocompact discrete group based on solvgeometry, Sol, is almost convex. This reflects the geometry of Sol, and implies that the Cayley graph of a cocompact discrete group based on Sol cannot be efficiently constructed by finitely many local replacement rules.
The Drosophila Insulin Receptor Contains a Novel Carboxyl-terminal Extension Likely to Play an Important Role in Signal Transduction

The nucleic acid and deduced amino acid sequence of the Drosophila insulin receptor homologue (dir) has been determined. The coding sequence of dir is contained within 10 exons spanning less than 8 kilobase pairs of genomic DNA. The deduced amino acid sequence of the dir encodes a protein of 2148 amino acids, larger than the human insulin receptor due to amino- and carboxyl-terminal extensions. The overall level of amino acid identity between the DIR and human insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I receptors is 32.5 and 33.3%, respectively. Higher levels of identity are found in exon 2 (45 and 43%, respectively) and in the β subunit (50 and 48%, respectively), and the positions of most cysteine residues in the α subunit cysteine-rich domain are conserved. A novel, 400-amino acid, carboxyl-terminal extension contains 9 tyrosine residues, four of which are present in YXXM or YXXL motifs, suggesting that they function as binding sites for SH2 domain-containing signaling proteins. The presence of multiple putative SH2 domain binding sites in the DIR represents a significant difference from its mammalian homologues and suggests that, unlike the human insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I receptors, the DIR forms stable complexes with signaling molecules as part of its signal transduction mechanism.
Combining single patient (N-of-1) trials to estimate population treatment effects and to evaluate individual patient responses to treatment.

Abstract When treating individual patients, physicians may face difficulties using the evidence from center-based randomized control trials (RCTs) due to limitations in these studies' generalizability. Therefore, they often perform their own “informal” tests of treatment effectiveness. Single patient (“N-of-1”) trials provide a structured design for more rigorous assessment of medical treatments of chronic diseases, but are applied only to the index patient. We present a hierarchical Bayesian random effects model to combine N-of-1 studies to obtain an estimate of treatment effectiveness for the population and to use this population information to aid in the evaluation of an individual patient's trial results. The model's treatment effect estimates are adjustments between the population estimate and the individual's observed results. This adjustment is based upon the within-patient and between-patient heterogeneity. We demonstrate this patient-focused method using published data from 23 N-of-1 trial results comparing amitriptyline and placebo for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Dietary fiber and colorectal cancer risk: the multiethnic cohort study.

To investigate the association of dietary fiber with colorectal cancer A total of 85,903 men and 105,108 women completed a quantitative food frequency questionnaire in 1993–1996. A total of 1,138 men and 972 women were subsequently diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the large bowel. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate multivariate adjusted relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for colorectal cancer. High consumers of dietary fiber were more active, less overweight, and less likely to be cigarette smokers than low consumers in both sexes. Fiber was inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk after adjustment for age and ethnicity in men (RR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.41–0.60, highest vs. lowest quintile) and women (RR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.61–0.92). After further adjustment for lifestyle and dietary factors, the inverse association remained significant in men (RR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.48–0.79), but not in women (RR = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.67–1.14). Adjustment for the combination of replacement hormone use with either cigarette smoking or body mass index accounted for the lack of association with fiber in women. Dietary fiber was inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk in men, but its relation to replacement hormone use and other factors affected its inverse association in women.
Durch Protophytobia cupressorum gen. nov., sp. nov. (Agromyzidae, Diptera) verursachte Markflecke in einem Holz von Juniperoxylon aus dem Tertiär von Süd-Limburg (Niederlande) und der Nachweis von Markflecken in einer rezenten Callitris-Art†

Von einem durch Krausel & Schonfeld (1924) beschriebenen Cupressaceen-Holz aus dem Tertiar von Sud-Limburg (Niederlande) nahm Greguss (1970) Stucke heraus, die Insektenfras aufweisen. In einer rezenten Callitris-Art aus Australien fand er die gleiche Erscheinung (1970). Greguss betrachtete indessen die Erscheinung als naturliche spezifische Holzeigenschaft. In Wirklichkeit handelt es sich um Markflecke, die durch ein im Kambium minierendes Insekt verursacht werden. Beide Falle sind in vorliegender Arbeit beschrieben worden. Ich nenne die Markflecke im fossilen Koniferen-Holz von Sud-Limburg Protophytobia cupressorum gen. nov., sp. nov. Unter diesem Namen wird ein Insekt verstanden, das nur durch die charakteristischen Frasgange uberliefert ist. Bei lebenden Angiospermen-Holzern ist Phytobia Lioy (Agromyzidae, Diptera) die einzige bisher bekannte Gattung. Aus Koniferen-Holzern sind bisher keine entsprechenden Arten bekannt. Die Frasgange bei Koniferen werden zum grosen Teil durch umgewandelte Tracheiden verschlossen. From a cupressaceous wood described by Krausel & Schonfeld (1974) of the Tertiary of South-Limburg (Netherlands) Greguss (1970) selected such pieces showing remains of insect food. In a recent Callitris species from Australia he found the some phenomenon (1970). Indeed Greguss considered these phenomena as a natural specific wood element. Really these are pith flecks are caused by a cambium-mining insect. Both are described in the present paper. I name the pith flecks in the fossil coniferous wood of South-Limbourg Protophytobia cupressorum gen. nov., sp. nov. Under such name is considered an insect only represented by their characteristic food channals. In living angiospermous woods Phytobia Lioy (Agromyzidae, Diptera) is the only genus hitherto known. In coniferous woods recent species are unknown. The food channals in conifers in great part closed by changed tracheids.
Intelligent assistance for conversational storytelling using story patterns

People who are not professional storytellers usually have difficulty composing travel photos and videos from a mundane slideshow into a coherent and engaging story, even when it is about their own experiences. However, consider putting the same person in a conversation with a friend - suddenly the story comes alive. We present Raconteur 2, a system for conversational storytelling that encourages people to make coherent points, by instantiating large-scale story patterns and suggesting illustrative media. It performs natural language processing in real-time on a text chat between a storyteller and a viewer and recommends appropriate media items from a library. Each item is annotated with one or a few sentences in unrestricted English. A large commonsense knowledge base and a novel commonsense inference technique are used to identify story patterns such as problem and resolution or expectation violation. It uses a concept vector representation that goes beyond keyword matching or word co-occurrence based techniques. A small experiment shows that people find Raconteur's interaction design engaging, and suggestions helpful for real-time storytelling.
Estimates of gross and net fluxes of carbon between the biosphere and the atmosphere from biomass burning

In order to estimate the production of charcoal and the atmospheric emissions of trace gases volatilized by burning we have estimated the global amounts of biomass which are affected by fires. We have roughly calculated annual gross burning rates ranging between about 5 Pg and 9 Pg (1 Pg = 1015 g) of dry matter (2–4 Pg C). In comparison, about 9–17 Pg of above-ground dry matter (4–8 Pg C) is exposed to fires, indicating a worldwide average burning efficiency of about 50%. The production of dead below-ground dry matter varies between 6–9 Pg per year. We have tentatively indicated the possibility of a large production of elemental carbon (0.5–1.7 Pg C/yr) due to the incomplete combustion of biomass to charcoal. This provides a sink for atmospheric CO2, which would have been particularly important during the past centuries. From meager statistical information and often ill-documented statements in the literature, it is extremely difficult to calculate the net carbon release rates to the atmosphere from the biomass changes which take place, especially in the tropics. All together, we calculate an overall effect lof the biosphere on the atmospheric carbon dioxide budget which may range between the possibilities of a net uptake or a net release of about 2 Pg C/yr. The release of CO2 to the atmosphere by deforestation projects may well be balanced by reforestation and by the production of charcoal. Better information is needed, however, to make these estimates more reliable.
An experimental and theoretical investigation of transient melt temperature during injection molding

An in-depth study of the effect of molding parameters on melt temperature was carried out, in which the melt temperature was measured with infrared probes. The effect of screw speed, back pressure, shot size, and polymer viscolelasticity on melt temperature during plastification was determined. The melt temperature was not constant during injection, and was found to be as much as 44°C above the barrel temperature. The temperature rise results from viscous dissipation during plastification and adiabatic compression during injection. Measured temperatures are in qualitative agreement with a first order model of the process
Infantile fibrosarcoma of the intestine: A report of two cases and literature review ☆

Infantile fibrosarcoma (IF) is a rare tumor presenting in infants and young children that most commonly develops in the extremities. Intestinal IF has been rarely described, with all previous cases presenting with obstruction, perforation, or both. We present two cases of intestinal IF recently managed at our institution. The first was a previously healthy 4-month old female with an incidentally discovered abdominal mass. This tumor was found to arise from the jejunum with no additional visceral involve- ment. The second was a 15-day old female with a distal small bowel mass that resulted in an ileal obstruction. Pathologic evaluation of both tumors revealed a myxoid spindle cell histology, and genetic analyzes demonstrated the t(12; 15) translocation, confirming IF. We discuss the presentations of these patients, and describe the recommended treatment strategies for patients with intestinal IF.
E. coli histidine triad nucleotide binding protein 1 (ecHinT) is a catalytic regulator of D-alanine dehydrogenase (DadA) activity in vivo.

Histidine triad nucleotide binding proteins (Hints) are highly conserved members of the histidine triad (HIT) protein superfamily. Hints comprise the most ancient branch of this superfamily and can be found in Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukaryota. Prokaryotic genomes, including a wide diversity of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, typically have one Hint gene encoded by hinT (ycfF in E. coli). Despite their ubiquity, the foundational reason for the wide-spread conservation of Hints across all kingdoms of life remains a mystery. In this study, we used a combination of phenotypic screening and complementation analyses with wild-type and hinT knock-out Escherichia coli strains to show that catalytically active ecHinT is required in E. coli for growth on D-alanine as a sole carbon source. We demonstrate that the expression of catalytically active ecHinT is essential for the activity of the enzyme D-alanine dehydrogenase (DadA) (equivalent to D-amino acid oxidase in eukaryotes), a necessary component of the D-alanine catabolic pathway. Site-directed mutagenesis studies revealed that catalytically active C-terminal mutants of ecHinT are unable to activate DadA activity. In addition, we have designed and synthesized the first cell-permeable inhibitor of ecHinT and demonstrated that the wild-type E. coli treated with the inhibitor exhibited the same phenotype observed for the hinT knock-out strain. These results reveal that the catalytic activity and structure of ecHinT is essential for DadA function and therefore alanine metabolism in E. coli. Moreover, they provide the first biochemical evidence linking the catalytic activity of this ubiquitous protein to the biological function of Hints in Escherichia coli.
Influence of sea surface temperature on soil moisture and precipitation interactions over the southwest

[1] This paper presents a hypothesis that soil moisture (SM) and precipitation (P) interactions over the Southwest depend on sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs). On the basis of moisture transport and geography, the Southwest can be separated into two regions. The western region (32°–36°N, 107.5°–113°W) includes Arizona and western New Mexico and the eastern region (32°–36°N, 103°–107°W) includes eastern New Mexico. For both regions, years from 1900 to 2004 are classified based on the winter to summer P evolution. When winter and the following summer P anomalies have an inverse relationship, SSTAs do not persist. The summer SSTAs have strong influence on P. Soil moisture does not play a major role in modulating P anomalies. For cases that wetness (dryness) occurs in both winter and the following summer, the SSTA forcing associated with the P regime tends to persist. Positive SM-P feedbacks enhance P anomalies. For eastern New Mexico, there is a linear relationship between SM anomalies in spring and P anomalies in summer when SSTAs persist.
Immiscibility and spinodal decomposition in III/V alloys

Abstract Many advanced semiconductor devices depend on the use of quaternary III/V alloys for the fabrication of lattice-matched heterostructures. Most III/V quaternary alloys have solid phase miscibility gaps which may limit the composition range over which device quality epitaxial layers can be fabricated. In this paper the miscibility gaps and associated spinodal decomposition are discussed. The major topics include thermodynamics, the role of growth technique in determining the range of solid compositions which can be produced, the stability of quaternary alloys and the consequences of the miscibility gap and spinodal decomposition on electrical and optical properties of the alloys and the potential of these alloys for devices.
The pH within the jelly coat of sea urchin eggs

Because low molecular weight factors isolated from sea urchin egg jelly increase sperm motility and respiration, but only at a pH < 7.4, H. Ohtake (J. Exp. Zool. 198, 303–312, 1976) suggested that the pH within the jelly experienced by a sperm swimming to the egg might be 6.5–7.0. With a pH microelectrode, the pH in the jelly coat of single eggs of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and Lytechinus pictus was measured and found to be not significantly different from the pH of seawater, 8.0; it thus does not seem likely that these low molecular weight factors are important in maintaining sperm motility or respiration during fertilization.
SERVCON: development and validation of a multidimensional service convenience scale

As customers have demanded greater convenience in service exchanges, researchers have responded by incorporating the convenience construct into their conceptual models and empirical studies, but a comprehensive, formally validated measure of convenience remains lacking. This study conceptualizes service convenience as a second-order, five-dimensional construct that reflects consumers’ perceived time and effort in purchasing or using a service. Service convenience dimensions are salient at different stages of the purchase decision process. Given this conceptualization, the study presents the development and validation of the SERVCON scale, a comprehensive instrument for measuring service convenience. The five dimensions are independent within a nomological network that illustrates distinct antecedent and consequent effects, and the results reinforce the multidimensional representation, offering insight into the distinctive relationships between each service convenience dimension and its antecedents, such as competitive intensity, and consequences, such as repurchase behavior. The findings help researchers and managers understand a fully conceptualized convenience construct and facilitate the measurement of convenience in future empirical studies.
Effects of Planetary Wave Propagation and Finite Depth on the Predictability of Atmospheres

Abstract Theoretical predictability of the atmosphere is limited in part by the rate at which small-scale observational errors in the initiation of a forecast grow both in amplitude and in length scale with increasing time. Processes of error growth are examined for the case of equivalent barotropic motion on a β-plane. From direct numerical simulations and from statistical closure theory, it is seen that larger β implies slower rate of error growth. Thus planetary wave propagation enhances predictability. Inclusion of a finite equivalent depth also enhances predictability. For values of β and of the equivalent depth representative of Earth's atmosphere, a theoretical predictability time scale is increased fourfold over earlier calculations based on uniformly rotating, “rigid lid” models.
Approximating the bit-error-rate of a coherent optical focal plane array receiver for PPM signals

This paper investigates the approximation of the Bit Error Rate of a coherent optical focal plane array receiver for PPM signals in the presence of atmospheric turbulence. Analysis of the expressions needed to obtain the Bit Error Rate (BER) for the real system under study in the laboratory is shown, specifically an approach using the Saddle-Point approximation of the Marcum-Q function and a procedure is further discussed to approximate the Marcum-Q function using the cumulative distribution function (cdf) of the Nakagami-m distribution. It is shown that by approximation of the Marcum-Q function by means of the cdf of the Nakagami-m distribution, the numerical value of the probability of error can be readily computed.
EMP: Zero-Copy OS-Bypass NIC-Driven Gigabit Ethernet Message Passing

Modern interconnects like Myrinet and Gigabit Ethernet offer Gb/s speeds which has put the onus of reducing the communication latency on messaging software. This has led to the development of OS bypass protocols which removed the kernel from the critical path and hence reduced the end-to-end latency. With the advent of programmable NICs, many aspects of protocol processing can be offloaded from user space to the NIC leaving the host processor to dedicate more cycles to the application. Many host-offload messaging systems exist for Myrinet; however, nothing similar exits for Gigabit Ethernet. In this paper we propose Ethernet Message Passing (EMP), a completely new zero-copy, OS-bypass messaging layer for Gigabit Ethernet on Alteon NICs where the entire protocol processing is done at the NIC. This messaging system delivers very good performance (latency of 23 us, and throughput of 880 Mb/s). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first NIC-level implementation of a zero-copy message passing layer for Gigabit Ethernet.
Short-range forecasts with the GISS model of the global atmosphere

Results of tests carried out during the period from December 1972 through January 1973 to determine the short-term forecasting accuracy of a multilevel numerical primitive-equation (PE) model of the global atmosphere developed at the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS). Six 48-hr forecasts were carried out with the aid of this model, using nine vertical levels and a horizontal grid spacing of 4 deg in latitude and 5 deg in longitude for an effective grid point separation averaging slightly more than 400 km. Verification of forecast sea-level pressures, 1000-mb heights, and 500-mb heights, as well as 1000-mb and 500-mb vector geostrophic winds, shows that the model has forecast skill comparable to that of operational PE models. Based on the 36-hr evolution of 18 extratropical cyclones, the model forecasts exhibit a tendency toward underestimating their propagation speeds and overestimating their central pressures. Both deficiencies are attributed to inadequate horizontal grid resolution. Quantitative verification of forecast surface temperatures over the eastern United States shows a forecast skill equal to that achieved by combined dynamical-statistical procedures.
An uncertainty model for deep ocean single beam and multibeam echo sounder data

Comparing single beam and multibeam echo sounder data where surveys overlap we find that: 95% of multibeam measurements are repeatable to within 0.47% of depth; older single beam data can be at least as accurate as multibeam; single beam and multibeam profiles show excellent agreement at full-wavelengths longer than 4 km; archival sounding errors are not Gaussian; 95% of archival soundings in the northwest Atlantic are accurate to within 1.6% of depth; the 95th percentile error is about five times greater in pre-1969 data than in post-1968 data; many of the largest errors are located over large seafloor slopes, where small navigation errors can lead to large depth errors. Our uncertainty model has the form σ 2 = a 2 + (bz)2 + (cs)2, where 2σ is approximately the 95th percentile error, z is the depth, s is the slope, and a, b, c are constants we determine separately for pre-1969 and post-1968 data.
Phytosterol content of experimental diets differing in fatty acid composition

The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between phytosterol and fatty acid concentrations in experimental diets designed to have particular fatty acid profiles. Diet samples were collected during three National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute sponsored multi-center clinical feeding studies (DELTA and DASH programs). Phytosterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, campestanol, sitostanol, avenasterol and brassicasterol) were assayed in the saponified total lipid extracts of diet composites, as trimethylsilyl ether derivatives, by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The predominant phytosterols (>84%) in all diets were β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol. Regression using a multiple linear model showed an inverse relationship between saturated fat (SFA) and total phytosterols (β1=−2.55; p<0.001), a positive relationship between polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) and total phytosterols (β3=6.53; p<0.03), and no association between total phytosterols and monounsaturated fat (MUFA) (β2=0.55, p<0.40). The results suggest that dietary phytosterol content covaries with changes in PUFA and SFA. Total phytosterol content decreases with increasing SFA and is notably elevated by increasing PUFA. Further studies must elucidate the biological effects of varying phytosterol concentrations as components of different diets. However, clinicians should recognize the likely concurrent variance of phytosterol and fatty acid concentrations in experimental diets, since both have been shown to influence blood cholesterol levels.
CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 disrupts the interaction of multiple myeloma cells with the bone marrow microenvironment and enhances their sensitivity to therapy

The interaction of multiple myeloma (MM) cells with their microenvironment in the bone marrow (BM) provides a protective environment and resistance to therapeutic agents. We hypothesized that disruption of the interaction of MM cells with their BM milieu would lead to their sensitization to therapeutic agents such as bortezomib, melphalan, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone. We report that the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 induces disruption of the interaction of MM cells with the BM reflected by mobilization of MM cells into the circulation in vivo, with kinetics that differed from that of hematopoietic stem cells. AMD3100 enhanced sensitivity of MM cell to multiple therapeutic agents in vitro by disrupting adhesion of MM cells to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Moreover, AMD3100 increased mobilization of MM cells to the circulation in vivo, increased the ratio of apoptotic circulating MM cells, and enhanced the tumor reduction induced by bortezomib. Mechanistically, AMD3100 significantly inhibited Akt phosphorylation and enhanced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage as a result of bortezomib, in the presence of BMSCs in coculture. These experiments provide a proof of concept for the use of agents that disrupt interaction with the microenvironment for enhancement of efficacy of cytotoxic agents in cancer therapy.
Mechanical strengthening of fiberoptic microneedles using an elastomeric support.

Background and Objectives Microneedles made from silica fiberoptics permit transmission and collection of light, which is an important functional advantage over metal or silicon microneedles. This added functionality may enhance or even enable new percutaneous light-based clinical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Micron-diameter fiberoptic microneedles, created from solid fibers capable of light emission and detection, are designed to penetrate several millimeters into tissue while minimizing tissue invasion and disruption. The mechanical strength (critical buckling force) of high aspect ratio (length to diameter) microneedles is a potential problem, which has motivated our invention of an elastomeric support device. In this study, we have tested our hypothesis that embedding the microneedles in an elastomeric support medium may increase microneedle critical buckling force. Materials and Methods The critical buckling force of silica microneedles with 55, 70, and 110 µm diameters and 3 mm lengths were measured with and without a surrounding elastomeric support (PDMS, polydimethylsiloxane). These experimental results were compared to theoretical calculations generated by the Rayleigh–Ritz buckling model. The insertion force required to penetrate ex vivo porcine skin was measured for microneedles with 55 and 70 µm diameters. Results Use of the PDMS support increased critical buckling force for microneedles of 55, 70, and 110 µm diameters by an average of 610%, 290%, and 33%, respectively. Theoretical calculations by the Rayleigh–Ritz model consistently overestimated the experimentally determined strengthening, but correlated highly with the greater enhancement offered to thinner microneedles. Aided by mechanical strengthening, microneedles 55 µm in diameter were able to repeatedly penetrate. Conclusions The critical buckling force of microneedles can be increased substantially to allow extremely high-aspect ratio microneedles, 55–110 µm in diameter and 3 mm in length, to penetrate ex vivo porcine skin. By this strengthening method, the safety and reliability of microneedles in potential clinical applications can be considerably enhanced. Lasers Surg. Med. 44: 421–428, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost-effective DUV PSM process

A novel manufacturable and cost-effective DUV PSM process is developed and implemented in .18 micrometer and .15 micrometer PSM technology. Our novel process requires one resist coating and E-Beam exposure, hence lower cost and mis-alignment-free in chromium layer and shifter layer can be realized. The details of E-Beam lithographic process and core process are further discussed in this paper. The CD proximity is around 13 nm (the duty ratio of contact arrays is from 1:1 to 1:5) and linearity results are in 30 nm (contact size is from 0.8 micrometer to 1.2 micrometer on mask). Besides, the mechanisms of the defect sources are identified and defect counts are under controllable.
Genotoxic stress leads to centrosome amplification in breast cancer cell lines that have an inactive G1/S cell cycle checkpoint.

Genotoxic stress leads to centrosome amplification in breast cancer cell lines that have an inactive G1/S cell cycle checkpoint
Symmetries of the 4D self-dual Yang-Mills equation and reduction to the 2D KdV equation

The Lie-point and the Lie-Backlund symmetries of 4D self-dual Yang-Mills equation are investigated as those of differential equations. The Lie-point symmetry is nothing but the gauge symmetry at the level of field equation, but the Lie-Backlund symmetries are new. In particular, by the symmetry reduction to KdV equation in 2D the corresponding Lie-Backlund symmetries which reduce to the isospectral symmetries or to the nonisospectral symmetries are identified. Some speculations on the existence of the self-dual Yang-Mills hierarchy as well as the derivation of the 4D analogue of the string equation of the nonperturbative 2D quantum gravity are given.
Recovery of Lysine from Corn Steepwater

ABSTRACT One approach to increasing the utilization of agricultural products is fractionation of low-value materials to yield high-value products. In this study, lysine recovery from corn steepwater, an internal processing stream generated in the wet-milling of corn, was investigated. A weakly acidic cation exchange resin was employed to selectively recover lysine from corn steepwater at pH 7.0. In column studies, the product from the ion exchange operation had a lysine content of 4–6% (db). The only other amino acid in the product was arginine. The presence of sodium, potassium, and magnesium ions at significant concentrations in the steepwater limited the lysine content of the product because of competitive adsorption on the resin. The lysine-enriched product reported here is 4–10 times higher in lysine content than other corn milling coproducts and could potentially be useful as a lysine supplement in animal feeds.
Novel Mutants Define Genes Required for the Expression of Human Histocompatibility Leukocyte Antigen DM: Evidence for Loci on Human Chromosome 6p

We and others have shown that the products of the HLA-DM locus are required for the intracellular assembly of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules with cognate peptides for antigen presentation. HLA-DM heterodimers mediate the dissociation of invariant chain (Ii)-derived class II–associated Ii peptides (CLIP) from class II molecules and facilitate the loading of class II molecules with antigenic peptides. Here we describe novel APC mutants with defects in the formation of class II–peptide complexes. These mutants express class II molecules which are conformationally altered, and an aberrantly high percentage of these class II molecules are associated with Ii-derived CLIP. This phenotype resembles that of DM null mutants. However, we show that the defects in two of these new mutants do not map to the DM locus. Nevertheless, our evidence suggests that the antigen processing defective phenotype in these mutants results from deficient DM expression. These mutants thus appear to define genes in which mutations have differential effects on the expression of conventional class II molecules and DM molecules. Our data are most consistent with these factors mapping to human chromosome 6p. Previous data have suggested that the expression of DM and class II genes are coordinately regulated. The results reported here suggest that DM and class II can also be differentially regulated, and that this differential regulation has significant effects on class II–restricted antigen processing.
Per-6-substituted β-cyclodextrin libraries inhibit formation of β-amyloid-peptide (Aβ)-derived, soluble oligomers

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in older individuals with compelling evidence favoring neuron dysfunction and death triggered by assembled forms of Aβ1–42. While large neurotoxic amyloid fibrils have been known for years, recent studies show that soluble protofibril and Aβ1–42-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs) may also be involved in neurotoxicity. In the present work, dot-blot immunoassays discriminating ADDLs from monomers were used to screen libraries of per-substituted β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) derivatives for inhibition of ADDLs formation. Libraries were prepared from per-6-iodo-β-CD by treatment with various amine nucleophiles. The most active library tested (containing >2000 derivatives) was derived from imidazole, N, N-dimethylethylenediamine and furfurylamine, which at 10 µM total library, inhibited ADDLs formation (10 nM Aβ1–42) over a period of 4 hours. The latter was confirmed by a western blot assay showing decreased amounts of the initially formed Aβ1–42 tetramer. These preliminary experiments suggest that derivatized forms of β-CD can interfere with the oligomerization process of Aβ1–42.
Lewis acid and base sensing by platinum(II) polypyridines.

This report describes platinum(II) complexes of 6-(2-pyridyl)-dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (dppzp) and 6-phenyl-dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (dppzϕ). The [Pt(dppzp)Cl]+ (1) system exhibits an excited-state lifetime of 5.0 µs in deoxygenated dichloromethane. Lewis bases quench the emission with rate constants on the order of 107 M−1 s−1; however, acetic acid is definitely not a quencher. The carbometalated [Pt(dppzϕ)Cl] (2) complex is novel in that it is subject to quenching by acid as well. In deoxygenated 2-chloronaphthalene, the excited-state lifetime of 2 is 270 ns, and acetic acid quenches the emission with a rate constant of 2 × 108 M−1 s−1. In addition, Lewis bases like dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethylformamide quench the emission of 1 and 2 with similar efficiencies. The coordinatively unsaturated platinum center provides a logical place for attack by Lewis bases, whereas the phenazine extension of dppzϕ introduces potentially acid-sensitive nitrogen centers. The emissive states of 1 and 2 e...
CD-ROM Nutrient Analysis Database Assists Self-monitoring Behavior of Active Duty Air Force Personnel Receiving Nutrition Counseling for Weight Loss

Abstract This study observed the effect of using a computerized vs manual method of self-monitoring among Air Force personnel receiving nutrition counseling for weight loss. Subjects who enrolled during the first 2 weeks of the 4-week recruitment period completed food records for 6 weeks using a CD-ROM nutrient database (intervention group) whereas those who enrolled during the last 2 weeks used a food record booklet (comparison group). Of the 42 subjects (n=23 intervention group and n=19 comparison group), only 13 intervention and 11 comparison group subjects (57% of study enrollees) submitted at least 1 food record during the study and were included in the analysis, which included review of pre- and poststudy questionnaires, food records, and focus group data. There were no significant differences between the number of days per week documented or average number of items recorded daily. All 9 intervention as compared to 2 comparison group subjects who completed a poststudy questionnaire searched for lower-energy and lower-fat items and reported changing their dietary intake as a result. All intervention group subjects who participated in a focus group (n=6) had favorable comments about using the CD-ROM for monitoring and changing eating habits, indicating that it is a beneficial self-monitoring tool. Participants enjoyed the immediate dietary feedback, and computerized food records may be easier to interpret by nutrition counselors. A number of computerized nutrient databases are available to assist patients and consumers in managing nutritional concerns. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001;101:1041-1046 ,
Ionophoretic stimulation of K+-ATPase of oxyntic cell microsomes

Abstract The K + -selective ionophores valinomycin, trinactin, nigericin, and gramicidin stimulated the K + -ATPase of oxyntic cell microsomes as much as 5 fold. Gramicidin altered the K + activation kinetics: while the V max greatly increased, the K a for K + shifted only slightly. Activation also occurred with lyophilization, repeated freezing and thawing and nonionic detergents. The results are consistent with one population of membranes being freely permeable to K + (source of the K + -dependent activity in absence of ionophore) and another population being impermeable to K + . The K + -ATPase in these latter vesicles would be activated by the appropriate ionophore or membrane disruptive procedure.