cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Surface Tension of Silicon-Gold Binary Liquid Alloy

The gold-catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) method is widely used for silicon nanowire (Si NW) fabrication. As the VLS process is influenced by the physical properties of the catalytic silicon-gold (Si-Au) droplet, quantifying the surface tension of the liquid alloy is important to achieve better control of the wire growth. Because the experimental measurement of the surface tension is difficult, it is necessary to obtain reasonable estimates from computational models. In this work, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations with a modified embedded-atom potential developed for the Si-Au binary system, and evaluated the surface tension γ based on the Virial stress expression. The dependence of surface tension γ on the Si fraction χ and temperature T is predicted. The entropy of the liquid-vapor interface was extracted from the slope of the γ-T curve. The Si concentration and stress distributions near the surface are also predicted. Our surface tension evaluation enables theoretical predictions of droplet and nanowire shape, and provides physical inputs for continuum phase field models of VLS growth.
Assignment of the genes for thymidine kinase and galactokinase to Mus musculus chromosome 11 and the preferential segregation of this chromosome in Chinese hamster/mouse somatic cell hybrids.

Somatic cell genetic techniques were used to establish linkage assignments for the loci coding for galactokinase (GLK) and thymidine kinase (TK) in the laboratory mouse, Mus musculus.Four fusion experiments produced cell hybrids that segregated mouse chromosomes. Three series of hybrid clones were produced from the fusion of mouse macrophages or fibroblasts and Chinese hamster cells of the E36 line, which is deficient in hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase activity. Clones were assayed for the expression of 11 mouse isozymes coded by genes on 11 chromosomes. Ten isozymes were retained at high frequencies, but the mouse GLK phenotype was absent in most primary clones and all secondary clones. Chromosome analysis of 24 of these hybrids indicated that GLK activity was lost concordantly with chromosome 11. One hybrid clone was produced from the fusion of peritoneal macrophages and hamster cells of the a3 line, which lacks TK activity. Mouse GLK activity was expressed in this primary clone and all secondary clones isolated in HAT medium, and was lost in all secondary clones backselected in medium with 5-bromodeoxyuridine. Thus, the genes coding for GLK and TK are syntenic and both can be assigned to chromosome 11. The absence of chromosome 11 in the related series of a3 hybrids, and its rapid segregation in 3 series of E36 hybrids, suggests that it carries a third locus (or loci), the retention of which is detrimental to Chinese hamster/mouse hybrids.
Black Viewpoints on the Mid-East Conflict

(1981). Black Viewpoints on the Mid-East Conflict. Journal of Palestine Studies: Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 37-49.
Perturbative QCD utilizing extended supersymmetry

We use N = 2 extended supersymmetry to dramatically simplify the diagrammatic calculations of perturbative QCD. The production, by gluon-gluon fusion, of two gluons, three gluons, and two massless gluinos plus a gluon are used as examples.
Undressing a cellular corset: septins exposed

Septins comprise a conserved family of cytoskeletal proteins distinct from the microfilament, microtubule and intermediate filament systems. They are GTPases that have been implicated in a number of cellular processes ranging from mitosis to vesicular trafficking. A new study identifies a previously undefined role for septins as cellular 'corsets', modulating cell shape and providing cortical rigidity in T cells that allows for their controlled migration.
Available Robotic Platforms in Partial and Total Knee Arthroplasty

Knee arthroplasty typically relieves pain and restores function, but dissatisfaction and early revision occur at a frequency that places a significant burden on patients and the health care system. A new generation of computer and robotic systems has been developed to help orthopaedic surgeons enhance precision and accuracy, with the hope of making outcomes more reliable. Surgical robots can be active, semiactive, or passive. Each level of robot autonomy vs surgeon control has potential benefits and limitations. Currently available robotic platforms are discussed in the context of historical developments, published outcomes, and future directions.
Remote telephone control system

Today's technology is increasing at such an incredible rate that in the future the entire house we live in will be centrally controlled by a computer. The device detailed in this paper is the starting point for such a house. The goal of this device is to give a houseowner the ability to remotely check or control his household devices through the use of a Touch-Tone telephone. This means that any house can be controlled from any location where there is a Touch-Tone telephone available.
DNA replication in bacteriophage φ29: The requirement of a viral-specific product for association of φ29 DNA with the cell membrane of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens

Abstract A rapidly sedimenting complex has been isolated from sheared lysates of φ29-infected Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by sedimentation on linear density gradients of Renografin (0–38%) containing an underlayer of 76% Renografin. The complex, previously identified as membrane-bound bacterial DNA, contains parentally labeled viral DNA and is enriched for pulse-labeled viral DNA. DNA synthesized early in infection is a precursor to DNA found free in the cytoplasm and in mature phage particles. The association of parental phage DNA with the complex is detectable near the onset of viral DNA replication. The maximum amount of parental φ29 DNA associating with the cell membrane occurs by the middle of the DNA synthesis period. This association can be inhibited by actinomycin D or rifamycin if added 5 min but not if added 10 min after infection. Chloramphenicol or puromycin added 10 min before virus, reduces the amount of association of parental DNA with the complex fourfold. A mutant of φ29 is unable to replicate its DNA at 43 C and cannot associate with the complex at this temperature unless co-infected with wild-type phage. Since formation of the complex only occurs when viral DNA is being synthesized, the complex may be a necessary intermediate in the replication of φ29 DNA. The viral mutation TS35 appears to affect a protein whose function is to associate infecting viral DNA with the host cell membrane.
The generation of sound by vorticity waves in swirling duct flows

Swirling flow in an axisymmetric duct can support vorticity waves propagating parallel to the axis of the duct. When the cross-sectional area of the duct changes a portion of the wave energy is scattered into secondary vorticity and sound waves. Thus the swirling flow in the jet pipe of an aeroengine provides a mechanism whereby disturbances produced by unsteady combustion or turbine blading can be propagated along the pipe and subsequently scattered into aerodynamic sound. In this paper a linearized model of this process is examined for low Mach number swirling flow in a duct of infinite extent. It is shown that the amplitude of the scattered acoustic pressure waves is proportional to the product of the characteristic swirl velocity and the perturbation velocity of the vorticity wave. The sound produced in this way may therefore be of more significance than that generated by vorticity fluctuations in the absence of swirl, for which the acoustic pressure is proportional to the square of the perturbation velocity. The results of the analysis are discussed in relation to the problem of excess jet noise.
Robust target detection and tracking through integration of motion, color, and geometry

Vision-based tracking is a basic elementary task in many computer vision-based applications such as video surveillance and monitoring, sensing and navigation in robotics, video compression, video annotation, and many more. However, reliable recovery of targets and their trajectories in an uncontrolled environment is affected by a wide range of conditions exhibited by the environment such as sudden illumination changes and clutter. This work addresses the problem of (i) combining information from a set of cues in order to obtain reasonably accurate estimates of multiple targets in uncontrolled environments and (ii) a collection of data association methods for cues containing less information for robust tracking through persistent clutter. Specifically, we introduce a novel geometric template constrained data association method for robust tracking of point features, while using the Joint Probabilistic Data Association (JPDA) method for blob cue measurements. Extensive experimental validation of the tracking and the data association framework is presented in the work for several real-world outdoor traffic intersection image sequences.
An early elevation of diacylglycerol and phosphatidate in regenerating liver

Liver diacylglycerol and phosphatidate are elevated following partial hepatectomy. These increases precede those in DNA synthesis and triacylglycerol accumulation. Possible factors involved in the increase in the lipids and the possible role of the lipids in liver regeneration are discussed.
Modeling and Optimization of a Model IV Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit

The problem of on-line optimization of a model IV fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) unit is analyzed. The “process” was modeled by combining a model IV FCC unit dynamic simulator (McFarlane et al, 1993; Khandalekar, 1993) with a ten-lump yield model (Jacob et al, 1976; Arbel et al., 1995) for the reactor section. The steady-state optimization model consisted of macroscopic steady-state models of the regenerator and reactor, a simplified reactor yield model, and models of the various process constraints. The steady-state optimization problem was solved using successive quadratic programming software (NPSOL, Gill et al., 1986) and the optimum process set points were implemented on the process simulator using a nonlinear constraint controller (Kandalekar and Riggs, 1995). The relative performance of constraint control, off-line optimization, and on-line optimization is compared for different feed characteristics and product pricing structures.
Opportunities and Pitfalls in International Comparisons Related to Patterns, Trends and Determinants of CHD Mortality

The experience of recent decades demonstrates the varied and rich opportunities for research in international comparisons of patterns, trends and determinants of CHD mortality. Limitations and pitfalls there are too, of course, as with every scientific method, but these can be anticipated and taken into consideration in a reasonable fashion. Particularly when considered along with the totality of the data from epidemiology and the other investigative methodologies, these data from international comparisons are very valuable in throwing light on the aetiological factors influencing CHD mortality trends in different countries, and therefore in illuminating needs for preventive efforts, both national and international.
Identification of omega hydroxy fatty acids in biological samples as their pentafluoropropyl derivatives by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with positive and negative ion detection

A simple one-step procedure for derivatization of the omega hydroxy fatty acids 20-hydroxyeicotetraeonic acid and 12-hydroxylauric acid is presented. The procedure involves acylation of the terminal hydroxy group and esterification of the carboxylic acid with a mixture of pentafluoropropionic anhydride and pentafluoropropanol. Positive and negative ion spectra for the derivatives are presented. The procedure was used to demonstrate conversion of arachidonic acid to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraeonic acid and lauric acid to 12-hydroxylauric acid in kidney microsomal incubations. The reaction appears to be specific, since derivatives of subterminal fatty acids (secondary alcohols) could not be detected.
Gastrulation in the sea urchin embryo requires the deposition of crosslinked collagen within the extracellular matrix

This study demonstrates that a collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) is necessary for gastrulation in the sea urchin embryo. The approach taken was to disrupt collagen processing with two types of agents (a lathyritic agent, β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), and three types of proline analogs: dehydroproline, cis-OH-proline, and azetidine carboxylic acid) and to assess the effect on embryogenesis by morphological, immunological, and biochemical criteria. Embryos chronically exposed to either of the agents following fertilization displayed no detectable developmental abnormalities before the mesenchyme blastula stage. These embryos, however, did not gastrulate nor differentiate any further and remained at the mesenchyme blastula stage for at least 36 hr. Upon removal of the agents, the embryos resumed a normal developmental schedule and formed pluteus larvae that were indistinguishable from control embryos. By immunofluorescence studies with monospecific antibodies to type I and type IV collagens it is seen that the lathyritic agent BAPN reduces the accumulation of collagens within the ECM. This effect is confirmed and quantitated by use of an ELISA and by a biochemical determination of OH-proline. When the agents are removed from the inhibited embryos, collagen deposition returns to normal, coincident with gastrulation. Western-blot analysis, using monospecific antibodies to collagen, demonstrates that the effect of the lathyritic agent is to reduce the stability of the extracellular collagen by inhibiting the intra- and intermolecular crosslinking of collagen molecules. BAPN exhibits a dose-dependent effect on morphogenesis, but has no effect on respiration nor on protein synthesis of the embryos throughout development. Although the lathyritic agent affects collagen deposition, it is shown to not affect the expression of other molecules of the ECM, nor that of several cell surface molecules. However, a cell surface molecule that is expressed specifically in the endoderm, termed Endo 1, is not expressed in the inhibited embryos. Endo 1 is expressed after removal of the lathyritic agent and its appearance is coincident with gastrulation in the recovered embryos. These results suggest that a collagenous ECM is important for gastrulation and subsequent differentiation in the sea urchin, but not for earlier developmental processes. In addition, the dependence of Endo 1 expression on the collagenous ECM raises the possibility that this cell surface molecule is in some way regulated by interactions of the presumptive endodermal cells with the ECM.
Economic impacts of guided whitewater rafting: a study of five rivers

: This paper presents estimates of the statewide economic impacts of guided whitewater rafting on five rivers in six states: the Nantahala (North Carolina), Gauley (West Virginia), Kennebec (Maine), Middle Fork of the Salmon (Idaho), and Chattooga (Georgia-South Carolina). Except for the Chattooga and Middle Fork, rafting is dependent on upstream dam releases. Guide fees range from about $15 per trip on the Nantahala to over $1,000 on the Middle Fork. Economic impacts per nonresident 1000 visitors increase along with length of the rafting trip and remoteness of the river. Total industrial output per 1000 nonresident visitors ranged from $95,000 on the Nantahala to over $2.5 million on the Middle Fork. However, because of differences in annual visitation levels, total impacts were greatest at the Nantahala, at over $14 million in 1993. Multipliers for all economic measures were relatively consistent over the rivers. Employment multipliers (Type III) ranged from 1.67 to 1.90, income multipliers from 2.0 to 2.4, and industrial output multipliers from 2.1 to 2.5.
Bladder injury during transobturator sling

The new minimally invasive transobturator sling for surgical treatment of female genuine stress urinary incontinence is designed to reproduce the natural suspension of the urethral fascia while eliminating the need for retropubic needle passage. We report 3 cases of bladder perforation during the transobturator sling procedure. All injuries were identified intraoperatively by cystoscopy, and successful reinsertion of the mesh was accomplished. Transurethral bladder drainage with a Foley catheter was maintained for 5 to 7 days postoperatively. All 3 patients recovered uneventfully. Routine intraoperative cystoscopy is, therefore, recommended for the identification of bladder injuries during the transobturator sling procedure.
Model-assisted analysis of simultaneous paraffin and asphaltene deposition in laboratory core tests

A model for analysis and interpretation of the simultaneous deposition of paraffin and asphaltene in laboratory core tests is presented. This model incorporates the mass balance equations for the oil, gas, paraffin, and asphaltene pseudocomponents; the paraffin and asphaltene solubility and deposition models; the energy and momentum balance equations; and the porosity and permeability reduction models. This model is numerically solved and validated with two sets of laboratory experimental data. It is demonstrated that the present model satisfactorily represents the simultaneous deposition of paraffin and asphaltene and the resultant damage caused on the porosity and permeability of porous media. The model is used for determination of the various process parameters with the help of the experimental data obtained by laboratory core tests.
Antisperm autoantibody response is reduced by early repair of a severed vas deferens in the juvenile rat

Abstract Objective: To determine whether antisperm autoantibody production after prepubertal vas injury is influenced by immediate repair of the vas compared to delay of the reanastomosis until sexual maturity. Design: Animal study comparing early repair, late repair, and sham-operated groups. Setting: Research laboratory in a medical school. Patient(s): Lewis rats. Intervention(s): After division of the vas deferens in juvenile rats, animals in an early repair group had the vasa repaired immediately by using an absorbable intraluminal stent. Animals in a late repair group had vasa obstructed by ligation until after puberty, when they underwent microsurgical vasovasostomy (age 60 days). Main Outcome Measure(s): Antisperm antibodies were assayed by ELISA. The weights of reproductive organs were determined, and samples of testis were studied by light microscopy. Result(s): The antisperm antibody response was less when the vas was repaired immediately than if the repair was delayed until after puberty. There was a low incidence of testicular alteration in the repair groups and none in sham-operated animals. Conclusion(s): If the vas deferens is injured or obstructed prepubertally, there may be a benefit to considering immediate repair to reduce the likelihood of developing antisperm autoantibodies, which have been associated with reduced fertility.
A parallel hybrid sparse linear system solver

We present a parallel hybrid sparse linear system solver that is suitable for the solution of large sparse linear systems on parallel computing platforms. This study is motivated by the lack of robustness of Krylov subspace iterative schemes with “black-box” preconditioners, such as incomplete LU-factorizations and the lack of scalability of direct sparse system solvers. Our hybrid solver is as robust as direct solvers and as scalable as iterative solvers. Our method relies on weighted symmetric and nonsymmetric matrix reordering for bringing the largest elements on or closer to the main diagonal resulting in a very effective extracted banded preconditioner. Systems involving the extracted banded preconditioner are solved via a member of the recently developed SPIKE family of algorithms. The effectiveness of our method is demonstrated by solving large sparse linear systems that arise in various applications such as computational electromagnetics and nonlinear optimizations. We compare the performance and scalability of our solvers to well known direct and iterative solver packages such as ILUPACK and MUMPS. Finally, we present a highly accurate model for predicting the parallel scalability of our solver on architectures with more nodes than the platform on which our experiments have been performed.
Multiperiod design of azeotropic separation systems II: approximate models

Abstract In this paper, the final in a two part series considering the multiperiod design of azeotropic separation systems, we focus on the development of simplified models for azeotropic distillation design. Several shortcut design techniques from the literature are reviewed and key aspects of a successful model for use in multiperiod azeotropic distillation design are identified. Simplified models for azeotropic design that rely on parameters derived from distillation simulations involving rigorous thermodynamic models are developed. These models, which separately approximate the separation tasks and the design and operating conditions necessary to carry out the tasks, are combined with shortcut costing correlations to arrive at an economic measure for flowsheet designs. Several examples are presented. The models developed in this work are geared towards the agent based solution procedure presented in the first paper of this series and are not intended for single period or detailed design problems.
Pilot study of duloxetine for treatment of aromatase inhibitor‐associated musculoskeletal symptoms

BACKGROUND: Approximately 50% of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early stage breast cancer treated with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) develop musculoskeletal symptoms. Standard analgesics are relatively ineffective. Duloxetine is a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with proven efficacy for treatment of multiple chronic pain states. The authors investigated the hypothesis that duloxetine is efficacious for treatment of AI-associated musculoskeletal symptoms. METHODS: The authors performed a single-arm, open-label phase 2 study of duloxetine in postmenopausal women with breast cancer who developed new or worsening pain after treatment with an AI for at least 2 weeks. Patients were treated with duloxetine for 8 weeks (30 mg for 7 days, then 60 mg daily). The primary endpoint was a 30% decrease in average pain score over 8 weeks, and secondary outcomes included change in average and worst pain, pain interference, depression, sleep quality, and hot flashes. Statistical analysis was done with t tests for paired data. RESULTS: Twenty-one of 29 evaluable patients (72.4%) achieved at least a 30% decrease in average pain, and 18 of 23 patients (78.3%) who completed protocol-directed treatment continued duloxetine. The mean percentage reduction in average pain severity between baseline and 8 weeks was 60.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 48.6%-73.1%), and in maximum pain severity it was 59.9% (95% CI, 47.0-72.7%). The most common adverse events were grade 1 or 2 fatigue, xerostomia, nausea, and headache. CONCLUSIONS: Duloxetine appears to be effective and well tolerated for treatment of AI-associated musculoskeletal symptoms. Future randomized, placebo-controlled studies are warranted. Cancer 2011;117:5469–75. V C 2011 American Cancer Society.
Inhibition by purine compounds of cyclic GMP-stimulated cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity from a particulate fraction of rat striatum.

Abstract Cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity in a particulate fraction of rat striatum is stimulated two fold by cyclic GMP. An investigation of the effects of various purine compounds on basal and cyclic GMP-stimulated cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity as measured at a low substrate concentration (3 uM) was carried out. Adenosine inhibits cyclic GMP-stimulated cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity with an IC50 of 400 uM while inhibiting basal cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity with an IC50 of 2.4 mM. Adenosine blocks cyclic GMP stimulation of cyclic AMP hydrolysis with an IC50 of 80 uM. Inosine and hypoxanthine have a similar profile of action but are less effective with IC50's of 200 and 400 uM respectively on cyclic GMP stimulation of phosphodiesterase activity and only 20–40% inhibition of basal enzyme activity up to 2.4 mM. Adenine, guanosine and guanine block cyclic GMP stimulation of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity with IC50's of 100–200 uM. Classical phosphodiesterase inhibitors of the alkylxanthine type are also selective for the stimulated enzyme with IC50's of 200 and 25 uM for theophylline and IBMX on cyclic GMP-stimulated cyclic AMP hydrolysis and IC50's of 500 and 50 uM respectively on basal phosphodiesterase activity. Theophylline and IBMX are potent inhibitors of cyclic GMP stimulation of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity with IC50's of 50 and 5 uM. These findings suggest a role for physiologically available purine compounds and alkylxanthines in the regulation of cyclic nucleotide metabolism through interaction with cyclic GMP stimulation of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity.
Renal pathology and clinical presentations of polyomavirus nephropathy in simultaneous kidney pancreas transplant recipients compared with kidney transplant recipients.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the renal histopathology and clinical course of simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant (SKP) recipients with kidney transplant (KT) recipients with polyomavirus nephropathy (PVN). Methods: Between 1997 and 2002, 20 patients (7 SKP, 13 KT) were diagnosed with PVN. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of PV-N were correlated with histopathologic examinations of renal allograft biopsy and compared between SKP and KT recipients. Results: There were no differences in demographics between SKP and KT recipients with PV-N. The mean time to PVN was 611 (172 to 1174) days posttransplant in SKP and 343 (83 to 720) days posttransplant in KT (P = .05). The serum creatinine at the time of diagnosis was similar between SKP and KT recipients. All patients were treated with reduction in immunosuppression. After a median follow-up of 2 years, the patient survival was 71% in SKP and 100% in KT. Four grafts (57%) were lost owing to PVN in SKP group and three grafts (23%) were lost owing to PVN in the KT group. More patients (43%) in SKP had a history of acute rejection prior to diagnosis of PVN compared to KT (8%) and biopsy-proven tacrolimus nephrotoxicity prior to PVN was more common in SKPT (86%) than in KT (8%) patients (P <.05). SKP patients with evidence of diffuse fibrosis and high total sum scores at time of presentation all subsequently lost their grafts. Conclusions: SKP recipients with PVN had a worse clinical course than KT recipients.
Fate Mapping of Human Embryonic Stem Cells by Teratoma Formation

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have an unlimited capacity for self-renewal, and the ability to differentiate into cells derived from all three embryonic germ layers (1). Directed differentiation of hESCs into specific cell types has generated much interest in the field of regenerative medicine (e.g., (2-5)), and methods for determining the in vivo fate of selected or manipulated hESCs are essential to this endeavor. We have adapted a highly efficient teratoma formation assay for this purpose. A small number of specifically selected hESCs is mixed with undifferentiated wild type hESCs and Phaseolus vulgaris lectin to form a cell pellet. This is grafted beneath the kidney capsule in an immunodeficient mouse. As few as 2.5 x 105 hESCs are needed to form a 16 cm3 teratoma within 8-12 weeks. The fate of the originally selected hESCs can then be determined by immunohistochemistry. This method provides a valuable tool for characterizing tissue-specific reagents for cell-based therapy.
Biofeedback for the Treatment of Stress and Urge Incontinence

Biofeedback and pelvic floor electrical stimulation are new modalities that have been advocated for the treatment of urinary incontinence. To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of biofeedback and identify factors predictive of a positive outcome, we prospectively studied 28 patients with stress and urge incontinence. All patients were evaluated with a complete history, physical examination, urinalysis and culture. Of 28 patients 21 were also studied with video urodynamics. Biofeedback was performed with the InCare PRS 8900* machine with each patient undergoing at least 6 office sessions. Quantifiable symptoms, such as frequency, nocturia and urgency, were evaluated before and periodically after treatment. Patients also graded the overall treatment response on a scale of 0 to 3. Biofeedback successfully treated 5 of 14 patients (36%) with stress incontinence and 9 of 21 (43%) with urgency incontinence. Treatment response was durable throughout followup in all responding patients. Additionally, there was a statistically significant decrease in daytime frequency and nocturia following biofeedback (p = 0.038 and p = 0.044, respectively). No pretreatment factors predictive of a positive outcome could be identified. Improvement in perineal muscle tone with time approached statistical significance. We conclude that biofeedback is a moderately effective treatment for stress and urge incontinence, and should be offered to patients as a treatment option. Few patients, however, choose biofeedback as a primary mode of therapy and, due to the availability of other highly successful treatments for stress urinary incontinence, it is unlikely to become a popular treatment option.
The paradox of social progress

Courageously facing a startling and controversial subject, a prominent engineer and educator here voices some questions and makes some suggestions that merit consideration. Brief discussions are invited
Chemotherapeutic agents enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells

Abstract Purpose. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family that preferentially kills tumor cells. In this study, we sought to determine whether chemotherapeutic agents augment TRAIL-induced cytotoxicity in human prostate cancer cells, and whether this sensitivity can be blocked by overexpression of bcl-2. Methods. Prostate cancer cells, PC3 and LNCaP, were treated with TRAIL alone, drug alone or a combination of both for 24 h. Cytotoxicity was determined by DNA fragmentation and clonogenic survival assay. Results. Treatment with the conventional chemotherapeutic agents cisplatin (2 and 5 µg/ml), etoposide (10 µM and 20 µM) and doxorubicin (30 and 60 nM) dramatically augmented TRAIL-induced apoptosis in LNCaP and PC3 cells. TRAIL-induced apoptosis was partially abrogated by overexpression of bcl-2 in these two cell lines when it was used in combination with the above agents. Similar results were obtained using clonogenic survival assays where bcl-2 overexpression was also found to marginally protect against TRAIL- and chemotherapy-induced cell killing. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that combination treatment of prostate cancer cells with TRAIL and chemotherapeutic agents overcomes their resistance by triggering caspase activation. This greater than additive effect of cotreatment with TRAIL and chemotherapy may provide the basis for a new therapeutic approach to induce apoptosis in otherwise resistant cancer cells.
Synthesis of β-l-fucopyranosyl phosphate andl-fucofuranosyl phosphates by the MacDonald procedure

Abstract Fusion or β- l -fucopyranose tetraacetate with phosphoric acid for 1 min at 50° gives a 9:1 anomeric mixture of the α-and β-pyranosyl phosphates. Longer fusion times give the α-anomer exclusively. The l -fucofuranose tetraacetates were synthesized for the first time by acetolysis or methyl-2,3,5-tri- O -acetyl-β- l -fucofuranoside. Fusion or the furanose tetraacetates with phosphoric acid gave a mixture or the fucofuranosyl phosphates in which the β-anomer predominated (β/α = 2.4). Anomeric pairs in the fucofuranose series appear to be distinguishable by the chemical shift of the C-6 methyl protons, as already shown by Sinclair and Sleeter in the pyranose series.
Nanoplex delivery of siRNA and Prodrug Enzyme for Multimodality Image-Guided Molecular Pathway Targeted Cancer Therapy

The ability to destroy cancer cells while sparing normal tissue is highly sought after in cancer therapy. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of cancer-cell-specific targets and the use of a prodrug enzyme delivered to the tumor to convert a nontoxic prodrug to an active drug are two promising approaches in achieving this goal. Combining both approaches into a single treatment strategy can amplify selective targeting of cancer cells while sparing normal tissue. Noninvasive imaging can assist in optimizing such a strategy by determining effective tumor delivery of the siRNA and prodrug enzyme to time prodrug administration and detecting target down-regulation by siRNA and prodrug conversion by the enzyme. In proof-of-principle studies, we synthesized a nanoplex carrying magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reporters for in vivo detection and optical reporters for microscopy to image the delivery of siRNA and a functional prodrug enzyme in breast tumors and achieve image-guided molecular targeted cancer therapy. siRNA targeting of choline kinase-α (Chk-α), an enzyme significantly up-regulated in aggressive breast cancer cells, was combined with the prodrug enzyme bacterial cytosine deaminase (bCD) that converts the nontoxic prodrug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) to cytotoxic 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). In vivo MRI and optical imaging showed efficient intratumoral nanoplex delivery. siRNA-mediated down-regulation of Chk-α and the conversion of 5-FC to 5-FU by bCD were detected noninvasively with (1)H MR spectroscopic imaging and (19)F MR spectroscopy. Combined siRNA and prodrug enzyme activated treatment achieved higher growth delay than either treatment alone. The strategy can be expanded to target multiple pathways with siRNA.
On Some Difference Equations with Eventually Periodic Solutions

Abstract We study the boundedness and the periodic character of the solutions of the equation[formula]where x − 1 , x 0 ∈ Z and α, β, γ, δ ∈ { − 1, 1}.
Predicting the perforation capability of Kinetic Energy Projectiles using artificial neural networks

The U.S. Army requires the evaluation of new weapon and vehicle systems through the use of experimental testing and Vulnerability/Lethality (V/L) modeling & simulation (M&S). The current M&S methods being utilized often require significant amounts of time and subject matter expertise. This typically means that quick results cannot be provided when needed to address new threats encountered in theater. Recently there has been an increased focus on rapid results for M&S efforts that can also provide accurate results. Accurately modeling the penetration and residual properties of a ballistic threat as it progresses through a target is an extremely important part of determining the effectiveness of the threat against that target. This paper presents preliminary results from the training of an artificial neural network for the prediction of perforation of a monolithic metallic target plate.
Abstract 1096: Loss of miR-200 family of microRNAs confers resistance to tamoxifen in human breast cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. MiR-200 family includes two clusters i.e. miR-200 a/200b/ 429 and miR-200c/141 encoded on chromosome 1 and chromosome 12, respectively. Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-200 family targets ZEB1, a transcription factor that promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Previous reports demonstrated a loss of miR-200a, b and c in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells resulted in EMT. These studies also showed a concomitant increase in ZEB1 protein. We observed lower miR-200a, b and c expression in estrogen-independent LCC1 and endocrine-resistant LCC2, LCC9, and LY2 compared to the parental, endocrine-sensitive MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. We found that ZEB1 protein is expressed in tamoxifen-resistant LY2 cells but not in tamoxifen-sensitive MCF-7 cells. LY2 cells did not express E-cadherin, a ZEB1 target which is also a marker for epithelial phenotype. This is the first demonstration that LY2 cells have undergone EMT as part of their endocrine-resistant phenotype. These studies indicate that loss of miR-200 and a corresponding increase in ZEB1 protein is an indicator of tamoxifen-resistance in breast cancer cells. Further, in concordance with higher miR-221/222, there was decreased expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) mRNA and protein in LY2 cells when compared to MCF-7 cells. We hypothesize that ERα expression is decreased in cells that have undergone EMT and this subsequently leads to endocrine-resistance and an invasive phenotype. Future studies will determine whether re-expression of ERα or knockdown of ZEB1 restores TAM-sensitivity in LY2 cells. By evaluating the expression of E-cadherin, it will be possible to determine whether restoration of ERα or knockdown of ZEB1 can revert cells from a mesenchymal to an epithelial phenotype. If validated, loss of miR-200 could be used as a marker of poor prognosis in TAM-resistant breast cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1096. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1096
Allelopathy in the tropical alga Lobophora variegata (Phaeophyceae): mechanistic basis for a phase shift on mesophotic coral reefs?

Macroalgal phase shifts on Caribbean reefs have been reported with increasing frequency, and recent reports of these changes on mesophotic coral reefs have raised questions regarding the mechanistic processes behind algal population expansions to deeper depths. The brown alga Lobophora variegata is a dominant species on many shallow and deep coral reefs of the Caribbean and Pacific, and it increased in percent cover (>50%) up to 61 m on Bahamian reefs following the invasion of the lionfish Pterois volitans. We examined the physiological and ecological constraints contributing to the spread of Lobophora on Bahamian reefs across a mesophotic depth gradient from 30 to 61 m, pre- and post-lionfish invasion. Results indicate that there were no physiological limitations to the depth distribution of Lobophora within this range prior to the lionfish invasion. Herbivory by acanthurids and scarids in algal recruitment plots at mesophotic depths was higher prior to the lionfish invasion, and Lobophora chemical defenses were ineffective against an omnivorous fish species. In contrast, Lobophora exhibited significant allelopathic activity against the coral Montastraea cavernosa and the sponge Agelas clathrodes in laboratory assays. These data indicate that when lionfish predation on herbivorous fish released Lobophora from grazing pressure at depth, Lobophora expanded its benthic cover to a depth of 61 m, where it replaced the dominant coral and sponge species. Our results suggest that this chemically defended alga may out-compete these species in situ, and that mesophotic reefs may be further impacted in the near future as Lobophora continues to expand to its compensation point.
Russia and Algeria: Partners or Competitors?

The definitive version of this document can be found at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com This document was created using OCR technology, and may contain minor discrepancies from the published document.
Robust control system design: non-adaptive versus adaptive

The design of robust control for an uncertain dynamical system is first considered. The only information on the uncertainty, which is needed for the design, is its possible bound. The (non-adaptive) robust control design based on this information may sometimes not be feasible or practical. Thus the adaptive version of the non-adaptive robust control is desirable to estimate the bound. Two general routines are constructed such that the corresponding adaptive versions of all the non-adaptive controls can be constructed. The adaptive control is applicable to mismatched uncertainty, measurement noise and the model-following problem. The theory is illustrated via a mechanical manipulator.
Theory of laser oscillation on two or more coupled transitions

Aid or competition between two laser modes oscillating on different transitions of a three-level medium are studied following the method of Lamb. An arbitrary amount of Doppler broadening is allowed for. The "electric-quadrupole" term generated by back-to-back transitions of the two modes but having vanishing electric dipole moment is found to have little effect on the oscillation intensities in typically observed circumstances. This fact justifies, in part, the rate-equation approximation commonly used in multilevel analysis. For a bidirectional ring cascade configuration, however, this coherence term can be important because of constructive interference familiar from two-photon, Doppler-free spectroscopy. The ordinary (i.e., hole-burning) cross-saturation terms for cascade transitions produce mutual mode aid, rather than competition as in the competitive cases. A curious consequence of this difference is greater accuracy in the third-order theory of cascade transitions than in that of competitive transitions, as a result of partial cancellation of errors incurred through neglect of higher orders. The treatment is generalized to multilevel media (four or more levels) with numerical illustration and discussion of the method's relationship to laser oscillation involving diatomic molecules.
Relationship between nitric oxide and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in enteric inhibitory neurotransmission

Although considerable evidence suggests that NO serves as a neurotransmitter in gastrointestinal muscles, it is unlikely to be the only substance involved in enteric inhibitory neurotransmission. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is known to be expressed by inhibitory motor neurons in the gut, and it appears to be co-localized with nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in a subpopulation of enteric neurons. These data suggest that NO and VIP may be parallel neurotransmitters. Others have suggested that VIP is the primary inhibitory transmitter, and it stimulates production of NO in smooth muscle cells. In this "serial cascade" model NO is a paracrine substance. We performed experiments on circular muscles and cells from the canine proximal colon to further test the idea that NO and VIP are parallel neurotransmitters and to determine the validity of the serial cascade model in these muscles. We found that NO-independent inhibitory effects were unmasked when excitatory and NO-dependent inhibitory responses were blocked. NO-independent inhibitory effects were reduced by alpha-chymotrypsin and blocked by tetrodotoxin. NOS- and VIP-like immunoreactivities were co-localized in enteric neurons and varicose fibers in the circular muscle layer. Similar to several other reports we found no evidence for a constitutive NOS in smooth muscle cells. Several aspects of the serial cascade model were not supported by our results: (i) the electrical and mechanical effects of VIP did not depend upon NO synthesis; (ii) VIP-induced changes in [Ca2+]i did not depend upon NO synthesis; and (iii) VIP did not cause the release of NO from canine colonic muscles. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that NO and VIP are co-transmitters, released in parallel from enteric inhibitory nerves.
EFFECTS OF MOBILE TREE ISLANDS ON ALPINE TUNDRA SOILS

Tree islands or krummholz found above tree line in the Front Range of Colorado are of interest because of their ability to migrate across the tundra landscape. This unique characteristic is caused by dieback of exposed, windward plant tissues, growth of the plant to the leeward, and the ability of these plants to produce new roots from branches buried in organic debris. This mobility also allows for the study of tree-induced changes on properties of soils initially formed by tundra vegetation. Soil characteristics, root productivity, decomposition of litter, and nitrogen flux in soils beneath mobile tree islands and adjacent alpine meadow tundra were studied to test whether tree islands modify the physical and chemical properties of soils formed in alpine tundra. Rates of surface decomposition of a standardized litter substrate were significantly increased leeward of tree islands and significantly decreased within these islands. Soil pH was not significantly reduced by tree island passage. We found significant reductions in amounts of soil organic matter (SOM) and KCl-extractable NH4+ in soils influenced by tree islands. No recovery in soil organic matter or NH4+ was observed at locations that correspond to 250-500 yr since the passage of a tree island. Cation exchange capacity was correlated with percentage SOM but was not reduced by tree island passage. Soil texture differences, when present, did not support the hypothesis that surface soils lose clay content with tree island passage but were consistent with a reduction in the depth of the A horizon of these locations. The soil carbon isotopic signature (6'3C) is only temporarily influenced by the passage of tree islands, suggesting that tree carbon is not stabilized in soils. Moreover while trees have numerous roots within the 0 horizon of soil, root ingrowth bags demonstrated large reductions in fine root production in the A horizons beneath trees (149 g.m-2-yr-' in tundra vs. 25 g.m-2 yr-1 beneath trees). Resin bag nitrogen collections indicated that soils beneath trees had higher NH4+ losses than adjacent tundra soils. Tree island passage therefore reduced SOM and the nitrogen storage potential of former tundra soils, and these effects likely persist for centuries following the passage of a tree island.
The Sensitivity of Diagnostic Radiative Properties to Cloud Microphysics among Cloud-Resolving Model Simulations

Abstract This study examines the sensitivity of diagnosed radiative fluxes and heating rates to different treatments of cloud microphysics among cloud-resolving models (CRMs). The domain-averaged CRM outputs are used in this calculation. The impacts of the cloud overlap and uniform hydrometeor assumptions are examined using outputs having spatially varying cloud fields from a single CRM. It is found that the cloud overlap assumption impacts the diagnosis more significantly than the uniform hydrometeor assumption for all radiative fluxes. This is also the case for the longwave radiative cooling rate except for a layer above 7 km where it is more significantly impacted by the uniform hydrometeor assumption. The radiative cooling above upper-tropospheric anvils and the warming below these clouds are overestimated by about 0.5 K day−1 using the domain-averaged outputs. These results are used to further quantify intermodel differences in radiative properties due to different treatments of cloud microphysics am...
CD SEM carry-over effect investigation

In a multiple tools environment the matching and stability performance of CD SEM becomes crucial for successful introduction of new technology generations. However proper evaluation procedure for CD SEM precision components represents a nontrivial issue when total precision budget is 1-2nm (according to the National Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors). Factors such as sample damage; process variation and measurement sample size should be carefully examined. In this article we address carryover - a very well known but not widely studied phenomenon, related to the sample damage, which directly affects the precision evaluation of a CD SEM. We have investigated the carryover in an attempt to reduce the effect of sample degradation due to repeated measurement and improve measurement precision. We present results based on relatively large data set and moderate range of variables. The experimental data show that for modern CD SEM both electron energy and current are very important factors defining the carryover. Although no complete elimination of the carryover effect have been observed under the conditions studied recommendations have been made with respect to acceptable compromise based on the current precision requirements.