cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glucosamine-Bound Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probes with Lysosomal Specificity for Breast Tumor Imaging

Noninvasive imaging of lysosomes will be useful 1) to elucidate the role of lysosomal parameters in cancer, 2) to diagnose malignant lesions, and 3) to evaluate future lysosome-targeted anticancer therapies. Lysosome-specific labeling of glucosamine-bound near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes, IR-1 and IR-2, but not control probe IR-15 without the glucosamine moiety, was observed by fluorescence microscopy in human breast epithelial cell lines. Lysosome labeling and tumor specificity of these NIR probes were investigated by dynamic optical imaging and immunofluorescence staining in human breast tumor xenografts. IR-1 and IR-2 demonstrated faster lysosome labeling rates in highly aggressive MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435 cells compared with less aggressive MCF-7 and nontumorigenic MCF-12A cells. IR-1 and IR-2, but not IR-15, accumulated in human MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-435, and MCF-7 breast tumor xenografts in vivo. IR-2 demonstrated the highest maximum fluorescence and tumor/normal tissue ratios in all tumor models. Specific lysosome labeling from IR-2 in vivo was validated by colocalization of the NIR fluorescence with CD63 immunofluorescence in tumor sections. IR-1 and IR-2 demonstrated high lysosome-labeling ability and breast tumor-targeting specificity in vitro and in vivo. They are promising for diagnosing malignant lesions and may provide a means for evaluating and monitoring future lysosome-targeted anticancer therapies.
Calculation error in estimating low HDL in women.

Sir, I have recently read the article by Thankappan et al1, with great interest. In my reading I have discovered that the prevalence of low HDL was based upon HDL<40 mg/dl irrespective of the gender and not “< 40 mg/dl for males and <50 mg/dl for females” as stated in the methodology and footnote of the Table III1. Table Prevalence of low HDL cholesterol (%) in urban, rural, slum and the total population by sex There was another paradox in the data. The data indicated prevalence of diabetes to be more in rural than in urban areas and trended to be more in women than in men. Additionally, it is reported that urban subjects have lower HDL than the rural subjects. These observations are somewhat at variance with the published data2,3,4,5,6. It is possible that men and women in Kerala state are different from other subpopulations of India or there is a possible error in analysis of the data. Either way it needs to be verified and reconfirmed or corrected.
GuiLiner: A Configurable and Extensible Graphical User Interface for Scientific Analysis and Simulation Software

The computer programs most users interact with daily are driven by a graphical user interface (GUI). However, many scientific applications are used with a command line interface (CLI) for the ease of development and increased flexibility this mode provides. Scientific application developers would benefit from being able to provide a GUI easily for their CLI programs, thus retaining the advantages of both modes of interaction. GuiLiner is a generic, extensible and flexible front-end designed to ``host'' a wide variety of data analysis or simulation programs. Scientific application developers who produce a correctly formatted XML file describing their program's options and some of its documentation can immediately use GuiLiner to produce a carefully implemented GUI for their analysis or simulation programs.
Medio siglo de geografía histórica en Norteamérica

Este articulo trata sobre el desarrollo de la geografia historica en Norteamerica durante el ultimo medio siglo. Esta dividido en tres periodos que dan cuenta de la vitalidad de este campo de estudio, asi como de su persistente marginalidad. En las decadas de 1950 y 1960 los geografos humanos estudiaban regiones, tema que le daba a la disciplina gran cohesion. La geografia historica se distinguia por centrarse en el pasado. En la decada de 1970 la disciplina paso a buscar patrones y leyes espaciales. Algunos geografos historicos siguieron la corriente, mientras que otros se convirtieron en un bastion de la tradicion. En las ultimas dos decadas, los geografos humanos han vuelto su atencion hacia procesos sociales; los geografos historicos han seguido esta tendencia, aunque con cierto rezago. Por otra parte, la geografia en general ha mostrado mucho mas interes en la historia. Pero ironicamente, los trabajos geograficos con enfasis en la historia se han fragmentado mas que nunca. Por esta razon, a pesar de la vitalidad actual de este campo, muchos geografos historicos siguen sintiendose marginales dentro de la disciplina.
Relations of Production: Combes on Transindividuality

Simondon’s concept of the transindividual has become a central point of reference for contemporary critical philosophy and social philosophy. Despite its importance in the work of such writers as Etienne Balibar, Gilles Deleuze, Bernard Stiegler and Paolo Virno, Simondon’s works have not been translated into English, and thus no comprehensive study has appeared so far. Muriel Combes’s book presents not only a study of Simondon’s thought, but an examination of what it makes possible in terms of rethinking social relations.
An analysis of the recovery of tetrahymena from effects of cycloheximide.

When cycloheximide (0.2 μg per ml) was added to synchronized cultures of Tetrahymena pyriformis GL-C, the initial rate of incorporation of 14C-leucine was reduced to about 20% of the rate observed in control cells. After one hour, the rate increased fairly abruptly to about 60% of the control rate. The cells in cycloheximide underwent synchronous division about three hours after addition of cycloheximide. A second addition of cycloheximide had little effect on either the rate of incorporation or on the time of cell division in the drug. The medium in which cells had recovered brought about full inhibition of 14C-leucine incorporation in fresh cells, indicating that recovery was not accompanied by appreciable degradation of the cycloheximide. It was therefore concluded that during recovery the cells were either adapting to the cycloheximide or excluding it. The recovery process shows some specificity, since cells which had recovered from cycloheximide, and had become insensitive to a second dose of this drug, still retained full sensitivity to another drug, colchicine. Conversely, cells recovering in colchicine became insensitive to fresh colchicine but remained sensitive to cycloheximide.
Convergence of stochastic empirical measures

Abstract Let P n be a random probability measure on a metric space S . Let Pˆ n be the empirical measure of k n iid random variables, each distributed according to P n . Our main theorem asserts that if { P n } converges in distribution, as random probability measures on S , then so does { Pˆ n }. Applications of the result to the study of bootstrap and other stochastic procedures are given.
Multi-step processes in the interpretation of the 28Si(d, 3He)27Al reaction

Abstract Results from a CCBA analysis of the 28 Si(d, 3 He) 27 Al reaction are reported. The transfers are assumed to occur between dominant components of (λμ) symmetry (0, 12) and (2, 10) in the initial and final nuclear eigenstates respectively. The results show that cross sections to four of the six levels observed below 3 MeV can be fairly well reproduced within a pure K ( J ) band framework. However, consistent with electromagnetic results, all six levels can be fit if the K ( J ) band purity of the analysis, SU(3) model. 5 2 + ( ground and 2.73 MeV ) states and 9 2 + (3.00 MeV ) state is abandoned.
Nonmarket transfers and altruism

Abstract We examine altruistically motivated consumption transfers in an effort to account for nonmarket transfers. We find that altruistic linkages lead to autonomous, negotiation-free transfers, and that such transfers positively respond to stronger altruism. We also find that given fairly natural assumptions concerning the altruism parameters, mutual altruism does not necessarily result in group (social) harmony, even though its rise narrows the conflict range. In spite of enhanced transfers prompted by such a rise, both parties may end up worse off. These results help explain why in some social environments a shift toward market-oriented transfers and exchanges may be quicker than in others, as the disadvantages (decline in utility) associated with intragroup altruistic linkages outweigh the advantages.
A qualitative study of the retention and release of volatile gases in JSC-1A lunar soil simulant at room temperature under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions

Abstract We conducted a qualitative study to simulate the flux of volatile gases expected to occur at the lunar surface due to cometary impact or lunar outgassing events. A small sample cell containing 8.8 g of JSC-1A lunar soil simulant in a vacuum system with a base pressure of 1.5 × 10−8 Torr was exposed to various gases using dynamic pressure dosing at room temperature to observe any retention of those gases as a function of the exposure times, temperatures and pressures used. Gases included pure argon, a five-component gas mixture (H2, He, Ne, N2, Ar), a simulated Mars atmospheric mixture (CO2, N2, Ar, CO, O2), and a simulated Titan mixture (N2, CH4). Results at exposure pressures of approximately 1.5 × 10−8 Torr above background showed no observable retention of rare gases, slight retention of molecular gases, but surface retention of the triatomic gas CO2 occurred at room temperature with a time to reach equilibrium of greater than 10 min, which was an unanticipated result. Despite several bakeouts and months under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions, trace levels of atmospheric gases continued to evolve from the simulant. Mechanical and optical probing of the simulant surface increased this latent gas evolution, particularly for CO2 and CO, with some evidence also for the release of CH4. We assert our results are, by analogy, applicable to protocols and instrumentation needed for conducting analytical chemistry aboard future landed lunar missions.
Effect of Condensable Impurities in CO2/CH4 Gas Feeds on Carbon Molecular Sieve Hollow-Fiber Membranes

The presence of vapor impurities in gas streams presents problems for both polymeric and carbon materials. For natural gas processing applications, it is suspected that condensable hydrocarbons can cause significant performance declines for polymer membranes. This paper investigates the effect of these condensable vapor impurities on the performance of carbon molecular sieve (CMS) hollow-fiber membranes. Toluene and n-heptane were separately used as representative aromatic and paraffinic impurities, respectively, in 10% CO2/90% CH4 gas feed streams. Shell-side feed pressures of up to 900 psia and temperatures of 35 and 50 °C were used. Experimental results reveal that the CMS membranes maintained CO2/CH4 selectivity with a maximum of 20% reduction in CO2 permeance during exposure to gas feeds containing these impurities, in comparison to “clean” gas feeds without these impurities. Furthermore, a simple in situ regeneration procedure of moderate heating (70−90 °C) with dry N2 purge gas resulted in almost c...
NetClinic: Interactive visualization to enhance automated fault diagnosis in enterprise networks

Diagnosing faults in an operational computer network is a frustrating, time-consuming exercise. Despite advances, automatic diagnostic tools are far from perfect: they occasionally miss the true culprit and are mostly only good at narrowing down the search to a few potential culprits. This uncertainty and the inability to extract useful sense from tool output renders most tools not usable to administrators. To bridge this gap, we present NetClinic, a visual analytics system that couples interactive visualization with an automated diagnostic tool for enterprise networks. It enables administrators to verify the output of the automatic analysis at different levels of detail and to move seamlessly across levels while retaining appropriate context. A qualitative user study shows that NetClinic users can accurately identify the culprit, even when it is not present in the suggestions made by the automated component. We also find that supporting a variety of sensemaking strategies is a key to the success of systems that enhance automated diagnosis.
Low-temperature pyrolysis studies by chemiluminescence techniques real-time nitrocellulose and PBX 9404 decomposition☆

Abstract An adaptation of the chemiluminescence techniques developed to measure NO and NO 2 in air is described. This adaptation has made it possible to make real-time measurements on the decomposition of nitrocellulose (NC) and PBX 9404 at realistic storage temperatures for these materials. Measurements are reported from 295 to 420°K. NO x (= NO + NO 2 ) evolution in NC decomposition occurs with a k ( T ) of (1.9 ÷ × 2) × 10 7 exp [ (−12800 ± 300) T ] s −1 below 350°K, while above 370°K k(T) = (4.3 ÷ × 4) × 10 17 exp [ (−21500 ± 750) T ] s −1 , both per submole (molecular weight 264) NC. Prior T ≥ 370°K exposure of NC leads to increased evolution rates at ≤ 350°K because of the desorption of the NO x , which was adsorbed at the higher temperature. NO 2 is shown to be the primary NC decomposition product and is rapidly reduced to NO. PBX 9404 results are compared to NC results and it is shown that diphenylamine, present in PBX 9404, catalyzes NC decomposition and also reduced NO 2 to NO.
Structure and pathogenicity of individual variants within an immunodeficiency disease-inducing isolate of FeLV.

Abstract We previously described the molecular cloning of a replication-defective variant of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) that induced fatal immunodeficiency in cats. Eighteen proviruses have now been molecularly cloned from cats inoculated with the original isolate (FeLV-FAIDS) or its in vivo passages. Three were replication-competent and each of these was noncytopathic for the feline T-cell line, 3201. Replication of the prototype, FeLV-61 E, in cats was associated with development of T cell tumors in some cats. The remaining 15 proviruses were replication-defective, but each of six of these tested was found to be cytopathic for 3201 cells when rescued with the noncytopathic helper virus, 61 E. Three defective/helper virus mixtures were inoculated into cats and all induced fatal immunodeficiency, but with varied efficiency and kinetics. Each of these virus mixtures was attenuated relative to a mixture containing 61E and the intestine-targeted, FeLV-FAIDS-61C prototype defective molecular clone. Furthermore, one replication-competent virus chimera generated using the envelope and LTR of the defective pathogenic variant was incapable of inducing viremia in cats. The observed differences in the biological activity between the defective viruses could be attributed to no more than 10 scattered amino acid changes in envelope and either one or two nucleotide changes in the LTR.
Postoperative cardiopulmonary thoracic imaging.

An appreciation of the normal postoperative changes and complications following cardiac surgical procedures is essential when interpreting postoperative imaging studies. This article focuses on both the normal postoperative appearances and the imaging of complications following common cardiac surgical procedures. Irrespective of the specific nature of the surgery, certain common complications may occur, either from the surgery itself, the use of cardiac bypass, or the patient's underlying cardiac disorder. Postoperative imaging after specific thoracic cardiovascular surgeries is also discussed.
Detection and refractive index identification of submicron particles on surfaces

Inspection for contaminant particles on surfaces is of major interest in the semiconductor industry as well as many others. We have developed an optical inspection instrument which detects particles as small as 65 nm and give information about the refractive index as well. Such information can be used to identify contaminant particles leading to more rapid identification of the source. The instrument is based on a scanned laser Nomarski interferometer, and measures differential phase and amplitude over an inspected area. We have previously shown that the forward scattered light from a small particle (in this case in liquid) interferes with the incident beam to produce a phase shift and amplitude change (extinction) dependent on the particle size and refractive index. This method is also applicable to surfaces by using a reflection mode. Similar to ellipsometry, plotting phase shift against extinction can provide information on both size and refractive index. We have analyzed particles on a silicon surface for a range of compositions, and found that particles can be sorted into refractive index classes such as low index, moderate index and metals.
Atmosphere Revitalization Technology Development for Crewed Space Exploration

As space exploration objectives extend human presence beyond low Earth orbit, the solutions to technological challenges presented by supporting human life in the hostile space environment must build upon experience gained during past and present crewed space exploration programs. These programs and the cabin atmosphere revitalization process technologies and systems developed for them represent the National Aeronautics and Space Administration s (NASA) past and present operational knowledge base for maintaining a safe, comfortable environment for the crew. The contributions of these programs to the NASA s technological and operational working knowledge base as well as key strengths and weaknesses to be overcome are discussed. Areas for technological development to address challenges inherent with the Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) are presented and a plan for their development employing unit operations principles is summarized
Work in progress — Prediction of students' academic performance in an introductory engineering course

Prediction of student academic performance helps instructors develop a good understanding of how well or how poorly the students will perform, so instructors can take proactive measures to improve student learning. This paper reports our recent ongoing efforts that focus on developing a predictive model to predict students' academic performance in an introductory engineering course titled Engineering Dynamics. A total of 2,151 data points were collected from 239 undergraduate students in three semesters. Four predictive models were developed using multivariate linear regression (MLR), multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural networks, radial basis function (RBF) neural networks, and support vector machines (SVMs), respectively. The results show that in many cases, the support vector machine model generates the overall best predictions: The average prediction accuracy is 89.0%-90.9% and good predictions are 62.3%–69.0%.
Controlled double-blind trial of nifedipine in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon.

Raynaud's phenomenon may cause severe digital pain and functional disability, particularly in patients with underlying connective-tissue disease. The treatment of this condition is difficult.1 Nife...
The dual-diagnosis problem is the case-management problem in disguise

The prevalence of dual-diagnosis among clients of a service system depends more strongly on the internal organization of that system than on the intrinsic prevalence of dual diagnoses in the service population. Clients are most often identified as dual-diagnoses if they carry two diagnoses that cross program lines. For purposes of program planning, a dual-diagnosis client is nearly always a dual-program client. From this point of view, dual-diagnosis clients are “produced” by service systems with diagnosis-specific program. Instituting a system-wide case-management unit is a more effective solution to the dual-diagnosis problem than creating special programs for clients with two diagnoses.
Protein Localization in Silica Nanospheres Derived via Biomimetic Mineralization

Lysozyme-templated precipitation of silica synthesized by sol-gel chemistry produces a composite material with antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the structural properties of the composite material that allow for retention of the antimicrobial activity of lysozyme. Scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy reveal that the composite has a hierarchical structure composed of quasi-spherical structures ({approx}450 nm diameter), which are in turn composed of closely packed spherical structures of {approx}8-10 nm in diameter. Using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) with contrast variation, the scattering signatures of the lysozyme and silica within the composite were separated. It was determined that the lysozyme molecules are spatially correlated in the material and form clusters with colloidal silica particles. The size of the clusters determined by SANS agrees well with the structural architecture observed by TEM. BET analysis revealed that the surface area of the composite is relatively low (4.73 m{sup 2}/g). However, after removal of the protein by heating to 200 C, the surface area is increased by {approx}20%. In addition to demonstrating a well organized sol-gel synthesis which generates a functional material with antimicrobial applications, the analysis and modeling approaches described herein can be used for characterizing a wide range of mesoporous and ultrastructuralmore » materials.« less
Mood states of professional female tennis players.

To develop a psychological profile of professional female athletes, specifically of elite tennis players, 16 professional female tennis players from five countries were given the Profile of Mood States to measure six mood states: tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, and confusion. When age was controlled in the design, older female athletes exhibited the "iceberg profile," i.e., they scored higher on the vigor mood state and lower on all other mood states than college-age women. Younger athletes scored like college-age women. These results only partially support the 1987 work of Morgan, O'Connor, Sparling, and Pate.
Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia Mimicking Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Background: Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia is a rare disease that mimics infectious pneumonia. Most patients respond well to corticosteroid therapy. Methods: We report a single case and findings from an English language literature search of MEDLINE using key words “bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia.” Results and Conclusions: Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia should be considered when a patient with pneumonia does not respond to antibiotics and has multiple patchy infiltrates and characteristic bronchoalveolar lavage patterns. A tissue sample is required for definitive diagnosis. Infection by a multiresistant organism can occur with multiple antibiotic therapy and concomitant use of corticosteroids, particularly when no initial infecting organism is identified.
Detergent-dependent kinetics of truncated Plasmodium falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase.

The survival of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is dependent upon the de novo biosynthesis of pyrimidines. P. falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH) catalyzes the fourth step in this pathway in an FMN-dependent reaction. The full-length enzyme is associated with the inner mitochondrial membrane, where ubiquinone (CoQ) serves as the terminal electron acceptor. The lipophilic nature of the co-substrate suggests that electron transfer to CoQ occurs at the two-dimensional lipid-solution interface. Here we show that PfDHODH associates with liposomes even in the absence of the N-terminal transmembrane-spanning domain. The association of a series of ubiquinone substrates with detergent micelles was studied by isothermal titration calorimetry, and the data reveal that CoQ analogs with long decyl (CoQD) or geranyl (CoQ2) tails partition into detergent micelles, whereas that with a short prenyl tail (CoQ1) remains in solution. PfDHODH-catalyzed reduction of CoQD and CoQ2, but not CoQ1, is stimulated as detergent concentrations (Tween 80 or Triton X-100) are increased up to their critical micelle concentrations, beyond which activity declines. Steady-state kinetic data acquired for the reaction with CoQD and CoQ2 in substrate-detergent mixed micelles fit well to a surface dilution kinetic model. In contrast, the data for CoQ1 as a substrate were well described by solution steady-state kinetics. Our results suggest that the partitioning of lipophilic ubiquinone analogues into detergent micelles needs to be an important consideration in the kinetic analysis of enzymes that utilize these substrates.
Future real-time testing and evaluation computing environments

The authors explore the requirements for an integrated, high performance, real-time computing environment capable of testing and evaluating future aerospace systems. It is pointed out that the effective testing and evaluation of future aerospace systems will require the integration of theoretical, experimental, and computational methodologies. Integrating these methodologies will require the development of an integrated simulation framework that couples the computational capabilities that have evolved independently of one another to support these disciplines. The balanced architectures inherent within current and future supercomputing technologies can provide a high performance platform for facilitating this integration. Some examples of how these relationships among methodologies are being exploited are presented, including a nuclear weapon design example, a crash testing example, and a computational fluid dynamics example. >
Differential effects of gastric bypass and banding on circulating gut hormone and leptin levels.

Objective: To quantify plasma concentrations of hormones that regulate energy homeostasis in order to establish possible mechanisms for greater weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) compared with gastric banding (BND). Research Methods and Procedures: Four groups of women were studied: lean (n = 8; mean BMI, 21.6 kg/m2); BND (n = 9; BMI, 35.8; 25% weight loss), RYGBP (n = 9; BMI, 34.2; 36% weight loss), and controls matched for BMI to the surgical groups (n = 11; BMI, 34.4). Results: Fasting total peptide YY (PYY) and PYY(3–36) immunoreactivity were similar among all groups, but the postprandial response in the RYGBP group was exaggerated, such that 30 minutes after the meal, total and PYY(3–36) levels were 2- to 4-fold greater compared with all other groups. Maximal postprandial suppression of total ghrelin was blunted in the BND group (13%) compared with RYGBP (27%). Postprandial suppression of octanoylated ghrelin was also less in BND (29%) compared with RYGBP (56%). Fasting insulin was lower in RYGBP (6.6 μU/mL) compared with BND (10.0 μU/mL). Compared with lean controls, leptin concentrations were significantly higher in BND but not in RYGBP. There was a greater increase in post-meal satiety in the RYGBP group compared with BND and overweight controls. Discussion: The differences between RYGBP and BND subjects in postprandial concentrations of PYY and ghrelin would be expected to promote increased satiety and earlier meal termination in RYGBP and may aid in greater weight loss. The differences in insulin and leptin concentrations associated with these procedures may also reflect differences in insulin sensitivity and energy partitioning.
On the use of Fick's law in regions of mixed phase

Abstract This note has the sole purpose of highlighting the fundamental inconsistency that arises when Fick's law is invoked to describe the diffusion of constituents in a region of mized phase.
TRH in the rat cerebellum: II. Uptake by cerebellar slices

We investigated the in vitro uptake of exogenous TRH by rat cerebellar slices. TRH was found to be taken up via a process sharing many of the properties of a high affinity transport system, viz: (1) saturation kinetics; (2) high affinity kinetic constants (Km1=1.06×10−5 M, Km2=5.6×10−6M); (3) temperature sensitivity (Q10=1.48); (4) dependency on the sodium concentration in the incubation medium; and (5) tissue/medium ratios greater than I. After 60 min of incubation at 27°C in the presence of Bacitracin, the tissue/medium ratio was 5:1. Under these conditions 70% of the total label was recovered as [3H-Pro]TRH. These findings demonstrated the existence of removal mechanisms for TRH in the cerebellum and gave further support to the hypothesis that TRH plays a functional role in this extrahypothalamic brain region.
Wear properties of argon implanted poly(ether ether ketone)

Abstract The sliding wear properties of Ar + -implanted poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) using nylon 66 and SAE 52100 high carbon chrome steel ball counterfaces have been investigated in this study. PEEK was implanted with 1 MeV Ar + to fluences of 5 × 10 18 , 1 × 10 19 and 5 × 10 19 ions m −2 . Reciprocating sliding wear tests were conducted using a 1 N normal load, 3 mm sliding distance and 100 cpm frequency for 10 000 sliding cycles. The implantation significantly improved the wear properties of PEEK for the nylon ball tests to the extent that no wear tracks were evident on the PEEK surface. This was attributed to significant strengthening of the PEEK surface by ion beam induced cross-linking which, in turn, caused corresponding wear of the softer nylon counterface. For the steel counterface tests, the intermediate-fluence implanted specimen showed no wear damage on the surface. There was wear damage for the unimplanted, lower and higher fluence implanted specimens. The results indicate that the best wear properties appeared at some optimum level of ion-beam induced cross-linking of PEEK for the steel counterface. Friction coefficient data were correlated with the observed wear behavior. Mechanisms of energy transfer from the energetic ions to the polymer molecules were analyzed to explain the wear improvements. This study shows that ion implantation is a promising technique for significant improvements in the tribological properties of PEEK.
Low-frequency heroin injection among out-of-treatment, street-recruited injection drug users.

In this paper, we explore the understudied phenomenon of “low-frequency” heroin injection in a sample of street-recruited heroin injectors not in drug treatment. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 2,410 active injection drug users (IDUs) recruited in San Francisco, California from 2000 to 2005. We compare the sociodemographic characteristics and injection risk behaviors of low-frequency heroin injectors (low-FHI; one to 10 self-reported heroin injections in the past 30 days) to high-frequency heroin injectors (high-FHI; 30 or more self-reported heroin injections in the past 30 days). Fifteen percent of the sample met criteria for low-FHI. African American race, men who have sex with men (MSM) behavior, and injection and noninjection methamphetamine use were independently associated with low-FHI. Compared to high-FHI, low-FHI were less likely to report syringe sharing and nonfatal heroin overdose. A small but significant proportion of heroin injectors inject heroin 10 or less times per month. Additional research is needed to qualitatively examine low-frequency heroin injection and its relationship to drug use trajectories.
Ion pair catalysis of the autooxidation of pyridine and benzil in emulsion systems

It was found that the rates of absorption of oxygen by pyridine–aqueous sodium hydroxide emulsions and the same emulsions containing benzil were catalyzed by the addition of quaternary salts and followed the same rate law: . It was concluded that the autooxidation of benzil in pyridine-aqeuous sodium hydroxide emulsions has as its rate-determining step a step in the autooxidation of pyridine. Possibly the superoxide formed in the autooxidation of pyridine is the oxidizing agent in the oxidation of benzil.
Murine models in critical care research.

Introduction:Access to genetically engineered mice has opened many new opportunities to address questions relevant to the pathophysiology and treatment of patients in critical conditions. However, the results of studies in mice cannot disregard the unique ability of small rodents to adjust their tem
Development and Experimental Parameterization of a Physics-Based Second-Order Lithium-Ion Battery Model

This paper uses the principles of electrochemistry to derive a simple second-order model of lithium-ion battery dynamics. Low-order lithium-ion battery models exist in the literature, but are typically either linear, empirical, or both. Our goal, in contrast, is to obtain a model simple enough for control design but grounded in the principles of electrochemistry. The model reduction approach used in this paper has the added advantage of leading to a novel analytic expression for the capacitance associated with voltage relaxation. A process for identifying model parameters from experiments is outlined, and experimental results are used to evaluate the validity of the model.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Transforming Growth Factor-β Promotes Differentiation of Ovarian Thecal-Interstitial Cells but Inhibits Androgen Production*

Abstract Evidence that transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is produced by thecal-interstitial cells (TIC) has suggested the hypothesis that TGFβ may be an autocrine regulator of TIC function. The purpose of these studies is to begin to test this hypothesis. In the present experiments we tested the effects of TGFβ on steroid production by TIC isolated from the ovaries of hypophysectomized immature rats by Percoll gradient centrifugation. When TIC (104 viable cells/well) were cultured in serum-free medium (0.2 ml in 96-well plates), low amounts of androsterone (<4 ng/ml) were produced at 2, 4, and 6 days. TGFβ (0.01−100 ng/ml) did not change basal androsterone production. Treatment with LH (50 ng/ml) stimulated a 100−fold increase in androsterone at 2 days and 60−fold increases at 4 and 6 days. Concomitant treatment with TGFβ (10 ng/ml) caused a 65% inhibition (ED50 = 2.3 ± 0.7 ng/ml) of androsterone production at each time period. Analysis of key steroid metabolites demonstrated that androsterone and andro...
Enhancement of hyperthermia effect in vivo by amiloride and dids

Abstract Purpose: Intracellular pH is regulated mainly by NaH antiport and CI−HCO3− exchange through the cell membrane. Amiloride (3,5-diamino-6-chloro-N-(diaminomethylene)pyrazine carboxamide) is a diuretic drug that blocks Na+H+ antiport and DIDS (4,4-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid) is an inhibitor of CI−HCO3− exchange. We investigated the potency of these drugs to lower pH i and increase the thermosensitivity of tumors in vivo . Materials and Methods: The cytocidal effect of heat in combination with drug effect in vivo was studied using the in vivo-in vitro clonogenic assay method and the tumor growth delay method with SCK tumors, a mammary adenocarcinoma, on the hind limbs of AJ mice. The effects of amiloride and DIDS on tumor pH i and high energy phosphate levels were investigated using 31 P-NMR. Results: We observed that amiloride or DIDS alone increased the effect of hyperthermia at 42.5°C or 43.5°C to suppress tumor growth. The thermosensitization was greater when the two drugs were combined. For example, hyperthermia at 43.5°C alone resulted in a tumor growth delay of about 4 days. When 10 mg/kg amiloride or 25 mg/kg DIDS was injected prior to heating, the growth delay increased to about 6 days. When both drugs were injected prior to heating, a total growth delay of 8 days was obtained. In vivo-in vitro excision assays for cell survival demonstrated that these drugs enhanced the heat-induced tumor cell death. An i.p. injection of 10 mg/kg amiloride plus 25 mg/kg DIDS did not lower the tumor pHi over a 120 min interval. Heating the tumors at 42.5°C for 1 hr significantly lowered the pHi and when the tumor-bearing mice were injected i.p with amiloride and DIDS, and the tumors were heated 1 hr later, the drop in pH i was greater relative to that by heating alone. Heating alone significantly lowered the tumor energy levels as indicated by PCrPi and β-ATPPi ratios and an i.p. injection of 25 mg/kg amiloride prior to heating further reduced the energy status in the tumors. Conclusion: Amiloride or its analogs and DIDS may be useful in increasing the therapeutic efficacy of hyperthermia treatments by enhancing the reduction in tumor pH i .
Asymmetry in growth and decay of the geomagnetic dipole

Abstract The geodynamo in Earth's core is responsible for magnetic field changes on diverse timescales, including numerous enigmatic reversals of the dipole field polarity. Understanding the physical processes driving them is an active area of investigation via both paleomagnetic work and numerical simulations of the geodynamo. Some previous studies on geomagnetic field intensity detected a sawtooth pattern of intensity around reversals: a gradual decay in field strength preceding a reversal followed by rapid growth afterwards. Here we characterize distinct statistical properties for increasing and decreasing dipole strength over the past two million years. Examining the geomagnetic field and its time derivative on a range of time scales reveals that for periods longer than about 25 ky there is a clear asymmetry in the statistical distributions for growth versus decay rates of the dipole strength. At 36 ky period, average growth rate is about 20% larger than the decay rate, and the field spends 54% of its time decaying, but only 46% growing. These differences are not limited to times when the field is reversing, suggesting that the asymmetry is controlled by fundamental physical processes underlying all paleosecular variation. The longer decay cycle might suggest the possibility of episodic periods of subcritical dynamo activity where the field is dominated by diffusive processes, followed by transient episodes of strong growth of the axial dipole. However, our work finds no clear separation of timescales for the influence of diffusive and convective processes on dipole moment: both seem to play an important but asymmetric role on the 25–150 ky timescale.
Modern version control: creating an efficient development ecosystem

In 2011, Santa Clara University School of Law Technology and Academic Computing (LTAC) identified that its version control system could greatly benefit from the use of modern source control management software. Source code for high value projects, such as the Santa Clara Law website, were previously held in a Subversion (SVN) repository in a client-server model, providing version control and redundancy. Because of the resource footprint associated with SVN, only projects with high importance could be setup with version control. As more web-based applications were introduced, the need for a more efficient revision control system arose. Git, a highly efficient decentralized version control system (DVCS), was selected after evaluating similar technologies. This change transformed the entire development process, making the development cycle more streamlined and with greater flexibility. In the early use of Git, LTAC also discovered its use as a deployment tool, increasing redundancy on servers and reducing overhead usually associated with revision control. It also serves as the vital link between LTAC's issue tracking system, Redmine, and the development team. The introduction of Redmine has helped LTAC monitor website issues, manage projects, and continually review changes to the code base. LTAC has created a development ecosystem that provides redundancy and accountability using open source products that carry no cost. Git has significant performance gains over SVN, making its integration and use less frustrating and distracting for developers. Redmine gives developers and customers the opportunity to organize, track, and resolve issues. The flexibility of the technology used means that any project, from a content management system to a one-off script, can benefit from source control without large costs or long deployment times.
Beta cell culture on synthetic capillaries: an artificial endocrine pancreas

Beta cells from neonatal rats were cultured on bundles of artificial capillaries perfused with tissue culture medium. Cells continued to release insulin and remained responsive to changes in glucose concentration. The quantity of insulin released was similar to that of conventional flask cultures.
Social disparities among youth and the impact on their health

Author contributions Catherine Kreatsoulas, PhD, was involved in study design, statistical analysis, interpretation of data, development of intellectual content, and writing and revision of the submitted manuscript and approved the final version to be published. Dr Kreatsoulas is also the overall content guarantor of the study and accepts full responsibility for the integrity of this work and/or the conduct of the study, has full access to the data, and controlled the decision to publish. Areej Hassan, MD, MPH, contributed content expertise; was involved in study design, patient recruitment, data collection, interpretation of the data, development of intellectual content; critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content; and approved the final version of the submitted manuscript. SV Subramanian, PhD, contributed statistical expertise; was involved in interpretation of the data; critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content; and approved the final version of the submitted manuscript. Eric W Fleegler, MD, MPH, conceptualized and established The Online Advocate; contributed content expertise; was involved in study design, patient recruitment, data collection, interpretation of the data, development of intellectual content; critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content; and approved the final version of the submitted manuscript. Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work. All authors declare that we have not received any personal financial support for the submitted work, nor did any of the funding agencies have any direct involvement with the submitted work.
Macroscopic alignment of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs)

We report the progress of alignment and organization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Using single strands of DNA, as-received bundled SWNTs are effectively dispersed in a water-based medium under light. This high level of dispersity was evident from the resulting stable, homogeneous solutions provided by the helical wrapping of the DNA to the SWNT. We have also demonstrated that these DNA-coated carbon nanotubes can be orientated with non-contact methods. Specifically, we utilize a modified inkjet printer as a tool for direct printing and alignment of DNA-wrapped carbon nanotubes on a treated mica substrate. In addition, we see evidence of orientation due to centrifugal forces in the radial direction of the spin coater. These layers of oriented tubes are characterized by both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The inkjet fabrication process is a promising method for increasing the directional strength of high strength, carbon nanotube materials.
Anomalies in the NMR of silicon: Unexpected spin echoes in a dilute dipolar solid

NMR spin echo measurements of ${}^{29}\mathrm{Si}$ in silicon powders have uncovered a variety of surprising phenomena that appear to be independent of doping. These surprises include long tails and even-odd asymmetry in Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) echo trains, and anomalous stimulated echoes with several peculiar characteristics. Given the simplicity of this spin system, these results, which to date defy explanation, present an interesting puzzle in solid state NMR.
TRIMETHYLAMINE‐SPECIFIC ELECTRODE FOR FISH QUALITY CONTROL

Trimethylamine (TMA) is one of the major components of the smell of spoiled marine fish. An increased TMA level is so characteristic of spoilage that the TMA levels have been used as an objective index of fish quality. A specific electrode was developed in order to simplify the measurement of TMA. The Orion ammonia electrode was made specific for TMA by replacing the inner filling solution with 0.01M TMA · HCl in 0.04M KCl and by adding enough formaldehyde to the sample solution to obtain a concentration of 0.22% (0.075M). The electrode is suitable for the measurement of TMA in aqueous solutions and in homogenates of fish muscle. The use of this electrode is much simpler than the methods now used for TMA analysis and it may be applicable in commercial practice.
Convex Geometries on Root Systems

This article investigates several convex closure operators on a finite root system. It is shown that a natural closure operator on the positive root system of a finite Weyl group satisfies the anti-exchange condition for all root systems except type F 4.
Factors affecting returns across stock markets

Abstract Complementing recent research on the factors explaining differences in mean returns across stocks within the U.S. (Fama & French, 1992) and Japanese (Chan, Hamio, & Lakonishok, 1991) markets, this article reports the results of an investigation of factors hypothesized to explain differences in mean returns across entire national stock markets. Unlike most studies focused solely on U.S. stocks, this study does not find a beta or size effect in the assessment of national stock market movements. The most relevant factor for explaining disparate returns across markets is country risk.
Empirically optimized “transition state models”

Abstract The predictive ability of molecular mechanics-based “transition state models” can be empirically optimized by systematic adjustment of the related geometric parameters and force constants. A previously developed force field for hydride transfers serves as an example.
A model for information technology curriculum

In September, 2001, the National Science Foundation awarded the Unviversity of Arkansa - Fort Smith funds for a research project entitled "Information Technology Education for the 21st Century Workforce". One of the goals for this project was: Reform the education paradigm by creating a national model for IT education that is competency-based with integration of general education. An extensive review of national IT skill standards was conducted with particular focus on those developed by the National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies and the Ohio IT Competency Profile. A web survey was conducted where IT employers were then asked to score the importance of each of these standards. The original skill standards and results of the survey became the basis for competencies for each course. The overall program structure incorporated the Educational Development Corporation's Career Development Model.This institution transitioned from a comprehensive (but technically oriented) community college to a 4-year degree granting institution. This transition coupled with this grant was viewed as an opportunity to grow in service to the region, and not the first step in the elimination of job training and technical (and higher cost) lower division programs.This project maintains an options-oriented framework that ensures students receive a wide variety of salable skills, which meet the requirements of large and small employers in local, regional and national markets.