cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanopore ion exclusion spectroscopic characterization of purple membrane size dependence on pH

A novel means of particle characterization using Ion Exclusion Spectroscopy offers capabilities of providing size of individual particles in bulk numbers, while the sample remains in solution. Size analysis of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) is essential for its application into nano-sized solar cells because of its uniquely favorable characteristics of harvesting energy as a light-induced proton pump. Thus, research that observes the effects of pH on the size of purple membrane becomes essential in understanding the optimal conditions in which bR remains stable, and under which conditions does size reduction of the Purple Membrane in which the bR is embedded occur.
Changes in dominance patterns in upper Carboniferous plant-fossil assemblages

Upper Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian) terrestrial clastic rocks from North America and Europe contain compression-impression plant-fossil assemblages that represent the remains of plant communities that grew on floodplains, levees, and other clastic facies of fluvial and deltaic lowlands. Quantitative analysis of 66 plant-fossil assemblages spanning the entire late Carboniferous demonstrates that before the middle of the Westphalian D Stage the majority of plant-fossil assemblages are dominated by pteridosperms and sphenopsids. Lycopods and cordaites dominate only a few assemblages counted. Ferns do not dominate any assemblages. These findings contrast sharply with the dominance of lycopods reported by others from coal swamps of the same time interval. Above the middle of the Westphalian D, however, one-third of the compression-impression assemblages counted are dominated by ferns. The change in dominance pattern in compression-impression plant-fossil assemblages occurs half a stage earlier than the previously reported change from lycopod-dominated to fern-dominated assemblages at the Westphalian-Stephanian boundary in coal swamps. A trend toward dryer climate during Westphalian D apparently influenced plants growing on better-drained alluvial soils earlier than those growing on water-logged soils of contemporaneous coal swamps.
Influence of Growth Parameters on the Deep Level Spectrum in MBE-Grown n-GaN

The impact of growth temperature and Ga/N flux ratio on deep levels in GaN grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is systematically investigated using both deep level optical spectroscopy (DLOS) and deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) in a study designed to map out the presence and concentration of defects over a defined region of the MBE GaN growth phase diagram. A series of Si-doped GaN films were grown to cover a substrate temperature range and a Ga/N flux ratio range that spans from the N stable to the Ga droplet regimes along both variables. Identical growth templates were used to eliminate variations in dislocations between samples so that point defect variations could be tracked. For these samples, traps are detected at EC-Et=0.25, 0.60, 0.90, 1.35, 2.40, 3.04, and 3.28 eV. The near valence bands states at EC–3.04 and EC–3.28 eV are found to be strongly dependent on Ga/N flux with decreased concentrations as a function of increasing Ga flux toward the Ga droplet regime, but with little effect from growth temperature. The EC-1.35 eV level shows a strong dependence on growth temperature and only slight dependence on Ga/N flux ratio. In contrast, the concentration of the EC-Et=0.25, 0.90 eV levels increased with increasing Ga flux toward the Ga droplet regime, while the EC-Et=0.60 shows no dependence. The variation in concentration of the EC-2.40 eV level that has been related to VGa was difficult to quantify, but tends to increase towards nitrogen rich growth. The dependencies for the detected states with respect to growth temperature and Ga/N flux ratio suggest different physical point defect sources.
Purification and Characterization of a Small Membrane-associated Sugar Phosphate Phosphatase That Is Allosterically Activated by HPr(Ser(P)) of the Phosphotransferase System in Lactococcus lactis

In the Gram-positive bacterium, Lactococcus lactis, nonmetabolizable cytoplasmic sugar phosphates, accumulated by the phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system, are rapidly dephosphorylated and expelled from the cell upon addition of glucose (inducer expulsion). Our recent studies have established that a metabolite-activated, ATP-dependent protein kinase that phosphorylates serine-46 in HPr of the phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system activates a sugar phosphate phosphatase, thus initiating the inducer expulsion process. A membrane-associated, HPr(Ser(P))-dependent phosphatase has been identified, solubilized from the membrane, separated from other cellular phosphatases, and purified to near homogeneity. It exhibits a low subunit molecular mass (10 kDa) and behaves on gel filtration columns like a monomeric enzyme. It has broad substrate specificity, optimal activity between pH 7.0 and 8.0, is dependent on a divalent cation for activity, and is not inhibited by fluoride. It is stimulated more than 10-fold by HPr(Ser(P)) or a mutant derivative of HPr, S46D HPr, in which the regulatory serine is changed to aspartate, which bears a permanently negative charge as does phosphate. Stimulation is due both to an increase in the maximal velocity (Vmax) and a decrease in the Michaelis-Menten kinetic constant (Km) for sugar phosphate. The enzyme exhibits a Ka for S46D HPr of 15 μM. Although the enzyme is thermally stable, activation by HPr(Ser(P)) is heat sensitive.
Hostage Negotiators: Managing Psychological Stress

Hostage negotiation is a complex and intense process. A variety of psychological stressors affect all members of the negotiation team. These stressors range from interactions with hostile and threatening hostage takers to the extended time span of some negotiations. Psychological stress can decrease the abilities of negotiators and potentially have a negative impact on the process of negotiations. This article is a review of the various stressors hostage negotiators may face and will describe stress management techniques specific to hostage negotiation. It is hoped this review and recommendations will increase the effectiveness of negotiations.
Identity Development in Counselors‐in‐Training

Researchers used 2 rounds of individual interviews and a focus group meeting to explore the identity development experiences of master's-degree counselor education students. Grounded theory procedures generated a tentative substantive theory that conceptualized these experiences. The theory illustrated how counselors-in-training used a recycling identity formation process that involved conceptual and experiential learning experiences to identify, clarify, and reclarify their identities as counselors.
SU-E-T-575: Isocenter Shifts in Treatment Planning and Its Clinical Implications

Purpose: To investigate causes of isocenter shifts in treatment planning and its clinical impact on patient treatment efficiency and safety. Methods/Materials: Treatment planning data of 340 patients under treatment over 8 weeks period were gathered to identify isocenter shifts according to site of the treatment, types of treatment plan or types of the machine used. Treatment plans included inversed and forward IMRT, as well as 3D plans. Treatment sites included pelvis, chest, abdomen, breasts, head and necks and extremities. Re-planning were performed without the isocenter shift for pelvis and chest plans, the dosimetric parameters such as PTV coverage, and dose sparing of OARs of these plans were analyzed and compared. Results/Discussions: Results showed that the isocenter shift was always necessary for some of sites such as breasts, two or more distinctive PTVs, or special cases such as large PTV treated with enhanced dynamic wedge. Many other cases, the re-planning results indicated 53% of the plans that the same quality of the plan can be achieved without the shift of the isocenter. Repositioning patients on a daily basis demanded unambiguous instructions for therapists for patient setups, and additional time to perform the shifts before treatment. Opportunities for error propagation exist during the communication and hand-over of such plans. Conclusion: Isocenter shifts demanded unambiguous instructions and times for therapists for daily patient setups, therefore it impacted both safety and efficiency of the patient treatment. Based on the analysis, the isocenter shifts were unavoidable for cases such as treatment of multiple sites, overcoming limitations of treatment machines, and/or sometime better dosimetry. However, we found many initially proposed shifts may have been eliminated either by careful planning or by improved CT simulation process such as detailed review of the images and localization of the PTV during simulation.
CSF shunt complications: what the abdominal imager needs to know

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting has been a mainstay in the treatment of hydrocephalus for many decades. With a reported 33,000 shunt placement procedures performed in the US annually, and a lifetime revision rate approaching 50%, abdominal radiologists must be familiar with the typical imaging appearance of an array of shunt complications. Complications related to the peritoneal portion of the shunt have been reported in up to 25% of patients. We present a comprehensive pictorial essay including computed tomography, conventional radiography, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine examples illustrating abdominal complications related to CSF shunting and a review of the current literature. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to provide multimodality imaging examples of CSF shunt complications and familiarize the abdominal imager with the spectrum of findings.
Chest wall fibromatosis associated with silicone breast implants.

Aggressive fibromatosis is a well described locally destructive benign lesion, comprising 0.3% of all solid tumours. Although the chest wall is a common location, this tumour has rarely been associated with breast tissue or breast implants. Herein is only the fourth case described in conjunction with a breast implant and the only case linked to a ruptured silicone implant. This tumour was locally aggressive and required wide surgical resection, including removal of the chest wall, to gain control. Wide surgical resection is recommended with the application of adjuvant radiation therapy being more controversial.
Average Soil Water Retention Curves Measured by Neutron Radiography

Water retention curves are essential for understanding the hydrologic behavior of partially-saturated porous media and modeling flow transport processes within the vadose zone. In this paper we report direct measurements of the main drying and wetting branches of the average water retention function obtained using 2-dimensional neutron radiography. Flint sand columns were saturated with water and then drained under quasi-equilibrium conditions using a hanging water column setup. Digital images (2048 x 2048 pixels) of the transmitted flux of neutrons were acquired at each imposed matric potential (~10-15 matric potential values per experiment) at the NCNR BT-2 neutron imaging beam line. Volumetric water contents were calculated on a pixel by pixel basis using Beer-Lambert s law after taking into account beam hardening and geometric corrections. To remove scattering effects at high water contents the volumetric water contents were normalized (to give relative saturations) by dividing the drying and wetting sequences of images by the images obtained at saturation and satiation, respectively. The resulting pixel values were then averaged and combined with information on the imposed basal matric potentials to give average water retention curves. The average relative saturations obtained by neutron radiography showed an approximate one-to-one relationship with the average valuesmore » measured volumetrically using the hanging water column setup. There were no significant differences (at p < 0.05) between the parameters of the van Genuchten equation fitted to the average neutron radiography data and those estimated from replicated hanging water column data. Our results indicate that neutron imaging is a very effective tool for quantifying the average water retention curve.« less
Capturing the nanoscale complexity of cellular membranes in supported lipid bilayers

The lateral mobility of cell membranes plays an important role in cell signaling, governing the rate at which embedded proteins can interact with other biomolecules. The past two decades have seen a dramatic transformation in understanding of this environment, as the mechanisms and potential implications of nanoscale structure of these systems has become accessible to theoretical and experimental investigation. In particular, emerging micro- and nano-scale fabrication techniques have made possible the direct manipulation of model membranes at the scales relevant to these biological processes. This review focuses on recent advances in nanopatterning of supported lipid bilayers, capturing the impact of membrane nanostructure on molecular diffusion and providing a powerful platform for further investigation of the role of this spatial complexity on cell signaling.
Convenient Synthesis of Dichloro(oxo)(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)vanadium(V), (η-C5Me5)V(O)Cl2

The details of a high-yield synthesis of (η-C5Me5)V(O)Cl2 from an easily handled and readily prepared starting material, [(η-C5Me5)VCl2], using O2 as the oxygen source are described.
Prognostic significance of splenectomy as part of initial cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer.

We sought to examine how splenectomy as part of up-front cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer influences the postoperative course and affects survival. We reviewed cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed at Massachusetts General Hospital from 1994 to 2008 and found 44 patients who had a splenectomy as part of their up-front cytoreductive surgery. These were compared to 171 patients who did not undergo splenectomy. We evaluated age at diagnosis, estimated blood loss, percentage of patients whose disease was optimally cytoreduced (<1 cm), reason for splenectomy (oncologic vs. surgical), length of stay, time to first chemotherapy treatment, and survival. In the splenectomy cohort, the mean age at diagnosis was 64 (44–83) years. A total of 37 of 44 (84%) patients were optimally cytoreduced. Mean estimated blood loss was 1326 ml. The purpose of splenectomy was to accomplish an optimal cytoreduction (oncologic) in 82% of cases. Median length of stay was 13 (6–76) days. Median time to first chemotherapy was 13.5 (5–54) days. The median disease-free interval and overall survival of the splenectomy cohort were 8 and 30 months, respectively. The median overall survival for patients whose disease was optimally cytoreduced in the splenectomy cohort compared to the no-splenectomy group was 30 and 45 months (P < 0.045), respectively. The addition of splenectomy to up-front cytoreductive surgery was feasible and safe. However, it appears to carry with it a shortened survival that is unrelated to postoperative morbidity. Our data raise the questions that splenectomy is needed for optimal cytoreduction in more biologically aggressive disease and that splenectomy may be an independent prognostic factor related to depressed immune function.
Designing interpretative quests in the literature classroom

In this paper, I discuss a way to teach game design in the undergraduate literature classroom by having students transform literary narratives into interpretative quests. This argument contributes to a recent theoretical and practical discussion of quests by scholars of games studies such as Aarseth [2004], Juul [2005], Tosca [2003], and Tronstad [2001]. According to these theorists, a "quest" in a game is a goal-oriented activity in which players overcome challenges to enact a series of events and their meanings. I apply and extend this theoretical discussion to create an assignment with two parts. The first part is a six page design document that describes the components of a game, with emphasis on how the player will act out an interpretation of a theme in a novel. In this design document, students design the rules, puzzles, objects, and spaces of the quest and analyze the meanings that the player will be enacting in each part. In the prototype, students construct a small multimedia demonstration of their game concepts using technologies such the Aurora Toolset, Dreamweaver, and Flash. By adapting works of literature into quests, students learn to create meaning actively rather than absorbing it passively. This paper contributes to the field of game design in education by describing a theoretically sophisticated and practical way to teach literary interpretation using game design.
Acetonide protection of dopamine for the synthesis of highly pure N-docosahexaenoyldopamine

Direct acetonide protection of the catechol of dopamine has proven to be problematic due to formation of Pictet-Spengler isoquinolines. Here we report an efficient method for acetonide protection of dopamine, allowing preparation of a dopamine prodrug without complications from the Pictet-Spengler reaction. Acetonide-protected dopamine was first synthesized by pre-protecting the amino group with phthaloyl followed by refluxing with 2,2-dimethoxypropane in the presence of TsOH. Further work demonstrated that Fmoc or trifluoroacetyl were also suitable N-protective groups, while Boc-protected dopamine gave an isoquinoline product. Acetonide-protected dopamine was coupled to DHA (all cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid) to produce the N-DHA-dopamine prodrug in high purity.
Thermal evaluation of food processes: The role of a reference temperature☆

Abstract Thermal evaluation methods for food processes are derived from either the Arrhenius or the Bigelow models, among them the thermal death time method (TDTM) with z = 10°C and the equivalent point method (EPM) are of particular interest. Incorporation of a reference temperature ( T Ref ) into these two methods is examined for both low- and high-temperature thermal processing. Four examples are presented, covering batch and continuous operations. For T Ref = 121·11°C, the TDTM for a typical canning operation yields a processing time 7% larger than that of the EPM; by contrast, applying the TDTM to continuous processes may result in large underestimations of the processing time, i.e. between 30 to 40% lower than those of the EPM. To avoid such underestimations, a new T Ref = 145·0°C is proposed, which is obtained by setting the first derivative of the Arrhenius equation equal to l z . In this way, the design of thermal processes can be achieved with only small overestimations or negligible underestimations. In addition, the EPM makes it possible to evaluate easily F and G values for the Bigelow and Arrhenius models, respectively.
R&D: Competition, Risk, and Performance

Anticipated postinnovation collusion encourages RD sometimes they do not. Both usually outperform perfectly collusive industries. The optimal level of collusion is often less collusive than Cournot duopoly. In Bertrand industries, too few firms do R&D. The same goes for long-shot or high-cost projects in all industries. However, in perfectly collusive industries, too many firms invest when a project has medium to high chances of success. Investment by Cournot industries is often close to optimal.
Keratocystic odontogenic tumor: A retrospective analysis of genetic, immunohistochemical and therapeutic features. Proposal of a multicenter clinical survey tool

Objective In 2005, the World Health Organization reclassified the parakeratinizing odontogenic keratocyst as a neoplasm. This article reviews the research leading to this reclassification, and validates a new survey tool that can be easily used to pool surgical and recurrence data from multiple offices. Study design All odontogenic lesions accessioned in the Iowa Surgical Oral Pathology Laboratory between 1949 and 2010 were identified from the database. A survey tool to assess treatment and follow-up was created. A total of 46 surgeons agreed to participate. Results A total of 70 keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs) had documented recurrences at follow-up intervals ranging from 6 months to 5 years. Primary tumors that recurred ranged in size as measured by greatest radiographic diameter from 0.7 to 6 cm. Conclusions This survey tool is recommended as standard allowing treatment of cases by multiple practitioners to be compared retrospectively or prospectively.
Fatty acid composition of milkweed bugs Oncopeltus fasciatus and the influence of diet

Milkweed bugs, Oncopeltus fasciatus Dallas, show significant differences in the proportion of C16:1, C18:1 and C18:2 fatty acids in body lipids depending on the diets on which they were fed, sunflower seeds or milkweed seeds. Bugs reared entirely on sunflower seeds have no or only traces of C16:1 and C17:1 fatty acids, both of which are present in bugs reared on milkweed seeds and in the seeds themselves. About 90% of the fatty acids in whole body lipids are unsaturated on both diets and this proportion is high in each of the lipid classes examined. The diet clearly influences the fatty acid composition of body lipids of milkweed bugs.
Propagation of the Great Salinity Anomaly of the 1990s around the northern North Atlantic

[1] Time series of T and S extending through 2001 are used to describe propagation of the “Great Salinity Anomaly” of the 1990s (GSA'90s). Comparison of the distance-time relations for the GSA'70s, '80s, and '90s reveals a substantial intensification of the large-scale circulation in the northern North Atlantic, especially in the Subarctic Gyre between Newfoundland and the Faroes. The advection rate of the GSA'70s, '80s, and '90s between Newfoundland and the Faroe-Shetland Channel is conservatively estimated to have been 3.5, 10, and 10 cm/s, respectively. The circulation intensification apparently occurred within a decade between the GSA'70s and '80s. During the next decade the advection rate increased from 10 to 13 cm/s between Newfoundland and Iceland Basin. The GSA'90s was advected towards the Faroe-Shetland Channel by the northern (Iceland Basin's) branch of the North Atlantic Current, whereas the contribution of the southern branch via the Rockall Trough was minimal.
Simulation of linear decision rules

Linearized decision rules in the aggregate production scheduling framework are compared through simulation experiments to see if decisions are improved when adaptive feedback elements are built into the rule. Our results, based on some non-parametric tests, show the need for determining an optimal trade-off between stabilization and experimentation through a specified cost functional.
Studies on the measurement of unpleasant events and relations with depression

The goal was to construct a psychometrically sound instrument for the measurement of aversive events. Hypotheses about the occurrence of aversive events and depression were also tested. The Un plea...
The synthesis and chemistry of 2‐hydroxy‐4,6‐bis(trifluoromethyl)pyridine‐5‐carboxylates

The facile two step, one pot synthesis of heretofore unknown 2-hydroxy-4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)-pyridine-5-carboxylates by condensation of 3-amino-4,4,4-trifluoro-2-butenoate with 4,4,4-trifluoroacetoacetyl chloride and subsequent intramolecular cyclization of the resultant enamineamide is described. Methodology for the introduction of electrophiles at the 3-position and elaboration of substituents at the 2- and 5-positions is also discussed.
Respiratory control in liver mitochondria of rats hosting the walker 256 carcinoma tumor.

The decrease in the respiratory control ratio of mitochondria is a first order process when these organelles are incubated in isotonic sucrose. Furthermore, the initial respiratory control ratios and the rates of loss in respiratory control in liver mitochondria from rats hosting the Walker 256 carcinoma are not significantly different from the same properties of mitochondria from untreated animals.
The geometry of peaked solitons and billiard solutions of a class of integrable PDE's

The purpose of this Letter is to investigate the geometry of new classes of soliton-like solutions for integrable nonlinear equations. One example is the class of peakons introduced by Camassa and Holm [1993] for a shallow water equation. We put this equation in the framework of complex integrable Hamiltonian systems on Riemann surfaces and draw some consequences from this setting. Amongst these consequences, one obtains new solutions such as quasiperiodic solutions,n-solitons, solitons with quasiperiodic background, billiard, andn-peakon solutions and complex angle representations for them. Also, explicit formulas for phase shifts of interacting soliton solutions are obtained using the method of asymptotic reduction of the corresponding angle representations. The method we use for the shallow water equation also leads to a link between one of the members of the Dym hierarchy and geodesic flow onN-dimensional quadrics. Other topics, planned for a forthcoming paper, are outlined.
Monte Carlo simulations of Ca-montmorillonite hydrates

Monte Carlo simulations are performed to investigate the role of the divalent cation Ca on the stability and swelling of montmorillonite. Constant stress simulations (NPzzT ensemble) are used to predict the basal spacing as a function of the water content in the interlayer, and constant chemical potential simulations (μVT ensemble) are used to find the more stable basal spacings of the clay–water systems. Two model clays are considered in this work, namely, Otay and Wyoming montmorillonites. It is found that the equilibrium basal spacings for Otay montmorillonite are D1=11.9 A and D2=14.4 A. For Wyoming montmorillonite they are D1=12.2 A and D2=14.7 A. It is also found that montmorillonites develop one layer of water at D1, and two layers of water at D2. We found that, for all the water contents considered here, the cations are hydrated.
Resetting of central and peripheral circadian oscillators in aged rats.

Abstract The mammalian circadian timing system is affected by aging. Analysis of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and of other circadian oscillators reveals age-related changes which are most profound in extra-SCN tissues. Some extra-SCN oscillators appear to stop oscillating in vivo or display altered phase relationships. To determine whether the dynamic behavior of circadian oscillators is also affected by aging we studied the resetting behavior of the Period1 transcriptional rhythm of peripheral and central oscillators in response to a 6 h advance or delay in the light schedule. We employed a transgenic rat with a luciferase reporter to allow for real-time measurements of transcriptional rhythmicity. While phase resetting in the SCN following an advance or a delay of the light cycle appears nearly normal in 2-year-old rats, resynchronization of the liver was seriously disrupted. In addition, the arcuate nucleus and pineal gland exhibited faster resetting in aged rats relative to 4–8-month-old controls. The consequences of these deficits are unknown, but may contribute to organ and brain diseases in the aged as well as the health problems that are common in older shift-workers.
Differential regulation of mRNAs encoding three protein-tyrosine phosphatases by insulin and activation of protein kinase C.

Abstract Protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) play an essential role in the control of signalling through phosphotyrosine pathways. Since little is known about the regulation of these enzymes, we examined the effect of insulin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) treatment of well-differentiated rat hepatoma (Fao) cells on the expression of mRNAs encoding three major PTPase homologs in liver: PTPase1B, an intracellular enzyme with a single conserved PTPase domain, and two tandem-domain, transmembrane PTPases, known as LAR and LRP. Treatment of serum-deprived cells with 100 nM insulin increased the abundance of the 4.3 kb and 1.6 kb mRNAs encoding PTPaselB on Northern analysis by 1.6 and 3.1-fold, respectively (p ≤ 0.02). Similarly, exposure to 100 ng/ml PMA increased the 4.3 and 1.6 kb PTPase1B mRNAs by 4.5 and 5.7-fold, respectively (p ≤ 0.035). In contrast, treatment with insulin or PMA had no significant effect of the abundance of mRNA encoding either LAR or LRP. PMA appeared to have a transcriptional effect on the PTPase1B gene by a protein kinase C-mediated mechanism. The increase in PTPaselB mRNA expression by insulin and PMA suggests that this PTPase may provide feed-back regulation of signalling through the insulin action pathway as well as a potential link between the action of protein kinase C and the regulation of specific phosphotyrosine residues in cells.
Fabrication, Characterization and Applications of Crystalline Whispering Gallery Mode Resonators

We review recent progress in fabrication, characterization, and applications of ultra-high-Q crystalline whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators. We report on the experimental observations of power-dependent, non-exponential decay of light stored in WGMs caused by stimulated Raman scattering in the resonator host material. We show that a proper thermal annealing leads to a significant increase of the quality factors of the resonators. Finally, we demonstrate optical continuous wave parametric oscillations in lithium niobate WGM resonators.
Fluorogenic N,O-chelates built on a C2-symmetric aryleneethynylene platform: Spectroscopic and structural consequences of conformational preorganization and ligand denticity

Abstract Using π-extended aryleneethynylene as a rigid structural skeleton, a C2-symmetric bis(picolinate) ligand was prepared. Binding of zinc(II) or cadmium(II) ion to this formally tetradentate N2O2-chelate resulted in significant red-shifts and enhancement in emission. The metal–ligand interaction responsible for such structural change was investigated by isolation and characterization of a tetrazinc(II) complex, in which the picolinate group functions not only as terminal bidentate but also as bridging with its μ-1,3 carboxylate unit.
Computer Terminology: Familiarity vs. Understanding.

A group of 625 college students taking the introductory computer course were tested for their knowledge of computer terms. The results were analyzed several ways—as a whole, by those who thought th...
Strehl ratio meter

The on axis intensity of a focused beam is a critical measurement of laser wavefront quality. This paper describes a simple method and device for measuring the Strehl ratio. The device requires a collimated beam of known input size and wavelength. The experimental Strehl ratio is determined by the power within the central 1/5 of the Airy disc diameter. Error sources are discussed, as well as experimental measurements.
Gene Therapy for Pulmonary Diseases

Gene therapy for pulmonary disease has attracted a great deal ofattention since the first report of successful gene delivery 10 yearsago. Potential indications for gene therapy include chronic illnessessuch as cystic fibrosis and α 1 -antitrypsin deficiency, and acute illnesses such as acute transplant rejection andchemotherapy-induced lung injury. The key technological impediment tosuccessful gene therapy is vector optimization. Viral vectors, including adenovirus and adeno-associated virus, have relatively lowefficiency in vivo . In addition, adenovirus has beenassociated with a brisk inflammatory response and limited duration ofexpression in the lung. Nonviral vectors, particularly liposomes, havealso been tried, with limited expression efficiency and some toxicity. Although work is ongoing to improve adenoviral and adeno-associatedviral vectors and test other viral and nonviral vectors, an idealvector has not yet been identified. Several important barriers tosuccessful gene therapy, including the host inflammatory response, promotor down-regulation, tissue-specific targeting, and physicalbarriers to gene delivery in the airway, will need to be overcome. Despite these daunting problems, several human gene therapy trials havebeen completed, using adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, andliposomes. In general, these trials have been focused on safety, andhave shown that there is dose-dependent inflammation in response toadenovirus. Adeno-associated virus appears to cause littleinflammation. Demonstration of successful gene delivery andtranscription has been quite variable in human trials. In general, thelevel of expression of transgene appears to be quite low. In summary, although there is great promise for gene therapy in the lung, significant challenges remain in translating this technology tosuccessful human therapy.
Catching for real and catching for fun in ecological psychology. Focus on "Internal models of target motion: expected dynamics overrides measured kinematics in timing manual interceptions".

The problem investigated in this article is at the heart of perceptual-motor control and is centered on the relevance and importance of taking dynamic (kinetic) variables of motion into consideration when intercepting moving targets. The take-home message is that the context of the situation makes
Function and evolution of the plant MADS-box gene family

The function of MADS-box genes in flower and fruit development has been uncovered at a rapid pace over the past decade. Evolutionary biologists can now analyse the expression pattern of MADS-box genes during the development of different plant species, and study the homology of body parts and the evolution of body plans. These studies have shown that floral development is conserved among divergent species, and indicate that the basic mechanism of floral patterning might have evolved in an ancient flowering plant.
Wireless Echoes from Regions above the F Layers

DURING recent years, we have obtained a large number of fixed-frequency continuous automatic records of the cyclic changes of effective layer-heights which constantly occur in the ionosphere, and our record files now cover a period of approximately 11,000 hours. Our most interesting results have been obtained at the frequency of 3,492.5 kilocycles, although we have also made a number of experiments on the simultaneous reception of 4,095 and 2,398 kilocycles. Some of the 3,492.5 kilocycle transmissions have been recorded simultaneously at three different geographical points. The receiving and recording apparatus is compact and reliable, and it can operate at a distant point for at least two weeks without any attention. An accurate time scale is automatically marked on all records by the transmitter.
PKA Effects on Cardiac Troponin and Myofibril Relaxation

Protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation of myofibrillar proteins constitutes an important pathway for beta-adrenergic modulation of cardiac contractility and relaxation. PKA targets the N-terminus of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C) and titin. We recently reported that PKA phosphorylation of cTnI alone, or in combination with cMyBP-C, is sufficient to suppress cardiac contractility and the sarcomere length dependence of contraction. Troponin C (cTnC) interaction with cTnI (C-I) is a critical step in contractile activation that may be modulated by cTnI phosphorylation. Here we tested the hypothesis that altering C-I interactions by PKA, or by phosphomimetic mutations in cTnI, directly affects myofilament relaxation. Using a fluorescent probe coupled to cTnC (C35S IANBD), the Ca2+ binding affinity to troponin complex (cTn) and C-I interaction affinity were monitored. Ca2+ binding to cTn (pCa50) was significantly decreased by PKA, when both whole cTn or cTnI alone were phosphorylated (pCa50 = 0.3 and 0.1 units, respectively). PKA phosphorylation of cTnI also weakened C-I interaction in the presence or absence of Ca2+, with a greater effect for the former. Rat ventricular myofibrils were isolated and endogenous cTn was exchanged with either wild type (WT), nonphosphorylatable (S23/24A cTnI) or phosphomimetic (S23/24D cTnI) recombinant cTn. Mechanics were monitored at maximum and submaximal Ca2+. PKA treatment of WT or S23/24D cTnI exchange resulted in a significantly increased slow phase relaxation rate (kREL,slow) and decreased duration of slow phase relaxation (tREL,slow). These effects were largest at submaximal Ca2+. In contrast, exchange with S23/24A cTnI resulted in no effects on relaxation kinetics. Together these data suggest that weakened C-I interaction affinity from PKA phosphorylation results in increased myofilament relaxation kinetics. These effects may enhance early phase diastolic relaxation during beta-adrenergic stimulation. Supported by AHA7400069 (VR), AHA2090056 (DW), HL65497 (MR).
Cancer-related direct-to-consumer advertising: a critical review

The direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) phenomenon has received attention because of its attempt to reach out to consumers by bypassing important gatekeepers such as physicians. The emergence of new information platforms and the introduction of genetic tests directly to the consumer have heightened the concern with DTCA and its potential consequences. These effects of DTCA are particularly important given the communication inequalities among social groups, with class, race and ethnicity influencing how people access, seek, process and act on information. This Science and Society article reviews the major issues regarding general and cancer-related DTCA and also offers data from a national survey in the United States as an example of the communication inequalities in genetic testing awareness.
Capturing indoor scenes with smartphones

In this paper, we present a novel smartphone application designed to easily capture, visualize and reconstruct homes, offices and other indoor scenes. Our application leverages data from smartphone sensors such as the camera, accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer to help model the indoor scene. The output of the system is two-fold; first, an interactive visual tour of the scene is generated in real time that allows the user to explore each room and transition between connected rooms. Second, with some basic interactive photogrammetric modeling the system generates a 2D floor plan and accompanying 3D model of the scene, under a Manhattan-world assumption. The approach does not require any specialized equipment or training and is able to produce accurate floor plans.
The effect of electrostatic and electrohydrodynamic forces on the chaining of carbon nanofibres in liquid epoxy

The formation of chains of aligned carbon nanofibres (CNFs) in polymers is a subject of great interest in the field of multifunctional nanocomposites. The mechanism of CNF chain assembly and growth in a low viscosity epoxy is investigated by developing a finite element model of a chain attached to an electrode. The model examines the combined effects of electrostatic and electrohydrodynamic forces on chain morphology. The electrohydrodynamic forces are modelled using the theory of ac electro-osmosis. The predictions of the model are supported by experimental results. The experiments were conducted on a CNF/epoxy/amine mixture by applying an ac field at frequencies ranging from 100 to 100 000 Hz. The predictions of the model qualitatively capture the variations of chain morphology and growth rate as functions of ac frequency. Higher frequencies promote a more uniform and denser network of chains. The rate of growth of chains is highest at an intermediate frequency. A uniform network of chains was observed at frequencies of 1 kHz and greater in the experiments. The rate of growth of chains was maximized at a frequency of 1 kHz for a liquid viscosity of 0.03 Pa s.
Broadband quasi-stationary pulses in mode-locked fiber ring laser

We show experimentally an enhancement and systematic dependence of the optical spectral bandwidth of quasi-stationary or noise-like pulses due to changes in the net dispersion of a fiber ring laser cavity. When the net dispersion was significantly normal a maximum spectral width of about 80 nm was obtained compared to about 30 nm where no dispersion mapping was used. We numerically show that this is a result of the strong nonlinear chirping due to the propagation of quasi-stationary pulses in the dispersion-managed cavity.
Effects of Condenser Air Flow Blockage on Vapor-Compression Refrigerator Performance

The performance of a nominally 10.5-kW (3-ton) vapor-compression refrigeration system was numerically simulated for air flow rates across the condenser heat exchanger between 60 and 150% of the standard value. The results can be used for estimating the energy and cost savings achievable by restoring standard air flow rates across partially blocked condensers of vapor-compression refrigeration systems. The system coefficient of performance was predicted to decrease by 7.6% from its value of 2.912 at standard air flow when air flow across the condenser decreased by 40%. The associated pressure rise across the compressor increased by 19% above its standard value of 1,151 kPa, suggesting that reduced compressor life might be the major economic consequence of condenser air flow blockage.
Two-year internet-based randomized controlled trial for weight loss in African-American girls.

Objective: A randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of an internet-based lifestyle behavior modification program for African-American girls over a 2-year period of intervention. Research Methods and Procedures: Fifty-seven overweight (mean BMI percentile, 98.3) African-American girls (mean age, 13.2 years) were randomly assigned to an interactive behavioral internet program or an internet health education program, the control condition. Overweight parents were also participants in the study. Forty adolescent-parent dyads (70%) completed the 2-year trial. Outcome data including BMI, body weight, body composition, and weight loss behaviors were collected at baseline and at 6-month intervals. A computer server tracked use of the web sites. Results: An intention-to-treat statistical approach was used, with the last observation carried forward. In comparison with the control condition, adolescents in the behavioral program lost more mean body fat (BF) (−1.12 ± 0.47% vs. 0.43 ± 0.47% BF, p < 0.05), and parents in the behavioral program lost significantly more mean body weight (−2.43 ± 0.66 vs. −0.35 ± 0.64 kg, p < 0.05) during the first 6 months. This weight loss was regained over the next 18 months. After 2 years, differences in fat for adolescents (−0.08 ± 0.71% vs. 0.84 ± 0.72% BF) and weight for parents (−1.1 ± 0.91 vs. −0.60 ± 0.89 kg) did not differ between the behavioral and control programs. Discussion: An internet-based weight management program for African-American adolescent girls and their parents resulted in weight loss during the first 6 months but did not yield long-term loss due to reduced use of the web site over time.
Methamphetamine Use Trends among Street-Recruited Gay and Bisexual Males, from 1999 to 2007

Street outreach encounters were used to collect data of reported alcohol and other drug use among gay and bisexual males (N = 11,375) in Hollywood and West Hollywood, California over a 9-year period from January 1999 to December 2007. Analyses were conducted to assess demographic data, self-reported HIV status, and frequency of alcohol and other drug use. Participants averaged 32.3 (SD = 7.7) years, slightly over half were Caucasian/white (53%), and most were identified as gay (85.8%). Self-reported HIV seroprevalence was 20.7%. Observations began January to June 1999, with 46.0% reporting recent methamphetamine use, and ended July to December 2007, with 24.8% reporting recent use of methamphetamine. Percent reporting methamphetamine use peaked in the first half of 2002 at 53% and dipped to a low of 11.1% in the second half of 2006. Findings demonstrate the common use of methamphetamine over the observation period in this high-risk group even in the face of a recent decline in reported use. These data also indicate the need for ongoing methamphetamine abuse and HIV-prevention interventions in this particular high-risk population.
Gray matter abnormalities in autism spectrum disorder revealed by T2 relaxation.

Petropoulos et al.'s findings about gray matter abnormalities in autism1 suggest a possible underdevelopment or a dysfunction of a particular subset of neurons in this disorder and that white matter abnormalities might appear late in development. Recent studies on autism have detected reduced coordination between cortical areas involved in the execution of complex tasks.2 A reduced synchronization in the gamma band3 has been suggested as the cause of the weak central coherence and executive dysfunction in this disorder. Interneurons are considered to …
SU‐E‐T‐182: The Effect of Multi Leaf Collimator Characteristics in Treatment Planning Systems Calculation Errors as Detected in Phantom and in Patient QA

Purpose: We performed patient specific VMAT quality assurance (QA) with a 3D array dosimetry device and a software system that estimates 3D dose distribution in patient anatomy from 3D measurements in phantom. The correlation between the dose errors from phantom measurements and the corresponding volumetric (3D) estimated dose in patients were studied. We used the gamma pass‐rates to determine if either method depends on MLC characteristics. Methods: The plan and dose were calculated by the Eclipse TPS (VARIAN) and the VMAT treatments were delivered to an ArcCHECK diode phantom (Sun Nuclear). The gamma pass‐rates were calculated using the data measured using the ArcCHECK and the verification plan calculated in Eclipse. The 3DVH software (Sun Nuclear) was used to estimate the 3D dose in patient using Plan Dose Perturbation algorithm, based on the ArcCHECK measurements. In‐house software was developed to calculate the percentage of the leaf pairs with a gap less than 1 cm for each treatment along with the percentage of the beams areas that was blocked by MLCs for the entire treatment. For each patient, any dependency on pass‐rates and the MLC characteristics was investigated. Results: There was no correlation between the phantom and the 3D patient QA gamma pass‐rates. The Phantom gamma pass‐rates did not correlate with the percentage of the leaf pairs with 1 cm gaps or smaller. With 3D QA in patient anatomy, it was found that when the percentage of the leaf pairs with smaller gaps increases, the gamma pass‐rate drops. There was no correlation between phantom gamma‐pass rate and the field area blocked by MLCs. Increasing the MLC‐blocked area corresponds to decrease in 3D gamma pass‐rate in patient QA. Conclusion: It was found that 3D QA in patient anatomy more efficiently reflects the errors caused by MLC characterization in the treatment planning software.