cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Water escape structures in coarse-grained sediments

Three processes of water escape characterize the consolidation of silt-, sand-and gravel-sized sediments. Seepage involves the slow upward movement of pore fluids within existing voids or rapid flow within compact and confined sediments. Liquefaction is marked by the sudden breakdown of a metastable, loosely packed grain framework, the grains becoming temporarily suspended in the pore fluid and settling rapidly through the fluid until a grain-supported structure is re-established. Fluidization occurs when the drag exerted by moving pore fluids exceeds the effective weight of the grains; the particles are lifted, the grain framework destroyed, and the sediment strength reduced to nearly zero. Diagenetic sedimentary structures formed in direct response to processes of fluid escape are here termed water escape structures. Four main types of water escape structures form during the fluidization and liquefaction of sands: (1) soft-sediment mixing bodies, (2) soft-sedimsnt intrusions, (3) consolidation laminations, and (4) soft-sediment folds. These structures represent both the direct rearrangement of sediment grains by escaping fluids and the deformation of hydroplastic, liquefied, or fluidized sediment in response to external stresses. Fundamental controls on sediment consolidation are exerted by the bulk sediment properties of grain size, packing, permeability, and strength, which together determine whether consolidation will occur and, if so the course it follows, and by external disturbances which act to trigger liquefaction and fluidization. The liquefaction and fluidization of natural sands usually accompanies the collapse of loosely packed cross-bedded deposits. This collapse is commonly initiated by water forced into the units as underlying beds, especially muds and clays, consolidate. The consolidation of subjacent units is often triggered by the rapid deposition of the sand itself, although earthquakes or other disturbances are probably influential in some instances. Water escape structures most commonly form in fine- to medium-grained sands deposited at high instantaneous and mean sedimentation rates; they are particularly abundant in cross-laminated deposits but rare in units deposited under upper flow regime plane bed conditions. Their development is favoured by upward decreasing permeability within sedimentation units such as normally graded turbidites. They are especially common in sequences made up of alternating fine-(clay and mud) and coarse-grained (sand) units such as deep-sea flysch prodelta, and, to a lesser extent, fluvial point bar, levee, and proximal overbank deposits.
An established pre-adipose cell line and its differentiation in culture

Abstract The established cloned line, 3T3-L1, is a preadipose line. When the cells enter a resting state, either in monolayers or in suspension culture stabilized with methyl cellulose, they accumulate triglyceride fat and become adipose cells. A high serum concentration in the culture medium increases the rapidity and extent of the fat accumulation. The adipose conversion can be delayed indefinitely in surface cultures by keeping the cells in a growing state. 3T3-L1 is also specialized for collagen synthesis; prior to its adipose conversion, it makes about as much collagen as other 3T3 cells. We may therefore regard 3T3-L1 as a fibroblast line with an additional form of specialization. After 3T3-L1 cells are grown to confluence in the presence of low concentrations of bromodeoxyuridine, their rate of collagen synthesis is not affected, but their conversion to adipose cells is completely prevented. If the cells are then permitted to grow in medium free of bromodeoxyuridine, their ability to convert to adipose cells is regained. The conversion of 3T3-L1 from pre-adipose to adipose cells therefore involves a process of differentiation which can be studied under cell culture conditions.
Vortex dynamics of cavity flows

Abstract The unsteady viscous incompressible Navier-Stokes flow in a driven cavity is studied with particular attention to the formation and evolution of vortices and eddies. These are compared in the limit to previous steady flow simulations. Results include new details of the dynamics of secondary eddy separation and subsequent coalescence into sub-primary vortices, and the fine structure of deep cavity flow. Enhanced flow topography is obtained by means of pressure and kinetic energy portraits.
Comment on: Increasing Incidence of Community-Associated Atypical Clostridium Difficile Disease in Children:

1. The group of 41 children with toxin-positive stool assays did not have any significantly different gastrointestinal symptoms compared with their toxin-negative assay counterparts. Diarrhea is the single most remarkable clinical manifestation of CDI, yet this was present in only 61% of the toxin-positive group. Also, the authors are unable to provide data regarding the prior use of antimicrobials, which might at least be considered a predisposing factor for CDI. 2. In the absence of any clearly discernable clinical correlation with toxin-positive assays, these 41 children may simply represent colonization with Clostridium difficile and not necessarily CDI as the authors suggest. The rates of asymptomatic colonization are quite high in children, and depending on the age-group, it may range from 25% to 85%. 3. It would be interesting to know the clinical course of the children in the toxin-negative group. The beneficial effect seen with metronidazole therapy in the toxin-positive group of children may be secondary to its action against other gastrointestinal pathogens responsible for their clinical presentation (eg, Helicobacter pylori) or even a placebo effect.
Should barium enema be the next step following an incomplete colonoscopy

Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) is used to screen and diagnose colorectal disease and is often recommended following an incomplete colonoscopy. The purpose of this study was to determine the value of DCBE following an incomplete colonoscopy. A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who had an incomplete colonoscopy at Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles in a 6-year period. Patient data was extracted from the endoscopy and radiology databases. Variables collected included demographics, indication for colonoscopy, reason for incompletion, findings of DCBE, and findings of repeat colonoscopy if subsequently performed. The incomplete colonoscopy rate was 1.6%. The mean age was 62 years with a predominance of females. The most common indication for colonoscopy was screening. The most frequent reason attributed to an incomplete colonoscopy was patient discomfort. Two hundred thirty three patients underwent DCBE and 42 patients underwent a repeat colonoscopy without DCBE; 13.3% of the DCBE were of poor quality and could not be interpreted. A repeat colonoscopy following DCBE was performed in 7% of patients. In 50% of these patients, the repeat colonoscopy revealed significant findings not noted on the DCBE or ruled out positive DCBE findings. In patients who had repeat colonoscopy without DCBE, completion rate was 95%. The rate of incomplete colonoscopy in a high-volume modern endoscopy unit is extremely low. DCBE following incomplete colonoscopy has limited value. A repeat colonoscopy under deeper sedation and/or better bowel preparation may be the preferred next step.
Trapping, percolation, and anomalous diffusion of particles in a two-dimensional random field

We analyze from first principles the advection of particles in a velocity field with HamiltonianH(x, y)=¯ V 1 y−¯ V 2 x+W 1 (y)-W 2 (x), whereW i , i=1, 2, are random functions with stationary, independent increments. In the absence of molecular diffusion, the particle dynamics are very sensitive to the streamline topology, which depends on the mean-to-fluctuations ratioρ=max(|¯V1¦/Ū; ¦¯V2|/Ū), withŪ =〈|W 1 ′|2〉1/2=rms fluctuations. Remarkably, the model is exactly solvable forρ ⩾1 and well suited for Monte Carlo simulations for all ρ, providing a nice setting for studying seminumerically the influence of streamline topology on large-scale transport. First, we consider the statistics of streamlines forρ=0, deriving power laws for pnc(L) and 〈λ(L)〉, which are, respectively, the escape probability and the length of escaping trajectories for a box of sizeL, L » 1. We also obtain a characterization of the “statistical topography” of the HamiltonianH. Second, we study the large-scale transport of advected particles withρ > 0. For 0 <ρ < 1, a fraction of particles is trapped in closed field lines and another fraction undergoes unbounded motions; while for ρ⩾ 1 all particles evolve in open streamlines. The fluctuations of the free particle positions about their mean is studied in terms of the normalized variablest − v/2[x(t)−〈x(t)〉] andt −v/2 [y(t)-〈(t)〉]. The large-scale motions are shown to be either Fickian (ν=1), or superdiffusive (ν=3/2) with a non-Gaussian coarse-grained probability, according to the direction of the mean velocity relative to the underlying lattice. These results are obtained analytically for ρ ⩾ 1 and extended to the regime 0<ρ<1 by Monte Carlo simulations. Moreover, we show that the effective diffusivity blows up for resonant values of $$(\bar V_1 ,\bar V_2 )$$ ) for which stagnation regions in the flow exist. We compare the results with existing predictions on the topology of streamlines based on percolation theory, as well as with mean-field calculations of effective diffusivities. The simulations are carried out with a CM 200 massively parallel computer with 8192 SIMD processors.
Partial replacement of cement by fly ash in autoclaved products — theory and practice

Nine different fly ashes have been used in a study of autoclaved (216° C) cement-fly ash mixtures containing 50% fly ash (by weight). Paste samples for each fly ash were prepared at water-solid ratios of 0.22 to 0.45 and mechanical property-porosity relations were determined. The autoclaved products were characterized by several techniques. Linear correlations with a composition term, C/(S + A)−kF, were obtained for logarithms of zero-porosity modulus of elasticity and microhardness values. A linear correlation for modulus of elasticity of the porous solid and the composition term, 2 - C/S + A−kF, was also obtained for each water-solid ratio. Correlations for microhardness of the porous solid with a composition term, 2−C/S + A are reported, a different curve for each water-solid ratio. Impregnation of the porous products resulted in increased values for modulus of elasticity and microhardness and provided an alternate means of estimating zero-porosity values of these properties.
Macrophage recognition of LDL modified by levuglandin E2, an oxidation product of arachidonic acid

Levuglandin (LG) E2, a secoprostanoic acid levulinaldehyde derivative, is a product of free radical oxidation that forms covalent adducts with lysyl residues on proteins. Treatment of LDL with LGE2 leads to uptake and degradation by mouse peritoneal macrophages. Oxidized LDL, but not acetyl LDL efficiently competed for binding and uptake of LGE2-modified 125I-LDL. This result suggests that LGE2-modified LDL was recognized by a class of scavenger receptor that demonstrated ligand specificity for oxidized LDL but not for acetyl LDL.
The energy band memory server algorithm for parallel Monte Carlo transport calculations

An algorithm is developed to significantly reduce the on-node footprint of cross section memory in Monte Carlo particle tracking algorithms. The classic method of per-node replication of cross section data is replaced by a memory server model, in which the read-only lookup tables reside on a remote set of disjoint processors. The main particle tracking algorithm is then modified in such a way as to enable efficient use of the remotely stored data in the particle tracking algorithm. Results of a prototype code on a Blue Gene/Q installation reveal that the penalty for remote storage is reasonable in the context of time scales for real-world applications, thus yielding a path forward for a broad range of applications that are memory bound using current techniques.
Adult lipophagic atrophic panniculitis.

Summary We report two patients with chronic, recurrent, nodular panniculitis lesions that later developed areas of lipoatrophy. Histologically, there was a consistent lobular lipophagic replacement of fat cells with lipophagic giant cells. The clinical appearance was that of tender, erythematosus, superficial or subcutaneous, symmetrical nodules and plaques of 1–2 weeks' duration. The lesions could occur with episodes of fever. One patient had hepatomegaly and the other had an increased sedimentation rate and leucocytosis. The histology and the clinical pattern of the panniculitus syndrome resembled those of lipophagic lipoatrophy of childhood. This is a panniculitis of unknown cause in which the principal inflammatory cell response in the subcutaneous tissue is the macrophage.
Myocardial effects of ethanol consumption in the rat with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Background Rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes exhibit alterations in cardiac function, ventricular remodeling, and changes in cell signaling, which includes protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms. Moderate consumption of ethanol has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular outcomes in the general population, an effect that has recently been found to extend to patients with diabetes mellitus. We studied the effect of low-dose ethanol consumption on cardiac function, geometry, and PKC isoforms in the rat with STZ-induced diabetes. Methods Four groups of rats were studied over 8 to 10 weeks: control, STZ-induced diabetes, 12% (v/v) ethanol consumption, and STZ-induced diabetes plus 4% (v/v) ethanol consumption. Invasive hemodynamic measurements were performed; myocardial tissue was obtained for analysis for total PKC and cytosolic and membrane protein content of PKC-alpha, PKC-delta, and PKC-epsilon, and two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiograms were obtained. Results Compared with rats with diabetes alone, consumption of 4% ethanol prevented the decrease in left ventricular dP/dt seen with diabetes alone, as well as the increase in left ventricular internal dimension. Up-regulation of PKC-alpha, -delta, and -epsilon occurring in the diabetic animals was also prevented by ethanol consumption, whereas ethanol alone had no effect on PKC isoform pattern. Conclusions These data suggest that STZ-induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction are associated with increases in PKC activity, particularly PKC-alpha, -delta, and -epsilon, and that consumption of ethanol can prevent these changes.
Essential concepts and vocabulary in herbal medicine.

Western-trained scientists and physicians can better understand herbal medicine if they learn the basic terminologies and essential concepts used by herbal practitioners around the globe to describe how herbs work on the body. Specific and general chemical actions, pharmacokinetics, and plant constituents (such as carotenoids and flavonoids) can all be used to understand how herbs work. Other important tools for understanding herbal medicine include organoleptic methods (personal sensory based information), such as heating and cooling effects, tastes, and physically felt actions. Tissue affinity is also an important method, one aspect of which is tissue-specific antioxidant effects. In addition, broad concepts from the Oriental traditions—such as the Chinese Yin and Yang, and the Ayurvedic Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—can and have been effectively used to organize and focus understanding and guide treatment.
Power, panics, and pronouns: The information politics of transnational LGBT NGOs

Linguistic and anthropological analyses of the globalization of sexual frameworks typically emphasize how putatively global models remain disjunctive with localized understandings. Few scholars have examined how NGOs in the Global North compile the information needed to advocate for LGBT rights, much of which is generated by activists in the Global South. In this paper, I draw on fieldwork at a Northern-based LGBT human rights NGO to explore how brokers produce and circulate knowledge amidst the complex challenges of information politics. As brokers of information, activists face structural, linguistic, and technological impediments that complicate their work. They also grapple with doubts about facticity, motives, and potential repercussions that affect whether information is deemed “good enough” for advocacy. Understanding how activists practically navigate these challenges is critical as linguists and anthropologists move beyond reductive global-local dichotomies and advocates seek to do solidarity work as effectively and responsibly as possible.
Refinement of the semiclassical theory of the Stark broadening of hydrogen spectral lines in plasmas

Abstract Stark broadening (SB) of hydrogen, deuterium, and tritium lines (H-lines) is an important diagnostic tool for many applications. The most “user-friendly” are semiclassical theories of the SB of H-lines: their results can be expressed analytically in a relatively simple form for any H-line. The simplest semiclassical theory is the so-called Conventional Theory (CT), which is frequently referred to as Griem׳s theory. While by now there are several significantly more advanced semiclassical “non-CT” theories of the SB, Griem׳s CT is still used by a number of groups performing laboratory experiments or astrophysical observations for the comparison with their experimental or observational results. In the present study we engage unexplored capabilities of the CT for creating analytically a more accurate CT . First, we take into account that the perturbing electrons actually do not move as free particles: rather they move in a dipole potential V =〈 R 〉 ·r / r 3 , where r is the radius-vector of the perturbing electrons and 〈 R 〉 is the mean value of the radius vector of the atomic electron. Second, Griem׳s definition of the so-called Weisskopf radius was not quite accurate. Third, in his book of year 1974, Griem suggested changing so-called strong collision constant without changing the Weisskopf radius, while in reality the choices of the Weisskopf radius and of the strong collision constant are interrelated. We show that the above refinements of the CT increase the electron broadening – especially for warm dense plasmas emitting H-lines. By comparison with benchmark experiments concerning the H α line we demonstrate that the effect of the ion dynamics (neglected in any CT) might be slightly smaller than previously thought, while the effect of the acceleration of perturbing electrons by the ion field in the vicinity of the radiating atom (neglected in any CT) might be greater than previously thought.
Peripheral blood MDS score: a new flow cytometric tool for the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes.

Background Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of hematopoietic disorders diagnosed using morphologic and clinical findings supported by cytogenetics. Because abnormalities may be subtle, diagnosis using these approaches can be challenging. Flow cytometric (FCM) approaches have been described; however the value of bone marrow immunophenotyping in MDS remains unclear due to the variability in detected abnormalities. We sought to refine the FCM approach by using peripheral blood (PB) to create a clinically useful tool for the diagnosis of MDS. Methods PB from 15 patients with MDS was analyzed by multiparametric flow cytometry using an extensive panel of monoclonal antibodies. Patterns of neutrophil antigen expression were compared with those of normal controls (n = 16) to establish light scatter and/or immunophenotypic abnormalities that correlated with MDS. A scoring algorithm was developed and validated prospectively on a blinded patient set. Results PB neutrophils from patients with MDS had lower side scatter and higher expression of CD66 and CD11a than did controls. Some MDS PB neutrophils demonstrated abnormal CD116 and CD10 expression. Because none of these abnormalities proved consistently diagnostic, we sought to increase the power of the assay by devising a scoring system to allow the association of multiple abnormalities and account for phenotypic variations. The PB MDS score differentiated patients with MDS from controls (P < 0.0001) in the test set. In a prospective validation, the PB MDS score successfully identified patients with MDS (sensitivity 73%, specificity 90%). Conclusions FCM analysis of side scatter and only four additional immunophenotypic parameters of PB neutrophils using the PB MDS score proved more sensitive than standard laboratory approaches and may provide an additional, more reliable diagnostic tool in the identification of MDS. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Phase II trial of ritonavir/lopinavir in patients with progressive or recurrent high-grade gliomas

Current therapies for recurrent or progressive high-grade gliomas (HGG, WHO grade 3–4) produce a 6-month progression-free survival of only 10–25%. Migration and invasion by HGG is mediated in part by matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) which promote remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Several HIV protease inhibitors (HIVPI) decrease the expression of MMPs in astrocytes and microglia. Given these mechanisms of antitumor activity of HIVPI, we evaluated the efficacy of ritonavir/lopinavir, a combination HIVPI, in patients with progressive or recurrent HGG in an open label phase II trial. Nineteen patients were treated in this study. Patients received ritonavir/lopinavir (400 mg/100 mg) orally twice daily. All patients were treated until progression of disease or unacceptable toxicity. A complete response was seen in one patient (5%). Three patients (16%) had stable disease as the best response. Fifteen patients (79%) had progressive disease. The 6-month progression free survival (PFS6) was 11% (2 of 19 patients). Ritonavir/lopinavir was well tolerated in patients with heavily pretreated refractory HGG, and no grade 3 or 4 toxicity was seen. The activity at the dose and schedule used in this study, however, was modest and the study did not meet its efficacy endpoint.
Regulation of pituitary-adrenocortical activity by free fatty acids in vivo and in vitro

Virtually every metabolic disorder characterized by elevated plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels is also associated with hypercorticoidism. For example, the glucocorticoid response to insulin-hypoglycemia is shown in this report to be greatly potentiated in Type I diabetic rats. Since glucocorticoids (corticosterone, in rats) potentiate lipolysis and promote gluconeogenesis, they exacerbate diabetes. We found that elevation of circulating FFA levels in normal rats (via Intralipid/heparin infusion) increased plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone, and resulted in hyperglycemia. In vitro, however, cultured pituitary cells were relatively unaffected by FFA except at very high concentrations. Neither basal ACTH secretion nor the ACTH response to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) was affected by pathophysiological molar ratios of FFA:BSA. Thus, the ACTH secretory response to FFA in vivo likely is mediated via neuroendocrine activation. Cultured adrenocortical cells, however, were stimulated by oleic acid and, to a lesser extent, by linoleic acid; saturated fatty acids were without effect. The latencies of oleic acid-induced steroidogenesis in vitro and Intralipid-induced corticosterone secretion in vivo were both about 60 min. We conclude that pathophysiological levels of circulating FFA (typical of diabetes, obesity, starvation, and consumption of high-fat diets) initiate a positive feedback loop between the adipocyte and the HPA axis, which ultimately exacerbates the symptoms of these disorders.
Cell lineage-specific expression of the MIPP gene.

Abstract The expression of the mouse IAP promoted placental (MIPP) gene was examined in the tissues of the 13.5 day mouse conceptus by Northern hybridization analysis. MIPP transcripts were found in total cellular RNA isolated from the placenta, parietal yolk sac, and visceral yolk sac, but not the embryo or amnion. Expression in the visceral yolk sac was confined to the visceral endoderm cell layer suggesting that the MIPP gene is specifically expressed in tissues derived from the trophectoderm and primitive endoderm cell lineages. The expression of IAP genes paralleled that of MIPP in all tissues studied except for the presence of IAP transcript in the amnion.
Capsid-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Recognize Three Distinct H-2Db-Restricted Regions of the BeAn Strain of Theiler's Virus and Exhibit Different Cytokine Profiles

The role of virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV)-induced demyelinating disease, a viral model for multiple sclerosis, is not yet clear. To investigate the specificity and function of CTL generated in response to TMEV infection, we generated a panel of overlapping 20-mer peptides encompassing the entire capsid and leader protein region of the BeAn strain of TMEV. Binding of these peptides to H-2Kb and H-2Db class I molecules of resistant mice was assessed using RMA-S cells. Several peptides displayed significant binding to H-2Kb, H-2Db, or both. However, infiltrating cytotoxic T cells in the central nervous system of virus-infected mice preferentially lysed target cells pulsed with VP2111-130/121-140 or VP2121-130, a previously defined CTL epitope shared by the DA strain of TMEV and other closely related cardioviruses. In addition, at a high effector-to-target cell ratio, two additional peptides (VP2161-180 and VP3101-120) sensitized target cells for cytolysis by infiltrating T cells or splenic T cells from virus-infected mice. The minimal epitopes within these peptides were defined as VP2165-173 and VP3110-120. Based on cytokine profiles, CTL specific for these subdominant epitopes are Tc2, in contrast to CTL for the immunodominant epitope, which are of the Tc1 type. Interestingly, CTL function towards both of these subdominant epitopes is restricted by the H-2D molecule, despite the fact that these epitopes bind both H-2K and H-2D molecules. This skewing toward an H-2Db-restricted response may confer resistance to TMEV-induced demyelinating disease, which is known to be associated with the H-2D genetic locus.
Ubiquitous Mediation and Critical Interventions: Reflections on the Function of Signs and the Purposes of Peirce's Semeiotic

From a pragmatist perspective, the inaugural concern of Peirce's formal theory mediation? representation? translation? cannot be separated from the eventual form in which this theory ought to be cast. Moreover, it cannot be severed from the emerging goals of an evolving process of theoretical elaboration. Peirce's semeiotic culminates in methodeutic. The form in which the theory of signs is most appropriately cast is arguably a reflexive, normative inquiry into the conditions and forms of inquiry. It is, however, possibly something wider-a rhetoric inclusive of more than the discourses and disciplines of the experimental sciences i.e., a rhetoric inclusive of artistic works no less than practical communication. An account of the most rudimentary and pervasive form of semiosis grammar in Peirce's sense being one of the names for this account must ultimately give way to a nuanced understanding of historical practices such as experimental inquiry, artistic innovation, practical discourse, and possibly much else.
25-Hydroxycholecalciferol: Direct Effect on Calcium Transport

The perfused small intestine from a vitamin D deficient rat exhibits about one-half the calcium transport of the intestine from a rat given vitamin D. These levels of calcium transport can be maintained for at least 4 hours. Addition of 2.5 micrograms of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol added to the vitamin D deficient intestine via the arterial blood perfusate induces a rise in calcium transport to +D levels within 2 hours. In contrast, 250 micrograms of vitamin D 3 given in the same manner has no effect on the calcium transport level overa 4-hour period. These data provide strong evidence that 25-hydroxycholecalci ferol represents the metabolically active form of vitamin D 3 .
Evaluation of Posttransfusion Recovery and Survival of Transfused Red Cells

Increasing diversity of red cell preservation solutions has required more attention to the techniques of documenting the in vivo efficacy of stored red cell transfusion products. Use of double labels and survival studies will not only improve the precision of the measurement but, hopefully, will offer insight into some of the effects of the newer preservation systems. Further development of the low chloride hypotonic red cell storage solutions pioneered by Meryman may well result in red cell transfusion products that can be stored liquid in vitro for more than twice the normal in vivo lifespan. Verifying that such cells not only are recovered in the circulation but survive for the normal in vivo lifespan and function correctly will demand increasingly accurate techniques. The combination of assay precision and external imagability render radionuclide techniques the standard for verifying red cell efficacy despite the small disadvantage of the radiation absorbed dose.
Synthesis and characterization of lanthanum phosphate nanoparticles as carriers for (223)Ra and (225)Ra for targeted alpha therapy.

Abstract Introduction Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) has the potential for killing micro-metastases with minimum collateral damage to surrounding healthy tissue. In-vivo generator radionuclides, such as 223 Ra, 225 Ra, and 225 Ac, are of special interest for radiotherapeutic applications as they emit multiple α-particles during their decay. Utilizing appropriate carriers capable of retaining both the parent radioisotope as well as daughter products is important for the effective delivery of the radioisotope to the tumor site while mitigating global in vivo radiotoxicity. In this work, LaPO 4 core and core+2 shells nanoparticles (NPs) (NPs with 2 layers of cold LaPO 4 deposited on the core surfaces) were synthesized containing either 223 Ra or 225 Ra/ 225 Ac, and the retention of the parents and daughters within the NPs in vitro was investigated. Methods Core LaPO 4 NPs were synthesized in aqueous solution by reacting 1 equivalent of La(NO 3 ) 3 , along with few microcuries of either 223 Ra or 225 Ra/ 225 Ac, with 1 equivalent of sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) under moderate heating and purified by membrane dialysis. Core-shell NPs were also synthesized with one (core+1 shell) and two (core+2 shells) cold LaPO 4 layers deposited onto the radioactive cores. The NPs were then characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and powder x-ray diffraction (XRD). Identification and quantification of radioactive parents and daughters released from the NPs in vitro were investigated using gamma-ray spectroscopy. Results XRD and TEM analysis revealed that the NPs crystallized in the rhabdophane phase with mean diameters of 3.4 and 6.3nm for core and core+2 shells, respectively. The core LaPO 4 NPs retained up to 88% of 223 Ra over 35days. However, in the core+2 shells NPs, the retention of 223 Ra and its daughter, 211 Pb, was improved to >99.9% over 27days. Additionally, the retention of 225 Ra/ 225 Ac parents was >99.98% and ~80% for the 221 Fr and 213 Bi daughters over 35days for the core+2 shells NPs. Conclusions The in vitro retention of both parents and daughters results suggests that LaPO 4 NPs are potentially effective carriers of radium isotopes.
Physiological Mechanisms Underlying Periodic Breathing in Low Birth Weight Infants

Twenty babies (b.w. 1–2 kg) were studied 106 times in the first 34 days of life. In 11 babies breathing periodically and 9 breathing regularly, we compared minute ventilation, alveolar PO2 and PCO2, arterial pH, PCO2 and PO2, Co2 respiratory response curves, and sensitivity to O2. We measured ventilation with a nose piece and a screen flowmeter, using a constant flow through to eliminate dead space and valves. Analyses were made from 3 to 5 min after the baby began breathing air, 2% or 4% Co2 in air or 100% O2. Sensitivity to O2 was assesed by the change in ventilation when 100% O2 was substituted for air. These findings show that periodic breathing in low birth weight infants is associated with hypoventilation, shift of the Co2 response curve to the right and marked sensitivity to O2. We suggest that low birth weight infants have increased O2 chemoreceptor activity, but breathe periodically because of relative central depression.
PC and the fast-food model for teaching

Perhaps the chair was concerned that I had been insufficiently responsive, insufficiently therapeutic, and not customer targeted. Remember, not a single racist word was uttered by anyone in the class. The sole issue was a single word in Alinsky’s book. But, like other elaborate ideologies, political correctness is easily misinterpreted and transmuted, and the dictates of managerial expediency make misinterpretation a certainty. Administrators' needs for power and their overriding concerns with maximizing endowments and tuition revenues guarantee that subtle arguments about speech codes will be easily forgotten.
Slotted-plate device to measure the yield stress of suspensions: Finite element analysis

A slotted-plate technique has been used to measure the yield stress of suspensions. The wall slip effect is eliminated by opening a number of slots on the plate, which is dragged through the suspen...
Ab initio all‐electron and effective core potential calculations on CuCl 2−4

Structural and energetic results are reported from a series of ab initio calculations on ground state CuCl in D2d and D4h conformations. All-electron Hartree–Fock calculations including geometry optimization have been carried out with large basis sets reaching triple-zeta valence plus f-function quality. Several ab initio effective core potentials and valence basis sets for Cu and Cl have been tested and evaluated based on comparisons of calculated results obtained at the Hartree–Fock or correlated (Moller–Plesset perturbation theory) levels with the all-electron and experimental data. The optimized structural parameters provided by all-electron or effective core potential methods are very similar, but they differ from averaged experimental data. Thus, the calculated CuCl bond lengths are typically 0.15–0.20 A too large, and the ClCuCl bond angle (D2d) is 10–15° too small. The square planar (D4h) conformation represents a transition state and not a structural minimum for CuCl. The energy difference between the two conformations (D4h – D2d) is consistently 16–18 kcal/mol at the Hartree–Fock level but approaches 10–12 kcal/mol at the highest levels of theory applied (UMP4(SDTQ)).
Integrating Semiconductor Device Characterisation and Reliability into Electrical Engineering Education

Semiconductor device reliability physics and testing have been successfully integrated into a semiconductor device fabrication course as supplementary contents, to embody more comprehensively the challenges and concerns of the semiconductor industry. In the semiconductor device fabrication class, students are exposed not only to the theory of basic processing techniques of integrated circuit fabrication, but also to the reliability issues arising from device scaling, such as hot carrier effect and time-dependent dielectric breakdown in MOS transistors. By adding reliability theory and testing, students will find the course more interesting and stimulating. They not only grasp measurement techniques, but also gain insight into device reliability. This helps them for job hunting or pursuing advanced education or research.
Mechanism of action of sodium cyanide on rat diaphragm muscle.

The effects of sodium cyanide (NaCN) were investigated on the contractile and electrophysiological properties of rat diaphragm muscles in vitro. Sodium cyanide (0.1-1.0 mM) produced an initial potentiation of directly elicited twitch tensions, followed by a slow progressive depression. The potentiation and depression were both dependent on the NaCN concentration and stimulation frequency. Muscles exposed to NaCN exhibited marked reductions of creatine phosphate concentration, but ATP levels were not significantly lowered. Sodium cyanide had no effect on the resting potential, input resistance or action potential, indicating that the toxicity of the metabolic inhibitor is not mediated by alterations of membrane excitability or passive electrical properties. Sodium cyanide reduced the amplitude of contractures elicited by 70 mM K(2)SO(4), suggesting that the actions of NaCN cannot be explained by a failure of action potentials to propagate across the muscle surface or within t-tubular membranes. Sodium cyanide suppressed the first phase of the caffeine contracture, an observation consistent with an impaired release of, or reduced sensitivity to, sarcoplasmic reticular Ca(2+), but did not alter the amplitude of the second phase, which represents rigor following ATP depletion. These results, in conjunction with those of previous studies, suggest that the depression in muscle tension following exposure to NaCN may result from alterations in Ca(2+) homeostasis, intracellular acidosis or from accumulation of one or more products of phosphocreatine breakdown.
Transistor with moving gate to control electron flow

We report in this study the different gate configuration in n-channel depletion mode Metal Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MESFET) designed for better control of the flow of electrons. In conventional operation mode of MESFET the electric field in the channel of the transistor near the drain is higher due to large positive voltage at the drain.
Modeling of bubble growth dynamics and nonisothermal expansion in starch‐based foams during extrusion

A mathematical model was developed to describe expansion phenomena in starch-based foams during extrusion. The model was divided into three parts to describe the microbubble growth dynamics, to couple bubble growth with extrudate expansion, and to describe the macrotransport phenomena in the extrudate, respectively. The differential equations involved in the model were solved by finite element schemes. For validating the model, the predicted radius, density, and residual moisture of final extrudate were compared with experimental data. Standard deviations between the predicted and experimental radius, density, and residual moisture of final extrudates were 16.7%, 11.2%, and 39.3%, respectively. The model was used to predict the profiles of downstream velocity, expansion ratio, moisture content, and temperature of extrudate during expansion. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 24:29–45, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20030
MEMS-based fabrication of multiple-degree-of-freedom ionic polymer-metal composite actuators

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMC) are soft actuation materials with promising applications in robotics and biomedical devices. In this paper, a MEMS-based approach is presented for monolithic, batch fabrication of IPMC pectoral fin actuators that are capable of complex deformation. Such an actuator consists of multiple, individually controlled IPMC regions that are mechanically coupled through compliant, passive regions. Prototypes of artificial pectoral fins have been fabricated with the proposed method, and sophisticated deformation modes, including bending, twisting, and cupping, have been demonstrated, which shows the promise of the pectoral fin in robotic fish applications.
The inhibition of droplet deposition by the presence of a liquid wall film

Abstract A study has been made of the effect of the boundary on the rate of depositions of 50 μm water droplets that are injected from a centrally located tube into air flowing downward in a 50.8 mm pipe at a Reynolds number of 30,600. Three wall conditions were used: (1) grounded brass; (2) Plexiglas; and (3) Plexiglas wetted with a downward flowing relatively smooth water film with a thickness of 155 μm. Deposition rates were about the same for the brass and Plexiglas walls. The presence of the water film on the wall was found to impede deposition, possibly by promoting droplet bouncing.
Complimentary Endothelial Cell/Smooth Muscle Cell Co-Culture Systems with Alternate Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypes

Development of in vitro models of native and injured vasculature is crucial for better understanding altered wound healing in disease, device implantation, or tissue engineering. Conditions were optimized using polyethyleneteraphalate transwell filters for human aortic endothelial cell (HAEC)/smooth muscle cell (HASMC) co-cultures with divergent HASMC phenotypes (‘more or less secretory’) while maintaining quiescent HAECs. Resulting HASMC phenotype was studied at 48 and 72 h following co-culture initiation, and compared to serum and growth factor starved monocultured ‘forced contractile’ HASMCs. Forced contractile HASMCs demonstrated organized α-smooth muscle actin filaments, minimal interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) secretion, and low intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and tissue factor expression. Organization of α-smooth muscle actin was lost in ‘more secretory’ HASMCs in co-culture with HAECs, and IL-8 and MCP-1 secretion, as well as ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and tissue factor expression were significantly upregulated at both time points. Alternately, ‘less secretory’ HASMCs in co-culture with HAECs showed similar characteristics to forced contractile HASMCs at the 48 h time point, while by the 72 h time point they behaved similarly to ‘more secretory’ HASMCs. These co-culture systems could be useful in better understanding vascular healing, however there remain time constraint considerations for maintaining culture integrity/cell phenotype.
Electoral turnout: The new generation gap

(2003). Electoral turnout: The new generation gap. British Elections & Parties Review: Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 159-173.
Communicating with surrogate decision-makers in end-of-life situations: substitutive descriptive language for the healthcare provider.

This article discusses the manner and actual wording used by health-care providers in communicating difficult information as it relates to end-of-life discussions. Several examples are given and su...
Decreased Sensitivity to α-Adrenergic Stimulation in Hypothyroid Patients*

Nine hypothyroid patients had blood pressure and pulse rate responses to the alpha-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine measured before [T4 index, 45.045 +/- 9.009 nmol/L (mean +/- SEM); TSH, 57.1 +/- 23.6 mU/L] and after 4 +/- 0.5 months of thyroid replacement therapy (T4 index, 141.570 +/- 29.601 nmol/L; TSH, 2.6 +/- 1.0 mU/L). Hypothyroid patients had a smaller blood pressure increment and heart rate decrement at both 66.7 and 100 micrograms/min infusion rates of phenylephrine. Furthermore, the slope of the dose-response curves for systolic (2.06 +/- 0.22 vs. 1.32 +/- 0.19; P less than 0.01) and diastolic (1.04 +/- 0.18 vs. 0.62 +/- 0.08; P less than 0.01) blood pressures were significantly greater after thyroid replacement therapy. Pulse rate changes remained proportional to blood pressure changes in hypothyroid patients, so there was no change in baroreflex sensitivity. Plasma norepinephrine levels were higher before than after thyroid replacement (2.41 +/- 0.28 vs. 1.82 +/- 0.29 nmol/L, respectively; P less than 0.01). Thus, hypothyroid patients have diminished pressor sensitivity to an alpha-adrenergic agonist and increased plasma levels of the alpha-adrenergic neutrotransmitter norepinephrine.
Effects of budgetary participation conflict on job performance of Mexican and US managers

Abstract This study extends the stream of participative budgeting literature by introducing a new variable, Budgetary Participation Conflict (BPC). BPC occurs when the level of budget participation experienced by a manager differs from a desired level. We propose a model where BPC is the independent variable to further evaluate the effect of budget participation on job performance. Using path analysis, we measure the direct effect of BPC on job performance, and the indirect effects between BPC and performance that run through job satisfaction and job tenure in two countries, Mexico and the US. While the results do not indicate that BPC either directly or indirectly affects the performance of US managers, the results indicate that BPC negatively affects the job performance of Mexican managers indirectly through the effects of BPC on job satisfaction and job tenure. The relationship between tenure and performance is much stronger among the Mexican managers than among their US counterparts, which is the largest single difference between the Mexican and US results.
The functional genomics of CD14 and its role in IgE responses: An integrated view

Several studies in recent years have suggested that there is a strong genetic component in the pathogenesis of IgE-mediated diseases. Epidemiologic studies have identified a number of genes that carry single base changes (single nucleotide polymorphisms) associated with parameters of allergy. What remain to be established are the mechanisms whereby genetic variation results in dysregulation of IgE-mediated responses. This is the task of functional genomics. In this article, some of the most powerful approaches that have been devised to provide a mechanistic explanation for the effects of genetic variation on the regulation of gene expression and function are discussed. Recent data on the impact of genetic variation on the regulation of CD14 are explored in the context of the potential role played by this gene in the pathogenesis of allergy. Also discussed is the notion that taken individually, each instance of variation might result in small effects. It is the combination of variations in the same gene and/or in genes arrayed along one functional pathway that might eventually lead to dysregulation strong enough to cause disease. In this scenario, the environment is likely to play an essential role in determining the functional outcome of genetic variation.
ASCETIC PROTESTANTISM AND POLITICAL PREFERENCE

Although the influence of religion is less pronounced in this country than in many European countries, it is an important factor in elections and recently has attracted renewed interest among political analysts. Ordinarily, no distinction is made between the various segments of principal religious groups in such analyses. Here is a study which suggests that the liberal and fundamentalist factions within ascetic Protestantism have somewhat different political orientations that in part may counteract some of the class factors in American politics. Benton Johnson is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Oregon.
Single Machine Models (Deterministic)

Single machine models are important for various reasons. The single machine environment is very simple and a special case of all other environments. Single machine models often have properties that neither machines in parallel nor machines in series have. The results that can be obtained for single machine models not only provide insights into the single machine environment, but they also provide a basis for heuristics that are applicable to more complicated machine environments. In practice, scheduling problems in more complicated machine environments are often decomposed into subproblems that deal with single machines. For example, a complicated machine environment with a single bottleneck may give rise to a single machine model.