cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diffractive dissociation within multiperipheral dynamics

Abstract The relationship of diffractive dissociation to multiperipheral dynamics is explored within the framework of the ABFST model. After splitting the kernel of the integral equation into “resonance” and “Pomeranchuk” components, a variational technique is employed to treat the Pomeranchuk component as a small perturbation. The corresponding perturbed structure of the Fredholm determinant is developed in detail, leading to identification of a small dimensionless parameter η P which measures the strength of the APS branch point and thereby sets the scale of Regge fine structure near J = 1. It is shown that η P also determines the probability of diffractive dissociation into large masses and thus is subject to experimental determination.
AlGaAs/InGaAs heterostructures with doped channels for discrete devices and monolithic amplifiers

AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs-type heterostructure with one or two doped channels have been used to fabricate both discrete devices and monolithic amplifiers for millimeter-wave operation. Maximum current densities of 1 A/mm and maximum transconductances of 530 mS/mm were obtained. 0.25*50 mu m discrete devices delivered a power density of 1 W/mm with 2.9-dB gain and 25% efficiency at 60 GHz. A 100- mu m monolithic one-stage amplifier demonstrated 93 mW (0.93-W/mm power density) at 31.5 GHz with 4.2-dB gain and 29% efficiency. A record 34% efficiency was achieved with a 53.7-mW output power and 4.8-dB gain. >
Solid state polymerization of acrylamide initiated by gamma radiation

The solid-state polymerization of acrylamide, both in a radiation field and after removal from the field, is shown to proceed by an unusual kinetic mechanism. The usual steady state assumption is found to be inadequate because there seems to be no free radical termination (in the normal sense) involved. These results are consistent with the view that the solid-state polymerization proceeds by a nucleation mechanism in which the free radicals are probably trapped by overlapping of the reactive sites. (auth)
Metabolic syndrome and C-reactive protein in American adults: the impact of abdominal obesity.

Abstract Aims: Although elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and abdominal obesity (AO) are associated with metabolic syndrome, their connection is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the ...
The action of a mammalian endonuclease on psoralen-bound DNA.

Summary The sequential actions of two enzymes believed to be involved in DNA repair, namely a mammalian endonuclease and the bacterial DNA polymerase I on psoralen bound 32 P-labeled DNA, was studied. When ultraviolet-irradiated DNA is exposed to the sequential action of the endonuclease, the formation of single-strand breaks prepares the DNA for the exonucleolytic excision of thymine dimers, The mammalian endonuclease purified from rat liver to electrophoretic homogeneity is inactive on normal DNA, DNA irradiated at 360 nm or DNA mixed with psoralen without irradiation. Incubation of psoralen-bound DNA labeled with 32 P with the endonuclease releases the isotope in the acid soluble indicating that psoralen-bound DNA is susceptible to the endonucleolytic attack. Sedimentation of DNA on sucrose gradients indicates that there is no collapse of the DNA molecule after treatment with the endonuclease. Moreover, there is no release of the adduct in the acid soluble after treatment with DNA polymerase, indicating that the 5−3-min exonucleolytic activity of that enzyme is impaired by the remaining crosslinks. The crosslinks also inhibit the incorporation of [ 3 H] dATP in presence of DNA polymerase I.
Why counterpart theory and four-dimensionalism are incompatible

Suppose that God creates ex nihilo a bronze statue of a unicorn; later he annihilates it (call this 'scenario I').1 The statue and the piece of bronze occupy the same space for their entire career. If God had recast the bronze as a mermaid, the piece of bronze, not the statue, would have survived. As nothing can have and lack the capacity to survive the same change, they are distinct. Yet many philosophers find it incredible that two material things coincide ever, not to mention for their entire career. Four-dimensionalists hold that ordinary objects persist by having temporal parts at different times. This helps four-dimensionalists handle a number of cases of apparent coincidence. If God recasts the statue instead of annihilating it, for instance, the four-dimensionalist maintains that the space-time worm which is the unicorn statue is a proper part of a more temporally extended worm: the piece of bronze. As the bronze and the statue merely share a common part, coincidence is avoided. The same strategy avoids coincidence in cases where the bronze precedes the statue, which first exists when the piece of bronze is cast into a shape.2 However four-dimensionalism cannot by itself provide a general solution to coincidence puzzles. In scenario I, the statue and the bronze share all their temporal and spatial parts; hence two whole temporally-extended material things still coincide. Counterpart Theory (CT) offers a solution (Lewis 1986: $4.5; Sider 2001: 113), one that four-dimensionalists tend to embrace. Suppose that in I the statue and the piece of bronze are the same four-dimensional
SU-FF-J-98: Feasibility of Deformable Structure Registration Towards Calculation of Cumulative Dose Distributions

Purpose: Cumulative dose distribution in fractionated radiation therapy is one means to evaluate the risk of complications. Yet the calculation of the distribution is highly challenging due to inter-fraction change in anatomic geometry. This work presents an algorithm for deformable image registration of bladder and cumulative dose calculation in the setting of HDR brachy-therapy for vaginal cylinder treatment. Method and Materials: CT scans were obtained on 20 patients with gynecological cancer who received fractionated high dose rate brachy-therapy to the vaginal cuff, with the vaginal cylinder in situ. As part of an IRB approved study, the patients' bladder filling status was intentionally different for each fraction. The bladder was manually contoured for each treatment fraction and its surface was extracted for input to a biomechanical deformable registration algorithm, which models the structure surface as a thin elastic sheet. Three anatomic correspondence points were identified for each fraction. In three patients we observed additional identifiable landmarks against the bladder wall. These extra markers as shown in each fraction were compared with their predicted location based on both the affine and deformable registration. Results: Compared to the bladder volume at the time of the first fraction, the ratio of the bladder volumes for later fractions ranged from 30 to 300%. Rigid and affine registration of the bladder showed poor correlation of the landmark locations. The deformable registration algorithm significantly improved the accuracy of the correlation. While validation was possible for only three patients, eight independent tests were done for different fractions. Conclusion: The deformable registration algorithm provides a means of tracking points on structures despite significant change in size and shape. While further validation is needed, this approach provides a means to calculate cumulative dose distributions that were not previously feasible.
Freezing Bovine Semen. V. Practicability of Collecting and Freezing a Large Number of Successive Ejaculates

Abstract From six to 37 successive ejaculates were collected during 12, 2-hr. depletion trials with eight dairy bulls, and used to investigate (a) the proportion of ejaculates acceptable for freezing and (b) the freezability of the acceptable ejaculates. Only ejaculates showing an initial motility of 30% or more and a minimum of 150 million motile spermatozoa were frozen. On this basis, the percentage of culled ejaculates increased as the number of consecutively collected ejaculates increased. Considering the first five consecutive ejaculates, only 6.7% were culled; among the first ten consecutive ejaculates, 11.6% were culled; whereas, among all 257 ejaculates collected, 35.8% were culled. There was no significant difference in the freezability of the acceptable ejaculates among the first five or first ten individual ejaculates, and freezability was comparable with that obtained with ejaculates collected from the same bulls when on a frequency of two or six ejaculates per week. Beyond the tenth ejaculate, freezability was generally, but not significantly, poorer and collection of more than ten consecutive ejaculates probably would be of no practical value. Pooling acceptable ejaculates from a depletion trial resulted in freezability comparable to freezing the ejaculates separately. With adequate sexual preparation, the collection of six or seven consecutive ejaculates from a given bull should make available large numbers of sperm at one time, which should freeze satisfactorily.
ACTH Induces Cav3.2 Current and mRNA by cAMP-dependent and cAMP-independent Mechanisms

Bovine adrenal zona fasciculata (AZF) cells express Cav3.2 T-type Ca2+ channels that function pivotally in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-stimulated cortisol secretion. The regulation of Cav3.2 expression in AZF cells by ACTH, cAMP analogs, and their metabolites was studied using Northern blot and patch clamp recording. Exposing AZF cells to ACTH for 3–6 days markedly enhanced the expression of Cav3.2 current. The increase in Cav3.2 current was preceded by an increase in corresponding CACNA1H mRNA. O-Nitrophenyl,sulfenyl-adrenocorticotropin, which produces a minimal increase in cAMP, also enhanced Cav3.2 current. cAMP analogs, including 8-bromoadenosine cAMP (600 μm) and 6-benzoyladenosine cAMP (300 μm) induced CACNA1H mRNA, but not Cav3.2 current. In contrast, 8-(4-chlorophenylthio) (8CPT)-cAMP (10–50 μm) enhanced CACNA1H mRNA and Cav3.2 current, whereas nonhydrolyzable Sp-8CPT-cAMP failed to increase either Cav3.2 current or mRNA. Metabolites of 8CPT-cAMP, including 8CPT-adenosine and 8CPT-adenine, increased Cav3.2 current and mRNA with a potency and effectiveness similar to the parent compound. The Epac activator 8CPT-2′-O-methyl-cAMP and its metabolites 8CPT-2′-OMe-5′-AMP and 8CPT-2′-O-methyl-adenosine increased CACNA1H mRNA and Cav3.2 current; Sp-8CPT-2′-O-methyl-cAMP increased neither Cav3.2 current nor mRNA. These results reveal an interesting dichotomy between ACTH and cAMP with regard to regulation of CACNA1H mRNA and Ca2+ current. Specifically, ACTH induces expression of CACNA1H mRNA and Cav3.2 current in AZF cells by mechanisms that depend at most only partly on cAMP. In contrast, cAMP enhances expression of CACNA1H mRNA but not the corresponding Ca2+ current. Surprisingly, chlorophenylthio-cAMP analogs stimulate the expression of Cav3.2 current indirectly through metabolites. ACTH and the metabolites may induce Cav3.2 expression by the same, unidentified mechanism.
Learned helplessness in social situations and sociometric status

Learned helplessness theory may provide a framework within which the correlates of sociometric status in children can be fruitfully investigated. Several parallels between learned helplessness and the characteristics of sociometric status groups are noted. It is argued that children who are rejected, and especially neglected, by peers are likely to manifest learned helplessness in social situations. In addition, reanalysis of Goetz and Dweck's (1980) study on learned helplessness in social situations provides data to support this viewpoint as: (a) rejected and neglected children resembled learned helpless children in regard to both attributions and behaviour following social rejection; (b) neglected children showed greater behavioural deterioration following rejection than rejected children. The implications of the proposed integration of research on learned helplessness and sociometric status are outlined, especially in relation to clinical disorders in children.
Role of structural MRI in Alzheimer's disease

Atrophy measured on structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) is a powerful biomarker of the stage and intensity of the neurodegenerative aspect of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. In this review, we will discuss the role of sMRI as an AD biomarker by summarizing (a) the most commonly used methods to extract information from sMRI images, (b) the different roles in which sMRI can be used as an AD biomarker, and (c) comparisons of sMRI with other major AD biomarkers.
Commentary on “Vaccines for preventing rotavirus diarrhoea: vaccines in use”

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Soares-Weiser K, MacLehose H, Ben-Aharon I, Goldberg E, Pitan F, Cunliffe N. Vaccines for preventing rotavirus diarrhoea: vaccines in use. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD008521. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008521. Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2011 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Bilingual language acquisition by Korean schoolchildren in New York City

This paper examines the bilingual language development of young Korean–American children with respect to their acquisition of English grammatical morphemes and the different plural marking systems of Korean and English. We address two specific issues: (1) “do L1 and L2 learners acquire the grammatical features of a given language in the same sequence?” and (2) “do L2 learners of different L1 backgrounds learn the grammatical features of a given second language in the same sequence?” Comparison of our results with those of other morpheme acquisition studies suggests that L1 and L2 learners of English do not acquire English grammatical features in the same sequence. Furthermore, there is evidence that first language influences the course of second language acquisition. Results of an experimental study of plural marking suggest that the bilingual children in most, but not all, respects follow similar, but delayed patterns of first language acquisition of Korean and successive acquisition of English.
Sulfur mustard-induced arachidonic acid release is mediated by phospholipase D in human keratinocytes.

Abstract Sulfur mustard (2,2′-dichloroethyl sulfide) is a chemical warfare agent that causes incapacitating skin blisters in humans 12–24 h post-exposure following a variable asymptomatic phase. Recent reports demonstrate that inflammation plays a vital role in sulfur mustard toxicity. One of the key biochemical pathways involved in inflammation is the arachidonic acid cascade. In this report, we demonstrate that arachidonic acid is released in response to sulfur mustard and investigate the mechanisms of arachidonic acid release. Exposure to sulfur mustard caused a 5- to 8-fold increase in arachidonic acid release from human keratinocytes that had been radiolabeled with arachidonic acid. Maximal arachidonic acid release occurred between 12 and 24 h. Several enzymatic pathways can lead to arachidonic acid release. Treatment with 2.0% (v/v) ethanol, an inhibitor of phospholipase D, decreased sulfur mustard-induced arachidonic acid release 40±7%. Additionally, 100 μM (±)-propranolol, an inhibitor of phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase, blocked sulfur mustard-induced arachidonic acid release by 62±3%. These findings suggest that arachidonic acid release is mediated by phospholipase D and phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase in human keratinocytes following sulfur mustard exposure. Due to the 12–24 h delay in arachidonic acid release following sulfur mustard exposure, delayed therapeutic intervention may be possible. Indeed, we found that the addition of 100 μM (±) -propranolol up to 18 h after sulfur mustard exposure was still able to block arachidonic acid release by 30±3%.
Dual-use modeling and simulation

Dual-use technologies include those products, principles, and techniques that have application in both military and civilian sectors. Participating in two-way dual-use technology transfer benefits both sectors; it promotes more rapid research and development innovations and can stimulate the nation's economy. During this special panel session, representatives from nonmilitary agencies will discuss their modeling and simulation dual-use capabilities and gaps. The aim of this panel is to engender an open discussion among military and nonmilitary M&S specialists, with the ultimate goal of promoting enhanced collaborations among these agencies.
Re-Envisioning the Ancients: Pontano, Ghirlandaio, and Exemplarity

Abstract Ghirlandaio's 1483 Florentine frescoes depict a series of republican Roman heroes, in support of Lorenzo de' Medici's princely government. In a similar vein, Pontano's 1468 De principe proposes an unbroken line of heroic exemplars, in which the young prince Alfonso must play his part. Pontano's letter suggests that the past is visually accessible: by gazing upon written histories, the prince will be spurred to a bodily reproduction of ancient actions. Yet just as Ghirlandaio's frescoes invite new interpretations of written histories, so too Pontano's text offers nuances of meaning, codifying a princely behaviour that depends primarily on appearances, and exposing exemplarity as a dissimulatory pose whose main purpose is to retain power. Like Ghirlandaio's Cicero, whose ambiguous pose both suggests virtuous exemplarity and defies definition, Pontano's prince must cultivate a show of virtue combined with mystery, anticipating much sixteenth-century advice for courtiers.
Male interracial wage differentials: competing explanations

Persistent interracial wage differentials present a challenge for neoclassical models of discrimination, which claim that long-rung competition is not consistent with persistent discrimination. This study provides an empirical examination of the missing variable and job competition models of interracial wage inequality. The results argue strongly against the missing variables approach and strongly in favor of the job competition model. Specifically, this study finds that about one-half of the male African American-white and Latino-white interracial wage differentials are due to market discrimination against African Americans and Latinos. In addition, the positive and significant coefficients on the race-gender employment-density variables strongly affirm the job competition model's contention that access to white (especially) male-dominated jobs increases an individual's wage rate--regardless of race. Racial job segregation, then, is an important explanatory variable for racial wage discrimination. Copyright 1999 by Oxford University Press.
Peer Influence and Adolescent Substance Abuse: a promising side?

Summary The reasons as to why individuals engage in substance abuse remain varied and in most instances multiple. Drug-taking adults commonly refer to childhood and adolescence as the time when they first tried drugs. Preventing substance abuse among the young has constantly proved to be a trying task. Although drug education is still in abundant use, it proved to be of very little effect, but there are certain areas that hold some promise. This paper examines the influence of peer group on initiating and maintaining drug-taking behaviour among the young and looks at the possibility of a positive use of such influence.
Abstract A52: In vivo model of Ewings sarcoma metastases

Ewings sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive malignancy affecting children and adolescents. The presence of metastases is the single most powerful adverse prognostic factor in ES, with a 5-year event-free survival (EFS) at 72% and 3-year EFS at 27% for patients with localized and metastatic disease, respectively. While pulmonary metastases are the most common, the prognosis is worse for patients with bone involvement, particularly when both bone and lung metastases are present (8-14% EFS), and dismal for rare cases with brain metastases (2.7 months median survival). Thus, the treatment of metastatic ES and prevention of its further dissemination is a crucial problem in clinical management of this disease. Despite this, however, our understanding of mechanisms governing ES metastases formation remains poor and appropriate animal models allowing for identifying factors involved in ES metastases are missing. Thus, the goal of our study was to establish and characterize a model recapitulating metastatic processes occurring in ES patients. To this end, ES cells were injected into gastrocnemius muscles of SCIG/bg mice. Once primary tumors reached a volume of 1cm3, tumor-bearing hindlimbs were amputated and mice monitored by periodical MRI for 1-2 months. Moreover, tumor cell dissemination was assessed by histopathological analysis and real-time RT-PCR for EWS-FLI1 transcript. Using this approach, we were able to achieve high frequency of metastases formation. The pattern of metastases was dependent on the ES cell line used. Injection of SK-ES1 cells resulted in formation of multiple distant metastases in 100% of mice. These included soft tissue tumors in the thoracic region (60% of mice), brain metastases (40%), limb metastases (20%) and jaw metastases (20%). Moreover, marked bone invasion was detected in primary tumors and limb metastases. The presence of tumor cell dissemination to bone marrow and other organs (liver, lungs) was also confirmed and quantified by EWS-FLI1 real-time RT-PCR. In contrast, orthotopic injection of TC71 cells resulted primarily in formation of macroscopic lung metastases, but no brain and soft tissue thoracic tumors. Thus, the orthotopic ES xenografts followed by limb amputation provide a robust model of ES metastases suitable for identifying factors involved in ES dissemination and testing new therapeutic strategies. Moreover, the cell line-dependent specificity of the metastatic pattern may allow evaluating and therapeutically targeting particular metastatic processes, such as bone invasion or lung colonization. Citation Format: Sung-Hyeok Hong, Susana Galli, Jason Tilan, David Christian, Meredith Horton, Olga Rodriguez, Christopher Albanese, Joanna Kitlinska. In vivo model of Ewings sarcoma metastases. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pediatric Cancer at the Crossroads: Translating Discovery into Improved Outcomes; Nov 3-6, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;74(20 Suppl):Abstract nr A52.
A CMOS adaptive antenna-impedance-tuning IC operating in the 850MHz-to-2GHz band

Adaptive antenna-tuning units (AATUs) provide broadband dynamic tuning to widely-varying antenna impedances caused by the changes in operating frequencies and unpredictable environmental factors. AATUs are becoming a critical need in multimode transceivers, since they minimize the power reflection due to the impedance mismatch between PA/LNA and antenna at various frequencies. AATUs also enable low-cost, bandwidth-limited and low-profile antennas to be used in multiband radios. One of the fundamental requirements for AATUs is fast tuning speed to compensate for the frequent changes in operating environment and frequencies, while keeping the power consumption as low as possible. In state-of-the-art AATUs, the sensed mismatch signal is converted to the digital domain utilizing high-speed analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) to enable fast tuning [1–3]. These ADCs either consume high power or they are low resolution, which results in compromised tuning performance. In this paper, an AATU utilizing analog mismatch detection and mixed-signal matching-state search circuits operating in a frequency band from 850MHz to 2GHz is presented. The module is implemented in a 0.18µm CMOS process and runs on a search algorithm that guarantees the optimum matching condition between the antenna and front-end circuits.
6.2.1 The Concepts of Systems Engineering as Practiced by the Wright Brothers

To the best of our knowledge the term “systems engineering” was first used at AT&T's Bell Laboratories some time in between 1920 and 1940. [Buede, 2000] The systems engineering profession made rapid progress for 20-30 years after World War II, as did all of engineering. Nonetheless it is possible to see the concepts of systems engineering being practiced prior to 1920. The purpose of this paper is to explore one of those cases: the development and ultimate production of the airplane by the Wright brothers.
S14 protein in breast cancer cells : Direct evidence of regulation by SREBP-1c, superinduction with progestin, and effects on cell growth

Most breast cancers exhibit brisk lipogenesis, and require it for growth. S14 is a lipogenesis-related nuclear protein that is overexpressed in most breast cancers. Sterol response element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) is required for induction of lipogenesis-related genes, including S14 and fatty acid synthase (FAS), in hepatocytes, and correlation of SREBP-1c and FAS expression suggested that SREBP-1c drives lipogenesis in tumors as well. We directly tested the hypothesis that SREBP-1c drives S14 expression and mediates lipogenic effects of progestin in T47D breast cancer cells. Dominant-negative SREBP-1c inhibited induction of S14 and FAS mRNAs by progestin, while active SREBP-1c induced without hormone and superinduced in its presence. Changes in S14 mRNA were reflected in protein levels. A lag time and lack of progestin response elements indicated that S14 and FAS gene activation by progestin is indirect. Knockdown of S14 reduced, whereas overexpression stimulated, T47D cell growth, while nonlipogenic MCF10a mammary epithelial cells were not growth-inhibited. These data directly demonstrate that SREBP-1c drives S14 gene expression in breast cancer cells, and progestin magnifies that effect via an indirect mechanism. This supports the prediction, based on S14 gene amplification and overexpression in breast tumors, that S14 augments breast cancer cell growth and survival.
Angle-and polarization-dependent collective excitation of plasmonic nanoarrays for surface enhanced infrared spectroscopy

Our recent work has showed that diffractively coupled nanoplasmonic arrays for Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy can enhance the Amide I protein vibrational stretch by up to 105 times as compared to plain substrates. In this work we consider computationally the impact of a microscope objective illumination cone on array performance. We derive an approach for computing angular- and spatially-averaged reflectance for various numerical aperture (NA) objectives. We then use this approach to show that arrays that are perfectly optimized for normal incidence undergo significant response degradation even at modest NAs, whereas arrays that are slightly detuned from the perfect grating condition at normal incidence irradiation exhibit only a slight drop in performance when analyzed with a microscope objective. Our simulation results are in good agreement with microscope measurements of experimentally optimized periodic nanoplasmonic arrays.
Compact low-distortion imaging spectrometer for remote sensing

We describe a pushbroom imaging spectrometer having a number of attractive features for remote sensing applications, including compact and simple form, good image quality, high effciency, and very low levels of distortion.
Dysfunctional Glycogen Storage in a Mouse Model of α1-Antitrypsin Deficiency

Autophagy is an intracellular pathway that contributes to the degradation and recycling of unfolded proteins. Based on the knowledge that autophagy affects glycogen metabolism and that α1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is associated with an autophagic response in the liver, we hypothesized that the conformational abnormalities of the Z-AAT protein interfere with hepatocyte glycogen storage and/or metabolism. Compared with wild-type mice (WT), the Z-AAT mice had lower liver glycogen stores (P < 0.001) and abnormal activities of glycogen-related enzymes, including acid α-glucosidase (P < 0.05) and the total glycogen synthase (P < 0.05). As metabolic consequences, PiZ mice demonstrated lower blood glucose levels (P < 0.05), lower body weights (P < 0.001), and lower fat pad weights (P < 0.001) compared with WT. After the stress of fasting or partial hepatectomy, PiZ mice had further reduced liver glycogen and lower blood glucose levels (both P < 0.05 compared WT). Finally, PiZ mice exhibited decreased survival ...
Spinal NMDA NR1 subunit expression following transient TNBS colitis.

Abstract Background: N-methyl- d -aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors play an important role in the development of hypersensitivity to visceral and somatic stimuli following inflammation or tissue injury. Our objective was to investigate the role of NMDA NR1 receptors in the spinal cord (T10-L1; L4-S1) of a subset of rats that remain hypersensitive following the histological resolution of TNBS-induced colitis compared to saline treated rats and rats that had recovered both behaviorally and histologically. We hypothesized that NMDA NR1 subunit expression mediates hypersensitivity following transient TNBS colitis. Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats (150g–250 g) received 20 mg/rat intracolonic trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in 50% ethanol or saline. Animals underwent nociceptive visceral/somatic pain testing 16 weeks after resolution of TNBS colitis. Animals were sacrificed and their spinal cords (T10-L1; L4-S1) were retrieved and 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunohistocytochemistry techniques were used to investigate spinal-NMDA receptor expression. Results: NR1 001 was the only NMDA NR1 receptor subunit that was expressed in recovered and control rats, whereas hypersensitive animals expressed NR1 011 and NR1 111 as well as NR1 001 subunits. Immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated increased expression of NMDA NR1-N1, C1, and C2-plus expression in laminae I and II of the spinal cord (T10-L1; L4-S1) in hypersensitive rats but not in recovered/control rats. Conclusions: Selective increases in the expression of the NMDA NR1 splice variants occur in hypersensitive rats following resolution of TNBS colitis. This suggests that the NMDA NR1 receptor plays an important role in the development of neuronal plasticity and central sensitization. The recombination of NR1 splice variants may serve as a key functional protein that maintains hypersensitivity following resolution of TNBS colitis.
Crime and Residential Choice: A Neighborhood Level Analysis of the Impact of Crime on Housing Prices

Crime serves as an important catalyst for change in the socio-economic composition of communities. While such change occurs over a long period of time, crime is capitalized into local housing markets quickly and thus provides an early indicator of neighborhood transition. Using hedonic regression, we quantify this “intangible cost” of crime and extend the crime-housing price literature in several important ways. First, we disaggregate crime to the census tract level. Second, using longitudinal data, we examine changes in crime in addition to the neighborhood levels of crime. Third, we differentiate between the effects of property crime and violent crime. Fourth, we also disaggregate our sample into groups based on per capita income of the census tract. Finally, we show that it is vital to account for the measurement error that is endemic in reported crime statistics. We address this with an instrumental variable approach. Our results indicate that the average impacts of crime rates on house prices are misleading. We find that crime is capitalized at different rates for poor, middle class and wealthy neighborhoods and that violent crime imparts the greatest cost.
Adaptive Servo Controller Design in an Optical Trap

Optical traps are an important tool in biophysics, which are capable of measuring forces on the the order of piconewtons and displacements on the order of nanometers. When being used as a probe, objects confined in optical traps are subjected to a broad-band thermal noise source known as Brownian motion. Closed loop control offers a method for reducing the magnitude of these disturbances, but controller design is a difficult and time consuming process. Even after a controller has been constructed, changes in the trapping power or changes between particles will change the plant dynamics and ultimately affect how well the controller performs. For these reasons, presented here is a method of designing an adaptive controller which automatically identifies the plant and actuator dynamics and designs a corresponding controller for disturbance rejection. The controller design is easily implemented on any digital control system.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
How Well Is CHIP Addressing Oral Health Care Needs and Access for Children

This paper examines how access to and use of oral and dental care under the Children?s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) compared to private coverage and being uninsured in 10 states. We report on findings drawn from a 2012 survey of CHIP enrollees in 10 states. We find that enrolling eligible uninsured children in CHIP led to improvements in their access to preventive dental care, as well as reductions in their unmet dental care needs, yet the CHIP program has more work to do to address the oral health problems of children.
Treatment of asymptomatic metastatic cancer to the liver from primary colon and rectal cancer by the intraarterial administration of chemotherapy and radioactive isotopes

Forty patients with asymptomatic metastatic cancer to the liver discovered at the time of laparotomy were treated by combined intrahepatic arterial chemotherapy and internal irradiation in the form of 90Yttrium microspheres. One group of 25 patients were treated by a catheter inserted at the time of operation and received 100 mCi; of 90Yttrium microspheres and 5-fluorouracil on a continuing basis. They survived an average of 26 mo (varying from 9 to 60 mo). The second series of 15 patients referred after surgery were treated by the percutaneous insertion of the catheter into the hepatic artery and received a bolus of combined chemotherapy consisting of PlatinolTM, Methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil. They survived an average of 31 mo, which varied from 12 to 60 mo. The dose of 100 mCi of 90Yttrium was well tolerated by the liver. Prospective studies are in progress, limiting the treatment to the internal irradiation to determine its precise role in the overall treatment of metastatic cancer to the liver.
Biochemical effects of dithiolthiones.

Abstract Administration of dithiolthiones to mice in single intragastric doses (2–4 mmol/kg body weight) or in the diet (0.5% for 14 days), and to rats in the diet (0.1% for 14 days) was found to increase glutathione levels and the activities of a number of enzymes in various tissues including the liver and lung. The enzymes affected were glutathione transferases (with chlorodinitrobenzene or dichloronitrobenzene), quinone and glutathione reductase, and glucose-6-phosphate and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, all of which are involved directly or indirectly in the detoxication of xenobiotics, including carcinogens. The dithiolthiones tested in mice were oltipraz, ADT, 116L and 129L, and in rats, oltipraz. Intragastric administration of dithiolthiones (oltipraz, ADT or 116L; two doses each of 1 g/kg body weight) did not increase glutathione levels or enzyme activities in murine mammary adenocarcinoma transplants. Increases in glutathione levels and enzyme activities similar to those found with dithiolthiones were observed when a semi-synthetic diet containing 10–40% lyophilized cabbage was fed to mice for 30 days. Dithiolthiones that are present in cabbage may play a role in the protective actions of diets high in vegetables against the toxic actions of xenobiotics. The biochemical effects of dithiolthiones reported here may account for the protective actions of these compounds.
Reactivation of Chagas disease in a bone marrow transplant patient: case report and review of screening and management

We report a patient with an autologous stem cell transplant and history of residence in a Chagas disease (CD) endemic area who developed Chagas reactivation after induction for transplantation. We recommend that patients at risk for CD be screened before transplantation, and patients found to have chronic infection be monitored for reactivation post transplant.
Neutron scattering and superconductivity

Abstract Contrary to naive expectation, neutron scattering studies have over the years provided valuable and often unique information on the nature of the superconducting state. The usefulness of neutrons results from their ability to detect subtle changes in the phonons and magnetic properties of a material. This article reviews the development and current status of selected topics in this field.
Developmental Disorders of the Frontostriatal System: Neuropsychological, Neuropsychiatric, and Evolutionary Perspectives

Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - Vol. 42 - N° 2 - p. 257-259
A concurrent testing technique for digital circuits

A method is presented for testing digital circuits during normal operation. The resources used to perform online testing are those which are inserted to alleviate the offline testing problem. The offline testing resources are modified so that during system operation they can also observe the normal inputs and outputs of a combinational circuit under test. The normal inputs to the circuit under test are with test vectors in its test set. When a normal input matches a test vector, the circuit output for such an input is typically compressed into a developing signature. When all of the test vectors in the test set have appeared as normal inputs, the signature is read and verified. With this method, the length of time required for all of the test vectors to appear, possibly in some order, among the normal inputs to the circuit under test is of considerable importance. >
A systemic bioassay to determine susceptibility of the pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to cyantraniliprole and thiamethoxam

Abstract Cyantraniliprole (Cyazypyr™) is the second insecticide in the new anthranilic diamide class with xylem-systemic properties and a novel mode of action. Thiamethoxam is a neonicotinoid insecticide that is used to manage the pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii Cano). A systemic bioassay method, using pepper seedlings, was developed to determine baseline toxicity data for both insecticides using a susceptible laboratory strain of the pepper weevil. Results demonstrated that cyantraniliprole and thiamethoxam inhibited daily feeding. After 5 days of exposure, pooled LC50, LC95, and slope values were 7.06 mg ai L−1, 195.2 mg ai L−1, and 1.14 (SE = 0.132) for cyantraniliprole and 0.53 mg ai L−1, 1.91 mg ai L−1, and 2.93 (SE = 0.435), for thiamethoxam. After 7 days of exposure, analysis of the pooled data for three bioassays with cyantraniliprole, resulted in LC50, LC95, and slope values of 2.12 mg ai L−1, 30.2 mg ai L−1, and 1.43 (SE = 0.132), whereas a single bioassay with thiamethoxam generated LC50 and LC95, and slope values of 0.44 mg ai L−1, 1.22 mg ai L−1, and 3.72 (SE = 0.842), respectively. The development of the present bioassay method permits the evaluation of the toxicity of systemic insecticides to pepper weevil adults. Both cyantraniliprole and thiamethoxam inflicted mortality on adults, although the latter appeared to be more potent. At the LC50 and LC95 levels, thiamethoxam was 13 and 5 times, respectively, more potent than cyantraniliprole after 5 days of exposure and 100 and 5 times more potent after 7 days of exposure. Both products appeared to suppress feeding damage of pepper weevils. The bioassay method developed and the information generated on laboratory susceptibility in the present study represents the basis for the use of the method for monitoring changes in susceptibility and for confirming or refuting questions of resistance in the pepper weevil.
Phase Fluctuations on the Micron-Submicron Scale in GUVs Composed of a Binary Lipid Mixture

We used a combination of imaging and fluctuation techniques to investigate the temporal evolution of gel phase domains at the onset of phase separation, as well as the correlation between domain topology and local lipid ordering in GUVs composed of a binary mixture of DPPC/DLPC 1:1. The data acquired at temperatures immediately above the transition temperature of the two lipids suggest fluctuations in the lipid organization with a lifetime <0.1 s and a characteristic length of 1.2 microm. As the temperature is decreased below the transition temperature of one of the lipids, coupling between the two leaflets of the bilayer is observed to begin within the first five minutes after the onset of phase separation. However, domains confined to only one leaflet can be found during the first 45-50 min after the onset of phase separation. Our analysis using a two-state model (liquid and gel) indicates that for the first 45-50 min from the onset of phase separation the two lipid phases do not strongly influence the phase behavior of each other on the micron-length scale. At longer times, behavior that deviates from the two-state model is observed and appears to be correlated to domain morphology.
Asymmetric synthesis of (+)-negamycin.

An asymmetric synthesis of the antibiotic (+)-negamycin (1) has been achieved, starting from commercially available (5R,6S)-4-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-5,6-diphenyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-4H-1,4-oxazin-2-one (2). The synthesis involved the stabilized Wittig olefination of the lactone carbonyl group of 2 and subsequent asymmetric hydrogenation to generate the corresponding all-syn oxazine 4 with excellent diastereoselectivity. Conversion of 4 into β-alkoxy imine 7 and subsequent CeCl3-promoted chelation-controlled allylation of 7 generated the corresponding homoallylamine 8 with good diatereoselectivity, which was readily converted into (+)-negamycin (1) in 25% overall yield over 11 steps.
Envirodevonomics: A Research Agenda for an Emerging Field

†Environmental quality in many developing countries is poor and generates substantial health and productivity costs. However, the few existing measures of marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) for environmental quality improvements indicate low valuations by affected households. This paper argues that this seeming paradox is the central puzzle at the intersection of environmental and development economics: Given poor environmental quality and high health burdens in developing countries, why is MWTP seemingly so low? We develop a conceptual framework for understanding this puzzle and propose four potential explanations for why environmental quality is so poor: (1) due to low income levels, individuals value increases in income more than marginal improvements in environmental quality; (2) the marginal costs of environmental quality improvements are high; (3) political economy factors undermine efficient policymaking; and (4) market failures such as weak property rights and missing capital markets distort MWTP for environmental quality. We review the literature on each explanation and discuss how the framework applies to climate change, which is perhaps the most important issue at the intersection of environment and development economics. The paper concludes with a list of promising and unanswered research questions for the emerging sub-field of “envirodevonomics.” ( JEL I15, O10, O44, Q50)
A tablet-controlled, mesh-network security system: an architecture for a secure, mesh network of security and automation systems using Arduino and Zigbee controllers and an Android tablet application

Security is a major driver of computerized home automation systems today. With the development of network and automatic control technologies, a home security monitoring and alarm system has become more and more efficient and effective as technology advances.In this paper we have proposed a simple, low cost, low power method for implementing a wireless home security system, using the Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4) standard. Our project architecture consists of sensor nodes deployed in various places throughout a structure, to provide security for that structure. The Zigbee modules act as end devices that monitor the sensors continuously and send the security status of each sensor to the coordinator node, which is connected to an Arduino Micro Controller Unit (MCU), which acts as the master brains of the system.Furthermore, the Arduino is also able to relay its security information to an Android App that we have developed to make remote system monitoring even easier for the user. In our project we have used the XBEE Pro series2 radios for RF communication, a PIR motion sensor, and a contact door sensor, an automated door lock, an Arduino MCU, and a specially designed Android App. The software has been implemented using the C programming language.
Sporadic Burkitt's lymphoma of the head and neck in the pediatric population

Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is one of the fastest growing malignancies in the pediatric population in the United States. BL is a high-grade B-cell Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) which exists in endemic, sporadic, and human immunodeficiency-associated subtypes. The African, or endemic, variant usually involves the maxilla and other facial bones while head and neck manifestations in non-endemic BL are rare. We present three unusual present ations of sporadic BL stemming from Waldeyer's ring and the orbit. The clinical and pathologic features of BL are reviewed.
Installation of bridge monitoring systems in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) has undertaken a major initiative to install permanent remotely- accessible monitoring systems on seven in-service highway bridges. These systems will consist of either a Roadway Weather Information System (RWIS), or Structural Monitoring System (SMS), or both, depending on the structure type and/or location. The RWIS provides weather related information regarding the pavement on and off the structure and ambient weather conditions at the bridge site. Systems like this are commercially available and in use throughout the country assisting transportation agencies in performing winter maintenance operations. The SMS is the product of cooperative research at the University of Connecticut and ConnDOT. The University has specified, installed and operated a prototype vibrational-based monitoring system on tow in-service bridges during separate year-long studies. The planned SMS, modeled after the prototype, includes accommodations for a variety of sensors including strain, tilt, structural temperature and vibration. The ultimate goal of this work is to develop a generic platform for a remote bridge monitoring system which can be adapted to any bridge with any combination of sensors and sensor types. Such a system would benefit both the safety and management of these structures. Current activity along with background information are discussed.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.