cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fractal Analysis of Binding and Dissociation Interactions of Estrogen Receptors to Ligands on Biosensor Surfaces

The chapter analyzes the binding and dissociation of TATA human box-binding protein in solution to ERα-N immobilized on a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor surface, and the binding and dissociation of estradiol in solution to glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-thyroid hormone associated protein (TRAP) 220 and GST-transcriptional intermediary factor (TIF2) immobilized on an SPR biosensor surface. Binding and dissociation rate coefficients, and affinity values, as well as fractal dimension values, are obtained in the chapter. The chapter presents a fractal analysis for the binding of estrogen receptors in solution to different ligands immobilized on a SPR biosensor chip surface. The fractal analysis takes into account the effect of the surface heterogeneity on the diffusion-limited biomolecular interaction kinetics. Both single- and dual-fractal models are employed to model the binding and dissociation kinetics. It should be kept in mind that different laboratories use different technologies, slightly different technologies, or different experimental designs to analyze the affinity of ligands or cofactors to target proteins (or analytes) of interest.
Fast weighted universal transform coding: toward optimal, low complexity bases for image compression

Effros and Chou (see Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Image Processing, Washington, DC, 1995) introduce a two-stage universal transform code called the weighted universal transform code (WUTC). By replacing JPEG's single, non-optimal transform code with a collection of optimal transform codes, the WUTC achieves significant performance gains over JPEG. The computational and storage costs of that performance gain are effectively the computation and storage required to operate and store a collection of transform codes rather than a single transform code. We consider two complexity- and storage-constrained variations of the WUTC. The complexity and storage of the algorithm are controlled by constraining the order of the bases. In the first algorithm, called the fast WUTC (FWUTC), complexity is controlled by controlling the maximum order of each transform. On a sequence of combined text and gray-scale images, the FWUTC achieves performance comparable to the WUTC. In the second algorithm, called the jointly optimized fast WUTC (JWUTC), the complexity is controlled by controlling the average order of the transforms. On the same data set and for the same complexity, the performance of the JWUTC always exceeds the performance of the FWUTC. The JWUTC and FWUTC algorithm are interesting both for their complexity and storage savings in data compression and for the insights that they lend into the choice of appropriate fixed- and variable-order bases for image representation.
Sarcoma metastases to the skin: a clinicopathologic study of 65 patients.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoma metastases to the skin are relatively rare, because most involve the lung, liver, or deep soft tissues. The authors of this report examined the distribution and clinical significance of cutaneous and superficial subcutaneous sarcoma metastases. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with histologically confirmed dermal and superficial subcutaneous sarcoma metastases were identified in pathology files from more than 25,000 patients with sarcoma who were evaluated at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center from 1989 to 2009. Pathology slides and clinical and radiological information were evaluated. RESULTS: Cutaneous metastases were documented histologically in <0.25% of patients. The mean patient age was 49 years (range, 16-79 years), and there was an equivalent ratio of men to women. The most common source of metastasis was leiomyosarcoma (28 of 65 patients; 43%). The most common region of first skin metastasis was head and neck (33 patients; 51%), and the scalp predominated (25 patients; 38%). The mean time from primary tumor diagnosis to skin metastasis was 48 months (range, 0-166 months). Fifty-three patients (81%) had multiple metastases (skin and other). Among the patients who had complete clinical information available, 31 patients (62%) had other metastases diagnosed before skin involvement, 17 patients (34%) had skin metastases diagnosed first, and 2 patients (4%) had simultaneous presentation. The following clinical outcomes were documented: Twenty-nine patients (45%) died of disease, 24 patients (37%) remained alive with disease, and 12 patients were lost to follow-up. The mean time to death was 80 months (range, 9-224 months) after primary diagnosis, 45 months (range, 5-94 months) after the first metastasis to any site, and 27 months (range, 5-65 months) after the first skin metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcoma metastases to the skin are rare. In this large study, leiomyosarcoma was the most common source, and the scalp was the most frequent site. The majority of patient with skin metastases harbored metastases elsewhere. However, skin was the initial site of metastasis in approximately 1 in 3 patients. Thus, clinical correlation is needed before establishing a diagnosis of primary cutaneous sarcoma, particularly leiomyosarcoma of scalp. Finally, the current results indicated that skin metastasis usually is a late event in sarcoma clinical progression and heralds a poor prognosis. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
USDA QUALITY GRADES AND PALATABILITY OF LOIN STEAKS FROM CALF AND YOUNG BEEF CARCASSES

The net effect of increases in one palatability attribute (flavor) and decreases in other palatability attributes (amount of connective tissue; tenderness) as carcass maturity increased from “Calf” to “Beef” was that the composite measures of eating satisfaction (overall palatability ratings) were identical (4.8 and 4.8) for loin steaks from carcasses of the two age classes. Increases in maturity across the range from Ca00 to A33 had no effect (P > 0.05) on palatability of loin steaks; attempts to classify “Calf” vs. “Beef” or to assign relative maturity scores within the Calf class were not successful in identifying differences in palatability of loin steaks. Relative fatness (feathering; flank streaking; marbling; estimated or actual intramuscular fat content; subcutaneous fat thickness) was useful in accounting for the observed variability in palatability of meat from Calf and/or Beef carcasses and should be the basis for quality grade assessments. In no case did consideration of conformation or any relative maturity indicator improve significantly upon ability of relative fatness to explain variation in ratings for flavor, tenderness or overall palatability for loin steaks from either Calf or Beef carcasses. These data suggest that classification of certain bovine carcasses as “Calf” rather than “Beef” could be done more objectively than at present (perhaps for example, by using carcass weight) and that consideration of relative maturity should be eliminated in determining the USDA quality grades of Calf carcasses.
The regulation of cellular slime mold development: A factor causing development of Polysphondylium violaceum aggregation-defective mutants

Abstract aggA mutants of Polysphondylium violaceum develop normally in synergistic mixtures with other aggregation-defective mutants. Cell to cell contact is not necessary for development. A small dialyzable factor(s) produced by wild-type and other aggregation-defective mutants triggers development of aggA mutants. This factor (D factor) is developmentally regulated, appearing early in development and then disappearing. Mutants require D factor until aggregation has just begun and then they can continue even in the absence of added factor. D factor is produced by many, but not all species of cellular slime molds and is developmentally regulated in Dictyostelium discoideum as well as P. violaceum .
Administrative reform -- proceed with caution

The past decade has seen an acceleration in administrative reform. All around the world, the administrative state is being reexamined and reshaped. As a result, government is being transformed and reinvented, bureaucratic centralism is being abandoned, the welfare state is being downsized, the public sector is being reduced, public organizations are being reengineered, and public management is being reinvigorated. This all sounds familiar. Governments have promised as much before but they have too often failed to improve their performance simply because many reforms have proved disappointing. Reforms have failed to make any significant impact; they have gone wrong; they have been overtaken by events. The reformers have been too optimistic and often unrealistic; they have fallen into the many traps of implementation. Magical keys to reform success are few and far between. Reforms need strong political backing, mass support, and competent inside facilitation. Reformers need to take their time and accept wha...
An Electrical Analog Study of the Geometry of Limestone Solution

This study of the geometry of limestone solution is based on the following conditions: (1) the limestone is impermeable but contains and transmits water in joints, fractures, bedding-plane partings, and solution channels; (2) at depth, the limestone aquifer is underlain by impermeable rock; (3) ground water in the limestone is under water-table conditions; (4) recharge to the limestone is by infiltration of precipitation through the overlying rock to the zone of saturation; (5) discharge from the aquifer is by seeps and springs; and (6) ground water dissolves the limestone through which it flows, continuously modifying the flow pattern and the hydrologic properties of the medium. These conditions commonly are found in limestone terranes in the eastern and central United States. An electrical analog was constructed conforming to this description of the ground-water flow system and has been used to define the pattern, velocity, and density of ground-water flow and the relative length of time of contact of water with the aquifer. Successive models are used to illustrate progressive limestone solution and changes in ground-water flow in the aquifer. The initial analog indicates a strongly convex water table with the greatest density of flow at shallow depths beneath the water table near the point of discharge. Successive models indicate greater concentration of flow near and on the level of ground-water discharge, an overall lowering of the water table, and a pronounced flattening of the water table near the discharge point. Results of the analog study support the following conclusions: (1) The most active zone of solution is at shallow depths beneath the water table and near the point of ground-water discharge. Consequently, the size of channels generally decreases with depth and increases with proximity to the point of ground-water discharge. (2) Generally, solution channels have a greater lateral than vertical extent.
Correction for instrument time constant and baseline in determination of reaction kinetics

Rates of reactions can be expressed as dn/dt = kf(n), where n is moles of reaction, k is a rate constant, and f(n) is a function of the properties of the sample. Instrumental measurement of rates requires c(dn/dt) = ckf(n), where c is the proportionality constant between the measured variable and the rate of reaction. When the product of instrument time constant, τ, and k is ≪ 1, the reaction is much slower than the time response of the instrument and measured rates are unaffected by instrument response. When τ k 1, the reaction rate and instrument response rate are sufficiently comparable that measured rates are significantly affected by instrument response and correction for instrument response must be done to obtain accurate reaction kinetics. This paper describes a method for simultaneous determination of τ, k, c, and instrument baseline by fitting equations describing the combined instrument response and rate law to rates observed as a function of time. When τ cannot be neglected, correction for instrument response has previously been done by truncating early data or by use of the Tian equation. Both methods can lead to significant errors that increase as τk increases. Inclusion of instrument baseline as a fitting parameter significantly reduced variability in k and c compared with use of measured instrument baselines. The method was tested with data on the heat rate from acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of sucrose collected with three types of calorimeters. In addition, to demonstrate the generality of this method of data analysis, equations including τ, k, c, and instrument baseline are derived for the relation between the reaction rate and the observed rate for first order, second order (first in each reactant), nth order in one reactant, autocatalytic, Michaelis–Menten kinetics, and the Ng equation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 53–61, 2011
Role of Nanotechnology in Pharmaceutical Product Development

A number of new molecular entities (NMEs) selected for full-scale development based on their safety and pharmacological data suffer from undesirable physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties, which lead to poor pharmacokinetics and distribution after in vivo administration. An optimization of the preformulation studies to develop a dosage form with proper drug delivery system to achieve desirable pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties can aid in the accelerated development of these NMEs into therapies. Nanoparticulate drug delivery systems show a promising approach to obtain desirable druglike properties by altering the biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics properties of the molecule. Apart from the advantages of enhancing potential for systemic administration, nanoparticulate drug delivery systems can also be used for site-specific delivery, thus alleviating unwanted toxicity due to nonspecific distribution, improve patient compliance, and provide favorable clinical outcomes. This review summarizes some of the parameters and approaches that can be used to evaluate nanoparticulate drug delivery systems in early stages of formulation development.
Income predictors of smoking cessation among Hispanics.

Higher socioeconomic status smokers are more successful at smoking cessation. Few studies have investigated the prospective association between multiple measures of socioeconomic status and Hispanic smoking cessation. We assessed four measures to examine which predicted smoking cessation. Hispanics without debt had 18.5 times higher odds of 30-day cessation (odds ratio = 18.47, 95% confidence interval = 3.26–104.66, p < .01) and 11-fold increased odds of 7-day point prevalence abstinence (odds ratio = 11.32, 95% confidence interval = 2.45–52.24, p < .01) at 3-month follow-up. Yearly income, education, work status, money to see a doctor, and money for medications were not predictive of smoking cessation. Debt level may better measure socioeconomic inequities by capturing objective and subjective social status associated with Hispanic smoking cessation.
Contested Virilities: Constructing Masculinity in Dante’s Tenzone with Forese

This study explores the construction of Forese Donati’s gendered identity in Dante’s tenzone with Forese and, to a lesser extent, in the Purgatorio. The contradictory Forese episodes are analyzed in terms of gender practice and performance, and shown to be complementary representations of masculinity. I argue that as an aggressive contest for verbal dominance, the tenzone with Forese captures the dynamic struggle to assert hegemonic virility within Florence’s urban aristocracy. Viewed through the lens of a society that placed specific demands upon the men entrusted with the care of their households, Forese’s maleness is measured against his (in)ability to physically, economically, and affectively satisfy the needs of his wife. A gendered approach provides new insights into the nature of Dante’s comic insults, and casts doubt on some of the basic assumptions behind palinodic readings that connect the two encounters with Forese.
Organic sonochemistry. Ultrasound-promoted coupling of organic halides in the presence of lithium wire

Abstract Alkyl, aromatic, benzylic and benzoyl halides have been successfully coupled in good yields using lithium wire suspended in tetrahydrofuran and ultrasound.
Frequencies of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes regulating inflammatory responses in a community-based population

Background Allele frequencies reported from public databases or articles are mostly based on small sample sizes. Differences in genotype frequencies by age, race and sex have implications for studies designed to examine genetic susceptibility to disease. In a community-based cohort of 9,960 individuals, we compared the allele frequencies of 49 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes involved in inflammatory pathways to the frequencies reported on public databases, and examined the genotypes frequencies by age and sex. The genes in which SNPs were analyzed include CCR2, CCR5, COX1, COX2, CRP, CSF1, CSF2, IFNG, IL1A, IL1B, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL13, IL18, LTA, MPO, NOS2A, NOS3, PPARD, PPARG, PPARGC1 and TNF.
Creating “Communicative Spaces”: A Case of NGO Community Organizing for HIV/AIDS Prevention

This study uses the case study method to investigate the processes used by a local nongovernmental organization called the Society for People's Action for Development to organize sex workers in the slums of Bangalore, India, for HIV/AIDS prevention. The nongovernmental organization-facilitated HIV/AIDS program is based on the new paradigm of community organizing that encourages community participation and capacity building. Grounded in the culture-centered approach, this study documents the processes used to organize the women, while highlighting the role of communication in these processes. The study identifies 4 primary processes used to mobilize the community, namely collectivization, community awareness and sensitization, capacity building, and providing legal education and support. Each of these processes highlights the importance of attending to the economic, social, and political realities that shape the health of women. The common thread linking these processes together is the notion of "voice." More specifically, each process serves as a catalyst to produce discursive practices that enable women to provide support to each other, increase awareness in the community about the problems that they face, build self-reliance through financial skills training and communication training, and defend their legal rights. In addition, the study suggests that the primary role of nongovernmental organizations should be the creation of "communicative spaces," which are discursive and material spaces within marginalized communities and mainstream society where cultural participants can identify problems (oftentimes beyond the realm of health), manage solutions to those problems, and advocate for health and social change.
Constitutive Trafficking—More Than Just Running in Circles?

The CB1 cannabinoid receptors are among the most highly expressed G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the brain. Their activation has been associated with a wide range of behaviors, including cognition, pain perception, drug addiction, and memory consolidation, and they have been pharmaceutically targeted for pain therapies, smoking cessation, and appetite control. The CB1 receptor has been challenging to study at the molecular level given the hydrophobic nature of its lipid-based agonists and difficulties expressing the recombinant cDNA in cellular cultures. Early transfection studies in cell cultures revealed predominantly intracellular localization of the CB1 receptor and it was not clear whether this was the "normal" distribution or whether this was some artifact of the cellular model systems. However, studies of the endogenously expressed CB1 receptors using specific antibodies have shown that the there is usually a distinct intracellular, vesicular localization of the CB1 receptor. Confocal microscopy analysis reveals that the intracellular CB1 receptors are localized to vesicles, which implies that the receptors are "trafficking" or undergoing a continuous cycle of internalization and membrane relocalization. The article by McDonald et al. (p. 976) in this issue of Molecular Pharmacology addresses whether this constitutive trafficking is related to the activation state of the receptor and whether it plays a role in axonal versus somatodendritic receptor localization.
Some theorems in haploscopic vision

Abstract Three formal hypotheses are specified concerning the combination of neural signals from the two eyes. The hypotheses are (1) that a large uniform light presented to the opposite eye has no effect (independence), (2) that all information from one eye relevant to a given percept (for example, brightness) is encoded by a single neural signal (isolation), and (3) the mutually exclusive and exhaustive alternative to isolation (interaction). Though independence or isolation often has been claimed or simply assumed to hold, these hypotheses imply specific empirical relationships. These relationships are derived for brightness and for equilibrium colors. In addition, one model consistent with the interaction hypothesis is developed. The isolation hypothesis is important for generalizing results from monocular experiments to normal binocular vision. If it is false, monocular results can reflect a combination of one eye's neural signals that never occurs with binocular stimuli.
Renal function after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy to a solitary kidney.

Studying renal function in patients with a solitary kidney undergoing SWL eliminates the compensatory effects of an untreated contralateral kidney and thus indicates any loss of function in the treated kidney. In 17 patients with a preoperative serum creatinine clearance of 1.5 mg/dl or less who underwent SWL to a solitary kidney, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated by the formula of Cockcroft and Gault, which correlates significantly with measured creatinine clearance. A change of ≥20% in the GFR was considered a clinically significant deterioration of renal function. In 12 patients with 24 months' follow-up (mean 36 months) had an average 22% reduction in the estimated GFR. This long-term effect is similar to the 29% long-term reduction in renal function recorded after percutaneous nephrolithotomy in solitary kidneys. Multiple stones, higher numbers of shock waves, and re...
Enzymatic synthesis of L-cystathionine from the succinic ester of L-homoserine.

Abstract The product of the reaction between l -cysteine and O- succinyl - l - homoserine , catalyzed by an enzyme from Salmonella, has been shown to be l -cystathionine. The three times recrystallized reaction product and authentic l -cystathionine have identical infrared spectra and optical-rotary dispersion curves, are decomposed at equal rates by a 100-fold purified cystathionine β-cleavage enzyme from Escherichia coli, have the same RF's on paper chromatography and are both desulfurated by Raney nickel into l -alanine and l -α-aminobutyric acid.
Ego identity status and expressive writing among high school and college students

Several studies were conducted to assess the relationship between expressive writing (poetry writing and journal keeping) and ego identity development among high school and college students. In three independent comparisons, poetry writers were more likely than students not writing poetry to have previously resolved identity crises (i.e., to be in the identity achiever status). There were also indications that students who had never written poetry were more likely to be in the foreclosure and identity diffusion statuses. No differences in identity development were found between students keeping personal journals and those who had not kept journals. A comparison was made of the themes most frequently chosen as the subject for each type of expressive writing and the functions such writings were believed to be serving. Possible explanations for why poetry writing, but not journal keeping, is related to ego identity formation are discussed.
Development of glutamate binding sites and their regulation by calcium in rat hippocampus

The postnasal development of the Na-independent [3H]glutamate binding sites, which exhibit some characteristics of postsynaptic glutamate receptors, has been studied in rat hippocampal membranes. The amount of binding sites (expressed in pmol/hippocampus) represents 4% of the adult level at postnatal day (PND) 4, increases very rapidly until PND 9, and then increases at a slower rate reaching 80% of the adult value at PND 23. In contrast, the density of binding sites (expressed in pmol/mg protein) exhibits a maximum at PND 9 and slowly decreases to reach the adult value at PND 23. These changes seen to be only quantitative since the affinity (about 450nM) and Hill coefficient (about 1.0) of these binding sites remain constant throughout development. Calcium ions have been shown to markedly stimulate [3H]glutamate binding in adult hippocampal membranes. This effect appears on PND 9--10 and increases rapidly until PND 16 when it is similar to that seen in the adult rat. We also determined the minimum age at which long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission could be detected in the CA1 field of hippocampal slice preparations following repetitive electrical stimulation of the Schaffer-commissural pathways. LTP was only rarely detected at PND 8 whereas it could be reliably obtained after PND 9. These results indicate that the postnatal development of Na-independent glutamate binding sites closely parallels synapse formation in the hippocampus, further supporting the idea that the binding sites are associated with a physiological receptor. They also show that the appearance of the stimulatory effect of calcium on glutamate binding occurs at a time when several forms of synaptic plasticity appear in the hippocampus. In particular the correlation of the development of LTP with the calcium-stimulation of glutamate binding suggests that these phenomena have similar cellular mechanisms.
Post-treatment sarcoma in breast cancer patients.

Background: Many patients treated for breast cancer with radiotherapy will survive their disease and be at risk for treatment-related sarcoma for many years.
Social-Affective Characteristics in Early Adolescents Identified as Learning Disabled and Nondisabled:

This study examined social-affective characteristics, including loneliness, self-concept, integration, victimization, participation, and teacher-rated social competence across groups identified as either learning disabled or nondisabled. Subjects were students in middle schools, and the pupils with learning disabilities were enrolled in resource room special education programs. Results indicated that the two comparison groups differed significantly on every measure except self-concept. Variable intercorrelations were also different across groups. Moreover, certain linear combinations of scores on the dependent measures accurately classified students into each of the comparison groups. The results are discussed in terms of the need for comprehensive assessment and treatment of students who present social-affective problems in school.
On the Quasi-linear Transport of Magnetic Field Lines

Under the assumption that a finite correlation length, Lc, exists and is much smaller than the size of the system, the quasi-linear theory for weak magnetic turbulence predicts, beyond Lc, a linear spreading of the magnetic field lines, Δr, as a function of the elapsed distance z along the main magnetic field, B0. When the power spectrum of the turbulence flattens at low wavenumbers, as was deduced from early observations of the interplanetary turbulence and is expected for an isotropic turbulence, the correlation length can be estimated as the Alfven speed times the reciprocal of the upper frequency in the flat spectrum. However, more recent measurements of the solar wind magnetic power spectrum indicate a more complex spectrum at low frequencies. The field-lines' spreading in the quasi-linear regime of turbulence is derived here as a function of z for a general power spectrum. The transport exponent α, defined by Δr ∝ zα, can be deduced from the projection along B0 of the spectrum. Normal (α = 1), supradiffusive (α > 1), and subdiffusive (α < 1) predictions are made, depending on the shape at low wavenumbers assumed for the projected spectrum, which is related to the anisotropy and ||-form of the three-dimensional spectrum.
General anaesthetics can selectively perturb lipid bilayer membranes

THE circumstantial evidence that anaesthetics act primarily by increasing the fluidity of membranes is quite strong. The gaseous, volatile, barbiturate, steroid and alcohol anaesthetics have all been shown to fluidise phosphatidylcholine–cholesterol lipid bilayers and the demonstration has also been made for some biological membranes1–4. Furthermore, a number of lipophilic substances, such as the higher alkanols, do not fluidise membranes and are not anaesthetics3. In some cases, a correlation between nerve-blocking potency and the action of anaesthetics in perturbing lipid bilayers has been observed5. Moreover, pressure counteracts the fluidising effects of anaesthetics just as it antagonises general anaesthesia in vivo6–9. The overall success of the fluidised lipid hypothesis tends to be its major drawback, for if anaesthetics fluidise membranes indiscriminantly then the hypothesis fails to provide a unique mechanism for their selective depression of neuronal function. We show here that lipid composition may modulate the ability of an anaesthetic to fluidise membranes more than has been generally supposed.
Effect of Administration of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide on Serotonin-Levels in the Body

IN a previous publication1, we have suggested that some of the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) may be mediated through its effect on the serotonin content of brain. Brodie and his associates2 have previously reported that LSD—and also some other drugs—do not release serotonin as reserpine does. However, Freedman3 has recently reported slightly raised levels of serotonin in the whole brain of rats treated with LSD. Using animals which had been given reserpine, they found a twofold increase of brain serotonin in rats treated with LSD over the controls receiving reserpine alone. The whole brain serotonin may not be a true indication of the action of a psychopharmacological agent. Thus Vogt and her associates4 have reported different effects of LSD and serotonin in different areas of the brain after intraventricular injection.
Waveform analysis of Scholte modes in ocean sediment layers

SUMMARY In an effort to determine the characteristics of seismic noise on the ocean bottom and its relationship to the structure of the sea-floor, we have adapted the method of nonlinear waveform fitting to accommodate multidimensional models (shear velocity [j and shear damping Qs), and have applied it to invert several records of interface waves (Scholte 1958) from the THUMPER experiment off southern California. Waveform fitting is a very powerful tool to determine the S velocity in the top few metres of the sediment. Starting from = 30 m s-l at the top clay layer, the S velocity increases with a gradient of 2.8 m sK1 m-' over the first 150 m of sediment. A theoretical estimation of the source strength gives coherent estimates of Qs as a function of depth for distances between 400 and 1070m from the source. The Qs models are characterized by very low values (10-20) in the top three metres, but by values in excess of 100 below that level. The results confirm the identification of the noise as harmonics of interface waves. In the area of this experiment, the largest noise amplitudes belong to the fundamental mode and penetrate to a depth of about 20 m into the sediment. The overtone energy can be appreciable too, and is noticeable to about 80m depth. The Qs structure confirms the strong influence that the sea-floor structure has on the noise spectrum. The high attenuation at frequencies above 3-4 Hz suppresses noise propagation and produces low noise at higher frequencies. (Similarly, high attenuation in the asthenosphere suppresses noise propagation below 0.1 Hz.)
Essential educational content for advanced practice in psychiatric consultation liaison nursing

Psychiatric Consultation Liaison Nursing (PCLN), an advanced practice subspecialty of psychiatric mental health nursing, has evolved over the last 4 decades in response to increased recognition of the importance of psychophysiological interrelationships and their impact on wellness, physical illness, and recovery. PCLN specialists practice in many countries although there are few PCLN programs in schools of nursing. This article defines PCLN, reviews its history, and recommends essential educational content for inclusion in a master's curriculum to prepare graduates for competent and effective PCLN practice. The educational content is based on the work of the PCLN Core Curriculum Task Force of the International Society of Psychiatric Consultation Liaison Nurses and is integrated with the 1990 Standards of Psychiatric Consultation Liaison Nursing Practice and the 2000 Standards of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice. The relationship of the PCLN educational content to other national curriculum guidelines is discussed in the proposed PCLN curriculum content.
The trilogy of mind: cognition, affection, and conation.

The tripartite classification of mental activities into cognition, affection, and conation originated in the German faculty psychology of the eighteenth century, but was adopted by the association psychologists of the nineteenth century of Scotland, England, and America. Its influence extended into the twentieth century through the writings of William McDougall. It is proposed that the classificatory scheme is still useful in the assessment of contemporary emphases in psychology, such as the present prominence of cognitive psychology to the relative neglect of affection and conation.
A 3‐hourly data set of tropical atmospheric convection

Atmospheric convection transports heat, momentum, and moisture and plays an important role in processes such as cloud formation and rainfall distribution. Improving understanding of convection on large scales could help improve weather and climate models.
Biologically Inspired Models to Train Neural Networks

A major stumbling block to the successful implementation of neural networks for nonlinear regression models is overtraining. This paper presents two models to combat overtraining, based on the biological concept that the strength of the connection between neurons develops over time. For the problems investigated, the models produce smooth solutions with no sign of overtraining. For the practical Diminishing Returns problem, the Error Constraints Model, because of its mathematical formulation, determines the minimum number of hidden layer neurons. As a result, the present work is important because, if an acceptable level of error can be specified, then the Error Constraints Model can be used to determine the network architecture. Copies of the workbook implementations of all the models presented in this paper may be downloaded from the author’s website.
SPACE CHARGE LIMITS AND CYCLOTRON BEAM ENHANCEMENT

Abstract It is shown that the ion density in the beam at small radii limits the output of cyclotrons, even f.m. cyclotrons. Space charge spreads the beam and causes a vertical loss which, in the case of slit and puller sources, can be as severe as the inverse fourth power of the radius. Correspondingly, the useful beam varies inversely as the fourth power of the effective radius where the ions first encounter large magnetic focusing forces. For open sources this dependence drops to the inverse square. For either type of source the useful internal beam is found to vary as the cube of the gain per turn. Synchrocyclotrons capture a small fraction of the space charge limited beam at small radii. Even through the f.m. rate must increase with voltage, it appears that the captured beam still varies as the cube of the gain per turn. Experimental confirmations are presented. Finally some suggestions are made for greatly increasing the output of cyclotrons, especially f.m. cyclotrons.
TCDD as a biological response modifier for Mitomycin C: Oxygen tension affects enzyme activation, reactive oxygen species and cell death

Abstract TCDD was assessed as a biological response modifier for increasing MMC cytotoxicity through aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation and increasing levels of bioreductive enzymes. Human MCF-7 cells were exposed to TCDD, MMC and combinations thereof under aerobic or hypoxic conditions. Cytotoxicity, enzyme activities (NQO1, XO, XDH, CYPR, CYP1A, GST and UGT) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were subsequently measured. Under aerobic conditions, TCDD alone had no significant toxicity but combinations of TCDD and MMC significantly increased cell death. LD 50 values were: MMC alone, 0.89 ± 0.04 μM; TCDD co-treatment, 0.26 ± 0.007 μM (P = 0.008 vs. MMC alone) and TCDD pre-treatment, 0.04 ± 0.01μM ( P = 0.003 vs. MMC alone). Under hypoxia, TCDD itself caused significant cell death, likely due to increased ROS, but no combinations of MMC/TCDD altered the LD 50 of MMC. Significant changes in enzyme activities were caused by TCDD under aerobic but not hypoxic conditions while MMC decreased the activity of its activating enzymes regardless of oxygen tension. Greater toxicity of MMC/TCDD combinations in aerobic culture, were most likely mediated by increased levels of bioreductive enzymes caused through AhR activation. Data presented herein also demonstrate that low oxygen tension decreases AhR activation and signaling and increases the inherent toxicity of TCDD.
Structure-based approach for the discovery of bis-benzamidines as novel inhibitors of matriptase

Matriptase, a trypsin-like serine protease, which may be involved in tissue remodeling, cancer invasion, and metastasis. Potent and selective matriptase inhibitors not only would be useful pharmacological tools for further elucidation of the role of matriptase in these processes but also could have therapeutic potential for the treatment and/or prevention of cancers. We report herein the structure-based approach for the discovery of bis-benzamidines as a novel class of potent matriptase inhibitors. The lead compound, hexamidine (1), inhibits not only the proteolytic activity of matriptase, (Ki = 924 nM) but also of thrombin Ki = 224 nM). By testing several available analogues, we identified a new analogue (7) that has a Ki = 208 nM against matriptase and has only weak inhibitory activity against thrombin (Ki = 2670 nM), thus displaying a 13-fold selectivity toward matriptase. Our results demonstrated that structure-based database screening is effective in the discovery of matriptase inhibitors and that bi...
Novel statistical analysis of two sources of digital chest radiographs

Statistical estimation techniques for medical images require well-founded models for the data formation and acquisition process. In our work, we attempt to quantify the appropriate empirical noise model for two alternative digital chest radiography modalities. In this study, we acquired image sets from the same clinical x-ray unit using photostimulable phosphor plates (PPP) and film/screen. The images were acquired in the range of 1-9 mR. The PPP data, at 1760 by 2140 pixels, were transferred directly to our workstations for analysis, and the films were digitized at 2048 by 2480 pixels (0.2 mm resolution for both modalities). 1024 by 1024 regions of interest (ROIs) without edge effects or artifacts were then extracted. Using Fourier transform methods, the noise power spectra were formed for all the images with smoothing applied near the axes to exclude frequency components due to beam profile, detector inhomogeneity and other structural noise. The noise power spectra were then integrated to find the variance at the exposure in question. This corresponds to an estimate of the non-structural variance. The data for all images obtained with one method were finally combined to form the variance function (variance as a function of the mean) for the modality. The data show that for the range of exposure considered, the PPP and digitized film modalities exhibit significant differences in noise structure. Subtle differences in the noise power spectra were seen. Of particular interest to our application, however, the variance function in the two cases was seen to differ in its functional form. The data from the photostimulable phosphor plates correspond well to a linear model (variance proportional to the mean) throughout most of the range investigated, whereas the digitized film variance function corresponds better to a higher-degree polynomial fit over the range considered. This study indicates that separate models may be warranted for different sources of digital chest radiographs and also suggests the type of assumption that, based on empirical findings, may be useful in such a framework.
Time-dependent adaptation in the hemodynamic response to hypoxia

Abstract In rats, acute exposure to hypoxia causes a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) caused by a predominance of hypoxic vasodilation over chemoreflex-induced vasoconstriction. We previously demonstrated that exposure to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) impairs hypoxic vasodilation in isolated resistance arteries; therefore, we hypothesized that the acute systemic hemodynamic responses to hypoxia would be altered by exposure to CIH. To test this hypothesis, rats were exposed to CIH for 14 days. Heart rate (HR) and MAP were monitored by telemetry. On the first day of CIH exposure, acute episodes of hypoxia caused a decrease in MAP (−9 ± 5 mmHg) and an increase in HR (+45 ± 4 beats/min). On the 14th day of CIH exposure the depressor response was attenuated (−4 ± 1 mmHg; 44% of the day 1 response) and the tachycardia was enhanced (+68 ± 2 beats/min; 151% of the day 1 response). The observed time-dependent modulation of the acute hemodynamic responses to hypoxia may reflect important changes in neurocirculatory regulation that contribute to CIH-induced hypertension.
Vibrational spectra, conformational stability and ab initio calculations of chlorosulfonyl isocyanate

Abstract The infrared (2500–3500 cm−1) and Raman (2500–10000 cm−1) spectra of gaseous and solid chlorosulfonyl isocyanate, ClSO2NCO, have been recorded. Additionally, the Raman spectrum of the liquid has been obtained with qualitative depolarization ratios and the infrared spectrum of xenon solutions at low temperatures (−60–−100°C) have been recorded. All of these data have been interpreted on the basis of a single gauche conformer (ClSNC ≅ 98°) present in all three physical states. A complete vibrational assignment is provided based on infrared and Raman relative intensities, depolarization values and normal coordinate calculations. Ab initio calculations have been carried out at the RHF 3–21G ∗ , RHF 6–31G ∗ and MP2 6–31G ∗ levels from which structural parameters, conformational stabilities and vibrational data have been obtained. The theoretical predictions are compared with the experimental results where appropriate.
Substituent and solvent effects on the 31P NMR chemical shifts of substituted diethyl phenylphosphonates

Abstract The effect of various substituent groups on the 31P NMR chemical shifts of a series of substituted diethyl phenylphosphonates in acetone and ethanol has been observed. The linear correlation of the 31P chemical shifts with the Hammett σ constants was opposite to that expected on the basis of the electron-withdrawing ability of the substituent as was also found in the case of the acid analogs. Several hydrogen-bonding “mechanisms” are proposed to account for the solvent effect on the chemical shifts of both the esters and the acids.
SU‐E‐T‐321: Scatter Factor and Dose Per MU Verification for FFF Fields

Purpose: To calculate scatter factor (SF) for flattening filter free (FFF) fields using pencil‐beam convolution and equivalent square methods, and determine the accuracy of the predicted dose per MU in both cases by comparison with experimental data. Methods: Scatter factor and dose per MU were calculated for 6xFFF and 10xFFF linac Varian TrueBeam at the benchmark points using two methods. The equivalent square method assumed constant SF based on the field size. In the convolution method, the off‐axis scatter factor values were found by calculating a convolution of an extrapolated scatter kernel, based on measured data, with primary off‐axis ratio (POAR) values. Essentially, the equivalent square method assumed a flat beam profile, while the convolution method took into account the actual shape of the beam. Results: The normalized scatter factor values were up to 25% different between two methods. Since the convolution method took into account that FFF fields are non‐uniform, it was superior for the accurate FFF beam dose calculation. Conclusion: This work indicates the importance of precise scatter factor determination to accurately predict D/MU for FFF beams due to non‐uniform beam profile. The implication for secondary MU calculation will be discussed.
Interplay between poxviruses and the cellular ubiquitin/ubiquitin-like pathways

Post-translational polypeptide tagging by conjugation with ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like (Ub/Ubl) molecules is a potent way to alter protein functions and/or sort specific protein targets to the proteasome for degradation. Many poxviruses interfere with the host Ub/Ubl system by encoding viral proteins that can usurp this pathway. Some of these include viral proteins of the membrane-associated RING-CH (MARCH) domain, p28/Really Interesting New Gene (RING) finger, ankyrin-repeat/F-box and Broad-complex, Tramtrack and Bric-a-Brac (BTB)/Kelch subgroups of the E3 Ub ligase superfamily. Here we describe and discuss the various strategies used by poxviruses to target and subvert the host cell Ub/Ubl systems.
Control synthesis for flexible space structures excited by persistent disturbances

Both classical and state-space synthesis methods for active control of flexible space structures in the presence of persistent disturbances are presented. The methods exploit the so-called internal model principle for asymptotic disturbance rejection. A generic example of flexible space structures is used to illustrate the simplicity of the proposed design methodologies. The concept of a disturbance rejection filter dipole is introduced from a classical control viewpoint. It is shown that the proposed design methods will invariably make use of non-minimum-phase compensation for a class of noncolocated control problems. The need for tradeoffs between performance and parameter robustness is discussed.