cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temperature dependence of infrared absorption by the water vapor continuum near 1200 cm(-1).

Infrared absorption by the water vapor continuum near 1200 cm−1 has been measured with a lead-tin-telluride diode laser over a 40.5-m optical path. The measurements were made as a function of temperature from 333 K to 473 K; thus, they overlap and extend previous measurements made at temperatures between 293 K and 388 K. Over the entire temperature range studied here, the continuum extinction coefficient increases quadratically with water-vapor partial pressure as expected for the relatively high partial pressures used in these measurements. At temperatures below 398 K, our measured extinction coefficients agree well with previously reported data. At higher temperatures, however, the extinction coefficient is almost independent of temperature and is substantially larger than predicted by empirical formulas. Values of the self-broadening coefficient for water vapor have been extracted from the experimental data, and a possible interpretation of the results involving both dimer and line-broadening effects is presented.
Ectopic hormone syndromes.

(1986). Clinical Science Review: Ectopic Hormone Syndromes. Cancer Investigation: Vol. 4, No. 6, pp. 543-554.
Damage tolerance reliability analysis of automotive spot-welded joints

Abstract This paper develops a damage tolerance reliability analysis methodology for automotive spot-welded joints under multi-axial and variable amplitude loading history. The total fatigue life of a spot weld is divided into two parts, crack initiation and crack propagation. The multi-axial loading history is obtained from transient response finite element analysis of a vehicle model. A three-dimensional finite element model of a simplified joint with four spot welds is developed for static stress/strain analysis. A probabilistic Miner's rule is combined with a randomized strain-life curve family and the stress/strain analysis result to develop a strain-based probabilistic fatigue crack initiation life prediction for spot welds. Afterwards, the fatigue crack inside the base material sheet is modeled as a surface crack. Then a probabilistic crack growth model is combined with the stress analysis result to develop a probabilistic fatigue crack growth life prediction for spot welds. Both methods are implemented with MSC/NASTRAN and MSC/FATIGUE software, and are useful for reliability assessment of automotive spot-welded joints against fatigue and fracture.
Neutron irradiation effects in superconducting A-15 compounds

The superconducting properties of A-15 (β-W) compounds are severely degraded when exposed to high energy neutron (E>1 MeV) irradiation at ambient reactor temperatures. Depressions in the superconducting transition temperature Tc, the upper critical field Hc2, critical current Ic, and degree of Long Range Order are observed above a fluence of ∼1018 n/cm2. These depressions are due to the disorder produced in the A-15 structure by the high energy neutrons.
Partitioning of iron and magnesium between crystals and partial melts in peridotite upper mantle

The iron-magnesium distribution coefficient, $$K'_D = (X_{\Sigma {\text{FeO}}} /X_{{\text{MgO}}} )^{{\text{olivine}}} (X_{{\text{MgO}}} /X_{\Sigma {\text{FeO}}} )^{{\text{liquid}}} ,$$ has frequently been used as a means of testing whether experimental and natural silicate liquids could have been in equilibrium with olivine of mantle composition. It is shown here that this K′ D decreases with increasing oxygen fugacity (xxx) for a hydrous partial melt in equilibrium with a natural spinel peridotite assemblage under pressure and temperature conditions corresponding to those of the upper mantle (from 0.52 at the xxx of the iron-wustite buffer to 0.04 at the xxx of the magnetite-hematite buffer). K′ D also increases with increasing pressure, with decreasing temperature, and probably with increasing Mg/(Mg+∑ Fe) of the parental peridotite, suggesting that $$K_D = (X_{{\text{FeO}}} /X_{{\text{MgO}}} )^{{\text{olivine}}} (X_{{\text{MgO}}} /X_{{\text{FeO}}} )^{{\text{liquid}}}$$ also increases with increasing pressure and decreasing temperature. Thus, unless these four variables (P, T, xxx, silicate composition) are known for a natural magma, K′ D and probably K D are variables, and the Mg/(Mg+∑ Fe) of such a magma cannot be correlated to that of the parent. The K D determined at 1 atm pressure by Roeder and Emslie has frequently been used to test whether the Mg/(Mg+∑ Fe) ratios of experimentally formed liquids at high pressure in equilibrium with olivine of known Fo content represent the equilibrium Mg/(Mg+Fe2+) of this liquid, assuming that ∑Fe=Fe2+ and that K′ D does not vary with P, T, and composition of the system. Published data demonstrate that the oxygen fugacities of the experimental designs employed by different laboratories vary between those of the magnetite-hematite and magnetite-wustite buffers (6 orders of magnitude), resulting in K′ D between 0.04 and 0.31 at 1050° C and 15 kbar, for example. Thus, published arguments as to whether the quenched liquids represent equilibrium compositions based on iron-magnesium partitioning are inadequate. The effects of P, T, xxx, and the composition of the starting material must also be considered.
Modulus of tightly crosslinked polymers related to concentration and length of chains

The equilibrium shear modulus G of network polymers increases rapidly with the chain concentration ν when ν ≳ 10−3 mol/cm3. This behavior is accounted for by the equation G=ΦnνRTΓ(1/λm) where Φn(=rt2/r00) may depend on n, the mean number of backbone bonds per chain, and Γ(1/λm) is a function of 1/λm, the mean fractional extension of chains in the isotropic (undeformed) network. In turn, 1/λm=(ΦnCn/q2n)1/2, where Cn is a characteristic ratio (= r02/n/2) which, for short chains, depends on n, and q is a constant determined by bond angles and lengths. An expression for Γ, suggested by a well known equation for a regular cubic network of freely jointed volumeless chains, is derived and then shown to be approximated closely by Γapp=5λ/(5λ-6) for 1/λm 9.6, but that Φn increases twofold with decreasing n when n < 9.6. This variation is consistent with the assumption that the volume pervaded by the chains joined at a junction cannot be occupied by other chains.
Effect of peak broadening on structure in the region of the ρ 0 -meson

Resul ts of spark chamber exper iments repor ted at the Dubna Conference (1.2) indicate t ha t the mass spec t rum of the pO-meson actual ly m a y consist of more t h a n one peak. However , publ i shed bubble chamber resul ts of comparable s ta t is t ical accuracy general ly show a single peak in the region of the po. We would like to po in t out here tha t these resul ts ac tua l ly m a y not be conflicting. The discrepancies perhaps can be resolved by invoking, a long wi th differences in the mass resolut ion of the
Aggressive infantile fibromatosis pulmonary metastases documented by plain film and computed tomography

Aggressive infantile fibromatosis, one of the juvenile fibromatoses, is generally considered a benign lesion, but it does tend to recur locally because of its invasive nature. Distant metastases are considered rare. This case report documents pulmonary metastases arising 2 years after resection of the primary lesion from the thigh of an infant. This is the seventh reported case of distant metastasis from aggressive infantile fibromatosis. Computed tomography of the original lesion as well as the metastases are presented.
On a possible evidence for Cantorian space–time in cosmic ray astrophysics

Abstract It is known that invariance under Lorentz transformations is a fundamental principle underlying both relativity and quantum field theory. It has been recently suggested that global Lorentz invariance is only an approximate symmetry of nature that may be broken for subnuclear particles participating in high-energy interactions. In particular, several research groups have argued that violation of Lorentz invariance may provide a satisfactory answer to anomalies reported in the detection of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays (UHECR) and TeV-photon spectra. Since breaking of Lorentz invariance amounts to a manifest violation of relativity, it is highly desirable to search for alternative explanations of these anomalies. Our work suggests a possible solution that complies with relativity and is consistent with the Cantorian geometry of space–time at high-energy scales.
A non-linear theory of elastic directed curves

Abstract A non-linear theory of elastic directed curves is developed on the basis of a postulated principle of virtual work. A strain energy function is assumed such that in addition to the classical stress, there exists double stress with and without moment. The basic equilibrium equations, boundary conditions and constitutive relations are derived. In addition to the classical equations of force and moment equilibrium, there are found to exist six equations which govern the double stress without moment. In the case of a special class of deformations in which the directors do not deform, the equilibrium equations reduce to the classical set. A simple example is considered which illustrates the possibility of the theory leading to permanent deformations.
Improved method for predicting polyp location from CT colonography for optical colonoscopy

The ability to accurately locate a polyp found on computed tomographic colonography (CTC) at subsequent optical colonoscopy (OC) is an important part of CTC for colorectal cancer screening. A previous study has shown that a polyp's normalized distance along the colon centerline (NDACC) derived from CTC data can be utilized to predict its location at OC. We present a novel and automated method using a high degree uniform B-Spline curve fitting of the colon centerline on CTC to simulate OC colonoscope paths in order to more accurately predict polyp position. This evaluation is to determine whether the B-Spline method produces statistically significant improvement over the NDACC method in terms of prediction errors within 5 and 10 cm (± 1 colonoscope mark). Two-tailed Fisher's Exact Tests indicate the B-Spline method is superior to the NDACC method, especially for locating polyps in the central portion of the colon. The ability to predict polyp locations within 5 and 10 cm increased 31.5 % and 10.2 % respectively using the B-Spline method.
Importance of the Different Proteolytic Sites of the Proteasome and the Efficacy of Inhibitors Varies with the Protein Substrate

The relative importance of the different proteolytic sites in mammalian proteasomes in protein degradation has not been studied systematically. Nevertheless, it is widely assumed that inhibition of the chymotrypsin-like site, the primary target of the proteasome inhibitors used in research and cancer therapy, reflects the degree of inhibition of protein breakdown. Here we demonstrate that selective inactivation of the chymotrypsin-like site reduced degradation of model proteins by pure 26 S proteasomes by only 11-50% and decreased only slightly the breakdown of proteins in HeLa cells. Inactivation of the caspase-like site decreased breakdown of model proteins by 12-22% and of the trypsin-like site by 3-35%. The relative contributions of these different sites depended on the protein substrate, and the importance of the trypsin-like sites depended on the substrate's content of basic residues. Simultaneous inhibition of the chymotrypsin-like and the caspase- or trypsin-like sites was needed to reduce degradation by >50%. Thus, 1) all three types of active sites contribute significantly to protein breakdown, 2) their relative importance varies widely with the substrate, 3) assaying the chymotrypsin-like activity overestimates the actual reduction in protein degradation, and 4) inhibition of multiple sites is required to markedly decrease proteolysis.
Polyethylene Bags and Solar Ultraviolet Radiation

This technical comment questions the use of polyethylene bags to collect and store samples in a previously reported study on the effects of solar ultraviolet radiation on natural phytoplankton assemblages in Antarctic waters. A significant difference in the photosynthetic rates was noted for samples in glassware as opposed to bags, although the overall conclusions remained similar. A response by the original authors is included. 1 tab.
An application of genetic algorithms to lot-streaming flow shop scheduling

A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm (HGA) approach is proposed for a lot-streaming flow shop scheduling problem, in which a job (lot) is split into a number of smaller sublots so that successive operations can be overlapped. The objective is the minimization of the mean weighted absolute deviation of job completion times from due dates. This performance criterion has been shown to be non-regular and requires a search among schedules with intermittent idle times to find an optimal solution. For a given job sequence, a Linear Programming (LP) formulation is presented to obtain optimal sublot completion times. Objective function values of LP solutions are used to guide the HGA's search toward the best sequence. The performance of the HGA approach is compared with that of a pairwise interchange method.
Ordovician Trilobites from the Romaine and Mingan Formations (Ibexian-Late Whiterockian), Mingan Islands, Quebec

The Romaine Formation of the Mingan Islands, Quebec, contains a limited trilobite fauna of five genera (Bolbocephalus, Peltabellia, Petigurus, Strigigenalis, Strotactinus) with Lower Ordovician Ibexian (Floian) affinity, succeeded by two genera (Acidiphorus, Pseudomera) of early Middle Ordovician Whiterockian (Dapingian) affinity. Trilobites of later Whiterockian (Darriwillian) affinity are more abundant in the overlying Mingan Formation, with 29 genera (Amphilichas, Bathyurus, Calyptaulax, Ceraurinella, Cybeloides, Dolichoharpes, Encrinuroides, Eobronteus, Eorobergia, Failleana, Glaphurina, Glaphurus, Hibbertia, Hyboaspis, Illaenus, Isotelus, Kawina, Nieskowskia, Phorocephala, Pandaspinapyga, Pliomerops, Remopleurides, Sphaerexochus [including S. valcourensis n. sp.], Sphaerocoryphe, Stenopareia, Thaleops, Thulincola, Uromystrum, and Vogdesia). Lectotypes are selected for Mingan species of Illaenus, Peltabellia, Petigurus, Sphaerexochus, Stenopareia, and Thaleops. A number of genera form biofacies which can be related to lithofacies. Taken together with Chazy Group and Northwest Territories trilobite faunas, Mingan trilobites provide critical information on late Whiterockian trilobite distributions in Laurentia in far more detail than seen in the stratotype area of Nevada.
Epidermal growth factor: internal duplication and probable relationship to pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor.

Abstract The sequence of the first half of epidermal growth factor is related to that of the second half, indicating a gene elongation through duplication; it is also similar to that of pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor, which suggests a common evolutionary origin for these two proteins. Statistical evaluation shows that it is very unlikely that either similarity in sequence could have occurred by chance. The two proteins may also be functionally related, as each forms a complex with an arginine esterase.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in men with human immunodeficiency virus

The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This is a prospective cohort study of HIV patients undergoing RALP, comparing the demographics, tumor characteristics, complications, and short-term oncological outcomes of HIV-positive men to HIV-negative men using univariate (χ2, Mann–Whitney test) and multivariable (logistic regression) analyses. From 2007 to 2010, 298 men underwent RALP, 8 of whom were known to be HIV positive. Preoperatively, all eight were taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and had undetectable viral loads (<50); mean CD4 count was 634 cells per mm3. HIV-positive men were younger (54 versus 62 years, P=0.010) and less likely to be white (P=0.007). There were no significant differences between groups with respect to clinical staging, pathological and oncological outcomes or most complication rates. However, the prevalence of perioperative transfusions (P=0.031) and ileus (P=0.021) were higher in HIV-positive patients. HIV remained significantly associated with risk of transfusion after adjustment for age, race, Gleason sum and clinical T stage (P=0.002). After a median of 2.6 (range 0.03–19.2) months of follow-up, PSA remained undetectable in all eight HIV patients. These data suggest that RALP is safe for, and demonstrates short-term oncological efficacy in, HIV-positive patients with PCa.
An evolutionary intra-molecular shift in the preferred U3 snoRNA binding site on pre-ribosomal RNA

Correct docking of U3 small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) on pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) is essential for rRNA processing to produce 18S rRNA. In this report, we have used Xenopus oocytes to characterize the structural requirements of the U3 snoRNA 3'-hinge interaction with region E1 of the external transcribed spacer (ETS) of pre-rRNA. This interaction is crucial for docking to initiate rRNA processing. 18S rRNA production was inhibited when fewer than 6 of the 8 bp of the U3 3'-hinge complex with the ETS could form; moreover, base pairing involving the right side of the 3'-hinge was more important than the left. Increasing the length of the U3 hinge-ETS interaction by 9 bp impaired rRNA processing. Formation of 18S rRNA was also inhibited by swapping the U3 5'- and 3'-hinge interactions with the ETS or by shifting the base pairing of the U3 3'-hinge to the sequence directly adjacent to ETS region E1. However, 18S rRNA production was partially restored by a compensatory shift that allowed the sequence adjacent to the U3 3'-hinge to pair with the eight bases directly adjacent to ETS region E1. The results suggest that the geometry of the U3 snoRNA interaction with the ETS is critical for rRNA processing.
Modeling complex systems for EMC and signal integrity

Full wave electromagnetic modeling tools and techniques are well suited to give very accurate results to relatively limited problems, such as shielding effectiveness of simple enclosures, effects of vias in printed circuit boards (PCBs), effects of grounding heat sinks on PCBs, and many others. However, real world systems are very complex and much more complicated than these simple structures. Although today's techniques and computer systems allow modeling of much more complex structures than in the past, it is still very unrealistic to expect to use full wave EM tools for complete systems except in very limited cases. This paper describes recent applications of very large models using various modeling techniques. The limits for practical amounts of RAM and solution time are discussed. Another approach to solving large complex problems is to break the problem into smaller portions, solve each portion individually, and then combine the results from each portion into an overall solution. The individual portions must be able to be analyzed individually and not be affected by other individual portions of the overall problem. This paper gives some examples of this requirement and discusses how to determine if this requirement is met or not.
Subtalar Joint Dislocations

Dislocations of the subtalar joint are rare injuries. The anatomy, pathophysiology, treatment, and prognosis of subtalar joint dislocations have been well described in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature on subtalar joint dislocations, as well as outline those aspects of the anatomy, pathomechanics, and treatment pertinent to care of the patient with subtalar joint dislocation. In addition, complications and obstacles to reduction are described. Subtalar joint dislocations, although not common, have increased in frequency over the last decade. Generally, they can be treated successfully with closed reduction and a short period of cast immobilization. The majority of patients will suffer some disability with subtalar joint stiffness the primary complaint. Associated intra-articular fractures increase the risk of posttraumatic arthrosis.
Abstract 2041: Inhibition of autophagy in melanoma: using cell lines to model chloroquine sensitivity.

Metastatic melanoma offers an ongoing clinical challenge. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate in 2012 for stage IV melanoma is only about 15% even with therapies. To improve outcomes, it is important to investigate new pathways involved in the regulation of metastasis as possible targets for prevention or treatment, such as autophagy. Autophagy (self-eating pathway) destroys a cell9s damaged proteins and organelles through lysosomal degradation and has been shown to play roles in a wide variety of normal physiological processes including energy metabolism, nutrient or stress responses, growth regulation, and aging. The role of dysregulated autophagy in melanoma has not been well characterized. Preliminary research found cutaneous malignant melanoma cells display high levels of autophagy suggesting that this cellular process may provide an active metabolic state for invasive and metastatic melanoma. Chloroquine (CLQ), a classic antimalarial agent, is a potent inhibitor of autophagy and has been used safely in human patients for decades. This study is designed to dissect the role of autophagy in melanoma using melanoma cell lines (e.g. SK-Mel 19, 103, and 147), and primary melanocytes as controls to determine whether these cell types respond to CLQ as measured by cell viability . Similar to pancreatic and prostate cancer cell lines, our preliminary results indicate that metastatic melanoma cells require autophagy for growth and show high sensitivity to CLQ at doses as low as 20uM which resulted in greater than 60% decreases in cell viability. These findings suggest that metastatic melanoma cell lines rely on lysosomal degradation to a greater extent than what has been reported for other cell types. In addition, both N-ras mutation and androgen deprivation mitigate the effects of CLQ on melanoma cells. Ongoing experiments will confirm the expression of autophagy related genes, as well as imaging to determine the rate of autophagy in these cell lines. Finally, we will introduce stripped hormonal factors including vitamin D and estrogen, to evaluate whether this addition will progressively restore the original chloroquine sensitive phenotype. Findings from this work have the potential to be immediately translatable to patients as CLQ is already approved for therapeutic use in other human diseases. Citation Format: Kirsten A. White, Salina M. Torres, Natalia J. Gurule, Marianne Berwick, Chien-An A. Hu. Inhibition of autophagy in melanoma: using cell lines to model chloroquine sensitivity. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2041. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2041
The Internet in Indian Country

Abstract Even though access is still unreliable and under-supported, tribal councils and reservation schools are embracing digital technology with relative enthusiasm. Three main patterns of technology use emerge: (1) technology for communications and information-sharing is widely used at the tribal government level; (2) multimedia and presentational technologies are favored in tribal schools or small public schools with Indian majorities; and (3) stand-alone computer drills are exploited in large public schools with non-Indian student majorities. Despite the different patterns of use in these different contexts, most support a common agenda: to support Native ways of knowing and interacting in the world.
Ultimate bearing capacity analysis of strip footings on reinforced soil foundation

Abstract Reinforced soil foundations (RSFs) have been employed in engineering practice to increase the soil bearing capacity and to reduce the potential footing settlement. The aim of this study is to develop analytical solutions for estimating the ultimate bearing capacity of strip footings on RSFs. A general failure mode for RSFs was first proposed based on previous studies conducted by the authors and test results from literature study. A limit equilibrium stability analysis of RSFs was performed based on the proposed failure mechanism. New bearing capacity formulas, which consider both the confinement and the membrane effects of reinforcements on the increase in ultimate bearing capacity, were then developed for strip footings on RSFs. Several special cases of RSFs were presented and discussed. The proposed model was verified by the experimental data reported in the published literature. The predicted ultimate bearing capacity was in good agreement with the results of model tests reported in the literature. The study showed that the depth of the punching shear failure zone (DP) depends on the relative strength of the reinforced soil layer and the underlying unreinforced soil layer, and is directly related to the reinforced ratio (Rr).
Current quark mass and g−2 of muon and ee+→π+π−

Abstract Based on a phenomenologically successful effective chiral theory of pseudoscalar, vector, and axial-vector mesons the dependences of ρ – ω mixing and the vertex ωππ on m d − m u are found. Using the new data of ee + → π − π + , m d − m u has been determined to be 4.24 MeV. The form factor of pion agrees with data in both space- and time-like regions. The branching ratio of τ → ππν is computed to be 25.14% which agrees with data. CVC is satisfied. The values of g −2 of muon from ππ channel are calculated in the range of q 2 2 GeV 2 .
Rat copper/zinc superoxide dismutase gene: isolation, characterization, and species comparison.

Abstract A 13 kb rat Cu ZnSOD genomic clone has been purified from a rat liver genomic library and completely characterized by restriction mapping, detailed sequencing and Southern blot analysis. This gene spans approximately 6 kb and contains five exons and four introns. Comparison of rat, mouse, and human Cu ZnSOD genes reveals a high conservation in genomic organization and exon-intron junctions, including an unusual 5′GC donor sequence at the first intron. The gene contains a TATA box as well as an inverted CCAAT box, a feature common to both the mouse and human genes. Furthermore, several repeats were identified in the 5′ promoter region of this gene, and these regulatory elements are also strikingly conserved in these three species.
Towards robust trust in software defined networks

Software defined networks (SDNs) are becoming more popular in industry, though currently still only deployed by technically-savvy organizations. Nevertheless, as the advantages of using SDN become clear, future adoption promises to be high, with all network equipment vendors quickly moving to deploy products providing SDN capabilities. This impending wider adoption demands that security implications within SDN be more clearly understood. Today, mechanisms through which vendors can provide enhanced integrity and availability as well as authentication and non-repudiation are poorly understood and have yet to be thoroughly investigated. In this paper, we present our current work outlining how we can define trust in SDN and what trust in SDN means for various operational components, addressing the operational characteristics that impact trust propagation.
Biophysical Coarse-Grained Modeling Provides Insights into Transport through the Nuclear Pore Complex

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the gatekeeper of the nucleus, capable of actively discriminating between the active and inert cargo while accommodating a high rate of translocations. The biophysical mechanisms underlying transport, however, remain unclear due to the lack of information about biophysical factors playing role in transport. Based on published experimental data, we have established a coarse-grained model of an intact NPC structure to examine nucleocytoplasmic transport with refined spatial and temporal resolutions. Using our model, we estimate the transport time versus cargo sizes. Our findings suggest that the mean transport time of cargos smaller than 15 nm is independent of size, while beyond this size, there is a sharp increase in the mean transport time. The model confirms that kap-FG hydrophobicity is sufficient for active cargo transport. Moreover, our model predicts that during translocation, small and large cargo-complexes are hydrophobically attached to FG-repeat domains for 86 and 96% of their transport time, respectively. Inside the central channel FG-repeats form a thick layer on the wall leaving an open tube. The cargo-complex is almost always attached to this layer and diffuses back and forth, regardless of the cargo size. Finally, we propose a plausible model for transport in which the NPC can be viewed as a lubricated gate. This model incorporates basic assumptions underlying virtual-gate and reduction-of-dimensionality models with the addition of the FG-layer inside the central channel acting as a lubricant.
Surface and Structural Properties of Silica Gels Used in High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract Complete nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms were measured over the entire pressure range including the region of very low pressures for a series of silica gels used in high performance liquid chromatography. In addition to standard characterization of the silicas studied, which included the evaluation of the specific surface area and the total pore volume, the experimental adsorption isotherms were used to calculate the adsorption energy distributions and the pore volume distributions by employing an advanced numerical algorithm based on the regularization method. For most silica samples studied, the resulting energy distributions are similar indicating that their surface properties are analogous. For some silicas, which are able to chemisorb greater amounts of water as shown by supplementary thermogravimetric studies, the adsorption energy distributions are different. Analysis, of the resulting pore volume distributions for most silicas studied, shows a relatively narrow range of mesopores...
Large enhancement of single molecule fluorescence by coupling to hollow silver nanoshells

We investigated the effect of plasmon-enhanced fluorescence using hollow silver nanoshells and observed enhancement of a single probe's fluorescence up to a factor of 3 orders of magnitude. The enhancement of the quantum efficiency is attributed to enhanced absorption and increased radiative decay rate.
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and neurotransmitters modulate melanotropic peptide release from rat neurointermediate pituitary in vitro.

Abstract Isolated pituitary neurointermediate lobes from adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were incubated for up to 90 minutes in media containing stimulatory or inhibitory agents, to study the potential effects on secretion of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) from the pars intermedia. Dopamine (DA), as expected, inhibited the release of α-MSH, as measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA), while corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and serotonin (5-HT) stimulated peptide release to varying degrees over the incubation period. A combination of DA with CRF produced an inhibition of peptide release, suggesting that DA suppresses the stimulatory effects of the hypothalamic peptide. Immune staining of pituitary tissue for beta endorphin or α-MSH, and quantified for staining intensity, supported the specific effects of stimulation or inhibition of the respective treatments. In addition, electron microscopy of incubated tissues demonstrated alterations in secretory vesicles and membranous organelles which were consistent with peptide secretion patterns. Our in vitro findings suggest that neurotransmitters and hypothalamic peptide, which are present together in vivo in the pituitary intermediate lobe, interact at the level of the endocrine cells to modulate pro-opiomelanocortin peptide secretion.
Current state of the art of algorithms and computer software for geometric programming

This paper attempts to consolidate over 15 years of attempts at designing algorithms for geometric programming (GP) and its extensions. The pitfalls encountered when solving GP problems and some proposed remedies are discussed in detail. A comprehensive summary of published software for the solution of GP problems is included. Also included is a numerical comparison of some of the more promising recently developed computer codes for geometric programming on a specially chosen set of GP test problems. The relative performance of these codes is measured in terms of their robustness as well as speed of computation. The performance of some general nonlinear programming (NLP) codes on the same set of test problems is also given and compared with the results for the GP codes. The paper concludes with some suggestions for future research.
Elimination of lordosis in decerebrate female rats: Observations from acute and chronic preparations

Abstract The brainstem of ovariectomized female rats primed with ovarian hormones was transected at the intercollicular level or the diencephalo-mesencephalic junction. Lordosis, a hormone-dependent feminine mating reflex, as well as other physiological parameters were tested or monitored from hours to weeks, in acute and chronic preparations, respectively, after the brainstem transection. Control transections had no effect on the lordosis reflex or other physiological parameters monitored. Complete brainstem transection (decerebration) eliminated the lordosis reflex both in the acute and chronic preparations, despite the existence of other somatic reflexes in the former and the coordinated locomotion in the latter. Such a transection also impaired thermoregulation and voluntary food intake. These results indicate that a net facilitatory influence from the telencephalon or diencephalon is required for mediating the hormone-dependent mating reflex.
Cellular interactions in prostate cancer.

Summary This article will review the different modes of action of soluble growth factors in the growth of benign and malignant prostatic cells. Cellular proliferation, growth arrest or even apoptosis requires the participation of appropriate growth factors [1], Proliferative activities of Prostatic epithelial cells, like other cells, are governed by the action of a variety of growth factors. Prostatic growth is traditionally considered to be regulated by androgen, as the prostate is an androgen-sensitive organ, in that the growth and maintenance of the structure and functional integrity are dependent upon the presence of circulating androgen [2,3]. A depletion of this androgenic support, e.g. by bilateral orchidectomy in the host, results in massive apoptosis in prostatic epithelial cells, leading to a rapid rate of tissue involution [4], Subsequent androgen replacement therapy reactivates Prostatic growth. Therefore, androgen is the most potent mitogen to the prostate. It is now apparent that this autogenic effect of androgen on the prostate is mediated through the action of various growth factors as a consequence of an intricate cell-to-cell interaction, a characteristic feature of benign prostatic growth [5,6]. On the other hand, malignant prostatic growth is characterized by additional mechanisms of cellular proliferation that provide a distinct growth advantage over that of their benign counterparts. Cancer develops as a result of a series of genetic mutations [7]. Prostatic cancer is no exception; however, its progression seems to follow a relatively predictable course, from an androgen-sensitive state to an autonomous state [8]. Sensitivity to androgen in prostatic cancer is mainly due to the presence of androgen receptors in malignant cells, which retain some properties of the benign prostatic cells. However, the manner in which androgen interacts with prostatic cancer cells can be drastically different from that in which it reacts with benign cells. Despite androgen playing an important role in the progression of prostatic cancer, eventually these cancer cells are able to convert from an androgen-responsive growth mode to an androgen-independent mode. Often, a conversion from one state to another is associated with a poorer prognosis and is preceded by the acquisition of new growth advantages within the cancer cells. Again, soluble growth factors are the underlying mechanisms of androgen-sensitive and androgen-insensitive malignant growth. The abnormal growth behaviour in prostatic cancer cells can be manifested by an over-expression of growth-stimulating factor(s) and/or a loss of expression (or function) of growth-suppressive factor(s). The production and action of growth factors in the context of benign and malignant growth of prostatic cells will be the focus of the present discussion.
UNIVALENT FUNCTIONS WITH LARGE LATE COEFFICIENTS

A major problem in geometric function theory is discussed in this paper. The problem is to describe the solutions to the extremal problems [f(N)(O)/f'(O)l = maximum among one-to-one analytic functions f(z) on the unit disc. For large N, the problem is solved approximately; but the description is not sufficiently sharp to improve the known estimates of the quantities to be maximized. The same methods are used to discuss other extremal problems. These problems involve derivatives of the univalent functions near the boundary of the unit disc.
Cation-cation interactions, magnetic communication, and reactivity of the pentavalent uranium ion [U(NtBu)2]+.

The dimeric bis(imido) uranium complex [{l_brace}U(NtBu)2(I)(tBu2bpy){r_brace}2] (see picture; U green, N blue, I red) has cation-cation interactions between [U(NR)2]+ ions. This f1-f1 system also displays f orbital communication between uranium(V) centers at low temperatures, and can be oxidized to generate uranium(VI) bis(imido) complexes.
Role for Outer Membrane Cytochromes OmcA and OmcB of Shewanella putrefaciens MR-1 in Reduction of Manganese Dioxide

Shewanella putrefaciens MR-1 can use a wide variety of terminal electron acceptors for anaerobic respiration, including certain insoluble manganese and iron oxides. To examine whether the outer membrane (OM) cytochromes of MR-1 play a role in Mn(IV) and Fe(III) reduction, mutants lacking the OM cytochrome OmcA or OmcB were isolated by gene replacement. Southern blotting and PCR confirmed replacement of the omcA and omcB genes, respectively, and reverse transcription-PCR analysis demonstrated loss of the respective mRNAs, whereas mRNAs for upstream and downstream genes were retained. The omcA mutant (OMCA1) resembled MR-1 in its growth on trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), dimethyl sulfoxide, nitrate, fumarate, thiosulfate, and tetrathionate and its reduction of nitrate, nitrite, ferric citrate, FeOOH, and anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonic acid. Similarly, the omcB mutant (OMCB1) grew on fumarate, nitrate, TMAO, and thiosulfate and reduced ferric citrate and FeOOH. However, OMCA1 and OMCB1 were 45 and 75% slower than MR-1, respectively, at reducing MnO(2). OMCA1 lacked only OmcA. While OMCB1 lacked OmcB, other OM cytochromes were also missing or markedly depressed. The total cytochrome content of the OM of OMCB1 was less than 15% of that of MR-1. Western blots demonstrated that OMCB1 still synthesized OmcA, but most of it was localized in the cytoplasmic membrane and soluble fractions rather than in the OM. OMCB1 had therefore lost the ability to properly localize multiple OM cytochromes to the OM. Together, the results suggest that the OM cytochromes of MR-1 participate in the reduction of Mn(IV) but are not required for the reduction of Fe(III) or other electron acceptors.
The House That Fox Built Anonymous, Spectacle, and Cycles of Amplification

This article focuses on 4chan’s /b/ board, a—if not the—pillar of online trolling activity. In addition to chronicling the history of the site, as well as the emergence of the nebulous collective known as Anonymous, the article considers the ways in which early media representations of and subsequent reactions to trolling behaviors on /b/ helped create and sustain an increasingly influential subculture. Echoing Stanley Cohen’s (1972) analysis of moral panics, the article goes on to postulate that trolls and mainstream media outlets, specifically Fox News, are locked in a cybernetic feedback loop predicted upon spectacle; each camp amplifies and builds upon the other’s reactions, thus entering into an unintended but highly synergistic congress.
The capacity of target silencing by Drosophila PIWI and piRNAs

Although Piwi proteins and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) genetically repress transposable elements (TEs), it is unclear how the highly diverse piRNA populations direct Piwi proteins to silence TE targets without silencing the entire transcriptome. To determine the capacity of piRNA-mediated silencing, we introduced reporter genes into Drosophila OSS cells, which express microRNAs (miRNAs) and piRNAs, and compared the Piwi pathway to the Argonaute pathway in gene regulation. Reporter constructs containing several target sites that were robustly silenced by miRNAs were not silenced to the same degrees by piRNAs. However, another set of reporters we designed to enable a large number of both TE-directed and genic piRNAs to bind were robustly silenced by the PIWI/piRNA complex in OSS cells. These reporters show that a bulk of piRNAs are required to pair to the reporter’s transcripts and not the reporter’s DNA sequence to engage PIWI-mediated silencing. Following our genome-wide study of PIWI-regulated targets in OSS cells, we assessed candidate gene elements with our reporter platform. These results suggest TE sequences are the most direct of PIWI regulatory targets while coding genes are less directly affected by PIWI targeting. Finally, our study suggests that the PIWI transcriptional silencing mechanism triggers robust chromatin changes on targets with sufficient piRNA binding, and preferentially regulates TE transcripts because proteincoding transcripts lack a threshold of targeting by piRNA populations. This reporter platform will facilitate future dissections of the PIWI-targeting mechanism.
Review of current progress in nanometrology with the helium ion microscope

Scanning electron microscopy has been employed as an imaging and measurement tool for more than 50 years and it continues as a primary tool in many research and manufacturing facilities across the world. A new challenger to this work is the helium ion microscope (HIM). The HIM is a new imaging and metrology technology. Essentially, substitution of the electron source with a helium ion source yields a tool visually similar in function to the scanning electron microscope, but very different in the fundamental imaging and measurement process. The imaged and measured signal originates differently than in the scanning electron microscope and that fact and its single atom source diameter may be able to push the obtainable resolution lower, provide greater depth-of-field and ultimately improve the metrology. Successful imaging and metrology with this instrument entails understanding and modeling of new ion beam/specimen interaction physics. As a new methodology, HIM is beginning to show promise and the abundance of potentially advantageous applications for nanometrology has yet to be fully exploited. This paper discusses some of the progress made at NIST in collaboration with IBM to understand the science behind this new technology.
The Assertion Inventory: Its Relationship to Social Desirability and Sensitivity to Rejection

The Assertion Inventory and measures of social desirability and sensitivity to rejection were administered to 355 undergraduates. Mixed findings on the Assertion Inventory's validity were noted. Scorers low in assertion have greater sensitivity to rejection. This corroborates earlier research and strengthens the usefulness of the measure, however, the inventory is confounded with social desirability responding. A comparison of the present undergraduate sample with historically earlier samples indicated: assertive responding has changed little over the last 10 years; the current Ohio University student sample reports lower need for social approval than an Ohio State University student sample of 20 years ago; and there is more sensitivity to rejection now than there was 8 yr. ago.
Observed Cyclone-Anticyclone Tropopause Vortex Asymmetries

Relatively little is known about coherent vortices near the extratropical tropopause, even with regard to basic facts about their frequency of occurrence, longevity, and structure. This study addresses these issues through an objective census of observed tropopause vortices. The authors test a hypothesis regarding vortex-merger asymmetry where cyclone pairs are repelled and anticyclone pairs are attracted by divergent flow due to frontogenesis. Emphasis is placed on arctic vortices, where jet stream influences are weaker, in order to facilitate comparisons with earlier idealized numerical simulations. Results show that arctic cyclones are more numerous, persistent, and stronger than arctic anticyclones. An average of 15 cyclonic vortices and 11 anticyclonic vortices are observed per month, with maximum frequency of occurrence for cyclones (anticyclones) during winter (summer). There are are about 47% more cyclones than anticyclones that survive at least 4 days, and for longer lifetimes, 1-day survival probabilities are nearly constant at 65% for cyclones, and 55% for anticyclones. Mean tropopause potential-temperature amplitude is 13 K for cyclones and 11 K for anticyclones, with cyclones exhibiting a greater tail toward larger values. An analysis of close-proximity vortex pairs reveals divergence between cyclones and convergence between anticyclones. This result agrees qualitatively with previous idealized numerical simulations, although it is unclear to what extent the divergent circulations regulate vortex asymmetries.
Differentiating parent- and peer-related interpersonal correlates of depressive symptoms and social anxiety in preadolescent girls

One hundred preadolescent girls’ (ages 9—12) and mothers’ perceptions of parent- and peer-related interpersonal correlates of girls’ depression and social anxiety, before and after controlling for comorbid symptoms, were examined. Girls’ parental acceptance/rejection and support and perceived close friend support were more strongly related to girls’ depression than to their social anxiety. Mother-rated girls’ social acceptance was more strongly related to girls’ social anxiety than depression, and girls’ perceived social acceptance was unrelated to girls’ depression after controlling for social anxiety. Loneliness and perceived classmate support were each related to both social anxiety and depression after controlling for comorbid symptoms. Results highlight the importance of controlling for comorbid symptoms and reveal some similar, and differential, correlates of depression and social anxiety.