cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seismic data denoising through multiscale and sparsity-promoting dictionary learning

Seismic data comprise many traces that provide a spatiotemporal sampling of the reflected wavefield. However, such information maysuffer from ambient and random noise during acquisition, which could possibly limit the use of seismic data in reservoir locating. Traditionally, fixed transforms are used to separate the noise from the data by exploiting their different characteristics in a transform domain. However, their performance may not be satisfactory due to their lack of adaptability to changing data structures. We have developed a novel seismic data denoising method based on a parametric dictionary learning scheme. Unlike previous dictionary learning methods that had to learn unconstrained atoms, our method exploits the underlying sparse structure of the learned atoms over a base dictionary and significantly reduces the dictionary elements that need to be learned. By combining the advantages of multiscale representations with the power of dictionary learning, more degrees of freedom could be provided to the sparse representation, and therefore the characteristics of seismic data could be efficiently captured in sparse coefficients for denoising. The dictionary learning and denoising were processed from all overlapping patches of the given noisy seismic data, which maintained low complexity. Numerical experiments on synthetic seismic data indicated that our scheme achieved the best denoising performance in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio and minimizes visual distortion.
Hierarchical metal nanomesh/microgrid structures for high performance transparent electrodes

We report a comprehensive study on the optical and electronic properties of hierarchical metal nanomesh (NM)/microgrid (MG) structures to determine their performance as transparent conductors (TCs). The NM helps deliver or collect carriers locally while the lower resistance MG transports carriers over larger distances. The structures exhibit high uniformity of optical and electronic properties. Hierarchical Ag NM/Ag MG structures demonstrate 83% diffusive transmission at a sheet resistance of 0.7 Ω per square when fabricated directly on quartz and 81% at 0.7 Ω per square when fabricated directly on flexible plastic. The direct current to optical conductivity ratios σdc/σop of these structures are 2900 and 2300, respectively. This corresponds to over an order of magnitude reduction in sheet resistance with a negligible to slight reduction in transmission compared to NMs. The haze factor of these structures may be tuned by modifying the NM hole diameter. Furthermore, the hierarchical structures exhibit good durability under bending and heating.
Mechanisms underlying the formation of induced pluripotent stem cells

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offer unique opportunities for studying human biology, modeling diseases, and therapeutic applications. The simplest approach so far to generate human PSC lines is through reprogramming of somatic cells from an individual by defined factors, referred to simply as reprogramming. Reprogramming circumvents the ethical controversies associated with human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and nuclear transfer hESCs (nt-hESCs), and the resulting induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) retain the same basic genetic makeup as the somatic cell used for reprogramming. Since the first report of iPSCs by Takahashi and Yamanaka (Cell 2006, 126:663-676), the molecular mechanisms of reprogramming have been extensively investigated. A better mechanistic understanding of reprogramming is fundamental not only to iPSC biology and improving the quality of iPSCs for therapeutic use, but also to our understanding of the molecular basis of cell identity, pluripotency, and plasticity. Here, we summarize the genetic, epigenetic, and cellular events during reprogramming, and the roles of various factors identified thus far in the reprogramming process. WIREs Dev Biol 2016, 5:39-65. doi: 10.1002/wdev.206 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Modeling and analysis of hybrid differential mode filters for AC/DC converters to suppress current ripples and EMI

This paper proposes a hybrid DM Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) input filter model for AC-DC converters. After briefly reviewing DM EMI noise model for AC-DC converters, a closed loop filter model is developed. Based on the closed loop model, the open loop characteristics required for active filter's stable operation is determined. The constraints and requirements for the efficient implementation of the active filter are identified. High pass fitters are integrated with the active filter to avoid line frequency current cancellation. Compensation design technique is proposed to achieve a particular gain requirement and ensure stability for the active filter. The proposed model has been analyzed theoretically and also implemented in hardware. The developed technique was verified in experiments.
‘OWNERS OF THE PATH‘: COGNATIC KINSHIP CATEGORIES IN MATAILOBAU, FIJI

Discussion des categories de parente cognatique au sein du systeme de parente de Matailobau, Viti Levu, Fidji
Crystallographic Texture and Whiskers in Electrodeposited Tin Films

Electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis was used to determine texture for electrodeposited tin films, and the results were compared to standard X-ray "times random" and full pole figure texture analysis. The data showed that EBSD and X-ray texture results differed as to primary and secondary texture determinations with some degree of correlation between texture determinations when primary/secondary/tertiary calculations were disregarded. It is these authors' opinion that film texture cannot be accurately determined using "times random" X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, and that there is considerable room for error with X-ray pole figure analyses. These data must be considered preliminary due to the small sample size, but these results indicate that electroplaters may have better control over as-deposited tin film texture than is currently believed, and that there is a relationship between as-deposited texture and film stress
Anastomotic complications in minimally invasive coronary bypass grafting

Background. Anterior wall myocardial revascularization through a left anterior minithoracotomy is an increasingly accepted procedure. Technical failure at the anastomotic site, promoting persistent or recurrent angina, is known to occur and may be underrecognized. This report summarizes the incidence of technical failure in an initial clinical experience and describes potential causes of early postoperative complications. Methods. Between December 1995 and May 1996, 15 patients underwent left internal mammary artery-to-left anterior descending artery revascularization without extracorporeal circulation. The surgical indication was single-vessel coronary disease in all patients. We exposed the left anterior descending artery target site through a 10-cm left anterior fourth space thoracotomy. The fourth costal cartilage was resected and the left internal mammary artery was harvested under direct visualization. Two 4-0 polypropylene sutures snared in tourniquets proximal and distal to the anastomotic site were used to obtain a bloodless field and stabilization of the left anterior descending artery. Results. All patients had procedures initially deemed successful based on disappearance of angina or postoperative transthoracic Doppler examination of the internal mammary artery 3 to 5 days postoperatively. However, 3 patients presented with recurrent angina at 2, 6, and 8 weeks. Angiography or direct visualization at operation demonstrated the technical complication (stenosis at the anastomotic site in 2 and snare injury in the native vessel in 1). Two patients required reoperation. Conclusions. Initial results with minimally invasive coronary bypass grafting have generated great enthusiasm worldwide, but there is no consensus on how the procedure should be performed. These results suggest that a nonstabilized anastomosis results in an unacceptable failure rate. Furthermore, sutures encircling the left anterior descending artery should not be used for vessel stabilization as injury of the artery may occur.
Satellite cell activity is differentially affected by contraction mode in human muscle following a work-matched bout of exercise

Optimal repair and adaptation of skeletal muscle is facilitated by resident stem cells (satellite cells). To understand how different exercise modes influence satellite cell dynamics, we measured satellite cell activity in conjunction with markers of muscle damage and inflammation in human skeletal muscle following a single work- and intensity-matched bout of eccentric (ECC) or concentric contractions (CON). Participants completed a single bout of ECC (n = 7) or CON (n = 7) of the knee extensors. A muscle biopsy was obtained before and 24 h after exercise. Functional measures and immunohistochemical analyses were used to determine the extent of muscle damage and indices of satellite cell activity. Cytokine concentrations were measured using a multiplexed magnetic bead assay. Isokinetic peak torque decreased following ECC (p < 0.05) but not CON. Greater histological staining of the damage marker Xin was observed in muscle samples of ECC vs. CON. Tenasin C immunoreactivity increased 15 fold (p < 0.01) following ECC and was unchanged following CON. The inflammatory cytokines interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) increased pre- to post-ECC (4.26 ± 1.4 vs. 10.49 ± 5.8 pg/ml, and 3.06 ± 0.7 vs. 6.25 ± 4.6 pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.05). There was no change in any cytokine post-CON. Satellite cell content increased 27% pre- to post-ECC (0.10 ± 0.031 vs. 0.127 ± 0.041, respectively; p < 0.05). There was no change in satellite cell number in CON (0.099 ± 0.027 vs. 0.102 ± 0.029, respectively). There was no fiber type-specific satellite cell response following either exercise mode. ECC but not CON resulted in an increase in MyoD positive nuclei per myofiber pre- to post-exercise (p < 0.05), but there was no change in MyoD DNA binding activity in either condition. In conclusion, ECC but not CON results in functional and histological evidence of muscle damage that is accompanied by increased satellite cell activity 24 h post-exercise.
Thermodynamics of Reactions Involving Phases at Different Electric Potentials

A chemical or biochemical reaction can drive an ion through a semipermeable membrane and set up an electric potential difference that can cause the transport of a different ion through the membrane...
The effects of aggregated human IgG and IgG-immune complexes on the agglutination of bacteria mediated by non-immunoglobulin salivary agglutinins.

Abstract Non-immunoglobulin salivary agglutinins (SBA) for bacteria which bind to Streptococcus milleri TJ7 were isolated from parotid saliva and their interactions with human IgG studied. Purified SBA showed a single band on sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with a molecular weight of approx. 500,000. Heat aggregated human IgG (63 °C, 30 min), but not native IgG, interacted with SBA and thereby interfered with the ability of the SBA to agglutinate Strep. milleri . Immune complexes prepared from tetanus toxoid and isolated human IgG anti-tetanus toxoid antibody also inhibited salivary bacterial agglutination by SBA; antigen (tetanus toxoid) alone or antibody (anti-tetanus toxoid antibody) alone did not have this effect. Direct-binding studies with immobilized SBA on nitrocellulose paper showed that aggregated IgG bound to immobilized SBA and that this binding was inhibited by EDTA. Thus it appears that heat or specific antigen is able to induce an aggregation of IgG which results in the binding of the aggregated form of IgG to SBA.
Vitellogenesis in the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans

Abstract 1. 1. No female specific proteins were found in the stable fly hemolymph by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. 2. 2. Six major yolk polypeptides (YP1, YP2, YP3, YP4, YP5 and YP6) have been identified in the stable fly. Their mol. wt as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis are 41,100, 42,600, 44,100, 46,600, 48,900 and 50,600, respectively. 3. 3. YP3 was purified and antibody made against it. By using the antibody and in vitro organ culture the stable fly yolk polypeptides were shown to be synthesized exclusively by the ovaries and not the fat body. 4. 4. The stable fly yolk polypeptides are immunologically similar to yolk proteins of other related flies.
NEUTRON SCATTERING FROM A DX2-Y2-WAVE SUPERCONDUCTOR WITH STRONG IMPURITY SCATTERING AND COULOMB CORRELATIONS

We calculate the spin susceptibility at and below ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ for a ${\mathit{d}}_{\mathit{x}}^{2}$-${\mathit{y}}^{2}$-wave superconductor with resonant impurity scattering and Coulomb correlations. Both the impurity scattering and the Coulomb correlations act to maintain peaks in the spin susceptibility, as a function of momentum, at the Brillouin zone edge. These peaks would otherwise be suppressed by the superconducting gap. At the highest impurity concentration considered here, the predicted amount of suppression of the imaginary part of the spin susceptibility in the superconducting state compared to the normal state is in qualitative agreement with results from recent magnetic neutron-scattering experiments on ${\mathrm{La}}_{1.86}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{0.14}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ for momentum values at the zone edge and along the zone diagonal. The predicted peak widths in the superconducting state, however, are narrower than those in the normal state, a narrowing which has not been observed experimentally.
Therapeutic use of dendritic cells to promote the extranodal priming of anti-tumor immunity.

Ectopic lymphoid tissue, also known as tertiary lymphoid organs (TLO) develop adaptively within sites of chronic tissue inflammation, thereby allowing the host to efficiently crossprime specific immune effector cells within sites of disease. Recent evidence suggests that the presence of TLO in the tumor microenvironment (TME) predicts better overall survival. We will discuss the relevance of extranodal T cell priming within the TME as a means to effectively promote anti-tumor immunity and the strategic use of dendritic cell (DC)-based therapies to reinforce this clinically-preferred process in the cancer-bearing host.
A novel and efficient route for the isolation of antibodies that recognise T cell receptor Vαs

Studies of the T cell repertoire have been hindered by the lack of antibodies that recognise V region families, particularly for V alpha regions. In this report, single chain Fv (scFv) fragments have been isolated that recognise both recombinant V alpha(s) and native V alpha(s) on the surface of T cells. Mice have been immunised with purified soluble T cell receptors (TCRs) and antibody heavy and light chain variable domain (VH and VL, respectively) genes isolated from splenocytes using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The VH and VL genes have been assembled as scFv gene libraries and a bacteriophage display system used to isolate scFvs that recognise a soluble V alpha. Five scFvs have been purified and characterised in detail using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and flow cytometry. Three of these five scFvs recognise native V alpha(s) on the surface of T cell hybridomas. This method therefore offers a rapid route to the generation of scFvs that recognise native TCRs and can readily be extended to the production of anti-human TCR antibodies for use in therapy and diagnosis.
Local and Global Baroclinic Instability of Zonally Varying Flow

Abstract The baroclinic instability characteristics of zonally inhomogeneous basic states are examined with the intent of clarifying the factors governing the regional distribution of cyclogenesis. The vertical shear of the basic state wind is allowed to vary gradually in the zonal direction, so as to permit the representation of zonally localized regions of high baroclinicity. The resulting eigenvalue problem is solved directly by numerical means and also analytically via a WKB analysis. It was established that flows with localized baroclinicity can support two distinct classes of unstable modes, which we call “local” and “global.” The local modes have peak amplitude downstream of the point of maximum baroclinicity, decay to zero exponentially upstream and downstream of the peak and do not require zonally periodic boundary conditions for their existence. The growth rate of a local mode is equal to the absolute growth rate (in the sense of Merkine) determined locally at the point of maximum shear. The abs...
Knee, Garter, Girdle, Hat, Stock, and Spur Buckles from Seven Sites in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Material culture studies have begun to take new directions within the field of historical archaeology. Shoe buckles are the most familiar and readily identifiable type of buckle to archaeologists, but there are many other buckles worn as part of a person’s dress that may be identified on archaeological sites. Knee, garter, girdle, hat, stock, and spur buckles are regularly recovered. These buckles can be used as an aid to dating archaeological strata and features, and can be employed to understand the kinds of clothing worn by site inhabitants. This paper presents and interprets an assemblage of buckles of assorted types recovered from seven 18th-century domestic sites in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Nucleophilic activation by positioning in phosphoryl transfer catalyzed by nucleoside diphosphate kinase.

The nonenzymatic reaction of ATP with a nucleophile to generate ADP and a phosphorylated product proceeds via a dissociative transition state with little bond formation to the nucleophile. Consideration of the dissociative nature of the nonenzymatic transition state leads to the following question: To what extent can the nucleophile be activated in enzymatic phosphoryl transfer? We have addressed this question for the NDP kinase reaction. A mutant form of the enzyme lacking the nucleophilic histidine (H122G) can be chemically rescued for ATP attack by imidazole or other exogenous small nucleophiles. The ATP reaction is 50-fold faster with the wild-type enzyme, which has an imidazole nucleophile positioned for reaction by a covalent bond, than with H122G, which employs a noncovalently bound imidazole nucleophile ((kcat/KM) ATP ). Further, a 4-fold advantage for imidazole positioned in the nucleophile binding pocket created by the mutation is suggested from comparison of the reaction of H122G and ATP with an imidazole versus a water nucleophile, after correction for the intrinsic reactivities of imidazole and water toward ATP in solution. X-ray structural analysis shows no detectable rearrangement of the residues surrounding His 122 upon mutation to Gly 122. The overall rate effect of 10 2 -fold for the covalent imidazole nucleophile relative to water is therefore attributed to positioning of the nucleophile with respect to the reactive phosphoryl group. This is underscored by the more deleterious effect of replacing ATP with ∞˘PAS in the wild-type reaction than in the imidazole-rescued mutant reaction, as follows. For the wild-type, ∞˘PAS presumably disrupts positioning between nucleophile and substrate, resulting in a large thio effect of 300-fold, whereas precise alignment is already disrupted in the mutant because there is no covalent bond to the nucleophile, resulting in a smaller thio effect of 10-fold. In summary, the results suggest a catalytic role for activation of the nucleophile by positioning in phosphoryl transfer catalyzed by NDP kinase.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Peptide Nucleic Acid Conjugated to a d-Peptide Analog of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 for Increased Cellular Uptake

DNA therapeutics show great potential for gene-specific, nontoxic therapy of a wide variety of diseases. The deoxyribose phosphate backbone of DNA has been modified in a number of ways to improve nuclease stability and cell membrane permeability. Recently, a new DNA derivative with an amide backbone instead of a deoxyribose phosphate backbone, peptide nucleic acid (PNA), has shown tremendous potential as an antisense agent. Although PNAs hybridize very strongly and specifically to RNA and DNA, they are taken up by cells very poorly, limiting their potential as nucleic acid binding agents. To improve cellular uptake of a PNA sequence, it was conjugated to a D-amino acid analog of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), which binds selectively to the cell surface receptor for insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1R). The IGF1 D-peptide analog was assembled on (4-methylbenzhydryl)amine resin, and then the PNA was extended as a continuation of the peptide. The conjugate and control sequences were radiolabeled with 14C or fluorescently labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate. Cellular uptake of the PNA-peptide conjugate, a control with two alanines in the peptide, and a control PNA without the peptide segment were studied in murine BALB/c 3T3 cells, which express low levels of murine IGF1R, in p6 cells, which are BALB/c 3T3 cells which overexpress a transfected human IGF1R gene, and in human Jurkat cells, which do not express IGF1R, as a negative control. The specific PNA-peptide conjugate displayed much higher uptake than the control PNA, but only in cells expressing IGF1R. This approach may allow cell-specific and tissue-specific application of PNAs as gene-regulating agents in vivo.
Massive neutrinos and the weak scale singlet Majoron

Abstract We consider the phenomenology of the singlet majoron model of Chikashige, Mohapatra and Peccei in the case where lepton number is broken at the weak scale. This scenario naturally leads to a see-saw mechanism for the neutrino masses in which the light neutrinos are close to their experimental limits. A fourth generation can also be incorporated in a natural way. We argue that this model is compatible with all experimental, astrophysical, and cosmological constraints at present, but can be stringently tested by experiments in the near future. First, we show that the rates for flavor-changing neutrino decays into majorons in this model can evade cosmological limits. Second, we consider the “triviality” bounds for the case in which the symmetry is broken by light scalars, and show that these are much more stringent for this model than for the standard model. Third, we consider majoron production through couplings to the electroweak symmetry breaking sector, both for the case in which the symmetries are broken by light scalars and for a non-linear realization of the broken symmetry. For the scalar case, we find that much of the parameter space of the model can be probed by collider and rare decay experiments in the near future. For the non-linear case, we find that the cross section for majoron production is probably too small to be observed at the SSC, even under rather optimistic theoretical assumptions. However, in this case, we argue that the scale of new physics is well below SSC energies, so that there would be a good chance of seeing new physics at the SSC.
DIURETIC RENOGRAPHY AND ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYNE INHIBITOR RENOGRAPHY

The evaluation of renal function using radionuclide techniques dates back to the 1960s when gamma probe renography produced time-activity curves of the renal uptake and excretion of radioiodinated hippuran. 47 Modern day gamma cameras and computers permit routine high-quality dynamic imaging of renal function and time-activity curves and quantification using a variety of new radiopharmaceuticals. This article is limited to pharmacologic interventions that can improve the specificity of renography for the diagnosis of renovascular hypertension (RVH) and renal obstruction. Provocative functional maneuvers are one of nuclear medicine's great strengths. Furosemide renography is now routinely used clinically to confirm or exclude renal collecting system obstruction, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition is a valuable aid in the diagnosis of RVH.
An algorithm for the difference between set covers

A set cover for a set S is a collection C of special subsets whose union is S. Given covers A and B for two sets, the set-cover difference problem is to construct a new cover for the elements covered by A but not B. Applications include testing equivalence of set covers and maintaining a set cover dynamically. In this paper, we solve the set-cover difference problem by defining a difference operation A-B, which turns out to be a pseudocomplement on a distributive lattice. We give an algorithm for constructing this difference, and show how to implement the algorithm for two examples with applications in computer science: face covers on a hypercube, and rectangle covers on a grid. We derive an upper bound on the time complexity of the algorithm, and give upper and lower bounds on complexity for face covers and rectangle covers.
Short upstream region drives dynamic expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α during Xenopus development

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) plays a central role in regulating oxygen-dependent gene expression and is involved in a range of pathways implicated in cellular survival, proliferation, and development. While the posttranslational regulation of HIF-1α is well characterized, the relative importance of its control at the transcriptional level during development remains less clear. Although the mouse and human promoter regions have been analyzed in vitro, to date, there has been no in vivo analysis of any vertebrate HIF-1α promoter. To investigate the transcriptional regulation of HIF-1α during development of the amphibian Xenopus laevis, we have described the gene's expression pattern and isolated the xHIF-1α upstream regulatory regions. We show xHIF-1α mRNA to be constitutively expressed at low levels throughout embryogenesis, but with significant up-regulation during gastrula stages, and subsequently, in specific regions of the central nervous system and axial tissues. Our functional analysis using a series of truncated xHIF-1α promoter constructs demonstrates that a 173-bp region of the proximal promoter, which is 100% conserved among five allelic variants, is sufficient to drive correct expression in transgenic embryos. Although these results are corroborated by a parallel set of in vitro transfection experiments in a Xenopus cell line, some key differences suggest the importance of using transgenic methods in conjunction with in vitro assays. Developmental Dynamics 230:229–238, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Strength training effects on bone mineral content and density in premenopausal women.

Purpose: Mechanical loading, such as that seen with physical activity, is thought to be the primary factor influencing bone strength. Previous randomized studies that assessed the effect of strength training on bone in premenopausal women report inconsistent results. The analysis herein examines the effect of a strength training program following published guidelines (US Department of Health and Human Services) on bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral content (aBMD) in the proximal femur and lumbar spine in premenopausal women. Methods: One hundred and forty-eight overweight, sedentary, premenopausal women aged 25-44 were randomized to progressive strength training (ST, n = 72) or standard care (CO, n = 76) for 2 yr. Measurements occurred at baseline, 1 yr, and 2 yr. Proximal femur and lumbar spine BMC and aBMD were measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Intention-to-treat analyses were completed, and repeated-measures ANCOVA adjusted for baseline height and weight was used to assess the effect of strength training on bone. Results: aBMD showed little change and did not differ between groups at any site. Femoral neck BMC showed a significant difference in the slopes between ST and CO (P = 0.04) with no change in the ST group and a 1.5% decrease in the CO. There were no significant between-group differences at any other measurement site. Conclusion: Strength training had no effect on aBMD after 2 yr of strength training. Femoral neck BMC decreased in CO and had no change in ST. Because there was no change in aBMD, strength training may have influenced bone size. Research to better understand changes in bone dimensions and geometry with strength training in premenopausal women is warranted.
Synchrotron X-ray Investigations of Mineral-Microbe-Metal Interactions

Interactions between microbes and minerals can play an important role in metal transformations (i.e. changes to an element's valence state, coordination chemistry, or both), which can ultimately affect that element's mobility. Mineralogy affects microbial metabolism and ecology in a system; microbes, in turn, can affect the system's mineralogy. Increasingly, synchrotron-based X-ray experiments are in routine use for determining an element's valence state and coordination chemistry, as well as for examining the role of microbes in metal transformations.
Quantum dot-based cell motility assay

Motility and migration are measurable characteristics of cells that are classically associated with the invasive potential of cancer cells, but in vitro assays of invasiveness have been less than perfect. We previously developed an assay to monitor cell motility and migration using water-soluble CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals; cells engulf the fluorescent nanocrystals as they crawl across them and leave behind a fluorescent-free trail. We show here that semiconductor nanocrystals can also be used as a sensitive two-dimensional in vitro invasion assay. We used this assay to compare the behavior of seven different adherent human cell lines, including breast epithelial MCF 10A, breast tumor MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-435S, MCF 7, colon tumor SW480, lung tumor NCI H1299, and bone tumor Saos-2, and observed two distinct behaviors of cancer cells that can be used to further categorize these cells. Some cancer cell lines demonstrate fibroblastic behaviors and leave long fluorescent-free trails as they migrate across the dish, whereas other cancer cells leave clear zones of varying sizes around their periphery. This assay uses fluorescence detection, requires no processing, and can be used in live cell studies. These features contribute to the increased sensitivity of this assay and make it a powerful new tool for discriminating between non-invasive and invasive cancer cell lines.
Integration of microfluidics/electrochemical system for trace metal analysis by stripping voltammetry

Microanalytical systems based on a microfluidics/electrochemical detection scheme were developed. Individual modules, such as microfabricated piezoelectrically actuated pumps and a microelectrochemical cell were integrated onto portable platforms. This allows rapid change-out and repair of individual components by incorporating `plug and play' concepts now standard in PC's. Two different integration schemes were used for construction of the microanalytical systems based on microfluidics/electrochemical detection. In first scheme, all individual modules were integrated in the surface of the standard microfluidic platform based on a plug-and-play design. Microelectrochemical flow cell which integrated three electrodes based on a wall-jet design was fabricated on polymer substrate. The microelectrochemical flow cell was then plugged directly into the microfluidic platform. Another integration scheme was based on a multilayer lamination method utilizing stacking modules with different functionality to achieve a compact microanalytical device. Application of the microanalytical system for detection of lead in river water and saliva samples using stripping voltammetry is described.
Constrained Nonparametric Maximum Likelihood via Mixtures

Abstract This article discusses a new technique for calculating maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) of probability measures when it is assumed the measures are constrained to a compact, convex set. Measures in such sets can be represented as mixtures of simple, known extreme measures, and so the problem of maximizing the likelihood in the constrained measures becomes one of maximizing in an unconstrained mixing measure. Such convex constraints arise in many modeling situations, such as empirical likelihood and estimation under stochastic ordering constraints. This article describes the mixture representation technique for these two situations and presents a data analysis of an experiment in cancer genetics, where a partial stochastic ordering is assumed but the data are incomplete.
P-183L: Late-News Poster: Motion Parallax Enhances Depth in a Perspective Air-Traffic Display

In this paper we investigate the utility of motion parallax induced by head movement in the context of a perspective rendering of three-dimensional air traffic configurations. Discrimination of altitude differences is improved by the addition of motion parallax (compared to a static display), but does not afford the large changes of viewpoint possible with manually-controlled rotations.
Basic Biological Sciences A Rotating Disc Study of Enamel Dissolution in HEDP Solution Under Simulated white Spot Conditions

A rotating disc method has been used to study simulated white spot formation at a bovine enamel surface in the presence of 1-hydroxy-1-ethane-1, 1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP) at PH = 5.0. The reaction appears to be accompanied by the slow precipitation of a CaHEDP phase within the pores of the "intact" layer.
Triggers for higher-order toxicity testing.

Abstract Strategies for selecting chemicals for definitive, higher-order toxicology tests are important because physical and personnel resources are limited and chemicals vary widely in the need for testing. The National Toxicology Program has developed strategies for selection of chemicals for definitive tests in several areas of toxicology. In addition to the number of people, the extent of human exposure, structure-activity considerations, and reports of observations in humans, specific triggers are sought from animal studies and short-term tests or in vitro screens which impact the chemical selection process and the design of definitive studies. Specific triggers in reproductive toxicology, for example, include observations in prechronic toxicology studies in rats and mice — weights and histopathologic examinations of reproductive organs, measurements of sperm production and function in males, and estrus cyclicity in females. Comparable tissue-specific triggers do not exist for developmental toxicity studies, and screening tests are not widely used for setting priorities for the conduct of definitive developmental toxicology studies.
Multiscale Modeling of PCNA - Ubiquitin Interactions

Covalent attachment of ubiquitin (Ub) to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) plays a crucial role in translesion synthesis (TLS). However, structural knowledge of the complex between Ub and PCNA is currently lacking. The problem is important from a biological perspective since ubiquitinated PCNA is involved in the recruitment of specialized lesion bypass polymerases. A loss of regulation of TLS and other damage-avoidance pathways can lead to a variety of cell fates including apoptosis and uncontrolled cell growth. We have modeled the Ub-PCNA complex using a combination of tethered Brownian dynamics (TBD), protein-protein docking with RosettaDock, flexible loop modeling with ModLoop, and molecular dynamics(MD). The TBD simulations were used to generate a large ensemble of electrostatically and geometrically favorable configurations, subsequently used as a starting point for local docking searches. The final models were refined with all-atom explicit solvent MD simulations. Ubiquitin was found to bind in a groove on the PCNA surface directly above the PCNA subunit interface. A mutation originally identified in genetics screens (pol30-113) and known to interfere with TLS, is positioned directly beneath the bound ubiquitin in our models. Thus, the results provide unexpected insight into previously unexplained biological observations.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Morphological variability in propagules of a desert annual as a function of rainfall patterns at different temporal and spatial scales

Summary Organisms living in highly variable environments have to display integrated strategies to deal with both systematic and random variation occurring at different temporal and spatial scales. Two predictions were tested by analysing geographic-scale patterns of seed size and seed retention (serotiny) in Chorizanthe rigida, a strict winter desert annual that delays seed dispersal and releases propagules after rainfall events: (i) adaptation to systematic environmental cues occurs by means of changes in morphology, and (ii) within-individual variation in seed size allows a differential response to rainfall cues: while some seeds germinate rapidly others are retained for future rainfall events. We quantified morphological variation and performed germination experiments on C. rigida propagules (involucres + achenes) from six populations distributed throughout the Mojave and Sonoran deserts covering: (i) a systematic, west-to-east, winter-to-bi-seasonal (summer and winter) precipitation gradient and (ii) a winter-rain unpredictability gradient inferred from long-term climatic data. The propagule retention structure (i.e. base area of the pedicel) of C. rigida individuals experiencing bi-seasonal rainfall is double the size of those that have evolved under a strict winter rainfall regime, showing that populations living in bi-seasonal environments have higher seed retention, which allows them to avoid releasing seeds to a summer rainfall cue. Within-individual variance of propagule size varied significantly between populations and was correlated with winter rainfall variability in each site. Germination varied as a function of propagule size; smaller seeds germinated more readily than larger seeds. Increased variability in propagule size might result in a more variable germination response. Under common experimental conditions germination varied significantly among sites and was negatively correlated with mean winter effective precipitation, suggesting that propagules from populations in drier sites have lower germination moisture thresholds. Synthesis. C. rigida propagules have larger bases in deserts with biseasonal rainfall, which allows them to avoid seed release during summer rainfall cues, and display within-individual seed variance associated to rainfall unpredictability, a trait often interpreted as a bet-hedging strategy. Our study provides empirical evidence of an integrated strategy that allows to cope with both random and systematic rainfall variation.
Small firm “presence” in Indian manufacturing

Abstract This paper employs a pooled cross-section time-series model to examine the determinants of the relative importance of registered small firms in Indian manufacturing. These determinants include both industry-specific and economy-wide characteristics. Small firms perform relatively better in an expansionary macroeconomy and in industries with less vertical integration and economies of scale in management, and where small firms are able to overcome their inherent cost disadvantages. The evidence suggests the more capital intensive the industry, the greater small firm presence.
Case Study: Negative Reinforcement and Behavioral Management of Conversion Disorder

Behavioral interventions have been advocated for conversion disorder, but controlled trials are lacking. The authors report the case of a 12-year-old boy with conversion disorder after 3 months of persistent right arm pain and immobility whose symptoms rapidly resolved after an outpatient behavioral intervention using negative reinforcement. The importance of careful assessment, frank discussion of the diagnosis, patient and family psychoeducation, and a rehabilitative mindset are emphasized. Negative reinforcement may be a powerful tool in the management of pediatric conversion disorder, with the potential to reduce parental anxiety and prevent unnecessary physical assessments and interventions.
The scale of forest transition: Amazonia and the Atlantic forests of Brazil

Abstract This article adapts a general equilibrium model that provides a spatial solution for land use, labor allocation, and product markets in a two good economy. The adaptation, based on von Thunen, considers the multi-regional case, and solves for two regions, one industrial and the other, a newly opened agricultural frontier. The conceptual framework is considered with reference to Brazil, where forest recovery in the Atlantic Rainforest occurs simultaneously with forest losses in Amazonia. Simulation results of the theoretical model are given, demonstrating the impacts of comparative advantage in regional agriculture on the spatial system. The main theoretical interest of the article, aside from providing a formal spatial statement, is to define a distinction between aggregate forest transition (A-FT), when the area of all forests in a multi-regional system increases with the advent of trade relations, and regional forest transition (R-FT), when forest recovery is spatially constrained, and depends on forest losses elsewhere. Thus, the article addresses the role of scale in defining forest transition, and does so by representing spatial dynamics with a formal model. It also suggests that forest transition privileges one biome at the expense of others, and that a concept of landscape turnaround is more germane from a wildlands conservation perspective. The article closes with a discussion of Brazil, and how its forests in Amazonia and along the Atlantic will fare in the coming years.
An Inverse Shock Response Spectrum.

Abstract The shock response spectrum (SRS) is a tool commonly used by application engineers that characterizes the severity of a transient acceleration. Due to the definition of the SRS, neither an analytical nor a unique inverse exists for an arbitrary function. An SRS presented without any temporal information makes creating a corresponding acceleration time history for an experimental or numerical study prohibitively difficult without a rigorous method to determine an inverse of the SRS (a corresponding time history). The present work develops a method to calculate an inverse of an arbitrary SRS using three sets of well characterized basis functions: an impulse function, a sine function/damped sine function, and a modified Morlet wavelet. These three basis functions are specifically chosen for the properties of their transformations: the impulse introduces a constant increase to the SRS above a given frequency, the sine wave introduces a narrow peak at a given frequency, and the Morlet wavelet introduces a plateau with an adjustable width and relative height. Using the definition of the SRS, the transformations of the basis functions are calculated and these expressions are used to derive a methodology for calculating an inverse SRS. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by several examples. The quality of an inverse SRS is evaluated by comparing the SRS of the inverse to the target SRS. This method is developed in order to provide a quick estimate of a corresponding time history; in applications where a higher fidelity representation of the SRS is needed than can be provided by the method developed, a genetic algorithm is used to optimize the coefficients of the basis functions. Given a sufficient number of basis functions for the optimization, the resulting SRS can almost exactly match a randomly generated target SRS that is nonzero over the frequency range considered. For applications in which the permissable basis functions are limited (such as for an experimental test apparatus), an extension of the genetic algorithm method is discussed.
Structure study of 11B from the scattering of neutrons from 10B

Differential cross sections for neutrons scattered from 10B have been measured for 1.5 MeV < En < 4.4 MeV. These results and elastic scattering and polarization data at lower energies together with data from the reactions 10B(n, α0)7Li and 10B(n, α17Li (0.48 MeV) have been simultaneously fitted using a two-level, four-channel R-matrix formalism with a non-diagonal background R° matrix. The level parameters obtained from the R-matrix fitting of these data for states in 11B with excitation energies 11.5 MeV < Ex < 15.5 MeV are consistent with other reactions such as 10B(n, n′γ)10B (0.717), 7Li(α, n0)10B and 7Li(α, n1)10B (0.717) which lead to states in 11B.
Comparative effectiveness of laparoscopic versus robot-assisted colorectal resection.

Background During the past 20 years, laparoscopy has revolutionized colorectal surgery. With proven benefits in patient outcomes and healthcare utilization, laparoscopic colorectal surgery has steadily increased in use. Robotic surgery, a new addition to colorectal surgery, has been suggested to facilitate and overcome limitations of laparoscopic surgery. Our objective was to compare the outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic resection (RALR) to laparoscopic resections (LAP) in colorectal surgery.
Effect of forty-eight-hour calf removal, once- or twice-daily suckling and Norgestomet on beef cow and calf performance.

Abstract Trials were conducted in 1980 and 1981 to evaluate the effects of once-daily suckling, twice-daily suckling, 48-h calf removal, and Norgestomet on performance of spring-calving cows and their calves. Eighty-three and 73 Polled Hereford and 29 and 42 Simmental-cross cows were utilized in 1980 and 1981, respectively. Cows were allotted by age, breed, calving date and winter nutrition treatment to one of four groups: 1) once-daily suckle for 24 d starting 11 d before the beginning of the breeding season, 2) twice-daily suckle (same time frame as 1), 3) 48-h calf removal ending immediately before the breeding season, 4) calves remained with cows (controls). One-half.of each group was implanted with Norgestomet b from 11 until 2 d before the start of the breeding season. Once- and twice-daily suckling increased (P 0.1) by suckling treatment. Calf weight gains during suckling treatment were greater (P 0.1) adjusted weaning weights of calves or frequency and duration of suckling recorded 2 wk after the end of suckling treatment.
Effect of solvent-to-coal ratio on organosulfur extractability in the perchloroethylene organodesulfurization process

ABSTRACT A novel reaction-extraction model for removal of organosulfur compounds from coal by the Perchloroethylene Organodesulfunzation Process has been proposed. The model treats the coal as a reactant to observe the effect of slurry composition on the rate of “lock-up” reaction where the liberated organosulfur species from coal re-enters the coal organic matrix. A series of batch organodesulfunzation extractions were conducted to observe the effect of solvent-to-coal ratio on the extent of organosulfur removal. Based on this data, kinetic parameters for the organosulfur “liberation” and “lock-up” reactions were simulated using the model. The ratio of first-order rate constant of “lock-up” reaction to that of the “liberation” reaction was found to be 4.03. Optimal design parameters and operating conditions have been obtained for a wide range of PCE-to-coal ratio for Indiana 5 coal. Mathematical models representing the optimal slurry composition as a function of the ratio of rate constants, extraction ca...
Pathology to define epidermal margin and depth of surgical debridement of diabetic foot ulcers

ESULTS: The table summarized quantitative data. Four prim istopathological findings were noted. All skin edge sections speciens containing hyperkeratosis were identified by a thickened corified layer of epidermis. Dermal fibrosis was typified by acellular oven strands of collagen. Granulation tissue was identified by presnce of multiple blood vessels i.e. angiogenesis and numerous cells ncluding leukocytes and fibroblasts. Osteomyelitis was identified by portion of pink viable bone, surrounded by neutrophilic exudate nd/or lymphocytes and histocytes.