cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beta-adrenergic activation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in ovarian cancer

The Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a key process in cancer metastasis whereby epithelial cells lose their polarity and cell-to-cell adhesion, and undergo morphologic changes, giving them a mesenchymal phenotype that allows them to migrate and invade other tissues. Our previous research has shown that beta-adrenergic signaling stimulates pathways involved in ovarian tumor progression, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We performed genome-wide transcriptome profiling of advanced stage ovarian carcinomas from 98 patients and compared those above versus below the median split on tumor norepinephrine level (NE) (median: 1.05 pg/mg tumor). Patients were matched on age, BMI, cancer grade, stage, and histology. High-NE tumors showed increased expression of 694 genes by at least 25% and 124 by at least 50%. These included multiple genes related to EMT, as well as decreased expression of a variety of anti-metastatic genes. In ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3ip1 and HeyA8), exposure to stress-concentrations of NE increased transcription of SNAI2 and IL6, both of which regulate EMT. In an in vivo orthotopic mouse model of ovarian cancer, 3 weeks of restraint stress significantly decreased the epithelial marker E Cadherin, increased mesenchymal markers N Cadherin and Vimentin, and up-regulated EMT mediators Snai1, Snai2, and Twist1. These results identify an additional pathway by which beta-adrenergic signaling can promote ovarian cancer progression by stimulating EMT gene expression programs that mediate metastasis.
Sidewall gratings in ultra-low-loss Si_3N_4 planar waveguides

We demonstrate sidewall gratings in an ultra-low-loss Si3N4 planar waveguide platform. Through proper geometrical design we can achieve coupling constant values between 13 and 310 cm−1. The TE waveguide propagation loss over the range of 1540 to 1570 nm is below 5.5 dB/m.
Stress experienced in utero reduces sexual dichotomies in neurogenesis, microenvironment, and cell death in the adult rat hippocampus

Hippocampal function and plasticity differ with gender, but the regulatory mechanisms underlying sex differences remain elusive and may be established early in life. The present study sought to elucidate sex differences in hippocampal plasticity under normal developmental conditions and in response to repetitive, predictable versus varied, unpredictable prenatal stress (PS). Adult male and diestrous female offspring of pregnant rats exposed to no stress (control), repetitive stress (PS-restraint), or a randomized sequence of varied stressors (PS-random) during the last week of pregnancy were examined for hippocampal proliferation, neurogenesis, cell death, and local microenvironment using endogenous markers. Regional volume was also estimated by stereology. Control animals had comparable proliferation and regional volume regardless of sex, but females had lower neurogenesis compared to males. Increased cell death and differential hippocampal precursor kinetics both appear to contribute to reduced neurogenesis in females. Reduced local interleukin-1beta (IL-Iβ immunoreactivity (IR) in females argues for a mechanistic role for the anti-apoptotic cytokine in driving sex differences in cell death. Prenatal stress significantly impacted the hippocampus, with both stress paradigms causing robust decreases in actively proliferating cells in males and females. Several other hippocampal measures were feminized in males such as precursor kinetics, IL-Iβ-IR density, and cell death, reducing or abolishing some sex differences. The findings expand our understanding of the mechanisms underlying sex differences and highlight the critical role early stress can play on the balance between proliferation, neurogenesis, cell death, and hippocampal microenvironment in adulthood.
Multi-Channel Optical Streak Cameras

The accurate characterization of high-power multi-beam laser systems requires an optical streak camera system having a linear dynamic range of 1000. In this paper we wish to show that the classic definition of streak camera dynamic range tells very little about the system linearity. A problem of flare in the recording system limits the linearity to < 100. Data from two commercial streak camera systems is presented.
A novel ring-substituted diindolylmethane,1,1-bis[3'-(5-methoxyindolyl)]-1-(p-t-butylphenyl) methane, inhibits extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and induces apoptosis in acute myelogenous leukemia.

We investigated the antileukemic activity and molecular mechanisms of action of a newly synthesized ring-substituted diindolylmethane derivative, 1,1-bis[3′-(5-methoxyindolyl)]-1-( p-t -butylphenyl) methane (DIM #34), in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) cells. DIM #34 inhibited AML cell growth via the induction of apoptosis and abrogated clonogenic growth of primary AML samples. Exposure to DIM #34 induced loss of mitochondrial inner transmembrane potential, release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, and caspase activation. Bcl-2–overexpressing, Bax knockout, and caspase-9–deficient cells were partially resistant to cell death, suggesting the involvement of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, DIM #34 transiently inhibited the phosphorylation and activity of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and abrogated Bcl-2 phosphorylation. Because other methylene-substituted diindolylmethane analogues have been shown to transactivate the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), we studied the role of PPARγ in apoptosis induction. Cotreatment of cells with a selective PPARγ antagonist or with retinoid X receptor and retinoic acid receptor ligands partially modulated apoptosis when combined with DIM #34, suggesting PPARγ receptor-dependent and receptor-independent cell death. Together, these findings suggest that diindolylmethanes are a new class of compounds that selectively induce apoptosis in AML cells through the modulation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and PPARγ signaling pathways.
Two-Dimensional Current Flow in Junction Transistors at High Frequencies

The effect of two-dimensional current flow in a junction transistor at high frequencies is analyzed, with particular emphasis on the rectangular geometry employed for grown-junction transistors. At high frequencies, the distributed nature of the base region must be taken into account in general. For example, in the usual equivalent circuit for the transistor, the ohmic base resistance rb? must be replaced in general by a complex base impedance, which decreases in magnitude with increasing frequency as a result of a high-frequency internal biasing effect. The effect of this modification upon circuit performance is discussed, and transistor design considerations are outlined briefly. An approximate distributed model is used for the analysis, but it is shown in Appendix II that the solutions thus obtained are consistent with the equations governing twodimensional current flow in a semiconductor region.
Dielectric spectroscopy of glass-forming materials: α-relaxation and excess wing

Abstract Molecular kinetics in glass-forming materials is strange in many respects. Most famous is the structural α-relaxation with its non-Debye behavior and non-Arrhenius temperature dependence of the relaxation rate. But also the processes beyond the α-relaxation, like excess wing or the fast processes in the ns–ps regime are unusual and in the focus of current experimental and theoretical investigations. In the present work, we show dielectric spectra of several prototypical glass-formers, including isolating dipolar and ionically conducting materials. By covering a broad frequency range that allows the detection of all the dynamic processes governing glassy dynamics, we will give an overview over the rich dynamical behavior of glass-forming materials. Especially we will concentrate on the α-process and the excess wing and discuss various phenomenological and theoretical approaches of these phenomena.
Serotonergic modulation of the feeding behavior of the medicinal leech

Abstract Hungry medicinal leeches, Hirudo medicinalis , bite warm surfaces and ingest blood meals averaging 890% of their weight. Satiation lasts 12–18 months during which leeches avoid warm surfaces and will not bite. The segmental nervous system of the leech is distinguished by a population of neurons which contain serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) at high concentrations. Some of these identified 5-HT neurons directly activate the effectors responsible for three physiological components of feeding: salivary secretion, bite-like movements and pharyngeal peristalsis. A localized warming of the lip is sufficient to initiate ingestion and synaptically excites anterior 5-HT cells into high frequency impulses or bursts. Distension of the body wall terminates ingestion and also hyperpolarizes these 5-HT neurons. Serotonin treatment produces hyperphagic behavior by the leech, while a specific pharmacological lesion of its 5-HT cells produces the anorexic behavior of satiation. This anorexia is transiently reversed by 5-HT treatment. Serotonin plays an obligatory role in the initiation and expression of leech feeding behavior by its differential modulation of central neuronal networks and peripheral glands and muscles.
The Shaping of a Saint-President: Latent Clues from an Autobiography

Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom provides evidence organized in the form of antecedent-behavior-consequence units, which suggest that a shaping process effected during his many years of incarceration best describes the origins of the outcome represented by the political order in South Africa today. The analysis shows that Mandela’s radicalism at the start of his imprisonment on Robben Island changed into a saintly presidential aura in the end, through a systematic selection process that actively involved Mandela himself and his political aspirations. The saintly qualities ascribed to Mandela today by many are consistent with Skinner’s (1971) notions on autonomous man.
Hits and misses: Herd behavior and online product popularity

This article presents the results of a market experiment in which the perceived popularity of programs on a large commercial online system were manipulated. The download counts of software, which indicate how many previous users had obtained a software program, were artificially increased by repeated downloading. This manipulation was done to one member of a matched program pair, with the manipulation levels set randomly to achieve a balanced experimental design over a set of matched pairs. Subsequent downloads of the programs made by the service's subscribers were then recorded. Substantial additional downloads were induced by the manipulation. Some consumers apparently are drawn to market leaders, further increasing their lead. This raises an important issue regarding the need for verifiability of online popularity measures.
Computer science illustrated: engaging visual aids for computer science education

Computer Science Illustrated1 is an endeavor to help visual learners comprehend computer science topics through a series of resolution-independent illustrations, which are made available online for use as handouts in class and posters in the computer labs. These illustrations are designed to present concepts as engaging and memorable visual metaphors combined with concise explanations or short narratives, intended to maintain the students' interest and facilitate retention. An additional goal of the project is to make learning the concepts an entertaining experience through the use of colorful and whimsical characters in the illustrations. In producing our twenty-seven illustrations, we determined which topics were most difficult for students to understand in our university's introductory computer science courses and followed a step-by-step process of design, redesign, and revision to generate our illustrations. We also assessed the effectiveness of our creations, using both subjective and objective measures.
Experimental analysis of particle deposition on single collectors

Experimental studies of particle deposition from liquid suspensions of monodispersed particles flowing past single spherical collectors were carried out and compared with theoretical results based on trajectory calculations. The experimental observations indicate the significant effect of particle flocculation and thus suggest the importance of sedimentation as a collection mechanism. The agreement between the theoretical results and the experimental data is good when the surface force interactions are favorable for collection. However, when the electrokinetic repulsion dominates in the neighborhood of the collector, the rate of collection drops rapidly, although not to zero as predicted by theory. On a fait des etudes experimentales sur la sedimentation qui provient d'une suspension dans un liquide de particules monodispersees, laquelle circule au-dela de collecteurs spheriques simples; on a compare les resultats experimentaux avec des theoriques qui sont bases sur des calculs de trajectories. Les observations experimentales revelent l'effet significatif de la floculation des particules et soulignent ainsi l'importance de la sedimentation comme mecanisme de collection. La concordance entre les donnees theoriques et les resultats experimentaux est bonne, lorsque les interactions des forces de surface sont favorables a la collection. Toutefois, lorsque la repulsion electrocinetique domine au voisinage du collecteur, le taux de collection baisse rapidement, bien qu'il n'atteingne pas zero, comme la theorie le prevoyait.
Amino acids surrogates: an indirect method for the synthesis of peptides containing the thioasparaginyl residue

Abstract The protected pentapeptide, Boc-Tan-Cys(PMB)-Pro-Leu-GlynH 2 1 and related thioasparaginyl compounds were prepared by an indirect method from their corresponding β-cyanoalanyl precursors by treatment with H 2 S/NH 3 . The optical purities of thioasparagine (Tan) derivatives were evaluated by two different approaches.
Characterization of a Nucleotide Kinase Encoded by Bacteriophage T7

Gene 1.7 protein is the only known nucleotide kinase encoded by bacteriophage T7. The enzyme phosphorylates dTMP and dGMP to dTDP and dGDP, respectively, in the presence of a phosphate donor. The phosphate donors are dTTP, dGTP, and ribo-GTP as well as the thymidine and guanosine triphosphate analogs ddTTP, ddGTP, and dITP. The nucleotide kinase is found in solution as a 256-kDa complex consisting of ∼12 monomers of the gene 1.7 protein. The two molecular weight forms co-purify as a complex, but each form has nearly identical kinase activity. Although gene 1.7 protein does not require a metal ion for its kinase activity, the presence of Mg2+ in the reaction mixture results in either inhibition or stimulation of the rate of kinase reactions depending on the substrates used. Both the dTMP and dGMP kinase reactions are reversible. Neither dTDP nor dGDP is a phosphate acceptor of nucleoside triphosphate donors. Gene 1.7 protein exhibits two different equilibrium patterns toward deoxyguanosine and thymidine substrates. The Km of 4.4 × 10−4 m obtained with dTTP for dTMP kinase is ∼3-fold higher than that obtained with dGTP for dGMP kinase (1.3 × 10−4 m), indicating that a higher concentration of dTTP is required to saturate the enzyme. Inhibition studies indicate a competitive relationship between dGDP and both dGTP, dGMP, whereas dTDP appears to have a mixed type of inhibition of dTMP kinase. Studies suggest two functions of dTTP, as a phosphate donor and a positive effector of the dTMP kinase reaction.
Probabilistic retrieval based on staged logistic regression

The goal of a probabilistic retrieval system design is to rank the elements of the search universe in descending order of their estimated probability of usefulness to the user. Previously explored methods for computing such a ranking have involved the use of statistical independence assumptions and multiple regression analysis on a learning sample. In this paper these techniques are recombined in a new way to achieve greater accuracy of probabilistic estimate without undue additional computational complexity. The novel element of the proposed design is that the regression analysis be carried out in two or more levels or stages. Such an approach allows composite or grouped retrieval clues to be analyzed in an orderly manner -- first within groups, and then between. It compensates automatically for systematic biases introduced by the statistical simplifying assumptions, and gives rise to search algorithms of reasonable computational efficiency.
Standardizing headers in the quest for interoperability

The popular, business, and scientific media are full of predictions and promises for the national and global information infrastructures. However, one key problem is enabling interoperability in an open communications environment. In digital communications, simple examination does not reveal what a stream of bits represents-"bits are bits". Headers and descriptors, a labeling mechanism, provide important identification for bit streams and thereby enable interoperability. Our work on headers and descriptors is part of a continuing effort to understand and foster the convergence and interplay of computing, communications, and interactive media. The header/descriptor concept, as represented here, began with US based efforts to define an advanced television system, high definition television (HDTV). Cross industry harmonization objectives, especially interoperability with digital computer and telecommunications systems, became formal selection criteria for the Federal Communications Commission's advanced television selection process. We explain the objectives and rationale underlying our work on headers and descriptors, and propose specific design concepts for achieving a truly universal header. An attractive, accessible, and sustainable information infrastructure depends on easy data sharing and preservation across varying systems. This larger goal, not simply the market needs of advanced television, drives our efforts.
On the role of polarizability in QSAR.

Abstract The polarizability of a molecule, an important physical property, is currently attracting our attention particularly in the area of QSAR for chemical–biological interactions. In this report, the polarizability effects on ligand–substrate interactions has been discussed in terms of NVE (number of valence electrons) using additive values for valence electrons and the formulation of a total number of 51 QSAR. The QSAR model can be illustrated by Eq. I . (I) log 1 / C = a ( NVE ) ± constant
The Philippine Revolution in the Proceedings of the Berlin Society for Anthropology, Ethnology, and Prehistory from 1897 to 1900: Five Translations

This research note presents discussions about and by Filipino revolutionaries in the Proceedings of the Berlin Society for Anthropology, Ethnology, and Prehistory (Verhandlungen der Berliner Gesellschaft fur Anthropologie, Ethnologie und Urgeschichte), which were published from 1897 to 1900 in the Imperial German Journal of Ethnology (Zeitschrift fur Ethnologie), a periodical produced by the German Society for Anthropology, Ethnology, and Prehistory (Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Anthropologie, Ethnologie und Urgeschichte). It contextualizes and translates five communications: two describing the life and work of Jose Rizal, and three letters from Mariano Ponce, Felipe Agoncillo, Emiliano Riego de Dios, and Vicente Lukban. Keywords: German anthropology • translation • Filipino nationalism • Filipino scholarship • Philippine Revolution
Nano- to Macro-Sized Heterogeneities Using Cleavable Diblock Copolymers

Polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymers containing [4π + 4π] anthracene photodimer at the junction point between the blocks (PS-AA-PMMA) can be cleaved to the parent homopolymer blocks upon heating above 130 °C or by UV irradiation at 280 nm. PS-AA-PMMA was characterized and then used in thin films to create micro- to macroscale poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) domains in a polystyrene (PS) matrix. Microphase-separated morphologies in thin films were initially achieved by annealing spin-coated films in supercritical carbon dioxide at 80 °C. Subsequent heating and/or UV irradiation was used to cleave the copolymer junction point, affecting an in situ conversion of the diblock copolymer to its parent homopolymers. The evolution of phase separation, from microdomains of PMMA in a matrix of PS to macrophase-separated structures, was investigated by SFM. Subsequent washing with selective solvents removed homopolymer, producing raised nanostructures or nanoporous templates.
Cloning of a cDNA encoding a putative human very low density lipoprotein/apolipoprotein E receptor and assignment of the gene to chromosome 9pter-p23.

We report the cloning of a 3656-bp cDNA encoding a putative human very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)/apolipoprotein E (ApoE) receptor. The gene encoding this protein was mapped to chromosome 9pter-p23. Northern analysis of human RNA identified cognate mRNAs of 6.0 and 3.8 kb with most abundant expression in heart and skeletal muscle, followed by kidney, placenta, pancreas, and brain. The pattern of expression generally paralleled that of lipoprotein lipase mRNA but differed from that of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein/α2-macroglobulin receptor (LRP), which are members of the same gene family. VLDL/ApoE receptor message was not detected in liver, whereas mRNAs for both LDL receptor and LRP were found in hepatic tissue. In mouse 3T3-L1 cells, VLDL/ApoE receptor mRNA was induced during the transformation of the cells into adipocytes. Expression was also detected in human choriocarcinoma cells, suggesting that at least part of the expression observed in placenta may be in trophoblasts, cells which would be exposed to maternal blood. Expression in brain may be related to high levels of ApoE expression in that organ, an observation of potential relevance to the recently hypothesized role for ApoE in late onset Alzheimer disease. Our results suggest that the putative VLDL/ApoE receptor could play a role in the uptake of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particles by specific organs including striated and cardiac muscle and adipose tissue and in the transport of maternal lipids across the placenta. The findings presented here, together with recent observations from other laboratories, bring up the possibility that a single gene, the VLDL/ApoE receptor, may play a role in the pathogenesis of certain forms of atherosclerosis, Alzheimer disease, and obesity.
The Effect of Long-Term Bone Plate Application for Fixation of Radial Fractures in Dogs

This study was divided into two phases. In the in vitro phase, a stainless steel bone plate was applied to the cranial surface of the radius in 14 canine limbs. The effect of the presence of a bone plate on bone density analysis using radiographic photodensitometry (RP) was evaluated by comparing the density measurement of the unplated limb to the density measurement of the plated limb. The optical density of the plated bones was 12% greater than that of the unplated bones. This information was used as a correction factor for the in vivo study. In the in vivo phase, 23 dogs with radial and ulnar fractures were examined for complications associated with the long-term application of a stainless steel plate applied to the cranial surface of the radius. In 14 dogs, RP analysis was used to compare the plated limb with the normal, contralateral limb. No significant differences in radial cortical bone density existed between the plated limb and the contralateral limb after taking into account the effect a bone plate had on photodensitometry readings. There was no significant correlation between the change in radial cortical density and the duration of bone plate application, suggesting that a steady state between bone loss and bone production occurs after long-term plate fixation of the fractured canine radius. The majority (87%) of the dogs with a plate applied to the radius greater than 1 year had normal limb usage when standing, walking, or running.
Routine immunization with orally administered attenuated poliovirus. A study of 850 children in an American city.

In the United States, studies with living poliovirus vaccines have been conducted within institutions and families under ideal conditions. The present study explored the feasibility of early immunization of normal children living in a low-income area of an American city. Most of the 850 children 1 1/2 months to 6 years old entering the study were susceptible to poliomyelitis. One, two, or three types of vaccine given orally at monthly intervals yielded significant antibody responses in 93 to 100 % of children who had not yet lost maternal antibodies, and in 84 to 100% of children without antibodies. Although this was not an evaluation of vaccine safety, community surveillance was maintained; no case of poliomyelitis in Philadelphia occurred in a person vaccinated by this method or in his household. The vaccines were efficacious, according to serologic evidence, in conferring immunity to poliomyelitis.
Assembly of mitochondrial ribonucleoprotein complexes involves specific guide RNA (gRNA)-binding proteins and gRNA domains but does not require preedited mRNA.

RNA editing in kinetoplastids probably employs a macromolecular complex, the editosome, that is likely to include the guide RNAs (gRNAs) which specify the edited sequence. Specific ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes which form in vitro with gRNAs (H. U. Goringer, D. J. Koslowsky, T. H. Morales, and K. D. Stuart, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, in press) are potential editosomes or their precursors. We find that several factors are important for in vitro formation of these RNP complexes and identify specific gRNA-binding proteins present in the complexes. Preedited mRNA promotes the in vitro formation of the four major gRNA-containing RNP complexes under some conditions but is required for the formation of only a subcomponent of one complex. The 5' gRNA sequence encompassing the RYAYA and anchor regions and the 3' gRNA oligo(U) tail are both important in complex formation, since their deletion results in a dramatic decrease of some complexes and the absence of others. UV cross-linking experiments identify several proteins which are in contact with gRNA and preedited mRNA in mitochondrial extracts. Proteins of 25 and 90 kDa are highly specific for gRNAs, and the 90-kDa protein binds specifically to gRNA oligo(U) tails. The gRNA-binding proteins exhibit a differential distribution between the four in vitro-formed complexes. These experiments reveal several proteins potentially involved in RNA editing and indicate that multiple recognition elements in gRNAs are used for complex formation.
Effects of exposure to nicotine and to sidestream smoke on pregnancy outcome in rats

Nicotine-delivering transdermal patches were applied to the back of timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats. Pregnancy failure was 100% in animals exposed to 3.5 mg of nicotine per day during the entire pregnancy and 50% in animals exposed to the same amount during the first trimester. Application of 1.75 mg of nicotine per day resulted in a 50% pregnancy failure when exposure occurred during the entire pregnancy. In animals exposed for the first half of pregnancy to cigarette sidestream smoke, under conditions where plasma nicotine levels reached about 25% of those observed following exposure to 1.75 mg of nicotine per day, the average litter size was reduced by about 25%. It is concluded that continuous exposure to nicotine early during pregnancy may adversely affect pregnancy outcome in rats.
A new neuroadaptive control architecture for nonlinear uncertain dynamical systems: Beyond σ- and e-modifications

Neural networks are a viable paradigm for adaptive system identification and control. This paper develops a new neuroadaptive control architecture for nonlinear uncertain dynamical systems. The proposed framework involves a novel controller architecture involving additional terms in the update laws that are constructed using a moving window of the integrated system uncertainty. These terms can be used to identify the ideal system parameters as well as effectively suppress system uncertainty. A linear parameterization of the system uncertainty is considered and state feedback neuro-adaptive controllers are developed.
Contact mechanics and the adhesion of soft solids

Abstract The contact behavior of solid materials is determined by the system geometry, externally applied loads and internal adhesive forces, and by the materials properties. As the size and stiffness of a material decrease, adhesive forces become increasingly important in determining its contact behavior. The current trends toward the use of smaller features in many areas of technology, and the importance of ‘soft’ materials including biological tissues, elastomers and polymer gels, demand that the effects of adhesion on contact mechanics be properly understood. The focus of this review is on the mechanics of contact experiments that are commonly used to characterize adhesion, and on the materials science of adhesion of elastic and viscoelastic materials.
A normal mode theory for the Rayleigh wave amplifier

A Rayleigh acoustic wave traveling on the surface of a semi-infinite piezoelectric medium may be amplified by interaction with drifting carriers in an adjacent semiconductor. The gain and frequency response of this interaction is determined here by using a normal mode expansion of the Rayleigh wave piezoelectric fields. The configuration which uses a thin semiconductor film supported by a semi-infinite dielectric and separated from the piezoelectric by a small air gap is described in detail and the results are expressed in a form that clearly shows the effect of piezoelectric, air gap, and semiconductor parameters. Comparisons with experimental data for the lithium niobate-silicon film configuration show that acoustic gains on the order of 100 dB/cm can be obtained in the frequency range above 0.1 GHz.
The Case of Hypersensitivity to Electromagnetic Fields [Telecommunications Health and Safety]

The syndrome of electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) consists of nervous-system symptoms, such as headache and fatigue; skin symptoms, such as facial irritations and rashes; as well as other nonspecific health-related symptoms. One of the most renowned case of EHS is the reported hypersensitivity of Gro Harlem Brundtland, the former Prime Minister of Norway. She was the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) from 1998 to 2003. She had not publicly talked about her EHS for more than 10 years. However, that ended when she told a reporter, "I avoid talking on mobile phone, "in response to a newspaper article alleging that she now uses a mobile phone, according to a former top aide at WHO, Jonas Gahr Store, the current Norwegian Minister of Health.
Designing Imidazole-Based Ionic Liquids and Ionic Liquid Monomers for Emerging Technologies

Imidazolium-based ionic liquids and ionic liquid monomers are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of areas including biphasic reaction catalysis, electromechanical actuator membranes and diluents, separation science membranes, and water purification agents. Ionic liquids first incorporated the imidazole ring in 1984 and this heterocyclic ring has emerged as the focal point of the ionic liquid field. Imidazole was targeted for its ability to form cationic compounds, which are molten salts at low molar mass. Ionic liquids offer several beneficial attributes including fixed charge, potential as green solvents, and relatively high thermal stability. Due to an ionic liquid's ability to facilitate electron or ion motion, they are now enabling electroactive devices. Commercially available conductive membranes are swollen with ionic liquids to enhance their conductivity; alternatively, conductive membranes are synthesized from novel ionic liquid monomers, also termed polymerizable ionic liquids. The imidaz...
Root stabilization of the repaired bicuspid aortic valve: subcommissural annuloplasty versus root reimplantation.

Background At our institution, type I bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients with aortic insufficiency (AI) who are candidates for valve preservation are stratified into two groups by aortic root pathology: nonaneurysmal root undergoing primary cusp repair + subcommissural annuloplasty (repair group) vs aneurysmal root undergoing primary cusp repair + root reimplantation (reimplantation group). We report outcomes of this surgical reconstructive strategy for the repaired type I BAV. Methods A retrospective review was performed of 71 patients with a type I BAV undergoing primary valve repair from 2005 to 2012. The repair group (n = 40) underwent annular stabilization by subcommissural annuloplasty, and the reimplantation group (n = 31) underwent robust annular stabilization provided by root reimplantation. Results Preoperative characteristics and root anatomy were similar, except for increased root dimensions in the reimplantation group ( p p p p = 0.03). The 2-year peak (14 ± 6 vs 19 ± 9 mm Hg, p = 0.009) and mean (7 ± 4 vs 11 ± 5 mm Hg, p = 0.001) gradients favored root reimplantation. Conclusions Root stabilization with the reimplantation technique significantly improves the durability of the repaired type I BAV compared with subcommissural annuloplasty. It also provides improved and sustained valve mobility (transvalvular gradients).
Hypercrosslinked Large Surface Area Porous Polymer Monoliths for Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography of Small Molecules Featuring Zwitterionic Functionalities Attached to Gold Nanoparticles Held in Layered Structure

A novel approach to porous polymer monoliths hypercrosslinked to obtain large surface areas and modified with zwitterionic functionalities through the attachment of gold nanoparticles in a layered architecture has been developed. The capillary columns were used for the separation of small molecules in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography mode. First, a monolith with a very large surface area of 430 m(2)/g was prepared by hypercrosslinking from a generic poly(4-methylstyrene-co-vinylbenzyl chloride-co-divinylbenzene) monolith via a Friedel-Crafts reaction catalyzed with iron chloride. Free radical bromination then provided this hypercrosslinked monolith with 5.7 at % Br that further reacted with cystamine under microwave irradiation, resulting in a product containing 3.8 at % sulfur. Clipping the disulfide bonds with tris(2-carboxylethyl) phosphine liberated the desired thiol groups that bind the first layer of gold nanoparticles. These immobilized nanoparticles were an intermediate ligand enabling the attachment of polyethyleneimine as a spacer followed by immobilization of the second layer of gold nanoparticles which were eventually functionalized with zwitterionic cysteine. This layered architecture, prepared using 10 nm nanoparticles, contains 17.2 wt % Au, more than twice than that found in the first layer alone. Chromatographic performance of these hydrophilic monolithic columns was demonstrated with the separation of mixtures of nucleosides and peptides in hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) mode. A column efficiency of 51,000 plates/m was achieved for retained analyte cytosine.
Dollars and sense-the benefits of membership in the American Urological Association

Abstract Objectives To enumerate some of the benefits of being a member in the American Urological Association (AUA) and to request support in promoting membership in our specialty society's parent organization (AUA). Methods The benefits of belonging to a medical specialty society are assessed by weighing the costs of membership (financial expenditures, time constraints, society requirements, etc.) against the return one receives (scientific and educational benefit, collegiality, collectively bargained compensation, etc.). From a socioeconomic point of view, many of the benefits cannot be quantified; however, they are real and undoubtedly contribute in a variety of ways to the satisfaction of day-to-day practice. Results Financial incentives can be quantified, and present times dictate that they be enumerated. Additionally AUA proactively supports the livelihood of its members. Both financial incentives and financial gains are presented. Conclusions Membership in AUA continues to be a bargain and the dollars and sense of belonging to AUA represent genuine and unparalleled value.
Maternal stimulation affects the number of motor neurons in a sexually dimorphic nucleus of the lumbar spinal cord

The role of maternal stimulation in the development of a lumbar motor nucleus (spinal nucleus of the bulboca vernosus, SNB) was investigated. The perineum, which has afferents to the lumbar region, is stimulated throughout early development by maternal licking, a behavior that is elicited by chemosignals secreted by the pups. In the present study, half of the dams were treated with intranasal zinc sulfate throughout the postpartum period, which led to a specific reduction in maternal stimulation of pup perineum by interfering with the reception of eliciting signals. Adult offspring of both sexes from anosmic dams had 11% fewer SNB motor neurons than normally stimulated controls, an effect which was most apparent in the rostral portion of the nucleus. There was no effect of treatment on neuron size. It was concluded that afferent input provided by species-typical maternal behavior contributes to the number of neurons that survive the neonatal period of normal cell death.
Verb facilitation of paired-associate learning as a function of syntactic and semantic relations

Fourth- and fifth-grade children were given a PA learning task. Experimental groups were exposed to nouns linked by verbs (sentences), while the control group saw conjunction-linked nouns. Effects of three independent variables were assessed: semantic relation of the verb with its nouns, test-trial stimuli, and verb construction. Performance varied as a function of the verb relation and test stimulus factors. Results suggest that verbs, in order to produce better noun-pair learning than conjunctions, must be aroused during the test trial so that they can expedite retrieval of verb phrases where object nouns are stored. Also, the findings indicate that verbs can cue recall as well as nouns and that verb-preposition connectives have the same effect on performance as verbs.
Synthesis of trialkyl-gallium and -indium adducts of tetramethyldiphosphine

Abstract Trimethyl- and triethyl-gallium and -indium reacted with tetramethyldiphosphine to form 2/1 addition compounds. Characterization studies have included elemental analyses, molecular weight measurements, infrared, NMR, and mass spectra. In addition, vapor pressure measurements have been carried out between 50 and 100°. Attempts to isolate and identify 1/1 compounds were inconclusive.
Untested software threatens infrastructures

The public needs access to information infrastructures that are reliable, secure, noninterruptible, and fault-tolerant, but the transition to paperless commerce threatens individual privacy with each transaction. Wholesale payment systems, such as the United States Federal Reserve's FedWire and automated clearing houses, move trillions of dollars over electronic networks daily. With roughly 95 percent of Defense Department communications relying on the commercial infrastructure, the US government is a major stakeholder in the security of commercial systems. The paper discusses the importance of software testing and the assessment of software liabilities.
Epstein–Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein-1 Induction by Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Mediates Induction of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Expression and Homotypic Aggregation

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein (LMP)-1 induces B lymphocyte immortalization and activates constitutive signal transduction, including NF-kappaB, JNK/p38, and JAK/STAT pathways. During EBV latency, LMP-1 expression induces several B lymphocyte activation markers, including intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1. We found that various structurally distinct histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACI), as well as phorbol ester treatment, induced homotypic aggregation in EBV-positive Burkitt's lymphoma lines. Cell-surface expression of ICAM-1 was concurrently strongly up-regulated by both HDACI and phorbol ester treatments. Cell-surface expression of ICAM-1 was concurrently strongly induced by both HDACI and phorbol ester treatment. Among several ICAM family members, only ICAM-1 was up-regulated by both HDACI and phorbol ester treatments, suggesting that up-regulated ICAM-1 expression might mediate the observed increase in homotypic aggregation. HDACI-induced homotypic aggregation was blocked by exposure to a monoclonal antibody specific for the beta-chain (CD18) of an ICAM-1 ligand, LFA-1. Unexpectedly, HDAC inhibition, but not phorbol ester treatment, induced LMP-1 expression in EBV-positive cell lines, and this LMP-1 species was identified by RT-PCR and immunoblot analyses as the latent form of LMP-1. Control of EBV LMP-1 gene expression by HDACI inhibition occurs at the transcriptional level, as indicated by nuclear runoff studies and analysis of steady-state mRNA levels. Dominant-negative LMP-1 efficiently blocked HDACI-induced ICAM-1 up-regulation, and ectopic expression of LMP-1 activated expression of an ICAM-1 promoter-driven reporter gene. The HDACI-induced up-regulation of ICAM-1, and consequent homotypic aggregation, were efficiently blocked by the addition of N-acetyl-L-cysteine and by ectopic expression of a super-repressor IkappaBalpha, while LPM-1 induction was unaffected, suggesting that these effects are mediated by NF-kappaB. We demonstrate, therefore, that the latent isoform of LMP-1 is induced by HDAC inhibition, and that HDACI-induced latent LMP-1 expression, through NF-kappaB activation, is responsible for ICAM-1 expression up-regulation and homotypic adhesion.
Cardioprotection with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition—a novel preconditioning strategy

Phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors including sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil are a new class of vasoactive drugs that have been developed for treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients. A growing number of studies in recent years suggest that sildenafil may be used clinically for treatment of pulmonary hypertension and endothelial dysfunction. In addition, recent studies primarily from our laboratory suggested that sildenafil has preconditioning-like powerful cardioprotective effect in the animal models of ischemia–reperfusion injury. Sildenafil has been found to exert cardioprotection through nitric oxide generated from endothelial and/or inducible nitric oxide synthases and opening of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Future demonstration of the cardioprotective effect in patients with the relatively safe and effective FDA-approved PDE-5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil, could have an enormous impact on bringing the long-studied phenomena of ischemic and pharmacologic preconditioning to the clinical forefront.
Discriminating preexperimental (semantic) from learned (episodic) associations: A speed-accuracy study

This research investigates the process by which people discriminate preexperimental (semantic) from experimental (episodic) associations. Subjects were instructed to recognize (reply old) only to experimentally studied materials. The questions are how is context information used to select relevant memories, and how successful is the exclusion of irrelevant information? The recognition accuracy and the retrieval speed (rate of approach to asymptotic accuracy) are jointly measured using a speed-accuracy trade-off (SAT) paradigm, with collateral reaction time (RT) experiments. Experiment 1 presented both semantically related and unrelated pairs for study. In Experiment 3, semantically related pairs were never presented for study and preexperimentally related lures could be rejected by rule. Semantically related lures in both of these SAT experiments showed evidence for elevated false alarm rates early in retrieval, followed by late suppression of false alarms (at about 1 s). When related pairs were studied in the experiment, suppression was incomplete; when related pairs were never studied, rule-based supersuppression obtained. Results from collateral reaction time studies (Experiments 2 and 4) showed points that corresponded to the pattern of results in Experiments 1 and 3 near asymptote, although the RT data by themselves would have been interpreted quite differently. These results are compatible with a single-store, two-phase retrieval model in which context information, or recall-like information about correct pair mates, is used to correct spurious false alarms resulting from the incomplete filtering of semantic information.
Comparison between X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy, Anomalous Wide Angle X-ray Scattering, Anomalous Small Angle X-ray Scattering, and Diffraction Anomalous Fine Structure Techniques Applied to Nanometer-Scale Metallic Clusters

The emergence of the synchrotron radiation center in the past decade has resulted in a tremendous development of various techniques. XAS is an efficient tool for describing local organization in ma...
Microscopic theory of the structure, thermodynamics, and apparent chi parameter of polymer blends.

A general off-lattice microscopic theory of the equilibrium properties of polymer mixtures is developed based on reference interaction site model integral equation methods. A derivation of a random-phase-approximation--like scattering function is presented along with a fully microscopic, general formula for the effective \ensuremath{\chi} parameter measured in small-angle neutron-scattering experiments. Numerical results for \ensuremath{\chi} of an athermal, Gaussian-chain--polymer binary blend are presented as a function of concentration, packing fraction, molecular weight, and structural asymmetry.
Optical Pumping and the D-Line Ratio of Comet 1962-III

Spectral observations of Comet 1962-III made prior to perihelion passage revealed a sodium D-line ratio of ≈2.5. Due to the inadequacy of normal atomic processes in explaining this ratio, an optical pumping process is considered. It is found that such a mechanism can produce the observed D-line ratio if the sodium atoms within the coma were under the influence of a magnetic field and if they were excited by circularly polarized radiation from the sun.
Homeless animals and unwanted books

Purpose – The purpose of this column is to consider similarities of unwanted dogs and cats and books to be weeded, in order to find new destinations for discarded books.Design/methodology/approach – The author applied the No Kill Declaration's underlying premise, that death should not be an option for resolving the problem of homeless animals, to books being removed from a library's collection.Findings – By declaring dumpsters and recycling boxes off limits for books, the author found that offering books for surplus bids, persisting in investigating book sale rules, and working with campus philanthropy groups could be viable options.Originality/value – In comparing wholesale dumping of library books to mass killing of dogs and cats, librarians might be reminded of books’ inherent worth.
Development of a Miniature Portable X-Ray Instrument for the Non-Destructive Measurement of Stresses

Residual surface stresses have been shown to play a critical role in the failure of metallic components through fatigue, stress corrosion cracking, and corrosion fatigue. A method of measuring these residual stresses remotely and nondestructively would improve the ability to assess the potential failure susceptibility of components in service.Copyright © 2004 by ASME