cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous Susceptibility of Valve Endothelial Cells to Mesenchymal Transformation in Response to TNFα

Lack of understanding of the early mechanisms of aortic valve stenosis and calcification hinders the development of diagnostic and therapeutic intervention strategies. Inflammation is a known component of early aortic valve disease and can induce mesenchymal transformation in a subset of aortic valve endothelial cells. Here we present a three-dimensional culture system that allows transforming and non-transforming cells to be independently isolated and analyzed. We have used the system to identify and characterize the dynamic invasion and phenotypic transition of two distinct subsets of endothelial cells: those that invade and transform under TNFα treatment, and those that resist mesenchymal transformation and remain endothelial. We determine that non-transformed cells maintain control levels of endothelial genes VE-cadherin and eNOS, while transformed cells lose these endothelial characteristics and upregulate α-smooth muscle actin. Both subsets of cells have an inflammatory phenotype marked by increased ICAM-1, but transformed cells have increased MMP-9, Notch1, TGF-β, and BMP-4, while non-transformed cells do not. Transformed cells also have distinct effects on alignment of collagen fibers as they invade the hydrogel system, which is not found in control endothelial or interstitial valve cells. Understanding the role of transforming and non-transforming endothelial cells in valve disease will provide an important pathological link between early inflammation and later stages of disease. Discovery of the molecular signature of transformation-resistant endothelial cells could inform development of treatment strategies that promote survival of the valve endothelium.
Applications of Superconductivity and Cryogenics in Electric Power Systems

Superconductors, cryogenic resistive conductors, structural materials for I cryogenic environments, and equipment for the production and handling of cryogenic I fluids have been developed to a state of availability, economy, and reliability that I applications in many areas appear attractive. One such area in which several applica-tions appear possible is that of electric-power-system technology. This is a particularly attractive area of application because the rapid growth rate of power systems (installed capacity about doubles every decade) continually requires new equipment and affords the opportunity for introducing new technology.
Kinetics of Thyrotrophs and Somatotrophs during Development of Hypothyroidism and L-Triiodothyronine Treatment of Hypothyroid Rats*

Two experiments were performed to assess the kinetics of changes in somatotroph (St) and thyrotrdph (Tt) populations in the rat anterior pituitary after thyroidectomy and during T3 treatment (10 μtg/100 g BW) of thyroidectomized rats. St and Tt numbers were determined by a method combining cell counting and determination of DNA in dispersed cells as well as the percentage distribution of cells at the electron microscopic level. During development of hypothyroidism, the mean maximal increase in pituitary wet weight was reached 15 days after thyroidectomy. Pituitary weight remained relatively constant thereafter. Both pituitary DNA content and total pituitary cell number increased 30–40% above euthyroid values after 15 days. Thyroidectomy cells (TE) appeared within 4 days and progressively increased in number for 64 days. An initial decline in the normal appearing Tt was probably due to a shift to the TE form. After 64 days, Tt and TE comprised 38% of all pituitary cells, a net gain of 1.24 × 106 cells/pitu...
The adjacency relation on the traveling salesman polytope is NP-Complete

We consider the problem of determining whether two traveling salesman tours correspond to non-adjacent vertices of the convex polytope associated with the traveling salesman problem. This problem is shown to be NP-Complete for both the symmetric and nonsymmetric traveling salesman problem. Several implications are discussed.
A stored-image method for calculating absorption corrections.

Eine Methode wird entwickelt, welche die Berechnung der Absorptionskorrekturen bei Messungen von Rontgendiffraktionsintensitaten von Kristallen beliebiger Form moglich macht. Dabei wird der Strahlengang auf einer elektronischen Rechenanlage simuliert, in der das Kristallabbild als Binarmuster gespeichert ist.
Oxidative desulfonylation. Phenyl vinyl sulfone as a ketene synthetic equivalent

Abstract α-Sulfonyl carbanions undergo oxidative desulfonylation to form ketones upon treatment with molybdenum peroxide MoO 5 ·Py·HMPA (MoOPH) in THF at −78°C.
InfoSec technology management of user space and services through security threat gateways

The focus of this paper will demonstrate the need to clearly define and segregate various user space environments in the enterprise network infrastructure with controls ranging from administrative to technical and still provide the various services needed to facilitate the work space environment and administrative requirements of an enterprise system. Standards assumed are industry practices and associated regulatory requirements with implementations as they apply to the various contextual applications. This is a high level approach to understanding the significance and application of an effective secure network infrastructure. The focus is on end user needs and the associated services to support those needs. Conceptually user space is a virtual area allocated to the end user needs identified with specific services to support those needs by creating a virtual playground. To manage risk, the concept of creating a "security threat gateway (STG)" isolates and secures each user space with its associated services. Emphasis will be placed on the functional managerial process and application of the STG, safeguarding one user space from another, to facilitate the use of the needed services to perform the operational tasks of the organization. When user's needs and associated components are clearly identified, then it is possible for anyone to use this model as a template, to guide them in creating an effective strategy for their own network security. This approach is practical in orientation and application, focusing on a high level perspective and assumes the reader already has a low level technical background for a tactical implementation in mitigating risk to the enterprise network infrastructure.
Condensin function in dosage compensation.

Dosage compensation is an essential process that equalizes X-linked gene dosage between the sexes. In the worm Caenorhabditis elegans, a complex of proteins called the dosage compensation complex (DCC) binds both X chromosomes in hermaphrodites to downregulate gene expression two-fold and hence to reduce X-linked gene expression levels equal to that in males. Five subunits of the DCC form the condensin IDC complex, a homolog of the evolutionarily conserved condensin complex required for chromosome segregation and compaction during mitosis and meiosis. How related complexes can perform such diverse functions remains a mystery. Nevertheless, it is believed that the mitotic and interphase functions of condensin are mechanistically related, and understanding one process will reveal new insights into the other. We discuss how during worm dosage compensation a condensin-mediated function may guide the organization of the interphase chromatin fibers, leading to the formation of a repressive nuclear compartment.
Structure and carrier lifetime in LT-GaAs

The relationship between the structural quality of low-temperature GaAs layers and the photoexcited carrier lifetime has been studied. Transmission electron microscopy, x-ray rocking curves, time-resolved reflectance methods, and photoconductive-switch-response measurements were used for this study. For a variety of samples grown at temperatures in the vicinity of 200°C, subpicosecond carrier lifetimes were observed both in as-grown layers, as well as in the same layers after post-annealing and formation of As precipitates. These results suggest that the carrier lifetime, which was found to be shorter in the as-grown layers than in the annealed ones, might be related to the density of AsGa antisite defects present in the layers. The annealed layers which contained structural defects before annealing appeared to exhibit the longest carrier lifetime due to gettering of As on these defects (and formation of relatively large As precipitates) and depletion of extra As (AsGa) defects from the layer. It was found as well that the responsivity of detectors fabricated on these layers depended strongly on the structural quality of the layers, with the greatest response obtained not for the layers with the fewest defects, but for the layers with 107–108/cm2 of pyramidal defects.
Effect of insurance status on patients admitted for acute diverticulitis.

Aim The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between insurance status and the management and outcome of acute diverticulitis in a nationally representative sample. Method A retrospective cohort analysis of a nationally representative sample of 1 031 665 hospital discharges of patients admitted for acute diverticulitis in the 2006–2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project data set. The main outcome measures included state at presentation (complicated/uncomplicated), management (medical/surgical), time to surgical intervention, type of operation and inpatient death. Results In total, 207 838 discharges were identified (including 37.0% with private insurance, 49.3% in Medicare, 5.6% in Medicaid and 5.8% uninsured) representing 1 031 665 total discharges nationally. Medicare patients were more likely to present with complicated diverticulitis compared with private insurance patients (23.8% vs 15.1%). Time to surgical intervention differed by insurance status. After adjusting for patient, hospital and treatment factors, Medicare patients were less likely than those with private insurance to undergo a procedure (Medicare OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.82–0.91), while the uninsured were more likely to undergo drainage (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.16–1.46) or a colostomy only (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.24–2.33). All patients without private insurance were more likely to die in hospital (Medicare OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.09–1.52; Medicaid OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.22–1.97; uninsured OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.07–1.87). Conclusion In a nationally representative sample of patients with acute diverticulitis, patient management and outcome varied significantly by insurance status, despite adjustment for potential confounders. Providers might need to heighten surveillance for complications when treating patients without private insurance to improve outcome.
Mentoring in Inservice Training for Child Care Workers

A model for training the trainers of child care providers that employs Vygotsky's framework of the Zone of Proximal Development is described. This efficient training mechanism proposes mentoring relationships as a means to meet the developmental needs of experienced child care professionals and improve the quality of existing child care programs.
Ultrastructural changes of the esophageal bulb of the adult female apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) (Diptera : Tephritidae)

Abstract The esophageal bulb (EB) of Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) (Diptera : Tephritidae) is a diverticulum which forms early in pupal development and persists through adult life. Columnar cells at the apex of the EB remain ultrastructurally undifferentiated for 1–2 weeks after the organ's first appearance. They then undergo modifications, the most prominent being the invagination of apical and apicolateral plasma membranes into leaflets, which lie in close proximity to mitochondria. Extracellular spaces defined by these membranes often become distended with electron-lucent material following the ingestion of glucose solutions. Following sexual maturity, a gradual, progressive degeneration becomes evident in the columnar cells. The cuboidal cells, which comprise the remainder of the EB, remain ultrastructurally unspecialized throughout life. The lumen of the EB is lined with an intima continuous with that of the esophagus. A fibrous mass found in the lumen may be derived from this intima. Actively dividing bacteria are found in close association with the fibers. The possible roles of the EB in the prevention of loss of beneficial gut flora and the maintenance of salt and water balance are discussed in light of the ultrastructural findings.
Rat brain synaptic vesicles: uptake specificities of [3H]norepinephrine and [3H]serotonin in preparations from whole brain and brain regions.

A fraction containing neurotransmitter storage vesicles was isolated from rat whole brain and brain regions, and the uptakes of [3H]norepinephrine and [3H]serotonin were determined in vitro. Norepinephrine uptake in vesicle preparations from corpus striatum was higher than in prep arations from cerebral cortex, and uptake in vesicles from the remainder (midbrain + brainstem + cerebellum) was intermediate. The Km for norepinephrine uptake was the same in the three brain regions, but the regions differed in maximal uptake capacity by factors which paralleled total catecholamine concentration rather than content of norepinephrine alone. Intracisternal administration of 6-hydroxydopamine, but not of 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine, reduced vesicular norepinephrine uptake, and pretreat-ment with desmethylimipramine (which protects specifically norepinephrine neurons but not dopamine neurons from the 6-hydroxydopamine) only partially prevented the loss of vesicular norepinephrine uptake. These studies indicate that uptake of norepinephrine by rat brain vesicle preparations occurs in vesicles from norepinephrine and dopamine neurons, but probably not in vesicles from serotonin neurons. Uptake of serotonin by brain vesicle preparations exhibited time, temperature and ATP-Mg2+ requirements nearly identical to those of norepinephrine uptake. The affinity of serotonin uptake matched that of serotonin for inhibition of norepinephrine uptake, and the maximal capacity was the same for serotonin as for norepinephrine. Norepinephrine, dopamine and reserpine inhibited serotonin uptake in a purely competitive fashion, with Kis similar to those for inhibition of norepinephrine uptake. Whereas 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine treatment reduced synaptosomal serotonin uptake but not vesicular serotonin uptake, 6-hydroxydopamine reduced vesicular serotonin uptake in the absence of reductions in synaptosomal serotonin uptake. Thus, in this preparation, serotonin appears to be taken up in vitro into catecholamine vesicles, rather than into serotonin vesicles.
Thermochemistry of Ag2SCu2S sulfide solutions: Constraints derived from coexisting Sb2S3- and As2S3-bearing sulfosalts

We report experimental brackets (150–350°C, evacuated silica tubes) on (1) AgCu partitioning between hexagonally close packed (hcp)-, face centered cubic (fcc)-, and body centered cubic (bcc)-(Ag, Cu)2S sulfides and the sulfosalts polybasite-pearceite [(Ag1−xCux)16(Sb, As)2S11, 0.10 > x > 0.57] and high-skinnerite [(Cu1−x, Agx)3SbS3, x < 0.26] and (2) AgCu ratios of (Ag, Cu2S sulfides coexisting with polybasite and skinnerite, and polybasite and pyrargyrite [(Ag1−x, Cux)3SbS3, x < 0.21]. Based on these brackets on AgCu partitioning and activity-composition models for polybasite-pearceite and high-skinnerite (Harlov and Sack, 1994, 1995) we infer that (1) both hcp- and bcc-(Ag, Cu)2S sulfides exhibit positive deviations from ideality sufficient to produce metastable unmixing at slightly less than 90°C and (2) fcc-(Ag, Cu )2S sulfides display more moderate positive deviations from ideal activity-composition relations, characterized by a regular-solution-type parameter, WAgCufcc = 5.4 ± 0.2 kJ/mol, for an assumed site multiplicity of AgCu mixing of 2. The inferred activity-composition relations for fcc- and bcc-(Ag, Cu)2S are consistent with brackets on the T − XCu systematics of the transition between these phases (Skinner, 1966) and the calorimetric data of Gronvold and Westrum (1986) for Ag2S provided that the effective site multiplicity of AgCu mixing in bcc-(Ag, Cu)2S decreases linearly from about 3 in Cu-poor to about 2 in Cu-rich compositions (XCu ∼ 0.315). Our constraints are also consistent with the calorimetric data for Cu2S (Gronvold and Westrum, 1987) and Skinner's (1966) brackets on the T − XCu systematics of the transition between fcc- and hcp-(Cu, Ag)2S provided that the effective site multiplicity of AgCu mixing in hcp-(Ag, Cu)2S approximates 3. From our brackets on AgCu ratios of (Ag, Cu)2S sulfides coexisting with polybasite and skinnerite, and polybasite and pyrargyrite and calibrations for the AgCu exchange reactions we calculate average values of 5.30 ± 1.14 and −31.1 ± 0.7 kJ/mol for the Gibbs energies of formation of hypothetical Cu16Sb2S11 and Ag16Sb2S11 polybasite components from the simple sulfides over the temperature range 150–350°C.
Distribution of colloid particles onto interfaces in partially saturated sand.

Colloids have long been known to facilitate the transport of contaminants in soils, but few direct observations have been made of transport and retention in unsaturated porous media. Studies have typically been limited to evaluation of column breakthrough curves, resulting in differing and sometimes conflicting proposed retention mechanisms. We carried out pore scale visualization studies of colloid transport in unsaturated quartz sand to directly observe and characterize colloid retention phenomena. Synthetic hydrophilic (0.8, 2.6, and 4.8 μm carboxylated polystyrene latex) and relatively hydrophobic (5.2 μm polystyrene latex) colloidal microspheres were added to steady-state water flow (0.15 mm min-1) applied to an inclined infiltration chamber. Bright field microscopy was used to determine the positions and movement of water and colloids. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to determine water film geometry in an unsaturated horizontal chamber. We determined mechanisms of hydrophilic colloid ret...
UC davis experimental second-harmonic CUSP GUN driven peniotron

Summary form only given. There is an increasing need for compact millimeter-wave transmitters, specifically at 95 GHz. However, the current state-of the-art is defined by fundamental mode gyrotrons requiring superconducting magnets and relatively high beam voltages, both of which add size and weight. The only physical means to eliminating the superconducting magnet is harmonic operation, realistically at cyclotron harmonics of n=3 or more. This has been problematic for MIG driven gyrotrons in the past as efficiency drops significantly at these higher harmonics. As a possible remedy, UC Davis has been preparing experiments using an axis-encircling beam - a beam more conducive to high efficiency harmonic interaction. The beam is generated by a novel cusp gun. Furthermore, the peniotron interaction has been proven capable of high conversion efficiency, even at harmonic operation and reduced beam voltage. Using the cusp gun, the UC Davis peniotron experiment is designed to maximize device efficiency and usable power out. As a first step, the experimental device is designed to operate at the second cyclotron harmonic at around 34 GHz with the goal of a follow-on device at higher harmonics (but not higher magnetic field) and 95 GHz. The device incorporates a slotted circular (magnetron-like) circuit designed for mode stability and efficiency. Large signal simulations predict 125 kW peak output power at 47% (device) efficiency with higher efficiency possible with a depressed collector. The device has been designed, simulated, fabricated, assembled and successfully cold-tested. The experimental magnets have been designed and tested with excellent agreement to design simulations. A modulator, intended specifically for these experiments has been built and is in operation. The peniotron, with the circuit replaced by a smooth-bore "beamstick" has been placed under vacuum and mounted in the magnet. Testing is underway and the status of experiment along with preliminary results will be reported
Energetics of foraging in Macaca fascicularis and Pongo pygmaeus and a selective advantage of large body size in the orang-utan

Small animals differ from large animals in their relative and absolute metabolic requirements and energetic expenditures. A preliminary study of the behavioral effects of these size dependent variables were investigated in two arboreal, sympatric and frugivorous anthropoid species:Macaca fascicularis andPongo pygmaeus. Data on both species were collected in East Kalimantan, Indonesia during a 20-month field study which focused onM. fascicularis. There are marked size dependent behavioral differences between the two species which show the constraints of large body size. Existing hypotheses of the selective advantage of large body size in the orang-utan have either overlooked its advantages by describing it as a remnant of Pleistocene terrestriality and predator defense or attributed its advantage to greater access to resources. Contrasts between the energetics of foraging in the monkey and the ape suggest an alternate hypothesis for selection of large body size relating to the increased capacity of large body size to store fat energy and to subsist on lower quality foods in a relatively marked spatial-temporal unpredictable microhabitat of fruiting and flowering trees. Body size and energetics may play an important role in our models of the evolution of behavior and in the evolution of the great apes.
Treefalls and the Distribution of Understory Birds in a Tropical Forest

Monthly mist—net censuses were conducted in central Panama to contrast the species richness and composition of the understory avifauna in treefall gaps to that of adjacent, intact forest. We compiled 826 captures of 73 species over a 9—mo period. Species richness was greater in gaps than forest (66 vs. 53 species), but capture rates were nearly identical (gap, 409; forest, 417). Of the 31 species with adequate sample sizes, 5 displayed significant habitat preference (P ° .05): 3 in gaps and 2 in forest. Ordination of all nets by Bray—Curtis analysis indicates that gap and forest bird assemblages are quite distinct. We suggest that treefall gaps contribute to the structural heterogeneity of the forest and influence the composition and richness of the bird community. See full-text article at JSTOR
An empirical examination of competing theories to explain continuous disclosure technology adoption intentions using XBRL as the example technology

The purpose of this paper is to test competing theories from Pinsker�s (2007) new research framework in order to provide a better understanding of XBRL (as the continuous disclosure technology example) adoption intentions of managers who have low knowledge of XBRL, but work for firms who may adopt. A survey methodology was used with experienced business professionals and MBA students. Two of three research propositions were empirically supported. The results indicate that both the technology acceptance model (TAM) and absorptive capacity represent appropriate theories for studying XBRL adoption. However, future related TAM research should be conducted either with a modified �attitude� variable or through eliminating this variable altogether. Results provide an empirical validation of part of Pinsker�s (2007) framework. The findings add to the existing practical and academic literature regarding perceived benefits of XBRL adoption for firms. The difference in significance between TAM variables represents a unique finding in the TAM literature, which suggests XBRL adoption has significantly different aspects than previous information technology adoption research in general. Future research opportunities are explored.
The edge-isoperimetric problem on the 600-vertex regular solid

Between 1963 and 1979 the edge-isoperimetric problem was solved on the graphs of all regular convex polytopes except the four-dimensional one with 600 vertices. We present a solution of that last remaining problem, based on a combination of theory and computer calculation.
Facilitating children's understanding of questions through pictures: implications for social class language differences

The effects of pictorialization on low- and middle-social class (SES) children's comprehension of wh-questions was examined. Sixty middle- and 60 low-SES children, aged 3;6 to 5;2, were asked to respond to six types of wh-questions in two stimulus conditions. The pictures in Stimulus I contained information to answer more than one wh-question. The pictures in Stimulus II contained information to answer only one wh-question. Both SES groups answered significantly more questions in Stimulus II. Examination of simple effects indicated that middle-SES children benefited from pictorial support on comprehending the later developed wh-words representing abstract linguistic constructs (why, how, when) while low-SES children benefited on comprehending early acquired wh-words (who, what, where).
Application of the carolina framework for cervical cancer prevention

Objective The Carolina Framework for Cervical Cancer Prevention describes 4 main causes of cervical cancer incidence: human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, lack of screening, screening errors, and not receiving follow-up care. We present 2 applications of the Carolina Framework in which we identify high-need counties in North Carolina and generate recommendations for improving prevention efforts.
Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor X-Ray Detectors

Metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices have been used for detecting low-energy (2 to 20 keV) x rays for incident fluences of 10-4 to 10-1 cal/cm2 (or dosage in the device of 103 to 106 rads) in a bent-crystal spectrometer application. An attractive feature of the detector is that the three functions of 1) detection, 2) memory, and 3) readout are integrated into one semiconductor chip.
SPERMIOGENESIS IN THE CRAYFISH (PROCAMBARUS CLARKII) : II. Description of Stages

The sperm of the crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, is relatively simple among decapod sperm and was described in the first paper of this series (28). The present paper details the development of this sperm as followed with the light and electron microscopes. The process is divided into six stages for purposes of description. The main points of interest discussed are the absence of mitochondria or mitochondrial derivatives in the mature sperm, the development of a complex acrosome in the absence of highly organized characteristic Golgi apparatus but in the presence of small stacks of annulate lamellae, and the changes in the nucleus. Of the latter, the elaborate convoluted sheets of membrane that are extensions of the nuclear envelope are unique. The nucleus undergoes unusual changes in size and shape that are accompanied by several phases of organization of the chromatin. In the mature sperm the nucleus is empty-appearing and notably lacking in any apparent high degree of order. The entire development of the sperm is consonant with the idea that the fate of the mitochondria and centrioles, structures that figure prominently in the elaborate architecture of flagellate sperm, is associated with the lack of a flagellum.
On the Role of Aggregation Prone Regions in Protein Evolution, Stability, and Enzymatic Catalysis: Insights from Diverse Analyses

The various roles that aggregation prone regions (APRs) are capable of playing in proteins are investigated here via comprehensive analyses of multiple non-redundant datasets containing randomly generated amino acid sequences, monomeric proteins, intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and catalytic residues. Results from this study indicate that the aggregation propensities of monomeric protein sequences have been minimized compared to random sequences with uniform and natural amino acid compositions, as observed by a lower average aggregation propensity and fewer APRs that are shorter in length and more often punctuated by gate-keeper residues. However, evidence for evolutionary selective pressure to disrupt these sequence regions among homologous proteins is inconsistent. APRs are less conserved than average sequence identity among closely related homologues (≥80% sequence identity with a parent) but APRs are more conserved than average sequence identity among homologues that have at least 50% sequence identity with a parent. Structural analyses of APRs indicate that APRs are three times more likely to contain ordered versus disordered residues and that APRs frequently contribute more towards stabilizing proteins than equal length segments from the same protein. Catalytic residues and APRs were also found to be in structural contact significantly more often than expected by random chance. Our findings suggest that proteins have evolved by optimizing their risk of aggregation for cellular environments by both minimizing aggregation prone regions and by conserving those that are important for folding and function. In many cases, these sequence optimizations are insufficient to develop recombinant proteins into commercial products. Rational design strategies aimed at improving protein solubility for biotechnological purposes should carefully evaluate the contributions made by candidate APRs, targeted for disruption, towards protein structure and activity.
Observation of pre-atomization events on electrothermal atomizer surfaces☆

A brief literature overview of surface chemistry in electrothermal atomizers is presented. Original data, with regard to condensed phase chemistry, for silver nitrate and cadmium nitrate are shown. The chemical behaviors of these systems are studied during the pre-atomization stage with the use of laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Parallel experiments are conducted on graphite and non-graphite surfaces. The collective information from these instruments shows that the condensed phase behavior of silver nitrate and cadmium nitrate changes significantly as a function of the substrate. On graphite, the onset of the decomposition temperature for both cadmium nitrate and silver nitrate is lowered by more than 130°C. The decomposition of cadmium has been changed from a one-step process on non-graphite surfaces to a two-step process on a graphite substrate. Furthermore, the decomposition process for both compounds has been significantly altered from being endothermic on the non-graphite substrate, to becoming highly exothermic on graphite. Finally, the process of conversion of metal nitrates to metal oxides can be followed precisely by laser desorption experiments.
Commensal Bacteria Modulate Innate Immune Responses of Vaginal Epithelial Cell Multilayer Cultures

The human vaginal microbiome plays a critical but poorly defined role in reproductive health. Vaginal microbiome alterations are associated with increased susceptibility to sexually-transmitted infections (STI) possibly due to related changes in innate defense responses from epithelial cells. Study of the impact of commensal bacteria on the vaginal mucosal surface has been hindered by current vaginal epithelial cell (VEC) culture systems that lack an appropriate interface between the apical surface of stratified squamous epithelium and the air-filled vaginal lumen. Therefore we developed a reproducible multilayer VEC culture system with an apical (luminal) air-interface that supported colonization with selected commensal bacteria. Multilayer VEC developed tight-junctions and other hallmarks of the vaginal mucosa including predictable proinflammatory cytokine secretion following TLR stimulation. Colonization of multilayers by common vaginal commensals including Lactobacillus crispatus, L. jensenii, and L. rhamnosus led to intimate associations with the VEC exclusively on the apical surface. Vaginal commensals did not trigger cytokine secretion but Staphylococcus epidermidis, a skin commensal, was inflammatory. Lactobacilli reduced cytokine secretion in an isolate-specific fashion following TLR stimulation. This tempering of inflammation offers a potential explanation for increased susceptibility to STI in the absence of common commensals and has implications for testing of potential STI preventatives.
The density functional theory investigation of the equilibrium structures of OOF, FOOF, OOF2, and FOOOF

Abstract The structures of oxygen-fluoride molecules that are known to be problematic for computation were studied using the density functional theory (DFT) methods. The Local (SVWN), hybrid (BECKE3LYP, BECKE3P86), and nonlocal (BLYP, BP86) DFT methods were used with the 6-311++G(2d) Gaussian type basis set. The structures were compared with those generated using the ab initio calculations, and when possible the experimental data. The suitability of the DFT methods for the theoretical study of these molecules is discussed.
Experimental transport-rate budgets in complex 3-D turbulent flow near a wing-body junction

Abstract Experimental flow measurements are presented for a wing–body junction flow obtained using laser-Doppler velocimetry. Mean velocity and Reynolds stress data are used to calculate the complete transport-rate budgets of Reynolds stresses and turbulent kinetic energy. The measurements were carried out in the Virginia Tech Boundary Layer Tunnel at a nominal air speed of 27.5 m/s around a NACA 0020 tail and 3:2 elliptical nose wing shape. Data are presented for a two-dimensional turbulent boundary layer (2DTBL), a strongly skewed three-dimensional turbulent boundary layer (3DTBL), a location in the vicinity of a 3-D separation line, and around the center of the vortex in the horse-shoe vortex that forms around the wing. Terms in the transport-rate equations were calculated also using the measured triple order fluctuating velocity products. Results show that the pressure-diffusion approximated by Lumley [Lumley, J.L., 1978. Computation modeling of turbulent flows. Adv. Appl. Mech. 18, 124–176] is an important term in the balance of v 2 ¯ , uv ¯ , and vw ¯ stress budgets; there were distinct differences between the two-dimensional and three-dimensional turbulent boundary layer budgets. Qualitative comparisons of experimental stress-transport-rate budgets to previous DNS results show a better agreement using the anisotropic dissipation rate of Hallback et al. [Hallback, M., Groth, J., Johansson, A.V., 1990. An algebraic model for nonisotropic turbulent dissipation rate in Reynolds stress closure, october. Phys. Fluids A 2 (10), 1859–1866].
Factors Influencing the Measurement of Plasma/Serum Surfactant Protein D Levels by ELISA

Background Extensive variations in human surfactant protein D (SP-D) levels in circulation as measured by ELISA exist in the published literature. In order to determine the source of these variations, factors influencing the measurement by ELISA were explored. Materials and Methods Peripheral blood from healthy individuals was collected into various vacutainers during the same blood draw. Recombinant SP-D was diluted into different matrices and used for a standard curve. Samples were analyzed by capture ELISA using one of two distinct detection antibodies. Results The type of matrix had some effects on detection of recombinant SP-D. The type of anticoagulant used and dilution factor had very little effect, except for in plasma collected in EDTA vacutainers. The extent of variation in published values seemed to be due to the ELISA configuration employed, and, in agreement with this, we found that by switching the detection antibody, there was a 50% decrease in the extrapolated SP-D value of serum and plasma samples. Storage of samples resulted in slight changes in measured SP-D levels. Conclusions The ELISA configuration employed to measure circulating levels of SP-D has a significant effect on the extrapolated values. In both configurations tested, the use of EDTA as a coagulant resulted in inconsistent values, and we, therefore, suggest the avoidance of this anticoagulant when assaying for SP-D by ELISA. While the demonstrated effects of several factors on measurement of SP-D may not account for all the disparities amongst the previous studies, they stress that variations in methodologies for measuring the same protein can result in very inconsistent results.
C 0 spline wavelets with arbitrary approximation order

The theory of orthogonal polynomials is used to construct a family of orthogonal wavelet bases of L2(R) which are compactly supported, continuous, and piecewise polynomial and have arbitrary approximation order.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pirmenol kinetics and effective oral dose

The oral form of pirmenol has not been administered to man. Pirmenol was given by mouth to eight patients with chronic, stable premature ventricular beats (PVBs) to determine effective dose and kinetics. The patients were evaluated with a dose-ranging protocol followed by a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study of doses that were effective during dose ranging. Oral doses of 150 to 250 mg induced at least 90% suppression of PVBs 18 of the 19 times they were administered during both protocols. During the double-blind experiment, a single oral dose of pirmenol suppressed 95 ± 8% PVBs/hr (mean ± SD) for 3 consecutive hr, while placebo suppressed 4 ± 42% PVBs/hr (P < 0.01). A 90% or greater reduction in PVBs persisted for a median of 6 hr (range 1 to 8 hr). The range of plasma pirmenol concentrations associated with an at least 90% reduction in PVBs was 0.7 to 2.0 μg/ml. Median half-life (t½) was 9.3 hr (range 6.0 to 12.4) with 86.6 ± 2.4% protein binding and 82.6 ± 23.6% bioavailability. At peak drug level there was lengthening of the QTc interval (0.036 sec, P <0.05), but no change in heart rate, blood pressure, PR interval or QRS duration, or symptoms. In this single-dose study, pirmenol effectively reduced PVBs, had a relatively long t½, and was minimally toxic. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1982) 32, 686–691; doi:10.1038/clpt.1982.224
Adenosine and Sleep Homeostasis in the Basal Forebrain

It is currently hypothesized that the drive to sleep is determined by the activity of the basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic neurons, which release adenosine (AD), perhaps because of increased metabolic activity associated with the neuronal discharge during waking, and the accumulating AD begins to inhibit these neurons so that sleep-active neurons can become active. This hypothesis grew from the observation that AD induces sleep and AD levels increase with wake in the basal forebrain, but surprisingly it still remains untested. Here we directly test whether the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons are central to the AD regulation of sleep drive by administering 192-IgG-saporin to lesion the BF cholinergic neurons and then measuring AD levels in the BF. In rats with 95% lesion of the BF cholinergic neurons, AD levels in the BF did not increase with 6 h of prolonged waking. However, the lesioned rats had intact sleep drive after 6 and 12 h of prolonged waking, indicating that the AD accumulation in the BF is not necessary for sleep drive. Next we determined that, in the absence of the BF cholinergic neurons, the selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclohexyladenosine, administered to the BF, continued to be effective in inducing sleep, indicating that the BF cholinergic neurons are not essential to sleep induction. Thus, neither the activity of the BF cholinergic neurons nor the accumulation of AD in the BF during wake is necessary for sleep drive.
Continuous-flow pI-based sorting of proteins and peptides in a microfluidic chip using diffusion potential.

Efficient sample preparation tools are the key to measuring molecular signals in a complex biological system. A novel continuous-flow isoelectric point (pI)-based sorting technique has been developed for proteins and peptides in a microfluidic chip format. It can sort biomolecules at a relatively high flow rate of up to 10 μL/min and does not require carrier ampholytes, which can create molecular backgrounds for subsequent analysis. Furthermore, the electrophoretic field required to run the pI-based sorting is generated by the diffusion of buffer ions in situ, at the liquid junction between two laminar flows within the microfluidic channel. Utilizing the diffusion potential in combination with a pH difference between the buffers, we demonstrated a separation of binary mixtures of pI markers and proteins without applying any external field. The sorting resolution and its efficiency are sufficiently high for sample preparation and could be further improved by optimizing buffers or with an additional transve...
Regional influences on development of the single comb primordium

In an effort to resolve some of the developmental controls in single comb morphogenesis, comb primordia from New Hampshire Red and White Leghorn chick embryos were excised and grafted in atypical positions. The grafts were allowed to develop and recognizable structural details were later recorded and analyzed. Four different experimental series were made: (1) defect, i.e., the comb primordium was excised and the embryo developed with deficiency; (2) orthotopic, i.e., donor primordium grafted to frontonasal process of host; (3) heterotopic, i.e., donor primordium grafted to neck region of host; and (4) chorioallantoic, i.e., entire primordium grafted to chorioallantoic membrane of host chick. The promordia ranged in developmental age from stage 9 to stage 29. The results showed that the comb primordium can self-differentiate. Single comb primordia of the White Leghorn breed are determined for comb by stage 15. The primary source of comb tissue appears to be local in origin. Regional influence of growing structures seems to affect comb form. When grafted in most regions and positions, the developing comb did not grow in length. Neck grafts which included some beak tissue developed elongate and typical comb. Rostral extension of the nasal and interorbital septum around seven days of development is thought to be important in normal elongation. Complex clusters of points developed in neck grafts that did not elongate. The normal distribution of comb components was not seen in such grafts. Form of blade and points appears to be predetermined. The conclusion is made that the capacity to differentiate comb form, e.g., ridge, axes, and regional divisions with or without serrations is fixed within the cell population that will form comb by stage 15; distribution of the structural components and typical elongation can be modified through tissue interactions in later stages.
Childhood head trauma and psychosis

The medical histories of 200 schizophrenic patients were compared to those of 203 depressed patients, 122 manic patients, and 134 surgical controls. All subjects were hospital inpatients. Charts were specifically examined to record any head injury before age 10 that had required medical attention or caused loss of consciousness. Schizophrenics had a significantly greater history of head trauma than the manics, depressives, and surgical controls. There were no significant differences between manics and depressives or between affective disorders as a group and surgical controls. Childhood trauma may be a contributing factor to the development of psychosis in some individuals.
Design of Efficient Electroosmotic Micromixer

Micro-bio/chemical applications in a μTAS (Micro Total Analysis Systems) require rapid and uniform mixing of a number of fluid streams that carries bio/chemical species in the solution. An electro osmotic mixer from COMSOL model library is taken as a main model from which other alterations are designed for optimization. The circular, square and elliptical mixers were modeled to see the variation in the mixing. We analyzed the mixing process by varying the mixing shape, concentration, mixing channel width and electrode pairs. Concentration variance at the outlet over time was studied to determine the extent of mixing.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Crystal chemistry of catalyst materials. I. Composition and unit cell parameters of “REMnO3” phases prepared in air

Abstract Oxygen stoichiometry and manganese valences have been determined for “REMnO 3 ” phases prepared in air where RE are the rare earths from Nd to Lu including Y but excluding Tb. All of the phases had a slight oxygen deficiency and partial Mn 2+ for Mn 3+ substitution. This contrasts with “LaMnO 3 ” which is known to have extensive Mn 4+ for Mn 3+ substitution when prepared in air.
Proof of stability condition

Abstract It is a widely-used result that absolute integrability, or summability, of impulse response is both necessary and sufficient for bounded-input/bounded-output (BIBO) stability of linear time-invariant systems. However, for the case of realizable inputs (those which are not nonzero for arbitrarily large negative time), many elementary texts give proofs only of sufficiency, deferring necessity to more advanced treatments. The proof given here is believed to be the simplest one available for the troublesome but important realizable case. It is hoped the reader will find that this treatment satisfies Yuri Manin's maxim, “A good proof is one which makes us wiser”.
SU-E-T-493: Accelerated Monte Carlo Methods for Photon Dosimetry Using a Dual-GPU System and CUDA.

Purpose: To develop a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) based Monte Carlo(MC) code that accelerates dose calculations on a dual‐GPU system. Methods: We simulated a clinical case of prostate cancer treatment. A voxelized abdomen phantom derived from 120 CT slices was used containing 218×126×60 voxels, and a GE LightSpeed 16‐MDCT scanner was modeled. A CPU version of the MC code was first developed in C++ and tested on Intel Xeon X5660 2.8GHz CPU, then it was translated into GPU version using CUDA C 4.1 and run on a dual Tesla m2090 GPU system. The code was featured with automatic assignment of simulation task to multiple GPUs, as well as accurate calculation of energy‐ and material‐ dependent cross‐sections. Results: Double‐precision floating point format was used for accuracy. Doses to the rectum, prostate, bladder and femoral heads were calculated. When running on a single GPU, the MC GPU code was found to be ×19 times faster than the CPU code and ×42 times faster than MCNPX. These speedup factors were doubled on the dual‐GPU system. The dose Result was benchmarked against MCNPX and a maximum difference of 1% was observed when the relative error is kept below 0.1%. Conclusions: A GPU‐based MC code was developed for dose calculations using detailed patient and CTscanner models. Efficiency and accuracy were both guaranteed in this code. Scalability of the code was confirmed on the dual‐GPU system.
Thin-film test to investigate liquid oxypolymerization of nonvolatile analytes: Assessment of vegetable oils and biodegradable lubricants

A thin-film oxidation test was developed to investigate liquid oxypolymerization of nonvolatile analytes. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) showed that the test delivered the required degree of oxidation with better than ±5% accuracy. The following oils were ranked according to their decreasing resistance to oxypolymer formation at 150°C: 90% oleic sunflower oil, triolein, meadowfoam oil, castor oil, canola oil, lesquerella oil, and soybean oil. Higher degrees of oxidation demonstrated the occurrence of oxidative gelation. Oxypolymerization tendencies of hydraulic fluids based on canola and rapeseed oils were comparable to those of canola oil without additives. The relative amount of C-C polyunsaturation present in the fatty acid chain was a major differentiating factor. However, oxidation inhibitors also reduced the rates of oxypolymerization, as demonstrated by sunflower oil-based hydraulic fluid. Canola and rapeseed lubricants needed better oxypolymerization control.