cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methotrexate induces production of IL-1 and IL-6 in the monocytic cell line U937

Introduction: Methotrexate (MTX) has been for decades a standard treatment in a wide range of conditions, from malignancies to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite this long experience, the mechanisms of action of MTX remain incompletely understood. Reported immunologic effects of MTX include induction of increased production of some cytokines, an effect that seems to be at odds with the generally anti-inflammatory effects of this drug in diseases like RA. To further elucidate these immune activities, we examined effects of MTX on the human monocytic cell line U937. Methods: The U937 cell line was treated in vitro with pharmacologic-range concentrations of MTX and effects on production of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and TNF alpha were measured. Changes in gene expression for IL-1 and IL-6 and specificities in the Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway including JNK 1, JNK2, JUN and FOS were also determined. The contribution of NF-kB, folate and adenosine pathways to the observed effects was determined by adding appropriate inhibitors to the MTX cultures. Results: MTX mediated a dose-dependent increase in IL-1 and IL-6 in U937 cells, as measured by secreted proteins and levels of gene expression. The increased cytokine expression was inhibited by addition of parthenolide and folinic acid, but not by caffeine and theophylline, suggesting that NF-kB and folates, but not adenosine, were involved in mediating the observed effects. When U937 cells were cultured with MTX, upregulated expression of JUN and FOS, but not JNK 1 or 2, also was observed. Conclusions: MTX induces expression of proinflammatory cytokines in U937 monocytic cells. These effects might mediate the known toxicities of MTX including pneumonitis, mucositis and decreased bone mineral density.
Memory and the Psychology of the Interior Monologue in Chréétien's Cligéés

Recently, the critical imagination bas been captivated by the rise of romance as a self-reflexive genre that came to privilege both the personal psychology of its characters and, indeed, the psychology of the act of Uterary creation itself.' Still, there remains a crucial cultural force w^hose impact on medieval views of psychology bas been almost completely ignored: the rhetorical art of memory.^ As
Tidal Sedimentology and Estuarine Deposition of the Proterozoic Big Cottonwood Formation, Utah

ABSTRACT The Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic Big Cottonwood Formation of north-central Utah contains some of the oldest known ( 900 Ma) examples of cyclic tidal rhythmites. Despite mild metamorphic overprinting, there is excellent preservation of sedimentary structures. The thick formation (4.8 km) has been previously interpreted as a shallow-water, intracratonic basin deposit. Five distinct facies are recognized. Two quartz arenite facies are dominated by dune (meter-scale) cross-bedding recording westward flow, but distinguished by different large-scale geometries: (1) thick, tabular bodies (10-20 m thick by 600+ m long) and (2) channeled beds (0.3-0.3 m thick by hundreds to thousands of meters long). Channeled beds have scoured bases and coarse-grained lags or rip-up clasts. Stacked channel beds form upward-fining successions up to 50 m thick. Three distinct argillite facies contain different structures and cyclicities, and are also characterized by color. Dark, laminated argillites contain abundant heterolithic rhythmites (with thick couplets up to 1 cm per lamina), syneresis cracks, flame structures, internal truncation scours, intraformational blocks/clasts, and diagenetic pyrite. The other two argillite facies commonly occur overlying channelized quartzites in large-scale upward-fining successions. A transitional argillite composed of thin intertidal beds grades upward into mud-cracked argillite of massive to weakly bedded intertidal to supratidal beds characterized by wave ripples and abundant mud cracks. Important diagnostic tidal features recognized in the Big Cottonwood Formation include: (1) heterolithic tidal rhythmites, (2) current ripples with crests rounded by backflow, (3) sigmoidal bundles, and (4) abundant clay-draped reactivation surfaces. Other structures that corroborate the tidal interpretation include: (1) flaser bedding, (2) mud cracks, and (3) mud-draped wave ripples. The sedimentary structures and genetic sequence relationships recognized in this study suggest deposition in a tide-dominated estuary. The laminated argillites with heterolithic rhythmites indicate subtidal deposition in tidal channels. Sand-filled tidal channels are represented in stacked quartzite beds that grade to transitional argillite and thin successions of mud-cracked argillite. Thicker units of mud-cracked argillite may represent deposition in tidal flats with periodic exposure. Tabular sheet quartzites suggest deposition as sand sheets near the mouth of the estuary. Our documentation of tidal rhythmites and estuarine deposition suggests previously unrecognized Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic tidal deposition in north-central Utah.
Experience-dependent attentional tuning of distractor rejection

Irrelevant salient distractors often capture attention, but given a sufficiently specific search template, these salient items no longer capture attention. In the present experiments, we investigated whether specific target templates are sufficient to resist capture, or whether experience with the salient distractors is also necessary. To test this hypothesis, observers completed four blocks of trials, each with a different-colored irrelevant singleton present on half of the trials. Color singletons captured attention early within a block, but after sufficient experience with the irrelevant singletons, those singletons no longer captured attention in the second halves of the blocks. This result suggests that to resist capture, a specific target template must be accompanied by experience-dependent attentional tuning to distractor properties.
Immunization Update IV

The CDC recommends at least 1 dose of mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for children between the ages of 6 and 11 months who will be traveling outside theUnited States. Children12months and older, are considered immuneas long as they have received 2 doses of MMR vaccine. If any child received the first dose before 12months of age, that dose should not be counted and the child should receive 2 doses after 12months of agewith the second dose at least 28 days apart.
Realistic robot simulation: multiple instantiating of robot controller software

To realise the concept of a "Virtual Factory" a robot manufacturer's challenge is to provide a "virtual" model of their controller software which is finally to be embedded in different simulation systems. Within a simulation environment, in addition to the standard controller features, further simulation specific functionalities have to be provided. During the project "Realistic Robot Simulation" the functional requirements and a standardized communication interface of a Virtual Robot Controller (VRC) has been specified. One of the strongest demands for such a Virtual Robot Controller for a robot manufacturer is the capability of running multiple instances of the virtual controller software. This paper presents the results of our efforts towards multiple instantiating of our dedicated robot controller software. We have succeeded in running two controller instances and one simulation system on a off the shelf personal computer. Thus, we verified the potential of creating robot controller systems for coming e-manufacturing processes.
The COIL data mediator definition language

Modern persistent applications typically run on top of numerous (often hundreds) of distributed, heterogeneous databases. Integrating data from various data sources in order to provide uniform, homogeneous, and consistent access to the data from the underlying data sources while preserving the integrity and autonomy of preexisting data sources is a huge problem, especially in evolving environments. The main issue that a global information sharing system has to address is heterogeneity on all levels of the participating data sources: the data might be stored in heterogeneous data sources, using different data models and access/middleware technologies. Another major type of heterogeneity that has to be addressed by a global information sharing system is due to differences in the semantics of the data from the data source participating in the integration process. In particular, the resolution of potential conflicts due to structural and semantic heterogeneity of the integrated data is an essential part of the integration process performed by a data integration environment. The COIL data mediator definition language supports the definition of the integration process and its semantics on a high level of abstraction. The language provides powerful language components which can be used to resolve potential conflicts due to structural and semantic heterogeneity, and to define the integration process in general. The semantics of a specific integration process are defined in a COIL data mediator definition (COIL program). The COIL compiler uses those specifications expressed in the COIL language to generate a standard Java object which captures the semantics of the integration process defined in the COIL mediator definition. The generated Java object is called a COIL data mediator. In general, a COIL data mediator is a user-defined, customized object/component which can be used like any other normal object in the Java development environment. A COIL data mediator presents a well-defined interface which may be used to access and configure the mediator at runtime. Therefore it is possible to change the data mediator's behavior and the semantics of the integration process in general at runtime. We present a detailed description of the COIL data mediator definition language and its language components, along with a detailed discussion of how COIL data mediators are used to overcome different heterogeneity problems. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hard clam relocation as a potential strategy for QPX disease mitigation within an enzootic estuary

Monitoring of persistent QPX infections in clams of Raritan Bay (New York) shows certain areas of the estuary have remained without any significant disease prevalence. This study was conducted to investigate the potential to mitigate QPX disease by relocating infected hard clams, Mercenaria mercenaria (Linnaeus), from enzootic areas to nearby sites with prevailing environmental conditions suggested to deter infection and favour remission and healing. Clams were collected from a location with consistent disease prevalence in central Raritan Bay and brought to near shore habitats subject to lower salinities and higher summer temperatures. A reduced host density treatment was included in the study to examine the common observation of high clam density in the most persistently infected locales. An additional treatment retained clams above the sediment, since sediments are suspected to represent a QPX reservoir. At the end of the 4-month study all treatments displayed less QPX disease than the control group and the greatest contrast was provided by the disappearance of infections in a tidal creek.
Comprehensive Test and Evaluation of A 20 MVA Superconducting Generator

A 20 MVA generator incorporating superconducting field windings and an air gap armature winding support system has been designed, manufactured, and tested. Insights into the feasibility of employing superconducting generator technology in a commercial power system environment were obtained. Details and results of the test program, which included no-load, transient, and real power load tests, are discussed.
Effect of Slurry Flow Rate on Pad Life during Interlayer Dielectric CMP

Real-time coefficient of friction (COF) analysis is used to identify the tribology of the process and to determine the useful life of the polishing pad as a function of key processing parameters. Results indicate that minor COF changes affect interlayer dielectric (ILD) removal rate and pad life. Slurry flow rate is shown to modulate average COF without altering the tribological mechanism associated with a particular range of Sommerfeld numbers. This finding is used to isolate and study the effect of COF on pad life. Regardless of process tribology, results indicate that pad life is increased with increasing slurry flow rate. Due to the effect of COF on removal rate, the absolute magnitude of ILD removal rate is shown to be highly dependent on the tribological mechanism. The work illustrates the complexities involved in reaching a compromise between removal rate, slurry flow rate, high volume manufacturing, and pad life.
Dermatitis complicating saphenous nerve injury after arthroscopic debridement of a medial meniscal cyst.

We report the case of a patient who developed hypesthesia in the distribution of the saphenous nerve after an arthroscopic debridement of a medial meniscal cyst. Dermatitis developed in the area of the hypesthesia 3 months later. Both complications responded to symptomatic treatment. A review of the literature confirms the unusual nature of these complications.
A Policy Framework for Data Management in Services Marketplaces

Large numbers of consumers, businesses, and public entities are now using the Internet for a variety of transactions. This has enabled service providers to offer outsourcing capabilities to business customers using software-as-a-service delivery models in services marketplaces. However, challenges remain in widespread acceptance of such delivery models because they require customers to share business critical data with the service providers. This paper presents a policy framework that enables businesses to communicate data management policies with service providers at an arbitrarily granular level. Policy is described as a state machine with each state representing a lifecycle stage, and attached to data when it is shared between services. Data management related policies including data appropriateness, data quality assurance, data retention and data migration can be described in this framework and enforced correspondingly.
A First Evaluation of the Natural High Molecular Weight Polymeric Lumbricus terrestris Hemoglobin as an Oxygen Carrier

Lumbricus terrestris hemoglobin (LtHb), an unusually stable Hb (MW4×106 Da) with respect to dissociation and oxidation, circulates extracellularly in the earthworm and at neutral pH exhibits oxygen affinity and cooperativity similar to that of human HbA. Results suggest that LtHb may serve as a model for a high molecular weight extracellular oxygen carrier. Mice and a rat model partially exchanged with LtHb showed no apparent behavioral and physical changes. 31P NMR spectroscopy of perfused guinea pig hearts, used to assess phosphocreatine levels as an indication of the ability of LtHb to serve as an oxygen carrrier to the heart, demonstrated that LtHb provides oxygen to the tissue and maintains the energy metabolism significantly better than the control non-Hb perfusion media. One day after infusion, video enhanced microscopy imaging of the mice cremaster muscle vasculature reveals temporal adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelial walls with temporal infiltration of leukocytes to the surrounding tissue,...
Note on the determination of “citrin” in lemon preparations

Abstract 1.1. A modification of the method of Lorenz and Arnold for the determination of "citrin" in lemon preparations is described, and the interference of glucose is eliminated by avoiding heating of the solutions after the addition of alkali. 2.2. A more efficient extraction of "citrin" from lemon peel is obtained by extracting in the cold instead of by cooking. 3.3. Lemon juice contains about one-sixth the amount of "citrin" found in lemon peel extract.
A possible factor in the etiology of human male infertility: preliminary report.

NN1-bis(dichloroacetyl)18-octanediamine Cl2CHCONH(CH2)8NHCOCHCl2 was tested. Cytologically the semen of some infertile males show low sperm count poor motility abnormal sperm morphology with a high percentage of tapering forms and the presence of many immature cells of the germinal line. Since this seminal picture can be produced experimentally by the antispermatogenic compounds tested in these experiments and may be induced temporarily by illness the author reasons that the apparently spontaneous appearance of the combination of exfoliated cells and tapering form in individuals lacking overt clinical symptoms may be due to a disturbance in hormone distribution or to an abnormal metabolite. Evidence was sought of excessive or abnormal steroid excretion in 6 individuals presenting the required seminal picture. The data though scant point in the expected direction.
Neoplastic cauda equina syndrome: a neuroimaging-based review

Cauda equina syndrome refers to dysfunction of the cauda equina, the collection of ventral and dorsal lumbar, sacral and coccygeal nerve roots that surround the filum terminale. This most commonly occurs as a result of compression by a herniated lumbosacral disc. However, the syndrome may also complicate metastatic cancer or a primary neoplasm within or infiltrating the spinal canal. An accurate and timely diagnosis is critical to avoid irreversible loss of neurological function. The clinician and radiologist must therefore be aware of the many possible causes to guide timely management. Here we review the diverse neoplastic causes affecting the cauda equina nerve roots from a neuroimaging-based perspective. We divide them by location into intramedullary neoplasms at the conus (such as astrocytoma), intradural-extramedullary neoplasms (such as schwannoma and leptomeningeal metastases) and extradural neoplasms (such as spinal metastases from systemic neoplasms). We also discuss the clinical features associated with cauda equina tumours, with special focus on cauda equina syndrome.
Clinical Trial Design in Feedlots

This article discusses the key steps and considerations of clinical trial design, along with additional considerations in development of a complete protocol. Three types of feedlot clinical trial examples are provided and discussed.
Apolipoprotein B-38.9 does not associate with apo[a] and forms two distinct HDL density particle populations that are larger than HDL.

We have identified a new truncated apolipoprotein B (apoB) that provides insights into the interaction of apoB with apo[a] and with lipids. Both total and LDL-cholesterol were below the 5th percentile in the proband; Lp[a] was 28 mg/dl. Four other affected individuals were identified in this kindred. Immunoblotting of plasma apoB-containing lipoproteins with an anti-apoB monoclonal antibody revealed a major band for apoB-100 and a minor band with apparent M(r) 217 kDa. The apoB truncation is due to a -1 frameshift mutation, consisting of a cytosine deletion at cDNA position 5444, that results in the translation of 22 novel amino acids terminating at residue 1767. The mutation was confirmed in the affected subjects by allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) analysis. Gel filtration of whole plasma revealed that the minority of apoB-38.9 eluted with IDL- and LDL-sized particles, while the majority (approximately 60%) eluted between LDL and HDL. Lp[a] eluted between VLDL and LDL. Upon preparative density gradient ultracentrifugation (DGUC), the majority of the plasma apoB-38.9 (approximately 65%) floated at a density of 1.12 g/ml coincident with the major peak of HDL cholesterol. Lp[a] floated at a peak density of 1.08 g/ml between LDL and HDL. Immunoblots of the apoB-38.9-containing HDL density DGUC fractions subjected to nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (GGE) demonstrated two apoB-38.9-containing particle populations with diameters of approximately 15 nm and approximately 18 nm, respectively. Lipoproteins of these sizes were also detected when whole plasma was subjected to GGE and immunoblotting. The 15-18 nm lipoproteins correspond to the gel filtration populations eluting between LDL and HDL. Lysine-Sepharose chromatography of plasma yielded retained products that contained apo[a] and apoB-100 but not apoB-38.9. Immunoprecipitation of whole plasma with monospecific polyclonal anti-human apo[a] showed apo[a] and apoB-100, but no apoB-38.9 to be present in precipitates. ApoB-100 and apoB-38.9 were present in supernates. In in vitro incubations, recombinant apo[a] formed complexes with apoB-100 but not with apoB-38.9-containing particles. Our results show that the apoB-38.9 protein can be found in a variety of lipoproteins; however, the majority of apoB-38.9-containing lipoproteins float at a density equivalent to HDL but are larger than HDL, being intermediate in size between apoB-100 LDL and HDL. The heterogeneity of apoB-38.9 lipoproteins may reflect their dual tissue source, i.e., liver and intestine, and the discordance between size and density indicates a disproportionately reduced association of lipids with apoB-38.9. Finally, our data suggest that apoB-38.9 is incapable of forming complexes with apo[a] in plasma.
Engineering Geology Programs in the United States: Where Are They and Where Might They Be Headed?

The curricula of engineering geology in the United States are diverse, strongly influenced by the geographic location of the school, the academic training of the instructor, and the professional practical experiences of the instructor. The divergence between the growing numbers of students entering colleges and universities with interests in engineering geology courses and programs and the number of PhD students being prepared to teach them may be an indication of future program quality reduction unless unique and controversial solutions are applied, such as appointing non-PhD degree holders to tenure track positions.
Advances in migraine management.

SUMMARY New drugs and better understanding of the pathogenesis of migraine are improving the outlook for patients with this debilitating disorder. This paper reviews recent advances and outlines our approach.
Effect of xenoplastic adrenal transplants upon limb regeneration in normal and hypophysectomized newts (Triturus viridescens).

Summary1. Our previous experiments showed that recuperation of regeneration in limbs of hypophysectomized newts may be obtained by replacement therapy with ACTH and with adreno-cortical hormones. We tested the hypothesis that an hyperadrenal state is necessary for regeneration. The study of effect of xenoplastically transplanted single or multiple adrenal frog glands upon regeneration of the fore limb in previously hypophysectomized newts was the method used. Control experiments showing that frog muscle tissue and also other tissues transplanted under similar conditions had no effect upon the non-regeneration typical for hypophysectomized newts indicated that xenoplastic transplants per se produced no observable effects upon regeneration. Frog adrenals, however, while not affecting regeneration in normal animals were found capable of restoring to hypophysectomized newts the ability to regenerate amputated limbs otherwise lost after extirpation of the pituitary. 2. Hypophysectomized animals are more suscep...
Eyes in the back of your head.

The American woodcock (Scolopax minor , although the older name, Philohela minor from the Greek meaning “loving marsh” seems much more appropriate) is a shy upland game bird, which is a member of the sandpiper family. This species and its closely related European counterpart, Scolopax rusticola , has quit the water's edge for marsh or even dense woodlands with a moist forest floor. The European woodcock is a similar, but larger, bird with similar habits, coloration, and ecology. The migratory and secretive American woodcock, now in decline, nests primarily in the northern portion of its range in North America, especially in young forests with scattered openings having swamp-like moist floors. The female is larger, in general, but usually this cannot be determined in the field. The distinctive long tapered bill is used to forage by probing for earthworms in damp soil, soft substrates, or in alder thickets with associated clearings and boggy fens. The bird is difficult, if not impossible, to see because Figure Cover illustration: Eyes in the back of your head of cryptic coloration, as can be determined by the photograph on this month's cover. The leaf litter coloration of its feathers allows the bird to settle on the forest floor as a means of camouflage and is is rarely seen unless flushed out. The flight is usually a brief irregular halting one through the surrounding trees until it disappears again upon landing. The bird is usually active at dusk or into the …
Calcium and Fat Interactions in Ruminant Nutrition1

Summary Fat is frequently added to ruminant diets to increase the energy density of the ration in an attempt to increase performance of animals such as high producing cows in early lactation. Often, problems have accompanied fat additions, including an adverse effect on rumen microbes, which may result in depressed fiber digestion and altered acetate to propionate ratio and depressed milkfat. Added dietary calcium can alleviate the adverse effects of feeding supplemental fats. Contrary to a widely held belief, recent research has shown that calcium absorption is not materially depressed by the addition of fat to cattle rations. Although the mechanisms involved in the calcium-fat interactions are not totally clear, evidence suggests the following as a working explanation. At the pH prevailing in an adequately buffered rumen, long chain fatty acids form insoluble soaps with calcium. In this form the fatty acids are not detrimental to the rumen microbes. At the lower pH of the abomasum and duodenum, the calcium soaps dissociate, with both the calcium and fatty-acids— being available for absorption. As the pH increases prior to excretion as feces, any unabsorbed calcium and fatty acids may recombine into calcium soaps.
Voltage-dependent Na(+) currents in mammalian retinal cone bipolar cells.

Voltage-dependent Na+ channels are usually expressed in neurons that use spikes as a means of signal coding. Retinal bipolar cells are commonly thought to be nonspiking neurons, a category of neuro...
Energetics of the martian atmosphere using the Mars Analysis Correction Data Assimilation (MACDA) dataset

Abstract The energetics of the atmosphere of the northern hemisphere of Mars during the pre-winter solstice period are explored using the Mars Analysis Correction Data Assimilation (MACDA) dataset (v1.0) and the eddy kinetic energy equation, with the quasi-geostrophic omega equation providing vertical velocities. Traveling waves are typically triggered by geopotential flux convergence. The effect of dust on baroclinic instability is examined by comparing a year with a global-scale dust storm (GDS) to two years without a global-scale dust storm. During the non-GDS years, results agree with that of a previous study using a general circulation model simulation. In the GDS year, waves develop a mixed baroclinic/barotropic growth phase before decaying barotropically. Though the total amount of eddy kinetic energy generated by baroclinic energy conversion is lower during the GDS year, the maximum eddy intensity is not diminished. Instead, the number of intense eddies is reduced by about 50%.
Design Inquiry of UPS System in Xiaowan Hydraulic Power Plant

Although power accounts for only a few in the SCADA,its stability plays a vital role to the stability of the SCADA,this paper mainly introduces the design scheme of the SCADA's UPS of the XIAOWAN hydropower Power station.
Standards,Policies and Development in Smart Metering

Smart meter is an intelligent instrumentation the core of which is microprocessor application and network communication technology.As an important part of smart grid,smart metering attracts more and more attention all over the world.Facing the great demand of smart metering,governments and company are busy with establishing policies and standards for smart metering deployment.This paper enumerates the standards and policies set up by governments or organizations.Also briefly explains the situation of the smart metering deployment in parts of the countries.
Determination of mean glomerular volume in nephrectomy specimens.

BACKGROUND : Mean glomerular volume (V G ) determined by Cavalieri, maximal profile area (MPA), and Weibel-Gomez methods correlated in paraffin-embedded needle biopsies ; the Disector method did not correlate, probably because of sampling limitations. The relationship of these methods in other types of specimens has not been established. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN : Sections of whole kidneys from 19 rats, 10 treated with furosemide to increase V G , were immersion-fixed, embedded in glycol methacrylate, serially sectioned at 5 μm through 150 μm of tissue, and stained with Jones' silver stain. V G was determined by the Cavalieri, MPA, Disector, and Weibel-Gomez methods with three samples from each animal to assess the correlation, agreement, and repeatability of each of these methods. Methods were considered to correlate if p < 0.01 on linear regression analysis and to agree if the line of identity (x = y) fell within the 95% confidence interval for the slope of the regression curve. Repeatability was assessed with the coefficient of variation for each technique. RESULTS : Other methods correlated with the Cavalieri method (MPA r = 0.86, Disector r = 0.66, Weibel-Gomez r = 0.87), although none of these methods agreed with Cavalieri V G . These results were similar when treated animals, untreated animals, and all animals were analyzed. Cavalieri and MPA methods showed 7% coefficient of variation with repeated samples ; the Disector method showed higher variation (12%), and Weibel-Gomez showed significantly higher variation when compared with the other methods (25%). CONCLUSIONS : MPA, Weibel-Gomez, and Disector methods all provide estimates of V G that correlate with Cavalieri V G ; however, none gives the same value. Reasons for these discrepancies may include assumptions regarding glomerular shape and size distribution inherent in the various methods and the experimental conditions. Tissue availability will often dictate V G method, and consistency of method within an experiment is critical.
The ICCE Framework: Framing Learning Experiences Afforded by Games.

There is a need for game-based learning frameworks that provide a lens for understanding learning experiences afforded in digital games. These frameworks should aim to facilitate game analyses, ide...
Energies and relative intensities of K. cap alpha cap alpha. x-ray transitions

K..cap alpha cap alpha.. absolute energies and energy shifts relative to twice the K..cap alpha.. energy have been measured in ion-atom collisions at MeV energies in the region from Z=12 to 26. For Z=12 to 22 good agreement is obtained with Hartree-Fock energy calculations assuming an E1 transition with two L-shell vacancies in the initial state. K..cap alpha cap alpha.. to K..cap alpha.. intensity ratios are also presented. (AIP)
Werner – just one of the boys?

In the 1920s it was sometimes called Knabenphysik – which roughly translates to "boys' physics". The term referred to the brilliant accomplishments of a group of very young theoretical physicists in pursuit of a new quantum theory of atoms and radiation. Among the Knaben were Paul Dirac (1902–84), Werner Heisenberg (1901–76), Pascual Jordan (1902–80) and Wolfgang Pauli (1902–58). Other important contributors, such as Niels Bohr (1892–1987), Max Born (1882–1970), Louis de Broglie (1892–1987) and Erwin Schrodinger (1887–1961), were elder statesmen by comparison.
Bipolar junction transistor based sensors for chemical and biological sensing

A bipolar junction transistor (BJT) based sensor is investigated for its sensing characteristics such as sensitivity and signal to noise ratio (SNR). The sensor consists of a bipolar transistor with its base connected to a sensing surface in contact with the solution. Measurements are performed using pH buffer solutions and the sensor sensitivity and signal to noise ratio are shown to be significantly enhanced in comparison to nanowire field effect transistor (FET) sensors. In addition to the pH sensing, detection of single strand DNA is demonstrated. Lastly, the BJT sensor also provides simultaneous temperature measurement.
Evaluation of image quality using Channelized Hotelling observer for pediatric diagnostic imaging of 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid

Radiation dose is of special concern in pediatric patients for higher sensitivity in radiation and longer timeframe to manifest stochastic effects. Since body habitus can affect image quality in pediatric patients, it is important to understand the tradeoff between image quality, radiation dose, and body habitus. In this study, B-spline based mathematical phantoms were used to simulate the anatomy of two 10-year old girls having the same weight but different body habitus. Literature data was used to obtain organ uptakes of 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid. Projection data for administered activities (AA) ranging from 0.25 to 1.5 times a standard AA were simulated using an analytic projector modeling attenuation, scatter, and the collimator-detector response followed by simulation of Poisson noise. Kidney function defects were created at several locations in each kidney with varying activity concentration ratios. The projections were reconstructed using filtered-backprojection (FB) followed by 3D Butterworth filter with various cutoff frequencies to find an optimal cut-off frequency. Channelized Hotelling observer and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) methodologies were applied to the reconstructed images for the task of defect detection. Areas under the ROC curve (AUC) were computed to assess the changes in the lesion detection. At higher, non-optimal cutoffs results showed different trade-offs for the lesion detectability between the 2 phantoms indicating that body habitus, and not just weight, is a significant factor in determining image quality for a given AA. However, use of the optimal cutoff resulted in little difference in the image quality versus AA tradeoff for the two phantoms. A population of phantoms spanning the range of pediatric height has been generated and the results of this study will ultimately be extended to the full population in order to provide data needed to establish optimal pediatric dosing guidelines.
Sum Rate Analysis of Cognitive Massive MIMO Systems with Underlay Spectrum Sharing

The asymptotic sum rate performance of multi-cell/multi-user cognitive massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with underlay spectrum sharing is investigated. Specifically, each cell consists of a licensed (primary) multi-user massive MIMO system and a cognitive (secondary) multi-user MIMO system which is allowed to utilize the licensed frequency spectrum provided that the intra-cell interference inflicted at the primary base-station due to the concurrent transmissions of the secondary user nodes is maintained below a predefined interference temperature. For the uplink transmission of the aforementioned system set-up, the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio and achievable sum rate expressions are derived for three specific antenna configurations; (i) infinitely many primary and secondary base-station antennas, (ii) infinitely many primary base-station antennas and finitely many secondary base-station antennas, and (iii) finitely many primary and secondary base-station antennas. Our asymptotic analysis reveals that the achievable sum rate expressions become independent of the primary interference threshold whenever the number of primary base-station antennas grows unbounded. Consequently, the secondary network can be operated at its maximum average transmit power level without degrading the asymptotic performance of the primary network. Therefore, the primary and secondary networks can be operated independent of each other as both intra-cell and inter-cell interference can be asymptotically mitigated by exploiting the zero-forcing detectors employed at the massive MIMO enabled base-stations.
Elucidation of reaction mechanism for m-cresol hydrodeoxygenation over Fe based catalysts: A kinetic study

Abstract Fe based catalysts are promising for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignin derived phenolics due to their high selectivity for aromatics. In this work, the reaction mechanism of m -cresol HDO on Fe catalysts and the kinetic consequence with Pd addition were elucidated by examining the effect of H 2 , H 2 O and m -cresol pressures on toluene formation rate on Fe and Pd Fe catalysts. A direct C O bond cleavage mechanism is proposed for HDO catalysis on both Fe and Pd Fe catalysts, while Pd provides a facilitated reaction pathway at the Pd Fe interface and therefore promotes the catalysis on Fe without changing the high selectivity towards aromatics.
Abstract 5119: Evaluation of Minnelide as potential targeted therapy for triple negative breast cancer

Recent advances in diagnostics and better understanding of molecular mechanism underlying breast cancer has let to the better therapeutic options and disease outcome for majority of breast cancer patients. However, ~10 - 20% of all breast cancers often referred to as “triple negative” as they lack expression of the estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) receptors convey a poor prognosis due in part to a lack of targeted therapies. The aim of the current study is to evaluate whether triptolide and its water soluble analog Minnelide is effective against triple negative breast cancer cells. We have previously shown that triptolide/Minnelide not only reduces tumor growth in various cancer models but it also regulates epithelial -mesenchymal transition (EMT), an important mechanism underlying metastasis. In our preliminary findings using three triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and MDA-MB-157, we demonstrate that triptolide not only inhibits the proliferation of TNBC cells but also regulates the protein levels of EMT markers including β-Catenin and Vimentin. In order to elucidate the mechanism underlying triptolide mediated inhibition of cellular proliferation and regulation of EMT markers in TNBC cells, we identified Src kinase and Aurora kinase A as two new targets for triptolide action in TNBC cells. By targeting Src and Aurora kinase, triptolide disrupts the integrity of focal adhesion structures and reduces cell spreading via regulating FAK activity. Our preliminary findings regarding potential use of triptolide/Minnelide in TNBC based on in vitro experiments are promising. However, considering the complex pathophysiology of breast cancer and other biological factors playing role in a disease setting, in-vivo experiments to test the efficacy of Minnelide in relevant mouse models for mammary cancers are currently underway. Citation Format: Mahendra K. Singh, Soham Shah, Nikita Satish Sharma, Bhuwan Giri, Sulagna Banerjee, Ashok Saluja. Evaluation of Minnelide as potential targeted therapy for triple negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5119. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5119
Theoretical and experimental investigations of mercury adsorption on hematite surfaces.

One of the biggest environmental concerns caused by coal-fired power plants is the emission of mercury (Hg), which is toxic metal. To control the emission of Hg from coal-derived flue gas, it is important to understand the behavior and speciation of Hg as well as the interaction between Hg and solid materials in the flue gas stream. In this study, atomic-scale theoretical investigations using density functional theory (DFT) were carried out in conjunction with laboratory-scale experimental studies to investigate the adsorption behavior of Hg on hematite (α-Fe2O3). According to the DFT simulation, the adsorption energy calculation proposes that Hg physisorbs to the α-Fe2O3(0001) surface with an adsorption energy of -0.278 eV, and the subsequent Bader charge analysis confirms that Hg is slightly oxidized. In addition, Cl introduced to the Hg-adsorbed surface strengthens the Hg stability on the α-Fe2O3(0001) surface, as evidenced by a shortened Hg-surface equilibrium distance. The projected density of states (PDOS) analysis also suggests that Cl enhances the chemical bonding between the surface and the adsorbate, thereby increasing the adsorption strength. In summary, α-Fe2O3 has the ability to adsorb and oxidize Hg, and this reactivity is enhanced in the presence of Cl. For the laboratory-scale experiments, three types of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were prepared using the precursors Fe(NO3)3, Fe(ClO4)3, and FeCl3, respectively. The particle shapes varied from diamond to irregular stepped and subrounded, and particle size ranged from 20 to 500 nm depending on the precursor used. The nanoparticles had the highest surface area (84.5 m2/g) due to their highly stepped surface morphology. Packed-bed reactor Hg exposure experiments resulted in this nanoparticles adsorbing more than 300 μg Hg/g. The Hg LIII-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy also indicated that HgCl2 physisorbed onto the α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. IMPLICATIONS Atomic-scale theoretical simulations proposes that Hg physisorbs to the α-Fe2O3(0001) surface with an adsorption energy of -0.278 eV, and the subsequent Bader charge analysis confirms that Hg is slightly oxidized. In addition, Cl introduced to the Hg-adsorbed surface strengthens the Hg stability on the α-Fe2O3(0001) surface, as evidenced by a shortened Hg-surface equilibrium distance. The PDOS analysis also suggests that Cl enhances the chemical bonding between the surface and the adsorbate, thereby increasing the adsorption strength. Following laboratory-scale experiment of Hg sorption also shows that HgCl2 physisorbs onto α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles which have highly stepped structure.
Clinician-Friendly Physical Performance Tests for the Knee

Reference: Hegedus EJ, McDonough S, Bleakley C, Cook CE, Baxter GD. Clinician-friendly lower extremity physical performance measures in athletes: a systematic review of measurement properties and ...
One Point of View: Linkage, Leverage And Leadership Drive Successful Technological Innovation

(2004). One Point of View: Linkage, Leverage And Leadership Drive Successful Technological Innovation. Research-Technology Management: Vol. 47, No. 3, pp. 9-11.
Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children and its Incarnations

(2014). Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children and its Incarnations. South Asian Review: Vol. 35, Salman Rushdie, pp. 157-168.
An indoor positioning system facilitated by computer vision

The purpose of this paper is to present our work on a novel method which allows for previously unattainable accuracy in indoor positioning. Global positioning has changed the way in which we interact with our specific locations on a real time basis, as can be seen most prominently in mapping applications. However, global positioning is severely limited indoors where location is equally important, and further, requires greater accuracy. While there have been attempts to implement indoor positioning, these methods are severely lacking, prompting us to take a completely new approach. We use low cost webcams and a series of algorithms to detect people in a video frame, and then identify and position them. Accuracy for identification is upwards of 95% and positioning accuracy is within a half-meter for the majority of the frame of view, all while running in real time on mobile CPUs. Such a system can be implemented on large scales to allow for exciting new applications; indoor directions in malls and public transportation hubs, new forms of human-robot interactions and consumer habit analysis in stores are all now possible.
Pulmonary Complications of Chest Wall Disorders

The chest wall and spine are integrated together and are interdependent and critical in maintaining an upright posture, and facilitating optimal pulmonary mechanics and function. The integrity of the thoracospinal unit can be impacted substantially by dysfunction in either the chest wall or spine. Understanding how they are related is important and can help determine the proper way to treat the dysfunction.
Introduction to the Clinical Forum: Exploring Curriculum-Based Language Assessment and Interventions.

Purpose The purpose of this article is to introduce the Clinical Forum: Exploring Curriculum-Based Language Assessment and Interventions, which investigates the current evidence supporting curricul...
Estimation of Gross Domestic Product at Sub-National Scales using Nighttime Satellite Imagery

There is a degree of uncertainty in the measurement and/or validation of national and sub-national economic data such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In some circumstances it can be very useful to have alternative measures of numbers like GDP to provide evidence for the validation or invalidation of claims of some nations or regions regarding their economic productivity. This research explores the feasibility of developing predictive relationships between observed changes in nighttime satellite images derived from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s Operational Line scan System (DMSP-OLS), and changes in population and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Hydroquinone resistance in a murine myeloblastic leukemia cell line: Involvement of quinone reductase and glutathione-dependent detoxification in nonclassical multidrug resistance

A hydroquinone-resistant derivative of the M1 cell line, designated M1HQ, was generated and used to evaluate the biochemical mechanism responsible for resistance to oxidative stress-inducing agents. The hydroquinone concentrations that were cytotoxic to 50 and 90% of the parental M1 cell line in 48 hr were 25 and 90 microM, respectively, whereas exposure to 500 microM hydroquinone did not decrease M1HQ viability significantly. M1HQ cells grew slower than M1 cells and exhibited significantly higher resistance to colchicine, doxorubicin, hydrogen peroxide, 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide, and 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea but not to benzoquinone, vinblastine, or gamma-radiation. M1HQ cells possessed significantly higher levels of total thiols, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, quinone reductase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase than the parental M1 cell line. Steady-state gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase mRNA expression also was 1.6-fold higher in M1HQ cells. P-glycoprotein transcripts were detectable in both M1 and M1HQ cells, but were 2-fold higher in M1HQ. Multidrug resistance-associated protein transcripts were not detectable in either M1 or M1HQ. Hydroquinone resistance in M1HQ cells was partially reversible with a combination of inhibitors of quinone reductase, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, glutathione peroxidase, and the multidrug resistance-associated protein, but not with inhibitors of P-glycoprotein, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, or glutathione-S-transferase. When treated with [14C]hydroquinone, M1HQ cells did not generate significant hydroquinone-protein adducts but did release an adduct similar to N-acetylcysteinyl-benzoquinone. In contrast, numerous [14C]hydroquinone-protein adducts were produced in M1 cells, while the N-acetylcysteinyl-benzoquinone-like molecule was undetectable. Thus, hydroquinone resistance in M1HQ cells appeared to result from a glutathione-dependent detoxification and export mechanism.