cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observations of quantum-interference effects in lateral surface superlattices

In the mesoscopic regime, where the characteristic length of a sample is comparable to the phase coherence length of electrons, quantum interference leading to a magnetoconductance periodic in the magnetic field coupled through a unit cell of a two-dimensional superlattice has been hypothesized for many years. We report here on the observation of such periodic effects in quasi-two-dimensional semiconductor structures with an additional two-dimensional periodic superlattice potential applied. In LSSLs prepared on MODFET material, magnetoconductance measurements made at 4.2K show Aharonov-Bohm type periodic oscillations with We periodicity in the flux coupled through each cell of the superlattice. In LSSLs on MESFET material, we find that the conductance is also periodic in the magnetic field, but with replicas of the negative magneto-resistance (signature of weak localization), with separations in magnetic field corresponding to integer changes in the flux per superlattice cell. In addition, the presence of a significant source-drain potential shifts the resonances in magnetic field. These effects are observed for relatively low magnetic fields, B<1 Tesla. Furthermore, conductance fluctuations are observed for samples whose dimensions are large compared to the inelastic mean free path.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Beryllium exposure: dermal and immunological considerations

Objective: People exposed to beryllium compounds are at increased risk of developing beryllium sensitization and chronic beryllium disease (CBD). The purpose of this short communication is to present information regarding the potential importance of skin exposure to beryllium, an exposure and alternate immune response pathway to the respiratory tract, which has been largely overlooked in epidemiologic and exposure assessment studies. Methods: We reviewed the published literature, including epidemiologic, immunologic, genetic, and laboratory-based studies of in vivo and in vitro models, to assess the state of knowledge concerning skin exposure to beryllium. Results: Reduction in inhalation exposure to beryllium has not resulted in a concomitant reduction in the occurrence of beryllium sensitization or CBD, suggesting that continued prevalence may be due, in part, to unchecked skin exposure to beryllium-containing particles. Conclusions: Recent developments in our understanding of the multiple exposure pathways that may lead to beryllium sensitization and CBD suggest that a prudent approach to worker protection is to assess and minimize both skin and inhalation exposures to beryllium.
Proinsulin precursors in isolated rat pancreatic islets

Abstract Two proteins larger than proinsulin (estimated molecular weight 11,000 and 10,000 daltons), were observed when labeled rat islet proteins were electrophoresed on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels. The proteins are synthesized before proinsulin, turn over more rapidly than proinsulin, their synthesis is stimulated by glucose, and they are specifically bound by anti-insulin antibodies.
Hyperhidrosis: evolving therapies for a well-established phenomenon.

The socially embarrassing disorder of excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, and its treatment options are gaining widespread attention. In order of frequency, palmar-plantar, palmar-axillary, isolated axillary, and craniofacial hyperhidrosis are distinct disorders of sudomotor regulation. A common link among these disorders is an excessive, nonthermoregulatory sweat response often to emotional stimuli in body regions influenced by the anterior cingulate cortex as opposed to the thermoregulatory sweat response regulated by the preoptic-anterior hypothalamus. Diagnosis of these mechanistically ambiguous disorders is primarily from patient history and physical examination, whereas results of laboratory studies performed with indicator powder reveal the distribution and severity of resting hyperhidrosis and document the integrity of thermoregulatory sweating. Treatment options lie on a continuum based on the severity of hyperhidrosis and the risks and benefits of therapy. In general, therapy begins with antiperspirants or anticholinergics. Iontophoresis is available for palmar-plantar and axillary hyperhidrosis. Botulinum toxin type A or local excision/curettage is effective for isolated axillary hyperhidrosis not responsive to topical application of aluminum chloride. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy may be used for severe cases of palmar-plantar and palmar-axillary hyperhidrosis. No sole therapy of choice has emerged for craniofacial sweating. The long-term sequelae of hyperhidrosis and its treatment also are discussed.
Heterogeneity in POMC expression among explanted melanotropes decreases with time in culture and bromocriptine treatment

The biosynthetic activity of rat intermediate lobe melanotropes in vivo is inhibited by stimulation of dopamine D2 receptors. Individual melanotropes are innervated differentially by dopaminergic axons and vary in their levels of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA. We tested the hypothesis that placement of the lobe in primary culture, which removes the inhibitory innervation, would increase POMC mRNA levels and abolish the heterogeneity in POMC expression. POMC mRNA levels increased successively in untreated melanotropes when tested on culture Days 10, 16, and 20; however, some heterogeneity in POMC expression persisted. If treated with a D2 receptor agonist (1 microM bromocriptine) from culture Day 1, POMC mRNA levels were decreased significantly throughout the testing period when compared to untreated cells with the same time in culture. Although some melanotropes still expressed high POMC levels, preparations appeared more homogeneous by Day 20. Melanotrope responses were reversible, since POMC mRNA levels were down-regulated by application and up-regulated by withdrawal of a D2 receptor agonist. A short agonist treatment resulted in subpopulations that responded differently to the agonist, possibly representing a mechanism for fine-tuning peptide hormone release.
Polarization lidar observations of backscatter phase matrices from oriented ice crystals and rain

Oriented particles can exhibit different polarization properties than randomly oriented particles. These properties cannot be resolved by conventional polarization lidar systems and are capable of corrupting the interpretation of depolarization ratio measurements. Additionally, the typical characteristics of backscatter phase matrices from atmospheric oriented particles are not well established. The National Center for Atmospheric Research High Spectral Resolution Lidar was outfitted in spring of 2012 to measure the backscatter phase matrix, allowing it to fully characterize the polarization properties of oriented particles. The lidar data analyzed here considers operation at 4°, 22° and 32° off zenith in Boulder, CO, USA (40.0°N,105.2°W). The HSRL has primarily observed oriented ice crystal signatures at lidar tilt angles near 32° off zenith which corresponds to an expected peak in backscatter from horizontally oriented plates. The maximum occurrence frequency of oriented ice crystals is measured at 5 km, where 2% of clouds produced significant oriented ice signatures by exhibiting diattenuation in their scattering matrices. The HSRL also observed oriented particle characteristics of rain at all three tilt angles. Oriented signatures in rain are common at all three tilt angles. As many as 70% of all rain observations made at 22° off zenith exhibited oriented signatures. The oriented rain signatures exhibit significant linear diattenuation and retardance.
Numerical Evaluation of Improvements in Thermal Barrier Coating Adhesion by Adoption of Plasma Treatment and Biomimicry

Thermal Barrier Coatings or TBCs for short, are an imperative part of the thermal protection system of expensive equipment and machinery in the automobile and aeronautics industries. However, the problem of adhesion has plagued the TBC field for years, leading to catastrophic failures in critical TBC systems. Efforts to chemically improve bond strength have not been entirely successful, so the other efficient way to do this would be some kind of mechanical interlocking that occurs at micro/nano scales. This work deals with the improvement of adhesion in TBC systems by numerical simulation and bench-marking of micro-geometric surface features that has been synthesized or reproduced in a laboratory environment through mechanical or electrochemical operations. For this, several geometries that benefit mechanical interlocking, and consequently improvements in mechanical ‘adhesion’ in TBCs have been compared. To simulate the mechanical and thermal loading on the micro geometries and to observe their effect, the commercial finite element software COMSOL was used. An analogy was drawn between the biological, Van der Waals dry adhesion mechanism in Gecko feet and that in the top surface of the thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer in TBC since the ‘mushroom head geometry’ in the Gecko feet provides improved adhesion (as much as 10 folds) compared to other geometries (spatular head, spherical head, or plain triangular crevices). An affordable synthesis process, termed “Electrolytic Plasma Processing (EPP)” for recreating this specific geometry, is also proposed and its utility briefly discussed.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Oligonucleotide charge states in negative ionization electrospray-mass spectrometry are a function of solution ammonium ion concentration

The charge state distribution for oligonucleotides detected using negative ionization electro-spray-mass spectrometry has been studied as a function of solution counterion concentration. In the absence of added buffer, an average charge state (Z) of −7.2 is observed for a 10 µM aqueous solution of a 14mer DNA at pH 7.0, with [M − 8H]8− the most abundant ion. As the solution concentration of ammonium acetate increases from 0.1 to 33 mM, Z shifts to −3.8 with [M − 4H]4− the most abundant charge state. The shift in most abundant charge state from [M − 7H]7− to [M − 4H]4− occurs abruptly between 1.0 and 10 mM NH4OAc. Above 100 mM NH4OAc, the value of Z plateaus at −3.1, with [M − 3H]3− the most abundant charge state. The addition of 1–50 mM glycine to the analyte solution does not alter Z, suggesting that the changes in charge state observed by using ammonium acetate result from a solution equilibration of cations around the DNA strand, rather than nonspecific gas-phase proton transfers during the electrospray process. The fraction of neutralized phosphate groups reaches a maximum of 0.79 ± 0.03 independent of length and sequence.
Eisenstein series on quaternion half-space

Kaufhold [5] calculated the Fourier coefficients of the Siegel's Eisenstein series of degree 2 and obtained its analytic continuation and functional equation. In this paper, we follow his procedure to obtain the analytic continuation and a functional equation of the Eisenstein series on quaternion half-space defined by Krieg [7]. S. Nagaoka has announced a similar result (see below).
ALTERATION OF CYTOSKELETAL STRUCTURE, INTEGRIN DISTRIBUTION, AND MIGRATORY ACTIVITY BY PHAGOCYTIC CHALLENGE IN CELLS FROM AN OCULAR TISSUE~THE TRABECULAR MESHWORK

The trabecular meshwork is a specialized tissue in the anterior chamber of the eye that regulates the aqueous humor outflow and controls the intraocular pressure. Cells in the trabecular meshwork are believed to be essential for maintenance of the outflow system, and their malfunctioning may lead to elevation of intraocular pressure and development of glaucoma. These cells are avid phagocytes. Using an in vitro tissue culture system, we have previously shown that bovine trabecular meshwork cells exhibited a short-term loss of cell-matrix adhesiveness after exposure to latex microspheres. The current study showed that 4 h after phagocytosis, the cytoskeletal structure in trabecular meshwork cells was disrupted, the formation of focal contact formation was limited, and the cellular migratory activity was increased. These in vitro responses paralleled those that occur in vivo. By 24 h, all the changes demonstrated returned to normal. Our data suggest that the short-term loss in cell-matrix cohesiveness observed after phagocytic challenge may be related to the reorganization of cytoskeletal structures and the decline of focal contact formation. The altered cell migration may also be interlinked.
von Hippel Angiomatosis: A Light, Electron Microscopic, and Immunoperoxidase Characterization

A 25-year-old Iranian man had undergone eye wall resection of a large von Hippel angioma to alleviate an exaggerated macular response, affording study by light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry before the obfuscatory effects of long-standing exudative retinal detachment, gliosis, or iatrogenic ablation supervened. We used this vantage point to assess the interrelation between the component endothelial cells, pericytes, and stromal foam cells. On the basis of staining with glial fibrillary acidic protein, factor VIII, the C3 fraction of complement, fibrinogen, and lysozyme, it is unlikely that stromal foam cells derive from glial precursors, but may represent degenerating cells, perhaps arising from a common vasoformative stem cell under hypoxic stress.
Resource-adequacy-based capacity market design

Today's capacity markets may be viewed as an additional source of income for generators to compensate the money lost due to regulatory imposed caps. Those additional money flows and other design characteristics serve, theoretically, to achieve system adequacy in a market environment. In this paper, we analyze key aspects of today's capacity market designs. Our main finding is that some design elements help to achieve economic objectives but need to be modified to attain the resource adequacy objective and conversely. Based on the experience to date, we conclude that a key objective of capacity markets is to have resource adequacy by ensuring that there is sufficient installed capacity and its deliverability, i.e., the ability to effectively deliver the capacity from the sources to the existing and future loads. We argue that to reach the adequacy and deliverability objective the capacity market design must explicitly consider them and must ensure no interference with the deployment of market structures. We introduce resource-adequacy-based capacity markets. We discuss the main design elements and illustrate with design examples. Our analysis and insights can lead to the improved capacity market design that meets the resource adequacy assurance by effectively harnessing the forces of the competitive market environment.
Wax esters from Larrea divaricata

Abstract The wax on the stems and leaves of Larrea divaricata contains a mixture of even carbon-numbered alkyl esters (C48-C56) consisting of fatty acids (C22-C32) and primary alcohols (C24-C30).
Inhibition on the Reducing Side of Photosystem II by Carbonylcyanide m‐Chlorophenylhydrazone and Lithium 3,5‐Diiodosalicylate

Several investigators have shown that carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) inhibits photosystem II of chloroplasts by acting on a site close to the oxygen-evolving center. Evidence is presented in this paper which suggests that CCCP interferes also with the electron transfer between the primary acceptor Q and the secondary acceptor pool, A. A similar action in this electron acceptor complex is described for the photosynthesis inhibitor salicylaldoxime, and other phenolic compounds like salicylate and, in particular, lithium 3,5-diiodosalicylate. The latter two agents are known for their ability to increase the solubility of hydrophobic peptides and proteins in aqueous solutions. Hence, our findings may be of help in attempts to understand the structure-activity relationship of the large class of structurally diverse herbicides which inhibit photosynthetic electron transport between Q and A.
Analysis of Minoan white pigments used on pottery from Kommos, Palaikastro, Mochlos and Knossos

In order to elementally analyze the white paint from Bronze-Age Minoan pottery, sherds were sampled from four archaeological sites located on the central to eastern parts of the island of Crete: Kommos, Palaikastro, Mochlos and Knossos. PIXE analysis was performed at the University of Delaware. Results show a higher amount of Mg in the paint on the Kommos sherds. Kommos is located on the south-central part of Crete and could have been involved in a larger southern center of pottery production. One sherd from Palaikastro also showed an increased Mg content. It may have been an import to that eastern location from the south-central area of Kommos. The Mg content in the white paint could be an indication of pottery production location and, therefore, could help in determining trade relations.
Negatively-stained polysomes on rough microsome vesicles viewed by electron microscopy: further evidence regarding the orientation of attached ribosomes

Rough microsomes, derived from rough endoplasmic reticulum of rat liver, were studied by electron microscopy after negative staining, to seek further information about the orientation of ribosomal small and large subunits in bound polysomes. Rough microsomal vesicles were fixed with 2% formaldehyde, centrifuged onto electron-microscopic grid membranes, and were then negatively-stained with 2% phosphotungstic acid. In these preparations, viewed with the electron microscope, flattened rough microsomal vesicles with bound polysomes were sometimes discernible, and the individual ribosomes in the polysomes occasionally showed small and large subunits. The small subunits were uniformly oriented toward the inside of the polysomal curve. The large and small subunits appeared to be alongside one another on the membrane, consistent with the orientation that has been described by Unwin and his co-workers. The boundary between the small and large subunits occurred at approximately the same level in the ribosome where inter-ribosomal strands have been described previously in surface views of bound polysomes in positively-stained electron-microscopic tissue sections. This further confirms the identity of the strands as messenger RNA.
Form drag instability and multiple equilibria in the barotropic case

We examine the form drag instability in a simple model, considering in some detail the processes involved. We study how the system approaches the equilibria (stable case) or departs from them (unstable case). Then we consider the nonlinear problem discussing the properties of the solution using the conservation of energy and potential enstrophy and introducing a potential function for the zonal flow. The limit for small dissipation and forcing is then discussed and compared with numerical solutions.
Masculinity, Body Image, and Sexual Behavior in HIV-Seropositive Gay Men: A Two-Phase Formative Behavioral Investigation Using the Internet

The purpose of this study was to understand the synergistic relationships between conceptions of masculinity, body image, and sexual behavior in HIV-positive gay men. The data were drawn from a two-phase formative behavioral mixed methodologies investigation with the use of the Internet. Findings demonstrated that conceptions of masculinity were intimately linked to body image and sexual adventurism, such that men defined their masculinity by their physical appearance and sexual behavior. Further, the data support high levels of risk taking, including steroid use and intentional unprotected anal intercourse (barebacking), which correlated with the participants’ conception of physical masculinity. Clinical implications suggest that it is critical to examine the interaction that occurs between the individual’s gay, masculine, and HIV-positive identities as these appear to be overlapping realities that have an impact on the decisions and behaviors in which these men engage.
Fungal community composition and metabolism under elevated CO 2 and O 3

Atmospheric CO2 and O3 concentrations are increasing due to human activity and both trace gases have the potential to alter C cycling in forest ecosystems. Because soil microorganisms depend on plant litter as a source of energy for metabolism, changes in the amount or the biochemistry of plant litter produced under elevated CO2 and O3 could alter microbial community function and composition. Previously, we have observed that elevated CO2 increased the microbial metabolism of cellulose and chitin, whereas elevated O3 dampened this response. We hypothesized that this change in metabolism under CO2 and O3 enrichment would be accompanied by a concomitant change in fungal community composition. We tested our hypothesis at the free-air CO2 and O3 enrichment (FACE) experiment at Rhinelander, Wisconsin, in which Populus tremuloides, Betula papyrifera, and Acer saccharum were grown under factorial CO2 and O3 treatments. We employed extracellular enzyme analysis to assay microbial metabolism, phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis to determine changes in microbial community composition, and polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR–DGGE) to analyze the fungal community composition. The activities of 1,4-β-glucosidase (+37%) and 1,4,-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (+84%) were significantly increased under elevated CO2, whereas 1,4-β-glucosidase activity (−25%) was significantly suppressed by elevated O3. There was no significant main effect of elevated CO2 or O3 on fungal relative abundance, as measured by PLFA. We identified 39 fungal taxonomic units from soil using DGGE, and found that O3 enrichment significantly altered fungal community composition. We conclude that fungal metabolism is altered under elevated CO2 and O3, and that there was a concomitant change in fungal community composition under elevated O3. Thus, changes in plant inputs to soil under elevated CO2 and O3 can propagate through the microbial food web to alter the cycling of C in soil.
Life Span Extension and Neuronal Cell Protection by Drosophila Nicotinamidase

The life span of model organisms can be modulated by environmental conditions that influence cellular metabolism, oxidation, or DNA integrity. The yeast nicotinamidase gene pnc1 was identified as a key transcriptional target and mediator of calorie restriction and stress-induced life span extension. PNC1 is thought to exert its effect on yeast life span by modulating cellular nicotinamide and NAD levels, resulting in increased activity of Sir2 family class III histone deacetylases. In Caenorhabditis elegans, knockdown of a pnc1 homolog was shown recently to shorten the worm life span, whereas its overexpression increased survival under conditions of oxidative stress. The function and regulation of nicotinamidases in higher organisms has not been determined. Here, we report the identification and biochemical characterization of the Drosophila nicotinamidase, D-NAAM, and demonstrate that its overexpression significantly increases median and maximal fly life span. The life span extension was reversed in Sir2 mutant flies, suggesting Sir2 dependence. Testing for physiological effectors of D-NAAM in Drosophila S2 cells, we identified oxidative stress as a primary regulator, both at the transcription level and protein activity. In contrast to the yeast model, stress factors such as high osmolarity and heat shock, calorie restriction, or inhibitors of TOR and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways do not appear to regulate D-NAAM in S2 cells. Interestingly, the expression of D-NAAM in human neuronal cells conferred protection from oxidative stress-induced cell death in a sirtuin-dependent manner. Together, our findings establish a life span extending the ability of nicotinamidase in flies and offer a role for nicotinamide-modulating genes in oxidative stress regulated pathways influencing longevity and neuronal cell survival.
The Two Bell Curves

Critiques of The Bell Curve, compared to subsequent rebuttals by Murray, suggest that two books are being discussed: the one that Herrnstein and Murray claim to have written and the one that most readers believe we have read. Extensive debate about what is actually printed in The Bell Curve can be traced to the authors' use of a disclaimer/ignore disclaimer strategy. Unfortunately, illogical juxtapositions of disclaimers and conclusions often demand specialized knowledge to detect, such as familiarity with the heritability coefficient. This essay begins by illustrating the disclaimer/ignore disclaimer strategy with selected quotes from Chapter 13 (“Ethnic Differences in Cognitive Ability”). A primer of heritability follows to familiarize readers with the technical limitations of that concept. Finally, Herrnstein and Murray's disclaimers about heritability are contrasted with their conclusions based upon that concept.
Reduction of Non-Monomial Basis in the Dimensional Analysis of a Dynamical System

Dimensional Analysis (DA) is a tool often used to relate models and specimens to the actual product or system based on the hypothesis that the two regimes follow the same physical laws and are hence dimensionally equivalent. While this has been a conventional use of the process, we extend the technique to dynamic systems to develop state equations that allow for design studies and optimization. A methodical approach is detailed coupled with an example of a toy water-rocket assembly. A modified methodology (heuristic) is also discussed to condense non-monomial basis systems using simple physical laws and a novel reduction process. Experimental verification is provided to complement the analysis procedure. Efficacy of the process is highlighted in comparison with the conventional close-form approach.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Hydroelastic response and stability of a hydrofoil in viscous flow

Abstract The objective of this research is to investigate the hydroelastic response and stability of a flexible hydrofoil in viscous flow. The focus is on viscous effects, such as laminar to turbulent transition and stall, on the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) response and hydroelastic stability of flexible hydrofoils. The numerical approach is based on the coupling between a commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver, CFX, and a simple two-degrees-of-freedom (2-DOF) system that simulates the tip section bend and twist deformations of a cantelivered, rectangular hydrofoil. The hydrodynamic loading is assumed to be uniform in the spanwise direction, and the hydrofoil is assumed to undergo bend and twist deformation along the spanwise direction only. The CFD solver is first validated by comparing numerical predictions with experimental measurements of the lift, drag, and moment coefficients of a rigid NACA0012 hydrofoil over a wide range of Reynolds numbers and angles of attack. The coupled viscous FSI solver is then validated by comparing numerical predictions with experimental measurements of (i) the lift coefficient of a rigid (stainless steel) NACA66 hydrofoil and (ii) the tip section displacement of a flexible (POM Polyacetate) NACA66 hydrofoil with the same initial (un-deformed) geometry. The hydrodynamic responses of the rigid and flexible NACA66 hydrodfoils are compared to identify FSI effects in viscous flow, including transition, stall, and static divergence. The results show that the flexible hydrofoil undergoes a clockwise twist deformation because the center of pressure is to the left of the elastic axis (center of twist), which increases the effective angle of attack and moves the center of pressure toward the leading edge; the resultant increase in lift and moment will further increase the effective angle of attack until the twist capacity is exceeded, i.e. static divergence or material failure occurs. The results show that viscous effects tend to delay or suppress divergence because the center of pressure moves toward the midchord at high effective angles of attack due to large-scale flow separation, which significantly limits the twisting moment. However, viscous effects may lead to stall, buffeting, flutter, or resonance at high angles of attack due to periodic shedding of large-scale vortices.
Differential Detergent Fractionation for Non-electrophoretic Eukaryote Cell Proteomics

Differential detergent fractionation (DDF), which relies on detergents to sequentially extract proteins from eukaryotic cells, has been used to increase proteome coverage of 2D-PAGE. Here, we used ...
Effect of breathing on the detection of in vivo simulated pulmonary nodules by spiral CT

Objective: To determine the effect of breathing on the detection of small dense pulmonary nodules of threshold conspicuity by spiral computed tomography (SCT). Materials and Methods: Forty pulmonary nodules of high density were created by endobronchial deployment of 2 and 4 mm diameter beads in the peripheral airways of five anaesthetized dogs. SCT was performed during induced breath-hold and quiet breathing, using 5 mm collimation, pitch 2 and reconstruction of contigous 5 mm slices. Scans were reviewed by six radiologists. Detection rates were measured as the number of nodules seen by at least one reader. The data was modelled using ordinal logistic regression for repeated measures, and the Wald Chi-square statistic used to test if there was a breath-hold vs. breathing effect on reader confidence level. Results: There was no difference in detection rates for breath-hold vs. breathing SCT (28 vs. 25, respectively; P =0.48). This was also true when only the 2 mm nodules ( n =24) were considered (12 vs. 11, respectively; P =0.77). Reader confidence level was significantly higher for breath-hold vs. breathing SCT (Wald Chi-square statistic with 6 degrees of freedom=19.0; P =0.0041). Conclusion: SCT can be performed during quiet breathing without a significant reduction the overall detection rate for small dense pulmonary nodules, though reader diagnostic confidence level is reduced.
All in the Family: How the APPs Regulate Neurogenesis

Recent intriguing evidence suggests that metabolites of amyloid precursor protein (APP), mutated in familial forms of Alzheimer’s disease, play critical roles in developmental and post-natal neurogenesis. Of note is soluble APPα (sAPPα) that regulates neural progenitor cell proliferation. The APP family encompasses a group of ubiquitously expressed and evolutionarily conserved, type I tansmembrane glycoproteins, whose functions have yet to be fully elucidated. APP can undergo proteolytic cleavage by mutually exclusive pathways. The subtle structural differences between metabolites generated in the different pathways, as well as their equilibrium, may be crucial for neuronal function. The implications of this new body of evidence are significant. Miscleavage of APP would readily impact developmental and post-natal neurogenesis, which might contribute to cognitive deficits characterizing Alzheimer's disease. This review will discuss the implications of the role of the APP family in neurogenesis for neuronal development, cognitive function and brain disorders that compromise learning and memory, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Baseline participant characteristics and risk for dropout from 10 obesity randomized controlled trials: a pooled analysis of individual level data

Introduction: Understanding participant demographic characteristics that inform the optimal design of obesity RCTs have been examined in few studies. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of individual participant characteristics and dropout rates (DORs) in obesity randomized controlled trials (RCT) by pooling data from several publicly available datasets for analyses. We comprehensively characterize DORs and patterns in obesity RCTs at the individual study level, and describe how such rates and patterns vary as a function of individual-level characteristics. Methods: We obtained and analyzed nine publicly-available, obesity RCT datasets that examined weight loss or weight gain prevention as a primary or secondary endpoint. Four risk factors for dropout were examined by Cox proportional hazards including sex, age, baseline BMI, and race/ethnicity. The individual study data were pooled in the final analyses with a random effect for study, and HR and 95% CIs were computed. Results: Results of the multivariate analysis indicated that the risk of dropout was significantly higher for females compared to males (HR= 1.24, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.46). Hispanics and Non-Hispanic blacks had a significantly higher dropout rate compared to non-Hispanic whites (HR= 1.62, 95% CI = 1.37, 1.91; HR= 1.22, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.35, respectively). There was a significantly increased risk of dropout associated with advancing age (HR= 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.02) and increasing BMI (HR= 1.03, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.04). Conclusion/Significance: As more studies may focus on special populations, researchers designing obesity RCTs may wish to oversample in certain demographic groups if attempting to match comparison groups based on generalized estimates of expected dropout rates, or otherwise adjust a priori power estimates. Understanding true reasons for dropout may require additional methods of data gathering not generally employed in obesity RCTs, e.g. time on treatment.
An Independent Approach to Black Studies: The Institute of the Black World (IBW) and its Evaluation and Support of Black Studies

The research on the history of Black Studies has not paid significant attention to the field’s origins at Historically Black Colleges and Universities or to independent organizations. The Institute of the Black World (IBW) supported Black Studies programs by evaluating the theoretical and curricular foundations of the field. IBW was founded by faculty members at the Atlanta University Center and spent over a decade, as an independent activist think tank, evaluating Black studies in the desire to strengthen the academic basis of the field.
Separation and Exclusion: Distinctly Modern Conditions of Power?*

Drawing on classical and contemporary theories of power, this paper traces the development of relational conceptions of power through Marx and Weber. In doing so it traces sociological constructs of power as benefit and control to the classical conceptions of Marx and Weber respectively and finds the origin of contemporary structural conceptions in their analyses of power. The paper finds that "separation," a pivotal condition for Marx and Weber, is fundamental to contemporary conceptions of structural power in network exchange: The condition of "separation" upon which both Marx and Weber focused (separation of workers from the means of production, separation of officials from the means of administration) is shown to be linked to the structural power condition "exclusion," discovered in experimental network exchange research. The convergence of sociological constructs of power on separation and exclusion as such is discussed. Does this convergence suggest that the two are distinctly modern conditions of power?
Lower extremity edema due to deep vein thrombosis in patients with recurrent cervix cancer

Seven patients with recurrent cervix cancer and concurrent lower extremity edema and pain were studied with contrast venography. Five patients (83%) were proven to have deep venous thrombosis. Significant objective and subjective response to therapeutic intravenous heparinization was obtained in all patients with DVT. The low morbidity and high rate of efficacy of treating this problem should encourage the physician to investigate this problem, in order to offer palliation.
Large amplitude time periodic solutions of a semilinear wave equation

Abstract : This paper studies the existence of periodic solutions for a family of semilinear wave equations where the restoring force is independent of time, monotone, and grows at a more rapid rate than linear near infinity. With appropriate technical assumptions it is shown that there is an unbounded sequence of such free vibrations, i.e. there are solutions of arbitrarily large amplitude. If the restoring force is independent of x, the monotonicity assumption can be omitted.
Arsenic essentiality: A role affecting methionine metabolism

Although there is no known biological function of arsenic, considerable evidence suggests that arsenic has a physiological role related to methionine metabolism. In early studies using amino acid-based diets, it was found that arsenic deprivation had little effect on growth in rats fed adequate methionine. However, in rats fed suboptimal methionine, arsenic deprivation resulted in a significant reduction in body weight. Other studies showed that feeding methyl depletors caused severe signs of arsenic deprivation. Because it was found that alteration in methionine status or methyl metabolism affected signs of arsenic deprivation, and that many of these signs were related to methionine or methyl metabolism, it was hypothesized that arsenic has a physiological role affecting methionine metabolism. In animal studies testing this hypothesis, it was shown that arsenic deprivation reduces the hepatic concentration of S-adenosylmethionine. Additionally, arsenic status affects DNA methylation in animal and cell culture models; very low or high doses of arsenic, compared with control amounts, result in an apparent hypomethylation of DNA. Because global DNA hypomethylation is associated with an increased incidence of cancer, we tested whether dietary arsenic (deficient, adequate, or excess; 0, 0.5 or 50 μg arsenic/g diet, respectively) would affect the formation of aberrant crypts in rats treated with the carcinogen dimethylhydrazine. Aberrant crypts are preneoplastic lesions that have been associated with colon carcinomas. More aberrant crypts were observed in rats fed the high amount of dietary arsenic compared to those fed adequate arsenic. The number of aberrant crypts in the arsenic-deprived group also tended to be higher than those found in rats fed adequate arsenic. Thus, many findings indicate that arsenic plays a role in methionine/methyl metabolism; however, the site of action of arsenic remains unknown. Possibly, arsenic is instrumental in maintaining the metabolic pool of S-adenosylmethionine. These results show that compared to controlled amounts, having too little or too much arsenic in the diet is harmful. That is, there is an amount of dietary arsenic that is not only not harmful, but beneficial. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 16:345–355, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Deproteinization of cell extract with silicic acid.

Abstract A new method of deproteinization of cell extract is described. This method uses silicic acid (SA) as an adsorbant. The cell extract is suspended in either phosphate or Tris buffer (pH 6.2–7.8) with 0.3 m NaCl. A single passage through the SA column removes 95–99% of the protein from the extract, while 100% of the soluble RNA, 90% of the DNA, and 10% of the 16S ribosomal RNA are recovered without being adsorbed. The adsorption capacity of SA to protein is 1 mg protein/gm SA. The method has been used successfully for Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis , yeast, and HeLa cell extracts. It has proved particularly useful in the gentle preparation of amino acid tRNA.
Solon of Athens and the Ethics of Good Business

The ancient lawgiver Solon of Athens left norms of proper conduct that carry important ethical implications for all manner of human affairs, including commercial activities and the pursuit of wealth. In his extant poetry, he emphasizes the strong connections between individual virtue and its consequences in the social and political sphere. In considering the proper means of obtaining material wealth, he describes multiple ways to earn a living and connects them to proper intellectual and ethical dispositions through a concept of justice. This focus on virtue establishes a long-range ethics that is based on a principle of justice, demands rational intellectual activity, and carries implications for everyone’s self-interest. Solon’s concern for matters of virtue, the proper means of attaining wealth, and the need for long-range awareness of consequences offers a valuable point of historical focus for our own examinations of business ethics today.
The N = 2 vector multiplet coupled to supergravity in N = 1 superspace

Abstract We apply the method of projecting extended supersymmetric theories onto N = 1 superspace to the case of the N = 2 abelian vector multiplet coupled to N = 2 supergravity. We solve the constraints in terms of N = 1 unconstrained prepotentials, and present the complete tensor calculus including the action.
Retroviruses, apoptosis and autogenes

Autoimmunity and autoimmune disease are not the same. Autoimmunity is a normal consequence of aging, potentially reversible and possibly physiological. Autoimmune disease is dependent on genetic, viral, hormonal and psychoneuroimmunological factors. Aside from the apparently normal regulation of autoimmune responses by immune response genes, little is known about other genetic factors. Here, Norman Talal and John Mountz propose the term autogene to describe non-MHC genes which directly or indirectly interfere with important immunoregulatory actions. When mutated or otherwise genetically altered (e.g. by retrotransposon insertion), these genes predispose to immune dysregulation, lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity.
The hydration structure of aqueous carbonic acid from X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Abstract Despite much effort, aqueous carbonic acid (H2CO3) remains poorly characterized because it is very short-lived. We describe the detection and characterization of aqueous H2CO3 by X-ray absorption spectroscopy, wherein protonation of a bicarbonate solution continuously generates the acid under ambient conditions. Accompanying first principles calculations of the carbon K-edge transitions facilitate spectral assignment and interpretation in terms of the H2CO3 π* orbital, which exhibits a small (0.2 eV), systematic blueshift relative to that of bicarbonate. These results establish the detailed hydration properties of this short-lived molecule and will thereby facilitate future studies of carbonate chemistry in biological and geological system.
THE NUCLEAR LEGACY OF THE SOVIET UNION

Russian and American efforts convinced the three non-Russian states to forsake their nuclear inheritances. Belarus and Kazakhstan concluded that the costs of maintaining their inheritance exceed any security benefits which the weapons may provide. Ukraine has been obstinate but even it has apparently concluded that its nuclear inheritance is too expensive to maintain, not a sufficient deterrent, and an impediment to better relations with the West. Yet, Ukraine's record of backing away from its commitments suggests that the story may not be over Liberalism argues that Ukraine risks becoming an outlaw state by refusing to become a non-nuclear state. Realism argues that Ukraine must provide for its own securiy and that the US would not break all ties with Ukraine. Ukraine's international orientation will depend upon how the US treats it and a nuclear Ukraine could be tied to the US.
Transperitoneal versus extraperitoneal robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: is one better than the other?

Objectives. To evaluate the differences, if any, in outcomes with transperitoneal (TP) versus extraperitoneal (EP) approaches during robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Methods. We reviewed the data from 40 consecutive patients who underwent EP-RARP at our institution by the same surgical team. The outcomes were compared with those of 40 consecutive patients who underwent TP-RARP performed by the same team in a nonrandomized manner. The operative and postoperative parameters (total operative time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, robotic console time, and robotic anastomosis time), as well as complications and surgical margin status, were analyzed and compared. Results. The patient demographics were similar in both groups. Nerve sparing was performed in 35 and 36 patients in the TP and EP groups, respectively. Pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in 14 and 12 patients in the TP and EP groups, respectively. The operative time was slightly longer with the TP approach at 236 minutes (range 111 to 360) compared with 229 minutes (range143 to 382) in the EP group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P 0.5722) between the two groups. Also, the differences in robot console time, anastomosis time, estimated blood loss, and length of stay were not statistically significant between the two groups at the 5% significance level. The complication and positive surgical margin rates were similar in both groups. Conclusions. As expected, the EP approach is feasible with RARP. Our data suggest that the EP approach is comparable to the TP approach and produces favorable outcomes. Surgeon preference will likely play a significant role in the approach used. UROLOGY 68: 1077‐1081, 2006. © 2006 Elsevier Inc.
Tetracarbonyl group 6 complexes containing secondary and tertiary phosphines

Abstract The mixed ligand tetracarbonyl derivatives, cis -M(CO) 4 (PPh 2 H)(PPh 3 ) (M  Cr, Mo, W) and cis -W(CO) 4 (PPh 2 H)(L) (L  PEt 3 , PEt 2 Ph, PEtPh 2 ) have been prepared from the reaction of M(CO) 5 PPh 2 H with L in THF in the presence of potassium t-butoxide. These reactions are accompanied in most instances by the formation of [W(CO) 5 PPh 2 ] − , [(OC) 5 M(μ-PPh 2 )M(CO) 5 ] − , [(OC) 5 M(μ-PPh 2 )-M(CO) 4 (PPh 2 H)] − , [(OC) 4 M(μ-PPh 2 ) 2 M(CO) 4 ] 2− , (OC) 4 M(μ-PPh 2 ) 2 M(CO) 4 , and cis -M(CO) 4 (PPh 2 H) 2 .
Spindle dynamics identification for Receptance Coupling Substructure Analysis

Abstract In this paper, two techniques are described for experimentally identifying the spindle-machine receptances required for tool point frequency response prediction using Receptance Coupling Substructure Analysis (RCSA). In the RCSA approach, the tool–holder–spindle-machine assembly is separated into three components: the tool, holder, and spindle-machine. The spindle-machine receptances are measured and archived. These receptances are then analytically coupled to beam models that represent the tool–holder. The spindle-machine dynamics are determined using: (1) a synthesis approach where a direct frequency response measurement of a standard artifact inserted in the test spindle is combined with a cross frequency response measurement to calculate the required rotational receptances; and (2) a new Euler–Bernoulli beam approach where the direct frequency response measurement is fit using an assumed (fixed-free) form of each mode within the measurement bandwidth. Experimental results are included for two spindles and four tool–holder combinations. The veracity of the new Euler–Bernoulli beam approach, which requires only a single measurement, reduces noise, and improves tool point dynamics prediction accuracy, is demonstrated.
Temporal variation in cannibalistic infanticide by the shore crab hemigrapsus oregonensis: Implications for reproductive success

Author(s): Miller, SH; Morgan, SG; Morgan, SG | Abstract: Larvae of benthic marine organisms are released amid high densities of suspension feeding and predatory adults and are highly subject to being consumed, even by conspecifics or their own parent. During laboratory feeding trials conducted in June 2006, female shore crabs (Hemigrapsus oregonensis) from Stege Marsh in San Francisco Bay (37°54.530' N, 122°19.734' W) that released their larvae during the previous 24 h ate fewer conspecific larvae than females that had not recently released larvae, though the behavior was not repeated during similar trials in 2007. Additionally, the number of larvae eaten increased with increasing starvation time, and hungrier females showed a trend toward eating more larvae from a different species (Carcinus maenas) than larvae of conspecifics. Thus, suppression of suspension feeding may reduce conspecific predation of newly released larvae, but this response partially depends on hunger level. This is the first time crabs have been shown to suppress feeding to reduce cannibalism of larvae, and this behavior could affect reproductive success and population dynamics. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
The new method for grading collaborators in the smalley check sample series

Some of the more important advantages of the new method over previous methods used in grading the Smalley series are as follows: