cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution Fields with Adaptive Kernels for Large Displacement Image Alignment.

While region-based image alignment algorithms that use gradient descent can achieve sub-pixel accuracy when they converge, their convergence depends on the smoothness of the image intensity values. Image smoothness is often enforced through the use of multiscale approaches in which images are smoothed and downsampled. Yet, these approaches typically use fixed smoothing parameters which may be appropriate for some images but not for others. Even for a particular image, the optimal smoothing parameters may depend on the magnitude of the transformation. When the transformation is large, the image should be smoothed more than when the transformation is small. Further, with gradient-based approaches, the optimal smoothing parameters may change with each iteration as the algorithm proceeds towards convergence. We address convergence issues related to the choice of smoothing parameters by deriving a Gauss-Newton gradient descent algorithm based on distribution fields (DFs) and proposing a method to dynamically select smoothing parameters at each iteration. DF and DF-like representations have previously been used in the context of tracking. In this work we incorporate DFs into a full affine model for region-based alignment and simultaneously search over parameterized sets of geometric and photometric transforms. We use a probabilistic interpretation of DFs to select smoothing parameters at each step in the optimization and show that this results in improved convergence rates.
Meaning-Making Capacity and the Dynamics of Lesbian College Students' Multiple Dimensions of Identity

Narrative inquiry methodology was used to investigate self-perceived identities among 10 lesbian college students. Analysis of data from in-depth, open-ended interviews revealed the role of meaning-making capacity in determining the extent to which contextual influences shaped self-perceptions of sexual orientation identity and its relationship with other identity dimensions. Strategies for increasing meaning-making capacity in the context of sexual orientation identity are discussed.
Division of labour between Myc and G1 cyclins in cell cycle commitment and pace control

A body of evidence has shown that the control of E2F transcription factor activity is critical for determining cell cycle entry and cell proliferation. However, an understanding of the precise determinants of this control, including the role of other cell-cycle regulatory activities, has not been clearly defined. Here, recognizing that the contributions of individual regulatory components could be masked by heterogeneity in populations of cells, we model the potential roles of individual components together with the use of an integrated system to follow E2F dynamics at the single-cell level and in real time. These analyses reveal that crossing a threshold amplitude of E2F accumulation determines cell cycle commitment. Importantly, we find that Myc is critical in modulating the amplitude, whereas cyclin D/E activities have little effect on amplitude but do contribute to the modulation of duration of E2F activation, thereby affecting the pace of cell cycle progression.
Transonic similarity solution for aligned field MHD nozzle flow

The transonic flow near the throat of a converging-diverging nozzle of a gas with infinite electrical conductivity is considered. The magnetic fieldB is everywhere aligned with the velocityq so that the equations describing the flow are reducible to those of ordinary gasdynamics. Thus, it is possible to utilize the transonic similarity solution of Tomotika and Tamada [3] to study aligned field magnetohydrodynamic flow near a nozzle throat. Only transonic flows are considered, and the structures of sub- and supersonic flows with speeds greater and less than the Alfven speed are investigated.
Numerical simulation of the interaction of two coronal mass ejections from sun to earth

We present a three-dimensional compressible magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model of the interaction of two coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Two identical CMEs are launched in the exact same direction into a preexisting solar wind, the second one 10 hr after the first one. Our global steady state coronal model possesses high-latitude coronal holes and a helmet streamer structure with a current sheet near the equator, reminiscent of near-solar minimum conditions. Within this model system, we drive the CMEs to erupt by the introduction of two three-dimensional magnetic flux ropes embedded in the helmet streamer. After an initial phase, when the trailing shock and the second CME propagate into the disturbed solar wind medium, they reach the edge of the first magnetic cloud, leading to complex magnetic interactions and a steep acceleration of the shock. Later, the trailing shock reaches the dense sheath of plasma associated with the leading shock, where it decelerates to a speed about 100 km s-1 larger than the speed of the leading shock. Eventually, the two shocks merge and a stronger, faster shock forms in association with a contact discontinuity between the "old" and "new" downstream regions. We find that the trailing shock always remains a fast-mode shock. A reverse shock is driven after the collision of the two magnetic clouds due to the difference in speed within the reconnection region. At Earth, the two magnetic clouds can still be distinguished, with a compressed and heated first cloud and a second overexpanded cloud. The transit time of this complex ejecta is reduced by about 6 hr compared to the case of the first CME without interaction. Our simulation is able to reproduce and explain some of the general features observed in satellite data for multiple magnetic clouds.
Modeling of WBAN and cloud integration for secure and reliable healthcare

Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) becomes an emerging technology for ubiquitous healthcare. On-body or implanted sensors continuously collect patients' vital signs that are delivered wirelessly and automatically to caregivers. Humongous data need efficient process and storage with Cloud as it evolves from the Internet and distributed process/storage. Integrating WBAN and Cloud, WBAN-cloud, promises effective healthcare. However, security to resist malicious attacks and reliability to tolerate natural frays should be addressed due to its high stake. This paper proposes a WBAN-cloud architecture targeted at monitoring a variety of biomedical conditions. The design considers security and reliability requirements in the entire process, resulting in a unique structure of Forest Topology Three Tier (FTTT). By introducing a security gate, extended dynamic fault tree models FTTT Secure Architecture to analyze its resilience against security failures besides tolerance of component failures to ensure quality-of-service. FaultyTree+ package confirms the architecture's satisfactory level of security and reliability.
Use of computerized pattern recognition in the analysis of stress induced changes in coffee aroma

The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the aroma of coffee that has been exposed to heat for some time. Coffee grinds were extracted with water. The coffee was kept hot and sampled periodically using a continuous gas phase extraction method. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to follow changes in chromatographic profiles. Data were subjected to pattern recognition. About 20 substances were found that significantly changed when exposed to heat.
Pulmonary circulation and burns and trauma

The lung is a critical organ in victims of thermal injury or multiple trauma since the blood that drains injured organs circulates through the pulmonary circulation before passing through any other organ. The lung therefore will receive the first volley of cytotoxins released postinjury. In addition to being a target of injury, the lung may also contribute to the injury of systemic organs. This injury may be the result of a reduced delivery of oxygenated blood or the direct release of cytotoxins into the systemic circulation. The injury to the lung may be to the pulmonary microvasculature or the airway. The bronchial circulation responds to injury by a marked elevation in its blood flow and microvascular permeability. These latter effects may be important in mediating the changes which occur in the lung parenchyma.
The epitaxial formation of adsorbed multilayers as studied by ESDIAD: NH3 adsorption on top of chemisorbed CO on nickel crystal surfaces

The epitaxial growth of an adsorbed layer of NH 3 on top of chemisorbed CO on Ni(111) and Ni(110) surfaces was studied using ESDIAD. A strong interaction yielding an activation energy for NH 3 desorption of ∼12 kcal/mol was observed. This interaction, possibly involving hydrogen bonding, between the adsorbed NH 3 and adsorbed CO causes a tilting of the NH 3 molecules on the CO-covered Ni surfaces. For the NH 3 /CO/Ni(110) system, the two-fold symmetry of the underlying Ni substrate is transmitted through the CO spacer layer to the NH 3 overlayer. This symmetry transfer was not observed for the NH 3 /CO/Ni(111) system at the current resolution of our ESDIAD detection system.
A systematic approach for the design, fabrication, and testing of microstrip antennas using inkjet printing technology

We present a systematic approach for producing microstrip antennas using the state-of-the-art-inkjet printing technique. An initial antenna design based on the conventional square patch geometry is adopted as a benchmark to characterize the entire approach; the procedure then could be generalized to different antenna geometries and feeding techniques. For validation purposes, the antenna is designed and simulated using two different 3D full-wave electromagnetic simulation tools: Ansoft's High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS), which is based on the Finite Element Method (FEM), and CST Microwave Studio, which is based on the Finite Integration Technique (FIT). The systematic approach for the fabrication process includes the optimal number of printed layers, curing temperature, and curing time. These essential parameters need to be optimized to achieve the highest electrical conductivity, trace continuity, and structural robustness. The antenna is fabricated using Inkjet Printing Technology (IJPT) utilizing Sliver Nanoparticles (SNPs) conductive ink printed by DMP-2800 Dimatix FujiFilm materials printer.
Relationship status: Scales for assessing the vitality of late adolescents' relationships with their parents.

Three criteria for assessing relationship status were proposed: self-disclosure despite the risk of parental disapproval; openness to critical feedback from parents; constructive confrontation when angry with parents. These concepts were operationalized as narratives of nine interpersonal dilemmas, to which late adolescents responded by indicating “What would you do if you were in this situation?” Reliable example-anchored scales were constructed from the responses of one sample of college students and then cross-validated with two other samples. Social class had a significant but small effect on the relationship status scores; but age and sex of adolescent and sex of parent did not. The patterns of correlations of the Relationship Status Scales among themselves and with the Parent-Child Relations Questionnaire, the College Self-Expression Scale, the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, and Hogan's Empathy Scale were interpreted as evidence of construct validity.
Determination of the reconstruction of Cu(110)-(2 x 3)-N with high-energy ion scattering.

Surface yield measurements with single-alignment high-energy ion scattering, at normal incidence, are used to show that the Cu(110)-(2[times]3)-N surface is reconstructed according to an additional-row model, where the first-layer density of Cu atoms is increased to 4/3 monolayers. A surface-reconstruction model involving missing rows can be excluded. We also find that 2/3 of the second- and third-layer atoms are displaced laterally, from their bulklike positions, by 0.30 and 0.07 A, respectively. Off-normal-incidence measurements indicate additional vertical atomic displacements in the second and third layers.
Optical line shapes of inhomogeneously broadened exciton transitions in the coherent potential approximation

Abstract We have carried out a series of calculations of the optical line shapes of inhomogeneously broadened exciton transitions within the framework of the coherent potential approximation (CPA). A Gaussian distribution of transition frequencies was assumed. In this paper, we present detailed results for Frenkel excitons in simple cubic systems with nearest-neighbor interactions. The theoretical predictions are compared with numerical simulations. Good agreement is obtained over a wide range of the ratio of the width of the distribution of transition frequencies to the exciton bandwidth. Previous limitations attributed to the CPA are shown to result from inaccuracies in the numerical evaluation of Green's function or in the treatment of the Gaussian averaging.
Time-Of-Flight NMR Imaging Of Plug And Laminar Flow

Moving spins have a significant effect upon the received MRI signal, which is seen, depending upon the pulse sequence utilized, as a modulation in signal intensity and/or phase relative to that of stationary spins. This can be used in MRI to distinguish between blood vessels and stationary anatomic structures. Monoplanar time-of-flight techniques [1-9] use pulse sequences which modulate the signal intensity from spins in a vessel flowing perpendicularly through a slice. This modulation is the result of the fact that the signal is composed of signal strengths from different spin populations whose relative ratio will depend upon the thickness of the slice, the velocity of fluid perpendicular to the slice, and pulse sequence parameters. If two different pulse sequences are used with identical signals from stationary anatomy, one producing increased signal in the region of flowing spins and the other producing decreased signal, then a subtraction image can be formed depicting only regions of flow [2]. Here we develop expressions for the signal intensity of two pulse sequences which are expected to give optimum contrast for imaging flowing blood free of overlying non-vascular anatomy. This imaging technique would provide a means for imaging blood vessels without the use of ionizing radiation or contrast injection; furthermore, it provides information about the presence of flow in vessels. As such, it may be promising as a method to evaluate vessels which are not accessible to standard angiographic imaging.
Dispersal patterns in Costa Rican mantled howling monkeys

Both male and female juveniles disperse in Costa Rican mantled howling monkeys (Alouatta palliata). 79% of the males and 96% of the females leave their natal groups. Males may spend up to 4 years and females up to 1 year as solitaries. Extra-group individuals are faced with only three possibilities, i.e., form a new group by joining another extra-group individual, join an established social group, or remain solitary. Most surviving extra-group individuals join an established social group which contains no kin. Females join with the help of a resident male and once in a group proceed to rise to the alpha position through dyadic interactions. The immigrant female either becomes the alpha female or leaves and tries again in another group. Males challenge the alpha male and either defeat him or remain solitary. Competition with relatives for limited high quality food may be the reason for both sexes leaving their natal groups in howlers. By leaving, the successful immigrants increase their mothers inclusive fitness while suppressing the fitness of nonrelatives instead of remaining natal and competing with relatives for limited food.
The Nonprofit Sector: Radical Potential?

What is the potential for using nonprofit institutions to foster radical change in the United States? At a time when the public sector is heavily constrained, does the third sector provide a base for radical activity? Recent writing advocating growth of the sector is surveyed, as are some of the sector's most significant areas of activity. While most nonprofit institutions function for social reproduction and tight constraints exist for all of them, they do offer some means by which to work for change.
Percutaneous nephrostomy catheters: Drainage flow and retention strength

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the impact of percutaneous nephrostomy catheter configuration on drainage flow and retention strength. Methods The Cook nephrostomy 16F (symmetric balloon), Bardex Council 16F (eccentric balloon), Microvasive Flexima 14F (pigtail), and Bardex Malecot 16F (flange) nephrostomy catheters were attached to an artificial renal pelvis (12-in.-round latex balloon). The balloon was subsequently filled with either 60 mL of water or orange juice with pulp, and gravity drainage of this fluid was recorded as flow into a flowmeter. Using a Force Five Model FDV-100 force gauge, the retention strength was tested by measuring the force required to pull the nephrostomy catheter through an 8-mm hole in a 35-mm-thick biologic tissue specimen (bologna). Results The maximal flow rate using both orange juice and saline was significantly greater for the Cook nephrostomy than for the Microvasive Flexima, Bardex Malecot, and Bardex Council catheters (P ≤0.016). The average flow rate using saline for the Cook nephrostomy catheter was significantly greater than for all other catheters (P ≤0.02) and was significantly greater than for the Microvasive Flexima and the Bardex Council catheters (P ≤0.036) using orange juice. The retention strength was strongest for the Cook nephrostomy catheter (3.41 ± 0.14 lb) compared with the Bardex Council (1.75 ± 0.1), Microvasive Flexima (1.35 ± 0.3), and Bardex Malecot (0.29 ± 0.03) catheters. In addition, the Microvasive Flexima catheter resulted in greater maceration of the biologic tissue after forceful dislodgement. Conclusions The results of this study have demonstrated that the Cook nephrostomy catheter combines strong drainage flow and strong retention strength during in vitro testing. Clinical evaluations of the ease of use and patient comfort are warranted.
Percolation of core melts at lower mantle conditions

Experiments at high pressure and temperature to determine the dihedral angle of core melts in lower mantle phases yielded a value of ∼71° for perovskite-dominated matrices. This angle, although greater than the 60° required for completely efficient percolation, is considerably less than the angles observed in mineral matrices at upper mantle pressure-temperature conditions in experiments. In other words, molten iron alloy can flow much more easily in lower mantle mineralogies than in upper mantle mineralogies. Accordingly, although segregation of core material by melt percolation is probably not feasible in the upper mantle, core formation by percolation may be possible in the lower mantle.
Informed consent: A review

Abstract Informed consent lies at the heart of the physician-patient relationship and is an integral part of any medical practice. This doctrine preserves the patient's ability to participate in her own care. The physician providing primary care faces new challenges to informed consent in today's complex economic and legal environment. This article covers the history and theory behind informed consent and describes how informed consent should be used in the primary care setting.
Transition State Theory for Multichannel Addition Reactions: Multifaceted Dividing Surfaces

A variational multifaceted dividing surface generalization of the variable reaction coordinate (VRC) approach is described. This approach involves the incorporation and optimization of multiple pivot points for each fragment. Illustrative applications to a variety of barrierless reactions with multiple addition channels are presented. For the addition of H atoms to propargyl radical a high level ab initio potential is employed and comparisons are made with trajectory simulations and with prior implementations of VRC-TST. The multifaceted VRC-TST results agree with the trajectory results to within 5−10% as do prior approximate multifaceted VRC-TST results, obtained via the neglect of the flux through certain connecting surfaces. In contrast, results based on the sums of properly variational single faced results differ significantly, being ∼15−20% greater. Notably, the optimal multifaceted transition state dividing surfaces are again in qualitative accord with contours of the radical molecular orbital. Appl...
The Impact of Multidimensionality on the Detection of Differential Bundle Functioning Using Simultaneous Item Bias Test

Douglas, Roussos, and Stout introduced the concept of differential bundle functioning (DBF) for identifying the underlying causes of differential item functioning (DIF). In this study, reference group was simulated to have higher mean ability than the focal group on a nuisance dimension, resulting in DIF for each of the multidimensional items that, when examined together, produced DBF. The empirical power and the Type I error of the Simultaneous Item Bias Test for DBF analysis were examined under various sample sizes, ratios of reference to focal group sizes, correlations between target and nuisance dimensions, magnitudes of DIF/ DBF, test lengths, percentages of test items in the bundle, and item discriminations. Power was generally high in cells with larger DIF magnitudes, higher percentages of items in the bundle, larger sample sizes, and with the nuisance dimension having a higher discrimination than the target dimension. Type I error rates approximated the nominal alpha rate for all conditions.
Developing Critical Global Consciousness in the Psychology Classroom

In this article, the author describes an undergraduate course entitled Psychology and Globalization. The intent of this course is to facilitate students' critical global consciousness. Content analysis of narrative data from the course showed that students developed a complex and nuanced understanding of globalization that integrated cultural, economic, and psychological elements. In addition, many students grasped both the positive and negative aspects of globalization and developed an awareness of themselves as individuals situated within globalized systems of production and distribution of food and non-consumable goods. The author also presents students' suggestions for action responses to some of the negative aspects of globalization discussed in class. In this article, I describe an undergraduate Psychology and Globalization course and an assessment of how students' understanding of globalization changed across the semester. Course materials defined globalization as a global system of production and distribution of food, non-consumable goods, and communication (e.g., social networking sites). This course used a psychological lens to help students understand the implications of globalization for individual and community psychosocial well-being.
A review of the role of magnetic susceptibility in archaeogeophysical studies in the USA: recent developments and prospects

Magnetic susceptibility is emerging in archaeogeophysical projects in the USA as a distinctive method for survey that is now more frequently applied. Spurred in part by developments in instrumentation and software, encouraged by a strong geoarchaeological focus, and influenced by the nature of the North American archaeological record, the magnetic susceptibility method has arisen in a number of areas of application. These include magnetic susceptibility studies within trenches and excavation units, the use of down-hole sensors to investigate magnetic stratigraphy, visualization and interpretation of three-dimensional susceptibility data sets, the incorporation of magnetic susceptibility data into pattern analyses of the spatial distribution of archaeological materials, and the integration of magnetic susceptibility studies with magnetometer and other surface geophysical surveys and with soil magnetic studies accomplished in the laboratory. The scale of application has ranged from microgeophysical surveys confined to single excavation units to investigations of broad archaeological landscapes; problem orientation has been equally diverse. Soil magnetic techniques are being tapped to enhance understanding of the formation of sites, features and landscapes, and also post-depositional processes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of nod gene expression in Bradyrhizobium japonicum

The best inducers of nod:: lacZ translational fusions in Bradyrhizobium japonicum are isoflavones, primarily genistein and daidzein. Upstream of the nodABC genes in B. japonicum is a novel gene, nodY, which is coregulated with nodABC. Measurements of the activity of lacZ fusions to the nodD gene of B. japonicum show that this gene is inducible by soybean seed extract and selected flavonoid chemicals. The induction of the nodY ABC and nodD operons appears to require a functional nodD gene, indicating that the nodD gene product controls its own synthesis as well as other nod genes.
Devolution vs. regionalization of power in Britain and the USA: The consequences for citizen participation

The failure of experiments with both neighborhood government and regional government has led to attempts to weld these two administrative formats. The result is the federated local authority. The urban planning function in London, England, is utilized as an example to show the failure of the federated authority concept due to its dependence on a metropolitan spirit among its citizens and on a strict division in decision-making between area and local concerns. Neither is attainable so the experiment fails at least in regard to citizen expectations concerning involvement. The proposed solution involves a weaker role for the borough or neighborhood units in the federation and an effort to support and encourage citizen involvement in decision-making via the political process. Disparities in political resources are rectified by recourse to “watchdog” groups to balance the growing power of technocratic planners.
Chemoenzymatic synthesis of (S)-hexafluoroleucine and (S)-tetrafluoroleucine.

We have developed a short chemoenzymatic synthesis for both (S)-5,5,5,5‘,5‘,5‘-hexafluoroleucine (Hfl) and (S)-5,5,5‘,5‘-tetrafluoroleucine (Qfl) on gram scale. Qfl was incorporated into a peptide using standard solid-phase peptide synthesis protocols to measure its helix propensity. The helix propensity for Qfl is 0.68 kcal·mol-1 more favorable compared to Hfl.
Proton decay rate

The pionic two-body decay amplitude of the proton in the SU(5) grand unified gauge theory is computed by using the soft-pion method in the reference frame of the pion at rest. The normalization condition of the relativistic three-body Bethe-Salpeter wave function of the proton is used in the computation. It is shown that the partial decay rate of the process proton ..-->.. e = ..pi../sup 0/ is (0.86 x 10/sup 30/ yr)/sup -1/ and (1.4 x 10/sup 31/ yr)/sup -1/ for m/sub x/ = 4.0 x 10/sup 14/ GeV and 8.0 x 10/sup 14/ GeV, respectively. These values are on the boundary of the present experimental limit.
Minimum Deterrence and Missile Defenses: U.S. and Russia Going Forward

Ratification and entry into force of the New START agreement open the door for possible additional reductions in both states’ numbers of deployed long-range nuclear weapons and launchers, but the matrix of post–New START agreement involves nonlinearities with respect to the relationship between minimum deterrence and missile defenses. NATO's Lisbon summit in 2010 invited Russia to participate in a European missile defense system, but Russia is wary of any theaterwide antimissile system that could grow into a more ambitious deterrent-denial force pointed at Russia. Minimum deterrence would drop the numbers of U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear weapons to 1,000 or fewer, but getting Moscow and Washington to move well below 1,000 would require parallel reductions and/or restraints on the part of other nuclear weapons states and a missile defense regime of “cooperative security” rather than mutual suspicion.
Analytic solutions for contaminant transport under nonequilibrium conditions

Contaminant transport with nonlinear sorption under nonequilibrium conditions is studied with the objective of finding exact formulae for solute concentrations. We introduce the concept of linear “caricature” isotherm and obtain the concentration profiles as travelling waves. The solution procedure does not make any simplifying assumptions such as the coupled effect of dispersion and nonequilibrium is negligible or local equilibrium is valid.
Aspirin prevents tumors in a murine model of familial adenomatous polyposis

Abstract Background: Both human and murine studies suggest that anti-inflammatory drugs prevent intestinal neoplasia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of aspirin as a chemopreventive agent for colorectal cancer. Methods: We administered aspirin to the Min/+ mouse, an animal with a germline mutation in Apc , a gene that is essential for normal epithelial cell growth and differentiation. Apc mutation increases cytoplasmic β-catenin, a regulatory protein associated with the cytoskeleton. Min/+ mice develop multiple intestinal adenomas and exhibit altered cell growth in the preneoplastic intestinal epithelium. Results: Aspirin decreased the rate of tumor formation in Min/+ mice by 44%. Aspirin also normalized enterocyte growth by increasing apoptosis and proliferation in the preneoplastic intestinal mucosa. Finally, aspirin produced a decrease in intracellular β-catenin levels, suggesting that modulation of this protein is associated with tumor prevention. Conclusions: These data confirm a role for aspirin in suppression of Apc -associated intestinal carcinogenesis. (Surgery 1998;124:225-31.)
Locating and fractionating working memory using functional neuroimaging: storage, maintenance, and executive functions.

Working memory encompasses the short-term store of information and operations on that information. We review functional neuroimaging studies that have attempted to determine cortical areas involved in working memory functions. Current research suggests distinct systems for verbal information, visual objects, and spatial locations. Passive storage buffers appear to be located in posterior brain areas, whereas active maintenance of the information involves ventrolateral prefrontal areas. More complex, executive operations appear to recruit dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. The possible involvement of reciprocal circuits including frontal cortex, basal ganglia, and thalamus is also discussed.
Corrigendum to ‘Materials selection guidelines for membranes that remove CO2 from gas mixtures’ [Journal of Molecular structure 739 (2005) 57–74]

The author regrets that in the original printing of theabove article, the incorrect Financial Support Grant wascited. The correct acknowledgement appears correctlybelow.AcknowledgementsWe gratefully acknowledge partial support of this workby the Chemical Sciences, Geosciences and BiosciencesDivision, Ofﬁce of Basic Energy science, US Department ofEnergy (Grant no. DE-FG03-02ER15362).
Incidence and clinical implications of ATM aberrations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

A subset of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) carries mutations in ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM). Such ATM mutations may be particularly relevant in the setting of del11q, which invariably results in the deletion of one ATM allele. To improve our understanding of the frequency and type of ATM mutations that exist in CLL, we resequenced all ATM coding exons in 24 CLL with del11q using direct sequencing. We detected two missense mutations, resulting in an ATM mutation frequency of 8%; nonsense and frameshift mutations were not identified. Given the low ATM mutation frequency detected in this cohort, we proceeded with measurements of nonmutational ATM aberrations in CLL through analysis of the activation state of ATM in response to external irradiation. The phosphorylation state of ATM at Ser-1981 was measured using quantitative immunoblotting in purified CLL cells isolated from 251 CLL patients; data were normalized to simultaneous measurements of total ATM protein and actin. Resulting p-ATM/ATM and p-ATM/actin ratios were subsequently analyzed for prognostic significance inclusive and exclusive of TP53 exons 2‐10 mutations. From these analyses, conducted in a large prospectively enrolled CLL patient cohort, neither the p-ATM/ATM nor the p-ATM/actin ratios were found to be prognostic for short survival. These data in aggregate demonstrate a low frequency of ATM aberrations in an unselected CLL cohort and do not support a major prognostic role for ATM aberrations in CLL, thus motivating renewed research efforts aimed at understanding the pathobiology of 11q deletions in CLL. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of grain mantles and grain shape upon the 9.7 and 18 micron silicate features

Absorption and polarization cross sections are calculated for spheroidal silicate grains in the wavelength regime 7-22 microns in order to investigate the effect of changes in grain composition upon the 9.7 micron and 18 micron bands. The addition of mantles is found to be incompatible with 9.7 micron absorption data unless the mantles are relatively thin and transparent. Comparison with polarization data for BN and AFGL 2591 suggests an additional absorbing component is present, possibly as inclusions within the silicate grains, in order to account for the relatively strong short-wavelength wing seen in the 9.7 micron band toward both objects. The high 18 micron polarization observed toward BN (R(sub 18/10) = 0.75) cannot be reproduced by the addition of a mantle or by varying the grain shape and implies silicates with a stronger 18 micron band than has been previously assumed in interstellar grain models.
pH-dependent binding of local anesthetics in single batrachotoxin-activated Na+ channels. Cocaine vs. quaternary compounds.

The effects of internal and external pH on the binding kinetics of local anesthetics (LAs) were studied in single batrachotoxin-activated Na+ channels incorporated into planar bilayers. With internal quaternary QX-314 and RAC421-II drugs, the binding interactions were little affected by either external or internal pH. With tertiary cocaine, the binding kinetics were drastically altered by pH. A decrease in the internal pH from 9.3 to 6.2 decreased the apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of internal cocaine by more than 100-fold. This increase in the binding affinity was mostly accounted for by an increase in the apparent cocaine on-rate constant (kon) of approximately 80-fold. The cocaine off-rate constant (koff) was little changed (between 3–4 s-1). These results demonstrate quantitatively that the charged form of cocaine is the active form for BTX-activated Na+ channels. Surprisingly, the apparent pKa of cocaine near its binding site was estimated to be 1.4 units lower than that in bulk solution (7.1 vs. 8.5), indicating that the LA drug encounters a relatively hydrophobic environment. Opposite to the internal pH effect, a decrease of external pH from 8.4 to 6.2 increased the Kd value of internally and externally applied cocaine by approximately 8- and approximately 25-fold, respectively. External pH effect was primarily mediated by modulation of kon; koff was again relatively unaffected. Our findings support a model in which neutral cocaine can readily cross the membrane barrier, but needs to be protonated internally to bind to its binding site.
Perioperative use of eicosapentaenoic acid and patency of infrainguinal vein bypass: A retrospective chart review

Abstract Background: A significant proportion of autogenous vein grafts fail in the long term. Currently, there is no treatment to improve graft patency. Objective: This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to prevent late failure of an autogenous vein graft and other perioperative risk factors affecting long-term patency. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on grafts of patients who underwent infrainguinal bypass surgery using autogenous vein grafts for peripheral arterial disease in a lower limb. Patients were stratified by the perioperative use of EPA. The EPA group was those patients who administered EPA ≥1 time within 3 months of surgery. The non-EPA group was made up of those patients who did not administer EPA within 3 months of surgery. Primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates of the grafts in each group were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. To evaluate the effect of other perioperative risk factors, a Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed. Results: One hundred sixty-one grafts were analyzed from 159 patients who underwent surgery between July 1991 and July 2005. The primary patency rates of the EPA and non-EPA groups were 93% and 86%, 89% and 74%, and 83% and 68% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. In terms of primary patency, the EPA group was significantly better than the non-EPA group ( P =0.042). There was no significant difference between the groups in either assisted primary or secondary patency. A Cox proportional hazard analysis found that the minimum graft diameter and perioperative use of EPA were significant factors for primary patency ( P =0.002 and P =0.004, respectively). Graft diameter was the only significant factor for assisted primary and secondary patency ( P =0.021 and P =0.003, respectively). Conclusion: Although graft diameter was the most important factor for long-term patency of infrainguinal vein bypass grafts, the perioperative use of EPA significantly improved primary patency among these subjects.
The effects of Strongylus vulgaris parasitism on eosinophil distribution and accumulation in equine large intestinal mucosa.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Eosinophilic granulocytes have been associated with parasite or immune-mediated diseases, but their functions in other disease processes remain unclear. Cause and timing of eosinophil migration into the equine gastrointestinal mucosa are also unknown. Objective: To determine the effects of intestinal parasitism on eosinophils in equine large intestinal mucosa. Methods: Large intestinal mucosal samples were collected from horses and ponies (n = 16) from the general veterinary hospital population, ponies (n = 3) raised in a parasite-free environment, ponies experimentally infected with 500 infective Strongylus vulgaris larvae and treated with a proprietary anthelmintic drug (n = 14), and a similar group of ponies (n = 7) that received no anthelmintic treatment. Total eosinophil counts and eosinophil distribution in the mucosa were determined by histological examination. A mixed model analysis was performed and appropriate Bonferroni adjusted P values used for each family of comparisons. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: There was no difference in large intestinal mucosal eosinophil counts and eosinophil distribution between ponies infected with S. vulgaris and those raised in a parasite-free environment. Experimental infection with S. vulgaris, with or without subsequent anthelmintic treatment, did not change eosinophil counts, and counts were similar to those for horses from the general population. Conclusions: Migration of eosinophils to the equine large intestinal mucosa appears to be independent of exposure to parasites. Large intestinal mucosal eosinophils may have more functions in addition to their role in defence against parasites. Potential relevance: Exposure to intestinal parasites is not a prerequisite for the presence of mucosal eosinophils in equine large intestine.
Thymidine phosphorylase as a target for imaging and therapy with thymine analogs.

Purpose: Thymidine phosphorylase (TPase; platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor) is an attractive target for imaging and therapy because of the strong relationship between its expression in tumor biopsies and clinical outcome in many tumor types. Although the mechanism has yet to be explained, expression of TPase is highly associated with angiogenesis. Methods: Tumor cells were phenotyped for TPase activity, and incubated with thymine or its analogs (5-X-Ura). After intracellular conversion to thymidine analogs via the reverse reaction for TPase, these molecules were phosphorylated and incorporated into DNA. Results: Preferential localization was found in cells with high TPase, e.g. U937. Incorporation was enhanced in cells with high TPase by coincubation with modulators such as deoxyuridine. Conclusions: 5-X-Ura molecules can be readily labeled with positron emitters, and this finding provides support for further evaluation in vivo of their potential as probes for noninvasive external imaging of TPase, both at the time of diagnosis and during maneuvers intended to manipulate TPase. If the 5-X-Ura molecules were labeled with a therapeutic isotope, e.g. 125I or 211At, selective cytotoxicity would be expected in cells with high TPase expression. However, direct evaluation of the safety in vivo of the therapeutic approach is required. The 5-X-Ura compounds constitute a novel approach to both imaging and therapy directed towards TPase. Further, there are distinct advantages to using the imaging mode to identify tumors likely to benefit from therapy with the same set of molecules.
SU‐FF‐I‐12: A Total Variation Based Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm for Cone Beam Breast CT with Under‐Sampled Projection Views

Purpose: To implement and investigate a total variation based reconstruction algorithm for cone beam breast CT. The algorithm is focused on reconstruction using under‐sampled projection views. Method and Materials: The implementation of the algorithm includes two major steps. In the reconstruction step, an algebraic reconstruction method is adopted. In the next step, the total variation is calculated and minimized. The initial image is updated and the iteration repeats. A segmented breast model was used to test the algorithm in this study. The cone beam CTimages of a mastectomy breast specimen were corrected, filtered and segmented to form a breast model which consists of a 3D map of dense tissue structures. Re‐projection of the model was conducted with 9 degree angular increment to generate 40 projection images over 360°. The total variation based algorithm was then used to reconstruct the breast model with the under‐sampled projection views. The reconstructed images were compared with the original breast model and the percentage deviation was computed for the evaluation. Results: Iterative reconstruction with total variation minimization was performed on under‐ sampled re‐projections of the breast model. The structures of the breast were satisfactorily reconstructed, compared to the breast model. The percentage deviation was found to be 7.0%. Further improvement and optimization of the algorithm are under progress. Conclusion: The preliminary reconstruction result of a breast model demonstrates that under‐sampled breast CT projections can be reconstructed using the total variation iterative method, which provides novel opportunity for breast CT study.
Localized measurements of composite dynamic response for health monitoring

We demonstrate the measurement of and applications for full-spectral measurements collected from FBG sensors in dynamic loading environments. The measurement of the dynamic response of a laminated plate to an impact event highlights the information gained during the event as compared to after the event. The measurement of damage induced spectral distortion in a thin plate during vibration loading demonstrates the capability of separating spectral distortion due to multiple effects, including damage and vibration loading. Finally, the measurement of the change in dynamic response of an adhesively bonded joint highlights the capability to measure the progression of fatigue damage. Confirmation that the change in FBG response is due to fatigue damage is performed through independent pulsed phase thermography imaging of the adhesively bonded joint.
Joining and scission in the self-assembly of nanotubes from DNA tiles.

We present the first direct observations of tile-based DNA self-assembly in solution using fluorescent nanotubes composed of a single tile. The nanotubes reach tens of microns in length by end-to-end joining rather than by sequential addition of single tiles. Their exponential length distributions withstand dilution but decay via scission upon heating, with an energy barrier ${E}_{\mathrm{s}\mathrm{c}}\ensuremath{\sim}180{k}_{B}T$. DNA nanotubes are thus uniquely accessible equilibrium polymers that enable new approaches to optimizing DNA-based programming and understanding the biologically programmed self-assembly of protein polymers.
Age-related down regulation of hepatic cytochrome P1-450, P3-450, catalase and CuZn-superoxide dismutase RNA.

The influence of age on liver gene expression was investigated in two strains of H-2 congenic mice. In B10.RIII mice (H-2r), basal P1- and P3-450 RNA levels progressively decreased 65 and 95%, respectively, between 4 and 28 months of age (P less than or equal to 0.05). Polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) induced P1- and P3-450 RNA levels decreased about 50% during this time (P less than or equal to 0.05). In contrast, in C57BL/10 mice (H-2b) little or no change was detected in basal or induced P1- or P3-450 RNA levels. CuZn-superoxide dismutase RNA decreased 80 to 90% between 4 and 9 months of age in B10.RIII mice, while a quantitatively smaller decrease of 50 to 65% was found in C57BL/10 mice (P less than or equal to 0.05). Catalase RNA decreased approximately 80% between 4 and 9 months of age in B10.RIII mice, and a similar decrease was found in C57BL/10 mice. Down regulation of these genes may explain the reduced activities of the cognate hepatic enzymes, and reduced xenobiotic metabolism found in older animals.
Surface fluorination of zirconia: adhesive bond strength comparison to commercial primers.

Abstract Objective This study evaluated contact angle and shear bond strength of three commercial zirconia primers and compared them to a recently developed fluorination pre-treatment. Earlier investigations reported that plasma fluorinated zirconia modifies the chemical bonding structure creating a more reactive surface. Materials and methods Yttria-stabilized zirconia (LAVA, 3M ESPE) plates were highly polished using 3 μm diamond paste ( R a ∼200 nm) prior to pretreatments. After primer and fluorination treatment, contact angles were measured to quantify surface hydrophobicity before and after ethanol clean. Additionally, simple shear bond tests were performed to measure the adhesion strength to a composite resin. Results Plasma fluorination produced the lowest contact angle (7.8°) and the highest shear bond strength (37.3 MPa) suggesting this pretreatment facilitates a more “chemically” active surface for adhesive bonding. Conclusions It is hypothesized that plasma fluorination increase hydroxylation at the surface, making it more reactive, thus allowing for covalent bonding between zirconia surface and resin cement. A strong correlation was observed between contact angle and adhesion strength for all specimens; a relationship which may help understand the frequency and modes of failures, clinically. It is also believed that this surface treatment can increase long-term viability of zirconia restorations over other adhesive techniques.
N-acetylcysteine, reactive oxygen species and beyond

Commentary to:Down-regulation of c-FLIP, XIAP and Mcl-1 protein as well as depletion of reduced glutathione contribute to the apoptosis induction of glycyrrhenitic acid derivatives in leukemia cellsDandan Song, Yuan Gao, Rui Wang, Dan Liu, Linxiang Zhao and Yongkui Jing