cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharmacologic management of obesity

Abstract Obesity is a major health problem in the United States and is associated with multiple disease processes. Patients with a body mass index of 27 kg/m 2 or greater face greater morbidity and mortality risks. The causes of obesity are multifactorial and cannot be attributed to diet and lack of exercise alone. Modest weight loss can improve associated disease conditions. Pharmacotherapy has been proven efficacious but is not well accepted by the professional and lay community because of the negative perceptions and abuse potential of the older anorectic drugs. Furthermore, recent reports have linked two anorectic drugs with valvular heart disease. In conjunction with a strict diet and exercise regimen, short-term drug therapy may be considered in patients with moderate to severe obesity if traditional attempts have failed. Patients must be coun-selled on the possible deleterious effects of drugs before beginning therapy, and also closely followed throughout the duration of treatment. To date, there is no long-term medical therapy available for the treatment of obesity.
Effect of age on molecular signaling of TNF-α-induced apoptosis in human lymphocytes

Aging in humans is associated with progressing decline in T cell numbers and functions. In addition, there is an increased production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) during human aging. TNF-α mediates both survival and cell death signals. TNF-α exerts its biological effects via TNFR-I and TNFR-II. Here we discuss signaling pathways induced by TNF-α and the effect of age on TNF-α-induced apoptosis in T cells and T cell subsets. T cells and T cell subsets from aged humans are more sensitive to TNF-α-induced apoptosis, which appears to be due to both an increased apoptotic signaling and decreased survival signals.
Arrest of Subunit Folding and Assembly of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Cultured Muscle Cells by Dithiothreitol

Abstract In this study we have used cultured muscle cells to investigate the role of disulfide bond formation in the sequence of molecular events leading to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) assembly and surface expression. We have observed that disulfide bond formation in newly synthesized AChR α-subunits occurs 5-20 min after translation and that this modification can be blocked by dithiothreitol (DTT), a membrane-permeant thiol-reducing agent. DTT treatment was found to arrest AChR α-subunit conformational maturation, assembly, and appearance on the cell surface, showing that these events are dependent on prior formation of disulfide bonds. Subunits prevented from maturation by the reducing agent do not irreversibly misfold or aggregate, since upon removal of DTT, AChR α-subunits undergo formation of disulfide bonds and resume folding, oligomerization, and surface expression. We have previously found that nascent α-subunits form transient complexes with the molecular chaperone calnexin immediately after subunit synthesis (Gelman, M. S., Chang, W., Thomas, D. Y., Bergeron, J. J. M., and Prives, J. M.(1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 15085-15092) and have now observed that both the formation and the subsequent dissociation of these complexes are unaffected by DTT treatment. Thus, α-subunits appear to dissociate from calnexin independently of their undergoing disulfide bond formation and achieving conformational maturation. This finding together with the absence of irreversible misfolding of DTT-arrested α-subunits suggests that calnexin may act to prevent misfolding by aiding in the initial folding events and is not an essential participant in the late stages of α-subunit maturation.
The Effects of Acrolein on the Thioredoxin System: Implications for Redox-Sensitive Signaling

The reactive aldehyde acrolein is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and is also generated endogenously. It is a strong electrophile and reacts rapidly with nucleophiles including thiolates. This review focuses on the effects of acrolein on thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and thioredoxin (Trx), which are major regulators of intracellular protein thiol redox balance. Acrolein causes irreversible effects on TrxR and Trx, which are consistent with the formation of covalent adducts to selenocysteine and cysteine residues that are key to their activity. TrxR and Trx are more sensitive than some other redox-sensitive proteins, and their prolonged inhibition could disrupt a number of redox-sensitive functions in cells. Among these effects are the oxidation of peroxiredoxins and the activation of apoptosis signal regulating kinase (ASK1). ASK1 promotes MAP kinase activation, and p38 activation contributes to apoptosis and a number of other acrolein-induced stress responses. Overall, the disruption of the TrxR/Trx system by acrolein could be significant early and prolonged events that affect many aspects of redox-sensitive signaling and oxidant stress.
Corrections to the Pairing Interaction in Superconductivity

The ratio of the second-order terms to the first-order terms in the effective interaction between pairs is investigated, and it is found that the ratio is proportional to the strength of the interaction in the limit of small energy gaps. Three types of potentials are investigated. (C.E.S.)
Thyro-Parathyroidectomy and Pregnancy in the Rat

Summary and ConclusionsIn pregnant rats deprived of their thyroid and parathyroids a very high rate of mortality occurred at term. While it seems logical to attribute these results to parathy-roid deficiency, and indeed more recent experiments in this laboratory support this conclusion, nevertheless other factors may be of importance. Work is in progress in an attempt to elucidate the problem.
Stilbene disulfonic acids inhibit synexin-mediated membrane aggregation and fusion

Abstract Stilbene disulfonic acids inhibit surfactant secretion from lung epithelial type II cells by an undefined mechanism, and inhibit CD4 mediated cell-cell fusion. We have previously shown that lung synexin promotes in vitro fusion of lamellar bodies and plasma membranes, an obligatory process for surfactant secretion. This study investigates the effect of stilbene disulfonic acids, 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS), 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (SITS), and 4-acetamido-4′-maleimidylstilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (AMDS), on synexin-mediated liposome aggregation and fusion. Structurally, these three stilbene compounds differ in the number of isothiocyano groups present (DIDS = 2, SITS = 1, and AMDS = 0). At 10 μg synexin/ml, DIDS and SITS inhibited synexin-mediated liposome aggregation with an EC50 of 3.5 μM and 148 μM, respectively. In comparison, AMDS was least inhibitory (EC50 > 1 mM). Thus, the inhibitory potency (DIDS > SITS > AMDS) was partly dependent upon the number of isothiocyano groups. The EC50 was also dependent on synexin concentration. Stilbene disulfonic acids were also inhibitory for arachidonic acid-enhanced synexin-mediated liposome fusion. The EC50 for DIDS and SITS for fusion were similar to that for liposome aggregation. Ca2+-induced synexin polymerization, measured by 90° light scattering, was increased by DIDS, suggesting binding of stilbene disulfonic acids to synexin. The binding of DIDS to synexin was dependent on the molar ratio of synexin to DIDS. These results indicate that stilbene disulfonic acids interact directly with synexin to inhibit membrane aggregation and fusion. Our results suggest that such inhibition of synexin activity may contribute towards inhibition of surfactant secretion by DIDS, and support a physiological role for synexin in lung surfactant secretion.
Cornerstones and keystones: Humanities for the gifted and talented

The Humanities as a curriculum provide a natural learning environment where gifted students have opportunities to make intellectual inquiries in every realm of human endeavors.
AN X-ray upper limit on the presence of a neutron star for the small magellanic cloud supernova remnant 1E0102.2-7219

We present Chandra X-ray Observatory archival observations of the supernova remnant 1E0102.2?7219, a young oxygen-rich remnant in the Small Magellanic Cloud. Combining 28 ObsIDs for 324?ks of total exposure time, we present an Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer image with an unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio (mean S/N 6; maximum S/N > 35). We search within the remnant, using the source detection software WAVDETECT, for point sources which may indicate a compact object. Despite finding numerous detections of high significance in both broad and narrowband images of the remnant, we are unable to satisfactorily distinguish whether these detections correspond to emission from a compact object. We also present upper limits to the luminosity of an obscured compact stellar object which were derived from an analysis of spectra extracted from the high signal-to-noise image. We are able to further constrain the characteristics of a potential neutron star for this remnant with the results of the analysis presented here, though we cannot confirm the existence of such an object for this remnant.
Effect of isolated proximal coronary stenotic lesions on distal myocardial perfusion during exercise.

This study tested the hypothesis that the absolute dimension of a coronary stenotic lesion is a more important determinant of its hemodynamic effect on regional myocardial perfusion during exercise than is relative percent stenosis. In 31 patients with an isolated lesion of the left anterior descending coronary artery, regional myocardial perfusion was determined from thallium-201 scans recorded in the left anterior oblique projection after symptom-limited treadmill exercise. Thallium-201 uptake in the distribution of the left anterior descending coronary artery was expressed as a ratio of thallium-201 uptake in the left circumflex artery distribution. Percent area stenosis, minimal cross-sectional area and mean diameter of each stenotic lesion were measured by computer-assisted cinevideodensitometric analysis of projected coronary arteriograms digitized in a 512 X 512 pixel matrix with 256 gray levels. Thallium-201 uptake in the left anterior descending coronary artery distribution, expressed as a ratio, correlated poorly (r = 0.65) with relative percent stenosis, but correlated significantly (r = 0.83; p less than 0.05) with absolute lesion area. For all 16 patients with reduced regional perfusion in the left anterior descending coronary artery distribution during exercise, lesion cross-sectional area was less than 1.8 mm2 (mean 0.9 +/- 0.6); for 13 of the 15more » patients with normal distal perfusion, the area of the stenotic lesion was greater than 1.8 mm2 (mean 2.7 +/- 0.7; p less than 0.001). Percent coronary stenosis failed to predict flow-limiting lesions.« less
New spies and new combinations in Aphelandra (Acanthaceae) from Ecuador and adjacent Peru

Nine new species and a new variety are described: Aphelandra villonacensis from prov. Loja, A. anderssonii from Loja, A. azuayensis from Azuay, A. rumbecensis from Tumbes, Peru, A. zamorensis from Zamora-Chinchipe, A. loxensis from Loja, A. neillii from Zamora-Chinchipe, A. rosulata var. albinotata from Morona-Santiago, A. albinotata from Esmeraldas, and A. mollissima from San Martin, Peru. The new taxa are described, illustrated, and compared with their closest relatives. Two new combinations are made: Aphelandra modesta and A. rosulata.
Warning indicators for the presence of plasma-related matrix effects in inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry

Several readily measured parameters were evaluated for their ability to flag the presence of plasma-related matrix effects in inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. Of six plasma-species or analyte-emission-based candidates, two showed positive responses to plasma-related matrix effects. These two, the emission intensity from argon neutral-atomic lines and the spatially resolved vertical pattern of analyte emission, change considerably when matrix effects are present. In addition, the coupling of radiofrequency energy to a probe coil placed inside the ICP torch box correlated strongly with matrix effects. All three parameters show promise as alternatives to commonly used ion/atom emission intensity ratios for indicating the presence of plasma-related matrix effects.
Hybrid EID algorithm for PCD/EID-CT systems

One of the major obstacles toward photon counting detector (PCD)-based clinical x-ray CT systems is the large count rates, because when operated under too intense x-rays, pulse pileup effects (PPEs) due to coincident photons distort the spectrum recorded by PCDs. In this paper we discuss a strategy using a hybrid detector, which consists of PCDs for the central part of the detector [which corresponds to a central small field-of-view (FOV) of the object] and energy integrating detectors (EIDs) for the peripheral part, to achieve the following three goals: 1) to minimize the PPEs; 2) to produce accurate spectral images for the small FOV; and 3) to provide conventional CT images for the entire FOV. The third goal requires a solution to exterior problem, because the central part of EID data is missing. The spectral data obtained by PCDs carry richer information than the intensity data obtained by EIDs; however, performing a simple weighted summation of counts from multi-energy windows of PCD would not produce realistic EID data, as the spectrum recorded by PCD could be skewed by spectral response effects (SREs) and PPEs. We propose a unique approach for the hybrid PCD/EID-CT system in this paper.
Computed tomography demonstration of a hypothalamic metastasis

This case report describes a patient who presented with panhypopituitarism secondary to hypothalamic metastasis. A primary hypothalamic abnormality was suggested by computed tomographic (CT) demonstration of a small enhancing circular mass centered within the hypothalamus. Sellar radiographs and cerebral angiography were normal.
Traffic flow simulation through high order traffic modelling

Explicit and implicit numerical methods for solving simple traffic flow continuum models have been studied and efficiently implemented in traffic simulation codes. We studied and implemented explicit and implicit numerical methods for solving high-order flow conservation traffic models. The acceleration and inertia effects of the traffic mass are properly addressed in the new formulations. The high order model does not employ equilibrium flow-density relationships. We wrote an experimental code in C to simulate a freeway (un)congested pipeline and freeway entry/exit traffic flow. Tests with real data collected from the I-35 W freeway in Minneapolis were conducted on a workstation computer. The implicit Euler method gave the same (and in some cases better) accuracy as the explicit Lax method. The implicit Euler method was (about three times) faster than the Lax method.
Radiation damage effects in nuclear waste glasses

Ion implantation is a convenient means of simulating α-decay damage in nuclear waste glasses. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and elastic recoil detection show that significant near-surface ...
A SysML-Based Language for Modeling System-Level Architecture Selection Decisions

Modern systems are difficult to design because of a need to satisfy many different stakeholder concerns from a number of domains, which require a large amount of expert knowledge. Current systems engineering practices try to simplify the design process by providing practical approaches to manage the large amount of knowledge and information needed during the process. Although these methods make designing a system more practical, they do not support a structured decision making process, especially at early stages when designers are selecting the appropriate system architecture, and instead rely on designers using ad hoc frameworks that are often self-contradictory, i.e., they can lead to alternative orderings where alternative A is better than alternative B is better than alternative C which is then better than alternative A. In order to support a more rational design making process, designers need to explicitly model the architecture selection decision and related knowledge. Then computational tools can be applied to guide the decision making. As a first step toward this more comprehensive modeling approach, in this paper a language is presented for modeling system-level architecture decisions by capturing the relevant domain-specific knowledge. This language is based on the principles of decision-based design and decision theory, where decisions are made by picking the alternative, which results in the most preferred expected outcomes. Therefore, the language is designed to capture potential alternatives in a compact form, analysis knowledge used to predict the quality of a particular alternative, and evaluation criteria to differentiate between outcomes. This language is based on the Object Management Group’s System Modeling Language (SysML). Where possible, existing SysML constructs are used and when additional constructs are needed SysML’s profile mechanism is used to extend the language. The value of the language is demonstrated by using it to represent a simple architecture selection decision of the actuation subsystem of a hydraulic excavator. Since this language models the architecture decision in a form that is computer interpretable, model transformations can be used to generate relevant analyses that can guide the decision maker during the design process.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Drug discovery based on genetic and metabolic findings in schizophrenia

Recent progress in the genetics of schizophrenia provides the rationale for re-evaluating causative factors and therapeutic strategies for this disease. Here, we review the major candidate susceptibility genes and relate the aberrant function of these genes to defective regulation of energy metabolism in the schizophrenic brain. Disturbances in energy metabolism potentially lead to neurodevelopmental deficits, impaired function of the mature nervous system and failure to maintain neurites/dendrites and synaptic connections. Current antipsychotic drugs do not specifically address these underlying deficits; therefore, a new generation of more effective medications is urgently needed. Novel targets for future drug discovery are identified in this review. The coordinated application of structure-based drug design, systems biology and research on model organisms may greatly facilitate the search for next-generation antipsychotic drugs.
Wheelchair-mounted accelerometers for measurement of physical activity.

Purpose: To evaluate the validity of a wheelchair frame-mounted accelerometer for the assessment of physical activity of wheelchair users. Method: Twelve collegiate wheelchair basketball players participated in this study. The study was conducted in a modern indoor gymnasium at a university in the USA. A randomized, crossover experimental design was used to investigate accelerometer output, participant heart rate, and distance travelled. Participants performed two trials of wheeling at a combination of two different effort levels (light and moderate: Prescribed using perceived exertion) and two different modes (continuous and stop-go). Results: Accelerometer vector magnitude activity counts (VM), heart rate (HR), and distance travelled were significantly different between light and moderate effort (p < 0.01). The continuous and stop-go wheeling modes were not significantly different (p = 0.37) for VM, but were significantly different (p < 0.01) for both HR and distance. Between-trial reliability of all da...
Digital libraries on handhelds for autistic children

Autism is a wide spectrum developmental disorder. Its prevalence has increased enormously. Each autistic child has different needs and requires individual therapy. Information technology can help these children and their families by augmenting therapy and providing communication tools. We are developing a digital library that provides such a communication tool on a Pocket PC. The tool will be integrated into the therapy sessions and the children will be able use it daily. Additionally, all the interactions with the tool are logged, allowing the therapist a detailed view of the effects of therapy on the children's communication.
Improving reproducibility and sensitivity in identifying human proteins by shotgun proteomics.

Identifying proteins in cell extracts by shotgun proteomics involves digesting the proteins, sequencing the resulting peptides by data-dependent mass spectrometry (MS/MS), and searching protein databases to identify the proteins from which the peptides are derived. Manual analysis and direct spectral comparison reveal that scores from two commonly used search programs (Sequest and Mascot) validate less than half of potentially identifiable MS/MS spectra (class positive) from shotgun analyses of the human erythroleukemia K562 cell line. Here we demonstrate increased sensitivity and accuracy using a focused search strategy along with a peptide sequence validation script that does not rely exclusively on XCorr or Mowse scores generated by Sequest or Mascot, but uses consensus between the search programs, along with chemical properties and scores describing the nature of the fragmentation spectrum (ion score and RSP). The approach yielded 4.2% false positive and 8% false negative frequencies in peptide assign...
Bose quantum fluids at finite temperatures: A variational density-matrix approach.

The variational density-matrix approach introduced by Campbell, K\"urten, Ristig, and Senger [Phys. Rev. B 30, 3728 (1984)], to study finite-temperature Bose fluids is reformulated to avoid dealing directly with the entropy of the trial density matrix. We obtain exact expressions for the Euler-Lagrange equations for a finite-temperature trial statistical density matrix, which is the simplest finite-temperature generalization of a Jastrow trial ground-state wave function. A multicomponent hypernetted-chain method is developed to solve approximately these Euler-Lagrange equations at low temperatures. In leading order the results are shown to be equivalent to those obtained by Campbell et al. The current formalism provides a scheme to improve results of the previous approach.
Instabilities in a Plasma Coexisting with a Large-Amplitude Wave

The stability of a periodic large-amplitude electrostatic wave [Bernstein-Greene-Kurskal (BGK) mode] in a collisionless plasma is investigated. It is found that instability or damping can result whenever a wave has a frequency which is resonant with one of the natural frequencies of a particle in the BGK mode. The total growth or damping rate is expressed as a summation over these resonances. In appropriate limits, the growth rates are identical with those corresponding to linear and nonlinear Landau damping. Three specific problems are considered. Electron plasma waves in a plasma at thermal equilibrium are shown to be unstable toward decay into an ion acoustic wave. Plasma waves in an electron-beam plasma system are shown to be unstable toward decay into ion waves. Finally, an electron plasma wave at frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$ is shown to be unstable toward decay into the lower sideband, that is a wave at ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{T}$ where ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{T}$ is the trapping frequency.
Interleukin 4 (IL) 4 up-regulates gene and surface IL 1 receptor type I in murine T helper type 2 cells.

The T cell-derived cytokine interleukin (IL) 4 is known to increase the proliferative response of T cells stimulated with IL 1. IL 4 is also an autocrine growth factor for type II T helper cells (Th2) cells. In the present studies, we examined the effect of murine recombinant IL 4 on the expression of the IL 1 receptor type I (IL 1RtI) in murine Th2 cell lines at the mRNA and surface level. Using a specific anti-murine IL 1RtI monoclonal antibody and flow microfluorometry, we found that IL 4 increased the surface expression of IL 1RtI in a dose-dependent manner. In D10S cells, a subline of the Th2 cell line D10.G4.1, 50-500 pg/ml IL 4 up-regulated the receptor 1.8- to 3.2-fold (p less than 0.05). This up-regulation was also seen at the mRNA level. The effect was not due to increased stability of the mRNA, since IL 4 did not modify the half-life of IL 1RtI mRNA. IL 4 also up-regulated IL 1RtI on CDC25 cells, another Th2 cell line. However, we did not observe an effect of IL 4 on gene expression of IL 1RtI in BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts. IL 2 and IL 4 showed an additive effect in up-regulating IL 1RtI and D10S cells. These studies indicate that IL 4 up-regulates IL 1RtI in murine Th2 cells by increasing gene expression for IL 1RtI without affecting mRNA stability. Thus, IL 4 production by Th2 cells may amplify the immune response via up-regulation of IL 1RtI.
Stereochemical criteria for polypeptides and proteins. V. Conformation of a system of three linked peptide units.

The general conformations of a system of three linked peptide units are studied, and it is found that there are three types of conformations which contain NH…O hydrogen bonding between the first and the third units. One of them is part of a 310-helix, while the other two arc nonhelical. The two nonhelical conformations are very similar, and in both the cases the peptide chain turns around, reversing the direction of progress. Such a conformation can therefore occur in the region where a polypeptide chain folds back on itself, as in the cross-β structure. The method of representing these interesting tripeptide conformations in a (ϕ,ψ) map is described. Examples of such hydrogen-bonded, nonhelical conformations which occur in peptides and proteins are discussed—e.g., in cyclohexaglyeyl, an open tetrapeptide Gly-L-Pro-L-Leu-Gly, and in parts of the lysozyme chain.
Synthesis of Diazocine-Containing Poly(arylene ether sulfone)s for Tailored Mechanical and Electrochemical Performance

A series of poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymers containing the diazocine unit (0, 20, 50, 80, 100 mol %) were synthesized via step-growth polymerization. Copolymer compositions exhibited number-average molecular weights exceeding 30 000 g/mol, and mechanically ductile films were obtained for all compositions. The random copolymers exhibited enhanced thermal stability (Td10% = 500−550 °C) and mechanical properties (tensile stress = 45−65 MPa), and the thermomechanical performance was predictable based on copolymer composition. A secondary transition in the dynamic mechanical analysis appeared at 28 °C, which was attributed to segmental motion of the bulky diazocine and biphenyl units. X-ray single crystallography and 1H NMR spectroscopy as a function of temperature revealed that the diazocine ring existed in the boat-shaped conformation. The effective dipolar couplings of site-specific 1H−13C dipolar couplings in the aromatic rings were measured using DIPSHIFT solid state NMR spectroscopy at various tem...
Surface-induced optical anisotropy of oxidized, clean, and hydrogenated vicinal Si(001) surfaces

Abstract We report surface-induced optical anisotropy (SIOA) spectra obtained by reflectance-difference spectroscopy (RDS) of several vicinal Si(001) surfaces. Chemically (RCA) cleaned surfaces show sharp, step-induced, derivative-like features that increase with vicinal angle. The RD signal for these surfaces can be modeled as an anisotropy that is localized to the surface and can be described in terms of a dichroic bandgap. The spectra of clean reconstructed surfaces show both a broad structure near 3 eV, which appears to involve dimer dangling bond transitions, and a second feature near 4.3 eV that occurs near the E 2 peak of bulk Si. The difference between spectra of the 10° and 6° vicinal samples yields a resultant signal similar to that of Si(113). We also report the RD signal for the monohydride and dihydride phases for the hydrogenated surfaces.
Kinetics and flow of diallyl phthalate resins

The analysis of molding operations for thermosetting polymers requires knowledge of the rheology and reaction rates of the materials. The purpose of this research was to measure kinetic and rheological data on diallyl phthalate resins and to integrate these results into models describing the flow behavior. The chemical kinetics of the curing reactions were derived from calorimetric measurements taken with a differential scanning calorimeter. The rheological data were measured with a mechanical spectrometer equipped with eccentric rotating discs. A model based on the theory of ideal rubber elasticity was used to correlate the elastic storage modulus with reaction time and temperature. For the region below the gel point, the dynamic viscosity exhibited a power law dependence on angular frequency and an Arrhenius dependence on temperature.
Solute-atom segregation at symmetric twist and tilt boundaries in binary metallic alloys on an atomic-scale

Monte Carlo and overlapping distributions Monte Carlo (ODMC) techniques are employed to simulate grain boundary (GB) segregation in a number of single-phase binary metallic alloys—the Au-Pt, Cu-Ni, Ni-Pd, and Ni-Pt systems. For a series of symmetric [001] twist and [001] tilt boundaries, with coincident site lattice (CSL) structures, we demonstrate that the Gibbsian interfacial excess of solute is a systematic function of the misorientation angle. We also explore in detail whether the GB solid solution behavior is ideal or nonideal by comparing the results of Monte Carlo and ODMC simulations. The range of binding free energies of specific atomic sites at GBs for solute atoms is also studied. The simulational results obtained demonstrate that the thermodynamic and statistical thermodynamic models commonly used to explain GB segregation are too simple to account for the microscopic segregation patterns observed, and that it is extremely difficult. If not impossible, to extract the observed microscopic information employing macroscopic models.
Spatial and temporal temperature change in the arctic basin since 1994: Assessment of localized short‐term data sets

Abstract The daily averaged temperatures from 1994 to the year 2000 for the high Arctic stations of Alert, Resolute, Eureka, and Thule Air Base are investigated to assess both regional temperature variability and temperature trends. For this localized region of the Arctic Basin, data are analyzed on both an annual and seasonal basis to reconcile the observed differences in temperature between the stations, to assess the magnitude of air temperature change for the individual stations and for the region, and to examine the seasonal patterns of temperature variability. Results from such detailed regional analyses can be placed in context with the recognized temperature trends for the Arctic as a whole.
The oxygen-binding intermediates of human hemoglobin: evaluation of their contributions to cooperativity using zinc-containing hybrids

Hemoglobin tetramers [Zn/FeO(2)] containing oxygenated subunits (FeO(2)), in combination with unligated subunits containing zinc-substituted hemes (Zn), were analyzed to determine their contributions to the cooperativity of oxygen binding at the Fe sites. Energetic consequences of possible perturbation by zinc substitution were evaluated in all combinations of unligated Zn/Fe hybrid tetramers. A general thermodynamic strategy that corrects for the energetic effects of substituting a second metal for Fe showed the perturbations of Zn substitution to be negligible. This permitted cooperativity parameters of the native Fe/FeO(2) intermediates to be calculated from data on the corresponding Zn/FeO(2) molecules. These parameters, determined explicitly for all eight oxygen-binding intermediates (Fe/FeO(2)), were found to be identical to those predicted earlier from analyzing the O(2) binding data of normal hemoglobin according to the "molecular code" of hemoglobin allostery. The cooperativity parameters determined for this system showed the same distribution pattern found previously for five other oxygen analog systems (Fe/FeCN, FE/Mn(3+), Co/FECO, Co/FeCN, and Fe/FeCO).
Molecular beam epitaxy of n-type ZnS: A wide band gap emitter for heterojunction PV devices

Low-temperature epitaxy of zinc-blende ZnS films on GaAs(001) substrates was demonstrated by compound-source molecular beam epitaxy. The epitaxial relationship between the film and substrate was determined by reflection high-energy electron diffraction, high-resolution X-ray diffraction, and selected area electron diffraction measurements to be ZnS(001)∥GaAs(001). Strain-relaxation of the ZnS lattice occurred within the first 300 nm of film growth. The resistivity of the films could be tuned through the incorporation of an Al impurity dopant. The lowest thin-film resistivity achieved was 0.003 Ω-cm, with corresponding electron carrier concentration and mobility of roughly 4.5×1019 cm−3 and 46 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. Al, Ag, and In metals were found to make good ohmic contact to heavily doped ZnS films, whereas ITO and AZO transparent conductive oxides did not. Applications to novel PV devices incorporating low electron affinity absorbers are discussed.
Repeated tumor pO2 measurements by multi-site EPR oximetry as a prognostic marker for enhanced therapeutic efficacy of fractionated radiotherapy

Abstract Purpose To investigate the temporal effects of single or fractionated radiotherapy on subcutaneous RIF-1 tumor pO 2 and to determine the therapeutic outcomes when the timing of fractionations is guided by tumor pO 2 . Methods The time-course of the tumor pO 2 changes was followed by multi-site electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry. The tumors were treated with single 10, 20, and 10Gy×2 doses, and the tumor pO 2 was measured repeatedly for six consecutive days. In the 10Gy×2 group, the second dose of 10Gy was delivered at a time when the tumors were either relatively oxygenated or hypoxic. The changes in tumor volumes were followed for nine days to determine the therapeutic outcomes. Results A significant increase in tumor pO 2 was observed at 24h post 10Gy, while 20Gy resulted in a significant increase in tumor pO 2 at 72–120h post irradiation. The tumors irradiated with a second dose of 10Gy at 24h, when the tumors were oxygenated, had a significant increase in tumor doubling times (DTs), as compared to tumors treated at 48h when they were hypoxic ( p Conclusion Results indicate that the time of tumor oxygenation depends on the irradiation doses, and radiotherapeutic efficacy could be optimized if irradiations are scheduled at times of increased tumor oxygenation. In vivo multi-site EPR oximetry could be potentially used to monitor tumor pO 2 repeatedly during fractionated schemes to optimize radiotherapeutic outcome. This technique could also be used to identify responsive and non-responsive tumors, which will facilitate the design of other therapeutic approaches for non-responsive tumors at early time points during the course of therapy.
Post-training amygdaloid lesions impair retention of an inhibitory avoidance response

Abstract The study examined the effect of pre- and post-training bilateral amygdaloid lesions on retention of a one-trial inhibitory avoidance response. Groups of rats, including unimplanted controls and implanted controls, were trained and tested for retention at 4, 7 or 12 days following training. The lesions were made at one of several intervals before or after training: 2 days before, immediately after, or 2, 5 or 10 days after. At all retention intervals the retention of implanted controls was poorer than that of unimplanted controls and, in comparison with both control groups, the retention of animals lesioned before training was impaired. Retention was also impaired by the post-training lesions. The degree of impairment varied with the interval between the training and the lesion: lesions made within 2 days following training impaired retention, while lesions made 10 days following training had no impairing effect. These findings suggest that posttraining lesions of the amygdala affect retention by impairing time-dependent processes involved in memory storage. With a sufficiently long training-lesion interval (10 days) an intact amygdala is not essential for retention.
Recent developments in longitudinal studies of aging in the United States

We review recent developments in longitudinal studies of aging, focusing on the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Both studies are part of a trend toward biosocial surveys in which biological measurement is joined with traditional survey techniques, and a related trend toward greater harmonization across studies. Both studies have collected DNA samples and are working toward genotyping that would allow broadly based association studies. Increased attention to psychological measurement of personality and of cognitive ability using adaptive testing structures has also been shared across the studies. The HRS has expanded its economic measurement to longitudinal studies of consumption and to broader-based measurement of pension and Social Security wealth. It has added biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. The WLS has developed an integrated approach to the study of death and bereavement and an innovative use of high school yearbook photographs to capture information about health in early life of its participants.
Reducing skin potential motion artefact by skin abrasion.

Artefacts arising from variations in potential across the skin pose the greatest artefact problem remaining in a well designed biopotential recording system. We examined the nature of skin potential artefacts caused by stretch deformation, often called ‘motion artefacts’, and the manner by which skin abrasion reduces these artefacts, using a simultaneous skin-potential and impedence-measuring device to verify a simple d.c. electrical model of the skin. We found that abrasion reduces artefacts by resistively loading the high-impedance transcutaneous potential generator within the epidermis. We devised a needle-puncture method for producing the minimum amount of skin abrasion required to eliminate stretch artefact. We found that 10 0·5-mm skin punctures reduced the artefact from 5–10 mV to less than 0·2 mV. Skin irritation and redness are absent in the majority of cases, but cause a slight reddening in some cases. In contrast, sandpaper abrasion by an inexperienced operator often results in large welts and scabbing. We recommend puncture in clinical recording where motion artefact is a problem.
Maximum-likelihood narrow-band direction finding and the EM algorithm

Generalized EM (expectation-maximization) algorithms have been derived for the maximum-likelihood estimation of the direction-of-arrival of multiple narrowband signals in noise. Both deterministic and stochastic signal models are considered. The algorithm for the deterministic model yields estimates of the signal amplitudes, while that for the stochastic model yields estimates of the powers of the signal. Both algorithms have the properties that their limit points are stable and satisfy the necessary maximizer conditions for maximum-likelihood estimators. It is shown via simulation that the maximum-likelihood method allows for the resolution of the directions-of-arrival of signals at angular separation and noise levels for which other high-resolution methods will not work. Algorithm convergence does depend on initial conditions; however, convergence to a global maximum has been observed in simulation when the initial estimates are within a significant fraction if one beamwidth (componentwise) of this maximum. Simulations also show that the deterministic model has a significant impact on the angle estimator performance. >
Interaction between HF electromagnetic field and the superconducting order parameter

Abstract The interaction mechanisms between an applied electromagnetic (EM) field and superconducting (SC) order parameter are considered. It is shown that in general there are two interaction channels involved: the first one is ordinary and appears due to nonequilibrium of the normal excitations and the other one is connected with high frequency diamagnetic supercurrents, which are induced by the field.
Interference Analysis of an Anisotropic Reservoir Using Five-Spot Data

A CO/sub 2/ miscible flood is being studied in the San Andres 9th Massive formation of the Maljamar Field in New Mexico with a five-acre inverted five-spot pilot. Singlewell tests in the five pattern wells and a production interference test with the center well as source and the four corner wells as observers were run to characterize the reservoir prior to the start of the pilot test. The results of the analyses indicate that the reservoir is anisotropic with the two principal kh's approximately 3,000 and 30 md-ft, and the direction of maximum permeability 77/sup 0/ west of north. The large difference in major and minor axis flow capacities led to a postulate of natural fractures, oriented toward the direction determined by the interference test. The results of the single-well tests reflect the fracture density in their radius of investigation. The proposed reservoir description is consistent with core data and currently available tracer results.
Evaluation of Hoop-Net Size and Bait Selection for Sampling Channel Catfish in Iowa Impoundments

Abstract We compared seasonal catches of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus between large (76-cm-diameter frames; 25-mm bar measure mesh) and small (61-cm-diameter frames; 19-mm bar measure mesh) tandem hoop-net series and between two different bait types (soybean cake and waste cheese) during 2004. Size structure data collected by both gears provided similar estimates of proportional stock density (PSD) for the gear and bait types within impoundments. Catch across seasons was similar within impoundments; however, estimates of PSD varied by season. Large hoop nets captured substantially more fish than the small hoop nets. Bait type did not significantly affect catch per unit effort (CPUE) of hoop nets except in summer, when nets baited with soybean cake captured significantly more (>1.5 times) channel catfish than nets baited with waste cheese. The CPUE precision was greatest for large hoop nets baited with soybean cake during summer or fall. We suggest use of large hoop nets and soybean cake as a standa...
New recirculating bioreactor-separator combination system for continuous bioconversion and separation of products

Abstract A new recirculating continuous bioreactor-separator combination system is designed and its practical application demonstrated for continuous production and separation of high-purity product. The process performance data and the production cost were evaluated and compared to those available from the conventional batch or semicontinuous biotransformation processes. The new design concept consists of three main components: a tapered column bioreactor, the crystallizer-separator unit, and the substrate feeding reservoir unit. The operating principles of the new bioreactor system are as follows: (1) the tapered column bioreactor unit could employ immobilized cell or enzyme and could be operated as a fluidized-bed or a packed-bed reactor system; (2) the effluent from the bioreactor is transferred to the crystallizer-separator unit in which the product is crystallized and separated intermittently or continuously; (3) the filtrate from the crystallizer-separator unit containing residual substrate is transferred to the substrate reservoir unit, where an additional amount of substrate is dissolved to make up the amount of substrate converted to the product during the last cycle; (4) the second-time filtered substrate solution from the substrate reservoir unit is fed back into the bioreactor proper unit for further bioconversion, and this completes the recycle loop of the new bioreactor-separator combination system. By this new design, a significant improvement in terms of product purity and production cost was achieved as compared to the conventional batch or semicontinuous bioconversion process systems. Based on our experimental results, we were able to conclude that highly pure amino acid product (>99.95% pure product) could be obtained, and at the same time, by employing this new biotransformation system the estimated production cost can be reduced by 25%, as compared to the conventional batch process system. It is anticipated that the principles involved in the design and operation of this new bioreactor system, as illustrated in this paper with an amino acid bioconversion process, from l -aspartate to l -alanine, as a model system will find many practical applications in the area of process biotechnology for products of pharmaceutical and agricultural importance.
Oxycodone/Naloxone: Role in Chronic Pain Management, Opioid-Induced Constipation, and Abuse Deterrence

The use of opioids in the treatment of chronic pain is widespread; the prevalence of specific opioids varies from country to country and depends on product availability, national formulary systems, and provider preferences. Patients often receive opioids for legitimate treatment of pain conditions, but on the opposite side of the spectrum, nonmedical use of opioids is a significant public health concern. Opioids are associated with several side effects, and constipation is the most commonly reported and persistent symptom. Unlike some adverse effects associated with opioid use, tolerance does not develop to constipation. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is the most prevalent patient complaint associated with opioid use and has been associated with declines in various quality of life measures. OIC can be extremely difficult for patients to tolerate and may prompt patients to decrease or discontinue opioid treatment. Current management strategies for OIC are often insufficient. A prolonged-release formulation of oxycodone/naloxone (OXN) has been investigated for the treatment of nonmalignant and cancer pain and mitigation of OIC, and evidence is largely favorable. Studies have demonstrated the capability of OXN to alleviate OIC while maintaining pain control comparable to oxycodone-only regimens. There is insufficient evidence for OXN efficacy for patients with mild OIC or patients maintained on high doses of opioids, and use in these populations is controversial. The reduction of costs associated with OIC may provide overall cost effectiveness with OXN. Additionally, the presence of naloxone may deter abuse/misuse by those seeking to misuse the formulation by modes of administration other than oral ingestion. Most studies to date have occurred in European countries, and phase 3 trials continue in the United States. This review will include current therapeutic options for pain and constipation, unique characteristics of OXN, evidence related to use of OXN and its place in therapy, discussion of opioid abuse/misuse, and various abuse-deterrent mechanisms, and areas of continuing research.
Optimizing embryo selection with day 5 transfer

Objective To compare rates of implantation, pregnancy, miscarriage, multiple gestation, and selective reduction between patients undergoing day 5 (d5) and day 3 (d3) ETs. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting University-based IVF center. Patient(s) The first d5 ET cycle of patients 42 years of age from 2003 to 2006 was compared with a historical control of first cycle d3 ET patients 42 years of age from 1996 to 1999 who would have met current d5 ET criteria. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, live birth, high order multiple pregnancy (HOMP), and selective reduction. Result(s) D5 ET patients had higher implantation rates (39% vs. 30%), with no difference in the no-transfer rate. D5 ET patients had lower rates of HOMP (2.5% vs. 11%) and HOMP delivery (0.7% vs. 3.5%), multiple pregnancy (27% vs. 33%), multiple delivery (19% vs. 26%), and twin delivery (18% vs. 23%). There were fewer selective reductions of HOMP with d5 ET (1.7% vs. 3.8%). Conclusion(s) Extended culture improves embryo selection through increased implantation, facilitating fewer embryos per transfer, which lowers multiple gestation rates and the need for HOMP reduction.