cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neutralizing vascular endothelial growth factor activity inhibits thyroid cancer growth in vivo.

Background. Without angiogenesis, tumor growth is limited to a few millimeters, the limit of diffusion. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial-specific mitogen and a major regulator of angiogenesis. Methods. To investigate the relationship between VEGF and thyroid tumor angiogenesis, we xenografted human dermal matrix inoculated with FTC-133 cells into nude mice or directly injected FTC-133 cells subcutaneously. To block the function of VEGF, the neutralizing anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody A.4.6.1 (mAb A.4.6.1) was injected intraperitoneally twice weekly. As control, an antibody of the same isotype (Ab 5B6) or phosphate buffer saline solution (PBS) was used. To evaluate the dermal matrix as a model for angiogenesis studies, recombinant human VEGF was inoculated into the dermal matrix pocket and xenografted into mice. Results. In the dermal matrix angiogenesis model, the number of blood vessels paralleled the concentration of recombinant human VEGF and was highest at 100 ng/mL. Mice that were treated with the mAb A4.6.1 developed fewer blood vessels (mean, 6.6 per HPF) than control mice (18 per HPF in Ab 5B6 and 22 per HPF in PBS; P <.01). Tumors from mice that were treated with mAb A.4.6.1 were much smaller (mean ± SD, 0.09 ± 0.02 gm) at 5 weeks, compared with the tumors treated with Ab 5B6 (5.38 ± 1.15 gm) or PBS (4.0 ± 0.72 gm; P ≤.001). Conclusions. VEGF is produced by the follicular thyroid cancer cell line and stimulates angiogenesis and growth of thyroid cancer. This stimulation can be blocked by mAb A.4.6.1. (Surgery 2000;128:1059-66.)
Correlates of African American Men's Sexual Schemas.

Sexual schemas are cognitive representations of oneself as a sexual being and aid in the processing of sexually relevant information. We examined the relationship between sociosexuality (attitudes about casual sex), masculine ideology (attitudes toward traditional men and male roles), and cultural centrality (strength of identity with racial group) as significant psychosocial and sociocultural predictors in shaping young, heterosexual African American men’s sexual schemas. A community sample (n = 133) of men in a southeastern city of the United States completed quantitative self-report measures examining their attitudes and behavior related to casual sex, beliefs about masculinity, racial and cultural identity, and self-views of various sexual aspects of themselves. Results indicated that masculine ideology and cultural centrality were both positively related to men’s sexual schemas. Cultural centrality explained 12 % of the variance in level of sexual schema, and had the strongest correlation of the predictor variables with sexual schema (r = .36). The need for more attention to the bidirectional relationships between masculinity, racial/cultural identity, and sexual schemas in prevention, intervention, and public health efforts for African American men is discussed.
Analyzing glenohumeral torque-rotation response in vivo.

Abstract Background Because the human shoulder has many degrees of freedom that allow redundant means of producing the same net humerothoracic motion, there are many impediments to objective, repeatable assessment of shoulder function in vivo. Devices designed to date have suffered from poor reliability. In this study we introduce a new device and methods to evaluate human shoulder kinematics and evaluate its reproducibility from subject to subject and from day to day. Methods This was a controlled laboratory study. Using electromagnetic motion sensors to record the position and orientation of the thorax, scapula, and humerus, we quantified the kinematic response of twenty four normal shoulders in response to known internal–external torque application. A four-parameter logistic function was selected to characterize the strident features of the torque–rotation relationship. Findings Our analysis in conjunction with the measurement technique described herein, allowed the passive glenohumeral internal–external range of motion to be differentiated from other motion components and was determined to within 9.6% of full scale over three repeated trials. Range of motion was the most reliable biomechanical outcome, more so than computed indices of glenohumeral flexibility and hysteresis. The exact profile of the torque–rotation response, and therefore the repeatability of the calculated outcomes, was unique from shoulder to shoulder. Interpretation The development of the capacity for precise, non-invasive measurement of shoulder biomechanics over time is a requisite step towards optimizing treatment of shoulder injury and disease. Our current methods are superior to previous attempts at trying to non-invasively evaluate the biomechanics of the glenohumeral joint .
Rectification of multicomponent mixtures

Abstract On the assumption that the relative volatilities, α, and the molal overflow are constant in a given column section, a comparatively simple and rapid method of performing multicomponent fractionation calculations is developed. The proposed method enables one to calculate by means of tabulated values of the functions E 1 and E 2 directly the composition on the n th plate without going through calculations of the compositions on the intermediate plates. This is done by means of the simple equations : E 1 and E 2 are functions of the equilibrium ratio, reflux ratio, and the number of the plate. Their values may be obtained from suitable tables or plots. It is believed that the proposed method offers considerable simplicification in multicomponent rectification calculations. The final equations are tested and their use demonstrated in two examples.
Multi-module approach to modularity in a neutronically coupled high temperature multi-modular system

Abstract A variety of small modular reactor designs exist, each sharing a similar characteristic: modularity. Different approaches to modularity exist, and the multi-module approach is presented here in the design of the High Temperature Integrated Multi-Modular Thermal Reactor. The core consists of several self-contained modules each of which are subcritical and when several modules are brought into proximity of one another, a single critical core is formed. The modular geometry allows for several unique operating conditions which are considered here. The extension of the core lifetime by battery type module shuffling and refueling is shown. The neutronic performance of the core relative to a single reflected module and a very large module is investigated and the use of modules is found to be a good choice. Room temperature sub-criticality is verified, shipping accidents are investigated, and the neutronic aspects of a loss of coolant accident are analyzed. Control elements are discussed, implemented, and analyzed.
Management of hyperlipidemia with statins in the older patient.

Numerous randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies and observational studies have demonstrated that statins decrease mortality and major cardiovascular events in older high-risk persons with hypercholesterolemia. The Heart Protection Study found that statins decreased mortality and major cardiovascular events in high-risk persons regardless of the initial level of serum lipids, age, or gender. The updated National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) III guidelines state that in very high-risk patients, a serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level of <70 mg/dl is a reasonable clinical strategy, regardless of age. When a high-risk person has hypertriglyceridemia or low serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, consideration can be given to combining a fibrate or nicotinic acid with an LDL cholesterol-lowering drug. For moderately high-risk persons (2 or more risk factors and a 10-year risk for coronary heart disease of 10% to 20%), the serum LDL cholesterol should be decreased to <100 mg/dl. When LDL cholesterol-lowering drug therapy is used to treat high-risk persons or moderately high-risk persons, the serum LDL cholesterol should be decreased at least 30% to 40%.
Balance Sheets in a System of Economic Accounts

The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the theoretical considerations that might provide a foundation for a system of financial accounts, and some of the practical conclusions that appear to arise from these considerations. It is not its purpose to propose a form that might be adopted for the construction of financial accounts. Most of the accounts that have so far been developed are compiled on the assumption that financing transactions are essentially passive reactions accommodating income, consumption, and investment transactions, and do not themselves induce any reactions in the other accounts. They are compiled on the assumption that, as far as the money and credit entries are concerned, the problem is to show the "main work that money and credit do in clearing markets."2 Thus, in the system of equations underlying the Netherlands Central Economic Plan, there are no equations relating to the financing items in the Monetary Survey that it contains.3 This paper, on the contrary, is based on the assumption that financial transactions are positive factors inducing reactions in income and expenditure accounts. They are not merely passive reactions to income and expenditure transactions.
What factors influence participation in payment for ecosystem services programs? An evaluation of Ecuador's SocioPáramo program

Abstract PES programs have been touted as a means to achieve conservation goals while also alleviating poverty and promoting rural development. However, the degree to which these goals are met depends, in part, on accessibility and desirability of programs targeting rural communities and smallholders. Empirical research on factors motivating or dissuading PES landowner participation remains limited and a more complete understanding of these factors is critical to improving PES social equity outcomes. In this paper, we evaluate factors facilitating and constraining participation in Ecuador's SocioParamo program, a recently launched PES initiative targeting highland Andean grasslands (paramos). We conducted semi-structured interviews with all community landowner participants who had enrolled by May 2011, the majority of individual landowner participants who had enrolled by October 2010, and several non-participant communities and individuals. We found that, while SocioParamo is attracting substantial participation among rural farmers and communities, a number of factors, including land tenure requirements, legal or biophysical land-use restrictions, and a need for pre-existing social, human, and financial capital, make SocioParamo more accessible and desirable to larger, and often wealthier, landowners. While motivations for enrolling in the program varied, a key similarity among participants was access to alternative livelihood sources, a low opportunity cost associated with program land-use regulations, and a high value placed on the water provisioning services of the paramo. The majority of participants described incentives as a “reward” for conserving, as a means to strengthen existing conservation efforts or land security, or as a means to compensate for legal or biophysical land use restrictions. Our results suggest that the broader context of land tenure security, access to social capital, environmental attitudes, and alternative livelihood strategy development may require more attention in order to achieve greater participation among rural smallholders and communities. These results provide useful lessons for developing and adapting this and other PES programs so that they can better meet social goals.
Microbial methylation of benzenethiols and release of methylthiobenzenes

Three phylogenetically diverse microorganisms methylated several different chloro- and nitro-substituted benzenethiols to yield the corresponding methylthiobenzenes. These products were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In several cases large percentages of the methylthio products were released by intact cells into the medium, suggesting that microbial methylation of xenobiotic thiols may be a significant biotransformation in many ecosystems.
Journal Design Considerations for Turbomachine Shafts Supported on Foil Air Bearings

Foil air bearings can offer substantial improvements over traditional rolling element bearings in many applications and are attractive as a replacement to enable the development of advanced oil-free turbomachinery. In the course of rigorous testing of foil journal bearings at NASA Glenn Research Center, shaft failure was repeatedly encountered at high ambient temperature and rotational speed, with moderate radial load. The cause of failure is determined to be excessive non-uniform shaft growth, which increases localized viscous heating in the gas film and eventually leads to a high-speed rub and destruction of the bearing and journal. Centrifugal loading of imbalance correction weights and axial temperature gradients within the journal due to the hydrodynamic nature of the foil bearings, determined by experiment and finite element analysis, are shown to be responsible for the non-uniform growth. Qualitative journal design guidance is given to aid in failure prevention.
σ-Exchange Potential for Nucleon-Nucleon Scattering

A nucleon-nucleon interaction potential is derived which includes all exchanges between a pair of nucleons involving a single $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ meson and any number of pion-pair inserts on the $\ensuremath{\sigma}$-meson propagator and vertices. The reduction of the Bethe-Salpeter kernel to a potential follows the method of Partovi and Lomon. The $\ensuremath{\sigma}$-pion and $\ensuremath{\sigma}$-nucleon couplings are restricted by the Adler chiral condition at zero four-momentum transfer, renormalized. The $\ensuremath{\sigma}$-meson mass is taken from experimental evidence to be nearly ${M}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}$. Various $\ensuremath{\sigma}$-meson widths are considered. Widths greater than 300 MeV predict small $\ensuremath{\sigma}$-meson contributions to the potential due to persistent cancellations between graphs. In particular near the width of about 610 MeV predicted by Weinberg's asymptotic restrictions the $\ensuremath{\sigma}$-potential contribution is a minimum and nearly cancels the familiar one-plus-two nucleon-pair contribution to the potential. The corrections to the previously obtained single-pion, $\ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{-}$, $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{-}$, and $\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{-}$ meson and two-pion potentials are such as to increase the resemblance to Hamada-Johnston and Reid potentials or increase the resemblance to the Feshbach-Lomon potential for $\ensuremath{\sigma}$-meson widths near 620 MeV and 660 Mev, respectively.
Depression-related stress generation: A longitudinal study of Black adolescents

The authors examined Hammen's (1991) model of stress generation in depression in a Black adolescent population. The longitudinal sample of 1,766 participants entered the study at ages 13 to 18. Stressful events and depressive and other symptom occurrence over a 1-year period were analyzed. Results supported the stress generation model. Depressive symptoms were associated with an increase in negative stressful events. In addition, the study supported the symptom specificity of stress generation to depression versus anxious and conduct disorder symptoms.
(2′–5′)An-dependent RNase: Enzyme levels are decreased in barrier-reared control and IFN-β or IFN-γ treated Balb/c mice

Abstract (2′–5′)A n -dependent RNase functions as a translational regulatory protein which mediates interferon action. Levels of this enzyme are decreased in barrier-reared Balb/c (+/+), Balb/c (+/ nu ), and Balb/c ( nu / nu ) mice when compared to conventionally reared Balb/c (+/+) mice. This suggests that high levels of (2′–5′)A n -dependent RNase in conventionally reared mice are maintained by continuous exposure to microbial flora which may induce interferons. Interferon treatment of barrier-reared mice does not, however, result in an increase in (2′–5′)A n -dependent RNase levels. This suggests that responsiveness to interferons is decreased in barrier-reared mice. The high levels of (2′–5′)A n -dependent RNase which are maintained in normal mice under physiological conditions may be important for rapid and effective defense against viral pathogens.
A 22-ns 1-Mbit CMOS high-speed DRAM with address multiplexing

Describes a 1-Mbit high-speed DRAM (HSDRAM), which has a nominal random access time of less than 27 ns and a column access time of 12 ns with address multiplexing. A double-polysilicon double-metal CMOS technology having PMOS arrays inside n-wells was developed with an average 1.3- mu m feature size. The chip has also been fabricated in a 0.9*shrunken version with an area of 67 mm/sup 2/, showing a 22-ns access time. The chip power consumption is lower than 500 mW at 60-ns cycle time. This HSDRAM, which provides SRAM-like speed while retaining DRAM-like density, allows DRAMs to be used in a broad new range of applications. >
Structural analysis and characterization of tissue and hormonal responsive expression of the avian bone sialoprotein (BSP) gene

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is an extracellular matrix protein that has a highly restricted expression to mineralized skeletal tissues. The chicken bone sialoprotein-encoding gene (bsp) was isolated and shown to contain two less exons than similar mammalian genes, with the absence of an untranslated 5' exon and the fusion of the first two exons that encode the signal peptide and amino terminal end of the mature BSP peptide. Primer extension analysis showed one strong transcriptional start point (tsp) in mRNA prepared from embryonic bone. Comparison of the avian bsp promoter sequence to those of other genes expressed in vertebrate skeletal tissues, identified the presence of homeobox protein binding sequence motifs for engrailed (en-1) and Msx 2 (Hox 8.1), and two collagen type II gene silencer elements. Two TATA sequences one at -21 bp and the second at -172 bp to the tsp were identified. For the first TATA element no CCAAT sequence was observed at an appropriate cis position however two Sp1 sequences (GGGCGG) were identified at -66 and -85 bp. A CCAAT element was seen in an appropriate cis position in relationship to the second upstream TATA, but transient expression analysis in embryonic chicken calvaria osteoblasts using two separate promoter/reporter constructs (+24 to -1244 bp or -121 to -1244 bp), confirmed that only the proximal TATA and Sp1 elements were functional. The +24 to -1244 bp promoter sequence demonstrated 33.6, 13.2, and 3.2 fold activity above base line respectively, within cells prepared from embryonic chicken calvaria bone, cephalic sterna, a cartilage that undergoes mineralization and caudal sterna, a cartilage that does not mineralize during embryogenesis. Only base line activity was observed within cells prepared from embryonic dermal fibroblasts a non-skeletal tissue, which does not express BSP. These same cells demonstrated comparable steady state mRNA levels, corroborating that this segment of promoter DNA had tissue specific activity. A series of nested deletions from the 5' end of the -1244 construct demonstrated that a portion of the tissue specific regulation was controlled by the presence of a silencer element(s) between -1244 and -620 bp since deletion of this segment of DNA resulted in a 6 fold increase in the promoter activity in dermal skin fibroblasts. The -1244-(+)24 nt promoter construct was shown to be stimulated by dexamethasome approximately 1.5 fold over control, inhibited by 1,25(OH)2D3 approximately 60% of control and was strongly stimulated approximately 5.0 fold by parathyroid hormone (PTH) in embryonic calvaria osteoblasts. These data define the proximal promoter of the avian bsp gene and identify several potential regulatory elements that have been observed in the promoters of other genes expressed in skeletal tissues. These elements imparted both tissue and hormone specific promoter activity to bsp expression within skeletal cells.
Critical fluctuations in high-T c superconductors

The Ginzburg criterion suggests that the Ginzburg-Landau theory will break down within \ensuremath{\sim}0.1 K of the transition temperature of the new high-${T}_{c}$ superconductors. Theoretical consequences of this include a weak divergence in the specific heat at ${T}_{c}$, and a correlation length which diverges as ${(T\ensuremath{-}{T}_{c})}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\nu}}$ with $\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\cong}0.67$. Conventional Ginzburg-Landau formulas for critical fields and penetration depths, and mean-field predictions for fluctuation-enhanced quantities, must also be modified close to ${T}_{c}$.
Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes of Human Colostrum. I. Oxidative Metabolism and Kinetics of Killing of Radiolabeled Staphylococcus aureus

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) were isolated from the colostrum of 57 women. Colostral cells were identified by fluorescent microscopy after supravital staining with acridine orange. Numerous intracellular fat globules within colostral PMNLs were shown by Oil Red O stain and electron microscopy. Oxidative metabolic activity during phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan particles was significantly greater in blood PMNLs compared with colostral PMNLs. The total uptake and killing of [methyl-'H]thymidine-labeled Staphylococcus aureus by blood PMNLs were significantly greater than by colostral PMNLs. Similar defects were produced in blood PMNLs incubated with the lipid fraction of colostrum, but not in those incubated with the aqueous fraction. Surface Fc receptors of colostral PMNLs and blood PMNLs incubated with colostral lipid were significantly reduced in number compared with those of control PMNLs or PMNLs preincubated with the aqueous fraction of colostrum. The metabolic and phagocytic defects of PMNLs from human colostrum appear to be related to colostral substances that alter PMNL surface structure and subsequent function. During phagocytosis and killing of bacteria by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), a variety of metabolic and physiologic alterations occurs. The rate of cyanide-insensitive oxidative metabolism is stimulated, as indicated by increases in activity of the hexose monophosphate shunt (HMPS), oxygen consumption, and production of superoxide ion. Internalization of bacteria by PMNLs results in death and digestion of the organisms. Several soluble and insoluble substances have been shown to stimulate the meta
A Comprehensive Tool for Recovering 3D Models From 2D Photos With Wide Baselines

Recovering 3D objects from 2D photos is an important application in the areas of computer vision, computer intelligence, feature recognition, and virtual reality. This paper describes an innovative and systematic method that integrates automatic feature extraction, automatic feature matching, manual revision, feature recovery, and model reconstruction into an effective and integrated 3D object recovery tool. The proposed method is a convenient and inexpensive way to recover 3D scenes and models directly from 2D photos. New automatic key-point selection and hierarchical matching algorithms were developed for matching 2D photos with wide baselines. The method uses a universal camera intrinsic matrix estimation technique to eliminate the need for camera calibration experiments. A new automatic texture-mapping algorithm was also developed for finding the best textures in 2D photos. The paper includes some examples and results to show the capabilities of the new method.
Tedizolid: a new oxazolidinone antimicrobial.

Purpose The mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical efficacy and safety of an investigational second-generation oxazolidinone are reviewed. Summary Tedizolid is a protein synthesis inhibitor in clinical development for the treatment of gram-positive infections. Similar to linezolid, tedizolid works by binding to the 23S ribosomal RNA of the 50S subunit, thereby preventing the formation of the 70S initiation complex and inhibiting protein synthesis. Tedizolid has demonstrated potent in vitro activity against multidrug-resistant gram-positive bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus pneumoniae , and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), including some linezolid-resistant strains. Tedizolid has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile that allows for once-daily dosing and easy i.v.-to-oral conversion. Unlike linezolid, tedizolid has not been shown to interact with serotonergic agents in clinical studies. Two Phase III studies in patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections have demonstrated the noninferiority of 6 days of tedizolid therapy (200 mg i.v. or orally once daily) relative to 10 days of linezolid therapy. In clinical trials to date, overall rates of treatment-related adverse effects with linezolid and tedizolid were comparable (40.8% versus 43.3%), with nausea being the most commonly reported adverse effect associated with tedizolid use (16% of patients). Planned studies will investigate tedizolid’s potential role in the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, hospital-acquired/ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia, and bacteremia. Conclusion Tedizolid is an investigational oxazolidinone antibiotic for the treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-positive pathogens such as MRSA, Streptococcus pneumoniae , and VRE, including some linezolid-resistant strains.
Attention to Science/Environment News Positively Predicts and Attention to Political News Negatively Predicts Global Warming Risk Perceptions and Policy Support

Contemporary science and environmental news coverage of global warming increasingly portrays scientific consensus. Political news coverage of global warming, however, typically portrays controversy. We hypothesize that attention to science and environmental news is associated with beliefs more consistent with the global warming science and higher risk perceptions, and that the opposite is true of attention to political news. Furthermore, we hypothesize that science-based beliefs and risk perceptions are positively associated with support for policies aiming at reducing global warming. These hypotheses were confirmed by survey data from a nationally representative sample of adults (N = 2,164). These findings support and extend the cognitive mediation model of news learning and have important practical ramifications.
Meiotically Stable Natural Epialleles of Sadhu, a Novel Arabidopsis Retroposon

Epigenetic variation is a potential source of genomic and phenotypic variation among different individuals in a population, and among different varieties within a species. We used a two-tiered approach to identify naturally occurring epigenetic alleles in the flowering plant Arabidopsis: a primary screen for transcript level polymorphisms among three strains (Col, Cvi, Ler), followed by a secondary screen for epigenetic alleles. Here, we describe the identification of stable, meiotically transmissible epigenetic alleles that correspond to one member of a previously uncharacterized non-LTR retroposon family, which we have designated Sadhu. The pericentromeric At2g10410 element is highly expressed in strain Col, but silenced in Ler and 18 other strains surveyed. Transcription of this locus is inversely correlated with cytosine methylation and both the expression and DNA methylation states map in a Mendelian manner to stable cis-acting variation. The silent Ler allele can be converted by the epigenetic modifier mutation ddm1 to a meiotically stable expressing allele with an identical primary nucleotide sequence, demonstrating that the variation responsible for transcript level polymorphism among Arabidopsis strains is epigenetic. We extended our characterization of the Sadhu family members and show that different elements are subject to both genetic and epigenetic variation in natural populations. These findings support the view that an important component of natural variation in retroelements is epigenetic.
Does Low Inequality Cause Low Poverty? Evidence from High‐Income and Developing Countries

This paper examines the role of economic inequality in determining poverty globally. Although the immediate observation from the cross-national data covering 1980 to 2005 suggests the relationship to be strong and positive for high-income countries and unpredictable for developing countries, more comprehensive analyses detect it to be consistently positive. While high-income and developing countries typically apply different poverty measurement methodologies with the former using relative and the latter using absolute poverty thresholds, variations in poverty outcomes go beyond these methodological differences. Rejecting any systematic role of economic growth, especially in cases of developing countries, these findings reaffirm the pivotal role that reduction in inequality can play in effectively curbing poverty, with important implications for redistributive policies.
The use of the laser-induced desorption (LID) method for measuring diffusion on interactive systems

Abstract The use of the LID method to measure diffusion coefficients on interactive systems is examined with Monte Carlo simulations. For site exclusion interactions the method gives coverage independent diffusion coefficients as the fluctuation method. Simulations on systems with nearest neighbor interactions, however, show that diffusion coefficients obtained with the LID method are different from the ones obtained by equilibrium methods. We identify the difference to be related to the strong non-equilibrium initial condition, of no particle occupation of the probe area, that removes the system from the linear hydrodynamic regime. Atomic interactions can be extracted with detailed modelling.
Density of states width-parity effect in d -wave superconducting quantum wires

We calculate the density of states (DOS) in a clean mesoscopic d-wave superconducting quantum wire, i.e. a sample of infinite length but finite width $N$. For open boundary conditions, the DOS at zero energy is found to be zero if $N$ is even, and nonzero if $N$ is odd. At finite chemical potential, all chains are gapped but the qualtitative differences between even and odd $N$ remain.
Department of Pediatrics Chair's Initiatives: promoting innovation and improvement through collaboration, accountability, and faculty development.

All rights reserved. 10.1016/j.jpeds.2012.05.017 W ith the objective of investing in innovation and the future of child health, the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Pediatrics at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has created the “Chair’s Initiatives” internal grant funding program. First piloted in 2006, the program invites faculty members to submit proposals for programmatic spending that supports the following goals: enhancing quality and patient safety, improving clinical effectiveness, developing cross-divisional programs, supporting education, facilitating grant submissions, improving the patient experience, and demonstrating outcomes. The department has completed two rounds of this program and is currently halfway through the third. In the first iteration of the program, 65 proposals were submitted and 10 were selected for 2.5 years of funding; $2.9 million was spent. Rounds 2 and 3 had a defined emphasis on quality and patient safety. Twenty-two and 21 proposals were received for Rounds 2 and 3, respectively, with 6 funded per 2-year round. Approximately $900 000 was spent in Round 2, and $815 000 will be spent in Round 3. Initiatives are funded through departmental operational dollars (Table I; available at www.jpeds.com). Although initially there was no defined budget limit, by Round 3, no proposal was granted for >$100 000 per year.
DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF A MASS‐ESTIMATION METHOD FOR WEDDELL SEALS

Traditional methods of acquiring mass data limit the ability to collect large samples from across populations of some pinnipeds, or to sample without great disturbance to the animals. In order to collect substantial samples of mass data from the Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) population in Erebus Bay, Antarctica, we developed the equipment and methods for estimating the mass of Weddell seals using digital photographs. Resulting regression models predict the mass of adult female seals to within ±13.8% of estimated mass, and ±25.9% of estimated mass for pups. We show the protocols developed are repeatable and efficient enough to be applied to a large number of animals in a relatively short period of time and may be useful for studies of other marine mammals. We caution that prediction intervals exist around mass estimates and must be accounted for when estimates are applied to biological questions. In a limited application of the method, differences in mass transfer between experienced and inexperienced maternal females and their pups were detected when prediction error variance around mass estimates was explicitly included. Similar mass-estimation methods may therefore be useful in consideration of biological questions requiring large samples of mass previously unattainable.
Molybdenum toxicity in Lactobacillus leichmannii.

Summary1. Molybdenum at relatively high concentrations inhibited the growth of Lactobacillus leichmannii. 2. This inhibition was prevented or reduced by additions of vit. B12, cysteine, glutathione or BAL. 3. Reducing agents per se had no effect on the inhibition. 4. The possible interactions of molybdenum, vit. B12, and sulfhydryl compounds on the growth of the microorganism have been discussed.
ONLINE MAGAZINES FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS

Like the fingerprints that show on the edge of my door frame, all of us are different—our families are different; our kids and young adults are different. Our tastes differ; our reading needs diffe...
DEPLETION OF THYROID GLANDULAR IODINE AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF THYROTROPIN.

Thyroid content of iodine and of iodoamino acids released by enzymic proteolysis of thyroid tissue was measured before and 3 hr after the intravenous administration of thyrotropin to rats whose glands had been labeled with I131. The thyrotropin-induced loss of radioiodine was considerably greater when animals were given propylthiouracil shortly before injection of thyrotropin than when given saline. In propylthiouraciltreated animals the iodotyrosines and iodothyronines disappeared from the gland in the proportions in which they were present in the gland, while, in animals not given propylthiouracil, thyrotropin induced a relatively greater depletion of iodotyrosines than of iodothyronines. Specific activity data suggested that conversion of iodotyrosines to iodothyronines was accelerated during the 3-hr interval after injecting thyrotropin in control animals while this was probably prevented in the animals given propylthiouracil. Inhibition by propylthiouracil of the conversion of iodotyrosine to iodothy...
Shielding effectiveness with a twist

Traditionally Schelkunoffpsilas shielding effectiveness equation is used universally in teaching and practice throughout the EMC community as a whole. In this paper we will review the three basic classic problems of Schelkunoffpsilas found in his text book. The well-accepted definitions of near field and far field measurements and their inability to satisfy the terms in Schelkunoffpsilas expression SE = A+R+B and the popular use of the shielding expression, SE = SE(H) = SE(E) will be discussed. The results of previous papers and government sponsored reports on near and far field shielding experiments will be discussed. Through practical laboratory testing, experiments and discussion are presented in support of explaining and illustrating the case where the expression SE = SE(H) = SE(E) is not a valid axiom in the near field and how SE = SE(H) = SE(E) is valid in far field conditions in support of understanding basic shielding concepts. Then, discussion on the application of Leontovich boundary conditions, which attempts to modify Schelkunoffpsilas equations to meet near and far field conditions for shielding measurements, is included when relevant in support of basic shielding theory. No attempt however will be made to re-derive a closed mathematical expression or to provide a new comprehensive shielding theory.
Cohomology of step functions under irrational rotations

This paper studies the solvability of the functional equationg(x+θ)=φ(x)g(x), given an irrationalθ and a step functionf mappingR/Z (with Lebesgue measure) to the unit circle. Results are applied to find parameterized families of representations of non-regular semi-direct product groups and to display irregularities in the uniform distribution of the sequenceZθ.
Lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of prostaglandin H synthase-2 in alveolar macrophages is inhibited by dexamethasone but not by aspirin

Abstract Alveolar macrophages cultured with lipopolysaccharide release markedly increased amounts of prostanoids upon subsequent stimulation, an effect that is due to induction of prostaglandin H synthase-2 (J. Biol. Chem., (1992 ), 267, 14545-14550, and Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm., (1992 ), 187, 1123-1127). The effects of dexamethasone and aspirin on this enhanced formation of thromboxane by stimulated lipopolysaccharide-primed alveolar macrophages were investigated. Under conditions of maximum inhibition, dexamethasone and aspirin decreased the formation of thromboxane by approximately 50% and 80%, respectively. Expression of lipopolysaccharide-induced prostaglandin H synthase-2 in dexamethasone-treated macrophages was similarly inhibited by about 50%, as determined by Northern blot and immunoprecipitation. In contrast, levels of lipopolysaccharide-induced prostaglandin H synthase-2 mRNA and protein were not reduced in aspirin-treated macrophages. We conclude that inhibition of prostaglandin H synthase-2 expression represents a mechanism by which dexamethasone, but not aspirin, may inhibit prostanoid formation by alveolar macrophages.
Optical testing for meter size aspheric optics

Several meter size steep aspheric optics, with aspheric departure ranging from 100μm to 2mm, have been successfully fabricated at the College of Optical Sciences at University of Arizona. Optical metrology systems have been developed for measuring the optical surfaces efficiently and accurately. These systems include laser tracker surface profiler, swing arm optical CMM with different type of sensors, slope measurements with SCOTS, the Software Configurable Optical Test System (SCOTS) and interferometry with computer generated holograms. We summarize the test methods and provide comparison of the relative strengths and weaknesses.
Trends in high performance data conversion

A/D and D/A converters with ever higher performance in terms of conversion rate and dynamic range are required in digital signal processing and communications systems. This paper reviews the architectures and circuit techniques underlying monolithic Nyquist rate CMOS and bipolar data converters, with emphasis on considerations of high-speed, wide dynamic range, and low power dissipation. >
The synthesis of dl-sandaracopimaradiene, dl-pimaradiene and some observations on the structure of rimuene☆

THE SYNTHESIS OF dl-SANDARACOPIMARADIENE, dl-PIMARADIENE AND SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE STRUCTURE OF RIMUENE' Robert E. Ireland and Peter W. Schiess Department of Chemistry, The University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan (Received October 20, 1960) In the field of total synthesis of the dlterpenoid resin acids, efforts reported to date have concerned themselves with construction of the appropriate A and B rings 2 . We now wish to report the results of a program directed toward the elaboration of the ring C substitution pattern present in the pimaric acids. When the tricyclic ketone(I), prepared independently in substantially the same fashion as that reported by Turner and 3 co-workers , was condensed with ethyl formate in the presence of sodium methoxide and then with pyrrolidine, there resulted an 83$ yield of the pyrrolldinomethylene ketone(I1, R=C4H8N)
Two-photon absorbing block copolymer as a nanocarrier for porphyrin: energy transfer and singlet oxygen generation in micellar aqueous solution.

A novel amphiphilic water-soluble 2PA-chromophore-containing block copolymer was designed and synthesized. Micelles (nanostructures) were generated in the aqueous solution using the block copolymer and characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We demonstrated that hydrophobic porphyrin could be incorporated into aqueous solution with the assistance of micelles. The results from DLS showed that the average diameters are in the range of 59−77 nm. Efficient energy transfer (as high as 96%) from the 2PA chromophore to porphyrin was observed in micellar aqueous solution even though the donor and acceptor were not covalently bonded. Furthermore, the energy transfer contributes to the efficient generation of the singlet oxygen (by a factor of 2.6 at 800 nm) from the porphyrin guest molecules.
High-temperature measurements of the rates of the reactions CH2O + Ar → Products and CH2O + O2 → Products

Abstract The two-channel thermal decomposition of formaldehyde [CH 2 O], (1a) CH 2 O + Ar → HCO + H + Ar, and (1b) CH 2 O + Ar → H 2 + CO + Ar, was studied in shock tube experiments in the 2258–2687 K temperature range, at an average total pressure of 1.6 atm. OH radicals, generated on shock heating trioxane–O 2 –Ar mixtures, were monitored behind the reflected shock front using narrow-linewidth laser absorption. 1,3,5 trioxane [C 3 H 6 O 3 ] was used as the CH 2 O precursor in the current experiments. H-atoms formed upon CH 2 O and HCO decomposition rapidly react with O 2 to produce OH via H + O 2 → O + OH. The recorded OH time-histories show dominant sensitivity to the formaldehyde decomposition pathways. The second-order reaction rate coefficients were inferred by matching measured and modeled OH profiles behind the reflected shock. Two-parameter fits for k 1a and k 1b , applicable in this temperature range, are: k 1 a = 5.85 × 10 14 exp ( - 32100 / T [ K ] ) [ cm 3 mol - 1 s - 1 ] k 1 b = 4.64 × 10 14 exp ( - 28700 / T [ K ] ) [ cm 3 mol - 1 s - 1 ] Uncertainty limits for k 1a and k 1b were estimated to be ∼±25%. The reaction between CH 2 O and O 2 , (2) CH 2 O + O 2 → HO 2 + HCO, was also investigated in shock tube experiments. The rapid thermal decomposition of HCO and HO 2 generate H-atoms that react with O 2 to produce OH. Rate coefficients were, as in the CH 2 O decomposition experiments, inferred by matching measured and modeled OH time-histories behind the reflected shock, under conditions where interference from secondary chemistry is minimal. A two-parameter, least-squares fit of the current data, valid over the 1480–2367 K temperature range, yields the following rate expression: k 2 = 5.08 × 10 14 exp ( - 23300 / T [ K ] ) [ cm 3 mol - 1 s - 1 ] The uncertainty in k 2 was estimated to be ∼±35%.
Influence of type IV pilus retraction on the architecture of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae-infected cell cortex

Early in infection, Neisseria gonorrhoeae can be observed to attach to the epithelial cell surface as microcolonies and induce dramatic changes to the host cell cortex. We tested the hypothesis that type IV pili (Tfp) retraction plays a role in the ultrastructure of both the host cell cortex and the bacterial microcolony. Using serial ultrathin sectioning, transmission electron microscopy and 3D reconstruction of serial 2D images, we have obtained what we believe to be the first 3D reconstructions of the N. gonorrhoeae-host cell interface, and determined the architecture of infected cell microvilli as well as the attached microcolony. Tfp connect both wild-type (wt) and Tfp retraction-deficient bacteria with each other, and with the host cell membrane. Tfp fibres and microvilli form a lattice in the wt microcolony and at its periphery. Wt microcolonies induce microvilli formation and increases of surface area, leading to an approximately ninefold increase in the surface area of the host cell membrane at the site of attachment. In contrast, Tfp retraction-deficient microcolonies do not affect these parameters. Wt microcolonies had a symmetrical, dome-shaped structure with a circular 'footprint', while Tfp retraction-deficient microcolonies were notably less symmetrical. These findings support a major role for Tfp retraction in microvilli and microcolony architecture. They are consistent with the biophysical attributes of Tfp and the effects of Tfp retraction on epithelial cell signalling.
Experiments on Pitching Plates: Force and Flowfield Measurements at Low Reynolds Numbers

We discuss implementation of prescribed-motion rigs, dye injection and direct force measurement for high frequency, high-amplitude smoothed linear pitch ramps of flat-plate models in a water tunnel. We extend recent results on 2D (wall to wall) flat plates pitching from 0° to 90°, to rectangular and elliptical (Zimmerman planform) plates of aspect ratio 2. Surveying a range of pivot point locations and pitch rates, we compare the development of leading edge vortices, tip vortices and trailing edge vortices, with trends in lift coefficient and drag coefficient history. The lift peak is seen to correlate with the maximum size of the leading edge vortex, prior to its shedding and downstream convection. Tip vortices evolve more slowly than leading edge vortices, in the sense that a tip vortex remains coherent and nearly attached to the wingtip until well past leading edge vortex saturation and shedding. Peak lift is delayed to progressively higher angles of attack as the reduced frequency is increased. And the non-circulatory or apparent-mass forces are evidently additive to the circulatory aerodynamic forces, implying applicability of linear superposition.
New reaction system for hydrocarbon oxidation by chloroperoxidase

A novel reaction system was developed to maximize the catalytic efficiency of chloroperoxidase (CPO, from Caldariomyces fumago) toward the oxidation of hydrocarbons. The reaction system consisted of an organic/aqueous emulsion comprising pure substrate and aqueous buffer supplemented with the surfactant dioctyl sulfosuccinate. The emulsion system attenuated not only the destabilizing effects of the substrate and product on the enzyme by emulsifying the compounds, but also oxidant toxicity (oxidative stress) by increasing substrate availability. As a result, CPO exhibited total turnover numbers (TTNs, defined as the amount of product produced over the catalytic lifetime of the enzyme) of ca. 20,000 mol product/mol enzyme for the oxidation of styrene, toluene, and o-, m-, p-xylenes. The TTNs are over 10-fold higher than those previously reported for the oxidation of benzylic hydrocarbons by CPO. This study represents a significant step toward the development of CPO as a practical catalyst for large-scale organic syntheses.
Cooperative control for multiple autonomous UAV's searching for targets

The work presented here is in the area of decision and control for autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Specifically, we formulate the problem of generating near-optimal trajectories to follow in order for several UAVs to cooperatively search for targets in a given area for which some a priori data about target distribution is available. An algorithm that utilizes a model of the cooperation is developed and a dynamic programming implementation is presented as a solution to this problem. Results from simulations are provided to illustrate the usefulness of this approach.