cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Class IA PI3-kinase isoforms in signaling and cancer

SY37-02 Class 1A phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are activated by growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and Ras to generate the primary intracellular lipid signal, phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3), which is essential for multiple cellular processes. The tumor suppressor PTEN, a lipid phosphatase, dephosphorylates PIP3 and therefore opposes the action of PI3Ks. Constitutive activation of the class 1A PI3K signaling pathway, via direct or indirect mutagenic events is common in many types of human cancer. Thus, class 1A PI3Ks are attractive targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer. In mammals, there are two class 1A PI3K isoforms, p110α and p110β, broadly expressed in epithelial tissues/organs, among others. These two isoforms of PI3K are very similar in their catalytic and regulatory domains. They utilize the same substrates and generate the same lipid products. The structural and enzymatic overlap of these two PI3K isoforms suggests that they may function redundantly with each other. Recently, however, we have constructed conditional knockout mice via the Cre-LoxP (floxed) mediated recombination system for PIK3CA and PIK3CB encoding p110α and p110β, respectively. We found that the two isoforms have markedly different roles in cellular signaling and oncogenic transformation. Ablation of p110α in cells led to deficient cellular signaling in response to various growth factors and insulin. Interestingly, loss of p110β had little effect on growth factor signaling but impaired LPA (lisophosphatidic acid) elicited Akt activation and downstream signal events. However, cells lacking either p110α or p110β are resistant to oncogenic transformation induced by various oncogenes. In vivo tissue-specific deletion of p110α or p110β studies begin to reveal distinct roles of these two isoforms in development and tumorigenesis in breast and prostate tissues. Finally, a kinome-wide screen for kinases that are able to transform cells lacking p110α or p110β will also be discussed.
MO-DE-BRA-02: From Teaching to Learning: Systems-Based-Practice and Practice-Based-Learning Innovations in Medical Physics Education Programs

Purpose: The increasing complexity in the field of radiation medicine and concomitant rise in patient safety concerns call for enhanced systems-level training for future medical physicists and thus commensurate innovations in existing educational program curricula. In this work we report on the introduction of three learning opportunities to augment medical physics educational programs towards building systems-based practice and practice-based learning competencies. Methods: All initiatives were introduced for senior -level graduate students and physics residents in an institution with a newly established medical-physics graduate program and therapeutic-physics residency program. The first, centered on incident learning, was based on a spreadsheet tool that incorporated the reporting structure of the Radiation Oncology-incident Learning System (ROILS), included 120 narratives of published incidents and enabled inter-rater variability calculations. The second, centered on best-practices, was a zero-credit seminar course, where students summarized select presentations from the AAPM virtual library on a weekly basis and moderated class discussions using a point/counterpoint approach. Presentation styles were critiqued. The third; centered on learning-by-teaching, required physics residents to regularly explain fundamental concepts in radiological physics from standard textbooks to board certified physics faculty members. Results: Use of the incident-learning system spreadsheet provided a platform to recast known accidents into the framework of ROILS, thereby increasing awareness of factors contributing to unsafe practice and appreciation for inter-rater variability. The seminar course enhanced awareness of best practices, the effectiveness of presentation styles and encouraged critical thinking. The learn-by-teaching rotation allowed residents to stay abreast of and deepen their knowledge of relevant subjects. Conclusion: The incorporation of systems-driven initiatives broadens comprehension of the wider systems context of medical physics, enhances awareness of resources for innovation, communication and sustained learning while maintaining a metric-driven focus on patient safety within the formative phase of student careers. The initiatives were well-received, feasible, and utilized available or shared-resources translatable across educational programs.
Choice Situation, Refocusing, and Post-Bankruptcy Performance

The current study sheds additional light on how and when firms improve their performance after having filed for Chapter 11 reorganization protection. Based on the work of Hrebiniak and Joyce [Administrative Science Quarterly 30 (1985) 336] and Marlin, Lamont and Hoffman [Strategic Management Journal 15 (1994) 229], a framework is developed that identifies which distressed firms have the best chances of surviving bankruptcy and the extent to which refocusing, a popularly prescribed remedy for these ailing firms, will aid their plight. The results demonstrate the utility of viewing bankruptcy reorganizations as different choice situations, where firms have varying levels of strategic choice, determined largely by their stockpiles of redeployable resources, and face different degrees of environmental constraint. Only firms with relatively high strategic choice or low environmental constraint were found to benefit from refocusing actions. That is, the performance effects of at least one popular remedy, refocu...
Biomedical Imaging: Principles and Applications

Biomedical Imaging: Principles and Applications, edited by Reiner Salzer, PhD, is a new book recently published by John Wiley & Sons. Of the 28 contributing authors, 25 are from Europe, 2 are from Canada, and 1 is from the United States. The authors have put together a comprehensive set of both well-established and emerging imaging technologies currently used in the laboratory and clinical practice. The text is well written with plenty of references and illustrations. In my opinion, it will help educate a wide audience coming into the field of biomedical imaging from various disciplines of science and engineering.
Variations in the Responses of Mouse Strains to Rat Xenografts

There is strong histoincompatibility between the rat and the mouse such that grafts of rat skin (1) or primarily vascularized hearts (2) placed in mice undergo acute rejection about 5 to 9 days after transplantation. In the case of skin grafts, which have been more thoroughly studied, this prompt rejection has been shown to occur in all of a large number of mouse strains that have been tested (3). If, however, the recipients of skin grafts receive a brief course of treatment with anti-lymphocyte serum (ALS)[4][1] at the time of grafting, survival of the grafts is prolonged and the extent of prolongation varies among the recipient strains to a surprising degree (3). That this latter phenomenon is not restricted to skin grafts is demonstrated by the results obtained with primarily vascularized xenografts of hearts as described in this report. Mice were purchased from the Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine. [1]: #fn-4
Nonlinear control of a bioreactor model using exact and I/O linearization

A nonlinear multivariable bioreactor system has been the subject of two differential geometry feedback control design approaches. Exact linearization and input/output linearization are applied to the bioreactor model and verified by simulation experiments. Exact linearization via state feedback shows a high degree of coupling on the controlled variables and large changes on the manipulated variables. Input/output linearization, with the ability of implementing independent, decoupled control loops, gives more satisfactory results. The issues of invertabiity and parameter uncertainties are also discussed in this paper.
Comparison of r.f. sputtered zinc oxide thin films on nonpiezoelectric substrates

Etude de la croissance et de la structure de couches de ZnO deposees sous des conditions de pulverisation identiques
Estimation spectrale avec mémoire longue et hétéroscédasticité conditionnelle

Resume Les methodes spectrales semi-parametriques sont utiles en ce qu'elles permettent une inference robuste en series temporelles. Cette Note considere la statistique du periodogramme localement moyenne dans le contexte d'un processus lineaire generalise dont les innovations sont conditionnellement heteroscedastiques (avec eventuellement memoire longue). Il est demontre que le periodogramme localement moyenne est un estimateur asymptotiquement normal pour la densite spectrale en zero de processus faiblement dependants, et qu'il permet l'estimation convergente du degre de memoire longue ou du vecteur de cointegration stationnaire pour des processus a dependance forte.
Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous and Oral Levofloxacin in Critically Ill Adults in a Medical Intensive Care Unit

Study Objective. To characterize the pharmacokinetic disposition of intravenous and oral levofloxacin in critically ill adults. Design. Prospective, open-label study. Setting. University teaching hospital. Patients. Thirty critically ill patients in a medical intensive care unit (ICU). Interventions. All patients received levofloxacin as part of their routine medical care. Pharmacokinetic evaluations were performed in 28 patients receiving intravenous levofloxacin. Ten of these patients subsequently were switched to oral levofloxacin and underwent a second pharmacokinetic evaluation during oral therapy. Measurements and Main Results. Mean ± SD levofloxacin half-life, clearance at steady state, and volume of distribution in all 28 patients were 8.0 ± 1.7 hours, 134 ± 35 ml/minute, and 1.2 ± 0.3 L/kg, respectively. Maximum and minimum serum concentrations (Cmax and Cmin) and area under the serum concentration-time curve from 0–24 hours (AUC0-24) in patients receiving levofloxacin 500 mg intravenously were 7.5 ± 0.8 mg/L, 1.0 ± 0.5 mg/L, and 66.1 ± 15.7 mg · hour/L, respectively. Observed Cmax, Cmin, and time at which maximum concentration was achieved after oral doses of levofloxacin 500 mg were 5.5 ± 1.1 mg/L, 0.8 ± 0.4 mg/L, and 1.3 ± 0.4 hours, respectively These values were significantly different (p<0.05) from those observed after intravenous dosing in the same patients; other pharmacokinetic parameters were similar. Statistically significant increases (p<0.05) in Cmax, Cmin, half-life, and AUC0–24 were found in critically ill patients administered multiple doses of intravenous levofloxacin compared with historical data from healthy volunteers. Conclusions. The dosage regimen of intravenous levofloxacin 500 mg once/day appears adequate for most pathogens found in critically ill patients with normal renal function. Less susceptible pathogens may require an increased daily dose for more optimal therapy. Orally administered levofloxacin appears to be well absorbed in selected ICU patients and has pharmacokinetics similar to those of intravenously administered levofloxacin.
Low concentrations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D associated with increased risk for chronic bronchitis among US adults

Increasing evidence suggests that vitamin D benefits both innate and adaptive immunity, thereby eliciting an anti-inflammatory effect and reducing the risk of infectious disease. The present study examined the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and the risk of chronic bronchitis among US adults. We analysed data from 6872 US adults aged ≥ 20 years who participated in the 2003-6 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Prevalence and OR with 95 % CI of having self-reported chronic bronchitis were estimated by quintiles of 25(OH)D or vitamin D-deficiency status after adjustment for potential confounders. The results showed that the adjusted prevalence of chronic bronchitis ranged from 2.4 (95 % CI 1.4, 3.3) % among adults in the highest quintile of 25(OH)D ( ≥ 30 ng/ml) to 4.1 (95 % CI 2.5, 5.6) % among adults in the lowest quintile ( < 15 ng/ml; P for trend < 0.01). The adjusted OR for chronic bronchitis was 1.85 (95 % CI 1.06, 3.24) in adults with < 15 ng/ml 25(OH)D and 1.77 (95 % CI 1.19, 2.65) in those with 15 to < 20 ng/ml 25(OH)D compared with adults with ≥ 30 ng/ml 25(OH)D. Additionally, the adjusted OR for chronic bronchitis was 1.52 (95 % CI 1.03, 2.26) among adults with vitamin D deficiency ( < 20 ng/ml 25(OH)D) compared with those with ≥ 20 ng/ml 25(OH)D. For every 1 ng/ml increase in 25(OH)D, the likelihood of having chronic bronchitis fell by 2.6 % (P = 0.016). In conclusion, low serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with the increased risk of chronic bronchitis among US adults. The present results provide support for continuing research on the role of vitamin D in lung diseases.
Interdisciplinary education approach to the human science

We introduced human sciences as components, and integrated them together as an interdisciplinary endeavor over decades. This year, we built a website to maintain systematically the educational research service. We captured the human sciences in various components in the SPIE proceedings over the last decades, which included: (i) ears & eyes like adaptive wavelets, (ii) brain-like unsupervised learning independent component analysis (ICA); (iii) compressive sampling spatiotemporal sparse information processing, (iv) nanoengineering approach to sensing components, (v) systems biology measurements, and (vi) biomedical wellness applications. In order to serve the interdisciplinary community better, our system approach is based on that the former recipients invited the next recipients to deliver their review talks and panel discussions. Since only the former recipients of each component can lead the nomination committees and make the final selections, we also create a leadership award which may be nominated by any conference attendance, to be approved by the conference organization committee.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On the energy efficiency of mixed-line-rate networks

We present an approach to evaluate energy efficiency of mixed-line-rate (MLR) optical networks. A comparative study of energy efficiency of MLR and single-line-rate (SLR) networks shows that MLR is more energy efficient than SLR networks.
Endoscopic sphincterotomy in the management of posttraumatic biliary fistula

Complications after nonoperative management of hepatic trauma are rare but include persistent biliary fistula in 4% of cases. Therapy usually involves surgical drainage or hepatic resection to control the fistula. The authors present a case of hepatic biliary fistula treated nonoperatively with percutaneous drainage and endoscopic sphincterotomy. A 16-year-old girl suffered a grade III parenchymal liver fracture to the right lobe in an automobile accident. She was hemodynamically stable with no coexistent injuries and was treated nonoperatively. Over 2 weeks her total bilirubin rose to 3.2 mg/dL, and alkaline phosphatase was 463 U/L. Ultrasound showed free intraperitoneal fluid, and 2 L of bilious fluid were retrieved by paracentesis. A radionuclide scan confirmed massive extravasation of isotope from the right lobe. Two drains percutaneously placed over the parenchymal fracture produced 500 to 600 mL of bile daily. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) 1 week later showed a normal extrahepatic biliary system. A 1-cm sphincterotomy was performed without difficulty. Within 72 hours, percutaneous drains produced only 35 mL per day. The follow-up radionuclide scan showed no evidence of extrahepatic biliary extravasation, and 3 weeks later the drains were removed. Six months after the accident, results of the computerized tomography scan and liver function tests were normal. It was believed that endoscopic sphincterotomy reduced fistula output by decreasing the intrabiliary pressure caused by the ampulla, thus favoring internal drainage. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of endoscopic sphincterotomy as an alternative to direct surgical intervention for the management of posttraumatic biliary fistula.
Molecular modeling studies of polymer electrolytes for power sources

Abstract Density functional theory and classical molecular dynamics simulations permit us to elucidate details of ionic and molecular transport useful for the design of polymer electrolyte membranes. We consider two systems of current interest: (a) ionic transport in polyethylene-oxide compared to that in a polyphosphazene membrane targeted to be a good ionic carrier but a bad water carrier and (b) transport of oxygen and protons through hydrated nafion in the vicinity of a catalyst phase. It is shown that in polyphosphazene membranes, nitrogen atoms interact more strongly with lithium ions than ether oxygens do. As a result of the different complexation of Li + with the polymer sites, Li + has a much higher diffusion coefficient in polyphosphazene than in polyethylene oxide electrolyte membranes, with the consequent relevance to lithium–water battery technology. For the hydrated membrane/catalyst interface, our simulations show that the Nafion membrane used in low-temperature fuel cells interacts strongly with the catalytic metal nanoparticles directing the side chain towards the catalyst surface. Results at various degrees of hydration of the membrane illustrate the formation of water clusters surrounding the polymer hydrophilic sites, and reveal how the connectivity of these clusters may determine the transport mechanism of protons and molecular species.
Program/erase speed, endurance, retention, and disturbance characteristics of single-poly embedded flash cells

N-channel and P-channel single-poly embedded flash (eflash) memory cells were implemented in a standard CMOS logic process. Among the different configurations based on standard I/O devices, the N-channel cell with a PMOS-PMOS-NMOS combo and the P-channel cell with an NMOS-NMOS-PMOS combo were found to be most attractive in terms of program/erase performance, while the cell with a coupling device having P+ poly showed longer retention characteristic than the cells with a coupling device having N+ poly. Negligible program disturbance and floating gate coupling were observed in all cell types.
Export instability, income terms of trade instability and growth: causal analyses

This paper seeks to examine the causal relationship between export instability. income terms of trade instability, investment and economic growth by using the cointegration analysis and the multivariate error correction model. In addition, reverse causality is also tested by examining whether output and investment cause export instability and income terms of trade instability. The data utilized are drawn from a sample of 14 developing nations. The cointegration results indicate that export and income terms of trade instability have long-run relationships with output. For most countries, instability in the income terms of trade is negatively related to output while the results for export instability are mixed. With respect to causality, it seems that export instability and income terms of trade instability play a causal role in the development process via a variety of avenues.
Precordial ST segment mapping. A sensitive technique for the evaluation of myocardial injury

Myocardial ischemic injury was created acutely in pigs by a closed-chest technique utilizing an intracoronary balloon occluder for the interruption of flow in the left anterior descending coronary artery and ST-segment elevation was followed over a two hour period using an 18 lead precordial map. In an experimental group of 10 animals, occlusion was carried out within the left anterior descending coronary artery 8.3 ± 0.5 cm distal to the origin of the main left coronary. Mean ST segment elevation (ST) showed a peak rise of 0.16 mV 10 minutes after occlusion. The balloon was moved proximally 1.6 ± 0.2 cm giving a significant secondary rise of 0.16 mV within 5 minutes, despite indications of a generally small area of additional myocardial involvement, as judged from anatomic distribution of additional vessels occluded as well as a lack of significant change in hemodynamic parameters. In a control group of 5 additional pigs, a single distal occlusion at 6.4 ± 0.9 cm from the origin of the main left coronary was produced by an identical technique. The ST rose to a peak of 0.20 mV at 15 minutes and was followed by a steady decline. Unlike the experimental group, no additional rise in ST was seen. The technique of precordial mapping thus appears to be a sensitive index of myocardial injury. In addition, it appears from this study that the magnitude of ST elevation is a direct reflection of the extent of myocardial injury.
Regulation by cations of [3H]spiroperidol binding associated with dopamine receptors of rat brain

: The effects of monovalent and divalent cations on binding of [3H]spiroperidol to dopamine receptors in rat corpus striatum were studied. Both monovalent and divalent cations as well as several chelating agents increase the number of [3H] spiroperidol binding sites. Manganese is most potent, enhancing binding at 1 μm concentration, while magnesium and calcium are at least two orders of magnitude less potent and the monovalent cations sodium, potassium and lithium are still weaker. Divalent cations enhance the potency of dopaminergic agonists in competing for [3H]spiroperidol binding, an effect which appears to be independent of the ionic augmentation of [3H]spiroperidol binding. Divalent cations decrease both the association and dissociation rates of [3H]spiroperidol binding to dopamine receptor sites.
A 4-bit 12GS/s data acquisition System-on-Chip including a flash ADC and 4-channel DeMUX in 130nm CMOS

This paper presents design and implementation of a 12GS/s fully differential data acquisition (DAQ) System-on-Chip (SoC) in a standard 130nm CMOS process. The 12 GS/s DAQ system includes a 4-bit flash ADC and 4 channels of 1:32 DeMUX with on-chip custom registers. At 12GS/s sampling rate, the DAQ SoC achieves an SNDR of 19.2 dB for 2.9GHz input and 24.2 dB for low frequency inputs. The flash ADC and each DeMUX channel consume 200- and 260- mA from 1.3V supply, respectively. The active area of flash ADC and each DeMUX channel is 0.85- and 0.70-mm2, respectively. The DAQ SoC does not employ time-interleaving and calibration techniques. Moreover, no BW- or speed-enhancing inductors have been used in the design. The circuit achieves the highest sampling rate in a standard 130nm CMOS technology.
Speech categorization in context: Joint effects of nonspeech and speech precursors

The extent to which context influences speech categorization can inform theories of pre-lexical speech perception. Across three conditions, listeners categorized speech targets preceded by speech context syllables. These syllables were presented as the sole context or paired with nonspeech tone contexts previously shown to affect speech categorization. Listeners’ context-dependent categorization across these conditions provides evidence that speech and nonspeech context stimuli jointly influence speech processing. Specifically, when the spectral characteristics of speech and nonspeech context stimuli are mismatched such that they are expected to produce opposing effects on speech categorization the influence of nonspeech contexts may undermine, or even reverse, the expected effect of adjacent speech context. Likewise, when spectrally matched, the cross-class contexts may collaborate to increase effects of context. Similar effects are observed even when natural speech syllables, matched in source to the speech categorization targets, serve as the speech contexts. Results are well-predicted by spectral characteristics of the context stimuli.
The Pb isotopic evolution of the Earth: inferences from river water suspended loads

Pb and U concentrations and Pb isotopic variations in the suspended loads of major rivers draining regions with a range of ages of crustal formation are reported. The206Pb/204Pb,207Pb/204Pb and208Pb/204Pb ratios are positively correlated with87Sr/86Sr and negatively correlated witheNd values in the samples. A coherent negative correlation of the Pb isotope ratios witheNd values allows us to estimate the average Pb isotope composition of the upper continental crust at206Pb/204Pb= 19.32 ± 0.28,207Pb/204Pb= 15.76 ± 0.09 and208Pb/204Pb= 39.33 ± 0.39. The206Pb/204Pb ratios are positively correlated with their Nd model ages, reflecting the higher upper continental crust μ values relative to mantle μ values. The upper continental crust, as well as the MORB and OIB sources, plot to the right of the geochron. Assuming that the lower crust is the missing low-μ reservoir, we have calculated a range of possible lower crust Pb isotope compositions similar to many granulite terrains. Overall, the upper continental crust has somewhat higher207Pb/204Pb than MORB or OIB, while206Pb/204Pb overlaps with the MORB values and is less radiogenic than some OIB values. Typical measured μ values for the suspended loads of large rivers are ∼ 4, while the μ values of their crustal source rocks (based on the Pb isotope composition) are ∼ 12, allowing for up to 65% of U from continental weathering being carried in the dissolved load to the oceans. The near-overlap of the206Pb/204Pb values of MORB and continental crust is consistent with the suggestion thatU is recycled into the mantle through altered oceanic crust. The exception to these trends are the samples with the oldest Nd model ages (∼ 3.5 Ga). The Pb isotope ratios show drastic deviation from the Pb and Sr correlation trend suggesting an inherent low μ value in the mantle source of the early Archean continental crust.
Recruitment and workforce issues in late 20th century American psychiatry.

In the waning years of this decade, American psychiatry faces a new set of challenges as it prepares for a new century. The challenges of this era, unlike those of one hundred years ago are more political and economic than scientific. We have established a scientific basis for our knowledge of the biology and psychology of behavior. We have firmly anchored ourselves in the rich traditions of science and medicine. However, we need to secure a definition of our field that maintains the union of psychology and biology. From our definition, we need to sustain and develop diverse therapies which include pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Our choice will lead either to our remaining a broad energetic discipline whose science and ideas readily attract new recruits or a dull restrictive one with few recruits and limited possibilities. Having accomplished this, we can address the political and economic basis of American life which has less resources to commit to medicine. Our success in society's accepting and supporting our broad definition coupled with a commitment of essential resources for psychiatric education will assure our future.
An X-ray survey for pre-main-sequence stars in the Taurus-Auriga and Perseus molecular cloud complexes

Seventy-five fields from the Einstein X-Ray Observatory IPC detector between 3h and 5h right ascension and 15 deg and 35 deg declination are examined to search for X-ray-emitting low-mass pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars. Six such stars were previously found; they appear to be similar to T Tauri stars but without dense circumstellar envelopes or winds. Finding charts are presented for 59 X-ray sources that may be PMS stars. While some are likely to be spurious X-ray sources, chance coincidences with unrelated stars, or non-PMS stellar sources such as RS CVn type binaries, approximately half are probably X-ray-selected PMS stars.
Population Decline of Black Terns in Wisconsin: A 30-Year Perspective

Abstract. Point-count surveys of Black Terns (Chlidonias niger surinamensis) were conducted in Wisconsin from 1980 to 2011 to assess statewide population trends of this declining species. The survey program consisted of 19 roadside transects, each with 15 stops (N = 285 stops total), spread across 15 counties throughout the state. Surveys were conducted at the same sites each year during three periods (1980–1982, 1995–1997, 2009–2011) by observers who visited each site once during the breeding season (25 May to 24 June) and counted the number of Black Terns seen during a 5-min interval. Over the three survey periods, statistically significant changes in abundance occurred on 14 of the 19 transects, most of which either were linear or exponential declines; no significant increases were evident. Survey-wide, the population declined in abundance by nearly 70% over the past 30 years and site occupancy declined by a similar percentage. Complete extirpation was recorded on four transects. Nest counts in two int...
The representation of organisms in terms of predicates.

The different approaches to relational biology developed by N. Rashevsky and R. Rosen consider essentially binary relations between various components of biological functions of the organism. Actually an organism is represented by a set of differentn-ary relations. The present paper is an attempt to outline a possible approach to this more realistic situation. Inasmuch asn-ary relation is ann-place predicate, it is attempted to describe the basic known properties of an organism in terms ofn-place predicates, in which the variables represent the different “components” of the organism. Some possible forms of such predicates are discussed and some general properties of systems of such predicates are studied. It is shown that if the organism is described by predicates of the type discussed here, statements can be derived about the conditions “of reestablishability” of different components. Conclusions similar to those obtained previously by R. Rosen are reached now on a very different basis. A description of the process of cell differentiation in multicellular organisms in terms of predicates studied here is briefly outlined. A comparison of similarities and differences between the approach and Rosen’s description of organisms in terms of the theory of categories is made.
On the correspondence between critical pitting potential and pitting of aluminum under conditions of natural immersion

Abstract This paper deals with the relationship between critical pitting potential, corrosion potential and spontaneous pitting corrosion of pure aluminum under conditions of natural immersion in aqueous chloride solutions. Experimental investigations in 0·01, 0·05, 0·1, 0·5, 1·0, and 3 M KCl on pure aluminum have shown a correlation between electrochemical and chemical methods in predicting pitting susceptibility of aluminum by chloride ions. It is shown that although pits can be sustained at potentials smaller than the steady-state critical pitting potential, a necessary prerequisite for pit nucleation is that the corrosion potential of the test specimen must be higher than the critical potential for sufficient time for pits to nucleate.
Living Anionic Surface Initiated Polymerization (SIP) of Styrene from Clay Surfaces

Anionic surface initiated polymerization (SIP) was investigated to improve the stabilities and grafting densities of polymers on clay. This is a challenge because of the difficulties with the anionic polymerization mechanism and the presence of adventitious H2O molecules in silicates and clay. Our results showed the living anionic polymerization was only possible with the 1,1-diphenylethylene (DPE) initiator and a reaction protocol involving heating to 120 °C. The reaction serves to distinguish between surface and intergallery initiation.
Digital complex envelope demodulation using nonminimal normal form structures

Through the use of a complex bandpass digital filter with decimated output, the complex envelope of a narrow-band signal can be obtained by multiplying the decimated filter output by a complex exponential sequence. For appropriate choices of decimation ratio, the complex envelope can be obtained directly from the output of the complex filter, with no multiplications by a complex exponential sequence required. In this correspondence we call attention to a new nonminimal recursive structure, derived from the normal form, that can be used for efficient implementation of complex bandass filters with decimated output.
A silver-nanoparticle-catalyzed graphite composite for electrochemical energy storage

Abstract A new composite containing silver nanoparticles and graphite is developed in order to improve electrochemical energy storage. The nanocomposite uses silver (Ag) nanoparticles as a catalyst to enhance the electrochemical performance. Results indicate that the graphite composite decorated with Ag shows up to a six-fold improvement in specific capacitance. Electron/charge transfer is enhanced through a shift from double-layer to pseudocapacitive behavior, mediated by Li+ intercalation. Decoration with Ag nanoparticles allows for improvements in electrochemical impedance response, ease of electronic/ionic charging, and overall energy storage capability. This research provides a promising alternative solution for the next generation of safe and cost-effective lithium-ion devices.
Cadherin-23 Mediates Heterotypic Cell-Cell Adhesion between Breast Cancer Epithelial Cells and Fibroblasts

In the early stages of breast cancer metastasis, epithelial cells penetrate the basement membrane and invade the surrounding stroma, where they encounter fibroblasts. Paracrine signaling between fibroblasts and epithelial tumor cells contributes to the metastatic cascade, but little is known about the role of adhesive contacts between these two cell types in metastasis. Here we show that MCF-7 breast cancer epithelial cells and normal breast fibroblasts form heterotypic adhesions when grown together in co-culture, as evidenced by adhesion assays. PCR and immunoblotting show that both cell types express multiple members of the cadherin superfamily, including the atypical cadherin, cadherin-23, when grown in isolation and in co-culture. Immunocytochemistry experiments show that cadherin-23 localizes to homotypic adhesions between MCF-7 cells and also to heterotypic adhesions between the epithelial cells and fibroblasts, and antibody inhibition and RNAi experiments show that cadherin-23 plays a role in mediating these adhesive interactions. Finally, we show that cadherin-23 is upregulated in breast cancer tissue samples, and we hypothesize that heterotypic adhesions mediated by this atypical cadherin may play a role in the early stages of metastasis.
Quantum Monte Carlo evidence for d-wave pairing in the two-dimensional Hubbard model at a van Hove singularity.

We implement a quantum Monte Carlo calculation for a repulsive Hubbard model with nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor hopping interactions on clusters up to 12\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}12. A parameter region where the Fermi level lies close to the van Hove singularity at the saddle points in the bulk band structure is investigated. A pairing tendency in the ${\mathit{d}}_{{\mathit{x}}^{2}\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathit{y}}^{2}}$ symmetry channel, but no other channel, is found. Estimates of the effective pairing interaction show that it is close to the value required for a 40 K superconductor. Finite-size scaling compares with the attractive Hubbard model. \textcopyright{}1996 The American Physical Society.
Metal lon Metabolism: The copper–iron connection

Iron and copper, key nutrients for biological redox reactions, have been found to regulate each other's metabolism.
Correlates of home smoking restrictions among rural smokers

The prevalence of smoking is greater and smoking restrictions are less common in rural areas in comparison to urban areas. Consequently, rural smokers and their families are at increased risk for adverse health consequences from smoking. The presence of home smoking restrictions (i.e., limiting or banning cigarette smoking in the home) can be a mediator for smoking cessation and can reduce health risks for those who live with smokers. The purpose of the present study was to identify correlates of home smoking restrictions among rural smokers. We surveyed 472 smokers from 40 rural Kansas primary care practices who were enrolled in a smoking cessation intervention study. We assessed the prevalence of home smoking restrictions and examined the relationship between such restrictions, demographic variables, comorbid diagnoses, and psychosocial measures of smoking abstinence self-efficacy and motivation to quit. Complete home smoking restrictions were found among 25.4% of rural smokers with an additional 28.3% reporting some restrictions. Restrictions were associated with younger age, higher controlled motivation to quit (i.e., motivation from external pressure), the presence of children under age 6 years living in the home, fewer friends who smoke, and a partner who does not smoke. Smokers with a comorbid diagnosis of high cholesterol, chronic lung disease, or heart disease were less likely to have restrictions. Most smokers in rural primary care practices do not have home smoking restrictions, particularly those without children or a nonsmoking partner and those with significant risk factors for smoking-related illnesses. These patients may be critical targets for broaching issues of home smoking restrictions.
The effect of hydroxyl functionality in the polar head on surfactant aggregation number and dye solubilization efficiency

Abstract The effect of introducing the hydroxyl group into the polar head of a surfactant ion on the micellar aggregation number and dye solubilization efficiency was investigated. Substitution of an ethanol group for an ethyl in the decylethyl-, decyldiethyl-, or decyltriethylammonium ion results in an aggregation number increase. Further substitution is accompanied by either an increase or a decrease in aggregation number, depending upon whether or not an ethyl group remains on the head. For surfactants with polar heads capable of serving as solubilization sites, the ratio of moles of orange-OT solubilized to moles of micellized surfactant usually decreases when ethyl groups are replaced by ethanol groups.
Three-DOF CMOS-MEMS probes with embedded piezoresistive sensors

We report on a new 3-DOF CMOS-MEMS electrothermal probe, featuring embedded piezoresistive sensors. These probes have the potential to be used independently for general 3-DOF nanoscale manipulation/manufacturing/scanning without external actuation and sensing. In this probe design, 3-DOF piezoresistive sensors are used to track probe actuation and applied force in all three directions, and thermal management such as dummy heater beams and metal-slotted thermal isolation structures are used to improve drive sensitivity.
Groundwater recharge during spring thaw in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America

Snowmelt governs recharge in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America, but little is known about the soil at the time of recharge. Depth of snow, surface water, water table, and frozen soil were measured within a 2-ha landscape depression in Minnesota during spring thaw in 2000 and 2001. The water table rose by at least 1 m within 24 h after a pond formed within the landscape depression as a result of snowmelt. Recharge of groundwater is a seemingly localised process where surface water infiltrates via unfrozen conduits or soil matrix beneath an ephemeral pond within a prairie pothole.
Predictive computation of genomic logic processing functions in embryonic development

Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) control the dynamic spatial patterns of regulatory gene expression in development. Thus, in principle, GRN models may provide system-level, causal explanations of developmental process. To test this assertion, we have transformed a relatively well-established GRN model into a predictive, dynamic Boolean computational model. This Boolean model computes spatial and temporal gene expression according to the regulatory logic and gene interactions specified in a GRN model for embryonic development in the sea urchin. Additional information input into the model included the progressive embryonic geometry and gene expression kinetics. The resulting model predicted gene expression patterns for a large number of individual regulatory genes each hour up to gastrulation (30 h) in four different spatial domains of the embryo. Direct comparison with experimental observations showed that the model predictively computed these patterns with remarkable spatial and temporal accuracy. In addition, we used this model to carry out in silico perturbations of regulatory functions and of embryonic spatial organization. The model computationally reproduced the altered developmental functions observed experimentally. Two major conclusions are that the starting GRN model contains sufficiently complete regulatory information to permit explanation of a complex developmental process of gene expression solely in terms of genomic regulatory code, and that the Boolean model provides a tool with which to test in silico regulatory circuitry and developmental perturbations.
Interannual wind speed variations and estimated wind turbine generator energy output at selected sites in the Pacific northwest

Utilisation des donnees horaires sur la vitesse du vent mesurees pendant une periode de 6 annees et 4 stations du Nord-Ouest des Etats-Unis pour estimer la production annuelle d'un aerogenerateur de grande puissance. Relation entre la production interannuelle dans ces 4 sites et la variation de la vitesse moyenne annuelle du vent
Comments on the paper ''interplanetary origin of electric fields in the magnetosphere'' by A. Nishida

In a recent paper (Nishida, 1971b), the response of the magnetosphere as indicated by the AE index to southward-turnings of the interplanetary magnetic field was investigated. The southwardturnings were classified according to magnitude and duration. It is demonstrated that at least in some of the examples shown in the paper, the AE indexes, against which the southward-turnings were compared, were incomplete, requiring modification of son of the conclusions in Nishida (1971b). A reply by Nishida is included. (WDM)
Rotatory behavior induced by glycine injected into the substantia nigra of the rat

Implantation of crystalline glycine and dopamine into the substantia nigra of the rat caused the rat to turn away from the injected side. This response is similar to that observed after electrical stimulation of the substantia nigra, or after amphetamine administration when the contralateral substantia nigra has been previously damaged with 6-hydroxydopamine. Rotatory behavior was not observed after injection of glycine into the caudate nucleus, whereas dopamine did induce this effect, as previously demonstrated.
The rime of the ancyent programmer

How one programmer's career, set adrift on the raging seas of technological change, has been tossed by the winds of fate.
The State of School Heart Health Education: A Review of the Literature

The evidence and presence of modifiable risk factors associated with heart disease has heightened interest among health educators in developing prevention oriented programs. In an attempt to assist in planning future curriculum efforts and research in this area a literature review was conducted. It is presented and organized within the following three major categories: 1. incidence of cardiovascular risk factors (in the school age population); 2. need for health education (the status of adolescent health and problems of motivation); and 3. evaluations of current heart projects (knowledge, attitudes and behavioral outcomes). A few classic articles were included: the primary literature reviewed was that of the past 10 years. The following conclusions were drawn: 1. there is a need to be concerned about the cardiovascular health of young people; 2. the need for educational programs about proven methods of prevention is well documented; 3. studies have found that adolescents do not have sufficient knowledge upon which to make healthful decisions related to preventing cardiovascular disease; 4. research has demonstrated that well designed programs can be effective in increasing health knowledge and promoting positive attitudes; 5. some programs have encouraged behavioral change; 6. most programs have proven too expensive to become integral components of the curricula; and 7. further educational research must be conducted so that health education might by the end of this decade play a significant role in the reduction of the morbidity and mortality inflicted by cardiovascular disease.
EXPERIMENTS OF WATER FORMATION ON WARM SILICATES

When dust grains have a higher temperature than they would have in dense clouds, and when H, H2, and O2 have a negligible residence time on grains, the formation of water should still be possible via the hydrogenation of OH and Eley-Rideal-type reactions. We determined that the OH desorption energy from an amorphous silicate surface is at least 143 meV (1656 K). This is 400 K higher than the value previously used in chemical models of the interstellar medium and is possibly as high as 410 meV (4760 K). This extends the temperature range for the efficient formation of water on grains from about 30 K to at least 50 K, and possibly over 100 K. We do not find evidence that water molecules leave the surface upon formation. Instead, through a thermal programmed desorption experiment, we find that water formed on the surface of an amorphous silicate desorbs at around 160 K. We also measured the cross-sections for the reaction of H and D with an O3 layer on an amorphous silicate surface at 50 K. The values of the cross-sections, σH = 1.6 ± 0.27 A2 and σD = 0.94 ± 0.09 A2, respectively, are smaller than the size of an O3 molecule, suggesting the reaction mechanism is more likely Eley-Rideal than hot-atom. Information obtained through these experiments should help theorists evaluate the relative contribution of water formation on warm grains versus in the gas phase.
Perceived social environment and adolescents' well-being and adjustment: Comparing a foster care sample with a matched sample.

Previous research has demonstrated that former foster care youth are at risk for poor outcomes (e.g., more problem behaviors, more depression, lower self-esteem, and poor social relationships). It is not clear, however, whether these findings reflect preemancipation developmental deficits. This study used 163 preemancipation foster care youth and a matched sample of 163 comparison youth. Results showed that foster-care youth did not differ from the comparison sample on measures of well-being, including depressed mood, problem behavior, and self-esteem. Foster care youth reported higher levels of work orientation, but lower levels of academic achievement, aspirations, and expectations. In addition, compared to the matched sample, foster care youth perceived better social environments with respect to their important nonparental adults (VIPs) and peers, but poorer social environments relating to their parents. These differences in social environments may have offset each other and resulted in similar levels of psychological well-being for the two groups of youth. Regression analyses further showed that social environments were linked to selected adolescent outcomes, and nonparental VIPs were especially important for the foster care sample.
Smoking Cessation: Increasing Practice Understanding and Time-Limited Intervention Strategy:

The purpose of this article is to explore nicotine-addiction and smoking-cessation interventions while stressing the importance that physiological and psychological addiction can have on smoking cessation. In designing this time-limited smoking-cessation plan, the benefits of pharmacotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and social support are explored. Previous research is applied to current practice strategy that involves a multi-/interdisciplinary team perspective. To facilitate the intervention process, a combination intervention regimen that uses nicotine-replacement therapy, the possible use of antidepressant medications, and cognitive-behavioral therapy and social support is suggested. Recommendations are made for constructing this brief time-limited model for smoking cessation.