cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hopping currents in III-V PV-heterostructures, for high efficiency solar cells (HESC's)

Carrier transport and transport mechanisms are the essence of modern microelectronic devices. Illumination of a special class of optical devices generates free carriers in solid-state devices that eventually become collected electric currents. An important transport mechanism in microelectronic devices is hopping conduction form site to site. In this communication, we calculate Nearest Neighbor Hopping (NNH) current densities for III-V heterostructures embedded in the intrinsic layer of p-in geometries. We start from a general formalism that relates the density of states in individual wells with the transition probabilities from a quantum well state to any neighboring one, in a superlattice-geometry. In the process, we point out the fact that there is zero hopping-current without Fermi level splitting for any two consecutive layers. Next, and in the tight binding approximation (TBA), we relate the eigen-energies with the transition probabilities and conclude that NNH-currents seem to be of the order of 1mA/cm2, and depend on (a) device geometry (b) temperature (c) conduction band discontinuity and (d) Fermi level splitting.
Corporate Insurance, Reinvestment, and Capital Structure

Following Arrow (1963), models of optimal insurance purchases typically have assumed the decision maker to be risk averse and have adopted the expected utility hypothesis to derive the optimal form and level of risk bearing. But this approach is not fruitful for analyzing corporate decisions. Several writers (e.g., Doherty and Tinic 1981; Main, 1983; Mayers and Smith, 1982, 1987; and MacMinn, 1987b) have argued that insurance is redundant if the risk spreading function of insurance can be duplicated by the firm’s owners in the management of their personal investment portfolios. Thus an alternative explanation for corporate insurance purchases has developed that focuses, inter alia, upon taxation, agency costs, bankruptcy costs, and the firm’s contracting relationships with risk averse claimholders (see particularly Mayers and Smith, 1982).
Loss of Responsiveness to Transforming Growth Factor β Induces Malignant Transformation of Nontumorigenic Rat Prostate Epithelial Cells

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-βs are multifunctional growth factors, the properties of which include the potent inhibition of epithelial cell growth. Expression patterns of TGF-βs and TGF-β receptors in the normal prostate indicate that these growth regulators play key roles in prostatic development and proliferative homeostasis. Importantly, TGF-β receptor levels are frequently diminished in malignant human prostate tissue. To test the hypothesis that loss of TGF-β responsiveness is causally involved in the tumorigenic process, we have used retroviral transduction to introduce a dominant-negative mutant type II TGF-β receptor (DNR) into the premalignant rat prostatic epithelial cell line, NRP-152. High-level expression of the DNR abolished the ability of TGF-β to inhibit cell growth, to promote cell differentiation, and to induce apoptosis, and it partially blocked the induction of extracellular matrix gene expression. When injected into nude mice, NRP-152-DNR cells formed carcinomas at 13 of 34 sites, compared with 0 of 30 sites for parental and control cells (P = 0.0001). We conclude that the type II TGF-β receptor is an important tumor suppressor in the prostate, and furthermore, that loss of TGF-β responsiveness can contribute early in the tumorigenic process by causing the malignant transformation of preneoplastic cells.
Physical Nonequilibrium Modeling Approaches to Solute Transport in Soils

Publisher Summary Various degrees of simplifications are necessary depending on the experimental condition because the soil is a complex system and is ill-defined. A number of options can be chosen for the purpose of simplification such as: transient flow versus steady flow, singleflow domain versus multiple-flow domains, laminar flow versus turbulent flow, restricted solute exchange versus solute exchange between flow domains, convective mass exchange versus diffusive mass exchange, deterministic versus stochastic models, laboratory versus field-scale models, among others. On the other hand, criteria for selecting the appropriate model often depend on the availability and the certainty of the necessary parameters. This chapter deals primarily with Richards-type models. Emphasis is given here for physical non-equilibrium behavior in an attempt to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of existing models. For each model discussed, experimental justifications, model assumptions, model development, and parameter estimation are provided. Future advances in experimental methods, mathematical solutions, and conceptual innovations are likely to make physical nonequilibrium approaches more widely used tools in the interpretation of the behavior of solute transport under field conditions.
Measuring the pH of pathogen-containing phagosomes.

Publisher Summary The environmental pH exerts a strong or even controlling effect on the survival and growth of microorganisms, both free living and intracellular. This reflects the importance of pH, both intracellular and environmental, to all organisms. Thus the acid pH of the phagosorne is a major contributor in the hostile environment presented to potential pathogens. This chapter uses pathogens that survive intracellularly to study the environment of the phagosome that occurs during the normal infection. This requires that both the pathogen and the host cell survive for the course of the experiment. This is a minimum requirement for the experiment to achieve its desired result and allow the study of the host-parasite relationship. The chapter uses the parasite labeled with reporting molecules to study the phagosomal pH during a cellular infection. Using the parasite to introduce the pH probe provides biologic specificity for its introduction into the parasite-phagosome space and thereby eliminates spurious signals from uninfected cells and from nearby but uninvolved vesicles in the infected cell. This is a critical advantage of the method and is not easily duplicated with other techniques.
Neuroendocrinology of Aging

There was a time, not much more than ten years ago, when neuroendocrinological theories of aging were almost totally ignored whenever aging theories were listed and discussed. Studies of cellular and molecular senescence focused primarily on the increase, with aging, in free radical reactions, lipid peroxidation, membrane damage, lysosomal leakage and lipofucsin deposition, loss of cellular proliferative capacity, defective protein synthesis due to error-catastrophe or decline in DNA repair activity, and the cumulative damage (wear-and-tear theories) inflicted on the organism by deleterious agents (Timiras, 1972; Rockstein et al., 1974; Finch and Hayflick, 1977; Strehler, 1977; Schneider, 1978; Comfort, 1979; Kanungo, 1980; Masoro, 1981). None of these classical theories, however, was, or is now, sufficient to explain whether a change observed to occur with aging is simply the result of aging or whether it plays a causative role in the aging process. The same is true when these proposed mechanisms are categorized as “stochastic” (due to random chance events), or “programmed” (happening according to a definite plan), or both (e.g., programmed decline in the repair of stochastically generated damage). Likewise, the distinction of these mechanisms as “intrinsic” (built directly into the individual cells) and thereby capable of causing aging in the absence of outside influences, or “extrinsic” (imposed on the cell from the outside) and thereby assuming that aging is externally caused, begs, but does not resolve, the question of whether a certain event is phenomenological or causal. While these theories continue to be prodded, new ones appear or prior theories, including neuroendocrinological ones, are returning or acquiring favor.
A bit-wise and Boolean-level introduction to computer architecture: nifty tools and assignments

A set of digital labs has been developed for both Electronic and Information Technology students that utilizes basic Boolean algebra concepts in order to construct a simple 4-bit ALU. These labs can be built using inexpensive GAL ICs and a simple GAL programmer using ABEL or VHDL/Verilog programming languages. They may also be "built" or simulated entirely using VHDL or Verilog simulators. These labs can be expanded, little by little, to emulate simple microcontrollers and early microprocessors.
High-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem-cell support for breast cancer in North America.

PURPOSETo identify trends in high-dose therapy with autologous hematopoietic stem-cell support (autotransplants) for breast cancer (1989 to 1995).PATIENTS AND METHODSAnalysis of patients who received autotransplants and were reported to the Autologous Blood and Marrow Transplant Registry. Between January 1, 1989 and June 30, 1995, 19,291 autotransplants were reviewed; 5,886 were for breast cancer. Main outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and survival.RESULTSBetween 1989 and 1995, autotransplants for breast cancer increased sixfold. After 1992, breast cancer was the most common indication for autotransplant. Significant trends included increasing use for locally advanced rather than metastatic disease (P < .00001) and use of blood-derived rather than marrow-derived stem cells (P < .00001). One-hundred-day mortality decreased from 22% to 5% (P < .0001). Three-year PFS probabilities were 65% (95% confidence intervals [Cls], 59 to 71) for stage 2 disease, and 60% (95% Cl, 53 to 67) for stage 3 disea...
Fast and accurate electro-thermal behavioral model of a commercial SiC 1200V, 80 mΩ power MOSFET

The superior electro-thermal properties of Silicon Carbide (SiC) as compared to silicon make them a viable candidate for high voltage and high frequency applications. Due to the relatively recent surge in commercially available SiC power MOSFETs, there is an immediate demand for accurate simulations models to predict device behavior and aid circuit design process. This paper discusses the development of an accurate SPICE based model for a commercially available 1200V, 20A SiC power MOSFET manufactured by CREE Inc. based on the Enz — Krummenacher — Vittoz (EKV) MOSFET model. The advantage of using EKV model over the simplified quadratic model is the ability to characterize MOSFET behavior over weak, moderate and strong inversion regions with a single equation. The model was developed using parameters extracted through experimental data conducted at wide temperature range. Package parasitic components have been incorporated into the model to predict device behavior in high frequency switching applications. The model was simulated for its static and transient behavior and compared with actual device results to determine accuracy over a wide operating range.
Approaches to fitting age-period-cohort models with unequal intervals

Age-period-cohort models have provided useful insights into the analysis of time trends for disease rates, in spite of the well known identifiability problem. Unique parameter estimates that avoid arbitrary constraints are provided by estimable functions of the parameter estimates. For data that are generated using equal interval widths for age and period, the identifiability issue may be expressed in terms of the age, period and cohort slopes. However, when the interval widths are not the same for age and period, additional identifiability problems arise. These may be represented in terms of macro-trends, which have the identical identifiability problem seen in the equal interval case, and micro-trends, which are the source of the additional problems. A framework for testing estimability is presented, and a variety of potentially interesting functions of the parameters considered. Unlike the equal interval case, drift is not estimable for unequal intervals, but local drift may be. In addition, the available functions for forecasting are much more restrictive in the latter case. This estimability problem induces cyclical patterns in the estimates of trend as is demonstrated using data on leukaemia in Connecticut males, but this can be avoided through the use of smoothing splines. These methods of are illustrated for three-year period and five-year age intervals using data on lung cancer mortality in Californian women.
Radiobiological intercomparisons of fast neutron beams used for therapy in Japan and the United States.

Abstract A variety of portable biological systems have been used to intercompare the neutron beams used for radiotherapy in Japan and in the United States. The two neutron centers in Japan have been compared with the four in the United States; all of the machines differ in energy and consequently the biological effectiveness varies from one to another. The biological systems used included survival in three lines of mammalian cells cultured in vitro, the response of mouse skin, the survival of crypt cells in the mouse jejunum, and the loss of weight or DNA in the mouse testes. Based on the biological data, estimates have been made of the relative potency of the various neutron beams that will be invaluable when the time comes to evaluate clinical results.
p53 Immunopositivity and Gene Mutation in a Group of Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer

Abstract: p53 protein overexpression and/or gene mutations have been detected in ≥50% of breast cancers and are among the most frequent changes identified in human malignancies. We examined p53 protein immunoreactivity in random periareolar breast fine needle aspirates (FNA) from 270 women at high risk for breast cancer as well as 10 in situ and invasive lesions that later developed in this cohort. We correlated p53 immunopositivity with mutational analysis performed on microdissected tumor cells. The p53 antibody PAb240 was used on acetone-fixed cytospins. Nuclear staining for p53 was detected in 29% of high-risk women. The prevalence of p53 immunoreactivity was directly correlated with cytologic abnormality and was predictive of concurrent atypical hyperplasia in a multivariate analysis (p = 0.002). Four invasive cancers, three ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and three lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) were subsequently detected at a median follow-up time of 33 months after the initial aspiration. p53 immunopositivity was predictive of later development of DCIS and/or invasive cancer in a univariate analysis (p = 0.0026). Five of the seven women who later developed DCIS or an invasive lesion were p53 immunopositive using PAb240. One of the two remaining women had insufficient cells for p53 analysis. To examine the correlation between p53 immunoreactivity in the initial aspirate, as detected by PAb240, and the presence of p53 mutation in the 10 surgical specimens of the lesions subsequently detected, we microdissected tumor cells from paraffin sections followed by PCR-SSCP analysis for p53 exons 5–9. Immunopositivity by PAb1801 and DO-1 antibodies and a mutation in the p53 gene were detected in only one of those lesions. Microdissection studies are under way to examine FNA immunopositive cytospins for the presence of p53 mutations by PCR-SSCP analysis. At the present time we conclude that conformational changes in the p53 molecule, in the presence or absence of corresponding p53 gene mutations, may play an important role in breast carcinogenesis.
Teaching about War through Film and Literature

This article draws upon my experience using film and literature to teach political science majors and non-majors about war. It assesses the value of using films and literature to teach about war, offers organizing themes and approaches to the material, and discusses ways to help students develop their capacities to analyze the politics of war and of cultural products concerning war.The author thanks Joseph Yenerall for suggesting this article, and Judith Sanders, Lawrence Lieberfeld, and the reviewers of PS for help in its preparation.
PATTERNS OF CHANGE IN TREE ISLANDS IN ARTHUR R. MARSHALL LOXAHATCHEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE FROM 1950 TO 1991

Size, shape, orientation, and distribution of tree islands in a remnant of northern Everglades wetland were examined from 1950 and 1991 aerial photography. The objectives were to quantify the patterns of tree islands in Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, to determine if the patterns of tree islands had changed between the two dates, and to relate the tree island patterns to modeled pre-and post-drainage hydrologic patterns. There was considerable variation in the patterns of tree islands spatially and temporally Changes in the size and shape of tree islands from 1950 to 1991 are consistent with changes in the modeled pre-and post-drainage hydrologic patterns. Photo plots along the edges of the refuge, where hydroperiods are longer and depths deeper than they were historically, show a decrease in tree island size and in overall area of tree islands in the plots. Photo plots in the interior, where hydroperiods are shorter than they were pre-drainage, show an increase in tree island area. Overall, there is a tendency for more tree islands to be irregularly shaped in the 1991 photo plots than in the 1950 plots, a reflection of the loss of water flow, reduction of pulse magnitude, and the ponding of water along the perimeter dikes. This study illustrates the importance of considering long-term changes in hydroperiod, depths, and water flows in the restoration of this area.
Involvement of endogenous ceramide in the inhibition of telomerase activity and induction of morphologic differentiation in response to all-trans-retinoic acid in human neuroblastoma cells.

Abstract In this study, we examined the role of endogenous ceramide in the inhibition of telomerase and induction of morphologic differentiation in response to all- trans -retinoic acid (ATRA) in the SK-N-SH and SK-N-AS human neuroblastoma cell lines. The results showed that ATRA inhibited the activity of telomerase significantly in a time- and dose-dependent manner, as determined by telomere repeat amplification protocol (TRAP). The inhibition of telomerase by ATRA was maximum (about 50–80% of untreated controls) at 5–10 μM for 4–8 days. Treatment of cells with ATRA (5 μM) also resulted in the inhibition of growth by about 30–70% after 4 and 8 days of treatment, respectively, which was measured by trypan blue exclusion method. Measurement of accumulation of endogenous ceramide by high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (LC/MS) showed that treatment of cells with ATRA resulted in increased levels of mainly C24:0 and C24:1 ceramides at days 2, 4, and 8, respectively. Also, treatment of cells with ATRA in the presence of myriocin blocked the accumulation of ceramide significantly, and more importantly, presence of myriocin partially prevented the inhibition of telomerase. Mechanistically, inhibition of telomerase by endogenous ceramide in response to ATRA treatment involves, at least in part, down-regulation of the expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA, as determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, in these cells. In addition, the modulation of telomerase activity by ATRA correlated with the induction of morphologic differentiation, which was also blocked by myriocin, as determined by extension of neurites using phase-contrast microscopy. These results, therefore, reveal an important effect of ATRA on telomerase inhibition and induction of morphologic differentiation in human neuroblastoma cells. These data also demonstrate that endogenous ceramide is one of the upstream regulators of telomerase activity in human neuroblastoma cells in response to ATRA.
Natural sunlight and residual fuel oils are an acutely lethal combination for fish embryos

The majority of studies characterizing the mechanisms of oil toxicity in fish embryos and larvae have focused largely on unrefined crude oil. Few studies have addressed the toxicity of modern bunker fuels, which contain residual oils that are the highly processed and chemically distinct remains of the crude oil refinement process. Here we use zebrafish embryos to investigate potential toxicological differences between unrefined crude and residual fuel oils, and test the effects of sunlight as an additional stressor. Using mechanically dispersed oil preparations, the embryotoxicity of two bunker oils was compared to a standard crude oil from the Alaska North Slope. In the absence of sunlight, all three oils produced the stereotypical cardiac toxicity that has been linked to the fraction of tricyclic aromatic compounds in an oil mixture. However, the cardiotoxicity of bunker oils did not correlate strictly with the concentrations of tricyclic compounds. Moreover, when embryos were sequentially exposed to oil and natural sunlight, the bunker oils produced a rapid onset cell-lethal toxicity not observed with crude oil. To investigate the chemical basis of this differential toxicity, a GC/MS full scan analysis was used to identify a range of compounds that were enriched in the bunker oils. The much higher phototoxic potential of chemically distinct bunker oils observed here suggests that this mode of action should be considered in the assessment of bunker oil spill impacts, and indicates the need for a broader approach to understanding the aquatic toxicity of different oils.
Polarized Light and Quantum Mechanics: An Optical Analog of the Stern–Gerlach Experiment

Lecture demonstrations involving polarization of light are presented and discussed from the quantum theoretical point of view. The demonstrations clearly show that only two base states are required to describe the quantum state of a photon and they illustrate an optical analog of the Stern—Gerlach experiment that involved electrons.
Hyperfine spectroscopy and spin dynamics by optical and sublevel coherence

Abstract Optical coherence techniques are proving to be versatile probes of spin levels in solids. We demonstrate that Fourier transformation of quantum beat free induction decay is a powerful optical technique for obtaining sublevel spectra. Frozen core spin dynamics are probed with delayed optical free induction decay.
The Class II Major Histocompatibility Complex Antigen Deficiency Syndrome: Consequences of Absent Class II Major Histocompatibility Antigens for Lymphocyte Differentiation and Function

The class II major histocompatibility complex antigen deficiency syndrome is a rare immunodeficiency disease associated with defective expression of the class II antigens encoded for by the major histocompatibility complex. Clinically, this syndrome is manifest as a combined immuno-deficiency presenting early in life, and affected individuals are susceptible to a variety of severe and/or opportunistic infections. Chronic, severe diarrhea and malabsorption are also characteristically found, and death is common within the first few years of life. Although the precise molecular lesions responsible for the failure of membrane antigen expression in this syndrome have not yet been identified, the pathogenetic mechanisms involve regulatory defects in the transcription of structural genes encoding for class II antigens. The absence of class II MHC antigens results in profound abnormalities in lymphocyte function and differentiation. Of central importance is the defective MHC-restricted interactions between CD4+ "helper" T lymphocytes and the various types of antigen-presenting cells found in the skin and elsewhere. The absence of class II MHC antigens also appears to alter the ability of affected B cells to be activated by a variety of membrane-mediated stimuli, and it profoundly disrupts both the intrathymic development and post-thymic differentiation of immunoregulatory T cells. This "experiment of nature" thus demonstrates the critical role of class II MHC antigens in the proper development and function of the immune system.
Control of a negative-ion accelerator source using neural networks

Abstract The tuning and control of the negative-ion source for a neutral-particle beam accelerator is a time-consuming task for skilled human operators. The source is an inherently highly nonlinear system to which conventional control methods cannot be satisfactorily applied. We report on a program to apply neural-network techniques to the modeling and control of a negative-ion source at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Suitable networks have been shown to be capable of modeling nonlinear processes upon presentation of a training set consisting of input/output examples taken from the process in question. This model can then be used to train another network to control the process to produce a desired result. Simple examples of this are Widrow's pole balancer and truck backer-upper [1]. We are using this technique to try to predict the beam characteristics of the source for given changes in control settings.
Tissue-specific expression of Ran isoforms in the mouse.

Ran genes encode a family of well-conserved small nuclear GTPases (Ras-related nuclear proteins), whose function is implicated in both normal cell cycle progression and the transport of RNA and proteins between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Previous studies of Ran proteins have utilized cell-free systems, yeasts, and cultured mammalian cells. We have now characterized patterns of Ran gene expression in the mouse. Serum starvation suppressed Ran gene transcription in mouse 3T3 cells. Ran mRNA reappeared in cells within 3 h after refeeding. A single Ran mRNA species was detected at low levels in most somatic tissues of the adult mouse. In testis, this Ran mRNA was abundant, as were other larger transcripts. Analysis of testis-derived Ran cDNA clones revealed the presence of two transcripts, one specifying an amino acid sequence identical to that of human Ran/TC4 and one specifying an amino acid sequence 94% identical. Northern blotting and reverse transcriptase-PCR assays with oligonucleotide probes and primers specific for each transcript demonstrated that the isoform identical to Ran/TC4 was expressed in both somatic tissues and testis, while the variant form was transcribed only in testis. The existence of tissue-specific Ran isoforms may help to rationalize the diverse roles suggested for Ran by previous biochemical studies.
Absence of the G1528C (E474Q) Mutation in the α-Subunit of the Mitochondrial Trifunctional Protein in Women with Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare and dreaded complication of pregnancy, almost exclusively seen in the third trimester. The histopathologic features of AFLP closely resemble those seen in metabolic disorders characterized by deficiency of fatty acid oxidative enzymes. Several reports have established a strong association between AFLP in the mother and fetal deficiency of the enzyme long-chain L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD). However, these studies have an inevitable selection bias resulting from ascertainment through an affected infant, rather than an unselected population of patients with AFLP. We retrospectively examined a series of 10 women with pregnancies complicated by AFLP to determine the prevalence of the common LCHAD mutation (G1528C) in this population. The existing LCHAD primers, which produce a 640-bp amplicon (IJlst L, Ruiter JP, Hoovers JM, Jakobs ME, Wanders RJ: J Clin Invest 98:1028-1033, 1996), were modified to make them amenable to analysis of fragmented DNA obtained from microdissected formalin-fixed material. None of the patients were found to harbor the common G1528C mutation. It is likely that AFLP arising in the context of fetal LCHAD deficiency represents only one of the possible etiologies for this uncommon disorder, and the metabolic basis of AFLP is more heterogeneous than previously believed.
CATALYTIC AMINOHYDROXYLATION USING ADENINE-DERIVATIVES AS THE NITROGEN SOURCE

Abstract The -chloro-N-sodio salts of adenine derivatives are suitable nitrogen sources for the osmium catalyzed aminohydroxylation of olefins, achieving suprafacial, vicinal addition of adenine and a hydroxyl group. The scope of this transformation was examined using adenine and adenosine-derivatives in conjunction with three different olefins.
SV40-transformed cells with temperature-dependent serum requirements

Abstract We have isolated temperature-sensitive SV40-transformed 3T3 cells which are unable to grow in low or depleted serum at the nonpermissive temperature. At 39°C, these cells do not grow in 1% serum, but they grow if the serum concentration is raised to 10%. At 32° they grow in both serum concentrations. This phenotype seems to be due to a cellular mutation, as the virus rescued from these cells is wild-type. We tested whether other characteristics of transformed cells were expressed in a temperature sensitive way. While high saturation density is ts in these cells, other parameters of transformation are expressed at both temperatures. In addition, when these cells are incubated in low serum at 39°C, they keep synthesizing DNA and lose viability very fast, while under the same conditions normal 3T3 cells remain viable for long times and are unable to initiate DNA synthesis. These cells therefore do not appear to revert to a normal phenotype at the high temperature, and they are more likely to represent transformed cells variants with a temperature-dependent serum requirement.
Exploratory, anti-anxiety, social, and sexual behaviors of rats in behavioral estrus is attenuated with inhibition of 3α,5α-THP formation in the midbrain ventral tegmental area

The progesterone (P4) metabolite and neurosteroid, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP) acts in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) to modulate lordosis of female rats. 3α,5α-THP also mediates exploratory, affective, and social behaviors; whether actions of 3α,5α-THP in the VTA mediate these behaviors is of interest. To elucidate the role of the VTA in mediating exploratory, affective, and social behaviors, the present study examined effects of inhibiting 3α,5α-THP formation in the VTA. Rats received intra-VTA infusions of either PK11195 (400 ng/μl, which inhibits de novo 3α,5α-THP production), indomethacin (10 μg/μl, which blocks metabolism of P4 to 3α,5α-THP), PK11195 and indomethacin together, or β-cyclodextrin vehicle and tested on a battery of anxiety (open field and elevated plus maze), social (partner preference and social interaction), and sexual (paced mating) tasks. Compared to rats infused with vehicle to the VTA, rats infused with inhibitor(s) demonstrated significant reductions in central entries in the open field, time on open arms of an elevated plus maze, time spent interacting with a conspecific, initiation and intensity of lordosis, sexual solicitations, and midbrain 3α,5α-THP levels. These findings suggest that actions of 3α,5α-THP in the VTA are important for mediating aspects of exploration, anxiety, and social behavior related to mating.
A structural model for force regulated integrin binding to fibronectin's RGD-synergy site.

Abstract The synergy site on fibronectin's FN-III 9 module, located approximately 32 A away from the RGD-loop on FN-III 10 , greatly enhances integrin α 5 β 1 mediated cell binding. Since fibronectin is exposed to mechanical forces acting on the extracellular matrix in vivo, we used steered molecular dynamics to study how mechanical stretching of FN-III 9–10 affects the relative distance between these two synergistic sites. Our simulations predict the existence of an intermediate state prior to unfolding. In this state, the synergy–RGD distance is increased from 32 A to approximately 55 A, while the conformations of both sites remain unperturbed. This distance is too large for both sites to co-bind the same receptor, as indicated by experiments that confirm that increasing the length of the linker chain between FN-III 9 and FN-III 10 reduces α 5 β 1 binding. Our simulations thus suggest that increased α 5 β 1 -binding attributed to the synergy site, along with the associated downstream cell-signaling events, can be turned off mechanically by stretching FN-III 9–10 into this intermediate state. The potential physiological implications are discussed.
Particulate trace metal composition and flux across the southeastern U.S. continental shelf

Abstract The concentration and distribution of particulate trace metals in waters of the South Atlantic Bight are controlled by cross-shelf advection of continentally derived inorganic detritus from nearshore sources and in situ biogenic particle production. Particulate trace metal flux across the outer continental shelf is mostly in organic particles. The flux of trace metals in terrigenous particles across the South Atlantic Bight is approximately as efficient as particle transport to the North Atlantic from the St. Lawrence discharge system. With the exception of Fe, the cross-shelf transport of trace metal in terrestrially derived particles is considerably less than the soluble transport of trace metals delivered to the South Atlantic Bight by rivers. The relative importance of particulate fluxes follows the order Fe>Mn>Pb>Co>Zn>Ni>Cd>Cu.
Reasons for Nonadherence to Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Literature Review

Despite improved breast cancer survival rates with the use of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, patients remain at risk for cancer recurrence and mortality because of nonadherence to medication. The objective of this review was to identify factors associated with nonadherence among patients with breast cancer. Electronic databases were searched for studies, and potentially relevant studies were retrieved and assessed for eligibility. Potential factors associated with nonadherence were identified, and they included patient-related factors (e.g., patient beliefs and knowledge, fear of adverse effects, forgetfulness, smoking, age, race), therapy-related factors (e.g., duration, side effects, additional prescribed medications, treatment interfering with lifestyle), healthcare system factors (e.g., patient/provider relationships), socioeconomic factors (e.g., medication costs, burden, scheduling problems, religion, marital status), and disease-related factors (e.g., comorbidities, stage of breast cancer). Those findings highlight the need for development of interventions to promote long-term adherence in patients with breast cancer.
Targeting the leptin receptor: a potential new mode of treatment for breast cancer.

Clearly, the repertoire of validated biotargets and potential drugs for breast cancer, especially for tumors that develop secondary resistance to initial therapies and triple-negative breast cancer, has to be expanded to include compounds that can interfere with cancer growth and metastasis at multiple points and stages of the disease.
An efficient numerical method for the solution of pure convective transport problems with split boundary conditions

Abstract The equations describing the transient behavior of a counter-current heat exchanger have been solved numerically by using finite differences centered between the grid points in both space and time. The space index is shifted for one dependent variable so the equations take a form for solution by an available algorithm for a bi-tri diagonal system. With an increment ratio chosen to minimize truncation error, the solution agreed almost exactly with an analytic solution which applied until the input discontinuity leaves the exchanger, even for a finite discontinuity in temperature at the inlet. The method has also been used for three dependent variables; the resulting equations were solved by an algorithm for the tri-tri diagonal system developed by one of the authors.
STOCHASTIC INTEGRATION FOR ABSTRACT, TWO-PARAMETER STOCHASTIC PROCESSES. II. SQUARE INTEGRABLE MARTINGALES IN HILBERT SPACES

In this paper we construct the stochastic integral for two-parameter, vector-valued, summable stochastic processes, using a measure theoretic approach. Then we prove that two-parameter, square integrable martingales with values in a Hilbert space are 2-summable, and study their stochastic integral.
Extraction of Ca(OH)2 from portland cement and 3CaO.SiO2 pastes

A procedure for extracting free lime from mature pastes of Portland cement and tricalcium silicate is described. It involves exposure of thin discs of paste to an aqueous solution of Ca(OH)2 in such a way that the concentration of the solution remains in the range 9.5–12 mmol CaO dm−3 throughout the extraction period. Calcium hydroxide remaining in the solid is estimated by differential scanning calorimetry and that in the extractant is estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Investigations of the extracted samples by scanning electron microscope, helium pycnometry, X-ray diffraction, mercury porosimetry and thermogravimetry indicate that the extraction procedure has no significant influence on the C-S-H phase.
Calculation of clinical r.b.e. values for neutrons.

SummaryA method is described for calculating r.b.e. values for normal tissues at risk in clinical neutron beam therapy. This is based on the assumption that with high l.e.t. radiations the slope of the cell survival curve is steeper, mainly in the initial or low-dose region. This effect is quantified by using two coefficients, one (e) to produce a proportionate increase in the initial slope, and a second (η) determining the change in the terminal slope (D0) of the survival curve.Analysis of published experimental data shows e to be a variable quantity, different for different tissues; e is larger when the survival curve has a large shoulder or slope ratio (ρ). By contrast, η is relatively constant (for a given beam) and less dependent on the tissue or end-point studied.For low doses, the r.b.e. approaches e, which can be calculated given η (characteristic of the beam) and ρ (characteristic of the relevant tissue) [e = η + ρ(η − 1)]. This provides a useful approximation to the clinical r.b.e. for specific ...
Simulations Of Stimulated Raman Scattering Of High Energy Laser Beams In A Disturbed Ionospheric Space Environment

Using a fully nonlinear two and one half dimensional fluid simulation code, we have performed a series of simulations of the effects of Raman scattering on the propagation of an intense laser pulse through an underdense plasma. The growth of the electrostatic plasma wave and the backscattered electromagnetic wave are in good agreement with theoretical predictions.
X-RAY PROPERTIES OF INTERMEDIATE-MASS BLACK HOLES IN ACTIVE GALAXIES. III. SPECTRAL ENERGY DISTRIBUTION AND POSSIBLE EVIDENCE FOR INTRINSICALLY X-RAY-WEAK ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI

We present a systematic X-ray study, the third in a series, of 49 active galactic nuclei with intermediate-mass black holes (IMBH; ~105-106 M ☉) using Chandra observations. We detect 42 out of 49 targets with a 0.5-2 keV X-ray luminosity 1041-1043 erg s–1. We perform spectral fitting for the 10 objects with enough counts (>200), and they are all well fit by a simple power-law model modified by Galactic absorption, with no sign of significant intrinsic absorption. While we cannot fit the X-ray spectral slope directly for the rest of the sample, we estimate it from the hardness ratio and find a range of photon indices consistent with those seen in more luminous and massive objects. The X-ray-to-optical spectral slope (αox) of our IMBH sample is systematically flatter than in active galaxies with more massive black holes, consistent with the well-known correlation between αox and UV luminosity. Thanks to the wide dynamic range of our sample, we find evidence that αox increases with decreasing M BH as expected from accretion disk models, where the UV emission systematically decreases as M BH decreases and the disk temperature increases. We also find a long tail toward low αox values. While some of these sources may be obscured, given the high L bol/L Edd values in the sample, we argue that some may be intrinsically X-ray-weak, perhaps owing to a rare state that radiates very little coronal emission.
PAVDRN: COMPUTER MODEL FOR PREDICTING WATER FILM THICKNESS AND POTENTIAL FOR HYDROPLANING ON NEW AND RECONDITIONED PAVEMENTS

PAVDRN is a computer model that determines the speed at which hydroplaning will be initiated on a section of highway pavement. It is intended to be used by highway engineers before final geometric design to (a) indicate the location of the worst incidence of hydroplaning that is likely to occur on a given section and (b) to rapidly assess different geometric configurations of a section and pavement materials to select a design that will minimize hydroplaning potential. The model is based upon a one-dimensional, steady-state form of the kinematic wave equation. This equation is used in conjunction with relationships for Manning's n that account for the nature of the shallow flow over highway pavements. Ultimately, water-film thickness along a maximum flowpath length is used in empirical expressions to determine the speed at which hydroplaning is likely to occur along this path. The path is determined by analyzing the geometry of the pavement section. Five different geometric sections can be analyzed: (a) t...
Descriptions of Immature Stages of Trupanea nigricornis and T. bisetosa (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Southern California

The immature stages of the sympatric, cryptic species Trupanea nigricornis (Coquillett), a flower head-infesting fruit fly that attacks a wide range of hosts in the Asteraceae in southern California, and T. bisetosa (Coquillett), an oligophagous congener that attacks only a few hosts in the tribe Heliantheae, are described and illustrated. Detailed examination with the aid of scanning electron microscopy of the eggs, all 3 instars, and puparia of this taxonomically closely allied generalist and specialist revealed many similarities and very few differences, for instance, most puparia of T. nigricornis were shorter and narrower than those of T. bisetosa . Therefore, major differences in the host-plant specificities of these cryptic, possibly sibling, species were not reflected by substantial morphological differences among their immature stages.
Doripenem: The Newest Addition to Carbapenem Antibiotics

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, microbiology, and clinical efficacy and safety data of doripenem for the management of complicated and nosocomial infections. Data Sources: Literature searches were conducted using MEDLINE (1996-September 2009, week 2) and EMBASE (1996-2009, week 38) with the term doripenem. References from articles obtained from the search were evaluated for other relevant citations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles in English evaluating the efficacy, adverse effects, pharmacology, microbiologic spectrum of activity, and pharmacokinetic profile of doripenem were selected. Data Synthesis: Doripenem is the newest addition to the carbapenem class of antibiotics and has been studied for a variety of indications. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections and complicated intraabdominal infections. The manufacturer is also seeking an indication for the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia. Efficacy studies evaluating doripenem's use for these indications were conducted as noninferiority studies comparing doripenem with standard treatment options. Results showed that doripenem is noninferior to levofloxacin in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections, noninferior to meropenem in the treatment of complicated intraabdominal infections, and noninferior to both piperacillin/tazobactam and imipenem/cilastatin for the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia. The adverse effect profile for doripenem is similar to that of other carbapenems, with the most commonly reported effects being headache, nausea, diarrhea, rash, and phlebitis. Conclusions: Doripenem has been shown to be an effective and well-tolerated carbapenem antibiotic for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections and complicated intraabdominal infections. It has also exhibited promising results in studies evaluating its use in patients with nosocomial pneumonia.
Occupational exposure to lead--granulometric distribution of airborne lead in relation to risk assessment.

The amount of airborne lead absorbed by the body during occupational exposure depends not only on lead concentration in workplace air, but also on the granulometric distribution of the aerosol. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set the lead Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) at 50 micrograms/m3 on the basis of Bernard's model and a number of assumptions, including assumption "C", which predicts that the first 12.5 micrograms/m3 are made up of fine particles (aerodynamic diameter 1 micron. Occupational exposure to airborne lead at a concentration of 50 micrograms/m3 and a granulometric distribution calculated according to the above mentioned assumption, leads, in the model, to a mean blood level of 40 micrograms/dl. In the present study, we tested the validity of assumption "C" in the environmental air of a factory that manufactured crystal glassware containing 24% lead oxide. An 8-stage impactor was used to measure the particle size of airborne dust collected from personal and area samplings. Results indicate that, on the whole, assumption "C" cannot be considered valid in the work environment investigated in this study. As a result, lead absorption levels in exposed workers may be noticeably different from those predicted by the OSHA model. We therefore suggest that in order to make a correct evaluation of the risk of occupational exposure to lead, it is essential to integrate total airborne lead concentration with a measurement of the granulometric distribution of the aerosol.
Search for resonances in positron-atom systems

No one likes to see a scattering cross section curve that is too smooth; it is much more interesting to find bumps and wiggles and most interesting if it is possible to understand their cause. Several types of resonances were clearly established in positron-containing systems: those lying just below a degenerate threshold (like 2s-2p in hydrogenic atoms or ions) and those representing Coulomb bound states in a rearranged channel (like Ps + H reversing positron +H(-)). Recently, two new sorts of resonances have been reported for which the resonant mechanism is not clear. The first is a very low lying resonance in the e-Ps system (obtained by an adiabatic expansion method), and the second is a similarly low lying two channel resonance in the positron -H system (obtained by a close-coupling technique.) These developments encouraged the examination of such systems using the standard methods of stabilization and complex rotation. Most of the results are negative; the low lying resonances in either system are verified. Some indication of new resonances in the e(+)-He(+) system is found; this may be caused by the attraction between Ps in the n=2 state and the He(++) nucleus.
Architecture-dependent operating system project sequence

Developing hands-on programming projects for a course on operating systems is a challenge. A wide variety of methods have been used and reported on at past SIGCSE meetings. A good summary of some of these projects can be found in [5]. One approach is to build a rudimentary operating system kernel from the bottom up. This approach necessarily involves some architecture-dependent coding. In this paper, the author describes his experience with such a project sequence based on the Intel protected mode architecture.