cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NMR observation of melting and diffusion in nanophase composites

Abstract High temperature 27Al NMR measurements of Al Al-oxide nanophase composites produced by consolidation of nanoscale Al particles which have been passivated by exposure to air are reported. The Al metal is observed to melt at the same temperature in all the samples independent of grain size and without a change in the shape of the sample. The results here confirm previous thermal measurements which shows that the Al metal melts without apparent grain growth in these materials. On the other hand, the temperature for the onset of rapid atomic diffusion, as estimated from NMR line widths, shows a significant sample dependence. Heated samples exhibit a factor of five increase in hardness and yet remain electrically conducting.
Landscape Urbanism and Its Discontents: Dissimulating the Sustainable City, by Andrés Duany and Emily Talen (Eds).

In just a few decades new urbanism has steadily moved to the mainstream, and many planning practitioners and decision–makers embrace its tenets as common sense. Other design movements have also eme...
Time-Dependent Motor Memory Processes in Amnesic Subjects

Shadmehr, Reza, Jason Brandt, and Suzanne Corkin. Time-dependent motor memory processes in amnesic subjects. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 1590–1597, 1998. Functional properties of motor memory change with ...
Testing concurrent software systems

Two approaches to testing concurrent software are presented. In the first, a system is assumed to contain a deterministic computation when correct, and I describe two testing algorithms to optimally achieve coverage of a testing metric involving racing pairs of messages. In the second approach, the system model is improved to allow additional nondeterministic behavior when it is either commutative in nature or localized in its effect. I present two sets of algorithms. The first detects whether or not a system is deterministic (i.e., no race conditions affect the computation’s outcome). The second algorithm identifies localized non-determinism, and can be used to determine whether or not a system converges to a deterministic end.
Inactivation and Heat Stabilization of Poliovirus by 2-Thiouracil

Abstract Treatment of poliovirus Type I with 10−3m 2-thiouracil (2-TU) resulted in the inactivation of greater than 90% of the virus infectivity and stabilization of approximately 50% of the residual virus to heat inactivation. These effects were due to a reaction with the protein moiety of the virus and could be blocked by pre-treatment of the virus with l-cystine or of the drug with cysteine. Both inactivation and stabilization occurred synchronously and reached equilibrium at the same time. Neither process was reversed by reducing agents. It is suggested that an oxidized form of 2-TU reacts with capsid sulfhydryl groups to form a product which is stable in either the inactive or heat-resistant form.
The effect of vitamins on the gingival tissue of handicapped children

Summary Children with cerebral palsy and mental retardation present many dental problems that at times become of serious consequence to the parent, the dentist, and the child. One of the most difficult dental disturbances is the gingival condition of these patients. It was felt that, through the use of vitamin B and C therapy, patients with gingivitis would be greatly improved. Some 119 children were examined and treated from the aspects of observation, blood evaluation, and histologic interpretation. In determining whether there has been a turn for the better in the gingival tissues following vitamin B and C therapy, it would be more accurate to rely on clinical observation and histologic sections than upon vitamin determinations from blood specimens. This is because many variables arise from the time the blood is drawn to the final evaluation of the specimen. Traumatic occlusion, bruxism, and poor oral hygiene influence the gingival tissues. Clinically, the tissues following vitamin therapy appear firmer, more pinkish in color, and healthier. They do not have the tendency to spontaneous bleeding and sponginess. The general feeling is that vitamins of the B group, combined with vitamin C, do build up the tone and structural appearance of the gingival tissues. It would certainly be worth while for the dentist to maintain these handicapped patients on a vitamin diet high in vitamins B and C. Treatment such as this will definitely be an asset to the dentist in his treatment of the cerebral palsy and mentally retarded patient.
Migratory dark-eyed juncos, Junco hyemalis, have better spatial memory and denser hippocampal neurons than nonmigratory conspecifics

Abstract The evolution of migration in an animal population produces a suite of physiological, behavioural and cognitive adaptations. Migratory birds, in particular, require the ability to return annually to breeding and wintering sites after long journeys, and thus might be predicted to have evolved enhanced spatial memory. In a comparison of two sparrow subspecies that co-occur in winter, the migratory subspecies (dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis hyemalis) performed better than the nonmigratory subspecies (J. h. carolinensis) on a room-scale spatial memory test. The migratory juncos also had more densely packed hippocampal neurons than did nonmigrants. Among nonmigrants, we looked for hippocampal differences between birds that occupied two home ranges annually and those that remained on their breeding territory year-round, to determine whether migration, per se, is related to neuroanatomical differences. However, we were unable to reach any conclusions because of low statistical power. A denser hippocampus could be the basis for better spatial memory in migrant juncos. Further testing of spatial memory on a landscape scale is needed to strengthen this argument and to understand cognitive differences between migrants and nonmigrants. Copyright 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Demonstration of epstein-barr virus-associated nuclear antigen in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells from fresh biopsies

Fresh nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) biopsies were treated in several ways to yield satisfactory cell preparations for detection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated nuclear antigen (EBNA) by anti-complement immunofluorescence tests. If the cells were well dispersed (trypsinization or extensive mechanical dispersal) few or none of them were EBNA-positive. In contrast, if the biopsy preparations contained small to moderately sized tissue fragments (touch preparations or limited mechanical dispersal), nuclear staining was detected in nearly every cell at the margin of the fragments or in cell sheets protruding from them. The stained cells corresponded to the carcinoma cells when compared to histologically stained replicate cell preparations. Nuclear staining was obtaining with anti-EBNA positive sera [healthy donors, NPC patients, convalescents from infectious mononucleosis (IM)], shown to be free of antibodies to other nuclear antigens, but not with anti-EBNA negative sera (healthy donors or patients in the early acute phase of IM). These results confirm and extend previous reports that the carcinoma cells harbor EBV genomes. The implications of these findings are discussed.
The double crystal technique — its application to reconstructed InSb (001) and Xe layers

The early work of Stern has been reviewed briefly along with some of our experiments carried out later with similar geometrical arrangements in order to highlight his successes at the time and the future developments of his findings and predictions. The double crystal technique, developed by Stern has been used for energy analysis of He beams and results are shown for scattering from a rough reconstructed (001) InSb surface and Xe adsorbed layers. Surface phonons were not observed in the case of InSb probably as a result of the rough surface.
Troponin I as a prognostic marker of cardiac events in asymptomatic hemodialysis patients using a sensitive troponin I assay

Elevated troponin T is known to be a prognostic marker for long-term cardiac events and mortality in asymptomatic end-stage renal disease patients. There are conflicting data in this regard with respect to troponin I (TnI). We recently showed a high incidence of elevated TnI levels in asymptomatic hemodialysis (HD) patients using a new generation sensitive TnI assay. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the prognostic value of TnI, as measured with this new assay, as a marker for outcomes in HD patients over a 2-year follow-up period. Fifty-one asymptomatic HD patients were enrolled, and pre-dialysis TnI levels were checked once monthly over 3 consecutive months. Patients were considered to be in the TnI positive group if TnI level on any of the three draws was ≥0.035 ng/ml. All patients were followed for a period of 2 years. The primary end points were acute coronary syndrome, coronary revascularization, sudden death, or cardiac arrest. The secondary end point was all-cause mortality. Elevated TnI levels were found in 51% (26/51) of patients in our cohort. One TnI positive patient was subsequently lost to follow up. There were 6 cardiac events over 2 years, all of which were in the troponin positive group (6/25 or 24%). The presence of a positive TnI at baseline was significantly associated with future cardiac events (p = 0.022). A prior history of coronary artery disease (CAD) was also significantly related to future cardiac events (p = 0.010). No patient with negative TnI at baseline developed a cardiac event, while 45.5% of those with both a positive TnI and a history of CAD had an event. Fourteen deaths occurred over 2 years, 8 in TnI positive and 6 in the negative group. All-cause mortality was not associated with elevated TnI levels at baseline. We found a significant association between positive TnI and subsequent cardiac events in asymptomatic HD patients followed for 2 years. TnI levels, as measured with a sensitive assay, may be useful in assessing cardiac risk in asymptomatic HD patients. This needs further confirmation in a larger cohort.
Zinc metalloprotease activity in the cement precursor secretion of the barnacle, Chthamalus fragilis Darwin.

Abstract Adult barnacles, Chathamalus fragilis , were removed carefully from the leaves and stems of marsh grass and floated base-up in algae-supplemented sea water. During the next 24–72 h, the animals secreted onto their exposed bases, a fluid, the cement precursor secretion (CPS), aliquots of which were collected in glass micropipets and pooled. The concentration of protein in pooled samples of CPS averaged 1.5 g ± 0.42 protein/l of secretion. Protease activity was expressed as A 492 units/h/g of CPS protein. Aliquots of 5–45 l of pooled CPS samples, incubated in the presence of FTC-casein at 37°C for 24 h, exhibited 8.31 × 10 −5 ± 1.55 × 10 −5 ΔA 492 units/hr/g of protein on average. Protease activity was optimized by the addition of 10 mM Ca ++ ions. Activity was detectable over a broad pH range, but was optimal around pH 8. Protease activity was inhibited up to 40% in the presence of 2.7 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and up to 97% in the presence of 2.5 mM 1,10-phenanthroline (OP) in the presence of 10 mM Ca ++ ions. Although low concentrations of Zn ++ ions (10 M) had little effect on protease activity, higher concentrations of Zn ++ ions (50 M to 15 mM Zn ++ ) inhibited CPS protease activity. Protease activity was not inhibited by 1 mM phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride (PMSF), nor by 28 M E64, nor by 20 M leupeptin. At the present time, the protease activity in the barnacle CPS may best be characterized as a Ca-stimulated Zn-metalloprotease.
Solubility and heat stability of fat-soluble derivatives of vitamin B6

The heat stability of several fatty acid esters of pyridoxine and their solubility in fats was tested. Short chain fatty acid esters of pyridoxine, such as pyridoxine triacetate, and long chain saturated fatty acid esters of the vitamin, such as pyridoxine tripalmitate were almost insoluble or had a rather limited solubility in fats. An improvement in solubility was observed when pyridoxine was partially esterified with palmitic acid, fully esterified with a long chain unsaturated fatty acid, such as linoleic acid, or when it was esterified with a fatty acid of intermediate chain length (C6, C8 or C10). Free pyridoxine and the acetate were destroyed by heat when mixed in a fat and heated at 205–210°C. A profound improvement in heat stability in pyridoxine was noted when one palmitoyl group was introduced, and the ester became completely stable when it was fully esterified with a saturated fatty acid of C10 or longer chain length.
Effects of a carbon price in the U.S. on economic sectors, resource use, and emissions: An input-output approach

Abstract Despite differences in their implementation, most carbon policies aim to have similar outcomes: effectively raising the price of carbon-intensive products relative to non-carbon-intensive products. While it is possible to predict the simple broad-scale economic impacts of raising the price of carbon-intensive products—the demand for non-carbon-intensive products will increase—understanding the economic and environmental impacts of carbon policies throughout the life cycle of both types of products is more difficult. Using the example of a carbon tax, this study proposes a methodology that integrates short-term policy-induced consumer demand changes into the input–output framework to analyze the environmental and economic repercussions of a policy. Environmental repercussions include the direct and the indirect impacts on emissions, materials flow in the economy, and the reliance on various ecosystem goods and services. The approach combines economic data with data about physical flow of fossil fuels between sectors, consumption of natural resources and emissions from each sector. It applies several input–output modeling equations sequentially and uses various levels of aggregation/disaggregation. It is illustrated with the data for the 2002 U.S. economy and physical flows. The framework provides insight into the short-term complex interactions between carbon price and its economic and environmental effects.
QUENCHED DISORDER ENHANCES CHAOTIC DIFFUSION

We show that chaotic diffusion of a single particle moving on a one-dimensional rough surface is enhanced by a small amount of spatial quenched disorder. In addition to enhanced diffusion we also find that there is a crossover from expanding to bounded motion. The crossover time to bounded motion decreases with increasing disorder, and there exists a threshold value of disorder above which chaotic motion is completely suppressed.
Putting physics in control-the example of robotics

It is argued that scalar summarizing properties, such as energy conservation or entropy production, often can be used effectively in the design of controllers for multi-input nonlinear physical systems. For instance, the conservation of total mechanical energy allows one to show simply the stability of simple proportional-derivative position controllers for robot manipulators, and it can also be systematically used to design trajectory controllers for these systems. Similarly, explicitly accounting for dissipative dynamics makes possible the use of the intrinsically stabilizing nature of certain disturbance terms such as viscous friction. Related approaches also can be of use in addressing problems of robustness to high-frequency unmodeled dynamics. The development points toward a more 'handcrafted,' physically motivated approach to nonlinear control system design. >
A new Monte Carlo assisted approach to detector response functions

The physical mechanisms that describe the components of NaI, Ge and Si(Li) detector responses have been investigated using Monte Carlo simulation. The mechanisms described focus on the shape of the Compton edge, the magnitude of the flat continuum, and the shape of the exponential tails features. These features are not accurately predicted by previous Monte Carlo simulations. Probable interaction mechanisms for each detector response component are given based on this Monte Carlo simulation.
Precision ultrasonic machining process: a case study of stress analysis of ceramic (Al2O3)

Abstract Recent study and development activity in the field of precision ultrasonic machining (USM) process has focused on the ceramic (Al 2 O 3 ). This paper first analyzes the USM process, mechanism, dynamics, and trends. It then discusses, in detail, the USM process applications on the ceramic (Al 2 O 3 ).
A Gaussian mixed model for learning discrete Bayesian networks

Abstract In this paper, we address the problem of learning discrete Bayesian networks from noisy data. A graphical model based on a mixture of Gaussian distributions with categorical mixing structure coming from a discrete Bayesian network is considered. The network learning is formulated as a maximum likelihood estimation problem and performed by employing an EM algorithm. The proposed approach is relevant to a variety of statistical problems for which Bayesian network models are suitable—from simple regression analysis to learning gene/protein regulatory networks from microarray data.
Daily School Peer Victimization Experiences Among Mexican-American Adolescents: Associations with Psychosocial, Physical and School Adjustment

School bullying incidents, particularly experiences with victimization, are a significant social and health concern among adolescents. The current study extended past research by examining the daily peer victimization experiences of Mexican-American adolescents and examining how chronic (mean-level) and episodic (daily-level) victimization incidents at school are associated with psychosocial, physical and school adjustment. Across a two-week span, 428 ninth and tenth grade Mexican-American students (51 % female) completed brief checklists every night before going to bed. Hierarchical linear model analyses revealed that, at the individual level, Mexican-American adolescents’ who reported more chronic peer victimization incidents across the two-weeks also reported heightened distress and academic problems. After accounting for adolescent’s mean levels of peer victimization, daily victimization incidents were associated with more school adjustment problems (i.e., academic problems, perceived role fulfillment as a good student). Additionally, support was found for the mediation model in which distress accounts for the mean-level association between peer victimization and academic problems. The results from the current study revealed that everyday peer victimization experiences among Mexican-American high school students have negative implications for adolescents’ adjustment, across multiple domains.
58: IUGR alters the DNA and histone methylation of the elastin gene in newborn rat lung

58 IUGR alters the DNA and histone methylation of the elastin gene in newborn rat lung Lisa Joss-Moore, Yan Wang, Anthony Sainz, Christopher Callaway, Xing Yu, Kurt Albertine, Robert Lane University of Utah, Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Salt Lake City, UT OBJECTIVE: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk of postnatal lung disease and impairs lung development. Lung development depends on programming of elastin expression during a critical developmental window. In the rat, this critical window begins at birth. The programming of the elastin gene expression may be influenced by epigenetics. Epigeneticmodifications includemethylation of both DNA and histone proteins. Methylation of histone 4, lysine 20 (H4K20Me) along the elastin gene is dependent upon peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARg). Normal PPARg function depends on levels of docosahexanoic acid (DHA), a fatty acid that is reduced in IUGR. We showed that IUGR decreases rat lung elastin and PPARg expression at birth. We hypothesize that IUGR altersH4K20Me, aswell asDNAmethylation, along the elastin gene in newborn rat lung. STUDY DESIGN: IUGR was induced by bilateral uterine artery ligation in rat dams at E19 of gestation. Bisulfite sequencing was used to assess DNAmethylation within Exon 1 of the elastin gene in newborn IUGR and control rat lung. ChIP was used to assess H4K20Me levels along the elastin gene in the same samples. RESULTS: Results are reported as IUGR as % of gender-matched control / SE. IUGR increased DNAmethylation within exon 1 of the elastin gene in male newborn rat lung (160 / 21%*), with no significant change in female rat lungs. IUGR increased H4K20Me in the promoter region of the elastin gene in male (160 / 20%*) and female (128 / 12%*) newborn rat lungs. IUGR also increased H4K20Me within the 3UTR of elastin (189 / 8%*) in male rat lungs, with no change in females. *p 0.05. CONCLUSION:We conclude that IUGR alters the epigenetic programming of the elastin gene in male and female newborn rat lung. Given that elastin expression in the IUGR rat lung is decreased similarly in male and female lungs, gender-specific alterations in epigenetics are intriguing. We speculate that normalizing elastin H4K20Me in IUGR rat lung, for example by antenatal administration of DHA, may improve elastin expression and lung phenotype in IUGR rats.
Team Rewards: How Far Have We Come?

Although many organizations find teams to be important to their success, few have implemented reward systems that encourage team effort. This study examines the practices of 35 firms using team-based reward programs and identifies some features of these programs that improve their effectiveness. The results indicate that the most valued programs were those associated with (1) high levels of communication to employees about the specifics of the plan, (2) strong worker involvement in the plan's design and implementation, and (3) team members' perceptions that the pay system was fair. HR managers considered more complex plans more beneficial than simple plans. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Characterization of electrically-driven silicon photonic Mach-Zehnder switches

We demonstrate a new method to extract the electronic carrier-induced loss and coupling coefficients of modern thermo-optic and electro-optic silicon Mach-Zehnder interferometer based 2x2 switches (Sandia, IBM and Kotura-Oracle) from the transmission spectra.
A political model using influence diagrams and the Analytic Hierarchy Process: the Camp David negotiations

Abstract Quantitative models and computer-based decision analysis are rarely used to support complex political decision processes. Dynamic models that will encompass both the objective and subjective factors affecting any political decision are needed, and decision makers must be able to understand and interact with computer-based support systems. This paper demonstrates how microcomputer-based decision analysis and decision support techniques can be used to structure and simulate a complex political decision process in the area of international negotiations. The decision analysis tool of influence diagrams and the mathematical technique of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) are applied to the Camp David negotiations between Egypt and Israel. The theory of influence diagrams is discussed and the influence diagram analysis software package DAVID is used to create the logic structure of the Camp David negotiations based upon the historical record. The theory of AHP is discussed and the AHP-based software package EXPERT CHOICE is used to replicate the subjective value judgments of the Camp David negotiators. An interaction scheme between the two methods is constructed which enables negotiators to explore the logic of a negotiating problem, to promote a common understanding of the impending negotiations, and to explore trade-offs between alternative proposals.
Comprehensive Analysis of CBFβ-MYH11 Fusion Transcripts in Acute Myeloid Leukemia by RT-PCR Analysis

CBFβ-MYH11 fusion transcripts are expressed in acute myeloid leukemias of the M4Eo subtype. Patients who express CBFβ-MYH11 fusion transcripts respond favorably to high-dose chemotherapy and are generally spared allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Hence it is important to identify this fusion in all patients with acute myeloid leukemia M4Eo leukemia. The fusion can be detected by cytogenetics, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), or by molecular analysis with RT-PCR. Multiple fusion transcripts arising as a result of various breakpoints in the CBFβ and MYH11 have been identified. In this report we describe a comprehensive RT-PCR assay to identify all known fusion transcripts and provide an algorithm for molecular analysis of CBFβ-MYH11 fusions from patient specimens. Further, identification of the fusion transcript by such an assay would help in the diagnosis and follow up of patients with cryptic inversion 16 translocations (such as patient 2 in this report) not detected by standard cytogenetics or FISH and for rational design of probes for quantitative analysis by real-time PCR.
Genes for the biosynthesis of spinosyns: applications for yield improvement in Saccharopolyspora spinosa

Spinosyns A and D are the active ingredients in an insect control agent produced by fermentation of Saccharopolyspora spinosa. Spinosyns are macrolides with a 21-carbon, tetracyclic lactone backbone to which the deoxysugars forosamine and tri-O-methylrhamnose are attached. The spinosyn biosynthesis genes, except for the rhamnose genes, are located in a cluster that spans 74 kb of the S. spinosa genome. DNA sequence analysis, targeted gene disruptions and bioconversion studies identified five large genes encoding type I polyketide synthase subunits, and 14 genes involved in sugar biosynthesis, sugar attachment to the polyketide or cross-bridging of the polyketide. Four rhamnose biosynthetic genes, two of which are also necessary for forosamine biosynthesis, are located outside the spinosyn gene cluster. Duplication of the spinosyn genes linked to the polyketide synthase genes stimulated the final step in the biosynthesis--the conversion of the forosamine-less pseudoaglycones to endproducts. Duplication of genes involved in the early steps of deoxysugar biosynthesis increased spinosyn yield significantly.
Shrinkage stress compensation in composite-restored teeth: relaxation or hygroscopic expansion?

Abstract Objectives Polymerization of composite restorations causes shrinkage, which deforms and thus stresses restored teeth. This shrinkage deformation, however, has been shown to decrease over time. The objective was to investigate whether this reduction was caused by hygroscopic expansion or stress relaxation of the composite/tooth complex. Methods Extracted molars were mounted in rigid stainless steel rings with four spherical reference areas. Twelve molars were prepared with large mesio-occluso-distal slots, etched, bonded, and restored with a composite material (Filtek Supreme, 3M ESPE) in two horizontal layers. Ten intact molars were the controls. The teeth were stored either in deionized water or silicone oil. They were scanned after preparation (baseline), restoration (0-week), and after 1, 2, and 4 weeks storage. Scanned tooth surfaces were aligned with the baseline using the unchanged reference areas. Cuspal flexure was calculated from lingual and buccal surface deformation. To verify that the restorations had remained bonded, dye penetration at the interfaces was assessed using basic fuchsin dye. Statistical assessment was done by ANOVA followed by Student–Newman–Keuls post hoc test (p = 0.05). Results Substantial cuspal contraction was found for restored teeth after the composite was cured (13–14 μm cuspal flexure). After 4 weeks cuspal contraction decreased significantly for restored teeth stored in water (7.3 ± 3.2) but not for those stored in silicone oil (11.4 ± 5.0). Dye penetration of the occlusal interface was minimal in both groups (106 ± 87 and 21 ± 28 μm in water and silicone oil, respectively). Significance The results suggest that hygroscopic expansion was the main mechanism for shrinkage stress compensation.
A Powder Processing Route to Polymer Composites

Powder processing of thermoplastic polymer composites offers multiple advantages for both micro- and nano-scale systems. A high degree of component homogenization is achieved prior to melt forming of the composite, thus minimizing degradation associated with extended thermal processing at high shear. Polymer blends can be prepared that would otherwise not be possible due to thermodynamic incompatibility. Initial evaluation of this concept was conducted by processing PMMA and HDPE micron size powder prepared by emulsion polymerization. Spherical silica particles of comparable size (mean size = 5 μm) were added to a 30/60 PMMA/HDPE blend at the 10 volume percent concentration and mixed in an aqueous medium prior to drying and extrusion. Analysis of optical and electron microscope images of the raw mixture shows good homogeneity and distribution of the small inorganic particles around the larger matrix phase particles by the process of interstitial filling. The melt-processed composite was observed by SEM and consisted of a three-phase system of dispersed silica and PMMA particles in a HDPE matrix.
Controlling chaos in a chemical oscillator

Theoretically, a nonlinear system can be entrained to many selected behaviors by resonance excitation. A sufficiently accurate model of the nonlinear system is needed to compute the control sequence, but incomplete models may be used as the basis for experiments to probe the dynamics and extract additional model details. We report our efforts to control the chaotic oscillations of the Belousov- Zhabotinsky reaction and related chemical oscillators. Instrumentation and the interaction of laboratory constraints with the modeling algorithm are discussed.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Modeling transmission line circuit elements in the FDTD method

The use of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method to model passive lumped elements (i.e., capacitors, inductors, and resistors) placed in parallel or series with a simple, lossless, one-dimensional (1-D) transmission line is shown and discussed. The accuracy of the derived FDTD update equations is demonstrated by comparing the calculated voltage reflected from each of the lumped elements (loads), when placed in a section of a transmission line excited by Gaussian and differentiated Gaussian voltage pulses, with exact analytic results. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 21: 105–114, 1999.
Monitoring the Clinical Outcomes in Advanced Prostate Cancer: What Imaging Modalities and Other Markers Are Reliable?

Effective patient care and efficient drug development require accurate tools to assess treatment effects. For metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), response biomarkers have historically been poorly reproducible, inaccurate, inconsistently applied, or only loosely associated with tangible clinical benefits such as survival. However, the field of response assessments for prostate cancer is maturing, in compliance with a rigorous process defined by analytic validation, clinical validation, and clinical qualification. For example, bone imaging with technetium-99m scintigraphy has historically been poorly used in prostate cancer clinical trials and routine patient care, and frequently has led to poor decision-making. However, contemporary clinical trial consensus criteria (Prostate Cancer Working Group 2 [PCWG2]) have standardized the definition of progression on bone scintigraphy and the clinical trials endpoint of radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS). A validated bone scan interpretation form captures the relevant data elements. rPFS and the forms have been undergoing prospective testing in multiple phase III studies. The first of these trials demonstrated a high degree of reproducibility and correlation with overall survival, and rPFS was used by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval of abiraterone in chemotherapy-naive mCRPC. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) are another class of assays with significant promise as response-indicator biomarkers. CTC enumeration has undergone analytic validation and has been FDA-cleared for monitoring patients with prostate cancer in conjunction with other clinical methods. It is not yet a surrogate for survival. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are direct indicators of patient benefit. The assays to measure PROs must undergo each of the steps of biomarker development, and are increasingly being standardized and used as clinical trial endpoints. In this review, we critically assess each of these classes of novel biomarkers—imaging, CTC, and PROs—in regard to the quality of data supporting their use to monitor clinical outcomes in advanced prostate cancer.
MHC class II and CD80 tumor cell-based vaccines are potent activators of type 1 CD4+ T lymphocytes provided they do not coexpress invariant chain.

We are developing vaccines that activate tumor-specific CD4+ T cells. The cell-based vaccines consist of MHC class I+ tumor cells that are genetically modified to express syngeneic MHC class II and costimulatory molecules. Previous studies demonstrated that treatment of mice with established tumors with these vaccines resulted in regression of solid tumors, reduction of metastatic disease, and increased survival time. Optimal vaccines will prime naive T cells and activate T cells to tumor peptides derived from diverse subcellular compartments, since potential tumor antigens may reside in unique cellular locales. To determine if the MHC class II / costimulatory molecule vaccines fulfill these conditions, the vaccines have been tested for their ability to activate antigen-specific, naive, transgenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. MHC class II+CD80+ vaccine cells were transfected with hen eggwhite lysozyme targeted to the cytosol, nuclei, mitochondria, or endoplasmic reticulum, and used as antigen-presenting cells to activate I-Ak–restricted, lysozyme-specific CD4+ 3A9 transgenic T cells. Regardless of the cellular location of lysozyme, the vaccines stimulated release of high levels of IFN-γ and IL-2. If the vaccines coexpressed the MHC class II accessory molecule invariant chain, then IFN-γ and IL-2 release was significantly reduced. These studies demonstrate that in the absence of invariant chain the MHC class II and CD80 tumor cell vaccines (1) function as antigen-presenting cells to activate naive, tumor-specific CD4+ cells to endogenously synthesized tumor antigens; (2) polarize the activated CD4+ T cells toward a type 1 response; and (3) present epitopes derived from varied subcellular locales.
In vivo sterol biosynthesis by pea aphid symbiotes as determined by digitonin and electron microscopic autoradiography.

Pea aphid primary symbiotes have previously been shown to synthesize cholesterol in vitro. Two electron microscopic techniques were used here to determine whether the symbiotes also synthesize cholesterol in vivo and whether this cholesterol is made available to the aphid. We also inquired into a possible role of secondary symbiotes in cholesterol biosynthesis. Treatment of aphids with digitonin resulted in significant alteration of ultrastructural sites in primary and secondary symbiote membranes. We concluded that these sites are areas of high cholesterol concentration in the symbiotes.
An energy analysis of a linear concentrating photovoltaic system with an active cooling system

The recent focus on renewable energy has lead to an increased awareness of solar energy. Concentrating photovoltaic systems have seen a resurgence in research interest since their earlier pilot plant origins in the 1970s and 1980s. The use of concentration reduces the amount of expensive photovoltaic materials while maintaining a high level of incident solar radiation. This research combines the advantage of concentrating solar energy with high efficiency multijunction cells and an active cooling system to create a system that efficiently produces both electricity and heat. A linear concentrating photovoltaic system model was developed in order to simulate the system under actual solar and climatic conditions, where a number of different system variables can be adjusted. This simulation was used to evaluate the effects of domestic hot water use on a 6.2 kWp system. The results show the changes in solar cell efficiency, electricity produced, thermal energy produced, dollar value displaced, and global warming potential displaced as the domestic hot water use of the system is varied. This simulation can be used to find an optimal system for given input conditions and can be used to find optimal operating conditions for a given system size.
Causality or driving in electrophysiological signal analysis

Abstract A single time series is defined to be causal relative to other stationary time series if it uniquely explains the pair-wise linear relationship between other time series. This definition lends itself to explicit statistical tests, to multivariate extensions of the definition of causality, to the case in which a linear combination of time series may be causal relative to other time series, and to the physical plausibility arguments that we think are essential in order to conclude that causality is present in time series. More specifically, consider three simultaneous time series {itxt}, {ityt} and {itzt}. Assume that (i) {itxt}, {ityt} and {itzt} have a “significant” amount of energy over a common physically relevant frequency interval and that over this frequency interval there is significant spectral coherence between each pair of time series. Roughly, the spectral coherence is required to be substantially different than zero over the frequency interval of interest and not be spurious or due to other nonmeasured variates. We say that one time series, say {itzt}, is causal relative to {itxt} and {ityt} if (ii) the partial spectral coherence between {itxt} and {ityt} conditioned {itzt} is zero over this frequency interval and the partial coherences between {itxt} and {itzt} conditioned on {ityt} and between {ityt} and {itzt} conditioned on {itxt} are not zero over this same interval. If the unconditional coherence between two time series is nonzero and the coherence conditioned on a third time series is zero, then formally the third time series accounts for the linear relationship between the first two time series. Illustrative examples and practical applications are demonstrated.
Temperature dependence of ZnO thin film growth and its application to self-powered fabrics

Zinc oxide thin films are becoming increasingly popular for their wide range of properties and the ability to deposit these films on organic substrates for applications such as biotemplating, OLEDs, or deposition on fabrics for functionalization purposes including power generation from the flexing and deformation of wearable textiles. However, since many fabrics and other organic substrates can not survive the typically high temperatures of thin film growth, it is important to characterize and understand the dependence of the properties of these films as a function of temperature deposition and subsequent thermal treatments. We report on the properties of zinc oxide thin films grown by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and the dependence of surface roughness, film stress, surface energy and crystalline structure on deposition temperature.
The smallest value of the axon density for which ‘ignition’ can occur in a random net

As shown by A. Rapoport (1952), when a very brief stimulation or “instantaneous input” is applied to a random net, the subsequent events are determined by the parameters of the net as follows: If the axon densitya is sufficiently large and the fraction γ of the neurons initially stimulated exceeds a certain value γ1 (theover-all threshold of the net for instantaneous stimulation), excitation will spread through the net until a steady state is reached in which a fraction γ2 ⩾ γ1 of the neurons is firing (“ignition phenomenon”). If γ < γ1 the activity in the net dies out. However, if the axon density is too small, the activity will ultimately die out, no matter how large the fraction of initially stimulated neurons. Thus there exists a limiting valueA of the axon density below which the net cannot “ignite”. ThisA is a function ofh, theindividual threshold of the neurons constituting the net (we assume hereh≥2, since forh=1 the situation is essentially different). Geometrically γ1 and γ2 are determined as the two intersection points of a straight line with a sigmoid curve. Whena<A the two curves do not intersect and fora=A they are tangent.
A rational design of carbon-supported dispersive Pt-based octahedra as efficient oxygen reduction reaction catalysts

Bimetallic PtNi nanocrystals represent an emerging class of newly discovered electrocatalysts which are expected to exhibit exciting oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. Colloidal syntheses have been proven to be suitable for controlling PtNi nanocrystals with well-defined morphologies and tunable compositions with the use of capping agents or ligands. However, these colloidal PtNi nanocrystals have inherent limitations associated with the ligand-covered surfaces, which not only limit the free access of surface active sites but also hinder electron transport between the catalyst and the support, leading to deteriorated ORR performance. Herein, we report a facile one-pot strategy to synthesize highly dispersive PtNi octahedra directly on various carbon materials without using any bulky capping agents, which enhances the surface exposure of the PtNi octahedra and their catalytic activity over ORR while largely reduces the preparation costs. The obtained octahedral PtNi/C catalysts have high ORR activities of 2.53 mA cm−2 and 1.62 A mgPt−1 at 0.9 V versus RHE, which are far better than those of commercial Pt/C catalysts (0.131 mA cm−2 and 0.092 A mgPt−1, all the ORR measurements were performed at room temperature in O2-purged 0.1 M HClO4 solutions at a sweep rate of 10 mV s−1). This strategy has been extended to fabricate trimetallic PtNiCo octahedra on carbon black with further enhanced activities up to 3.88 mA cm−2 and 2.33 A mgPt−1 at 0.9 V versus RHE. The octahedral PtNiCo/C catalyst is also more stable than the commercial Pt/C under the ORR conditions and shows small activity change after 6000 potential sweeps. The work demonstrates that the carbon-supported Pt-based materials reported herein are promising material candidates with enhanced performances for practical electrocatalytic applications.
Insecticidal activity of spore-free mutants of Bacillus thuringiensis against the Indian meal moth and almond moth☆☆☆

Abstract Three oligosporogenic mutants of Bacillus thuringiensis were assayed for toxicity against larvae of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella, and the almond moth, Ephestia cautella. The results were compared with insecticidal activity obtained from the parent strain (HD-1) and two standard B. thuringiensis formulations (HD-1-S-1971 and HD-1-S-1980) against the same insect species. The toxicity of the sporeless mutant preparations was significantly diminished against the Indian meal moth (10- to 26-fold increase in LC50) but exceeded the toxicity of the standards against the almond moth. The toxicities of the B. thuringiensis preparations toward the Indian meal moth were consistent with the number of spores in the test samples, but spores did not contribute to toxicity to E. cautella larvae. A rationale for basing dosage on soluble protein was demonstrated for use in situations where spores are not a contributing factor in toxicity.
Biological effects of alkali-treated soya protein and lactalbumin in the rat and mouse.

Abstract Diets containing 20% alkali-treated soya protein and providing 1370–2630 ppm dietary lysinoalanine produced nephrocytomegaly in the pars recta of the proximal tubule in male Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats. The frequency of abnormally large pars recta nuclei exceeded 33% in rats fed alkali-treated soya protein providing dietary lysinoalanine levels of 2080 or 2630 ppm. There were no quantitative or qualitative differences between the renal responses of Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats fed the same diets. Swiss-Webster mice fed alkali-treated soya protein had slightly more than twice as many enlarged pars recta nuclei as did the control group, but the shift in size distribution was not significant at the 5% level. Sprague-Dawley rats developed only minimal karyomegaly on a diet of 20% alkali-treated lactalbumin, despite a dietary lysinoalanine level of 4970 ppm. Diets containing 8 or 10% untreated lactalbumin in addition to 12% alkali-treated soya protein or 10% alkali-treated lactalbumin did not induce nephrocytomegaly or karyomegaly, despite providing dietary lysinoalanine levels of 1753 and 2490 ppm, respectively. Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats fed 20% alkali-treated soya protein showed elevated plasma levels of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and had a significantly lower plasma protein content than control animals after 8 or 12 wk on the diet. Sprague-Dawley rats fed 20% alkali-treated lactalbumin had elevated GPT levels, but BUN and total plasma protein were normal; replacement of half the protein content of the diet with non-nutritive cellulose caused elevation of GPT, with no change in the BUN or plasma protein values. In rats fed 20% alkali-treated soya protein, approximately 33% of the lysinoalanine ingested daily was found in the faeces and 1·2% in the urine. No lysinoalanine was detected in liver or blood, but a quantity equivalent to about 0·6% of the daily intake was found in the kidneys. Higher urinary lysinoalanine excretion (2–7% of the intake) was found in animals fed alkali-treated lactalbumin.
Mechanisms of Bacteriophage Inactivation via Singlet Oxygen Generation in UV Illuminated Fullerol Suspensions

Nonenveloped viruses are shown to be inactivated by singlet oxygen ((1)O2) produced in UVA photosensitized aqueous suspensions of a polyhydroxylated fullerene (C60(OH)22-24; fullerol, 40 microM). Experiments were performed with MS2, a ssRNA bacteriophage, as well as two dsDNA phages: PRD1, which has an internal lipid membrane, and T7, which entirely lacks lipids. MS2 was highly susceptible to inactivation, having a rate constant of 0.034 min(-1) with UVA alone, which increased to 0.102 min(-1) with photoactivated fullerol. PRD1 and T7 were not susceptible to UVA alone but were photoinactivated by fullerol with rate constants of 0.026 and 0.035 min(-1), respectively. The role of 1(O)2 was demonstrated by three independent observations: (i) viruses that were insensitive to UVA alone were photoinactivated by rose bengal in the absence of fullerol, (ii) beta-carotene reduced (but did not eliminate) photoinactivation rates, and (iii) singlet oxygen sensor green fluorescence spectroscopy directly detected (1)O2 in UVA illuminated fullerol suspensions. Qualitative evidence is also presented that fullerol aggregates were closely associated with viruses allowing efficient transfer of 1(O)2 to their capsids. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed significant oxidative modifications to capsid proteins but comparatively minor changes to the DNA and (phospho)lipids. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) suggested (1)O2 induced crosslinking of proteins. Hence, phage inactivation by photoactivated fullerol nanoparticles appears to be caused by cross-linking of capsid protein secondary structures by exogenous (1)O2 and consequentimpairmentof their ability to bind to surface receptors of their bacterial hosts (loss of infectivity) rather than by direct reactions with fullerol.