cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Promotion of Pt surfaces for ethanol electro-oxidation by the addition of small SnO2 nanoparticles: Activity and mechanism

Abstract The catalytic effect of a SnO2 co-catalyst for ethanol electrooxidation on polycrystalline Pt is studied by electrochemical methods, in situ infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical results show that deposition of small SnO2 NPs onto the pc-Pt electrode surface significantly enhances the catalytic performance of Pt. Infrared spectroscopy measurements show the effect that small SnO2 particles have on the removal of CO from the Pt surface and suggest that the electrocatalytic C–C bond splitting activity of Pt, the key step in full conversion of ethanol to CO2, is not affected by the addition of the –OH species provided by the SnO2 particles. Also, it is shown that controlled deposition of SnO2 is needed in order to control the rate of partial oxidation to acetic acid compared to full oxidation to CO2. The combined results provide new insight into the role of SnO2 co-catalysts in promoting the electro-oxidation of ethanol to CO2 on Pt surfaces.
Assessing the Learning Needs of Maternal and Child Health Professionals to Teach Health Promotion

Objective: To assess skills and preferred learning formats in teaching health promotion (HP). Methods: A self-administered needs assessment of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) educators from multiple disciplines was conducted on a convenience sample taken nationally via e-mail using Dillman's method. Respondents rated ability to use, and desire to improve skills in, different teaching strategies (brainstorming, case method, collaborative learning, mini-presentation, reflective exercise, role play) and health concepts (partnership, communication, HP/illness prevention, time management, education, advocacy). Preferred learning formats were assessed with 5-point Likert scale and were analyzed using ANOVA. Results: Fifty-seven percent of respondents (n = 180) taught in an urban setting, 26% suburban, and 17% rural. Most taught at academic health centers (35%), public health clinics (25%), or hospitals (17%). Seventy-five percent were female; average age was 42 years (SD-9.1 years). Specific disciplines showed no major difference in mean responses compared with others. The greatest barriers to integrating HP into teaching were time (82%) and budget (58%). Although a majority of all respondents felt comfortable in their abilities to use the teaching strategies and concepts, an equal percentage still wanted to improve these skills. One-third of respondents had experience using web-based study; 64% of them indicated web-based study as their preferred method of continuing education. Conclusions: While a majority of MCH educators felt confident using various teaching strategies to teach the integration of HP into practice, most still wished to improve their personal skills. Use of an inexpensive, time-efficient modality to access and learn to teach HP was appealing to respondents across disciplines.
Protein S multimers and monomers each have direct anticoagulant activity

Summary. Background and Objectives: Plasma protein S (PS) is an essential anticoagulant that has activated protein C-independent, direct anticoagulant activity (PS-direct). It was reported that monomeric purified PS has poor PS-direct and that a subpopulation of multimeric purified PS has high PS-direct and high affinity for phospholipids. We independently examined the relative PS-direct and affinity for phospholipids of monomeric and multimeric PS and we obtained contrasting results.Methods and Results: Unpurified recombinant protein S (rPS) was monomeric and had PS-direct potency similar to that of both PS in plasma and multimeric affinity-purified PS, as measured in plasma assays for PS-direct and in thrombin-generation assays. Multimers of unpurified rPS were not induced by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), pH 2.5, NaSCN, or barium adsorption/elution. Multimers were induced by chromatography in the presence of EDTA and thus may be concentration-dependent. In contrast to a different report, monomers, dimers, trimers, and higher-order PS forms were clearly separated in sedimentation velocity experiments and multimers were not dissociated by adding Ca2+. Active plasma-derived and recombinant immunoaffinity-purified PS were fractionated into monomers and multimers. On a mass basis, monomers and multimers had similar specific PS-direct and ability to compete with prothrombinase components (factors Xa/Va) for limiting phospholipids. FXa ligand blotted to both monomers and multimers.Conclusions: Plasma PS-direct is similar to that of affinity-purified PS and unpurified rPS. Under our conditions, monomeric and multimeric PS have similar PS-direct and ability to compete for phospholipids. Discordant earlier findings are likely due to loss of PS-direct during conventional purification procedures.
Body Build Perceptions in Male and Female College Students.

The Somatotype Rating Scale (SRS) was administered to 35 male and 35 female college students. The SRS allowed particiapnts to rate their own body build, their ideal body build, and the body build of the typical and ideal male and female. While there was close agreement between males and females on the measures, females exhibited more dissatisfaction with their body build and greater congruency between their self-concept and their same-sex stereotype than did males. Results were discussed as possibly revealing the emergence of a mesomorphic body build ideal in both sexes.
The amplitude of local angular motions of intercalated dyes and bases in DNA.

The orientation of ethidium dye in DNA and the amplitude of its local internal angular motion are estimated from fluorescence polarization anisotropy and reduced linear dichroism data. When the local internal motion is assumed to be isotropic, the acceptable range of polar angles of the transition dipole is ϵ = 70°−72°, and the acceptable range of root mean squared (rms) amplitudes of local internal motion is 〈δϵ2〉1/2 = 6.9°–8°, in agreement with earlier estimates. The nmr relaxation data reported by Kearns and co-workers for the imino protons of duplex (dAdT)26.5 and (dGdC)30 are analyzed using recent theoretical results for flexible filaments. For typical, or reasonable, assumed geometrical parameters, large rms amplitudes of local internal motion of the bases are not required to be superimposed on the collective motions due to twisting and bending deformations. For the particular geometrical parameters considered herein, rms amplitudes greater than about 12° are precluded by the data, but values as low as 0° are not. The low precision of present knowledge about solution structures does not allow a definitive statement about the rms amplitudes of local angular motion of the bases to be made independent of any structural or geometric assumptions.
The swallowing center: Concepts and procedures

This paper describes the purpose and organization of a dedicated center at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions for the evaluation of swallowing problems. The multidisciplinary approach outlined will permit a better understanding and more accurate diagnosis of the functional or organic lesions affecting the swallowing mechanisms. Illustrative cases are presented.
Bounds on eigenvalues of matrix products with an application to the algebraic Riccati equation

Lower and upper summation bounds for the eigenvalues of the product XY are presented, under various restrictions on matrices X, Y in R/sup n*n/. An application to the algebraic Riccati equation yields a trace lower bound. It is observed that these bounds are tighter than those in the literature. >
Cognitive partnerships on the bench top: designing to support scientific researchers

There has been a growing interest to develop technologies for laboratory environments. However, existing systems are underdeployed in real research labs. In order to create more successful technologies for the creative laboratory setting, we need a deeper understanding of the values of the researchers we are designing for and the unique roles of technology in the research laboratory. Our three-year ethnographic study of a biomedical engineering (BME) lab contributes to building this foundation for future design. Drawing form a distributed and situated cognition framework, our analysis highlights the ways in which technology is integrated into the researchers' daily practices. This study is one of the first deep ethnographies of a laboratory culture with a central focus on technology and provides several insights for the design community.
On the Disintegration of the Jet in a Plunging Breaker

Abstract An inviscid mechanism is proposed for the breakup of the jet in a plunging surface wave. Streamwise perturbations of the original surface are shown to grow rapidly owing to stretching of the thin jet and to drastic reduction in the normal pressure gradient. This converts transverse gravity waves into almost pure capillary waves. Conservation of wave action for the perturbations then implies a strong increase in the perturbation amplitude.
Nonoxidative ethanol metabolites alter extracellular matrix protein content in rat pancreas.

Abstract Background & aims: The mechanisms involved in ethanol-induced pancreas fibrosis are poorly understood. Here we show that fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), nonoxidative ethanol metabolites, increase extracellular matrix (ECM) protein levels in pancreas. Methods: Rat pancreatic acini were incubated for 1–4 hours with FAEEs or acetaldehyde. In another set of experiments, rats received an intravenous infusion of FAEEs for 6 hours. Collagens were assessed by a hydroxyproline assay. Laminin and fibronectin were analyzed by Western blotting. Gene expression of ECM proteins was measured by conventional and real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), plasmin, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) activities were determined by zymography and fluorogenic assays. Results: FAEEs increased collagen, laminin, and fibronectin levels in pancreatic acini without affecting messenger RNA (mRNA) expression for these proteins. Actinomycin D, a transcriptional inhibitor, did not block the increase in ECM proteins induced by FAEEs. FAEEs reduced the activity of the serine protease, plasmin, and that of the uPA. Consistent with these results, the serine protease inhibitor aprotinin reproduced the effects of FAEEs and prevented the further increase in ECM proteins induced by FAEEs. In vivo administration of FAEEs reduced plasmin and uPA activities and increased ECM protein levels in pancreas. Acetaldehyde had minor effects on ECM protein levels and did not affect plasmin activity. Conclusions: FAEEs increase ECM protein levels in pancreas. The results suggest that this effect is caused primarily by an inhibition in ECM degradation via serine proteases including the plasminogen system.
Volatile Constituents of Whey Powder Subjected to Accelerated Browning

Abstract The volatile constituents of whey powder subjected to accelerated browning were isolated and identified. Fifty-five compounds were identified by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Of these, the following have not been reported in milk-related systems: benzofuran, furfuryl propionate, 5-methyl-2-furfuryl alcohol, furfuryl butyrate, 1-(2′-furyl)-propane-1,2-dione, 2-furyl hydroxymethyl ketone, 2-methyl-5-furfuryl 2′-furfuryl ether, 5-(5′-methyl-2′-furfuryl)-2-furaldehyle, 5-methyl-2-formylpyrrole, n-ethyl-2-formylpyrrole, 4-methyl-3-butenoic acid- γ -lactone, and hexane-2,5-dione. Flavor and potency of 5-(2′-furfuryl)-2-furaldehyde and of 5-(5′-methyl-2′-furfuryl)-2-furaldehyde suggests that not only lipids but also carbohydrates must be considered as possible precursors of the oxidized flavor in dairy products.
MODELS OF CHARACTER DISPLACEMENT AND THE THEORETICAL ROBUSTNESS OF TAXON CYCLES.

The appropriateness of the techniques used in modeling character displacement has been the focus of vigorous debate. In this paper, the three competing methods (the coevolutionarily stable community (CSC), the evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS), and quantitative genetic recursion (QGR)) are compared in models using a common ecological setting. Specific predictions of the CSC model have been used to understand features of character displacement among Cnemidophorous lizards on islands off Mexico, Anolis lizards in the Lesser Antilles and Galapagos finches. Nonetheless, the validity of the approach has been repeatedly questioned. Conceptually the three formalisms vary in the degree to which within species variability is allowed in the models. The predictions of the CSC are found not to be robust to even small violation of its fundamental assumption of absolute species monomorphy. We show by simulation and analytical observations that the CSC is not valid under frequency dependent selection, and that the ESS is the limiting case of QGR as intraspecific phenotypic variation goes to zero. Thus the ESS and the QGR models agree closely when the between-phenotype component (BPC) of the niche width is small. However, as the BPC increases, quantitative discrepancies between ESS and QGR predictions increase, although model behavior remains qualitatively similar. A fourth approach, termed "Quantitative Genetic Optimization" (QGO) analysis, is suggested, combining advantages of both the ESS and QGR. Although all approaches support the possibility of taxon cycles, the cycle patterns predicted are qualitatively different and strongly model dependent.
Partial common principal component subspaces

SUMMARY We consider the principal components analysis of g groups of m variables for those situations in which, for each group, the first k principal components account for most of the total variability of observations in that group. If the set of these gk principal component vectors spans a space of dimension r, where r is less than m, then it will be possible simultaneously to reduce the dimensionality, for all groups, from m to r while retaining most of the within-group variability. Methods are already available for determining if r = k, in which case the g groups have a common principal component subspace. In this paper, we develop a general procedure for determining if r = s for arbitrary s. This can then be used repeatedly to determine r when r > k.
Adriamycin‐induced resistance to natural killer (NK)‐mediated cytotoxicity

Studies were done to determine the susceptibility of a colon carcinoma cell line, LoVo, to natural killer (NK) mediated lysis after exposure to the tumor cells to Adriamycin (ADR) (doxorubicin; Adria Laboratories, Columbus, OH). LoVo cells were exposed to ADR (0.4 micrograms/ml) for various time intervals and then tested for sensitivity to lysis by NK cells from the peripheral blood of normal donors in a sodium chromate (Cr51) release cytotoxicity assay. Exposure of tumor targets to ADR induced a resistance to NK-mediated lysis. Susceptibility to lysis decreased progressively to approximately 60% of control levels after 72 hours of ADR exposure. The induction of resistance was dependent on ADR dose, but did not magnify with doses greater than 0.4 micrograms/ml. When target cells were allowed to recover from ADR in fresh medium for 48 hours, complete reversal of the ADR effect was seen. The effect of interleukin-2 (IL-2) stimulation on the NK lysis of LoVo also was tested. IL-2-stimulated effector cells demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity to LoVo targets and were able to overcome the ADR-induced resistance to lysis. The mechanism of resistance does not appear to be related to the altered binding of effectors to chemotherapy-treated targets, as suggested by single cell assay results.
Characterization of a novel protective monoclonal antibody that recognizes an epitope common to Vibrio cholerae Ogawa and Inaba serotypes

A novel protective monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizes a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) epitope common between serotypes Ogawa and Inaba of the O1 serogroup of Vibrio cholerae was characterized and the potential to develop peptide mimics of this protective LPS epitope was investigated. mAb 72.1 recognizes both Ogawa and Inaba LPS and it is vibriocidal and protective in passive immunization against infection by strains of both serotypes. The cDNA-derived amino acid sequence of mAb 72.1 is closely related to the previously characterized mAb ZAC-3, which is thought to recognize an epitope in the lipid A core region of O1 LPS. In an attempt to develop a peptide mimic-based vaccine against V. cholerae, phage display libraries were screened with mAb 72.1 and 11 peptide mimics were identified. Remarkably, all of the peptide sequences identified from linear phage display libraries contained two cysteine residues, suggesting that mAb 72.1 preferentially binds to peptides constrained with a disulphide bond. One of the peptide mimics was immunologically characterized. Although immunization of mice with this peptide mimic conjugated to KLH elicited antibodies against the peptide itself, these antibodies did not cross-react with Ogawa or Inaba LPS. Effectiveness of a peptide mimic as a vaccine may depend on how well the peptide can mimic the carbohydrate interactions when binding to the anti-carbohydrate antibody. Thus, investigating how peptides and LPS bind to mAb 72.1 may be useful in improving current peptide mimics or designing more effective peptide mimics. Identification and characterization of novel protective anti-LPS antibodies may be useful in studying protective epitopes of LPS, which may help develop LPS-based therapeutics against V. cholerae.
An analysis of discrepancy between point-of-care and central laboratory international normalized ratio testing in ED patients with cerebrovascular disease.

Abstract Objective Our objective was to identify demographic, clinical, and operational variables associated with discrepancy between point-of-care (POC) and central laboratory international normalized ratio (INR) results in emergency department (ED) patients with acute cerebrovascular disease. Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study of a series of 637 patients with acute cerebrovascular disease over 30 months who underwent simultaneous POC, using the i-STAT POC analyzer (Abbott, Princeton, NJ), and central laboratory INR testing at ED presentation. Point-of-care INR results greater than ±0.25 INR units from the central laboratory INR value were considered discrepant. We analyzed potential predictors of POC INR discrepancy from demographic, clinical, and operational variables using multivariable logistic regression. We evaluated the change in POC INR discrepancy incidence over the study interval using analysis of variance methodology. Results The final diagnoses of the 637 subjects were acute ischemic stroke (n=427), transient ischemic attack (n=105), and intracranial hemorrhage (n=105). Discrepant POC INR results occurred in 21.5% (137/637) of subjects. The mean bias between POC and central laboratory INR was 0.24 ± 0.69 (range, 0-11.3). Significant covariates of POC INR discrepancy were oral anticoagulant use (odds ratio, 3.03; confidence interval, 1.37-6.68) and increasing activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) (odds ratio, 1.07; confidence interval, 1.02-1.12). We observed a significant reduction trend in the incidence of POC-central laboratory discrepancy over the study period, decreasing on average at 0.42% per month ( F =5.59, P =.025). Conclusion In this retrospective study, oral anticoagulant use and increasing aPTT were significantly associated with POC INR discrepancy in ED patients with acute cerebrovascular disease. Point-of-care INR discrepancy incidence decreased over the study interval.
The reduction of electromagnetic interference in RF integrated circuits through the use of metalized substrates

This paper discussed the use of metalized substrates for coupling (EMI) reduction of integrated circuit components. Coupled microstrip lines with arrays of shorting vias or mushrooms were used for demonstration. It was found that the metalized substrate could reduce the circuit coupling at lower frequencies due to the shielding effect and enhance the coupling at much higher frequencies due to the scattering and radiation of the metalized substrate. It was also found that the use of metalized EBG elements over the entire substrate, although eliminating the surface wave, would enhance the circuit coupling by introducing additional capacitance between strips at higher frequencies. At lower frequencies, the inductive vias are effectively shorted to the ground and provide shielding to reduce circuit coupling.
Lattices for milli-eV neutral molecules

An electric dipole moment of neutral polar molecules interacts with non-uniform electric field; therefore it is possible to design electrodes that replace magnets for charged particles and a lattice that is a series of electrodes to circulate such molecules. We describe our recent result of designing a ring for CH/sub 3/F in comparison with our previous design for NDa.
A New Community Detection Algorithm Based on Makov-Chains and a Team Formation Model

Detecting community structure in complex networks is an active area of research that locates dense regions of connections in networks. We suggest a novel algorithm for community detection using a new node-node association metric (based on Markov-Chains) and a team formation model.
Genetic structure of Helianthus occidentalis (Asteraceae) in a preserve withfragmented habitat.

We examined the spatial genetic structure of Helianthus occidentalisRiddell ssp. occidentalis Riddell (western sunflower) to determine whether this species is highly clonal and whether the distance between prairie patches influences genetic differentiation. In the Edge of Appalachia Preserve System, Ohio, this species is restricted to prairie patches that have a clumped distribution in the forest matrix. Data from this insect-pollinated forb with gravity-dispersed seed were compared to data from the same patches for Asclepias verticillata, an insect-pollinated species with wind-dispersed seed. Allozyme electrophoresis was used to collect genetic data from H. occidentalis samples from eight patches in four regions. Genetic data from three polymorphic loci indicted that this species is not highly clonal. Genetic differentiation was greater among patches within a region than among regions, suggesting that gene flow among patches is more limited in H. occidentalis than in A. verticillata. Founder effect may also have contributed to observed genetic differences among patches as some of these populations may have re-established after release from human use. As habitat fragmentation is increasing in the preserve, it is also likely that genetic differentiation may be increasing. Therefore, monitoring of genetic structure is necessary to further assess the effect of fragmentation. One aspect of the human alteration of natural landscapes is fragmentation of continuous habitat into smaller, more isolated patches. This change in landscapes can potentially alter the spatial distribution of genetic diversity. Genetic structure could be altered if fragmentation changes gene flow patterns or population size. Models of the effect of habitat fragmentation on population genetic structure suggest that increased isolation of patches could decrease gene flow and increase genetic differentiation among patches (Wright, 1938, 1943, 1946; Hanski, 1991; Rhodes and Chesser, 1994). In addition, genetic variation within a patch may decrease if the remaining population is small because the effects of genetic drift and inbreeding will be greater. Both drift and inbreeding can ultimately lead to fixation of alleles in the patches. Maintaining high levels of genetic diversity is thought to be important for the long-term survival of species because it may provide the capacity to respond to environmental change by lowering susceptibility to stresses (Ledig, 1988; Gillespie and Guttman, 1989; Kopp, Guttman, and Wissing, 1992). However, a serious problem in efforts to conserve diversity or mitigate changes after disturbance is the lack 1
Nitric oxide in brain death related cardiovascular dysfunction.

Purpose: Nitric oxide (NO) is a major regulator of vascular tone, blood pressure, and blood flow, and plays a significant role in disease states associated with hemodynamic alterations. However, the role of NO in association with the effects of brain death (BD) has not yet been evaluated. Methods: In 17 mongrel dogs (23 to 31 kg), right atrial serum measurements of nitrite and L-arginine as well as NO ex vivo tissue nitrite extraction were performed at baseline (0), and 120, 240, and 360 minutes after BD. The hearts were instrumented with micromanometers, transonic flow probes, and ultrasonic dimension transducers to determine systolic function and to analyze the pulmonary vasculature flow characteristics by Fourier analysis. Brain death was induced by inflation of a subdurally placed balloon and validated neuropathologically. The results are expressed as mean and standard error of the mean (±SEM) (P < .05, paired t-test). Results: Right and left ventricular function deteriorated significantly (P < .001) by 37% (±10) and 22% (±7) respectively following BD. Pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance as well as pulmonary impedance decreased significantly over 6 hours after BD. Pulsatile flow, a potent stimulant of NO release, converted significantly to more steady flow. Myocardial NO extraction values remained unchanged after BD and serum L-arginine decreased from 12.84 μg/L (±0.60) to 11.77 μg/L (±0.55). Conclusions: The decreases in pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance, pulmonary impedance, and cardiac function associated with BD are not related to major changes in the NO pathway. NO may not play a key role in the early changes after BD.
Spectrum of plasma modes and relevant transport processes in astrophysical disks

A simple plasma disk structure imbedded in a magnetic field and in the (prevalent) gravity of a central object is shown to be subject to the excitation of significant axisymmetric and tridimensional modes. The key factors involved in the relevant instability are the plasma pressure vertical gradient and the rotation frequency (around the central object) radial gradient. A modestly peaked vertical profile of the plasma temperature is shown to drive a “thermo-rotational instability” with considerable growth rates. Unstable modes are found as well for “flat” temperature profiles. The tri-dimensional tightly wound spirals that are found have properties that, unlike the familiar galactic spirals, depend on the vertical profiles of their amplitudes. Both radially standing and convective (quasi-modes) spirals are identified. Within the considered spectrum, unstable modes are shown to produce opposing fluxes of particles and thermal energies in the vertical direction. Thus disks with relatively flat vertical temperature profiles can expel particles (winds) from the equatorial plane while transporting thermal energy inward. An effective “diffusion” coefficient, for energy and angular momentum, is derived from the structure of radially convective spiral modes and shown to be consistent with significant radial transport rates.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MORTALITY RATES OF THE COLORED POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES.

B Y THE colored population in the present instance is meant the negro population, although in the discussion which follows, rates published by the Bureau of the Census, including Negro, Chinese, Japanese, and Indian, will be used. The Chinese, Japanese, and Indian factors have been practically eliminated, however, by using for comparison only population groups containing these elements to a relatively negligible extent. According to the census of 1910, the total population of the United States (exclusive of outlying possessions) was over 91,000,000, and the negro population over 9,000,000. In many localities the negro population constitutes from 20 to 50 per cent. of the total. In the study of local mortality rates, therefore, the death-rates of the colored (negro) population merit separate attention. This is more particularly true of cities in which the colored population constitutes a.considerable part. Effective registration of deaths has revealed, especially in those localities where the negro forms a relatively large element of the population, that the colored death-rate is much higher than that of the white population. To one interested in the public health the questions which will arise in connection with this difference between the white and colored death-rates are (1) the reason for the difference; (2) whether the cause is an essential one, inherent in one element of the population and not in the other, and, finally (3) whether the factors which produce the difference in the death-rates can be removed and the colored death-rate lowered until it approximates that of the white element of the population.
Image analysis studies of the degree of irreversible deformation of sickle cells in relation to cell density and Hb F level

Summary We analysed, quantitatively by image analysis, the degree of irreversible deformation of red cells (SS cells) from patients with homozygous sickle cell disease, and studied the relationships among the degree of irreversible cell deformation, cell density, and Hb F level. SS cells from 2 5 patients (aged 1–36 years) whose Hb F levels ranged from 2.5%) to 40.0%. were fully oxygenated and then were separated into four fractions by density centrifugation. Every fraction was studied for morphology and Hb F content. We found that the irreversible deformation of SS cells from the circulation occurred mainly by elongation and that the degree of elongation was extremely variable. We also found that in the cells of patients with Hb F levels 0.1) among those from patients with Hb F ≥20%. We also found that cell density increased as Hb F level of the density fraction decreased in all patients with Hb F < 20% but not always in those with Hb F ≥20%. This suggests that cells with lower Hb F levels are selectively susceptible to dehydration. Furthermore, we found that the mean degree of irreversible elongation decreases linearly with increasing levels of Hb F and reaches the normal range at 21–24%. Since the degree of irreversible deformation of SS cells quantified by image analysis is directly related to cell density, and inversely to Hb F levels, mechanical stress or membrane damage caused by Hb S polymerization may be an important factor in the formation of dense cells in viva
On the use of energy storage technologies for regulation services in electric power systems with significant penetration of wind energy

Energy produced by intermittent renewable resources is sharply increasing in the United States. At high penetration levels, volatility of wind power production could cause additional problems for the power system balancing functions such as regulation. This paper reports some partial results of a project work, recently conducted by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). The project proposes to mitigate additional intermittency with the help of Wide Area Energy Management System (WAEMS) that would provide a two-way simultaneous regulation service for the BPA and California ISO systems by using a large energy storage facility. The paper evaluates several utility-scale energy storage technology options for their usage as regulation resources. The regulation service requires a participating resource to quickly vary its power output following the rapidly and frequently changing regulation signal. Several energy storage options have been analyzed based on thirteen selection criteria. The evaluation process resulted in the selection of flywheels, pumped hydro electric power (or conventional hydro electric power) plant and sodium sulfur or nickel cadmium batteries as candidate technologies for the WAEMS project. A cost benefit analysis should be conducted to narrow the choice to one technology.
Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistors with Integrated Ohmic Contacts and High-κ Gate Dielectrics

High-performance enhancement-mode semiconducting carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNTFETs) are obtained by combining ohmic metal-tube contacts, high-dielectric-constant HfO2 films as gate insulators, and electrostatically doped nanotube segments as source/drain electrodes. The combination of these elements affords high ON currents and subthreshold swings of 70-80 mV/decade and allows for low OFF currents and suppressed ambipolar conduction. The doped source and drain approach resembles that of MOSFETs and can impart excellent OFF states to nanotube FETs under aggressive vertical scaling. This presents an important advantage over devices with a metal source/drain, or devices commonly referred to as Schottky barrier FETs.
A family of minimum quantile distance estimators for the three-parameter Weibull distribution

A family of minimum quantile distance estimators, based on a subset of the sample quantiles, is proposed for the parameters of the three-parameter Weibull distribution. The estimation procedure is applicable to either complete or censored samples and, through use of the associated distance measure, provides a goodness-of-fit test for the Weibull model. The proposed estimators are both consistent and asymptotically normal and, in a particular instance, are optimal over the class of all estimators based on the same quantile subset. The problem of optimal quantile selection is also considered.
Secondary hormonal therapy in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Abstract Background Androgen receptor (AR) signaling remains important in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and sequential responses to hormonal therapies are observed. Little is known about the factors associated with responsiveness to secondary hormone therapy (HT). Methods We retrospectively identified patients with CRPC who were treated with secondary HT. Patient characteristics and types and duration of secondary HT were analyzed. Selected clinical characteristics and their association with duration of secondary HT were evaluated. Results Of 436 eligible patients, 321 (74%) and 87 (20%) received at least two or four secondary HT regimens, respectively. Median duration of time on primary androgen deprivation therapy alone (ADT) and secondary HT were 24.0 months (range, 1.5 to 171.8 months) and 30.3 months (range, 0.6 to 156.1+ months), respectively. Patients who received primary ADT ≥ 24 months received secondary HT for a median duration of 40.0 months, whereas men who received ADT Conclusions Treatment durations of secondary HT are variable. Longer duration of primary ADT was associated with longer duration of secondary HT. These results imply that AR signaling remains an important therapeutic target in CRPC.
Pacifier as a risk factor for acute otitis media.

The article on pacifier use and acute otitis media (AOM) by Niemela et al1 underscores an interesting and important point given the incidence of otitis media and its impact on families, economics, and antibiotic resistance patterns. Nevertheless, the results of the study may have been biased in several ways. First, parents provided informed consent in this unblinded study. Knowledge that the relationship between pacifier use and the incidence of AOM was being studied and the general belief that pacifiers are not recommended by physicians might have influenced families to underreport pacifier use. In addition, the clinic nurses may have introduced error. Nurses from intervention clinics were aware of the study goals and underwent a training session on “the harmful effects of both AOM and prolonged pacifier use” and how to best counsel parents to limit pacifier use. Nurses from control clinics, however, received training about only “the possible harmful effects of AOM” and were informed that local epidemiology patterns were being studied. Nurses in this group, therefore, were not “true controls.” They may have had a heightened awareness of otitis with a focus on recording every occurrence and thus influenced parents when instructing them to fill out symptom diaries. Most importantly, the diagnosis of AOM was made predominantly by parents. Previous studies have shown that symptomatology does not always correlate with AOM, especially in this age group. Only 67.7% of children younger than 2 years old have any ear-related symptoms,2 and, among children <1 year old, as many as 46% are completely asymptomatic.3 Even among children <2 years old who are symptomatic, the positive predictive value of parental suspicion is only 49%, although the negative predictive value is 9%.4 In addition to the inherent inaccuracy of parental diagnosis, parents may have been influenced by their knowledge …
Supervised versus multiple instance learning: an empirical comparison

We empirically study the relationship between supervised and multiple instance (MI) learning. Algorithms to learn various concepts have been adapted to the MI representation. However, it is also known that concepts that are PAC-learnable with one-sided noise can be learned from MI data. A relevant question then is: how well do supervised learners do on MI data? We attempt to answer this question by looking at a cross section of MI data sets from various domains coupled with a number of learning algorithms including Diverse Density, Logistic Regression, nonlinear Support Vector Machines and FOIL. We consider a supervised and MI version of each learner. Several interesting conclusions emerge from our work: (1) no MI algorithm is superior across all tested domains, (2) some MI algorithms are consistently superior to their supervised counterparts, (3) using high false-positive costs can improve a supervised learner's performance in MI domains, and (4) in several domains, a supervised algorithm is superior to any MI algorithm we tested.
Generalized constraint generation in the presence of non-deterministic parasitics

In a constraint-driven layout synthesis environment, parasitic constraints are generated and implemented in each phase of the design process to meet a given set of performance specifications. The success of the synthesis phase depends in great part on the effectiveness and the generality of the constraint generation process. None of the existing approaches to the constraint generation problem however are suitable for a number of parasitic effects in active and passive devices due to non-deterministic process variations. To address this problem a novel methodology is proposed based on the separation of all variables associated with non-deterministic parasitics, thus allowing the translation of the problem into an equivalent one in which conventional constrained optimization techniques can be used. The requirements, of the method are a well-defined set of statistical properties for all parasitics and a reasonable degree of linearity of the performance measures relevant to design.
Optimum Seeking with Branch and Bound

A wide variety of branch and bound algorithms have recently been described in the literature. This paper provides a generalized description of such algorithms. An objective is to demonstrate the wide applicability of branch and bound to combinatorial problems in general. Two existing algorithms are used as illustrations and a discussion of computational efficiency is included.
Studies on the cellular mechanism of free fatty acid uptake using an analog, hexadecanol

Hexadecanol was employed as a fatty acid analog in an attempt to elucidate the role of the carboxyl group in free fatty acid uptake. Large quantities of albumin-bound (1J4C)hexadecanol were taken up by Ehrlich ascites cells during in vitro incubation. More than 90% of the 14C that was taken up remained as hexadecanol even after 1 hr of incubation at 37OC. Addition of unlabeled hexadecanol did not appreciably alter the rate of (U-14C)glucose oxidation or incorporation into total lipids, suggesting that the slow rate of hexadecanol metabolism was not due to a toxic effect of this analog. How- ever, more of the labeled glucose was incorporated into phos- pholipids and less into glycerides, indicating that hexadecanol did exert some metabolic effect on the cells. Uptake was tem- perature dependent but relatively unresponsive to the pres- ence of glucose or fluoride and cyanide. Hexadecanol was incorporated into exchangeable and nonexchangeable cellular pools as determined by its availability for release to a medium containing albumin. These results indicate that a mammalian cell can rapidly take up large amounts of a Iong-chain hydro- carbon derivative that does not contain a carboxyl group. Furthermore, the data are compatible with the hypothesis that free fatty acids are taken up by a nonenzymatic process such as diffusion into the lipid phase of the cell membrane.
In-Class Purposes of Flipped Mathematics Educators

This paper provides empirical findings from a study that examined how three grade 7-12 flipped mathematics educators utilized class time when implementing a flipped learning model. Additionally, the researchers investigated the educators' purposes for various in-class tasks as well as their general use of class time. The data revealed flipped mathematics educators engaged students in multiple mathematical activities throughout each class period so as to provide the opportunity for students to develop their (1) introductory content knowledge and procedural fluency, (2) conceptual understanding of mathematical topics, and (3) mathematical problem-solving abilities. Implications from this study contribute to the literature on secondary mathematics classroom teachers’ purposes and provide insights into the classroom practices of flipped mathematics educators.
Hormone-dependent adolescent organization of socio-sexual behaviors in mammals

The adolescent transition from childhood to adulthood requires both reproductive and behavioral maturation as individuals acquire the ability to procreate. Gonadal steroid hormones are key players in the maturation of behaviors required for reproductive success. Beyond activating behavior in adulthood, testicular and ovarian hormones organize the adolescent brain and program adult-typical and sex-typical expression of sociosexual behaviors. Testicular hormones organize sexual and agonistic behaviors, including social proficiency-the ability to adapt behavior as a function of social experience. Ovarian hormones organize behaviors related to energy balance and maternal care. These sex differences in the behaviors that are programmed by gonadal hormones during adolescence suggest that evolution has selected for hormone-dependent sex-specific organization of behaviors that optimize reproductive fitness.
Studying the peripheral sympathetic nervous system and neuroblastoma in zebrafish.

The zebrafish serves as an excellent model to study vertebrate development and disease. Optically clear embryos, combined with tissue-specific fluorescent reporters, permit direct visualization and measurement of peripheral nervous system formation in real time. Additionally, the model is amenable to rapid cellular, molecular, and genetic approaches to determine how developmental mechanisms contribute to disease states, such as cancer. In this chapter, we describe the development of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system (PSNS) in general, and our current understanding of genetic pathways important in zebrafish PSNS development specifically. We also illustrate how zebrafish genetics is used to identify new mechanisms controlling PSNS development and methods for interrogating the potential role of PSNS developmental pathways in neuroblastoma pathogenesis in vivo using the zebrafish MYCN-driven neuroblastoma model.
Amiloride inhibition of human cytomegalovirus replication.

AbstractAmiloride, an inhibitor of Na+/H+ exchange, interfered with cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA synthesis, blocked the formation of nuclear inclusions, and reduced CMV infectious yields. The reduction of CMV infectious yields was concentration dependent with an ED90 of 46 μM. Amiloride at a concentration of 150 μM reduced CMV yields by about 100-fold. Reduction of infectious yields appeared to be related to interference with the formation of nuclear inclusions and to inhibition of CMV DNA synthesis. Nuclear inclusions were much reduced in size and demonstrated poorly defined cellulae in the amiloride-treated cells. CMV DNA synthesis was inhibited by approximately 70% when cells were treated with 150 μM amiloride. The reduction in CMV yields could not be related to the reported inhibitory effect of amiloride on protein synthesis. In amiloride (150 μM)-treated, CMV-infected cells, late, yet not immediate-early or early, protein synthesis was markedly decreased relative to untreated, CMV-infected cells. Accord...
Beneficial Renal and Pancreatic Phenotypes in a Mouse Deficient in FXYD2 Regulatory Subunit of Na,K-ATPase

The fundamental role of Na,K-ATPase in eukaryotic cells calls for complex and efficient regulation of its activity. Besides alterations in gene expression and trafficking, kinetic properties of the pump are modulated by reversible association with single span membrane proteins, the FXYDs. Seven members of the family are expressed in a tissue-specific manner, affecting pump kinetics in all possible permutations. This mini-review focuses on functional properties of FXYD2 studied in transfected cells, and on noteworthy and unexpected phenotypes discovered in a Fxyd2 (-∕-) mouse. FXYD2, the gamma subunit, reduces activity of Na,K-ATPase either by decreasing affinity for Na(+), or reducing Vmax. FXYD2 mRNA splicing and editing provide another layer for regulation of Na,K-ATPase. In kidney of knockouts, there was elevated activity for Na,K-ATPase and for NCC and NKCC2 apical sodium transporters. That should lead to sodium retention and hypertension, however, the mice were in sodium balance and normotensive. Adult Fxyd2 (-∕-) mice also exhibited a mild pancreatic phenotype with enhanced glucose tolerance, elevation of circulating insulin, but no insulin resistance. There was an increase in beta cell proliferation and beta cell mass that correlated with activation of the PI3K-Akt pathway. The Fxyd2 (-∕-) mice are thus in a highly desirable state: the animals are resistant to Na(+) retention, and showed improved glucose control, i.e., they display favorable metabolic adaptations to protect against development of salt-sensitive hypertension and diabetes. Investigation of the mechanisms of these adaptations in the mouse has the potential to unveil a novel therapeutic FXYD2-dependent strategy.
Magnetic Field Induced Morphological Transitions in Block Copolymer/Superparamagnetic Nanoparticle Composites

This two-dimensional computational study investigates the effect of external magnetic fields on thin film nanocomposites comprised of superparamagnetic nanoparticles dispersed within block copolymer melts, which display a variety of morphological transitions based on the field orientation, nanoparticle loading, and selectivity of the nanoparticles for the blocks. In-plane magnetic fields lead to chaining of the nanoparticles; when selective for the minority block in a hexagonal block copolymer nanostructure, this chaining results in the formation of stripe phases oriented parallel to the magnetic field. When selective for the majority block of the hexagonal structure, nanoparticle chains of sufficient persistence length drive the orientation of the hexagonal morphology with the ⟨100⟩ direction oriented parallel to the magnetic field. Out-of-plane magnetic fields induce repulsive dipolar interactions between the nanoparticles that annihilate the defects in the hexagonal morphology of the block copolymer wh...