cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Youth cancer education through a combined American cancer society‐boy scouts of America pilot program

Abstract A pilot cancer education program for Boy Scouts in grades six through nine was developed. Motivation to complete requirements was provided by awarding a “Cancer Awareness Patch.” Content of the program included health issues related to smoking and tobacco use, diet, and sun exposure, plus education about the practice of testicular self‐examination, and sunscreen usage. Retention of factual material was good up to 18 months post‐program. Participants developed positive attitudes toward lifestyle development and volunteerism. The program is recommended for supplementation of school health promotion curricula.
On computer supported collaborative writing tools for distributed environments

Traditional computerized writing tools designed for single user access often create barriers to group collaboration. Usually, participants have to work in an interleaved fashion to prevent inconsistency. Oral communication is normally used for coordinating group activities. With the recent development of computer networks and widespread deployment of networked workstations, automating the group writing process for geographically distributed users has become feasible. This paper introduces a Distributed Collaborative Writing Aid (DCWA) developed for networked workstations. The DCWA can help users cooperate on a writing task (such as programming, report writing, note taking, etc.) logically, conveniently , and efficiently. Among many important open problems, the paper addresses issues related to the four major components in the DCWA. These are group organization, multicasting within groups, distributed database, and user interface.
Role of hCG in regulation of the fetal zone of the human fetal adrenal gland.

It has been suggested that hCG is a trophic hormone for the fetal zone of the human fetal adrenal gland. To test this hypothesis, the isolated fetal zones of adrenals from eight fetuses (12–17-week gestation age) were superfused in the presence or absence of hCG. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS) was measured in the superfusion effluent. A significant increase in DHAS production was observed in the presence of hCG. DHAS secretion decreased during the first 60 min in the control and experimental superfusions from 83 ± 10.0 (mean ± SE) to 71 ± 8.0, and from 90 ± 9.0 to 70 ± 6.0 ng/100 mg/ml, respectively. In the presence of hCG (250 ng/ml), DHAS secretion increased significantly (P < 0.01) over the controls to 116 ± 12.0 at 120 min, and remained above the controls thereafter. These results support the hypothesis that hCG is one of the regulators of DHAS production by the human fetal adrenal gland early in gestation. As we found that ACTH stimulated DHAS secretion in a previous study and as there is indi...
Estrogenic effects of resveratrol in breast cancer cells expressing mutant and wild-type estrogen receptors: role of AF-1 and AF-2.

Abstract Resveratrol, a hydroxystilbene found in grapes and wine, has previously been shown to be a non-flavonoid phytoestrogen, and to act as an estrogen receptor (ER) superagonist in MCF-7 cells transiently transfected with estrogen-responsive reporter constructs. Several additional hydroxystilbenes, including diethylstilbestrol (DES) and piceatannol, were tested, and all showed ER agonism or partial agonism, but superagonism was specific to resveratrol. Moreover, superagonism was observed in cells carrying a stably integrated reporter gene, indicating that this phenomenon is not a result of transient transfection. To examine the role of the transcriptional activation function (AF) domains of ERα in resveratrol agonism, we compared the effects of resveratrol and estradiol (E2) on expression of exogenous reporter genes and an endogenous estrogen-regulated gene (TGFα) in MDA-MB-231 cells stably transfected with wild-type (wt) ERα or mutants with deleted or mutated AF domains. In reporter gene assays, cells expressing wtERα showed a superagonistic response to resveratrol. Deletion of AF-1 or mutation of AF-2 attenuated the effect of resveratrol disproportionately compared to that of E2, while deletion of AF-2 abrogated the response to both ligands. In TGFα expression assays, resveratrol acted as a full agonist in cells expressing wtERα. Deletion of AF-1 attenuated stimulation by E2 more severely than that by resveratrol, as did deletion of AF-2. In contrast, mutation of AF-2 left both ligands with a limited ability to induced TGFα expression. In summary, the effect of modifying or deleting AF domains depends strongly on the ligand and the target gene.
A Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Negative-pressure Wound Dressings for Diabetic Foot Wounds

Optimal treatment for large diabetic foot wounds is ill defined. The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of wound healing with the Vacuum Assisted Closure device™ (VAC) to conventional moist dressings in the treatment of large diabetic foot wounds. Diabetics with significant soft tissue defects of the foot were considered for enrollment. Patients were randomized to receive either moist gauze dressings or VAC treatments for 2 weeks, after which they were treated with the alternative dressing for an additional 2 weeks. Wounds were photographed weekly and wound dimensions calculated in a blinded fashion with spatial analysis software. Percent change in wound dimensions were calculated and compared for each weekly assessment and over 2 weeks of therapy with each dressing type. Ten patients were enrolled in the trial, but two were lost to follow-up and two were withdrawn. Complete data were available for analysis on seven wounds in six patients. Average length, width, and depth of the wounds at initiation of the trial was 7.7, 3.5, and 3.1 cm, respectively. Only the wound depth was significantly decreased over the weeks of the trial to 1.2 cm (p < 0.05). VAC dressings decreased the wound volume and depth significantly more than moist gauze dressings (59% vs. 0% and 49% vs. 8%, respectively). VAC dressings were associated with a decrease in all wound dimensions while wound length and width increased with moist dressings. In summary, over the first several weeks of therapy, VAC dressings decreased wound depth and volume more effectively than moist gauze dressings. Negative-pressure wound treatment may accelerate closure of large foot wounds in the diabetic patient.
Morphology of corrosion products formed on cobalt and nickel in argon-oxygen-chlorine mixtures at 1000 K

The morphology of corrosion products formed on cobalt and nickel in argonoxygen-chlorine mixtures at 1000 K have been examined using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The corrosion products formed under conditions where the oxides are thermodynamically stable consist of porous oxides containing little or no chlorine. This morphology is consistent with a corrosion mechanism involving vapor phase transport of volatile metal chlorides.
Computational study of electromagnetic exposure of military personnel in a humvee

Electronic Attack (EA) antennas in the HF-VHF range are quite large. Thus, having large visual and radar signatures. An interesting approach to conceal those antennas is to evaluate the bottom side of the vehicle as a suitable antenna location. The output power of vehicular antennas used for EA can be a few hundred watts, therefore they produce strong electromagnetic radiation which can be dangerous for vehicle crew members. Electromagnetic (EM) exposure can provoke physiological and thermal effects, and has recently been considered as possibly carcinogenic. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has set limits of exposure to assure the safety of the general population against harmful EM exposure. Thus, it is of interest to research if the military personnel exposure inside military vehicles is not exceeding those limits, what are the advantages of a bottom location of the antenna versus more common locations and if there are other ways to enhance their protection.
Immunologically mediated epidermal cell injury

The epidermis is a functional unit of different cell types that has the critical role of protecting man from his environment. The three major cell types that make up the epidermis (keratinocytes, melanocytes, and Langerhans cells) serve different protective functions. The vast majority of epidermal cells are keratinocytes (Fig. 1). This ectodermally derived cell type undergoes a process of terminal differentiation in which cells that are produced in the lower most layer, the germanitive or basal cell layer, are transformed into anucleate, keratin filled squames that comprise the outer most epidermal layer, the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum serves as the predominant mechanical and chemical barrier in the skin. The neuroectodermally derived melanocytes make up approximately 2–3% of the adult human epidermis. These dendritic cells are found intermixed with the keratinocytes along the dermal-epidermal junction where they actively synthesize melanin. This ultraviolet (UV) light absorbing pigment is transferred from the melanocyte to the keratinocytes where it becomes arranged in a supranuclear position to protect the nuclear DNA from UV injury. The epidermal Langerhans cell represents about 3–4% of human epidermal cells. These mesodermally derived dendritic cells of bone marrow origin reside just above the basal layer where they form a cellular network when viewed enface (Fig. 2). Langerhans cells can be definitively identified by electron microscopy by the presence of a unique tennis racket-shaped cytoplasmic organelle known as the Birbeck granule. Although the functional repertoire of this cell type in man has not been completely elucidated, it has recently been shown to possess several macrophage-like characteristics.
Comment on the study of asphaltenes by X-ray diffraction

Abstract In the x-ray diffraction of carbonaceous materials, there is no logical reason to assume an interrelation between the intensity of the (002) peak, reflecting intermolecular “stacking” order of aromatic planes, and the fractional aromaticity fa measured by carbon nuclear magnetic resonance. Approaches to the calculation of a diffraction-based aromaticity f002 by comparing the intensity of the (002) peak to that of the γ-band at 450 pm, reflecting intermolecular order of saturated chain hydrocarbons, are fundamentally flawed. The use of diffraction linewidth data for peaks near 210 pm (“(100)”) and near 120 pm (“(110)”) to infer an aromatic diameter has difficulties in systems containing hydroaromatic molecules (e.g., tetralin) because the naphthenic moiety contributes to diffraction peaks in the 210 and 120 pm regions.
Design and evaluation of prosthetic shoulder controller.

We developed a 2-degree-of-freedom (DOF) shoulder position transducer (sensing shoulder protraction-retraction and elevation-depression) that can be used to control two of a powered prosthetic humerus' DOFs. We also developed an evaluation protocol based on Fitts' law to assess the performance of our device. The primary motivation for this work was to support development of powered prosthetic shoulder joints of a new generation of prosthetic arms for people with shoulder disarticulation and very high-level transhumeral amputation. We found that transducers that provided resistance to shoulder movement performed better than those providing no resistance. We also found that a position control scheme, where effector position is proportional to shoulder position, performed better than a velocity control scheme, where effector velocity is proportional to shoulder position. More generally, our transducer can be used to control motion along any two DOFs. It can also be used in a more general 4-DOF control scheme by sequentially controlling two DOFs at a time. The evaluation protocol has general applicability for researchers and practitioners. Researchers can employ it to compare different prosthesis designs and control schemes, while practitioners may find the evaluation protocol useful in evaluating and training people with amputation in the use of prostheses.
An Analysis of English-Spanish Cognates as a Source of General Academic Language.

Three analyses of Spanish–English cognates were conducted, with the purpose of identifying features that might facilitate or inhibit bilingual students' cognate recognition and cross-language transfer of vocabulary knowledge. Results revealed that both the General Service List and the Academic Word List (AWL) contain a substantial number of English–Spanish cognates, a high percentage of which can be categorized by 1 of 20 cognate patterns. Orthographic and phonological transparencies were analyzed, suggesting that cognates are more transparent in terms of orthography than phonology. A frequency analysis indicated that most AWL cognates are more common in Spanish than in English. Results suggest that carefully designed cognate instruction may provide Spanish-speaking students with a “cognate advantage” in comprehending English academic texts.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of ionizing filaments in air

We use time-domain Spatially and Spectrally Resolved Interferometry (SSRI) to measure the intensity and phase of filaments. The optical power of self-focusing pulses is shown to be consistent with defocusing due to ionization.
Evaluation of colonoscopy technical skill levels by use of an objective kinematic-based system.

Background Colonoscopy requires training and experience to ensure accuracy and safety. Currently, no objective, validated process exists to determine when an endoscopist has attained technical competence. Kinematics data describing movements of laparoscopic instruments have been used in surgical skill assessment to define expert surgical technique. We have developed a novel system to record kinematics data during colonoscopy and quantitatively assess colonoscopist performance. Objective To use kinematic analysis of colonoscopy to quantitatively assess endoscopic technical performance. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary-care academic medical center. Population This study involved physicians who perform colonoscopy. Intervention Application of a kinematics data collection system to colonoscopy evaluation. Main Outcome Measurements Kinematics data, validated task load assessment instrument, and technical difficulty visual analog scale. Results All 13 participants completed the colonoscopy to the terminal ileum on the standard colon model. Attending physicians reached the terminal ileum quicker than fellows (median time, 150.19 seconds vs 299.86 seconds; p P = .03), smaller tip angulation, reduced absolute roll, and lower curvature of the endoscope. With performance of attending physicians serving as the expert reference standard, the mean kinematic score increased by 19.89 for each decrease in postgraduate year ( P Limitation Small cohort size. Conclusion Kinematic data and score calculation appear useful in the evaluation of colonoscopy technical skill levels. The kinematic score appears to consistently vary by year of training. Because this assessment is nonsubjective, it may be an improvement over current methods for determination of competence. Ongoing studies are establishing benchmarks and characteristic profiles of skill groups based on kinematics data.
Differences in the effect of lactic acid and neutral lactate on glycolysis and nucleotide pattern in incubated whole human blood.

Whole human blood collected in heparin and glucose was incubated for up to 48 hours. Glycolysis proceeded, giving rise to lactic acid formation, and in consequence the pH decreased continuously. Blood ATP levels also decreased as glycolysis slowed since glycolysis is the only energy source in the red cells of whole human blood. The decrease in glycolytic rate was shown to be entirely dependent upon the increasing acidity and not on the lactate per se, since added neutral lactate had no effect on the rate of glycolyis or the ATP level whereas added lactic acid had a profound effect on both glycolysis and ATP level.
Reduced levels of cadinane sesquiterpenoids in cotton plants expressing antisense (+)-δ-cadinene synthase

Cotton plants were transformed with an antisense construct of cdn1-Cl, a member of a complex gene family of delta-(+)cadinene (CDN) synthase. This synthase catalyzes the cyclization of (E,E)-farnesyl diphosphate to form CDN, and in cotton, it occupies the committed step in the biosynthesis of cadinane sesquiterpenoids and heliocides (sesterterpenoids). Southern analyses of the digestion of leaf DNA from R(o), T(o), and T(1) plants with Hind III, Pst I and Kpn I restriction enzymes show the integration of antisense cdn1-C1 cDNA driven by the CaMV 35S promoter into the cotton genome. Northern blots demonstrate the appearance of cdn synthase mRNA preceding CDN synthase activity and the formation of gossypol in developing cottonseed. T(2) cottonseed show a reduced CDN synthase activity and up to a 70% reduction in gossypol. In T(1) leaves the accumulated amounts of gossypol, hemigossypolone and heliocides are reduced 92.4, 83.3 and 68.4%, respectively. These data demonstrate that the integration of antisense cdn1-C1 cDNA into the cotton genome leads to a reduction of CDN synthase activity and negatively impacts on the biosynthesis of cadinane sesquiterpenoids and heliocides in cotton plants.
Genetic Analysis of Drug Resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Identification and Linkage Relationships of Loci Controlling Drug Resistance

Abstract The genetic basis of multiple drug resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae was investigated by the technique of transformation. Six different genetic loci were characterized by the type and amount of antibiotic resistance they controlled, and also by the degree of linkage to other resistance markers. A streptomycin resistance locus is linked to separate loci determining resistance to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and erythromycin. A multiple resistance locus was identified. This genetic locus determines resistance to a variety of antibacterial agents. Lastly, a locus determining resistance to the penicillins was found which is unlinked to any other resistance locus.
Validation of Biologic Markers for Use in Research on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Unresolved aspects of chronic fatigue syndrome can be addressed by research involving biologic markers. These may be any molecular, biochemical, physiological, or other biologic parameter obtainable from biologic specimens. The use of biologic markers in research requires their validation as dependent or independent variables. Additionally, other characteristics of markers such as reliability of assays, background level, confounding factors, interpretations, and legal and ethical implications should be considered before the use of markers in research. A checklist is provided for evaluating a biologic marker before its inclusion in research.
Derivatives and quotients of prefix-free context-free languages

The complexity of a variety of decision problems for quotients and derivatives of prefix-free deterministic context-free languages are investigated. The operations studied include the quotient of a language with itself and the successive application of the derivative operation. Each problem presented here is shown to be unsolvable and, moreover, each is shown to represent every r.e. many one-degree of unsolvability.
New York City's healthcare transportation during a disaster: a preparedness framework for a wicked problem

During a disaster, victims with varied morbidities are located at incident sites, while healthcare facilities with varied healthcare resources are distributed elsewhere. Transportation serves an essential equilibrating role: it helps balance the patients' need for care with the supply of care. Studying the special case of New York City, this article sets out the healthcare transportation components as: (1) incident morbidity; (2) transportation assets; and (3) healthcare capacity. The relationship between these three components raises an assignment problem: the management of healthcare transportation within a dynamic and partly unpredictable incident-transportation-healthcare nexus, under urban disruption. While the routine dispatch problem can be tackled through better geographic allocation software and technical algorithms, the disaster assignment problem must be confronted through real-time, mutual adjustment between institutions. This article outlines institutional alternatives for managing the assignment problem and calls for further research on the merits of alternative institutional models.
Radiographic appearance of the normal distal tibiofibular syndesmosis in children

In adults, a tibiofibular clear space (i.e., distance from the incisura fibularis to the medial fibula) of > or = 6 mm or a loss of tibiofibular overlap has been reported to correlate with injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. We reviewed anteroposterior (AP), lateral, and mortise ankle radiographs from 106 children (50 boys, 56 girls) aged 1-15 years in an attempt to assess whether these criteria are applicable to children. The incisura was detectable at a mean age of 8.2 years for girls and 11.2 years for boys. The range of tibiofibular clear space among the 48 children with a detectable incisura was 2-8 mm; seven (23%) of these 48 children had a clear space of > or = 6 mm in one or more views. The mean age at which the tibiofibular overlap began to appear on the AP view was 5 years for both genders, whereas on the mortise view, it was 10 years for girls and 16 years for boys. The criteria used to evaluate the integrity of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis in adults do not apply to children in this normal study population.
Controller-area-network bus control and monitor system for a radio astronomy interferometer

We describe the design and implementation of a controller-area-network bus (CANbus) monitor and control system for a millimeter wave interferometer. The Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy (CARMA) is a 15-antenna connected-element interferometer for astronomical imaging, created by the merger of two university observatories. Its new control system relies on a central computer supervising a variety of subsystem computers, many of which control distributed intelligent nodes over CANbus. Subsystems are located in the control building and in individual antennas and communicate with the central computer via Ethernet. Each of the CAN modules has a very specific function, such as reading an antenna encoder or tuning an oscillator. Hardware for the modules was based on a core design including a commercial CANbus-enabled single-board computer and some standard circuitry for interfacing to peripherals. Hardware elements were added or changed as necessary for the specific module types. Similarly, a base set of embedded code was implemented for essential common functions such as CAN message handling and time keeping and extended to implement the required functionality for the different hardware. Using a standard CAN messaging protocol designed to fit the requirements of CARMA and a well-defined interface to the high-level software allowed separate development of high-level code and embedded code with minimal integration problems. Over 30 module types have been implemented and successfully deployed in CARMA, which is now delivering excellent new science data.
Aryl sulfotransferase IV deficiency in rat liver carcinogenesis initiated with diethylnitrosamine and promoted with N-2-fluorenylacetamide or its C-9-oxidized metabolites.

Abstract Down regulation of aryl sulfotransferase IV (AST IV) in promotion/progression of liver carcinogenesis by N -2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA) has been established. This study examined whether the C-9 oxidized metabolites of 2-FAA, which have recently been shown to promote diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-initiated liver carcinogenesis in male Sprague–Dawley rats, effect the above change. Hence, in DEN-initiated rats, the effects of promoting regimens of 9-OH-2-FAA or 9-oxo-2-FAA, 15 oral doses at 50 and 100 μmol/kg of body weight, were compared to those of 2-FAA at 50 μmol/kg of body weight and of the vehicle on the activity of N -hydroxy(OH)-2-FAA sulfotransferase (ST), an isozyme of AST IV and AST IV expression and distribution. Relative to the vehicle, treatment with the fluorenyl compounds led to decreased levels in hepatic N -OH-2-FAA ST activity and development of hepatic nodules and tumors which had still lower levels of the ST activity than the respective remnant livers. At ∼8 months after treatment with the C-9-oxidized compounds at doses twice that of 2-FAA, the extents of decreases in the hepatic N -OH-2-FAA ST activity and cytosolic AST IV protein in tumors were comparable to those with 2-FAA. Immunocytochemical analysis showed close association of AST IV deficiency with neoplastic liver lesions. In comparison to N -OH-2-FAA, 9-OH-2-FAA had only low and 9-oxo-2-FAA lacked sulfate acceptor activity in the presence of male rat liver cytosol or AST IV. At 3.3-fold greater concentration than N -OH-2-FAA, 9-oxo-2-FAA inhibited (27%) the sulfate acceptor activity of N -OH-2-FAA in the presence of AST IV, which suggested interference by 9-oxo-2-FAA at the active site. Although the C-9-oxidized compounds do not appear to be substrates for N -OH-2-FAA ST, their ability to cause a decrease in N -OH-2-FAA ST activity and protein similar to that of 2-FAA supports their role in hepatocarcinogenesis. Whereas 9-OH-2-FAA had a 3.9-fold greater sulfate acceptor activity in the presence of female than male rat liver cytosol and inhibited dehydroepiandrosterone ST activity of female rat liver, N -OH-2-FAA and 9-oxo-2-FAA inhibited estrone ST activity of male rat liver, suggesting that the C-9-oxidized compounds as well as N -OH-2-FAA are substrates for STs other than AST IV.
Robotic-assisted gynaecological surgery-establishing training criteria; minimizing operative time and blood loss.

Background The objective was an evaluation of operative time and estimated blood loss (EBL) as a function of experience in gynaecological robotic surgery. Method A retrospective analysis of 40 consecutive cases (approximately one case/week) over a 1 year period using the da Vinci® robotic system was performed, using data from two institutions, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center. Information was obtained from a single surgeon. Among the 40 cases there were 17 hysterectomies and 23 myomectomies. Each patient met the criteria of benign disease. In each institution, a da Vinci® system using three instrument arms and a camera arm was employed for every operation. Results Tests of differences in means were performed to compare the two groups. In group I (cases 1–20) the mean uterine volume was 863.0 cc and was similar to Group II (cases 21–40) at 632.6 cc. There was no significant difference between the groups when comparing blood loss; means were 86 cc for group I and 62.5 cc for group II. Operative time between groups, however, showed a significant difference (mean of 211.8 min for group 1 compared to 151 min for group 2; p < 0.05) and console time demonstrated a similar trend (mean for group 1 was 159.8 min compared to 90.8 min for group 2; p < 0.05). There were no conversions to laparotomy. Body mass index (BMI) and prior abdominal surgery were not significantly different. Multivariate regressions on operative time and EBL were performed, controlling for uterine weight and volume. The effect of experience on operative time was significant and negative; the coefficient on EBL was not significant. Conclusion This study demonstrates statistical improvement in operative time after the first 20 cases for a single surgeon. This information could be used to establish criteria for training surgeons. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silica from sources to site: ultraviolet fluorescence and trace elements identify cherts from Lost Dune, southeastern Oregon, USA

In this paper, we describe grayish white and other chert tools from Lost Dune, a briefly occupied Late Prehistoric bison butchering camp in southeastern Oregon, and eight potential sources of the cherts, using visual properties and ultraviolet fluorescence. Visual band ultraviolet fluorescence spectra of seven regional cherts support visual fluorescence results. Further, we characterized five of the sources and 37 chert artifacts (28 samples of descriptive groups and four unusual pieces) by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Of the 121 tools, we identified 67 as opalite from the Tosawihi quarry complex 300 km southeast of Lost Dune in northern Nevada, ten as silicified mudstone from the Owyhee Breaks 110 km to the east in extreme eastern Oregon, and 26 as the local Harney Lake chert, 10 to 15 km west of the site.
Children's Self-Esteem and Maternal Behavior in Three Low-Income Samples

This study examined the relationships between children's perceptions of maternal child-rearing behavior and a measure of children's self-esteem within low-income samples. Three cohort samples of 2,194 fifth and sixth grade children from rural Appalachia were surveyed. Siegelman's analysis of the Bronfenbrenner Parent Behavior Questionnaire (Cornell Parent Behavior Inventory) was used to operationalize children's perceptions of maternal loving, demanding, and punishing behaviors. Children's self-esteem was measured with the Lipsitt Self-concept Scale. Multiple regression analysis was used to replicate the findings within each of the three samples. In general, the maternal loving and demanding dimensions exhibited positive relationships, while maternal punishment was negatively correlated with children's self-esteem.
Dependence of the enhanced optical scattering efficiency relative to that of absorption for gold metal nanorods on aspect ratio, size, end-cap shape,and medium refractive index

The current intense interest in the properties of plasmonic nanostructures for their applications in chemical and biochemical sensors, medical diagnostics and therapeutics, and biological imaging is fundamentally based on their enhanced optical absorption and scattering properties. In this study, the optical extinction, absorption, and scattering efficiencies were calculated as a function of shape definition, aspect ratio, surrounding medium, and material selection. The discrete dipole approximation method was used, which is known to be a very useful and versatile computational tool for particles with any arbitrary shape. Relative contribution of scattering to the total extinction for the longitudinal mode was found to be significantly dependent on the aspect ratio of the nanorod in a somewhat complex manner, different from a typical linear relationship for the resonance wavelength. A slight elongation of Au nanosphere gives rise to a drastic increase in the relative scattering efficiency, which eventually reaches a maximum and begins to decrease with further increase in the aspect ratio. This is ascribed to the increasing absorptive contribution from the larger imaginary dielectric function of the metal particle in the longer wavelength region where the red-shifted excitation of the longitudinal resonance mode occurs. For transverse mode exhibiting the blue-shift in the resonance peak, on the contrary, the absorption efficiency is relatively enhanced compared to the scattering efficiency with increasing aspect ratio. This is thought to result from the dominant effect of the interband transition present in this wavelength region. Besides the dependence of plasmonic characteristics on the aspect ratio of nanorod, the DDA results for a small change of the end-cap shape and the index of the surrounding medium lead us to conclude that there exist two competing key factors: a weighting factor assigned to the shape parameter and the dielectric function of the metal particle, which control the relative enhancement in the scattering and absorption as well as the linearity of resonance wavelength with regard to the aspect ratio.
Allowable Ammonia for Fish Culture

Abstract A review of the published literature on effects of ammonia on fish indicates that un-ionized ammonia alone is probably not the cause of gill hyperplasia, indicative of, or previously attributed to, chronic ammonia poisoning. The maximum safe concentration of un-ionized ammonia is unknown, but in many cases it is not close to the 0.0125 mg/L value commonly accepted by fish culturists.
Corrections to Vibrational Transition Probabilities Calculated from a Three‐Dimensional Model

Corrections to the collision‐induced vibration transition probability calculated by Hansen and Pearson from a three‐dimensional semiclassical model are examined. These corrections come from the retention of higher order terms in the expansion of the interaction potential and the use of the actual value of the deflection angle in the calculation of the transition probability. It is found that the contribution to the transition cross section from previously neglected potential terms can be significant for short range potentials and for the large relative collision velocities encountered at high temperatures. The correction to the transition cross section obtained from the use of actual deflection angles will not be appreciable unless the change in the rotational quantum number is large.
An appropriate time horizon: Now vs. then

AN appropriate time span reflects a balance between near‐term and long‐term factors. Strong pressures are placed on organizations in our competitive society for quick results and, usually, near‐term results are overemphasized.
Developmental aspects of ovine adrenal adrenocorticotropic hormone receptor expression.

Maturation of adrenocortical function is important because a prepartum increase in fetal plasma glucocorticoids is required for survival after birth. Adrenal maturation may include alterations in the regulation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) receptor expression. Therefore, we quantitated ACTH receptor expression in the ovine adrenal cortex during development and after manipulations to better understand the regulation of the adrenal receptor in vivo. For the ontogeny study, adrenals were obtained from fetuses at different stages of development, and the cortical tissue was stored at —80C until total RNA was extracted. The ACTH binding studies were done on adrenal membranes obtained from fetuses at two different ages using I (Phe-2, Nle-4) ACTH as the ligand. Plasma ACTH was measured by two-site immunoradiometric assay, and Cortisol was measured by radioimmunoassay. ACTH receptor mRNA was quantitated by ribonuclease protection assay. The data were analyzed by analyses of variance. ACTH receptor mRNA level progressively increased in fetal life; relative changes in receptor mRNA and binding were similar (3.0-fold and 2.4-fold, respectively). Physiologic increases in fetal plasma Cortisol decreased adrenal ACTH receptor mRNA concentration, and there was a strong (r = 0.76, P <.002) linear relationship between fetal plasma ACTH concentration and receptor mRNA levels. Receptor mRNA stability increased in development, and message half-life was greater in adulthood than in fetal life. The data suggest that developmental increases in receptor expression are part of the maturation process in the fetal adrenal and that plasma ACTH concentration plays a major role in regulating ACTH receptor mRNA levels in vivo, (J Soc Gynecol Investig 2004;11:27–35)
Preparing an oncolytic poliovirus recombinant for clinical application against glioblastoma multiforme

PVS-RIPO is a genetically recombinant, non-pathogenic poliovirus chimera with a tumor-specific conditional replication phenotype. Consisting of the genome of the live attenuated poliovirus type 1 (Sabin) vaccine with its cognate IRES element replaced with that of human rhinovirus type 2, PVS-RIPO displays an inability to translate its genome in untransformed neuronal cells, but effectively does so in cells originating from primary tumors in the central nervous system or other cancers. Hence, PVS-RIPO unleashes potent cytotoxic effects on infected cancer cells and produces sustained anti-tumoral responses in animal tumor models. PVS-RIPO presents a novel approach to the treatment of patients with glioblastoma multiforme, based on conditions favoring an unconventional viral translation initiation mechanism in cancerous cells. In this review we summarize advances in the understanding of major molecular determinants of PVS-RIPO oncolytic efficacy and safety and discuss their implications for upcoming clinical investigations.
1,1-Diamino-2,2-dintroethene (FOX-7) in Copper and Nickel Diamine Complexes and Copper FOX-7

1,1-Diamino-2,2-dinitroethene (FOX-7) reacts readily with copper nitrate in an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide to form pea green Cu(FOX)2(H2O)2 (5). FOX-7 complexes of copper and nickel supported by a variety of diamines including Cu(en)2(FOX)2(H2O) (1), Cu(pn)2(FOX)2 (2), Cu(bipy)(FOX)2(H2O)4 (3a), Cu(bipy)2(FOX)2(H2O)2.5 (3b), Cu(bipy)(FOX)2(DMSO)2·2DMSO (3c), Cu(phen)3(FOX)2(H2O)3 (4), (Ni)2(phen)6(FOX)4(NO3)3(H2O)2 (6), and Ni(bipy)3(FOX)2(H2O)4 (7a) were obtained via metathesis reactions with potassium-FOX (K-FOX). Surprisingly FOX-7, in the presence of Ni(II) and bipyridyl in a mixed solvent of methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide, gave a chelated FOX carbamate anion resulting in the compound Ni(bipy)2(FOX–CO2)·(DMSO) (7b). All metal salts were characterized by infrared, elemental analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction structures were obtained for compounds 1, 2, 3c, 6, and 7b.
Localization of Inducible Heat Shock Protein mRNA in the Guinea Pig Cochlea with a Nonradioactive In Situ Hybridization Technique

Cell types of the guinea pig cochlea that contain mRNA of the inducible heat shock protein (HSP72) were determined with an in situ hybridization technique, using a biotinylated oligonucleotide probe. Staining was present in the spiral limbus, spiral prominence, stria vascularis, and organ of Corti (supporting, pillar, outer hair, and interdental cells). In sections digested with pepsin, only spiral ganglion cells stained. The pattern of staining was similar in normal and heat-stressed animals. Therefore, HSP72 mRNA is present in many guinea pig cochlear cell types, some of which have not previously been shown to contain HSP72 protein. Differences in HSP72 mRNA and protein staining may be attributable to stress or processing techniques, but they may also suggest mechanisms unique to guinea pigs and primates, who normally express the inducible form of HSP.
Freedom of Religion I: Pre-War Background and Post-War Developments

The decision of the Constituent Assembly to insert the Lateran Agreements in the post-war Italian Constitution, was expected to exert an embracive influence on Church-State relations; an influence which would benefit, politically and legally, the religious signatory, i.e., the Roman Catholic Church.
Efficient Terahertz Generation Within InGaN/GaN Multiple Quantum Wells

We have investigated terahertz (THz) generation from InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (QWs). For the laser pump power of 400 mW at 391 nm, the highest THz output power is nearly 1 μW. Assuming that the output power quadratically scales up with the interaction length, such an output power corresponds to a normalized output power of 1.7nW/nm2. The normalized output power measured on the InGaN/GaN multiple quantum-well structures correspond to probably one of the highest values ever reported among all different semiconductor and nonlinear materials. Following our measurements of the output spectrum, power, and polarization angle as functions of average pump intensity, incident angle, and pump polarization angle, respectively, we have attributed the mechanism for the THz generation from the InGaN/GaN QWs to the radiation of the dipoles, following the generation of the spatially separated electrons and holes under the strong built-in electric fields inherently present in the nitride-based quantum-well structures.
Localized states in fluid convection and multi-photon lasers

Abstract The Weiss, Tabor, Carnevale (WTC) formalism for expanding a solution about a complex pole is used to determine various finite and infinite localized solutions to the Complex Ginzburg-Landau equation in parameter regimes corresponding to binary convection. The stability of the WTC soliton is analyzed, and the dimension of the null space of the stability operator is connected to a Painleve extension of the WTC soliton. It is argued that this makes the WTC soliton very robust, which we proceed to demonstrate numerically. Numerical spike solutions are found which may be related to the infinite, but localized, WTC solutions. The relationship between the analytic solutions and physical experiments in fluids and lasers is discussed.
An introduction to implicit attitudes in political science research

During the past two decades, mounting evidence suggests that much of human social cognition occurs without deliberate effort and largely outside conscious awareness. Dual-process models, which distinguish explicit (conscious, slow, effortful) cognitive processes from implicit (often unconscious, fast, effortless) cognitive processes, “form the dominant paradigm [of social cognition research] for the past 20 years or more” (Evans 2008). Although these advances in social cognition research have begun to be integrated into models of political cognition over the past decade (e.g., Kim, Taber, and Lodge 2010; Lodge and Taber 2013; see Nosek, Graham, and Hawkins 2010 for a review), and are beginning to influence other disciplines like communication (see Hefner et al. 2011), the role of implicit processes in outcomes commonly studied by political scientists deserves more attention. This symposium aims to showcase the diverse set of subject areas within political science to which dual-process models have been and can be applied. We hope that this symposium is a springboard for those who are considering bringing a dual-process approach into their own research by providing an overview of relevant literatures and methods.
Beyond sensor-assisted diagnosis of used products

It is difficult to obtain information regarding compositions and remaining life periods of used products. Hence, they often undergo partial or complete disassembly for subsequent re-processing (remanufacturing and/or recycling). However, researchers are now studying sensor embedded products (SEPs), the composition and remaining life of which can be obtained at the end of their use from sensors. This paper addresses decision-making regarding the futurity of an SEP at its end of use: whether to disassemble it for subsequent recycling/remanufacturing or to repair it for subsequent sale on a second-hand market. We identify some important factors that must be considered before making a decision. Using a numerical example, we propose a simple approach that employs Bayesian updating and fuzzy set theory to aid the decision-making process.
DNA Specificity Determinants Associate with Distinct Transcription Factor Functions

To elucidate how genomic sequences build transcriptional control networks, we need to understand the connection between DNA sequence and transcription factor binding and function. Binding predictions based solely on consensus predictions are limited, because a single factor can use degenerate sequence motifs and because related transcription factors often prefer identical sequences. The ETS family transcription factor, ETS1, exemplifies these challenges. Unexpected, redundant occupancy of ETS1 and other ETS proteins is observed at promoters of housekeeping genes in T cells due to common sequence preferences and the presence of strong consensus motifs. However, ETS1 exhibits a specific function in T cell activation; thus, unique transcriptional targets are predicted. To uncover the sequence motifs that mediate specific functions of ETS1, a genome-wide approach, chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq), identified both promoter and enhancer binding events in Jurkat T cells. A comparison with DNase I sensitivity both validated the dataset and also improved accuracy. Redundant occupancy of ETS1 with the ETS protein GABPA occurred primarily in promoters of housekeeping genes, whereas ETS1 specific occupancy occurred in the enhancers of T cell–specific genes. Two routes to ETS1 specificity were identified: an intrinsic preference of ETS1 for a variant of the ETS family consensus sequence and the presence of a composite sequence that can support cooperative binding with a RUNX transcription factor. Genome-wide occupancy of RUNX factors corroborated the importance of this partnership. Furthermore, genome-wide occupancy of co-activator CBP indicated tight co-localization with ETS1 at specific enhancers, but not redundant promoters. The distinct sequences associated with redundant versus specific ETS1 occupancy were predictive of promoter or enhancer location and the ontology of nearby genes. These findings demonstrate that diversity of DNA binding motifs may enable variable transcription factor function at different genomic sites.
COMMUNITY GENETICS: EXPANDING THE SYNTHESIS OF ECOLOGY AND GENETICS

Community genetics synthesizes community ecology and population genetics and yields fresh insights into the interplay between evolutionary and ecological processes. A community genetics framework proves especially valuable when strong selection on traits results from or impinges on interspecific interactions, an increasingly common phenomenon as more communities are subject to direct management or anthropogenic disturbances. We draw illustrations of this perspective from our ongoing studies of three representative communities, two managed and one natural, that have recently undergone large perturba- tions. The studied communities are: (1) insect pests of crop plants genetically engineered to produce insecticidal toxins; (2) insect-pollinated plants in habitats severely fragmented by agriculture and urbanization; and (3) a pathogen and its crop host now grown extensively outside their native ranges. We demonstrate the value of integrating genetic and ecological processes to gain a full understanding of community dynamics, particularly in nonequilib- rium systems that are subject to strong selection.
ELEVATED TISSUE EXPRESSION OF HYALURONIC ACID AND HYALURONIDASE VALIDATES THE HA-HAase URINE TEST FOR BLADDER CANCER

Purpose: We examined the expression of 2 bladder tumor markers, hyaluronic acid (HA) and hyaluronidase (HAase), in bladder tissues and correlated tissue staining with the inferences of the HA-HAase urine test, which detects bladder cancer.Materials and Methods: A biotinylated HA binding protein and an antiHYAL1 antibody were used to localize HA and HYAL1 type HAase, respectively, in 83 bladder tissues. Immunoblot analysis was performed using an antiHYAL1 antibody to detect HYAL1.Results: A total of 12 normal bladder tissues showed no (66%) to 1+ (34%) HA staining and 0 (83%) to 1+ (17%) HYAL1 staining. The staining intensity of HA and HYAL1 increased in 71 bladder tumor specimens on chi-square analysis (p <0.001). Grade 1 tumors demonstrated 1+ (50%) to 2+ (50%) staining for HA and 1+ to 3+ staining for HYAL1 (37%, 37% and 26%, respectively). Grades 2 and 3 tumors showed 2+ to 3+ HA (94%) and HYAL1 (79%) staining. HA was expressed in tumor associated stroma and in tumor cells, whereas only tumor cells exp...