cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mus Tales: A Hands-On View

The mouse model for breast cancer has developed into a most effective means of dissecting and understanding this devastating disease. The inbred transgenic mouse lends itself to biological, molecular, immunological, and genetic studies. The observation, dissection, transplantation, and subsequent amplification of precancerous mammary lesions and tumors give the scientist the means to readily study the tissues and design interventions and therapeutic drugs for the future eventual control of breast cancer. There are many inbred strains of mice, selected for specific characteristics. The mouse is easy to handle, breeds well, and does not require extensive facilities, funding, and handling such as monkeys, chimps, and other animal models. A huge advantage is the capability for the transplantation of tissues as well as gene manipulation, which make the transgenic mouse a major research resource. The mouse has served the scientific community well for over a century and will continue to do so in the quest for understanding breast cancer and other diseases.
Detachment-induced autophagy during anoikis and lumen formation in epithelial acini

The individual units (called acini) comprising glandular epithelium possess a hollow lumen that is filled in early epithelial cancers. While investigating the generation of this hollow lumen using an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) epithelial cell culture model, we observed extensive autophagy in dying cells during lumen formation, and thus, proposed that excessive self-eating may promote cell death in the lumen. However, we now reassess this hypothesis. Because cells in the lumen die due to extracellular matrix (ECM) deprivation (anoikis), we tested if autophagy is regulated by ECM detachment. We discovered that detachment strongly induces autophagy in epithelial cells, even when apoptosis is inhibited by Bcl-2 expression. RNAi-mediated depletion of autophagy-related (ATG) genes inhibits detachment-induced autophagy, resulting in increased apoptosis and reduced clonogenic recovery following anoikis. Similarly, during 3D morphogenesis, ATG-depletion enhances luminal apoptosis and fails to elicit long-term luminal survival and filling, even when combined with apoptotic inhibition. Thus, autophagy promotes epithelial cell survival during anoikis. These results broach the possibility that autophagy contributes to the survival of tumor cells lacking appropriate matrix contact, either during early carcinoma formation or in the later stages of dissemination and metastasis.
Evaluation of outpatient arrhythmias utilizing transtelephonic monitoring.

Abstract This study demonstrates the inaccuracy of the presumptive clinical diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia. Not only are physicians often wrong in establishing diagnosis on clinical grounds, in addition, a significant number of patients have symptoms which have been attributed to a cardiac basis when in fact, no rhythm abnormality exists. For this reason, electrocardiographic documentation is essential. This study defines the usefulness of transtelephonic monitoring in evaluating cardiac rhythm during a symptomatic episode suggestive of arrhythmia. It also defines the limitations of transtelephonic monitoring in patients whose symptoms are too brief or who would find the system awkward to use.
The screened hybrid density functional study of metallic thorium carbide

The B1 rock-salt-type phase of thorium carbide is studied using Gaussian-type-orbitals and density functional theory using periodic boundary conditions. The functionals used range from pure (LSDA), generalized gradient approximation (PBE), and PBEsol for solids, as well as screened hybrid (HSE) functional. Calculated structural parameters, bulk moduli, density of states, and band structures are presented and compared with previously reported plane-wave studies. Unlike previous studies of actinide oxides, HSE does not open a band gap near the Fermi energy in ThC, thus agreeing with the metallic character predicted by LSDA and PBE.
The Genomic Action Potential

Neurons compute in part by integrating, on a time scale of milliseconds, many synaptic inputs and generating a digital output-the "action potential" of classic electrophysiology. Recent discoveries indicate that neurons also perform a second, much slower, integration operating on a time scale of minutes or even hours. The output of this slower integration involves a pulse of gene expression which may be likened to the electrophysiological action potential. Its function, however, is not directed toward immediate transmission of a synaptic signal but rather toward the experience-dependent modification of the underlying synaptic circuitry. Commonly termed the "immediate early gene" (IEG) response, this phenomenon is often assumed to be a necessary component of a linear, deterministic cascade of memory consolidation. Critical review of the large literature describing the phenomenon, however, leads to an alternative model of IEG function in the brain. In this alternative, IEG activation is not directed at the consolidation of memories of a specific inducing event; instead, it sets the overall gain or efficiency of memory formation and directs it to circuits engaged by behaviorally significant contexts. The net result is a sharpening of the selectivity of memory formation, a recruitment of temporally correlated associations, and an ultimate enhancement of long-term memory retrieval.
Size dependent thermodynamics and kinetics in electric field mediated colloidal crystal assembly

We compare measurements and models of the system size dependent assembly of quasi-two dimensional (2D) colloidal crystals within interfacial quadrupole electrodes. Perturbation theory (PT) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are used to make thermodynamic predictions of the voltages required to obtain all particles within a crystalline phase for different system sizes. These results show good agreement with video microscopy (VM) measurements of colloidal crystals containing 75–300 particles. Colloidal assembly kinetic trajectories for the same system sizes are quantified from VM experiments using order parameters (reaction coordinates) to capture real-space local and global hexagonal ordering. These trajectories are fit with a Smoluchowski model to extract configuration dependent free energy and diffusivity landscapes (FEL, DL) that capture the microscopic details of assembly dynamics. Landscape features, such as the number and heights of barriers and local gradients, capture the formation, diffusion, and migration of grain boundaries in polycrystalline states, which are increasingly prevalent for n > 200 but vanish for n < 150. These results demonstrate the importance of system size effects in the formation and annealing of polycrystalline states in colloidal crystallization processes.
Gang Banging as Edgework

The practices of gang members, often depicted as responses to degrading local and structural conditions, have not been sufficiently appreciated as expressions of agency. The concept of edgework, which explains the modern compulsion to manage dangerous circumstances through finely honed skills, provides a means to recognize both the alienating circumstances out of which gang-banging arises, as well as the agency involved in the thrills members pursue. This article examines the alienation experienced by gang members in school and on the streets, which gives rise to the compulsion, for some, to skillfully manage the risks involved in molding a hard, masculine identity.
Immunotherapy for food allergies. Past, present, future.

The future certainly holds promise for the treatment of food allergies. Generally, future treatments can be divided into immunological manipulation of the food-allergic subject (mucosal vaccines, new immunotherapies, cytokine level alterations) or manipulation of the food through genetic engineering to diminish or abolish its allergenic activity.
The Legacy of Communism: Poisoned Minds and Souls

Discusses the communist system, based on an elite Party and the privileged nomenklatura which executes its orders. An ubiquitous secret police, whose tentacles reach into the most private spheres of the citizens, kills any opposition in its bud. The people are constantly indoctrinated with Marxist‐Leninist ideology which also justifies the total power of the Party. The ideals of egalitarianism and open‐ended social obligation, inculcated from early childhood on, led to “apathy, indifference, and the disdain of honest work” (Shmelev) as well as widespread dishonesty. The population was kept ignorant by hermetically sealed borders and subjected to constant humiliation. Advancement depended not on hard work, but on Party loyalty. Laws served only a decorative function. The mafia has flourished under these conditions, once clandestinely, now for all to see. The result is a moral vacuum, a spiritual and physical decline of the citizenry who, unfamiliar with self‐responsibility and freedom, feel threatened by c...
Pathways that suppress programmed DNA breaks from progressing to chromosomal breaks and translocations.

Abstract Guarding the genome against internal and external assaults requires the coordinated interaction of multiple cellular networks to sense, respond to, and repair breaks in chromosomal DNA. Both external factors such as ionizing radiation or internal events like oxidative damage can cause DNA double stranded breaks (DSBs) [1] , [2] . DSBs are also part of the normal lymphocyte developmental program where they are an integral element of the mechanisms that generate a diverse immune repertoire in the context of V(D)J and immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) class switch recombination (CSR) [3] , [4] , [5] . DSBs initiate a cascade of cellular events that direct cells to pause and properly repair potentially lethal chromosomal breaks. Errors in the repair of both general and lymphocyte-specific DSBs can lead to oncogenic chromosomal translocations [6] , [7] , [8] . Here, we review recent advances in understanding factors and protein complexes involved in the response to DNA DSBs with a focus on the B lymphocyte specific process of CSR.
Rate of B to Z structural transition of supercoiled DNA

Abstract The forward rate of the B to Z transition induced by negative supercoiling of plasmid DNA containing an alternating C-G sequence has been examined using the binding of Z -DNA specific antibodies to follow the transition. DNA samples of a plasmid containing a d(pCpG) 16 · d(pCpG) 16 insert were supercoiled to different extents and appropriate amounts of ethidium were bound to the DNAs to relax them and to keep the alternating C-G sequence in the right-hand helical form. Following the rapid removal of ethidium by passage through a column of cation exchange resin, the DNA becomes negatively supercoiled, which induces the flipping of the helical hand of the C-G insert. The rate of the transition is strongly dependent on the degree of supercoiling. The transition is complete in less than 50 seconds for a DNA with a specific linking difference (superhelical density) σ of −0.09. For the same DNA, the half-time of the transition is about two minutes at σ = −0.07 and about a factor of 10 slower at σ = −0.05.
The calculation of Easter

Here are two programs, written to demonstrate ALGOL and COBOL. Object: to determine the month and day of Easter, given the year. The ALGOL program (1) is written as a procedure, which sets up "month" and "day" given the value of "year." The COBOL program (2) prepares a printed table of Easter date, from 500 to 4999 A.D.
Patterns of residual masking.

Abstract ‘Residual masking’ was measured in a tonal forward masking paradigm. In one experiment, psychophysical tuning curves and masking patterns were obtained at several frequencies and levels for a fixed masker—probe time delay. In a second experiment, tuning curves and masking patterns were measured as masker-probe time delay was varied. Our results indicate that tuning curves and masking patterns are sharpest at low levels, high frequencies and brief masker-probe time delays. In addition, we observed that masked probe threshold returned to the level of unmasked probe threshold at approximately the same post-masker time regardless of masker level or the probe-to-masker frequency relationship. These findings suggest that frequency, level and time delay all affect the degree of frequency selectivity observed with these measures.
Anticipation in myotonic dystrophy: II. Complex relationships between clinical findings and structure of the GCT repeat

We studied the expansion of the GCT repeats within the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase gene in nine myotonic dystrophy (DM) kindreds. Southern blot and polymerase chain reaction analyses of the repeat region demonstrated the expansion in all 62 patients with the diagnosis of DM. Among 43 DM parent-child pairs, age of onset in the child was earlier than in the parent in 36 pairs, in the same decade as the parent in five, and undetermined in two. The clinical anticipation observed in the 36 pairs accompanied an increase in the fragment size in 32, a decrease in two, and no apparent change in two pairs. In the remaining pairs without documented clinical anticipation, the fragment size increased in four, decreased in two, and was apparently unchanged in one. Overall, the size of expansion showed an inverse correlation with the age of onset (p 0.5). Our data suggest that the expansion of the GCT repeats plays an important role in anticipation although other factors, including the sex of the affected parent, may have significant effects on molecular mechanisms of anticipation.
1.1 Petawatt Hybrid, OPCPA-Nd:glass Laser Demonstrated

We demonstrated a 1.1 Petawatt Laser (186 J, 167 fs) based on optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA) and mixed Nd:glass amplification, which is to our knowledge currently the highest power operating laser.
Rainfall and tillage effects on soil structure after alfalfa conversion to maize on a clay loam soil in New York

Abstract Soil degradation is accelerated when perennial crops are converted to annual row crops, primarily due to increased soil disturbance from tillage. Subsequent heavy rainfall may induce soil settling, reduce macroporosity and increase hardsetting upon drying. An experiment involving plow and no-tillage and two simulated rainfall treatments (‘wet’ and ‘dry’) was conducted on Kingsbury clay loam soil in northern New York in 1992 and 1993 to study their effects on soil structure under maize (Zea mays L.) after conversion from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and to evaluate the use of spectral analysis of micropenetrometer observations for studying soil aggregation. Undisturbed soil cores were collected from the row and trafficked and non-trafficked interrow positions at the 0.05 and 0.15 m depths and used for laboratory measurement of soil strength and pore system properties. These well-structured soils show a high contribution (up to 0.15 m3 m−3) of macropores to the total porosity of the soil. Soil strength was generally slightly higher for no-till (NT) than plow till (PT), although only significant in 1992. Soil strength in the surface layer did not change significantly with drying. Spectral density patterns did not show strong treatment effects, although distinct peaks reflect 3.0–3.5 mm stable structural units within macroaggregates. Simulated rainfall treatments and tillage treatments generally did not strongly affect measured soil properties, presumably due to stable soil structure. Structurally stable clay loam soils show little effect of tillage or settling on soil physical properties in the first years after alfalfa to maize conversion, and have good potential for long-term annual crop production if properly managed.
Potential energy savings in buildings by an urban tree planting programme in California

Abstract Tree canopy cover data from aerial photographs and building energy simulations were applied to estimate energy savings from existing trees and new plantings in California. There are approximately 177.3 million energy-conserving trees in California communities and 241.6 million empty planting sites. Existing trees are projected to reduce annual air conditioning energy use by 2.5% with a wholesale value of $ 485.8 million. Peak load reduction by existing trees saves utilities 10% valued at approximately $778.5 million annually, or $ 4.39/tree. Planting 50 million trees to shade east and west walls of residential buildings is projected to reduce cooling by 1.1% and peak load demand by 4.5% over a 15-year period. The present wholesale value of annual cooling reductions for the 15-year period is $ 3.6 billion ($ 71/tree planted). Assuming total planting and stewardship costs of $ 2.5 billion ($ 50/tree), the cost of peak load reduction is $ 63/kW, considerably less than the $ 150/kW benchmark for cost-effectiveness. Influences of tree location near buildings and regional climate differences on potential energy savings are discussed.
Scaffold-free culture of mesenchymal stem cell spheroids in suspension preserves multilineage potential

While traditional cell culture methods have relied on growing cells as monolayers, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems can provide a convenient in vitro model for the study of complex cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions in the absence of exogenous substrates and may benefit the development of regenerative medicine strategies. In this study, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) spheroids, or “mesenspheres”, of different sizes, were formed using a forced aggregation technique and maintained in suspension culture for extended periods of time thereafter. Cell proliferation and differentiation potential within mesenspheres and dissociated cells retrieved from spheroids were compared to conventional adherent monolayer cultures. Mesenspheres maintained in growth medium exhibited no evidence of cell necrosis or differentiation, while mesenspheres in differentiation media exhibited differentiation similar to conventional 2D culture methods based on histological markers of osteogenic and adipogenic commitment. Furthermore, when plated onto tissue culture plates, cells that had been cultured within mesenspheres in growth medium recovered morphology typical of cells cultured continuously in adherent monolayers and retained their capacity for multi-lineage differentiation potential. In fact, more robust matrix mineralization and lipid vacuole content were evident in recovered MSCs when compared to monolayers, suggesting enhanced differentiation by cells cultured as 3D spheroids. Thus, this study demonstrates the development of a 3D culture system for mesenchymal stem cells that may circumvent limitations associated with conventional monolayer cultures and enhance the differentiation potential of multipotent cells.
Protein Surface Recognition by Synthetic Receptors Based on a Tetraphenylporphyrin Scaffold

Receptors based on a tetraphenylporphyrin scaffold bearing different charged and hydrophobic groups have been synthesized. The interactions of these with horse heart cytochrome c were studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. Receptor 4 was identified to be the strongest synthetic receptor (Kd = 20 nM) for cytochrome c. The differences in affinity among the receptors reflected a dependence on the number of anionic and hydrophobic groups.
Bootstrap - Inspired Techniques in Computation Intelligence

This article is about the success story of a seemingly simple yet extremely powerful approach that has recently reached a celebrity status in statistical and engineering sciences. The hero of this story - bootstrap resampling - is relatively young, but the story itself is a familiar one within the scientific community: a mathematician or a statistician conceives and formulates a theory that is first developed by fellow mathematicians and then brought to fame by other professionals, typically engineers, who point to many applications that can benefit from just such an approach. Signal processing boasts some of the finest examples of such stories, such as the classic story of Fourier transforms or the more contemporary tale of wavelet transforms.
Simple metrics for programming languages

Abstract Several metrics for guiding the design and evaluation of programming languages are introduced. The objective is to formalize notions such as “size”, “complexity”, “orthogonality”, and “simplicity”. Three different kinds of metrics are described: syntactic, semantic, and transformational. Syntactic metrics are based on the size of a context-free grammar for a language or a part of a language. They can be used to judge the size of a language and the relative sizes of its parts. These techniques are demonstrated by their application to Pascal, Algol-60, and Ada. Syntactic metrics make no reference to the meaning of a language's constructs. For this purpose we have developed several semantic metrics that measure the inter-dependencies among the basic semantic ideas in a language. This technique has been applied to the control, data, and name structures of FORTRAN, BASIC, Lisp, Algol-60, and Pascal. Finally, we suggest that a useful measure of a programming language is the complexity of the relationship between its syntactic and semantic structures. For this purpose we introduce a transformational metric and demonstrate its use on subsystems of several languages. The paper concludes by discussing the general principles underlying all of these metrics and by discussing the proper method of validating metrics such as these.
Methionine Requirement of White Leghorn Pullets

Abstract White Leghorn pullets were fed diets containing different levels of supplemental methionine from 8–20 weeks of age. At 20 weeks of age, all birds were changed to the same laying ration after being moved from floor pens to laying cages. The photoperiod was increased at 20 weeks of age to provide 14 hours light per day. Egg production, feed consumption, egg weight, mortality and body weight changes were measured during a 24-week period after 20 weeks of age. The results obtained in this experiment showed that a total level of 0.27% was required for maximum weight gain during the growing period. This maximum growth was not essential, however, for maximum subsequent egg production. Pullets fed the basal diet which contained 0.17% methionine laid at a rate equal to the controls and laid eggs of slightly larger size. Body weight gain during the growing period from 8–20 weeks is not an indicator for subsequent egg production. Feed consumption of all birds was approximately equal during both the growing period and the period of egg production.
Condition Monitoring of PEM Fuel Cell Using Hotelling T2 Control Limit

Although a variety of design and control strategies have been proposed to improve the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems, temporary faults in such systems still might occur under practical operating conditions due to the complexity of the physical process and the functional limitations of some components. If these faults cannot be detected in a timely manner, long-time malfunction of fuel cell components may lead to catastrophic failures. Clearly, it is necessary to study the appropriate state condition monitoring scheme for fuel cell systems. In this research, we first develop a fuel cell stack model which can simulate the complicated transient behavior and dynamic interactions of the temperature, gas flow, phase change in the anode and cathode channels, and membrane humidification under operating conditions. Using this model as basis, we then employ the Hotelling T2 control limit approach to monitor stack conditions by using real-time measurements of fuel cell state variables such as output voltage. An important feature of the Hotelling method, a multivariate statistical analysis approach, is that one may decide fault occurrence under measurement noise. Simulation indicates that the new method has very high detection sensitivity and can detect the fault conditions at the early stage. This proposed monitoring strategy could provide valuable information for low-level real time control as well as high-level decision making.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Greening University Campus Buildings to Reduce Consumption and Emission while Fostering Hands-on Inquiry-based Education☆

Abstract This paper describes a method of greening university campus buildings that normally contribute to a large amount of energy and water consumption, air pollution, and resource depletions. The University of Arizona became engaged in the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment emphasizing those university campuses must exercise leadership in their communities and throughout society by modeling ways to minimize global warming emissions, and by providing their graduates the knowledge and education to achieve climate neutrality. The “House Energy Doctor” (HED) program is an education, research, and community outreach program at the University of Arizona's (UA) College of Architecture, planning and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA). During the last three years, and through a multiyear agreement between HED and the UA, Level III energy audits have been conducted on nine major campus buildings to identify energy efficiency opportunities that will contribute to the greening of campus. Some important findings focused on inefficient windows, external insulation, shading of critical building elements, energy-saving light fixtures, and envelope solar reflectance in summer. Strategies for mechanical systems propose changes to current thermostat set points, run periods, replacement of old components with higher efficiency units, and water harvesting of condensates for landscape use. The first three years of the “Greening of Campus” project demonstrated that the nine buildings total area of 1,081,512 ft 2 consumed an annual average 75,970,411 KBtu (70.2 KBtu/ft 2 ) at the cost of $2,186,264 per year. The implementation of the House Energy Doctor recommendations for the nine buildings will yield an annual energy savings of 9,542,106 KBtu and operating cost saving of $265,318 (12.1%). This energy saving will help the environment by a reduction of 2,915 Metric tons of CO2 emission. The campus will also be saving 10.9 million gallons of water. In addition, two of nine buildings “Arizona- Sonora” and “La Aldea” have been successfully certified for Energy Star Designation. The method can be replicated in different units around campus and as a model for implementation in other university campuses around the world.
Semiconductor Characterization Using Nondestructive Surface Acoustic Wave Technique

Nondestructive characterization of semiconductor surfaces and interfaces by the surface acoustic wave (SAW) technique is demonstrated and reviewed. In the past few years, the sensitivity and applicability of this method has been greatly enhanced by the introduction of a new delay line structure and the use of two beam spectroscopy. The monitored signal in the following experiments is the transverse acoustoelectric voltage (TAV). Two beam spectroscopy (both beams are monochromatic) is applied to GaAs, InP and CdS in order to reveal the subband gap energy level structures. The presented data on the subband gap interface states which are due to the intrinsic nature of the surface discontinuity or due to the interface with other materials (electrolyte, oxide, etc.) includes the following: 1) High resistivity GaAs surface states, the GaAs/oxide interface states and the effect of wet anodic oxidation in increasing the density of these states, 2) Exciton absorption and energy levels in GaAs, InP at low temperature and the observation of quenching effect on the absorption peak which is more pronounced in GaAs due to the higher interface states density, 3) Interface states at CdS/electrolyte junction which are enhanced by the photo anodization of CdS, working under short circuit current in a semiconductor liquid junction solar cell configuration. The new delay line structure enabled us to vary the surface potential via a small external DC field (comparable to C-V technique) while monitoring the TAV amplitude and transient time constants. Thus parameters such as generation lifetime, oxide charge, flat band voltage and surface generation velocity are experimentally determined for silicon wafers. Nondestructive depth profiling of the free carrier concentration and some of the above parameters are also demonstrated. Zero bias surface condition and the recombination center energy level within the silicon bandgap are determined. This technique is being presently applied to (HgCd)Te samples.
Methotrexate in atherogenesis and cholesterol metabolism.

Methotrexate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis which itself is linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Treatments that target inflammation may also impact the cardiovascular system. While methotrexate improves cardiovascular risk, inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 enzyme promotes atherosclerosis. These opposing cardiovascular influences may arise from differing effects on the expression of proteins involved in cholesterol homeostasis. These proteins, ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC) A1 and cholesterol 27-hydroxylase, facilitate cellular cholesterol efflux and defend against cholesterol overload. Methotrexate upregulates expression of cholesterol 27-hydroxylase and ABCA1 via adenosine release, while COX-2 inhibition downregulates these proteins. Adenosine, acting through the A2A and A3 receptors, may upregulate proteins involved in reverse cholesterol transport by cAMP-PKA-CREB activation and STAT inhibition, respectively. Elucidating underlying cardiovascular mechanisms of these drugs provides a framework for developing novel cardioprotective anti-inflammatory medications, such as selective A2A receptor agonists.
Prediction of aquifer vulnerability to pesticides using fuzzy rule-based models at the regional scale.

Contamination of ground water has been a major environmental concern in recent years. The potential for ground-water contamination by pesticides depends on porous media, solute, and hydrologic parameters. Although sophisticated deterministic computer models are available for assessing aquifer-contamination potential on a site-by-site basis, most deterministic models are too complex for vulnerability assessment on a regional scale because they require input data that are spatially and temporally variable, and which may not be available at this scale. Therefore, development of an affordable model that is robust under conditions of uncertainty at the watershed scale with minimum input of field data becomes a useful ground-water management tool. The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness of fuzzy rule-based techniques in predicting aquifer vulnerability to pesticides at the regional scale. The objectives were to (1) develop fuzzy rule-based models using the same input parameters contained in an i...
Influence of Type of Turbulent Flame on Limits of Detection in Atomic Fluorescence Flame Spectrometry

Abstract The influence of flame type and composition on atomic fluorescence flame spectrometric limits of detection of sixteen metals introduced into several different turbulent flames is considered. Limits of detection for sixteen metals using optimum flame types with Beckman and Zeiss total-consumption nebulizer-burners are tabulated and compared with previous values given in the literature.
The effect of the pericardium on pressure-volume relations in the canine left ventricle☆

Abstract The effect of the pericardium on the pressure-volume curve on the left ventricle has been studied following anoxic arrest in eight dogs. A large volume intraventricular balloon was employed. The pericardium is found to elevate left ventricular pressure and reduce volume over the entire range of pressures studied (0–20 cm. H 2 O). Removal of the pericardium at 10 cm. H 2 O reduces LV pressures 4.6 ± 1.0 cm. H 2 O, and an additional 6.2 ± 1.1 cc./100 gm. LV are required to restore pressure to its previous value. At 20 cm. H 2 O pressure is reduced 6.8 ± 2.0 cm. H 2 O. The volume change at 13.6 cm. H 2 is 7.2 ± 1.6 cc./100 gm. LV. These data are well substantiated by previously published results and support the view that at normal end-diastolic volumes, the heart is gently supported by a pericardial envelope of large compliance and ample elasticity.
Catalytic generation of nitric oxide from nitrite at the interface of polymeric films doped with lipophilic Cu(II)-complex: a potential route to the preparation of thromboresistant coatings

A novel approach potentially useful for the development of more thromboresistant polymeric materials is examined. The method is based on the catalytic generation of nitric oxide (NO) via Cu(I) mediated reduction of nitrite ions. Preliminary solution phase studies demonstrate that ascorbate or thiolate anions can generate Cu(I) from Cu(II) with subsequent catalytic conversion of any nitrite ions present to NO by the unstable Cu(I) species. Incorporation of this same chemistry within a hydrophobic polymeric material requires immobilizing Cu(II) ions into a polymeric phase via use of a lipophilic Cu(II) chelating ligand (dibenzo [e,k]-2,3,8,9-tetraphenyl-1,4,7,10-tetraaza-cyclododeca-1,3,7,9-tetraene (DTTCT)). It is shown that this complex can be reduced to its Cu(I) form by appropriate reducing equivalents present in the bathing solution. The resulting Cu(I) complex can then reduce nitrite to NO with the NO generation occurring at the polymer/solution interface at physiological pH. Data from chemiluminescence experiments indicate that the flux of NO at the polymer surface is comparable to that of endothelial cells (>/=1x10(-10)mol/cm(2)min) when 0.5mM nitrite/1mM ascorbate are present in the bathing solution. Potentially more useful NO generation can be achieved by doping the polymer film with the Cu(II) complex along with a lipophilic quaternary ammonium nitrite salt. In this case reducing equivalents within the aqueous phase enable the nitrite derived from the polymer to be converted into NO by the Cu(II/I) ligand complex. Films of this type are shown to generate NO for at least 6h in PBS buffer with fluxes on the order of 1.5x10(-10)mol/cm(2)min. Physiologically relevant levels of NO release are also shown to exist at the polymer interface when films are soaked in fresh plasma as well as undiluted whole blood, indicating that endogenous reducing equivalents present in blood can efficiently reduce the Cu(II)-ligand within the polymer film. The prospects of using these new NO releasing films to devise more biocompatible polymeric coatings for biomedical applications are discussed.
Comparison of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of aspirin following oral gavage and diet dosing in rats.

Abstract Aspirin is one of the oldest drugs and has been purported to have multiple beneficial effects, including prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer, in addition to its original indication for treatment of inflammation, fever and pain. In cancer chemoprevention studies using animal models, two methods of aspirin administration have been employed: oral gavage and diet. The untested assumption was that exposure and the resultant pharmacological effects are similar for these two administration methods when dosing is normalized on the basis of mg/kg body weight/day. This study examined and compared time-dependent plasma and colon mucosal concentrations of aspirin metabolite salicylate (aspirin concentrations were below level of quantification), plasma thromboxane B 2 concentrations, and colon mucosal prostaglandin E 2 concentration following these two different dosing paradigms in rats. Diet dosing yielded relatively constant plasma and colon salicylate concentration vs. time profiles. On the other hand, oral gavage dosing led to a rapid peak followed by a fast decline in salicylate concentration in both plasma and colon. Nevertheless, the exposure as measured by the area under plasma or colon concentration–time curve of salicylate was linearly related to dose irrespective of the dosing method. Linear relationships were also observed between colon and plasma salicylate areas under the curve and between colon prostaglandin E 2 and plasma thromboxane B 2 areas under the curve. Therefore, more easily accessible plasma salicylate and thromboxane B 2 concentrations were representative of the salicylate exposure and prostaglandin E 2 pharmacodynamic biomarker in the target colon, respectively.
Coordination variability and the structural components of silica glass under high pressures

Abstract The description of the structure of siliceous melts as the silicon ions transform from four- to six-fold coordination with increasing pressure is difficult because their structures range from open networks at low pressures to ones which are more nearly close-packed at pressures of 25–30 GPa. The effect of these coordination modifications on the density, diffusivity, viscosity and melting behavior of silicate liquids is of vital importance to the transport of partial melt in the mantle. Using molecular dynamics calculations, we have investigated the physical and structural characteristics of amorphous silica up to pressures of 135 GPa. The pairwise potential of S. Tsuneyuki and coworkers has previously been proven to be remarkably versatile in the simulation of several crystalline silica polymorphs. We point out some problems connected with its parameterization when used for amorphous phases at high pressures or high temperatures. We find large concentrations (30–50%) of five-fold coordinated Si atoms in square pyramidal geometry between 15 and 30 GPa. We describe some alternative interpretations of melt structure involving the Delaunay network and these are consistent with a model of liquid structure involving mixing of four-, five- and six-fold coordinated Si atoms with an associated negative excess mixing volume coupled with an ideal entropy of mixing on the order of 1–1.75 R. Neighbor cage backscattering effects are largely controlled by physical neighbor distances (those within the first radial distribution function coordination shell) and are not sensitive to the volume reduction of the surrounding Voronoi cell, but their behavior at long times may be controlled by the decreased Voronoi cell anisotropy at higher pressures.
Radar and optical remote sensing data evaluation and fusion; a case study for Washington, DC, USA

The recent increase in the availability of spaceborne radar in different wavelengths with multiple polarisations provides new opportunities for land surface analysis. This research effort explored how different radar data, and derived texture values, independently and in combination with optical imagery influence land cover/use classification accuracies for a study site in Washington, DC, USA. Two spaceborne radar images, Radarsat-2L-band and Palsar C-band quad-polarised radar, were registered with Aster optical data for this study. Traditional methods of classification were applied to various components and combinations of this data set, and overall and class-specific thematic accuracies obtained for comparison. The results for the two despeckled radar data sets were quite different, with Radarsat-2 obtaining an overall accuracy of 59% and Palsar 77%, while that of the optical Aster was 90%. Combining the original radar and a variance texture measure increased the accuracy of Radarsat-2 to 71% but that o...
Attenuation of trimethyltin-evoked glutamate (GLU) efflux from rat cortical and hippocampal slices.

Abstract Trimethyltin (TMT) is a toxic alkyltin that produces neuronal necrosis in the CNS. TMT stimulates the efflux of the excitatory amino acid glutamate (GLU) from rat cortical slices. This release is concentration dependent, partially calcium dependent, but not inhibited by calcium channel blockers or a NMDA antagonist. In the present study the compounds furosemide, bumetanide, 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2, 2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS), and dl -threo-β-hydroxyaspartic acid (HAA) were tested for their ability to attenuate TMT-stimulated GLU efflux from rat cortical and hippocampal slices. Furosemide (1 mM) reduced the TMT-induced GLU efflux in cortical slices and hippocampal slices, but bumetanide (0.1 mM) had no effect on TMT-induced GLU efflux. DIDS (1 mM) demonstrated a trend toward decreasing GLU efflux from TMT stimulation in both the cortex and hippocampus, but this reduction was not significant. However, DIDS was able to prevent the decrease in intracellular GLU content produced by TMT in both the cortical and hippocampal slices. HAA (1 mM) increased the net GLU efflux in both cortical slices and hippocampal slices, and produced a significant depletion of the glutamate content of the slices. Taurine efflux was stimulated by TMT treatment but was not blocked by the chloride transport inhibitors. These data suggest that cell swellinginduced release of GLU may not be directly involved in TMT-induced GLU efflux, and that TMT does not appear to elicit GLU efflux by a mechanism involving reversal of the GLU transporter.
Direct computation of distribution functions from characteristic functions using the fast Fourier transform

A fast Fourier transform technique is described for the approximate numerical evaluation of distribution functions directly from characteristic functions. Examples are presented.
Iceland Mantle Plume: Geochemical Study of Reykjanes Ridge

Systematic rare earth and minor element concentration variations in basalt recently erupted along the post-glacial Reykjanes Ridge Axis and its northward extension over Iceland reflect the existence, spatial influence, and primordial nature of the Iceland hot mantle plume.
High-Resolution Optical Fiber Refractive-Index Tomography using Higher-Order Intensity Derivatives

A technique that uses higher-order intensity derivatives within partially coherent quantitative phase microscopy is shown to increase the radial resolution of reconstructed optical fiber tomograms to the diffraction limit without introducing additional noise.
Advances in Bioartificial Liver Assist Devices

Rapid advances in development of bioartificial liver assist devices (BLADs) are exciting clinical interest in the application of BLAD technology for support of patients with acute liver failure. Four devices (Circe Biomedical HepatAssist, Vitagen ELAD, Gerlach BELS, and Excorp Medical BLSS) that rely on hepatocytes cultured in hollow-fiber membrane technology are currently in various stages of clinical evaluation. Several alternative approaches for culture and perfusion of hepatocytes have been evaluated in preclinical, large animal models of liver failure, or at a laboratory scale. Engineering design issues with respect to xenotransplantation, BLAD perfusion, hepatocyte functionality and culture maintenance, and ultimate distribution of a BLAD to a clinical site are delineated.
Functional role of nitric oxide in regulation of ocular blood flow.

Nitric oxide generated by three distinct enzyme systems appears to play a critical role in many diverse physiological processes. Using both conventional and immunohistochemical techniques, nitric oxide synthases have been identified throughout the body, including all regions of the eye. A large number of in vitro and in vivo preparations have been utilized showing nitric oxide to have an important role in regulation of regional ocular blood flow. Nitric oxide-mediated control of basal ocular blood flow is demonstrated by vasoconstriction seen in experiments where vascular endothelial cells are removed, or when nitric oxide synthase is inhibited. The endogenous source of nitric oxide in the eye appears to be both endothelial and neural. In addition, administration of drugs that can 'donate' nitric oxide produces vasodilation of the eye vasculature. Local vasodilation in response to illumination of the retina is controlled by generation and release of nitric oxide, whereas most other physiological adjustments of ocular blood flow (i.e., autoregulation and responses to altered blood gas levels) seem to be relatively independent of nitric oxide mechanisms. Nitric oxide is implicated in a variety of ocular pathophysiological states including uveitis, retinal ischemic disease, diabetes and glaucoma.
Examination of Geometric Effects on Stress Wave Propagation and Applications in Football Helmet Design

A recent study of college and high school football players demonstrated that 5.1% sustained at least one concussion in a single season. Considering the number of individuals that participate in football in the United States, this percentage equates to a staggering number [1]. The information and attention dealing with concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI) has greatly increased recently, and represents a need for more advanced helmets that can eliminate concussions as well as other forms of TBI. In order to obtain this goal, lessons can be learned from high speed impacts in nature, particularly the shock-mitigating effects of the bighorn sheep’s (or ram’s) horn and woodpecker’s hyoid bone. For instance, during fights between male bighorn sheep, the rams clash together at speeds up to 5.5 m/s, causing forces up to 3400 N [2]. Even while undergoing these tremendous forces, the animals are rarely injured, which leads to the notion that the horn geometry plays a role in mitigating the shock wave. The woodpecker’s hyoid bone extends around the skull in a spiral shape. It aids the woodpecker in extending its tongue and helps bypass vibrations generated from drumming, which protects the brain from shock [3]. Does the reoccurrence of this curious (tapered spiral) shape throughout nature have some significance in regards to energy dissipation and shock absorption abilities inherent to its geometry? Answering this was the primary goal of this study.© 2013 ASME
Development and evaluation of an inhalable bioaerosol manifold sampler.

This paper describes the development and evaluation of an inhalable bioaerosol manifold sampler for the collection of replicate samples over sequential sampling periods. Wind tunnel experiments at wind velocities ≤0.6 m/sec (≤~120 ft/min) and at a sampling velocity of 0.6 m/sec yielded sampling efficiencies within 10% of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' inhalable curve up to particle diameters of about 18 urn and efficiencies within 18% for diameters up to 26 urn. At wind velocities ≥0.6 m/sec, a sampling velocity of 0.8 m/sec yielded efficiencies that were within 15% of the inhalable curve up to diameters of about 22 μm and within 20% for diameters up to 25 μm. Microscopic counts of 15.6-μm and 25.6-μm monodisperse polystyrene beads aerosolized in the wind tunnel and collected with the manifold sampler yielded precise concentrations (pooled CV=9.0 and 5.3%, respectively) averaging 115% and 92%, respectively, of measurements with the APS Model 3310 aerodynamic particle sizer....
Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Acute Limb Ischemia

Acute limb ischemia is a potentially life-threatening clinical event. Thrombosis in situ, bypass graft thrombosis, and embolic occlusion are the three major precipitating events leading to acute limb ischemia. Management of acute ischemia depends on the clinical status of the affected limb and patient comorbidities. Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is the treatment of choice for patients with relatively mild acute limb ischemia (Rutherford categories I and IIa) with no contraindications to thrombolytic therapy. Patients with severe acute limb ischemia (Rutherford category IIb) need emergent revascularization. CDT should be considered, nonetheless, if the relative risks compared with primary operation are favorable. CDT is a life- and limb-saving treatment for many patients despite limitations of efficacy and associated complications. This article is a review of the etiology of acute arterial occlusion; clinical triage of patients presenting with acute limb ischemia; catheter guide wire techniques, pharmacological agents, and devices in current use for CDT; as well as the outcomes of CDT.