cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 4337: Interactions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) systems in neuroblastoma: New insight into mechanisms of BDNF's pro-survival effects

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL BDNF is a known survival factor for neuroblastomas (NB) and is implicated in the development of their chemoresistance. NPY, on the other hand, is a sympathetic neurotransmitter, which is highly released from NB tumors. The elevated NPY levels in NB patients are associated with poor clinical outcome, which is in agreement with its Y2 receptor (Y2R)-mediated proliferative effects on NB cells and pro-angiogenic activities. In normal sympathetic neurons, BDNF has been shown to up-regulate NPY expression, while NPY itself has been implicated in promoting their survival. Therefore, we sought to determine if similar interactions between BDNF and NPY systems occur in NB cells. We have found that BDNF up-regulates expression of both NPY and its Y2Rs in native NB cells, as well as SH-SY5Y cells transfected with BDNF receptor – TrkB (SH-SY5Y/TrkB). However, even more dramatically, BDNF induces expression of another NPY receptor – Y5R, which is not detectable in most NB cell lines under basal conditions. In agreement with this, expression of Y5Rs correlated with TrkB and BDNF expression in human NB samples. In addition, Y5R seems to be directly involved in BDNF signaling. In SH-SY5Y/TrkB cells, BDNF-induced activation of p44/42 MAPK is significantly reduced by selective Y5R antagonist, CGP 71683, but not by Y2R antagonist, BIIE 0246. Interestingly, the Y5R antagonist had no effect on Akt activation stimulated by BDNF. Thus, these data suggest specific cross-talk between TrkB and Y5R signaling leading to activation of p44/42 MAPK pathway. Since BDNF is a known survival factor for NB cells, we sought to determine if pro-survival activity of BDNF is mediated by NPY. Chemotherapy was found to up-regulate the expression of both BDNF and NPY systems. This was further supported by elevated expression of NPY and its Y5Rs in cells derived from a chemotherapy-treated patient (CHLA-20, SMS-KANR) as compared to cells derived from primary tumors of the same patient (CHLA-15, SMS-KAN). In the functional studies, NPY mimicked the anti-apoptotic effect of BDNF in chemotherapy-treated NB cells. Moreover, as observed with MAPK activation, blocking Y5Rs, but not Y2Rs, reduced the pro-survival activity of BDNF in these cells. In summary, while Y2R is the main NPY R constitutively expressed in NBs and responsible for its proliferative effect, expression of Y5R is induced by BDNF and chemotherapy, subsequently enhancing the pro-survival functions of NPY. These anti-apoptotic actions of NPY can additionally augment the known direct survival effects of BDNF. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4337. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4337
Cable-free wearable systems using conductive fabrics transmitting signals and power

Wearable sensing networks have been the focus of the robotics and biotechnology industry for a number of years. While there has been quite a bit of work on sensor technologies, the physical integration of the electronic components with the human body has not received much attention. We have created a body area network that seeks to address this issue by relying on two innovations; the use of conductive fabrics, and the use of DC powerline communication. By combining these innovations, we have created a truly wearable network that allows full generality of sensor location, spatial distribution of the medium to reduce overall bulk, and maintains sufficiently low line impedance for simultaneous power and data delivery over a single conductor. We have created a method for analysis of the transmission properties of conductive fabric garments that takes into account the unique geometry of the human body. We will provide a verification of our analysis method experimental results.
Mechanism of cyclin D1 (CCND1, PRAD1) overexpression in human cancer cells: analysis of allele-specific expression

The cyclin D1/CCND1 oncogene (PRAD1) is amplified in 15% of primary human breast cancers and overexpressed in 30-50% of breast cancers, suggesting that mechanisms in addition to DNA amplification may lead to deregulated expression of this gene in breast cancer. Cyclin D1 overexpression at a higher frequency than gene amplification is also seen in a variety of other tumors. Cyclin D1 overexpression without amplification could result from a trans-acting regulatory disturbance or could be a consequence of a clonal regulatory mutation in one allele of the gene. We have, therefore, examined whether the overexpression of cyclin D1 mRNA is derived from one parental allele or both alleles in tumor cell lines with or without amplification of the cyclin D1 gene. Eight tumor cell lines, MCF-7, SK-BR-3, ZR-75-1, U-2-OS, SK-LMS-1, DLD1, HCT15, and HT29, out of 20 tumor cells initially examined were found to be heterozygous at the polymorphic NciI site within exon 4 of the cyclin D1 gene. Polymerase chain reaction and NciI digestion (PCR-RFLP) analysis of genomic DNA demonstrated DNA amplification of one allele in the ZR-75-1 cells and HT29 cells and no such imbalance in cyclin D1 gene copy number in the other cells, consistent with Southern blot analyses. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis and NciI digestion (RT-PCR-RFLP) of total cDNA revealed that the overexpressed cyclin D1 mRNA is preferentially derived from the amplified allele in the ZR-75-1 and HT29 cells. In contrast, the other tumor cells overexpressed cyclin D1 mRNA equally from both alleles. This finding strongly suggests that, in breast, sarcoma, and in colon cancer cells with cyclin D1 overexpression and normal gene copy number, elevated levels of cyclin D1 mRNA result from a trans-acting influence on both alleles rather than a clonal somatic mutation or rearrangement in or near a single cyclin D1 gene.
Phylogenetic analysis of the Potyviridae with emphasis on legume-infecting potyviruses.

The 3′-terminal nucleotide sequences of thirteen authenticated strains of bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) and one strain of bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV) were obtained. The regions sequenced included the coat protein coding sequence and 3′-end non-coding region. These data, combined with sequence information from other legume-infecting potyviruses and the Potyviridae were used for phylogenetic analysis. Evidence is provided for delineation of BCMNV as distinct from BCMV and the inclusion of azuki mosaic, dendrobium mosaic, blackeye cowpea mosaic, and peanut stripe viruses as strains of BCMV. This relationship defines the members of the BCMV and BCMNV subgroups. These data also provide a basis upon which to define virus strains, in combination with biological data. Other aspects and implications of legume-infecting potyvirus phylogenetics are discussed.
Nano Cr Interlayered CrN Coatings on Steels

Abstract CrN coated steels assisted with a nano Cr interlayer were investigated. The Cr nano-interlayers were prepared by sputter deposition with a thickness about 70-100 nm. CrN coatings were also prepared by sputter deposition on the Cr nano-interlayers. The crystal structures, microhardness, and scratch resistance of CrN/Cr coatings were determined. Results show that the Cr nano-interlayers improve scratch resistance and the microhardness of CrN coated steels. A rapid heat treatment with infrared (IR) was performed for coated specimens in the attempt to improve bonding. With IR heat treatments, the beneficial effect of the Cr nano-interlayers was clearly observed. Without the Cr nano-interlayers, severe cracks on the surface of coatings were observed after IR heat treatment. However, with a Cr interlayer, no cracks on the surface of CrN coatings were observed after the heat treatment. The scratch resistance of coatings was also affected by the Cr nano-interlayers. The scratch track was clean and showed significantly smaller amount of scratch debris for CrN coatings with Cr interlayers than those without the Cr nano-interlayers. The microhardness of coatings with the Cr nano-interlayers is higher than those without the Cr nano-interlayers after IR heat treatment. The Cr and CrN phase have been identified with X-ray diffraction analysis, and the results show that the higher the nitrogen content in the sputtering gas, the stronger the CrN peaks observed in the diffraction patterns are.
Dopamine receptor site sensitivity in hyperthyroid guinea pigs: A possible model of hyperthyroid chorea

Guinea pigs made hyperthyroid were found to have increased responsiveness to dopaminergic stimulation of the striatum as measured by the dosage of apomorphine necessary to elicit stereotyped behavior. A dosage of apomorphine which produced stereotyped behavior in only 3 out of 36 euthyroid guinea pigs induced this behavior in 18 out of 20 hyperthyroid guinea pigs. This observation suggests that striatal dopamine receptor site sensitivity is increased in hyperthyroidism and is consistent with the hypothesis that increased receptor site sensitivity plays a role in the pathophysiology of hyperthyroid chorea.
Measurement and simulation of the drift pulses and resolution in the micro-jet chamber

We have tested a prototype of a micro-jet chamber, using both a nitrogen laser and a 10GeV electron beam. The achieved resolution in the particle beam was sigma = 18..mu..m for a lmm impact parameter and 22..mu..m when averaging over the entire beam profile. The experimental results were compared to a Monte Carlo program which simulates the pulse shapes and resolution in drift chambers of any geometry. The main emphasis in our simulation analysis was to study various strategies for drift chambers in order to achieve the best possible timing resolution.
Surface reaction layer formation in vitro on a bioactive glass fiber/polymeric composite.

In order to provide a fixation vehicle between a polymeric composite femoral hip prosthesis and bone tissue, we fabricated bioactive glass fibers. The glass fibers had a tensile strength of 596 MPa, 14 times that of bulk bioactive glass. After immersion in protein-free simulated body fluid for 10 days, we observed the development of a calcium phosphate layer (specifically, partially crystallized, calcium-deficient carbonated hydroxyapatite) on the surface of the glass fibers. The stages of the surface reaction layer formation were similar to those of 45S5 bioactive glass although the kinetics of the reaction layer formation were slower. We combined the bioactive glass fibers with a polymeric matrix to form a fiber-reinforced composite material and observed the formation of a calcium phosphate layer on the surface of the glass fibers within the composite material after immersion in both protein-free and protein-containing simulated body fluids. The rate of reaction layer formation was reduced in the presence of proteins. In both protein-free and protein-containing solutions, a “halo” of bioactivity reactions was observed on the surface of the polymer in regions surrounding the glass fibers. Our results suggest these glass fibers and glass fiber composites will exhibit bioactivity reactions in vivo. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 37, 440–448, 1997.
Mediated dialogue and the microgenesis of second language listening comprehension

This paper presents and discusses quantitative recall data from a longitudinal study that investigated the effects of Dynamic Assessment (DA) on diagnosing and promoting listening comprehension in ...
Stress Analysis of a Novel MEMS Microphone Chip Using Finite Element Analysis

Residual stress produces major challenges in the fabrication of MEMS devices. This is particularly true in the development of MEMS microphones since the response of the thin sound-sensitive diaphragm is strongly affected by stress. It is important to predict the effects of fabrication stress on the microphone chip and identify the failure modes to ensure a satisfactory fabrication yield. In this study, a finite element model of the microphone chip is developed to analyze the laminated structure under different fabrication stresses. The model of the microphone chip includes the diaphragm, backplate and sacrificial oxide layers on top of the silicon substrate. Fabrication stresses are included through the use of an equivalent thermal stress. The stresses in the different layers have been estimated based on measurements performed on fabricated test structures. The estimated stresses are simulated in the finite element model. An important factor in determining the process reliability is the compressive stress of the low temperature sacrificial oxide layer (LTO). A variety of stress combinations between different layers with the low temperature oxide layer are investigated. It is found that an adequate level of tensile stress in the backplate is crucial to ensure the fabrication yield. In the designs considered here, silicon nitride in combination with a thin conductive layer is identified as a favorable material for the backplate considering its high modulus and tensile stress in ‘as deposited’ film. In addition, the presence of a LTO layer on the backside of the wafer turns out to be very helpful in reducing the deflection of the unreleased chip and the stress in the diaphragm. In the case where there is a net compressive stress in the laminate, the failure mode is identified by nonlinear analysis. This analysis provides a guideline to select robust materials and tune the fabrication process to ensure a satisfactory fabrication yield.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Management of fat reserves in tufted titmice (Parus bicolor ): evidence against a trade-off with food hoards

Caching species can manage their energy supply by adjusting body fat, number of caches, or both. It has been hypothesized that because body fat has a higher fitness cost than caches, small food-hoarding birds respond to increased starvation risk by increasing the number of their caches rather than their fat load. This hypothesis predicts that when birds cannot cache they should compensate for the loss of external energy storage by (1) shifting the time of their daily body mass accumulation toward earlier in the day and (2) increasing the overall level of their fat reserves. During the winter of 1995–1996, we tested these predictions with a caching species, the tufted titmouse (Parus bicolor). Each of six experimental birds was fed a diet of uncachable sunflower seed powder for 6 days, preceded and followed by 6-day control periods during which they were fed cachable sunflower seeds. The daily pattern of body mass gain was unaffected by the opportunity to cache. Furthermore, when unable to cache, the birds did not increase either their mean daily body mass, body mass in the middle of the day, or evening body mass compared to the two control periods. These results argue against the hypothesis of a trade-off between fat reserves and food caches in tufted titmice, and suggest that fat reserves are managed independently of external food caches.
The effects of host plant phenology on the demography and population dynamics of the leaf-mining moth, Cameraria hamadryadella (Lepidoptera : Gracillariidae)

We examined the effects of variation in the timing of spring leaf production and autumn leaf fall on the survival, mortality and abundance of Cameraria hamadryadella on Quercus alba and Q. macrocarpu. 2. We monitored and manipulated the timing of foliation on field and potted Q.alba trees and observed the abundance of C. hamadryadella on those trees. We also monitored and manipulated the timing of leaf fall on Q.alba and Q.macrocarpa trees in the field and observed its effects on survival, mortality and abundance of C. hamadryadella. 3. Variation in the timing of spring leaf production has no effect on C. hamu- dryadella abundance. However, a warm winter and spring in 1991 led to accel- erated development and the imposition of a facultative third generation in one out of ten years of observation. 4. In 1989, leaves fell relatively early and leaf fall in the autumn accounted for more than SO% of the mortality of C.hamudryadella. in 1990 and 1991 leaves fell relatively late and leaf fall induced mortality was substantially reduced and over- winter survival was markedly increased. 5. The abundance of C. hamadryadella remained constant in the spring and summer of 1990 following the previous autumn's relatively early leaf fall, but increased by 10-fold in the spring of 1991 following the relatively late leaf fall of autumn 1990. The abundance of C. hamadryadella also increased 4-fold between the summer of 1991 and the spring of 1992 after another autumn of relatively late leaf fall. We attribute these increases in abundance in part to reduced mortality because of later leaf fall. 6. Variation in the timing of autumn leaf fall may be responsible for initiating outbreaks of C. hamadryadrlla.
Hyperfine Structure in the Microwave Spectrum of HDO, HDS, CH2O, and CHDO : Beam‐Maser Spectroscopy on Asymmetric‐Top Molecules

Hyperfine structure in the 220→221 rotational transition of HDO at 10 278.2 Mc/sec and HDS at 11 283.8 Mc/sec, and in the 211→212 rotational transition of CH2O at 14 488.6 Mc/sec and CHDO at 16 038.1 Mc/sec, has been investigated with a high‐resolution beam maser microwave spectrometer. Linewidths of 5 kc/sec have been obtained. The hyperfine Hamiltonian for an arbitrary number of nuclei with quadrupole, spin—rotation, and spin—spin interactions is discussed, and the matrix elements of the Hamiltonian and the intensities of hyperfine transitions calculated in terms of the tabulated 6j coefficients. Quadrupole and spin—rotation constants and bond lengths which have been determined are, for the 220 state of HDO: (eqJQ)D = 79.3±0.3 kc/sec, CH = —43.47±0.11 kc/sec, CD = —2.33±0.02 kc/sec; for the 221 state of HDO: (eqJQ)D = 79.6±0.3 kc/sec, CH = —43.63±0.13 kc/sec, CD = —2.20±0.02 kc/sec; for the 220 state of HDS: (eqJQ)D = 42.9±0.4 kc/sec, CH = —25.03±0.13 kc/sec, CD = —0.47±0.02 kc/sec; for the 221 state of...
Chemokine receptor (CCR5) expression in human kidneys and in the HIV infected macaque.

Chemokine receptor (CCR5) expression in human kidneys and in the HIV infected macaque. Background The chemokine receptor, CCR5, has been identified as an essential co-receptor with CD4, which permits entry of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) into mammalian cells. This receptor may also mediate leukocyte and parenchymal responses to injury by virtue of its binding to locally released chemokines such as RANTES, MIP-1α and MIP-1β during inflammation. The localization of CCR5 in human or primate kidney is unknown. In this study we sought to identify sites of CCR5 synthesis through localization of mRNA coding for this peptide. Methods CCR5 cDNA cloned into an expression vector was transcribed into a 1.1Kb antisense riboprobe that was utilized for in situ hybridization (ISH) and Northern blotting studies. Results Northern analysis demonstrated positive hybridization for CCR5 mRNA in total RNA isolated from allograft nephrectomy tissue with features of severe transplant rejection as well as in kidney tissue with focal interstitial nephritis. No comparable hybridization signal was achieved with human kidney tissue uninvolved by disease. CCR5 mRNA was not identified in intrinsic renal cell types by ISH in normal human ( N = 6), normal macaque kidney ( N = 5), in kidneys from macaques with established infection by HIV-2 ( N = 9), kidneys from macaques infected with HIV-1 ( N = 4), nor in kidneys from SIV-infected macaques ( N = 5). CCR5 was identified by ISH in human kidneys with features of interstitial nephritis ( N = 3) and in rejected human allograft kidneys ( N = 14). The expression of CCR5 was restricted to infiltrating mononuclear leukocytes at sites of chronic tubulointerstitial injury and at sites of vascular and interstitial rejection, respectively. Conclusions Understanding the localization of CCR5 as well as other chemokine receptors may help us understand how specificity in leukocyte trafficking is achieved in renal inflammatory processes such as allograft rejection and interstitial nephritis. They provide additional evidence that chemokines may be critical mediators of leukocyte trafficking in renal allograft rejection. These findings may account in part for the difficulty in demonstrating HIV infection of renal cells in human HIV infection, since these cells appear to lack constitutive expression of an essential co-receptor needed for viral entry.
No pain, no gains: Negative mood leads to process gains in idea-generation groups.

Research has consistently demonstrated that individuals tend to outperform groups on idea-generation tasks (e.g., Mullen, Johnson, & Salas, 1991). However, mood states have the capacity to alter the coordination and motivation of group members, leading to performance gains or performance losses. In this experiment, individuals and 3-person groups generated slogans for a fictitious company after experiencing a positive or negative mood induction. Contrary to previous research, negative mood groups in our study actually generated slogans that were more creative than those produced by negative mood individuals. No differences emerged for positive individuals and groups. In the negative conditions, the effect of level of analysis (individual vs. group) on creativity was mediated by persistence on the slogan-generation task. Results are presented in the context of feelings-as-information (N. Schwarz & G. L. Clore, 1988).
Housing First, Consumer Choice, and Harm Reduction for Homeless Individuals With a Dual Diagnosis

Objectives. We examined the longitudinal effects of a Housing First program for homeless, mentally ill individuals’ on those individuals’ consumer choice, housing stability, substance use, treatment utilization, and psychiatric symptoms. Methods. Two hundred twenty-five participants were randomly assigned to receive housing contingent on treatment and sobriety (control) or to receive immediate housing without treatment prerequisites (experimental). Interviews were conducted every 6 months for 24 months. Results. The experimental group obtained housing earlier, remained stably housed, and reported higher perceived choice. Utilization of substance abuse treatment was significantly higher for the control group, but no differences were found in substance use or psychiatric symptoms. Conclusions. Participants in the Housing First program were able to obtain and maintain independent housing without compromising psychiatric or substance abuse symptoms. (Am J Public Health. 2004;94:651‐656)
Determination of Semivariogram Models to Krige Hourly and Daily Solar Irradiance in Western Nebraska

Abstract In this paper, linear and spherical semivariogram models were determined for use in kriging hourly and daily solar irradiation for every season of the year. The data used to generate the models were from 18 weather stations in western Nebraska. The models generated were tested using cross validation. The performance of the spherical and linear semivariogram models were compared with each other and also with the semivariogram models based on the best fit to the sample semivariogram of a particular day or hour. There were no significant differences in the performance of the three models. This result and the comparable errors produced by the models in kriging indicated that the linear and spherical models could be used to perform kriging at any hour and day of the year without deriving an individual semivariogram model for that day or hour. The seasonal mean absolute errors associated with kriging, within the network, when using the spherical or the linear semivariograms models were between 10% and ...
“Black Hole” Echolucent Restenotic Tissue After Brachytherapy

n January 2000, a 56-year-old woman was treated withrotational atherectomy and adjunct balloon angioplastybecause of multiple episodes of in-stent restenosis of the rightcoronary artery. She was then enrolled in the open-labelbrachytherapy protocol WRIST PLUS (Washington Radia-tion for In-Stent Restenosis Trial with 6 months of Plavix),which consisted of intracoronary g-radiation followed by 75mg/d clopidogrel for a period of 6 months. Six months later,angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) were per-formed (Figure). She had recurrent in-stent restenosis extend-ing proximal (between the dark arrows on the angiogram) anddistal to the stented segment. The IVUS imaging of thisin-stent restenosis area proximal to the stent showed echolu-cent (dark) tissue (double white arrows). The recurrent lesionwas treated with restenting.Previous studies have shown that in-stent neointimal hy-perplasia consists predominantly of spindle-shaped mesen-chymal cells (a-actin–positive smooth muscle cells) withvery little collagen and elastin.
Bargaining to preserve a unique ecosystem: the role of anticipatory investments to establish stronger bargaining positions

Abstract A forester and a conservation organization bargain over the commercial exploitation or preservation of a forested tract of land with unique ecological characteristics. The forester can improve its bargaining position by preparing a portion of the land for future timber production prior to negotiations between the two. However, doing so decreases the preservation value of the forest, as well as the compensation the conservation group is willing to pay to preserve the forest. The analysis suggests that the forester will begin preparing the land for timber production prior to negotiations only when the value of the land in timber production is significantly lower than the preservation values of the conservation group.
Lightweight linked data

Much of the Web’s success rests with its role in enabling information reuse and integration across various boundaries. Hyperlinked Web resources represent a rich information tapestry of content and context, instrumental in effective knowledge sharing and further knowledge development. However, the Web’s simple linking model has become increasingly inadequate for effective content discovery and reuse. At the same time, rigorous but heavyweight solutions such as the Semantic Web have yet to garner critical mass in adoption. This paper analyzes the relative strengths and shortcomings of existing linked data approaches. It proposes a novel, lightweight architecture for the modeling, aggregation, retrieval, management, and sharing of contextual information for Web resources, based on established standards and designed to encourage more efficient and robust information reuse on the Web.
Critical aspects of the plasma display panel manufacturing process

The panel manufacturing process of the alternating current plasma display panel (AC PDP) is discussed from the viewpoint of panel performances. From this viewpoint, not only the cell structure formation, but also the inner panel environment control is important. The inner panel environment means the chemical and physical conditions of cell inner surface and gas impurities. When a good inner panel environment is established, a stable panel operation and a longer panel life are achieved. Much more effort is required in the panel manufacturing process to obtain a good inner panel environment, where the impurities are sufficiently low, the oxygen concentration keeps at an optimum level, and these conditions keep after a long-term operation.
Effects of temperatures above the glass transition on properties of plastic encapsulant materials

The effects of time and temperature on four mold compounds with T/sub g/ values in the range 145-190/spl deg/C were studied. The selected plastics were heated at temperatures ranging from 25/spl deg/C to more than 100/spl deg/C above T/sub g/, for times ranging from 24 hours to as much as 1500 hours. The materials were then analyzed for the effects of heating on T/sub g/, coefficients of thermal expansion, volatilized substances, and surface physical, chemical and mechanical changes. Considerable degradation in the properties of the mold compounds was observed to take place. For instance, there was clearly a change in the physical appearance of the parts and changes in T/sub g/ values and surface hardness. As expected, the extent of degradation depended strongly on exposure temperature and time. While this study did not include electrical function, changes observed in the plastics indicate that, as a general rule, PEMs should not be exposed to temperatures greater than T/sub g/ for significant lengths of time.
Design of Memory Sense Amplifiers

A fundamental problem in the design of fast (4 to 6 ?sec) word oriented memories using S-1 core material is the realization of a sensing amplifier which has the multitude of required properties. The sense amplifier is usually required to provide stable gain for bipolarity signals, to introduce a negligible delay into the signal path, to avoid dc level shift, to recover within a short time following the enable (or inhibit) noise, to provide a stable discrimination level, etc. Although many sense amplifier designs have appeared in the literature, none, to the authors' knowledge, are eminently suitable for a 4- to 6-?sec memory under the condition of ``worst case input pattern''?a long sequence of unipolarity pulses interspaced with ``blasts'' of enable noise. The basic requirements for a sense amplifier suitable for a word oriented memory in conjunction with a required memory cycle are discussed. This newly developed sense amplifier and its operation and design are presented. Emphasis is placed on the evolution of the techniques and circuits presented, and several other approaches pursued during the design are also described. The authors also comment on possible future approaches to the sensing problem.
METASTATIC STRUMA OVARII TREATED WITH TOTAL THYROIDECTOMY AND RADIOIODINE ABLATION

ABSTRACT Objective To present a rare case of metastatic struma ovarii, review the related literature, and discuss the management. Methods A case report of a patient with metastatic struma ovarii is presented. The treatment plan, postoperative care, and follow-up are discussed. We conducted a MEDLINE search of the English-language literature seeking additional cases of metastatic struma ovarii. In addition to the current case, the previous 40 cases of metastatic struma ovarii were reviewed and analyzed. Results The mean age of the patients at presentation was 43 years. All patients underwent resection of the primary tumor. The most common sites of involvement for struma ovarii metastatic disease have been the peritoneum, mesentery, and omentum. After primary tumor resection, a wide range of additional treatments have been used, including chemotherapy, resection of metastatic disease, external beam radiation therapy, and radioiodine ablation. Conclusion In cases of metastatic struma ovarii, we recommend total thyroidectomy in conjunction with radioiodine scanning and radioiodine ablation. Thyroglobulin levels should be followed as a tumor marker, and diagnostic radioiodine scans should be performed to screen for residual or recurrent disease. Although this treatment strategy is well established for thyroid cancer, long-term outcomes of this treatment for struma ovarii are still unknown. (Endocr Pract. 2009;15:167-173)
Performance evaluation of ITS strategies using microscopic simulation

This work presents a micro-simulation method to evaluate the effectiveness of potential ITS strategies under the incident scenarios. The evaluation is conducted over a corridor network located at the City of Irvine, California. The potential ITS strategies include incident management, local adaptive ramp metering, coordinated ramp metering, traveler information systems, and a combination of the above. Based on the calibrated simulation model, we implement and evaluate these scenarios in the microscopic simulation model, PARAMICS. The evaluation results show that all ITS strategies have positive effects on the network performance. Due to the network topology (one major freeway with two parallel arterial streets), real-time traveler information system has the greatest benefits among all single ITS components. The combination of several ITS components, such as integrated control, can generate better benefits.
Utilizing ultra-capacitor energy storage in motor drives with cascaded multilevel inverters

This paper proposes two cascaded multilevel inverter topologies and corresponding control strategies applied to motor drive that interfaces single DC source and ultra-capacitor (UC) energy storage elements. In the first topology, a dynamic control method is developed, which allows the UC to provide reactive power to cancel lower order harmonics through a conditioning inverter both in steady state and transient state. Therefore, the bulk inverter supplied by the DC source can provide real power with reduced switching loss, improved efficiency, and better electromagnetic interference (EMI). In the second topology, the UC energy storage can be controlled not only to provide reactive power compensation, but to also provide real power to compensate for peak power demands such as braking and acceleration. The control scheme for this topology includes decoupled current control for independent active/reactive power compensation between DC source and energy storage, and voltage balancing control of energy storage elements. In order to analyze and verify the proposed control algorithms, co-simulation using Simulink and PSIM is used to formulate a detail system simulation platform, while utilizing a circuit model of a Maxwell Technologies UC pack. Experimental results will be presented in the final paper.
Development and regeneration of the electric organ

The electric organ has evolved independently from muscle in at least six lineages of fish. How does a differentiated muscle cell change its fate to become an electrocyte? Is the process by which this occurs similar in different lineages? We have begun to answer these questions by studying the formation and maintenance of electrocytes in the genus Sternopygus, a weakly electric teleost. Electrocytes arise from the fusion of fully differentiated muscle fibers, mainly those expressing fast isoforms of myosin. Electrocytes briefly co-express sarcomeric proteins, such as myosin and tropomyosin, and keratin, a protein not found in mature muscle. The sarcomeric proteins are subsequently down-regulated, but keratin expression persists. We investigated whether the maintenance of the electrocyte phenotype depends on innervation. We found that, after spinal cord transection, which silences the electromotor neurons that innervate the electrocytes, or destruction of the spinal cord, which denervates the electrocytes, mature electrocytes re-express sarcomeric myosin and tropomyosin, although keratin expression persists. Ultrastructural examination of denervated electrocytes revealed nascent sarcomeres. Thus, the maintenance of the electrocyte phenotype depends on neural activity.
5.2 Tectonic Geomorphology: A Perspective

Tectonic geomorphology is a relatively young subdiscipline of geomorphology. During the past decades, tectonic geomorphology has developed into several main areas of emphasis including: landscape evolution of active plate margins; mountain building; development of active fault and fold systems; the evolution of passive margins, continental interiors and plateau uplift; volcanic geomorphology; paleoseismology and seismic hazard assessment; and interaction of tectonics, climate change, erosion, and polygenetic landscapes and hazard mitigation. These areas of focus reflect the growth of new studies in tectonics, climate and, Earth surfaces processes, and technological advances such as remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPSs), computers, geochronology, shallow geophysics and geochemistry.
Spatial patterns of off-the-system traffic crashes in Miami-Dade County, Florida, during 2005-2010.

ABSTRACTObjective: The objective of this study is to analyze the spatial distribution of the vehicles involved in crashes in Miami–Dade County. In addition, we analyzed the role of time of day, day of the week, seasonality, drivers’ age in the distribution of traffic crashes.Method: Off-the-system crash data acquired from the Florida Department of Transportation during 2005–2010 were divided into subcategories according to the risk factors age, time of day, day of the week, and travel season. Various spatial statistics methods, including nearest neighbor analysis, Getis-Ord hot spot analysis, and kernel density analysis revealed substantial spatial variations, depending on the subcategory in question.Results: Downtown Miami and South Beach showed up consistently as hotspots of traffic crashes in all subcategories except fatal crashes. However, fatal crashes were concentrated in residential areas in inland areas.Conclusion: This understanding of patterns can help the county target high-risk areas and help ...
Dual-Wavelength Detection of Rotational Diffusion of Single Anisotropic Nanocarriers on Live Cell Membranes

Single-particle rotational tracking is of great importance to monitor orientation changes of biomolecules and to understand their functions and mechanisms in biological systems. Differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy has been found to be an excellent tool to measure polarization anisotropy for tracking rotational dynamics of gold nanorod (AuNR) probes. DIC polarization anisotropy can be conveniently obtained from the bright and dark intensities of a single DIC image of an AuNR. Here, DIC microscopy-based dual-wavelength detection of rotational motions of AuNRs at both transverse and longitudinal surface plasmon resonance (SPR) wavelengths is demonstrated. The transverse SPR mode was successfully used to track fast rotational dynamics of individual AuNRs on live cell membranes. This is important since the transverse SPR mode is mostly insensitive to the medium refractive index, AuNR aspect ratio, and adsorption of biomolecules. DIC polarization anisotropy was simultaneously obtained from the t...
Relaxation Behavior in Polystyrene Near and Above the Glass Transiton Studied by Ultrasonic Technique

We report measurements of the temperature and pressure dependence of ultrasonic modulus in polystyrene between 340 and 550 K and applied pressures up to 775 bar. The real and imaginary parts of the modulus are analyzed within the Havriliak-Negami model and very good agreement is found over the entire temperature and pressure ranges. Using the Vogel-Tammann-Fulcher equation for the relaxation time, the Kauzmann temperature T K and the fragility parameter D of polystyrene were determined. The value of D indicates that polystyrene is a fragile-glass former.
Experimental Validation of the Geometrical Selection Model for Hydrothermally Grown Zinc Oxide Nanowire Arrays

Zinc oxide nanowire arrays were hydrothermally grown on a Si(100) substrate coated with randomly oriented seed crystallites to characterize the process of geometrical selection. The theory suggests that randomly oriented rod-like crystallites can be grown into a film or array of nanowires with the maximal growth rate direction approximately normal to the substrate; in the case of ZnO, this is the c-axis direction. To examine this growth phenomenon experimentally, ZnO nanowire arrays with a random initial orientation were grown, and the number of wires that survived the geometrical selection up to a certain distance, h, from the substrate was measured. The resulting number density of the survived wires decreased as h–0.8, while the geometrical selection model predicted the decrease to be ∼h–1. As developed originally, the model can also apply universally to other three-dimensional (3D) crystal ensembles besides ZnO. Understanding geometrical selection will allow assessment of if and when this theory can be...
Effect of chromium nutriture on body weight and serum hormone in Wistar rats

Objective: To study the effect of chromium nutriture on body weight, level of serum leptin, insulin, growth hormone and tumor necrosis factor in developmental Wistar rat. Methods: Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: one was chromium deficiency group, the other three were supplied with CrCl3 (20 μg/kg, 200 μg/kg and 2 000 μg/kg, respectively) by gavage. All rats in four groups were fed on chromium deficiency diet and weighted once a week. Rats were killed and collected blood after 45 days .The chromium contents of the serum was measured by furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of serum leptin, insulin, growth hormone and tumor necrosis factor were tested by RIA method. Results: The chromium contents in serum of rats had negative correlation with body weight. The leptin and insulin levels of the chromium deficiency group were significantly higher than the those of high-dose group, and the tumor necrosis factor level was significantly higher than that of the middle-dose group and the high-dose group, while the growth hormone level of the chromium deficiency group was significantly lower than that of the middle-dose group and the high-dose group. Conclusion: Chromium deficiency may change the body weight and the level of serum hormone of Wistar rats.
Genetic Algorithm Based Trading System Design

We investigate the design of trading systems using a genetic algorithm GA. Technical indicators are used to define entry and exit rules. The choice of indicators and their associated parameters are optimized by the GA which operates on integer values only. Holding time and profit target exit rules are also evaluated. It is found that a fitness function based on winning probability coupled with a profit target and one based on the Sharpe ratio are useful in maximizing percentage of winning trades as well as overall profit. Strategies are developed which are highly competitive to buy and hold.
The nano enterprise: A survey of health and safety concerns, considerations, and proposed improvement strategies to reduce potential adverse effects: Research Articles

Nanotechnology is evolving to become a leading industry. However, there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the potential health effects of nanomaterials and its components. This study focuses on the hazards and risks that nanomaterials pose to physical and environmental health together with the risks posed during their manufacture and research. In particular, the authors seek to promote awareness and the need for the adoption of various strategies to minimize the risk of human exposure to nanotechnologies both within and outside the manufacturing enterprise. Information from scientific journals, project studies, environmental and worker-protection agency reports are used as the main source for this study. The six sigma's DMAIC framework, viz. “define, measure, analyze, improve, and control,” is used as a guideline for synthesizing information from published literature. Preliminary evidence from experimental research studies indicate the ability of nanomaterials to penetrate and cause damage to human tissues and cells. The susceptibility of the personnel associated during production (those who are more likely to be at risk) has been analyzed to examine considerations and targets, as well as for developing strategies for a continued research framework. Nanotechnology may pose health and environmental hazards unless adequate preventive measures are developed and implemented. Because of the likely unfavorable health effects on individuals conducting experiments and handling nanomaterials, studies that identify the adverse effects of nanotechnology must be conducted at a pace level with the commercialization of nanotechnology. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 16: 343–368, 2006.
A novel approach to providing educationally based low vision services and outreach clinical and vision support services to the visually impaired.

Background: The Perkins Low Vision Service is affiliated with the New England Eye Institute, the primary teaching clinic of the New England College of Optometry. Low Vision Services for patients of all ages as well as vision services for the multi-impaired are provided on site at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts. Results: Evaluations are provided by the low fusion team comprised of specialists with expertise in pediatric and rehabilitative optometry, special education, orientation and mobility training, rehabilitation teaching and the interns at the New England College of Optometry. The full scope of services offered as well as alternative modes of practice employed will be discussed
Aviation Meteorology: Panel Report

The Fujita and McCarthy review (Chapter 31a, hereafter referred to as F & M) gives an excellent historical discussion of radar applications to aviation meteorology, as well as a thorough description of the downburst as an aviation hazard. Because these areas are covered adequately in F & M, this report will concentrate on future directions that operational aviation meteorology should take.
Social Strategies and Gentlemanly Networks

On the New York frontier, Sir William Johnson, the Irish-born colonial administrator and Superintendent of Indian Affairs, erected several gentlemen’s houses in the middle of the eighteenth century. Although each was a compact classical box, they subtly illustrated Britain’s colonial development. The first, Fort Johnson (1749), is a stone structure with a classical facade but irregular window arrangement on the back and sides, almost fortress-like in appearance (Figure 8.1). In 1763, Johnson constructed the clapboard Johnson Hall, a fifty-five foot by thirty-eight foot house with balanced facades and a striking Palladian window, a fashionable centrepiece for the massive estate he acquired during nearly twenty-five years of service in the colonies (Figure 8.2). In 1773, he gave his nephew, Guy Johnson, a piece of land where the following year the third small classical house, Guy Park, was erected.
Introductory Audit Homework Handouts: A Bridge from Class to Auditors' Professional Responsibilities

SUMMARY: Three Homework Handouts are presented for use by instructors in undergraduate or graduate introductory audit courses. The Homework Handouts give students an opportunity to bridge the material they are learning in class to real-world situations they may be facing in the auditing profession. The Homework Handouts focus on auditor switches, independence, ethical dilemmas, and PCAOB inspection reports. Students complete the Homework Handouts throughout a semester of introductory audit. After completing each assignment, students should be ready for class discussion.
Alcohol Use among North American Indians A Cross-Cultural Survey of Patterns and Problems

There is a certain irony to the fact that alcohol has recently come to play a variety of important roles in the lives of many native populations throughout North America. This is one of the few major world areas where almost no indigenous alcoholic beverages existed prior to contact with European colonial cultures. In most regions, alcohol became an important item in transcultural trade and diplomacy as the frontier of White settlement advanced, and the reactions of diverse Indian* groups were often reported in more colorful detail than were other aspects of their cultures. Drunken comportment by Indians became a focus of ethnic stereotyping and was often associated with high rates of arrest, violence (against self and others), health problems, and other issues that became foci of concern among Indians and others. In many instances, deleterious effects of drinking have been exaggerated and beneficial effects have been overlooked.