cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a scoring system for predicting lymph node malignancy in ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration practice

Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (USG-FNA) has enabled cytopathologists to accurately diagnose smaller or non-palpable lymph nodes (LN) on a regular basis. Pre-FNA clinical and ultrasonographic factors, such as a patient's age, ratio of short to long axis diameter (S/L ratio), internal echogenicity, and the vascular pattern of a LN, are reported to be able to predict the benign or malignant nature of a LN. This study is designed to test the formula “0.06 × (age) + 4.76 × (S/L ratio) + 2.15 × (internal echo) + 1.80 × (vascular pattern)” generated from the study of Liao et al. as a scoring system for predicting LN malignancy in a cytopathologist operated USG-FNA practice. Eighty-three reports of USG-FNA of LNs issued between 7/1/2008 and 4/28/2010 were reviewed. Patient's age, S/L ratio, internal echo, and vascular pattern were used to generate scores based on the aforementioned formula. A score of seven was used as a cutoff for predicting benign ( 7) LNs. FNA cytology diagnosis, flow cytometric analysis as well as subsequent surgical diagnosis in some cases served as gold standard for statistical analysis. Among 46 USG-FNA of LNs with scores > 7, 38 were malignant and eight were benign. All 37 USG-FNA of LNs with scores < 7 were proven to be benign. The scoring system achieved 100% sensitivity, 82% specificity, 83% positive predictive value, 100% negative predictive value, and 90% accuracy. Further study of the eight “false-positive” cases revealed that three of them (37.5%) were found to be malignant in follow-up FNA and/or surgical biopsy. This scoring system may serve as a complementary tool in determining how aggressive a FNA procedure should be performed, how a FNA sample of LN should be triaged for ancillary study, and how closely a patient with lymphadenopathy should be followed up. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:1100–1106. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk factors for dysplasia in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE): results from a multicenter consortium.

Studies show Barrett's esophagus prevalence increases with age, while mean length of Barrett's esophagus is unchanged. Few data are available about the relationship between age and length on the development of dysplasia. Our aim was to assess age and length as risk factors for dysplasia. Consecutive patients with Barrett's esophagus were enrolled in a multicenter studyestablishing a tissue bank of Barrett's esophagus patients 1994 and 1998. Demographics, length of Barrett's esophagus (centimeters), and histology were recorded. Risk factors for dysplasia were assessed, including patient age, gender, and length of Barrett's esophagus. Statistical analysis was performed comparing prevalence of dysplasia (which included the presence of any carcinoma and high- or low-grade dysplasia) to age and length. In all, 309 patients were studied [278 (90%) male and 31 (10%) female]: 5 had adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, 11 had high-grade dysplasia, and 29 had low-grade dysplasia. Patients with Barrett's esophagus without dysplasia were younger than those with dysplasia [62 ± 0.8 years vs 67 ± 1.7 years (mean ± SEM, P = 0.02)]. The risk of dysplasia increased by 3.3%/yr of age. Mean length of Barrett's esophagus in patients with Barrett's alone vs dysplasia was 4.0 ± 0.2 cm vs 5.4 ± 0.4 cm (P = 0.003). Patients with Barrett's esophagus length ≥3 cm had a significantly greater prevalence of dysplasia compared to length <3 cm (23% vs 9%, P = 0.0001). The risk of dysplasia increased by 14%/cm of increased length. Multivariate analysis showed age and length to be independent risk factors. In conclusions; prevalence of dysplasia is strongly associated with age and length of Barrett's esophagus. These preliminary results can be used to develop a strategy for screening/surveillance based on age and length of Barrett's epithelium.
Purification and kinetic studies of the citrate cleavage enzyme.

Abstract The citrate cleavage enzyme (EC 4.1.3.8) was isolated from rat liver and purified. Reciprocal plots with coenzyme A or MgATP as variable substrates were linear, but when citrate was varied, the plot was curved, convex upward. The reciprocal plot became linear in the presence of 0.25 m chloride, and under these conditions Mg-citrate appeared to be the active substrate. Complete initial velocity studies run in the presence of chloride at pH 8.1 indicated a sequential reaction pathway and suggested that MgATP added to the enzyme first followed by a rapid equilibrium random addition of Mg-citrate and CoA. The associated Michaelis constants and inhibition constants have been determined. Apparent Km values for the reverse reaction and an approximate equilibrium constant for the reaction have also been measured. Isotopic exchange experiments indicated the presence of a ping-pong sequence in which MgADP could be released before the addition of the other two reactants. However, MgATP remains as the first substrate to add to the enzyme, and the ping-pong pathway is apparently an alternate sequence to the sequential pathway. A phosphorylated enzyme was formed either from MgATP-γ-32P or from phosphate-32P, acetyl-CoA, and oxaloacetate; however, the two phosphoenzymes were not equivalent. The one formed with MgATP could react with MgADP to give MgATP or with CoA and Mg-citrate to give free phosphate. The apparent phosphoenzyme formed from phosphate, acetyl-CoA, and oxaloacetate was unreactive with either MgADP or Mg-citrate and CoA.
Studies on the cellular uptake of ribonuclease.

SYNOPSIS The uptake of RNase by two types of amoeba and a selection of vertebrate cells has been investigated using the fluorescein-labelled enzyme. This method is considered satisfactory for the study since the fluorescein label migrated together with the enzyme during electrophoresis, and the labelled RNase retained one half of its enzymatic activity. Although RNase was ingested as droplets by both Amoeba proteus and Acanthamoeba sp., these two amoebae differed in their extent of surface adsorption of the enzyme and in the effect of RNase on the activity of their contractile vacuoles. Cytoplasmic droplets were also ingested in vitro by a small proportion of ascites cells, but there was no detectable uptake by rabbit kidney, mouse fibroblast, chick embryo or HeLa cultures.
The state of water in biological systems.

This paper addresses the issue of how the aqueous cytoplasm is organized on a macroscopic scale. Mitochondria were used as the experimental model, and a unique experimental approach was used to probe the properties of water in the mitochondrial matrix. The results demonstrate aqueous phase separation into two distinct phases with different osmotic activity and different solute partition coefficients. The larger phase, designated “normal water,” is osmotically active and behaves in every respect like a bulk, dilute salt solution. The smaller phase, designated “abnormal water,” is osmotically inactive and comprises the water of hydration of matrix proteins. It is, nevertheless, solvent water, with highly selective partition coefficients, and behaves like a Lewis base.
Mass advertising as social forecast

Abstract This study is an attempt to develop a procedure for anticipating broad sociocultural change by a decade. Data on the fundamental psychological needs of the American people were culled with a content analysis of mass advertising. On the theory that those unsatisfied needs would compel sociocultural change in such a manner as to accommodate them, forecasts were drawn up. A trial forecast of American life in 1970 was substantiated through a content analysis of national news and by means of relevant social statistics. The proposed method was then used to forecast the future of American culture to 1980.
The detection of the periodic structure of high-angle twist boundaries

Abstract An electron diffraction technique was developed to study the structure of high-angle grain boundaries. Diffraction patterns were obtained from the grain boundary region, and it was demonstrated for the first time that high-anglo 〈001〉 twist boundaries have a periodic nature over the entire range of possible misorientations. Relatively strong grain boundary reflections corresponding to reflections from the 0-lattice wore obtained from all boundaries studied. These results indicate that atomic relaxations occur around the 0-lattice points and those relaxations appear to be qualitatively similar to those which are well known to occur in low-angle twist boundaries.
Attenuation of the electromagnetic waves due to dry snow

Based on the point matching technique, the attenuation of electromagnetic waves due to dry snow is computed. The analysis is restricted to the forward-scattering direction from oblate spheroidal dry snow. Numerical results are obtained for two orthogonal polarizations of the incident wave. The calculations are made for various microwave frequencies, between 6 and 75 GHz, and also for different precipitation rates, between 0.5 and 3 mm/hr. The effect of the frequency and the precipitation rate on the attenuation is examined. It is found that at a fixed value of the precipitation rate the attenuation of both polarizations increases with increasing frequency. This increase is sharper for frequencies greater than 70 GHz. It is also observed that at a fixed frequency, the attenuation of both polarizations increases with increasing precipitation rate. The differential attenuation is found to follow the same trend as the attenuations for frequencies greater than 70 GHz and is negligible for frequencies below 70 GHz.
Compatibilization of refined commingled post‐consumer plastics

In attempts to improve the properties of post-consumer commingled plastics waste a variety of additives that could potentially act as compatibilizers/impact modifiers were evaluated. The feedstock was representative of a model curbside collection program and contained a variety of polymers, mostly polyethylenes with PET, PP, PVC, etc., in smaller amounts. The ground mixed plastics were first compounded and melt filtered in a counter-rotating nonintermeshing twin-screw extruder and then combined with different amounts of additives in a corotating intermeshing twin-screw extruder. Additives included unmodified and maleated polyolefin elastomers and styrene/olefin block copolymers. Blends were analyzed for thermal and mechanical properties, and processability. The most effective modifier in terms of impact strength improvement was a styrenic block copolymer with very similar rheological characteristics to the commingled plastics matrix. The experimental observations were interpreted by considering the complex morphological features of the injection molded multicomponent, multiphase systems. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The origins and future of NATO enlargement

(2000). The origins and future of NATO enlargement. Contemporary Security Policy: Vol. 21, Explaining Nato Enlargement, pp. 127-148.
On theories and applications of mixed finite element methods for linear boundary-value problems

Abstract This paper is devoted to a study of mathematical properties of certain mixed finite element approximations of linear boundary-value problems, and the application of such methods to simple representative problems which are designed to test the validity of the theory. In particular, the Oden—Reddy theory[1,2] is studied in some depth. An alternate approach to convergence questions, suggested by certain theorems of Babuska[3], is also devised, and predictions of the two theories are briefly compared. As a result of this investigation, a number of criteria for using mixed methods in practical problems are identified, and it is shown that these criteria are supported by both theoretical arguments and by numerical experiments.
Distinct Clinical Course of EGFR-Mutant Resected Lung Cancers: Results of Testing of 1118 Surgical Specimens and Effects of Adjuvant Gefitinib and Erlotinib

Background: EGFR and KRAS mutations are mutually exclusive and predict outcomes with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in patients with stage IV lung cancers. The clinical significance of these mutations in patients with resected stage I–III lung cancers is unclear. Methods: At our institution, resection specimens from patients with stage I–III lung adenocarcinomas are tested for the presence of EGFR or KRAS mutations during routine pathology analysis such that the results are available before consideration of adjuvant therapy. In a cohort of 1118 patients tested over 8 years, overall survival was analyzed using multivariate analysis to control for potential confounders, including age, sex, stage, and smoking history. The impact of adjuvant erlotinib or gefitinib was examined in an independent data set of patients exclusively with EGFR mutation, in which date of recurrence was recorded. Results: In the overall population, we identified 227 KRAS (25%) and 222 EGFR (20%) mutations. Patients with EGFR -mutant lung cancers had a lower risk of death compared with those without EGFR mutations, overall survival (OS) HR 0.51 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34–0.76, p KRAS -mutant lung cancers had similar outcomes compared with individuals with KRAS wild-type tumors, OS HR 1.17 (95% CI: 0.87–1.57, p = 0.30). A separate data set includes only patients with EGFR -mutant lung cancers identified over 10 years ( n = 286). In patients with resected lung cancers and EGFR mutation, treatment with adjuvant erlotinib or gefitinib was associated with a lower risk of recurrence or death, disease-free survival HR 0.43 (95% CI: 0.26–0.72, p = 0.001), and a trend toward improved OS. Conclusions: Patients with resected stage I–III lung cancers and EGFR mutation have a lower risk of death compared with patients without EGFR mutation. This may be because of treatment with EGFR TKIs. Patients with, and without KRAS mutation have similar OS. These data support reflex testing of resected lung adenocarcinomas for EGFR mutation to provide prognostic information and identify patients for enrollment on prospective clinical trials of adjuvant EGFR TKIs.
Anaplasma phagocytophilum-infected neutrophils enhance transmigration of Borrelia burgdorferi across the human blood brain barrier in vitro.

The manifestations of Lyme disease, caused by Ixodes spp. tick-transmitted Borrelia burgdorferi, range from skin infection to bloodstream invasion into the heart, joints and nervous system. The febrile infection human granulocytic anaplasmosis is caused by a neutrophilic rickettsia called Anaplasma phagocytophilum, also transmitted by Ixodes ticks. Previous studies suggest that co-infection with A. phagocytophilum contributes to increased spirochetal loads and severity of Lyme disease. However, a common link between these tick-transmitted pathogens is dissemination into blood or tissues through blood vessels. Preliminary studies show that B. burgdorferi binds and passes through endothelial barriers in part mediated by host matrix metalloproteases. Since neutrophils infected by A. phagocytophilum are activated to release bioactive metalloproteases and chemokines, we examined the enhanced B. burgdorferi transmigration through vascular barriers with co-infection in vitro. To test whether endothelial transmigration is enhanced with co-infection, B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum-infected neutrophils were co-incubated with EA.hy926 cells (HUVEC-derived) and human brain microvascular endothelial cells in Transwell™ cultures. Transmigration of B. burgdorferi through endothelial cell barriers was determined and endothelial barrier integrity was measured by transendothelial electrical resistivity. More B. burgdorferi crossed both human BMEC and EA.hy926 cells in the presence of A. phagocytophilum-infected neutrophils than with uninfected neutrophils without affecting endothelial cell integrity. Such a mechanism may contribute to increased blood and tissue spirochete loads.
Methodological assessment of acid-etching for visualizing the osteocyte lacunar-canalicular networks using scanning electron microscopy

Osteocytes are the most abundant of the bone cells. Each osteocyte is contained within its own lacuna and connected to adjacent osteocytes via fillipodial processes, which form an intricate network of canaliculi within the matrix. Studying this intricate network of cells and their processes is difficult, because it exists embedded within a densely mineralized matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been shown to be a useful tool for visualizing this cellular network, yet the techniques involved for preparing specimens has not been systematically explored. The goal of this study was to investigate how variations in acid-etching, both etching media and etching duration, affect SEM-based visualization of the osteocyte lacunar-canalicular network. Bone samples were embedded in plastic and then acid etched in either 9% (10, 20, 40, and 60 s durations) or 37% (5, 10, and 15 s) phosphoric acid. Specimens were imaged using SEM, and qualitative evaluation of the lacunar-canalicular network was undertaken. Our findings show acid etchingwith a 9% phosphoric acid solution for 20 s provided the most favorable visualization of the osteocyte lacunar-canalicular network.
Extradural spinal arachnoid cysts associated with spina bifida occulta

Introduction. Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are an uncommon cause of neural compression in children. Even more uncommon is the association of such cysts with spina bifida occulta.
Focusing virtual photons: casimir energies for some pairs of conductors

We consider the Casimir energy $E$ of a pair of conductors, ${E}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}$ for parallel plates, ${E}_{|o}$ for a plate and a sphere, ${E}_{\mathrm{oo}}$ for two separated spheres, and ${E}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ for one sphere inside the other. We also obtain ${E}_{(o}$ for an open shell and a sphere, a configuration which might be experimentally preferable. Semiclassically the Casimir energy is given by the optical properties of the system of coaxial mirrors, with focal lengths ${f}_{1}$ and ${f}_{2}$, a distance $l\ensuremath{\ll}{f}_{1}{,f}_{2}$ apart. It is proportional to $b$, with $1/b\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}1/{f}_{1}+1/{f}_{2}\ensuremath{-}l/({2f}_{1}{f}_{2})\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}2\ensuremath{\Delta}h/(l{f}_{12})$, where ${f}_{12}$ is the focal length of the system and $\ensuremath{\Delta}h$ is the distance between the object and image planes with unit lateral magnification.
Phenetic and cladistic relationships among tenebrionid beetles (Coleoptera)

Abstract. The higher classification of Tenebrionidae is analysed using numerical phenetic, numerical cladistic and traditional Hennigian methods. In all, eighty characters are examined for about 335 taxa; definitive analyses are made on combinations of eighteen to seventy characters for thirty-three OTUs. At lower levels of relationship (genera and closely related tribes) phenetic and cladistic classifications are shown to be congruent, but at higher levels (tribes and subfamilies) there is marked discordance with phenetic results being more stable. A consensus classification is more similar to the Hennigian cladogram than is any single computer generated cladogram. Two main tribal groups – the Lagrioid and Tenebrionoid groups – are suggested which differ in defensive glands, female anatomy, wing and mouthpart morphology, larval characters and other features. The Tenebrionoid group consists of three main subdivisions – the tenebrionine, coelometopine and diaperine lineages. Changes in classificatory position are recommended for eighty-seven genera and tribes (listed in Appendix E) and implied for numerous others.
Using Curriculum-Derived Progress Monitoring Data as Part of a Response-to-Intervention Strategy: A Case Study

The revised Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Education Act (2004) and subsequent Federal Regulations promote the use of alternative process of identifying students with specific learning disabilities based on how well a student responds to researched-based interventions. As these strategies are implemented, school psychologists have the opportunity to expand their roles and to assume leadership positions in implementing a response-to-intervention (RtI) model. A central element of all RtI approaches is the universal monitoring of students’ academic progress. As part of a general effort to implement a data-driven system, multiple sources of information may be used. This article contributes to these efforts by presenting a case study demonstrating how a school psychologist took the first steps to implement a low-cost, continuous progress monitoring procedure in one urban school. This was accomplished by using data readily available at the school site (reading probes included with the district reading curriculum) to develop a systematic way to monitor progress by creating local school norms and using existing reading benchmarks.
Dynamic response of Permian brachiopod communities to long-term environmental change

The fossil record preserves numerous natural experiments that can shed light on the response of ecological communities to environmental change. However, directly observing the community dynamics of extinct organisms is not possible. As an alternative, neutral ecological models1,2,3 suggest that species abundance distributions reflect dynamical processes like migration, competition, recruitment, and extinction. Live–dead comparisons suggest that such distributions can be faithfully preserved in the rock record4. Here we use a maximum-likelihood approach to show that brachiopod (lamp shell) abundance distributions from four temporally distinct ecological landscapes from the Glass Mountains, Texas (of the Permian period), exhibit significant differences. Further, all four are better fitted by zero-sum multinomial distributions, characteristic of Hubbell's neutral model2, than by log-normal distributions, as predicted by the traditional ecological null hypothesis5. Using the neutral model as a guide, we suggest that sea level fluctuations spanning about 10 Myr altered the degrees of isolation and exchange among local communities within these ecological landscapes. Neither these long-term environmental changes nor higher-frequency sea level fluctuations resulted in wholesale extinction or major innovation within evolutionary lineages.
Transfer of training as a function of experimental paradigm and degree of first-list learning

Summary This study investigated transfer of training in paired-associate learning as a function of stimulus and response relationships and degree of first-list learning. Four paradigms of transfer were used, with familiar adjectives as both stimuli and responses: A-B, C-D (new stimuli and new responses); A-B, C-B (new stimuli and old responses); A-B, A-C (old stimuli and new responses); A-B, A-Br (old stimuli and old responses re-paired). Three degrees of first-list learning were used with each of the four paradigms: to a criterion of 6/10, to a criterion of 10/10, and to a criterion of 10/10 + 50% overlearning. All groups learned the same second lists whereas the composition of the first lists was varied in accordance with the requirements of the different paradigms of transfer. The second lists were learned to a criterion of 10/10 or for 10 trials, whichever took the longer. After the end of practice on the second list a modified test of free recall (MMFR) was administered in which S s were required to recall the responses from both lists. As evaluated against the control condition (A-B, C-D), all paradigms yielded negative transfer effects. The amount of negative transfer was greatest for A-B, A-Br, intermediate for A-B, A-C, and least for A-B, C-B. Performance on the second list improved as a function of degree of first-list learning but the amounts of transfer did not change reliably. There was some evidence, however, for progressive increases in negative transfer for A-Br relative to the other conditions. The results of the MMFR test show that amount of negative transfer and forgetting of first-list associations tend to be directly related. This relationship is attributed to the fact that competition from first-list associations leads to negative transfer as well as to the unlearning of these associations.
Protecting buildings from explosions

Describes the ways in which commercial buildings can be protected from explosive devices, and a variety of modern methods which are cost effective and successful. Analyses major threats from terrorists and criminal gangs who target facilities, and lists the four steps of explosive management. Also provides detailed information on the different kinds of glass, doors, walls, floors, etc., that should be installed for a safer building. Finally, outlines mandatory building requirements.
The distribution of cytochrome oxidase, glucose-6-phosphatase and esterase in the fractions of liver cells prepared from glycerol homogenates.

Abstract Cytochrome oxidase activity was used to measure the distribution of the mitochondrial fraction and glucose-6-phosphatase and esterase activities for the distribution of the microsomal fraction prepared from glycerol homogenates of mouse liver. The mitochondrial fraction obtained from the fractionation of the glycerol homogenate in a solution containing 12% glycerol, 0.25 M sucrose, and 1.28 × 10 −2 M NaCl had a specific activity of cytochrome oxidase comparable to that found for these particulates isolated from sucrose homogenates fractionated in 0.25 M sucrose. The specific activity of glucose-6-phosphatase in the microsomal fraction isolated from glycerol homogenates by fractionation in a solution containing 12% glycerol, 0.25 M sucrose, and 8.5 × 10 −3 M and 1.28 × 10 −2 M NaCl was somewhat less than that obtained for these particulates isolated from the differential centrifugation of sucrose homogenates in 0.25 M sucrose or in 0.25 M sucrose containing 8.5 × 10 −3 M NaCl. The specific activity of esterase in the microsomal fraction isolated from sucrose homogenates by fractionation in a solution containing sucrose or in sucrose containing 8.5 × 10 −3 M or 1.28 × 10 −2 M NaCl was of the same order of magnitude. Glycerol homogenates fractionated in 12% glycerol and 0.25 M sucrose containing 4.28 × 10 −3 M or 8.5 × 10 −3 M NaCl resulted in supernatant fractions which had about one-half the total esterase activity and a microsomal fraction which had a much lower specific activity than those isolated in sucrose or in sucrose-NaCl solutions.
Tyrosine kinases: modular signaling enzymes with tunable specificities

Cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases are composed of modular domains; one (SH1) has catalytic activity, the other two (SH2 and SH3) do not. Kinase specificity is largely determined by the binding preferences of the SH2 domain. Attaching the SH1 domain to a new SH2 domain, via protein-protein association or mutation, can thus dramatically change kinase function.
Minimization of Total Cost of Deploying Unattended Ground Sensors

We present a procedure wherein unattended ground sensors (UGSs) that are not equipped the GPS can locate their own positions by transmitting pulses and receiving retransmitted pulses from UGSs that are equipped the GPS. T The payoff of this approach is reduced cost for the network of UGSs. We show through simulation that the implementation of this procedure locates the sensors that do not have GPS with sufficient accuracy for the network of UGS to detect and locate moving targets.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Optical logic components implemented by micromechanical phase-shifting gates

This paper will report the theoretical study and design of optical logic gates and functions using micromechanical phase-shifting gate technology for the first time, and will also cover the proposed fabrication process for these devices. Micromachined phaseshifting gate technology has been used to design micromechanical optical modulators. The basic principle of this technology is to utilize optical interference effects to modulate the light. Since silicon is highly transparent at wavelength of 1.55 micrometers , which is commonly used in optical communication. The phase-shifting gate is fabricated from silicon using standard microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques. The gate is electro-statically or electro-thermally actuated by microactuators integrated on the same chip to realize the modulation of the light. Assume the logic value is 1 when the light transmittance through the gate is bigger than 70%, logic value is 0 when the transmittance is less than 30%. Otherwise, the logic value is undetermined, namely in transition region. Optical logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, etc) and optical functions (Half Adder, Full Adder, etc) can be readily constructed using this technology. The principle of these logic components is modeled, simulated using Matrix Optics Method. Their optimized design and performance is provided using a CAD program based on layered structures developed in MATLAB. Proposed fabrication process for these devices is also included.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mild Pd-Catalyzed N-Arylation of Methanesulfonamide and Related Nucleophiles: Avoiding Potentially Genotoxic Reagents and Byproducts

A convenient, general, and high yielding Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling of methanesulfonamide with aryl bromides and chlorides is reported. The use of this method eliminates concern over genotoxic impurities that can arise when an aniline is reacted with methanesulfonyl chloride. The application of this method to the synthesis of dofetilide is also reported.
Velocity modulation infrared laser spectroscopy of negative ions: The ν3, ν3+ν1−ν1, ν3+ν2−ν2, and ν3+2ν2−2ν2 bands of cyanate (NCO−)

We have measured 132 transitions in the ν3 (CN stretching) fundamental and the corresponding bending and stretching hotbands of the cyanate anion, ranging from P(52) to R(66), with a tunable diode laser using the velocity modulation technique. The spectra were fit to the standard linear triatomic molecule rotation–vibration Hamiltonian, yielding effective molecular parameters for the (0000), (0110), (0200), (1000), (0001), (0111), (0201), and (1001) states. The equilibrium rotational constant was determined to be Be =0.385 933(116) cm−1. A comparison with condensed phase results is presented. As previously oberved for N− 3, cyanate is detected with high vibrational excitation in the bending mode, most likely as a consequence of the formation mechanism.
Fat phobia: measuring, understanding, and changing anti-fat attitudes

We examined fat phobia, defined as a pathological fear of fatness, by constructing the Fat Phobia Scale, determining its reliability and validity, examining correlates of fat phobia, and using a treatment approach designed to decrease fat phobia. Study 1 describes the development of the Fat Phobia Scale, a 50-item, modified 5-point semantic differential scale. Subjects (974 females and 117 males) completed the scale; factor analysis yielded six factors. Respondents who are average weight, female, younger, have more than a high school education, or are nonmedical professionals are more likely to have fat phobic attitudes. Study 2 examines fat phobic attitudes of women (N = 40) who had negative feelings about their bodies. Subjects completed the Fat Phobia Scale before and after a treatment approach designed to reduce their feelings of responsibility for fatness. Total scores on the Fat Phobia Scale and scores on all six factors decreased significantly, indicating a decrease in fat phobia.
Direction of balance and perception of the upright are perceptually dissociable

We examined whether the direction of balance rather than an otolith reference determines the perceived upright. Participants seated in a device that rotated around the roll axis used a joystick to ...
Best practices in disinfection of noncritical surfaces in the health care setting: Creating a bundle for success

Because increasing evidence suggests that the environment plays a role in transmission of health care-associated infections, more attention is focusing on environmental cleaning and improving its efficacy. Creating and sustaining a successful cleaning and disinfection program should include several key components using a bundle approach and requires ongoing commitment within the institution.
Dynamics of electron photodetachment from an aqueous halide ion

Abstract The dynamics folowing two-photon excitation of an aqueous halide ion are studied via quantum simulation. Two channels for photodetachment are observed: a direct detachment via a very early time non-adiabatic transition and a delayed adiabatic detachment from the lowest-lying charge-transfer-to-solvent-state. Fast, non-diffusive, geminate recombination of electron-halogen contact pairs arising in the latter case dominates the kinetics of deactivation of excited state ions. Calculated transient emmision spectra show a distinct signature for the adiabatic detachment.
Metal-induced conformational changes in calmodulin.

Copper toxicity represents a serious problem for the aquatic environment, in particular for algae, aquatic plants, and mollusks. The molecular basis for metal-induced alterations in cellular metabolism, in particular those caused by copper, leading to the expression of metal toxicity symptoms and potential cell death has not been elucidated. An attractive hypothesis relating to the possible mode of action of toxic metals would be that their primary target within the cell is a key regulatory protein. One potential target for toxic metals found in all eukaryotic cells is the metal-binding protein, calmodulin, an acidic protein harboring four CaS -binding domains. This study reports on the potential of metals like copper to activate calcium-dependent calmodulin by inducing conformational changes in the protein. An attempt is made to establish a correlation between metal-induced conformational changes in the protein and physico-chemical parameters of the metal ions tested. The protein's surface hydrophobicity and alpha helix content were measured since these parameters are involved in the formation of the activated CaS - calmodulin complex.
New Dynamic Modeling of Flexible-Link Robots

This paper shows that the conventional Lagrangian modeling ofﬂexible-link robots does not fully incorporate the bending mecha-nism of ﬂexible links. The conventional link deﬂection model al-lows free link elongation in addition to link deﬂection; the linkelongation increases as link deﬂection increases. The link elonga-tion, however, causes certain degrees of modeling inaccuracy inassociation with the rotational motion of the links. Therefore, thispaper proposes a new link deﬂection model, compatible with thebending mechanism of ﬂexible links. Then a new nonlinear dy-namic model is derived based on the new link deﬂection model,ﬁxing the modeling inaccuracy of the conventional dynamicmodel. fDOI: 10.1115/1.1902843g
Ca2+ channels from brain microsomal membranes reconstituted in patch-clamped bilayers

Abstract Single Ca 2+ channels from brain microsomal membranes were reconstituted in bilayers made at the tips of patch-clamp micropipettes. The single-channel conductance was defined to be 107 pS in 50 mM Ca 2+ . The channel activity was stimulated by nucleotides and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (Ins- P 3 ), and was inhibited by ruthenium red. Na + added asymmetrically to the membrane bilayer induced an increase in the Ca 2+ -channel activity. The described characteristics of these Ca 2+ channels suggest that they may be responsible for the Ca 2+ transport across the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum system triggering and modulating various neurosecretory and excitatory processes in nerve cells.
Dryopithecus (Proconsul) africanus: Quadruped or non-quadruped?

Abstract Recent work on the wrist joints of modern anthropoids has uncovered qualitative differences between the fully quadrupedal Cercopithecoidea and the non-quadrupedal Hominoidea. These findings are here related to a reconsideration of casts of the Dryopithecus (Proconsul) africanus wrist and inferior radioulnar joints. It is consluded that D. africanus was quadruped in much the same sense as are the modern cercopithecoid monkeys. The “dental ape” nature of D. africanus is considered to be perfectly consistent with the time and cladistic frameworks provided by recent molecular data.
THE EFFICACY OF RESPONSE PREVENTION ON AVOIDANCE BEHAVIOR IN YOUNG AND ADULT RATS WITH PREFRONTAL CORTICAL INJURY

Abstract Five days prior to one-way active avoidance training, 36 rats of 18–20 days of age and 36 rats of 110–130 days received dorsomedial, ventrolateral or sham lesions. During acquisition, the CS consisting of the raising of a guillotine door was followed 5 sec later by footshock US onset unless a response was emitted. After acquisition, subjects of each surgical condition were given 1 of 3 extinction treatments. Twelve pups and 12 adults received 5 response prevention trials, in which a second door blocked responses upon CS onset. The same number of subjects was given a delay prior to extinction, and the remaining subjects began extinction immediately following acquisition. Both lesion conditions interfered with adult acquisition, but produced superior acquisition in the lesioned pups, as measured by trials to criterion and trial speeds. In extinction, response prevention seriously disrupted the sham adults, as did the delay condition to a lesser extent. Resistance to extinction decreased to an equivalent extent after both response prevention and delay in the sham pups. An overall disruption in extinction was found in the adult lesioned groups, although there was some evidence of response prevention and delay equivalency in the medial adults. The lesioned pups showed a dramatic persistence of extinction responding. A test of passive avoidance to the previous shock compartment was administered 24 h later. Both response prevention and delay treatments in the adults produced residual fear, which was not found in the pups. Rather, all pups behaved with characteristic response inhibitory deficits. The results were considered in light of the prefrontal mediation of response inhibitory centers during ontogeny.
Anaerobic glycolysis in cardiac tissue from a hibernator and non-hibernator as effected by temperature and hypoxia.

Abstract 1. 1. Rates of anaerobic glycolysis were measured in cardiac tissue from hypoxic ground squirrels (Citellus tridecemlineatus) and albino rats. 2. 2. After hypoxia glycolysis increased significantly in both species at 38°C. At temperatures from 5 to 38°C glycolytic rates were significantly higher in tissue from control active (summer) or hibernating (winter) ground squirrels as compared to control rats. Glycolysis increased significantly during hibernation. 3. 3. At low temperatures energies of activation (EA) for glycolysis in rat tissue were higher than those in ground squirrel tissue. 4. 4. Interspecific differences in glycolytic rates support the hypothesis that the hibernator is better adapted to hypoxia and hypothermia than the homeotherm.
Improved synthesis of a trisphosphine ligand and crystallographic characterization of the ligand and nickel thiocyanate complex

Abstract Improved syntheses of o-C6H4(PEt2)(X) (X = F, Br, I) and the trisphosphine PhP[o-C6H4(PEt2)]2 have been developed and are applicable to a wide variety of phosphine substituents. The trisphosphine, PhP(o-Ph–PEt2)2, has been fully characterized spectroscopically and, for the first time, crystallographically. Reaction of the P3 ligand with one equivalent of NiCl2 or Ni(BF4)2 followed by 2.5 equivalents of KNCS produces the monometallic complexes Ni(X)2[κ3-PhP(o-Ph–PEt2)2], (X = Cl or NCS). The nickel thiocyanate complex has been characterized via a crystal structure. The nickel center has a square pyramidal structure with one of the NCS ligands occupying the apical coordination site. The Ni complex crystallizes in the P 1 ¯ space group with an unusual six molecules in the asymmetric unit (Z′ = 6), and twelve in the unit cell.
Mechanical behavior of FCC single crystals at finite temperatures in the presence of point defects

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to study the effect of temperature and the presence of various types of point defects on the mechanical response of copper. Nanoindentation and uniaxial tests have been modeled to compare different loading conditions. Anisotropy effects have been also added to the study by applying the uniaxial load in various crystallographic orientations. The yield stress in all cases decreases with increased temperature for both perfect crystals and crystals with point defects. However, the temperature sensitivity of the yield stress is significantly lowered by the presence of defects in simulated nanoindentation and compression tests, while the combined effect of point defects and elevated temperature on the yield in tension is less than in the other loading conditions. The deformation mechanism which causes this effect is described, and points towards possible explanations for previously observed variations in nanomechancial testing between common experimental methods.
Can the Monomer of the Leucine Zipper Proteins Recognize the Dimer Binding Site without Dimerization

It is generally believed that leucine zipper regulatory proteins for DNA transcription recognize their DNA binding sites as dimers preformed in solution (and that the monomers do not bind specifically to these sites). To test this idea, we synthesized the 31-residue peptide v-Jun-br, which contains only the DNA binding region of the v-Jun monomer. Footprinting assays show that v-Jun-br monomers specifically protect the DNA binding site of v-Jun in almost identically the same way as dimers. Thus, (i) the monomer recognizes the half-site of the dimer binding site and (ii) dimerization does not appreciably affect the bound conformation of each monomer. These results may have implications in the regulation of transcription by such proteins. Thus, two monomers of v-Jun might bind sequentially to the dimer binding site followed by dimerization of v-Jun while bound. This may allow binding at concentrations too low for dimerization in solution.
Photoluminescence of InxGa1-xAs-GaAs strained-layer superlattices

Photoluminescence of InxGa1-xAs-GaAs strained-layer superlattices (SLS's) grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is investigated. Highly strained SLS's composed of layers differing in their bulk lattice constants by as much as 2.7% are examined over the temperature range 20K-300K. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra for several In0.28Ga0.72AsGaAs SLS's are presented, providing data relating effective band gap and PL intensity to temperature and layer thickness. These data suggest a critical (maximum) alloy layer thickness for optical quality material in the range of 80a-100a for crystals with x = 0.28 and an InxGa1-xAs/GaAs layer thickness ratio of Lz/LB = 1.3. Results of PL experiments on In0.38Ga0 62As-GaAs SLS's are also presented, and the effects of lattice misfit at the SLS/substrate interface upon the optical quality of these SLS's is examined.
Arachidonyl dopamine as a ligand for the vanilloid receptor VR1 of the rat.

The vanilloid receptor VR1 is a nonspecific Ca 2+ channel, expressed in sensory neurons in the peripheral nervous system and in various brain regions, which is believed to be an important molecular integrator of several chemical (acid, vanilloids) and physical stimuli (heat) that cause pain. Recently, several endogenous ligands for VR1 have been identified such as arachidonyl ethanolamide (anandamide) and the more potent arachidonyl dopamine (AA-DO). Here, we further characterize AA-DO as a ligand for rat VR1, heterologously expressed in CHO and HEK293 cells. AA-DO inhibited the binding of [ 3 H]RTX to VR1 with a Kd value of 5.49 F 0.68 AM and with positive cooperativity (p = 1.89 F 0.27), indicating that AA-DO was about 5-fold more potent than anandamide in this system. The Kd (9.7 F 3.3 AM), and p values (1.54 F 0.04) for the binding of AA-DO to spinal cord membranes are in good correlation with the CHO-VR1 data. AA-DO stimulated 45 Ca 2+ uptake on CHO-VR1 and HEK-VR1 cells with EC50 values of 4.76 F 1.43 and 7.17 F 1.64 AM and Hill coefficients of 1.28 F 0.11 and 1.13 F 0.13, respectively, consistent with the binding measurements. In contrast to anandamide, AA-DO induced virtually the same level of 45 Ca 2+ uptake as did capsaicin (90 F 6.6% in the CHO cells expressing VR1 and 89.3 F 9.4% in HEK293 cells expressing VR1). In a time dependent fashion following activation, AA-DO partially desensitized VR1 both in 45 Ca 2+ uptake assays (IC50 = 3.24 F 0.84 AM, inhibition is 68.5 F 6.85%) as well as in Ca 2+ imaging experiments (35.8 F 5.1% inhibition) using the CHO-VR1 system. The extent of desensitization was similar to that caused by capsaicin itself. We conclude that AA-DO is a full
Nudging and Social Marketing

Ideally, the goals a society pursues are predicated on a voluntary consensus of the citenzenry who through their actions in the private and public spheres develop an approximation of the good or just society. However, just like bad-tasting medicine which may have to be force fed in order to get the patient well, the achievement of some elements of the good society seem to involve a group of experts, often far removed from popular sentiment or opinion, who must go behind the backs of citizens in order to move them toward the better life. But instead of the ham-fisted interventions of a nanny state which often lead to overt resistance and public ridicule, governments can use social marketing and the more subtle principles of behavioral economics to nudge a wary and reluctant public toward valued ends. I argue that although such obfuscation and sugarcoating may work over the short term, in the long run nudging may do more harm than good.
Comparison of early developmental stages and adults of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella, and hybrid carp (female grass carp × male bighead Aristichthys nobilis)

Hybrid carp and grass carp from the zygote to the prolarval stage and adults were compared to establish distinguishing characteristics. Zygote diameter, yolk sac and embryo length were not different between the fishes. Body pigmentation patterns showed distinct separation among the prolarvae of the hybrids and grass carp. Total and preanal myomeres were higher in grass carp larvae than in the hybrids. The grass carp and hybrid larvae also differed in 38% of the proportional morphometric characters. Average meristic counts of adults were significantly higher in hybrids compared with grass carp. Adults of the two fishes showed significant differences in 63% of the proportional morphometric measurements. Gill raker counts showed no overlap and lateral line scales were smaller and more numerous in the hybrid adults.