cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brillouin scattering study of phonon-defect interactions in KCl: CN−

The technique of Brillouin scattering has been utilized to investigate the phonon-defect interaction in KCl: C${\mathrm{N}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ by measuring the phonon velocity renormalization. The Brillouin spectra of KCl doped with 6 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{19}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ of C${\mathrm{N}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ion have been recorded at various temperatures, down to 4.2 K, with the use of a triple-pass, plane-parallel Fabry-Perot interferometer. The velocity renormalization of both longitudinal phonons of \ensuremath{\sim}16 GHz and transverse phonons of \ensuremath{\sim}7 GHz have been observed for the first time. The temperature dependence of the longitudinal-phonon velocity renormalization has been measured. The velocity renormalization, or equivalently, the frequency change, is interpreted in terms of the coupling of phonons to the ${A}_{1g}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{T}_{2g}$ tunneling level transition at 2.6 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ of the $〈111〉$-oriented C${\mathrm{N}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ion in KCl. The coupling constants calculated from these measurements are consistent with values obtained from other experiments.
Remotely sensing in detecting the water depths and bed load of shallow waters and their changes

Bed load is a type of sand drift and accumulation on the sea-bed. Sand drift is a very important index to survey the erosion or deposition of coastal zone. The change of water depths indicates the change of bed load in shallow waters. The conventional method for measuring water depth uses the shipboard echo sounder, which is accurate for point-measurement, but is a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. For periodic survey of bathymetry as synoptic scale, the remote sensing method may be a viable alternative. Wave spectrum bathymetric (WSB) method takes advantages of remote sensing to obtain the bathymetry of shallow waters safely, economically and quickly. The WSB method is feasible to detect the change of water depths over coastal zones where water depths are less than about 12 m. This remote sensing method is worthy to be well developed and efficiently applied to change detection of water depths and bed load in shallow waters.
Trophodynamics and organic matter assimilation pathways in the northeast Chukchi Sea, Alaska

Abstract We analyzed trophic linkages in the northeast Chukchi Sea shelf based on the stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic analysis of 39 species collected in 2009 and 2010. To decipher organic matter assimilation pathways, benthic fauna were first categorized into nine trophic guilds based on their physical location in the seabed (epibenthic, surface, or subsurface), feeding mode (suspension feeder, deposit feeder, predator, or scavenger), and food source (suspended particulate organic matter, phytoplankton, zooplankton, sediment, microflora, meiofauna, or macrofauna). A discriminant function analysis (DFA) determined that feeding modes were predicted by stable isotope values at an overall classification success rate of 42%, although classification success of each individual guild varied from 0 to 66%. In some instances, stable isotopes classified trophic guilds incorrectly more often than correctly, suggesting high trophic redundancy in the system. A striking pattern was observed where the δ13C values of individuals in some trophic guilds, ranging from about −23 to −17‰, were substantially more 13C-enriched than representative end-members, which includes phytoplankton (−24.0‰), suspended particulate organic matter (−24.3‰), and bulk sediment organic matter (−23.3‰). In contrast, near-seafloor suspended particulate organic matter was significantly 13C-enriched compared to suspended particulate organic matter of near surface waters (p
Multi-Scale Ballistic Impact Simulation of Dry Woven Fabric with Elastic Crimped Fibers

A material model has been developed to realistically simulate the behavior of loose woven fabrics with elastic crimped fibers subject to varying loading conditions such as in-plane and transverse loading. It is based upon a multi-scale micromechanical approach that includes the architecture of the fabric and the phenomenon of fiber reorientation, with fiber simplified as one dimensional elastic members with a single failure criterion. The material model is implemented as a user-defined subroutine in the explicit, non-linear dynamic finite element code LSDYNA. Results of fabric test simulations run in LSDYNA using this material model agree well with experimental results, demonstrating the material model s capability to accurately simulate ballistic impact of woven fabrics.
Multimeric structure of the secreted meprin A metalloproteinase and characterization of the functional protomer.

Abstract Meprin A secreted from kidney and intestinal epithelial cells is capable of cleaving growth factors, extracellular matrix proteins, and biologically active peptides. The secreted form of meprin A is a homo-oligomer composed of α subunits, a multidomain protease of 582 amino acids coded for near the major histocompatibility complex of the mouse and human genome. Analyses of the recombinant homo-oligomeric form of mouse meprin A by gel filtration, nondenaturing gel electrophoresis, and cross-linking (with disuccinimidyl suberate orN-(4-azido-2,3,5,6-tetraflourobenzyl)-3-maleimidylpropionamide) indicate that the secreted enzyme forms high molecular weight multimers, with a predominance of decamers. The multimers are composed of disulfide-linked dimers attached noncovalently by interactions involving the meprin, A5 protein, receptor protein-tyrosine phosphatase μ (MAM) domain. The active protomer is the noncovalently linked dimer. Linkage of active protomers by disulfide-bonds results in an oligomer of ∼900 kDa, which is unique among proteases and distinguishes meprin A as the largest known secreted protease. Electron microscopy revealed that the protein was present in two states, a crescent-shaped structure and a closed ring. It is concluded from this and other data that the covalent attachment of the protomers enables noncovalent associations of the native enzyme to form higher oligomers that are critical for hydrolysis of protein substrates.
Molecular dimensions in relation to intrinsic viscosities

Root-mean-square end-to-end dimensions (r2)1/2 and molecular weights M have been determined from light scattering studies carried out on a series of fractions of poly-(acrylic acid) in dioxane (θ point, 30°C.), on two polyisobutylene fractions in cyclohexane and in ethyl n-caprylate (θ point, 22°C.), and on a single poly-(methyl methacrylate) fraction in acetone. Intrinsic viscosities of the various polymers measured in these same solvents at the same temperature (30°C.) support the relationship [η] = Φ(r2)3/2/M, where Φ is a constant independent of molecular weight and solvent type and (according to the data herein reported) has the approximate value 2.2 × 1021. The θ points, representing the temperatures at which ideal behavior prevails, were determined for the two poor solvent–polymer systems by extrapolation of critical consolute temperatures to M = ∞. The intrinsic viscosity of poly-(acrylic acid) in dioxane at 30°C. (the θ point) is given by [η] = 0.85 × 10−3M1/2; the value of the constant approximates those for nonpolar polymers. The influence of molecular weight heterogeneity on the fundamental relationship of the intrinsic viscosity to (r23/2/M) is analyzed, and it is shown that the true value of the universal parameter Φ will be greater than the apparent value deduced in the foregoing manner without correction for the heterogeneity of the polymer fraction. For a fraction possessing a relatively sharp distribution as denoted by 〈M〉w/〈M〉n = 1.15. the magnitude of this correction may be as high as 20%.
Clinical evaluation of two fast methods for creatine kinase isoenzyme assay.

Sixty patients admitted to the Cardiac Care Unit were evaluated serially for the presence of CK-MB by electrophoresis and by two comparative fast methods each involving a minimal amount of procedural steps. Immunoinhibition was run manually and by centrifugal analysis. Batch ion-exchange was run in an automated fashion. Correlation among the three methods was good. Further, all three methods displayed excellent accuracy with diagnostic efficiencies ranging from 90% (batch ionexchange) to 95% (electrophoresis). Utilization of the immunoinhibition reagent on a centrifugal analyzer gave high throughput and reliable results.
Water permeability of engineered cementitious composites

Abstract The water permeability of a unique class of high performance fiber reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCC) called engineered cementitious composites (ECC) is investigated. These composites are deliberately tailored using microcmechanical design principles to exhibit pseudo-strain-hardening characteristics in uniaxial tension, up to greater than 4% strain. While undergoing tensile deformation, microcracks are designed to saturate the specimen rather than localize into large cracks. This tendency to form microcracks, which are experimentally shown to be approximately 60 μm in width, allows ECC material in the cracked state to maintain water permeability similar to that of uncracked concrete or mortar, and magnitudes lower than cracked reinforced mortar or concrete. It is also shown that the self-healing properties of cracks within ECC material significantly aids in reducing the coefficient of permeability of cracked ECC.
Fermentation of beet juice by beneficial lactic acid bacteria

Abstract Red beets were evaluated as a potential substrate for the production of probiotic beet juice by four species of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus plantarum). All the lactic cultures were found capable of rapidly utilizing beet juice for cell synthesis and lactic acid production. However, L. acidophilus and L. plantarum produced a greater amount of lactic acid than other cultures and reduced the pH of fermented beet juice from an initial value of 6.3 to below 4.5 after 48 h of fermentation at 30°C. Although the lactic cultures in fermented beet juice gradually lost their viability during cold storage, the viable cell counts of these lactic acid bacteria except for L. acidophilus in the fermented beet juice still remained at 106–108 CFU/ml after 4 weeks of cold storage at 4°C.
3D-FDTD Modeling of Angular Spread for the Extraordinary Transmission Spectra of Metal Films with Arrays of Subwavelength Holes

Extraordinary transmission through a metal film with an array of subwavelength holes (mesh) can be modeled effectively using three-dimensional finite difference time domain (3D-FDTD) calculations. A simple 3D-FDTD model, where a plane wave of light at perpendicular incidence with no angular spread interacts with a periodic repeating mesh, models the shape and location of the transmission resonance peaks qualitatively but not quantitatively. The simple 3D-FDTD model gives peaks that are tall, sharp, and red-shifted compared to experimental measurements using a benchtop Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. It was discovered that the simple model does not account accurately for diffraction order scattering by the mesh or the angular spread of the actual FTIR beam. This work describes a more sophisticated model that accounts for these factors and agrees quantitatively with experimental FTIR results.
Solvent effects on the growth and steric stabilization of copper metallic nanoparticles in AOT reverse micelle systems

Organic and inorganic reactions within the aqueous cores of water-in-oil AOT reverse micelle systems are viable methods for the production of nanomaterials of controllable composition and geometry while maintaining narrow size distributions. Considerable research has been done in order to better understand the governing features which comprise the AOT reverse micellar system, particularly stability and the intermicellar exchange of the contents within the aqueous core. The intermicellar exchange rate is affected by the bulk solvent type, the contents dissolved within the core, and the size of the reverse micelle or the water content, referred to as the W value, where W is the molar ratio of the water to AOT surfactant concentrations. Synthesis of nanomaterials within the AOT reverse micelle system is a strong function of the intermicellar exchange process and the factors mentioned previously. This study examines the effects of varying the bulk liquid solvent and the W value on the growth rate and ultimate...
Application of dynamic logic algorithm to analyze AFRL gotcha data

In this paper, we apply Dynamic Logic algorithm (DL) directly to analyze AFRL Gotcha raw data, which are sampled in terms of chirp frequencies for each pulse. This approach has not been done in the existing literature because previously, there is no visual or conceptual interpretation how to detect ground moving targets directly from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) raw data. Using Gotcha raw data taken from the severe radar clutter environment, we have demonstrated that DL not only maintains its robustness in terms of detecting small ground moving targets but also provides the effectiveness to extract specific features such as shape, size, location (along the range swath), movement direction, and traveling speed for the desired target.
Immunotherapy Following Regional Chemotherapy Treatment of Advanced Extremity Melanoma

Following regional chemotherapy (RC) for melanoma, approximately 75 % of patients will progress. The role of immunotherapy after RC has not been well established. A prospective, single-institution database of 243 patients with in-transit melanoma (1995–2013) was queried for patients who had progression of disease after RC with melphalan and subsequently received systemic immunotherapy. Fifteen patients received IL-2 only, 12 received ipilimumab only, and 6 received IL-2 followed by ipilimumab. Fisher’s exact test was used to determine if there was a difference in number of complete responders after immunotherapy. With IL-2 alone, all patients progressed. After ipilimumab alone, three patients had a complete response and nine had progressive disease. Six additional patients received IL-2 first then ipilimumab. All six progressed on IL-2 but three went on to have a complete response to ipilimumab while three progressed. The use of ipilimumab at any time in patients who progressed after RC was associated with higher rate of complete response compared to use of IL-2 alone (33 vs. 0 %; p = 0.021). Patients with progression after regional therapy for melanoma may benefit from immunologic therapy. In this group of patients, immune checkpoint blockade with ipilimumab has a higher complete response rate than T cell stimulation with IL-2, with no complete responders in the IL-2 only group. Furthermore, the complete response rate for ipilimumab in our cohort is higher than reported response rates in the literature for ipilimumab alone, suggesting that the effects of immunotherapy may be bolstered by previous regional treatment.
Consider the Redirect: A Missing Dimension of Wikipedia Research

Redirects are special pages in wikis that silently transport visitors to other pages. Although redirects make up a majority of all article pages in English Wikipedia, they have attracted very little attention and are rarely taken into account by researchers. This note describes redirects and illustrates why they play an important role in shaping activity in Wikipedia. We also present a novel longitudinal dataset of redirects for English Wikipedia and the software used to produce it. Using this dataset, we revisit several important published findings about Wikipedia to show that accounting for redirects can have important effects on research.
Lack of influence of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on parathyroid hormone secretion from normal or hyperplastic glands.

The role of 24,25(OH)2D3 on parathyroid gland function remains controversial. The present studies were performedin vitro using (a) dispersed normal bovine parathyroid cells (bPTC) and (b) dispersed canine PTC (cPTC) prepared from glands of normal dogs, dogs with chronic renal failure (CRF), and dogs with CRF treated with 24,25(OH)2D3, 2.5 µg orally every day for more than 6 months. Bovine parathyroid cells were incubated for up to 180 min at 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 mM external calcium in the presence or absence of 24,25(OH)2D3 (100 or 1000 nM). Similar experiments were conducted with cells incubated for 24 h in the presence of either the ethanol vehicle or 24,25(OH)2D3 (1000 nM). Parathyroid hormone secretion, measured in the supernatant by both C-terminal and N-terminal assays, did not show any differences between control and experimental groups at any time interval. Canine parathyroid cells obtained from uremic animals showed an average threefold increase in the total amount of PTH secreted, on a per cell basis over 180 min at 0.5 mM Ca2+, when compared with normal controls. However, there was no significant difference in PTH secretion at any level of calcium concentration between the cells obtained from parathyroid glands of CRF dogs and 24,25(OH)2D3-treated CRF dogs. Acute exposure to 24,25(OH)2D3 (1000 nM)in vitro of the cells obtained from the glands of CRF dogs also had no effect on PTH secretion. We conclude that 24,25(OH)2D3 has no direct effect on PTH secretion from dispersed parathyroid cells of either normal or uremic animals.
An ab initio calculation of the energetics for the FO+HCI→HOF+Cl reaction

Reaction energetics have been calculated using ab initio methods for the reaction HO+HCl→H20+Cl and FO+HCl→HOF+Cl. At the QCISD(T)/6-311++G(3df, 3pd) level of theory, the heats of reaction are estimated as -61.5 and 12.1 kJ mol−1 respectively. The activation barrier for HO+HCl reaction at 298 K is estimated as 4.6 kJ mol−1. This result overestimates the experimental results by 2.5 kJ mol−1. The FO+HCl reaction is predicted to have an activation barrier of 54.8±8 kJ mol−1.
Determination of left ventricular contours: a probabilistic algorithm derived from angiographic images.

Abstract A probabilistic algorithm for automated left ventricular contour detection is developed which uses information extracted from a variety of angiographic images. These images serve as a training set for the development as well as the evaluation of the algorithm. The algorithm consists of four separate edge detectors combined in a product, each of which is described by a unique probability function derived from the training images. These functions are optimally designed to detect the endocardial border in left ventricular angiograms. A flexible template or model of the left ventricle is constructed from key anatomical features found in the training images and provides global guidance to the edge detection process. The algorithm requires less than 10 sec per contour and a comparison of hand-traced and computed contours shows over 90% of computer-determined coordinates to lie within the interval of reproducibility for manually traced contours.
Characterization of nuclear βII-tubulin in tumor cells: A possible novel target for taxol

As the subunits of microtubules, alpha- and beta-tubulins have been thought to only exist in the cytoplasm where they are incorporated into microtubules. However, the beta(II) isotype of tubulin has recently been observed in the nuclei of rat kidney mesangial cells [Walss et al., 1999: Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 42:274-284]. In this study, we detected nuclear beta(II)-tubulin in rat C6 glioma cells, human T98G glioma cells, human MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells, human MDA-MB-435 breast carcinoma cells, and human Hela cervix carcinoma cells. In addition, nuclear beta(II)-tubulin in these cells was found to exist as alphabeta(II) dimers instead of assembled microtubules and appeared to be particularly concentrated in the nucleoli. Several anti-tubulin drugs were used to treat C6 cells to determine their influence on nuclear beta(II)-tubulin. Taxol, a tubulin drug with higher specificity for beta(II)-tubulin than for other beta-tubulin isotypes, irreversibly decreased nuclear beta(II) content in a concentration-dependent manner in C6 cells. Meanwhile, cells were found to be apoptotic as was suggested by the presence of multiple micronuclei and DNA fragmentation. On the other hand, no depletion of nuclear beta(II)-tubulin was observed when C6 cells were incubated with colchicine or nocodazole, two anti-tubulin drugs with higher specificity for the alphabeta(IV) isotype, supporting the hypothesis that drugs with higher specificity for beta(II)-tubulin deplete nuclear beta(II)-tubulin.
Synthesis of iron-binding oligonucleotides and their reactions with single-stranded DNA

Abstract Two 12-base oligonucleotides were synthesized and modified by attaching metal-binding ligands (2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate and 2,2′-dipicolylamine) to their 5′-ends. When hybridized to a 135-base single stranded DNA, in the presence of Fe 2+ , O 2 , and a reducing agent, these obligonucleotides cleaved the complementary DNA chain with unique and high base-sequence specificities.
Laser sintering of conductive carbon paste on plastic substrate

We investigate fabrication of functional conductive carbon paste onto a plastic substrate using a laser. The method allows simultaneous sintering, patterning, and functionalization of the carbon paste. Experiments are carried out to optimize the laser-processing parameters. It is shown that sheet resistance values obtained by laser sintering are close to the one specified by the manufacturer using the conventional sintering method. Additionally, a heat transfer analysis using numerical methods is conducted to understand the relationship between the temperature during sintering and the sheet resistance values of sintered carbon wires. The process developed has the potential of producing carbon-based electronic components on low-cost plastic substrates.
Systematic variation of rare-earth elements in cerium-earth minerals

Abstract In a continuation of a study reported previously, rare-earth elements and thorium have been determined in monazite, allanite, cerite, bastnaesite, and a number of miscellaneous cerium-earth minerals. A quantity called sigma (∑), which is the sum of the atomic percentages of La, Ce, and Pr, is proposed as an index of composition of all cerium-earth minerals with respect to the rare-earth elements. The value of ∑ for all of the minerals analysed falls between 58 and 92 atomic per cent. Monazites, allanites, and cerites cover the entire observed range, whereas bastnaesites are sharply restricted to the range between 80 and 92 atomic per cent. The minimum value of ∑ for a cerium-earth mineral corresponds to the smallest possible unit-cell size of the mineral. In monazite, this structurally controlled minimum value of ∑ is estimated to be around 30 atomic per cent. Neodymium, because of its abundance, and yttrium, because of its small size, have dominant roles in contraction of the structure. In the other direction, the limit of variation in composition will be reached when lanthanum becomes the sole rare-earth element in a cerium-earth mineral. Cerium-earth minerals from alkalic rocks are all characterized by values of ∑ greater than 80 atomic per cent, indicating that the processes that formed these rocks were unusually efficient in fractionating the rare-earth elements—efficient in the sense that a highly selected assemblage is produced without eliminating the bulk of these elements. Analyses of inner and outer parts of two large crystals of monazite from different deposits show no difference in ∑ in one crystal and a slightly smaller value of ∑ in the outer part of the other crystal compared to the inner part. The ∑ of monazites from pegmatites that intrude genetically related granitic rocks in North Carolina is found to be either higher or lower than the ∑ of monazites in the intruded host rock. These results indicate that the fractionation of the rare-earth elements is not a simple unidirectional process. When a cerium-earth mineral undergoes replacement, its rare-earth elements may be fractionated into two parts, one forming a new mineral with ∑ that is smaller, and the other a second new mineral with ∑ that is larger than that of the original mineral. The complete analysis of a cerium-earth mineral to determine its ∑ is time consuming. The discovery of a direct relationship between ∑ and the Ce/(Nd + Y) atomic ratio in cerium earth minerals allows a rapid determination of ∑ from spectrograms obtained in a previously described method for determining thorium in these minerals.
Semigroup generation and stabilization by A r -bounded feedback perturbations

Abstract Let A be a generator of a strongly continuous semigroup of operators, and assume that C and H are operators such that A + CH generates a strongly continuous semigroup SH(t) on X. Let λ0 be a real number in the resolvent set of A, and let ϱ ϵ [−1, 1]. Then there are some fairly unrestrictive conditions under which A+(λ0 − A)ϱCH(λ0 − A)−ϱ also generates a strongly continuous semigroup SK(t) on X which has the same exponential growth rate as SH(t). Given an input operator B, we can use this to identify a class of feedback perturbations K such that A + BK generates a strongly continuous semigroup. We can also use this result to identify classes of feedbacks which can and cannot uniformly stabilize a system. For example, we show that if the control on a cantilever beam in the state space H02[0, 1] × L2[0, 1] is a moment force on the free end, then we cannot stabilize the beam with an A − 1 2 - bounded feedback, but we can find an A e− 1 4 - bounded feedback, for any e > 0, which does stabilize the beam.
What Is the Economic Case for Treating Obesity

From both societal and payer perspectives, the economic effect of obesity in the United States is substantial, estimated at approximately 6% of our national health expenditure and cost of care in a major health maintenance organization. The number of physician visits related to obesity has increased 88% in a 6-year period. The morbidity cost (lost productivity) and functional capability of the patient with obesity is increasing rapidly (50% increase in lost productivity, 36% increase in restricted activity, and 28% increase in number of bed-days). Cost savings of treating obesity are comparable to those of treating other chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and diabetes. Most studies indicate that most of the direct health care costs of obesity are from type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and hypertension. To date, however, there have been no published reports of the cost effectiveness of the medical management of obesity treatment. In conclusion, the cost of obesity is comparable to that of other chronic diseases, yet it receives disproportionately less attention. Cost effectiveness studies need to be initiated promptly.
Computer-aided diagnosis of breast lesions in medical images

Given current error rates, this article surveys various approaches and techniques for improved breast lesion diagnosis in medical images, including mammography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. The author also includes studies that compare human versus computer-aided diagnosis.
Glycyl-L-glutamine regulates the expression of asymmetric acetylcholinesterase molecular forms in cultured cardiac post-natal myocytes

Abstract Asymmetric acetylcholinesterase (AChE) forms were associated with pre-natal but not post-natal ventricular myocytes, when myocytes were cultured in a defined medium on laminin-coated plates for 72 h. In contrast, globular AChE molecular forms were associated with both pre-natal and post-natal myocytes. Glycyl- l -glutamine (10-4 or 10-6M), but glycyl- d -glutamine or glycyl- l -glutamate, induced the expression of asymmetric AChE molecular forms by the cultured post-natal myocytes. Neither of the three dipeptides altered the specific activity of cell-associated AChE in the cultured post-natal ventricular myocytes. Tetrameric globular (G4) AChE was the main AChE form secreted by cultured pre-natal and post-natal cardiac myocytes. The secretion rate of AChE from post-natal myocytes was not affected by the addition of glycyl- l -glutamine. These results that glycyl- l -glutamine has trophic effect on at least one of the components of the post-synaptic cholinergic system in developing rat heart.
Synthetic approaches to RBC mimicry and oxygen carrier systems

Whole blood or red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are highly significant, clinically, for blood replacement therapies in traumatic injuries, presurgical conditions, and anemias. However, natural RBC-based products suffer from limited shelf life due to pathological contamination and also present risks of refractoriness, graft-versus-host disease, immunosuppression, and acute lung injury. These issues can be only partially resolved by pathogen reduction technologies, serological blood testing, leukoreduction, and specialized storage; hence, they severely affect the efficacy and safety of the blood products. Consequently, there is a significant interest in synthetic RBC analogues that can mimic its oxygen-transport properties while allowing convenient manufacture, reproducibility, long shelf life, and reduced biological risks. To this end, the current Review provides a comprehensive description and discussion of the various research approaches and current state-of-the-art in synthetically mimicking RBC’s oxyg...
Glucocorticoids and benzo( a )pyrene have opposing effects on EGF receptor binding

The potent tumour promoter 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), and related phorbol ester tumour promoters, act by binding to specific high affinity receptors on the cell surface and this leads to changes in cell membrane structure and function, as well as highly pleiotropic effects on gene expression1–3. The ability of the phorbol ester tumour promoters4–7, and of a recently discovered tumour promoter, teleocidin8, to induce inhibition of the binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to its cell-surface receptors provides a convenient marker for the membrane effects of these tumour promoters. The fact that repeated applications of benzo(a)pyrene (BP) alone to mouse skin will elicit tumours suggests that it can function as both an initiator and a promoter9,10. Thus, in addition to its genotoxic effects, BP might induce membrane effects that resemble those seen with tumour promoters. Indeed, we have found that BP and certain other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are potent inhibitors of EGF-receptor binding in the mouse embryo fibroblast cell line C3H10T½ (ref. 11). As glucocorticoids can inhibit PAH carcinogenesis12,13 and specifically inhibit tumour promotion on mouse skin14,15, we have also examined their effects on EGF receptors. We report here that glucocorticoids alone induce an increase in EGF-receptor binding in C3H10T½ cells and that pretreatment of the cells with a glucocorticoid opposes the inhibitory effects of both TPA and BP. Thus glucocorticoids may inhibit the carcinogenic process by inducing membrane effects that are reciprocal to those induced by carcinogens and tumour promoters.
EVALUATION OF AASHTO LIVE LOAD AND LINE LOAD DISTRIBUTION FACTORS FOR I-GIRDER BRIDGE DECKS

This paper evaluates the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) line load and live load distribution factors. The standard AASHTO formulas for live load in some cases underestimate the live load moments by as much as 40%. The AASHTO distribution of line loads (dividing the loads equally among all girders) results in even larger underestimates of line load distribution, leading to unsafe designs. This paper shows how more reliable distribution factors can be obtained for line loads, AASHTO truck loads, and non-AASHTO live loads. A user-friendly computer program for calculating distribution factors is discussed. A useful concept for analyzing beams of variable section (equivalent girder) is also discussed.
Note on reliability of the Teacher Stress Inventory.

The internal consistency, split-half, and test-retest reliabilities of the Teacher Stress Inventory were based on responses of twice tested sample of 49 teachers. Alpha estimates ranged .77 to .90 for the subscales, .91 to .94 for the whole scale, and .83 to .88 for the short forms. Split-half reliabilities in the mid-90s show a strong relationship between the short forms. Test-retest reliabilities ranged .27 to .99 for the subscales and .78 to .98 for the whole scale, indicating stability for the stress factors across 2-hr., 1-day, 1-wk., and 2-wk. intervals.
Research on Development of Wind Power Grid Integration in China

The paper collects and analyzes the data of wind power installed capacity, grid integration capacity, and wind power generation from 2008 to 2011, and also researches the proportion of wind power grid-connected in top 10 provinces in China. Based on analysis of wind abandonment in 2011, the paper concludes the difficulties in wind power grid integration from technical and political perspectives. At last the paper proposes some recommendations on the issue of wind power grid integration in China.
The educating pharmacy students and pharmacists to improve quality program: Tool for pharmacy practice

Abstract Objectives To describe (1) the importance of understanding quality measurement and improvement and (2) the development and potential uses of the Educating Pharmacy Students and Pharmacists to Improve Quality (EPIQ) program. Practice description The EPIQ program is applicable to all pharmacy practice settings. Practice innovation EPIQ was developed as a quality improvement education resource, for use by pharmacy faculty and other professionals, to teach student pharmacists, pharmacists, and other stakeholders about measuring, reporting, and improving quality in pharmacy practice. Results The EPIQ program contains 17 sessions that have been packaged in five modules addressing (1) the status of quality improvement and reporting in the U.S. health care system, (2) quality improvement concepts, (3) quality measurement, (4) quality-based interventions and incentives, and (5) application of quality improvement to the pharmacy practice setting. Each standalone module can be used in a variety of orders and are not sequential in nature. Individual pharmacists may choose one or more modules to meet individual continuing education (CE) requirements, and employers (pharmacists) may mix and match modules to develop employee training programs. Pharmacy associations and other CE providers have also used the modules to develop live CE and certificate programs. A sample of the EPIQ program and how it can be used by pharmacists is provided in this article. Conclusion Gauging the current state of pharmacy quality or the extent to which intended improvements have an impact is not possible unless quality is measured. Tools for quality measurement from the EPIQ program can be used to improve pharmacist understanding of quality measurement and reporting, to interpret quality reports, and ultimately to make changes that can improve quality in pharmacy practice. Pharmacists are encouraged to use the tool described in the current work to interpret quality reports.
Conservation biology: fatal medicine for vultures.

In an echo of events that unfolded earlier in the West, declines of vulture populations in the Indian subcontinent are linked to an environmental poison. Three species of these birds approach extinction.
An ultralow-energy ADC for Smart Dust

A low-energy successive approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC) targeted for use in distributed sensor networks is presented. The individual nodes combine sensing, computation, communications, and power into a tiny volume. Energy is extremely limited, forcing the nodes to operate with very low duty cycles. This paper describes the design and implementation of an ADC to meet the unique requirements of sensor networks. The ADC reported here consumes 31 pJ/8-bit sample at 1-V supply and 100 kS/s, with a standby power consumption of 70 pW. This energy consumption is one of the lowest ever reported.
Mycelium formation and calcium oxalate production by dsRNA-free virulent and dsRNA-containing hypovirulent strains of Cryphonectria parasitica.

Mycelium formation and oxalate production by two dsRNA-free, virulent strains and three dsRNAcontaining, hypovirulent strains of Cryphonectria (Endothia) parasitica were evaluated after 10 days incubation on agar media containing either 0.010 M or 0.025 M calcium acetate, or no calcium acetate. The dsRNA-containing strains EP 31-2P and EP-752 consistently produced the least mycelium while the dsRNA-free strain EP-155 produced the most mycelium on these three media. Addition of 0.010 M calcium acetate did not affect the amount of growth by strain EP-155 or strain EP-752, enhanced growth ofthe dsRNA-free strain EP-42, and reduced growth ofthe dsRNA-containing strains EP 178B and EP 31-2P. Growth of all strains was reduced on the medium containing 0.025 M calcium acetate. Strain EP-155 produced the greatest total oxalate on these media, strains EP-42 and EP 178B produced significantly less, and dsRNA-containing strains, EP 31-2P and EP-752, produced the least. Formation of oxalate by C. parasitica may have a regulatory role in calcium metabolism and/or oxalic acid production.
Proton selective ionic graphene-based membrane for high concentration direct methanol fuel cells

Abstract Development of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) with insignificant methanol permeability at highly concentrated methanol supply is considered a major advancement in the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology. Here, we investigate the potential of graphene-based membranes for achieving this objective. A membrane is prepared through the lamination of graphene-oxide (GO) nanoplatelets and its transport characteristics are studied. The studies suggest that the membrane methanol permeation rate decreases linearly as the nanoplatelets size is increased, while proton conductivity changes rather insignificantly. The observed transport characteristics are attributed to either different adopted conduction pathways or surface mobility of protons and methanol molecules. The findings imply that the GO nanoplatelets contain atomic formations that are more selective to protons than to methanol molecules. Direct methanol fuel cell measurements of the membrane at high fuel concentrations showed almost no drop in the open circuit potential (OCP) and significant improvements in power density compared to that of a Nafion membrane.
Developmental biology: Our fly cousins' gut.

What do we humans have in common with flies? Quite a lot, at least at the cellular and molecular levels. Our intestine, for instance, is similar to that of the fly, not only in function but also in its development and maintenance.
Tumor Location Is Not an Independent Prognostic Factor in Early Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background Conventional thoracic surgical teaching suggests a worse outcome for lower lobe lung cancers. It is unclear whether this is due to stage migration or whether lobar location is an independent negative prognostic factor. Methods We performed a retrospective review of our institutional database of patients undergoing resection for pathologic stage I or stage II lung cancer between Jan 2000 and December 2006. Survival analysis was used to compare outcomes in various groups using the log-rank test. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare the primary dependent variables; age, size, and location of tumor (both laterality and lobe), histology (adenocarcinoma, squamous, large cell, or neuroendocrine and others) and type of resection (wedge, lobectomy or segmentectomy, and pneumonectomy). Results A total of 841 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 64.9 years, mean tumor size 3.3 cm, and, 144 patients had N1 disease. The three-year and five-year survivals for stage I tumors were 346 of 478 (72.4%) and 277 of 497 (55.7%), respectively. There was no difference in survival based upon lobar location. The three-year and five-year survivals for stage II tumors were 81 of 175 (46.3%) and 39 of 150 (26%), respectively, and lobar location did not influence survival. Logistic regression analysis showed that for stage I tumors increasing age and having undergone a pneumonectomy were associated with worse survival, and for stage II tumors increasing age and adenocarcinoma histology were associated with worse survival. Conclusions Tumor location within the lung does not predict survival in pathologic stage I/II non–small cell lung carcinoma. Increasing age, adenocarcinoma histology, and pneumonectomy as the resection may lead to worse long-term survival.
Characterization of a compensatory mutant of Leishmania major that lacks ether lipids but exhibits normal growth, and G418 and hygromycin resistance

Ether glycerolipid biosynthesis in Leishmania major initiates with the acylation of dihydroxyacetonephosphate by the glycosomal dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase LmDAT. We previously reported that a null mutant of LmDAT is severely affected in logarithmic growth, survival during stationary phase, and in virulence in mice. In addition, it lacks all ether glycerolipids, produces altered forms of the ether-lipid based virulence factors lipophosphoglycan and increased levels of GPI-anchored protein gp63. Here, we describe the characterization of a compensatory mutant of a null strain of LmDAT, Δlmdat/Δlmdat(rev). Similarly to the null mutant, the Δlmdat/Δlmdat(rev) strain formed altered forms of lipophosphoglycan and increased levels of gp63, and was avirulent in mice infection. Further, dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase activity was absent in the revertant clone, indicating that a mutation in another acyltransferase gene did not confer dihydroxyacetonephosphate specificity. In contrast, the revertant grew normally but still exhibited poor survival during stationary phase. In addition, agarose gel analysis of its genomic DNA failed to detect any amplified DNA. Surprisingly, its sensitivity to aminoglycoside based antibiotics G418 and hygromycin was lower than that of the null mutant, wild type and complemented line.
Climate and vegetation change during the late-glacial/early-Holocene transition inferred from multiple proxy records from Blacktail Pond, Yellowstone National Park, USA

A series of environmental changes from late-glacial ice recession through the early Holocene are revealed in a 7000-yr-long record of pollen, charcoal, geochemistry, and stable isotopes from Blacktail Pond, a closed-basin lake in Yellowstone National Park. Prior to 11,500 cal yr BP, cool conditions dominated, fire activity was low, and alpine tundra and Picea parkland grew on the landscape. A step-like climate change to warm summer conditions occurred at 11,500 cal yr BP. In response, fire activity increased facilitating a transition from Picea parkland to closed Pinus forest. From 11,500 to 8280 cal yr BP, warm summers and abundant moisture mostly likely from high winter snowfall supported closed Pinus contorta forests. Cooler drier summer conditions prevailed beginning 8280 cal yr BP due to decreased summer insolation and winter snowpack, and lower parkland developed. The timing of vegetation change in the Blacktail Pond record is similar to other low- and middle-elevation sites in the northern Rocky Mountains during the late-glacial period, suggesting local plant communities responded to regional-scale climate change; however, the timing of vegetation changes was spatially variable during the early and middle Holocene due to the varying influences of strengthened summer monsoons and subtropical high on regional precipitation patterns.
Flavor evaluations of meat from Ruelene-treated animals.

Selected beef cuts were evaluated to determine whether the flavor was affected when animals were treated with Ruelene® (4- tert -butyl-2-chlorophenyl methyl methylphosphoramidate) for the control of cattle grubs. The palatability evaluations were made by the Human Nutrition Research Division in cooperation with the Entomology Research Division of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Two groups of animals were treated with Ruelene, one group with 5 sprayings and the other with 1 spraying. The yearling Hereford steers used in the tests were from Government herds near the Kerrville, Texas, area and had no previous exposure to organic phosphorus insecticides. Animals of comparable age, weight, and condition were selected for each group, and the control and treated animals were kept under identical conditions.
The crystal structure of ammonium di-μ-hydroxo-di[triscarbonato-zirconate(IV)]tetrahydrate

Abstract The crystal structure of ammonium di-μ-hydroxo-di[triscarbonatozirconate(IV)]tetrahydrate, (NH 4 ) 6 [Zr(OH)(CO 3 ) 3 ] 2 . 4H 2 O, has been determined. The crystals are monoclinic, P2 1 /n, with cell dimensions a = 16.46 ± 0.02 A, b = 11.53 ± 0.03 A, c = 6.95 ± 0.01 A and β = 92.0 ± 0.2 A. The observed density, 1.87 ± 0.05 g/cm 3 , corresponding to four molecules per unit cell. The crystals consist of discrete dimeric species in which the metal atoms are bridged by hydroxo groups. Each carbonate ion behaves as a bidentate ligand forming with the hydroxo groups a distorted dodecahedron of oxygen atoms about each zirconium atom. The dimers are held in the crystal through the compensating electrostatic charge of the ammonium ions and a network of hydrogen bonds to the water molecules.
Guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate receptor protein: Separation from adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate receptor protein

Abstract A specific cGMP receptor protein has been identified and separated from the cAMP receptor protein by chromatography on 8-(6-aminohexyl)-amino-cAMP-Sepharose. Scatchard analysis of cGMP binding indicates a single affinity class of receptor sites with KD = 1.4 × 10−8 M. The specificity of the cGMP receptor site has been defined by using a number of nucleotides as competitors for cGMP binding. The cGMP receptor protein sediments at 7S in glycerol density gradients.
Rett syndrome: Of girls and mice—Lessons for regression in autism

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder occurring almost exclusively in females. Regression is a defining feature of RTT. During the regression stage, RTT girls display many autistic features, such as loss of communication and social skills, poor eye contact, and lack of interest, and initially may be given the diagnosis of autism. The discovery of the genetic cause of RTT, mutations in the MECP2 gene, a transcriptional repressor, has promoted the early diagnosis of RTT and development of mouse models. The phenotype of one mouse model includes features such as regression and abnormal behavioral and social interactions. The timing of the period of regression in RTT--during ages 1 to 2 years--parallels the period of intense synaptic development. The effects of the MECP2 mutation also increases concomitantly with peak synaptogenesis. Neuropathological findings in Rett include the selective reduction of dendritric spines in the pyramidal cells of RTT brains; this feature has also been reported in autism. Studies have observed that MECP influences the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and thus may influence synaptic plasticity. Abnormalities in synapse maintenance and modulation may contribute to regression in RTT and autism. Studies of the clinical aspects of the regression period and of the mouse model may be useful in understanding the pathophysiology of RTT and other neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. A recent study observed abnormal expression of MeCP2 in RTT and other neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. Although the genetic background and certain clinical features differ in RTT and autism, a similar mechanism involving MeCP2 regulation and expression may contribute to regression.