cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of GaAs Substrate Orientation on InAs Quantum Dots: Surface Morphology, Critical Thickness, and Optical Properties

InAs/GaAs heterostructures have been simultaneously grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs (100), GaAs (100) with a 2° misorientation angle towards [01−1], and GaAs (n11)B (n = 9, 7, 5) substrates. While the substrate misorientation angle increased from 0° to 15.8°, a clear evolution from quantum dots to quantum well was evident by the surface morphology, the photoluminescence, and the time-resolved photoluminescence, respectively. This evolution revealed an increased critical thickness and a delayed formation of InAs quantum dots as the surface orientation departed from GaAs (100), which was explained by the thermal-equilibrium model due to the less efficient of strain relaxation on misoriented substrate surfaces.
Time-intensity measurement of matrix effects on retronasal aroma perception

A computerized time intensity procedure was used to evaluate the retronasal aroma intensity of vanillin and limonene in oil/water emulsion. The maximum perceived retronasal intensity of limonene was decreased as oil content in the emulsion increased, but temporal perception (time to maximum intensity and total duration of perception) was not affected. Total duration of vanillin retronasal aroma increased as oil content increased, and salivary flow rate had a significant effect on perception of vanillin aroma. These results suggest that time intensity measurements may be a valuable tool for evaluating the effects of matrix interactions on retronasal aroma intensity.
Radically innovative steelmaking technologies

The steel industry is faced with serious problems caused by the increasing cost of energy, labor and capital and by tough overseas competition, employing new highly efficient process plants. The very high cost of capital and of capital equipment renders the construction of new green field site plants, exemplifying the best available technology economically unattractive. For this reason, over the long term the development radically innovative steelmaking technologies appears to be the only satisfactory resolution of this dilemma. The purpose of this article is to present a critical review of some of the radically innovative steelmaking technologies that have been proposed during the past few years and to develop the argument that these indeed do deserve serious consideration at the present time. It should be stressed, however, that these innovative technologies can be implemented only as part of a carefully conceived long range plan, which contains as a subset short term solutions, such as trigger prices improved investment credits, and so forth and intermediate term solutions, such as more extensive use of continuous casting, external desulfurization and selective modernization in general.
Low-energy electron diffraction for surface structure analysis

Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) is the most important technique for studying the atomic structures of crystalline surfaces. This review aims to give an introduction into the experimental, theoretical and analytical procedures needed for a successful structure determination. After a brief introduction that gives some historical background and sets the problem in perspective, the experiment is described. The fundamentals of two-dimensional crystallography are discussed and their application to LEED are described. The calculation of diffracted intensities requires the development of N-beams dynamical theory, which is discussed together with the need for appropriate computer programs. Since the analysis is based on trial-and-error methods some attention is paid to the development of structure models, the problems caused by the co-existence of equivalent domains, and the procedures for evaluating the postulated models. A brief discussion of the accomplishments is given which, rather than comprehensive, is an assessment of the present state of the art in surface crystallography.
Low-Energy-Electron-Stimulated Degradation of a Multiply Alkylated Cyclopentane Oil and Implications for Space Bearings

The volatile and liquid-phase products of low-energy electron irradiation of a multiply alkylated cyclopentane oil in vacuum were analyzed using mass spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, supercritical fluid chromatography, and gel-permeation chromatography. Both alkanes and alkenes are formed in each phase; in the fluid both primary and trans-alkenes are detected. Smaller and larger molecules than are present in the original oil (product molecular weights up to at least 10,000 g/mol) are found, and alkenes are present over the entire molecular weight range. The dependence of the amount of products found on electron beam energy and current suggest that the first step of the process is fragmentation of the oil molecules and their initial transformation into both volatile and non-volatile alkenes and alkanes, followed by further reaction to form larger molecules. Combining these results with an estimate of the properties of the triboelectrons that would probably be produced during wear in either all-steel or hybrid (steel raceways with ceramic balls) ball bearings in spacecraft, we find that degradation in vacuum due to triboelectronic reactions alone, with this type of lubricant in this application, is insignificant. Oil degradation in these systems in vacuum is likely due to chemical reactions with fresh metal surfaces produced during wear.
Is there a future for elephants in West Africa

The elephants of West Africa have experienced a long history of human disturbance. Before 1800 they were much affected by the precolonial empires of the savanna and Sahelian zones, the trans-Saharan trade routes, and the coastal trade established by the Europeans. During the 19th century, the increasing demand for ivory from Europe and North America, the European penetration of the region, and the evolution of breech-loading rifles devastated the remaining elephants. The elephant population of West Africa collapsed before the outbreak of World War I because of intense hunting for ivory. This collapse pre-empted the decline that would have occurred anyway due to the rapid growth of the human population and consequent loss of habitat. Elephants now find themselves in about 70 small isolated populations that cover only 5% of the region. These fragments are very vulnerable – whether in the arid lands or the humid forests – to poaching and general human disturbance. There are few data on numbers; most of the population estimates are guesses. Two-thirds of the populations are thought to consist of fewer than 200 animals and therefore have a low probability of surviving the next century. As more habitat is lost to human activities, West African elephants will soon remain only in protected areas. But many parks and reserves are managed poorly and cannot offer effective protection; they do not guarantee a future for elephants. In addition, their crop-raiding habit makes elephants unpopular in rural communities surrounding protected areas. Human populations are expected to continue growing and resources for conservation are scarce. The future of West African elephants lies in a small network of well-protected areas.
Pathologic Features, Proliferative Activity, and Cyclin D1 Expression in Hurthle Cell Neoplasms of the Thyroid

Making a histologic distinction between Hurthle cell adenomas and carcinomas sometimes may be difficult. We analyzed a series of Hurthle cell lesions to determine whether specific histologic features and expression of Ki67 and cyclin D1 could be useful in distinguishing Hurthle cell adenomas from carcinomas. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 128 Hurthle cell neoplasms, including 59 adenomas; 55 carcinomas; and 14 tumors classified as neoplasms of uncertain malignant behavior (UMB), which had equivocal capsular invasion but no vascular invasion, were analyzed for expression of Ki67 and cyclin D1 by immunostaining. The distribution of immunoreactivity for Ki67 with antibody MIB-1 was analyzed by quantifying the percentage of positive nuclei that was expressed as the labeling index. None of the patients with adenomas or UMB tumors developed recurrent or metastatic disease after a mean follow-up of 7.8 and 7.9 years, respectively. Of the 55 patients with Hurthle cell carcinoma, 19 were associated with metastatic disease, 13 of whom died with disease. No patient with a Hurthle cell carcinoma without vascular invasion developed metastatic disease. The mean tumor size for Hurthle cell carcinomas (4.8 cm) was significantly larger than that of Hurthle cell adenomas (3.1 cm) or UMB tumors (3.7 cm). No patient with a Hurthle cell tumor smaller than 3.5 cm developed metastatic disease, even when vascular invasion was present. The Ki67 labeling index in Hurthle cell carcinomas (10.0 +/- 1.2) was 3-fold higher than in Hurthle cell adenomas (3.2 +/- 0.3). The Ki67 labeling index in the UMB group was 5.0 +/- 0.7. Cyclin D1 showed diffuse nuclear staining in 1 of the 59 (1.7%) Hurthle cell adenomas, in 10 of the 55 (18%) Hurthle cell carcinomas, and in none of the UMB tumors. In summary, analyses of the cell cycle proteins Ki67 and cyclin D1 in Hurthle cell thyroid neoplasms indicate that these markers may assist in distinguishing some Hurthle cell carcinomas from adenomas. Among the Hurthle cell carcinomas, large tumor size and vascular invasion are associated with clinically aggressive tumors. Our study also suggests that Hurthle cell neoplasms with only equivocal capsular invasion and no vascular invasion should behave in a benign manner.
Low-Salinity Waterflooding to Improve Oil Recovery - Historical Field Evidence

Waterflooding is by far the most widely applied method of improved oil recovery. Crude oil/brine/rock interactions can lead to large variations in the displacement efficiency of wa-terfloods. Laboratory water-flood tests and single-well tracer tests have shown that injection of dilute brine can increase oil recovery, but work designed to test the method on a field scale has not yet been undertaken. Historical waterflood records could unintentionally provide some evidence of improved recovery from waterflooding with lower salinity brine. Nu-merous fields in the Powder River basin of Wyoming have been waterflooded using low salinity brine (about 500 ppm) obtained from the Madison limestone or Fox Hills sandstone. Three Minnelusa formation fields in the basin were identified as potential candidates for waterflood comparisons based on the salinity of the connate and injection water. Historical pro-duction and injection data for these fields were obtained from the public record. Field waterflood data were manipulated to be displayed in the same format as laboratory coreflood re-sults. Recovery from fields using lower salinity injection wa-ter was greater than that using higher salinity injection wa-ter—matching recovery trends for laboratory and single-well tests.
Spring Peak of Strontium-90 Fallout.

An increasing trend of Sr 90 concentration in rain observed at Fayetteville, Ark., after November 1959, indicates that the seasonal and global movements of stratospheric air masses, such as described by Brewer (I) and Dobson (2) , play an important role in causing the spring peaks of the Sr 90 fallout.
CALCULATION OF CYCLOTRON TRIM-COIL CURRENTS FOR FIELD OPTIMIZATION BY LINEAR PROGRAMMING METHODS

Determination of the current settings in the circular pole-face windings of fixed-frequency cyclotrons for optimization of the magnetic field may be solved with the mathematical technique of linear programming. The resulting fields are optimal with regard to particle phase lag as well as radial and vertical stability, and the currents do not exceed preassigned limits.
An iterative procedure for solving convex optimal control problems

A doubly iterative procedure for computing optimal controls in linear systems with convex cost functionals is presented. The procedure is based on an algorithm due to Gilbert [3] for minimizing a quadratic form on a convex set. Each step of the procedure makes use of an algorithm due to Neustadt and Paiewonsky [1] to solve a strictly linear optimal control problem.
Germanium wrap-around photodetectors on Silicon photonics.

We present a novel waveguide coupling scheme where a germanium diode grown via rapid melt growth is wrapped around a silicon waveguide. A 4 fF PIN photodiode is demonstrated with 0.95 A/W responsivity at 1550 nm, 6 nA dark current, and nearly 9 GHz bandwidth. Devices with shorter intrinsic region exhibit higher bandwidth (30 GHz) and slightly lower responsivity (0.7 A/W). An NPN phototransistor is also demonstrated using the same design with 14 GHz fT.
Providence and Evil: Three Theories

The last two decades have seen an unprecedented amount of philosophical work on the topics of divine foreknowledge, middle knowledge, and timelessness in relation to human freedom. Most of this effort has been directed at logical and metaphysical aspects of these topics – the compatibility of foreknowledge with free will, the existence of true counterfactuals of freedom and the possibility of middle knowledge, the conceivability and metaphysical possibility of divine timelessness, and so on. Far less attention, in contrast, has been devoted to the broader theological ramifications of these theories. Yet insofar as they are theological theories, they are properly appreciated and indeed fully understood only when placed in the appropriate theological context.
Study of the interfacial properties of natural fibre reinforced polyethylene

Abstract In the present paper, the interfacial properties of extruded and compression moulded natural fibre reinforced thermoplastics (NFRTP) are studied. The interfacial shear strength of PE-sisal composites was measured using the single fibre fragmentation test (SFFT). The difficulties in obtaining significant measurements are discussed and assessed. The main problems found were the non-transparent nature of the matrix, the irregular shape of the fibres, and the variability in fibre–matrix adhesion encountered even in single fibre specimens. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) pictures obtained from fractured surfaces were used for a qualitative evaluation of the interfacial properties of NFRTPs. Fibre treatment with stearic acid increased the interfacial shear strength by 23% with respect to untreated fibres. The improvements in interfacial shear strength found for the treated specimens were consistent with observations from SEM fractographs.
Intraseasonal and Seasonal-to-Interannual Indian Ocean Convection and Hemispheric Teleconnections

AbstractDeep tropical convection over the Indian Ocean leads to intense diabatic heating, a main driver of the climate system. The Northern Hemisphere circulation and precipitation associated with intraseasonal and seasonal-to-interannual components of the leading pattern of Indian Ocean convection are investigated for November–April 1979–2008. The leading pattern of Indian Ocean convection is separated into intraseasonal and seasonal-to-interannual components by filtering an index of outgoing longwave radiation at 33–105 days and greater than 105 days, yielding Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO)- and El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-influenced patterns, respectively. Observations and barotropic Rossby wave ray tracing experiments suggest that Indian Ocean convection can influence the ENSO-related hemispheric teleconnection pattern in addition to the regional Asian teleconnection. Equivalent barotropic circulation anomalies throughout the Northern Hemisphere subtropics are associated with both seasonal-to...
Serum cystatin C and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in children with chronic kidney disease

Previous studies indicate that serum cystatin C predicts incident heart failure in older adults. Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) develop left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, often the initial abnormality of cardiac function. We hypothesized that cystatin C might predict LV diastolic dysfunction in children with CKD. Fifty-seven subjects, aged 6–21 years, with stage 2–4 CKD underwent echocardiography. Diastole was assessed from transmitral Doppler [maximum early (E wave) and late (A wave) diastolic flow velocities (E/A ratio)] and from tissue Doppler [septal mitral annular peak velocities (E′)]. LV filling pressures were determined, using a ratio of E/E′. Fourteen (25%) patients had low E′ and 15 (26%) had high E/E′. Children with abnormal E′ or E/E′ had significantly higher cystatin C levels than children with normal indices (P<0.05). Neither serum creatinine nor measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) significantly correlated with E’ or E/E’. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that cystatin C (β=−0.825, P=0.023) and left ventricular mass (LVM) index (β=0.099, P=0.006) independently predicted E′; LVM index independently predicted E/E′ (β=0.0173, P=0.01). We conclude that, in contrast to measured GFR or serum creatinine level, elevated serum cystatin C might be associated with diastolic dysfunction in children with CKD.
Using efficacy, safety, and cost data to support a formulary decision regarding thrombolytic therapy.

When urokinase was withdrawn from the market, alternative thrombolytics such as alteplase and reteplase needed to be evaluated for peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The efficacy, safety, and cost of these agents were evaluated formally by the Department of Pharmacy and presented to the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. No published data support a difference in efficacy or safety between these agents. A cost analysis estimated the average total cost of care was higher for patients treated with reteplase ($4,556) compared with alteplase ($2,139). Therefore, alteplase was determined to be a more cost-effective thrombolytic agent to treat PVD.
Analysis of expansion of myeloid progenitors in mice to identify leukemic susceptibility genes

The myeloid progenitor cell compartment (MPC) exhibits pronounced expansion in human myeloid leukemias. It is becoming more apparent that progression of myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative diseases to acute myelogenous leukemia is the result of defects in progenitor cell maturation. The MPC of bone marrow was analyzed in mice using a cell culture assay for measuring the relative frequency of proliferative myeloid progenitors. Response to the cytokines SCF, IL-3, and GM-CSF was determined by this assay for the leukemic mouse strain BXH-2 and ten other inbred mouse strains. Significant differences were found to exist among ten inbred mouse strains in the nature of their MPC in bone marrow, indicating the presence of genetic polymorphisms responsible for the divergence. The SWR/J and FVB/J strains show consistently low frequencies of myeloid progenitors, while the DBA/2J and SJL/J inbred strains show consistently high frequencies of myeloid progenitors within the bone marrow compartment. In addition, in silico linkage disequilibrium analysis was conducted to identify possible chromosomal regions responsible for the phenotypic variation. Given the importance of this cell compartment in leukemia progression and the soon to be released genomic sequence of 15 mouse strains, these differences may provide a valuable tool for research into leukemia.
Exact algorithm for d-dimensional walks on finite and infinite lattices with traps. III. Role of lattice valency in influencing the efficiency of diffusion-controlled reactions

In this paper we continue our development of an exact lattice theory of diffusion-controlled reactions. We show how general theorems drawn from the theory of finite Markov processes may be brought to bear on the approach elaborated in our earlier work [Phys. Rev. Lett. 47, 1500 (1981); Phys. Rev. B 26, 4166 (1982)] and, in addition, we exploit well-known diagram and generating-function methods (in particular, those based on the adjacency-walk matrix) to gain further insight into the statistics underlying the processes considered in this paper. We consider reactions in which the diffusing molecule encounters a single reaction center and reacts there, irreversibly, upon first encounter. We also consider the situation where the diffusing particle may, at any of the sites surrounding the reaction center, form an activated complex with a coreactant situated there and, with finite probability, be removed irreversibly from the system. In each case we focus on the problem of reaction efficiency and determine the average number of steps required before a diffusing particle undergoes, eventually, an irreversible reaction. We report extensive new (and exact) results for hexagonal lattices and consider explicitly the role of spatial extent and dimensionality as well as the influence of passive versus active boundary conditions. By comparing the results obtained for hexagonal lattices for $d=2 \mathrm{and} 3$ with those reported earlier for square and/or cubic lattices, quantitative conclusions can be drawn on the role of lattice valency in influencing the efficiency of reactiondiffusion processes. A principal, general conclusion of this study concerns the efficiency of reaction when there exists the possibility of reactant deactivation at the $N\ensuremath{-}1$ sites surrounding the reaction center. We find that a 5% probability of reaction at these adjacent sites effectively erases distinctions between lattices subject to different boundary conditions or characterized by different valencies, i.e., the process becomes kinetically controlled.
Evaluating monetary policy under preferences with zero wealth effect: A Bayesian approach

Abstract Both real and monetary macro models have parallely exploited the potential for various preferences in accounting for empirical facts. This paper brings the two literatures together by estimating time non-separable preferences with habit formation in consumption that nests several commonly used preferences. In the absence of wealth effects and external habits, these preferences fail to generate observed inflation inertia and output persistence after a monetary policy shock. Furthermore, the data strongly rejects these preferences in favor of preferences with external habits. An alternative solution is to include habit adjusted intermediate wealth effect preferences which are able to simultaneously generate sluggish responses of the variables to a monetary policy shock and fit the data better.
Cooperative Extension System/expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program/women, Infants and Children Nutrition Education Initiative

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: TO identify dietary changes in residents of homeless shelters after participation in a nutrition education program. Although Connecticut has the highest per capita income of any state, it also has several of the nation's poorest cities. More than 3,000 women and children use homeless shelters in Hartford and New Haven. Homelessness increases health risks to children and pregnant women during growth and development. EFNEP paraprofessionals worked in selected homeless shelters to provide nutrition education and increase the awareness of the Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Food Program (WIC). Advisory councils, including WIC, shelter and EFNEP staff were organized to guide nutrition education efforts. During the two-year period, 230 shelter residents (primarily women) received nutrition education via group sessions, individual counseling and food demonstrations. Dietary data were collected using a minimum of two twenty-four-hour recalls and analyzed with the EFNEP Evaluation and Reporting (ERS) computer system. ERS evaluates diets using formulas for nutrient adequacy (NAR=Nutrient Adequacy Ratio=Nutrient intake/RDA; MAR=Mean NAR values for protein, iron, calcium, vitamins A, C and B6). During year one, MAR changed from .78 to .95 in Hartford and from .85 to .96 in New Haven with improvements in fiber, iron, vitamins A and B6. During year two, MAR changed from .79 to .82 in Hartford and from .79 to .81 in New Haven with improvements in calcium, vitamins A and C, and a decrease in total fat. The EFNEP/WIC nutrition education model is effective for improving the diets of shelter residents.
Laboratory methods for assessing human semen in epidemiologic studies: a consensus report.

MICHAEL ZINAMAN H ANational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and National Toxicology Program, Cincinnati, Ohio; BNational Institute of Environmental Health Science and National Toxicology Program, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; cUS Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.; DDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Davis; EFood and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland; FAndrology Laboratory and Sperm Bank, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; °US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio; MDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. INTRODUCTION The report by Percival Pott in 1775 on the incidence of scrotal cancer in chimney sweeps (1) was not only the first description of environmentally related can- cer, but was also the seminal paper in the field of oc- cupational reproductive medicine. More recently, the effects of kepone (2), dibromochloropropane (3), and ethylene dibromide (4) on male reproductive capac- ity have focused our collective attention on the prob- lem of occupational exposures to reproductive toxi- cants. The depth of feeling is mirrored in California's Proposition 65, which exemplifies the concern sur- rounding not only carcinogens, but also chemicals producing terata or sterility. With this increased concern has come the need for more information, and in reproductive toxicol- ogy, additional human semen studies are necessary to generate those data. The latter frequently include the state-of-the-art computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) techniques and endpoints. These systems were designed to digitize the microscopic image of each sperm cell, determine sperm concentrations, and analyze numerous parameters of sperm move- ment (5). The reports of significant correlations of sperm motion endpoints with fertility (6-8) expand our evaluation of CASA systems from validation (ac- curacy and precision) to interpretive usefulness. While the ability to detect structural and/or meta- bolic lesions in sperm is enhanced with these systems,
Millisecond catalytic wall reactors: dehydrogenation of ethane

Abstract Heat transfer between exothermic and endothermic reaction streams can take place at extremely high rates if one or both reactions take place catalytically on opposite sides of a thin wall. This eliminates the resistance to heat transfer in thermal boundary layers, potentially permitting much smaller reactors. A coupled catalytic wall reactor operating at temperatures of ∼1000°C was built which enabled efficient heat exchange between exothermic methane catalytic combustion and endothermic homogeneous ethane cracking. Multiple passes were added on the combustion side to reduce heat losses in the system. A two-pass system operating in a co-current mode gave 77% ethane conversion and 87% selectivity to ethylene with a residence time of ∼50 ms , with a residence time on the combustion side of ∼10 ms . This reactor has been operated for many hours without any deterioration in performance.
Synthesis of Phytoalexins in Sorghum as a Site-Specific Response to Fungal Ingress

Sorghum produces phytoalexins that are 3-deoxyanthocyanidin flavonoids. The compounds inhibit the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in vitro. The phytoalexins appear to be synthesized in subcellular inclusions within a host epidermal cell that is about to be penetrated by a fungus. This site-restricted synthesis suggests that the phytoalexin response occurs initially in the first cells that come under fungal attack and is not simply a response of cells that surround the original infection site.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) Induces the Oncogenic miR-17-92 Cluster and Down-Regulates TGF-β Signaling.

KSHV is a DNA tumor virus that causes Kaposi’s sarcoma. Upon KSHV infection, only a limited number of latent genes are expressed. We know that KSHV infection regulates host gene expression, and hypothesized that latent genes also modulate the expression of host miRNAs. Aberrant miRNA expression contributes to the development of many types of cancer. Array-based miRNA profiling revealed that all six miRNAs of the oncogenic miR-17-92 cluster are up-regulated in KSHV infected endothelial cells. Among candidate KSHV latent genes, we found that vFLIP and vCyclin were shown to activate the miR-17-92 promoter, using luciferase assay and western blot analysis. The miR-17-92 cluster was previously shown to target TGF-β signaling. We demonstrate that vFLIP and vCyclin induce the expression of the miR-17-92 cluster to strongly inhibit the TGF-β signaling pathway by down-regulating SMAD2. Moreover, TGF-β activity and SMAD2 expression were fully restored when antagomirs (inhibitors) of miR-17-92 cluster were transfected into cells expressing either vFLIP or vCyclin. In addition, we utilized viral genetics to produce vFLIP or vCyclin knock-out viruses, and studied the effects in infected TIVE cells. Infection with wildtype KSHV abolished expression of SMAD2 protein in these endothelial cells. While single-knockout mutants still showed a marked reduction in SMAD2 expression, TIVE cells infected by a double-knockout mutant virus were fully restored for SMAD2 expression, compared to non-infected TIVE cells. Expression of either vFLIP or vCycIin was sufficient to downregulate SMAD2. In summary, our data demonstrate that vFLIP and vCyclin induce the oncogenic miR-17-92 cluster in endothelial cells and thereby interfere with the TGF-β signaling pathway. Manipulation of the TGF-β pathway via host miRNAs represents a novel mechanism that may be important for KSHV tumorigenesis and angiogenesis, a hallmark of KS.
The Future of Exogenous Surfactant Therapy

Since the identification of surfactant deficiency as the putative cause of the infant respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) by Avery and Mead in 1959, our understanding of the role of pulmonary surfactant in respiratory physiology and the pathophysiology of acute lung injury (ALI) has advanced substantially. Surfactant replacement has become routine for the prevention and treatment of infant RDS and other causes of neonatal lung injury. The role of surfactant in lung injury beyond the neonatal period, however, has proven more complex. Relative surfactant deficiency, dysfunction, and inhibition all contribute to the disturbed physiology seen in ALI and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Consequently, exogenous surfactant, while a plausible therapy, has proven to be less effective in ALI/ARDS than in RDS, where simple deficiency is causative. This failure may relate to a number of factors, among them inadequacy of pharmaceutical surfactants, insufficient dosing or drug delivery, poor drug distribution, or simply an inability of the drug to substantially impact the underlying pathophysiology of ALI/ARDS. Both animal and human studies suggest that direct types of ALI (eg, aspiration, pneumonia) may be more responsive to surfactant therapy than indirect lung injury (eg, sepsis, pancreatitis). Animal studies are needed, however, to further clarify aspects of drug composition, timing, delivery, and dosing before additional human trials are pursued, as the results of human trials to date have been inconsistent and largely disappointing. Further study and perhaps the development of more robust pharmaceutical surfactants offer promise that exogenous surfactant will find a place in our armamentarium of treatment of ALI/ARDS in the future.
Effects of isoflavones and amino acid therapies for hot flashes and co-occurring symptoms during the menopausal transition and early postmenopause: A systematic review

Aims Review controlled clinical trials of isoflavones and amino acid preparation effects on hot flashes and at least one other symptom including mood, sleep, pain, and cognitive function that women report during the menopausal transition and early postmenopause.
The shapes and numbers of amacrine cells: matching of photofilled with Golgi-stained cells in the rabbit retina and comparison with other mammalian species.

Amacrine cells of the rabbit retina were studied by ‘‘photofilling,’’ a photochemical method in which a fluorescent product is created within an individual cell by focal irradiation of the nucleus; and by Golgi impregnation. The photofilling method is quantitative, allowing an estimate of the frequency of the cells. The Golgi method shows their morphology in better detail. The photofilled sample consisted of 261 cells that were imaged digitally in throughfocus series from a previous study (MacNeil and Masland [1998] Neuron 20:971‐982). The Golgi material consisted of 49 retinas that were stained as wholemounts. Eleven of these subsequently were cut in vertical section. Of the many hundreds of cells stained, digital through-focus series were recorded for 208 of the Golgi-impregnated cells. The two methods were found to confirm one another: Most cells revealed by photofilling were recognized easily by Golgi staining, and vice versa. The greater resolution of the Golgi method allowed a more precise description of the cells and several types of amacrine cell were redefined. Two new types were identified. The two methods, taken together, provide an essentially complete accounting of the populations of amacrine cells present in the rabbit retina. Many of them correspond to amacrine cells that have been described in other mammalian species, and these homologies are reviewed. J. Comp. Neurol. 413:305‐326, 1999. r 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Association between eczema and increased fracture and bone or joint injury in adults: a US population-based study.

Importance Adults with eczema have multiple risk factors for accidental injury. However, little is known about the risk of injury in adult patients with eczema. Objective To determine whether adult eczema is associated with an increased risk of injury. Design, Setting, and Participants A prospective questionnaire-based study using the 2012 National Health Interview Survey among a nationally representative sample of 34 500 adults aged 18 to 85 years with a history of eczema in the past 12 months. Main Outcomes and Measures History of fracture and bone or joint injury (FBJI) and other injury causing limitation. Results The prevalences of eczema and any injury causing limitation were 7.2% (95% CI, 6.9%-7.6%) and 2.0% (95% CI, 1.9%-2.2%), respectively. An FBJI causing limitation was reported by 1.5% (95% CI, 1.3%-1.7%), while other types of injury causing limitation occurred in 0.6% (95% CI, 0.5%-0.7%). Adults with eczema had higher odds of any injury causing limitation (survey logistic regression adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.44; 95% CI, 1.07-1.94), particularly FBJI (aOR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.21-2.33), in models controlling for sociodemographics, asthma, hay fever, food allergies, and psychiatric and behavioral disorders. The prevalence of FBJI causing limitation increased gradually with age, peaking at 50 to 69 years and decreasing thereafter. Significant interactions were observed between eczema and fatigue or sleep symptoms, such that adults with eczema and fatigue (aOR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.16-2.19), daytime sleepiness (aOR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.28-2.55), or insomnia (aOR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.28-2.37) had higher rates of FBJI compared with those with sleep symptoms and no eczema. Adults with both eczema and psychiatric and behavioral disorders (aOR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.57-2.93) had higher rates of FBJI compared with those with eczema (aOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.19-1.61) or psychiatric and behavioral disorders (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.36-1.83) alone. Conclusions and Relevance The results of this study suggest that eczema in adulthood is a previously unrecognized risk factor for fracture and other injury causing limitation. Future studies are needed to confirm these associations. The findings may warrant the development of preventive measures for injury risk reduction in adult patients with eczema.
A knowledge‐based A‐priori approach to mesh generation in thermal problems

A new approach to the finite element mesh generation for two-dimensional steady state thermal problems of conduction and convection is presented. Unlike other approaches, the proposed technique incorporates the information about the object geometry as well as the boundary and loading conditions to generate an a-priori finite element mesh which is more refined around the critical regions of the problem domain. A blackboard architecture expert system is developed to intelligently identify critical regions and to choose the proper mesh size for them by performing an approximate heat flux calculation. From the results of the blackboard system, nodes are generated in the problem domain using the new concept of wave propagation. The wave propagation technique is fully automatic and does not require any user-provided information except the data which define the object geometry and boundary conditions. After nodes are generated, well-shaped triangular elements are formed ensuring the Delaunay property. During the triangulation process and to reduce the computation time for checking the overlapping problem, a new and efficient algorithm is proposed which defines a certain range only in which a potential triangular element might overlap the previously generated elements and boundary segments. Several examples are presented and discussed. When incorporated into and compared with the traditional approach to the adaptive finite element analysis, it is expected that the proposed approach, which starts the process with near-optimal initial meshes, will result in lower levels of error and faster convergence of the solution to the desired accuracy in less time and at less cost.
Zonula Occludens Toxin Structure-Function Analysis IDENTIFICATION OF THE FRAGMENT BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE ON TIGHT JUNCTIONS AND OF THE ZONULIN RECEPTOR BINDING DOMAIN

Zonula occludens toxin (Zot) is an enterotoxin elaborated by Vibrio cholerae that increases intestinal permeability by interacting with a mammalian cell receptor with subsequent activation of intracellular signaling leading to the disassembly of the intercellular tight junctions. Zot localizes in the bacterial outer membrane of V. cholerae with subsequent cleavage and secretion of a carboxyl-terminal fragment in the host intestinal milieu. To identify the Zot domain(s) directly involved in the protein permeating effect, several zot gene deletion mutants were constructed and tested for their biological activity in the Ussing chamber assay and their ability to bind to the target receptor on intestinal epithelial cell cultures. The Zot biologically active domain was localized toward the carboxyl terminus of the protein and coincided with the predicted cleavage product generated by V. cholerae. This domain shared a putative receptor-binding motif with zonulin, the Zot mammalian analogue involved in tight junction modulation. Amino acid comparison between the Zot active fragment and zonulin, combined with site-directed mutagenesis experiments, confirmed the presence of an octapeptide receptor-binding domain toward the amino terminus of the processed Zot.
On the Goldstein-Levitin-Polyak gradient projection method

This paper considers some aspects of a gradient projection method proposed by Goldstein [1], Levitin and Polyak [3], and more recently, in a less general context, by McCormick [10]. We propose and analyze some convergent step-size rules to be used in conjunction with the method. These rules are similar in spirit to the efficient Armijo rule for the method of steepest descent and under mild assumptions they have the desirable property that they identify the set of active inequality constraints in a finite number of iterations. As a result the method may be converted towards the end of the process to a conjugate direction, quasi-Newton or Newton's method, and achieve the attendant superlinear convergence rate. As an example we propose some quadratically convergent combinations of the method with Newton's method. Such combined methods appear to be very efficient for large-scale problems with many simple constraints such as those often appearing in optimal control.
Unified steady-state model and DC analysis of half-bridge DC-DC converters with current doubler rectifier

Half-bridge DC-DC converter with a current doubler rectifier is suited for low-voltage high-current on-board DC-DC converters. In this paper, a unified steady-state model for both asymmetric and symmetric half-bridge DC-DC converter is derived, and the converter DC solution is obtained. Based on the steady-state solution, several issues, such as inductor current sharing and transformer DC bias of magnetizing current, are addressed. In addition, a series of design rules resulting from mathematical analysis are discussed. The analysis is verified by simulation and experimental results.
Semiconducting Cyanide–Transition‐Metal Nanotubes

We propose a new type of structurally simple and energetically stable cyanide-transition-metal nanotube, based on the planar structure of M(CN)2, (M = Ni, Pd, Pt). These nanotubes have a semiconducting character with a large bandgap (2-3 eV) that is insensitive to chirality and diameter. The energetic, electronic, and mechanical properties of these materials in both planar and tubular forms are studied through first-principles density functional theory calculations. The calculations reveal interesting multicenter bonding features, which should lead to preferential growth of tubes of a particular chirality. These intrinsically semiconducting nanotubes can be readily p- or n-doped, which makes them good candidates for nanoscale elements in electronic devices.
Evaluation of three growth factors in combinations of two for temporomandibular joint disc tissue engineering

Tissue engineering of the temporomandibular joint disc could be a great value in treatments that require discectomy. Potential benefit has been found in the use of three growth factors: insulin-like growth factor-I, basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta1 in maintaining disc-like tissue in culture. In the present study, these three growth factors were combined in pairs and tested at two different concentrations over a 6-week period. All combinations of the growth factors appear to be beneficial since only three-quarters of the control constructs (without growth factors) retained mechanical integrity, compared with the majority of constructs exposed to growth factors. Importantly, the concentrations of the presented growth factors had a significant impact on the cellularity of constructs at Week 6. When a high concentration of the two growth factors was used, at least twice as many cells remained in the constructs compared with controls.
Technical desiderata for the integration of genomic data into Electronic Health Records

Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted Highlights? Molecular sequence data will be an important component of EHRs. ? The volume and complexity of the data are key features. ? Desiderata for representing this data in EHRs are presented. ? A technical approach to its efficient representation is offered. The era of "Personalized Medicine," guided by individual molecular variation in DNA, RNA, expressed proteins and other forms of high volume molecular data brings new requirements and challenges to the design and implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). In this article we describe the characteristics of biomolecular data that differentiate it from other classes of data commonly found in EHRs, enumerate a set of technical desiderata for its management in healthcare settings, and offer a candidate technical approach to its compact and efficient representation in operational systems.
Stationary pattern adaptation and the early components in human visual evoked potentials

Pattern-onset visual evoked potentials were elicited from humans by sinusoidal gratings of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 cpd (cycles/degree) following adaptation to a blank field or one of the gratings. The wave forms recorded after blank field adaptation showed an early positive component, P0, which decreased in amplitude with spatial frequency, whereas the immediately succeeding negative component, N1, increased in amplitude with spatial frequency. P0 and N1 components of comparable size were recorded at 1 cpd. Stationary pattern adaptation to a grating of the same spatial frequency as the test grating significantly reduced N1 amplitude at 4, 2 and 1 cpd. The N1 component elicited at 4 cpd was attenuated in log-linear fashion as the spatial frequency of the adaptation grating increased. P0, on the other hand, was unaffected by stationary pattern adaptation at all combinations of test and adapting spatial frequencies, although P0 amplitude is known to be attenuated by adaptation to a drifting grating. Since N1, but not P0, was significantly attenuated following adaptation and testing at 1 cpd, it was concluded that the neurons generating these components are functionally distinct. The use of a common adaptation grating discounted the possibility that N1, but not P0, was affected due to a difference in the rates of retinal image modulation caused by eye movements made while viewing adaptation gratings of different spatial frequencies. The neurons generating N1 were adapted at a lower rate of retinal image modulation than that apparently required for adaptation of the neurons generating P0, which suggests a difference between these neurons in the rate of stimulus modulation necessary for activation.
Rapid Purification and Mass Spectrometric Characterization of Mitochondrial NADH Dehydrogenase (Complex I) from Rodent Brain and a Dopaminergic Neuronal Cell Line

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction signify important biochemical events associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). Studies using in vitro and in vivo PD models or tissues from diseased patients have demonstrated a selective inhibition of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I of the OXPHOS electron transport chain) that affects normal mitochondrial physiology leading to neuronal death. In an earlier study, we demonstrated that oxidative stress due to glutathione depletion in dopaminergic cells, a hallmark of PD, leads to Complex I inhibition via cysteine thiol oxidation (Jha et al. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 26096-26101). Complex I is a approximately 980-kDa multimeric enzyme spanning the inner mitochondrial membrane comprising at least 45 protein subunits. As a prerequisite to investigating modifications to Complex I using a rodent disease model for PD, we developed two independent rapid and mild isolation procedures based on sucrose gradient fractionation and immunoprecipitation to isolate Complex I from mouse brain and a cultured rat mesencephalic dopaminergic neuronal cell line. Both protocols are capable of purifying Complex I from small amounts of rodent tissue and cell cultures. Blue Native gel electrophoresis, one-dimensional and two-dimensional SDS-PAGE were employed to assess the purity and composition of isolated Complex I followed by extensive mass spectrometric characterization. Altogether, 41 of 45 rodent Complex I subunits achieved MS/MS sequence coverage. To our knowledge, this study provides the first detailed mass spectrometric analysis of neuronal Complex I proteins and provides a means to investigate the role of cysteine oxidation and other posttranslational modifications in pathologies associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.