cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nectin ectodomain structures reveal a canonical adhesive interface

Nectins are immunoglobulin superfamily glycoproteins that mediate intercellular adhesion in many vertebrate tissues. Homophilic and heterophilic interactions between nectin family members help mediate tissue patterning. We determined the homophilic binding affinities and heterophilic specificities of all four nectins and the related protein nectin-like 5 (Necl-5) from human and mouse, revealing a range of homophilic interaction strengths and a defined heterophilic specificity pattern. To understand the molecular basis of their adhesion and specificity, we determined the crystal structures of natively glycosylated full ectodomains or adhesive fragments of all four nectins and Necl-5. All of the crystal structures revealed dimeric nectins bound through a stereotyped interface that was previously proposed to represent a cis dimer. However, conservation of this interface and the results of targeted cross-linking experiments showed that this dimer probably represents the adhesive trans interaction. The structure of the dimer provides a simple molecular explanation for the adhesive binding specificity of nectins.
Effect of perfluorochemicals on BCNU chemotherapy: preliminary study in a rat brain tumor model.

Abstract This preliminary study was undertaken to identify the combined efficacy of perfluorochemicals (Fluosol-43) and a chemotherapeutic agent (BCNU) in a rat brain tumor model. The brain tumor model was produced by the intracerebral transplantation of C6 rat glioma cells. Fluosol-43 plus BCNU in an oxygen environment produced a significant prolongation of mean survival time compared to that of BCNU treatment alone. Per-fluorochemicals (Fluosol-43) seem to have some synergistic effect on BCNU chemotherapy for this brain tumor model.
Increased doses of clopidogrel or aspirin did not prevent cardiovascular events

Source Citation CURRENT-OASIS 7 Investigators, Mehta SR, Bassand JP, et al. Dose comparisons of clopidogrel and aspirin in acute coronary syndromes. N Engl J Med. 2010;363:930-42. 20818903
Boundary Objects with Agency: A Method for Studying the Design–Use Interface

The design and use of information technologies are not as easily separated as they may seem. Designers have much at stake in the use of their software, while users are greatly influenced by the design of the software that they use. In this article, I explore the complex relationships built up between the designers and users of human anatomy simulations, including processes of cooperation and conflict. I develop and apply a three-step process for studying the design and use of a software product in its social context. First, it is important to focus on the social worlds of designers and users that influence the development of the technology. Next, the emphasis shifts to the technology itself, which can be viewed as a boundary object emerging from the intersection of the contributing social worlds. Finally, the technology exhibits agency by reshaping the relationships and interactions among the contributing social worlds.
Welfare to what? A policy agenda.

Abstract The Ohio Works First Program went into effect on October 1, 1997. In October 2000 the first round of individuals will be terminated from receiving cash assistance due to passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers/hindrances to self-sufficiency among a selected sample of welfare consumers. Describing a portion of those who are in a self-sufficiency program in Northeast Ohio, the study indicates specific obstacles to self-sufficiency such as unemployment and underemployment, transportation, housing, child care, self-efficacy, and county sanctions. Recommendations for policy makers along with a policy agenda and recommendations for service agencies are included.
Lysosomal Ca(2+) stores in bovine corneal endothelium.

Purpose Acidic organelles, including Golgi bodies and lysosomes, are known to operate as Ca(2+) storage sites in many cell types. This study demonstrates the presence of Ca(2+) stores in lysosomes of bovine corneal endothelial cells (BCECs) and examines their interaction with Ins(1,4,5)P(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) stores. Methods Glycyl-L-phenylalanine-beta-naphthylamide (GPN) was used to release Ca(2+) from lysosomes by inducing their selective osmotic swelling. Ca(2+) released into the cytoplasm was measured with fura-2 or fura-PE3 fluorescent dyes. Fluorescence of acridine orange (AO), which selectively sequesters into acidic organelles, was used to establish swelling of lysosomes in response to GPN. Results Exposure to GPN (100-200 microM) in cultured BCECs produced an increase in free cytosolic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) equivalent to approximately 79% of the peak response to uridine triphosphate (UTP), a P2Y agonist (n = 19). The endothelium of the freshly isolated cornea also produced [Ca(2+)](i) transients similar to those in cultured BCECs; however, the peak [Ca(2+)](i) increase was smaller ( approximately 43% of the peak response to UTP; n = 13). In cultured BCECs, the response to UTP was unaffected by pretreatment with GPN with extracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](o)) at 0 and 1.2 mM (n = 10). Neither pretreatment with thapsigargin (5 microM) nor with U73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor; 10 microM) blocked the peak GPN response (n = 6). Exposure to 20 microM monensin produced a [Ca(2+)](i) increase with [Ca(2+)](o) at 0 and 1.2 mM and also reduced the subsequent peak response to GPN (n = 6). Conclusions GPN-sensitive lysosomal Ca(2+) stores, distinct from Ins(1,4,5)P(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) stores, are found in both cultured cells and fresh tissue. These stores are susceptible to depletion by the loss of the pH gradient across lysosomes and P2 agonists. The latter occurs through mechanisms independent of phospholipase C (PLC) activation or Ins(1,4,5)P(3). The GPN stores also induce [Ca(2+)](o) influx in response to their depletion.
Restoration of Fractured Anterior Teeth with Ultraviolet-Light-Polymerized Bonding Materials: A New Technique

A new restorative material that is polymerized by ultraviolet light is used with a fissure sealant to restore fractured anterior teeth. Tooth structure is not removed in this technique; the fracture site is only cleaned.. After application of a medicament on teeth with near or overt pulp exposures, the fissure sealant is applied and extended to the fractured enamel edge. Enamel surfaces are acid-conditioned and another layer of the sealant is applied. For teeth with near or overt pulp exposures, the placement of the restorative material can be delayed. When the material is placed, it is featheredged to the border of the fissure sealant to provide a leakproof margin. Because the restorative material is shaped before it is polymerized, lengthy finishing procedures are not necessary.
Impacting System Design with Human Performance Modeling and Experiment: Another Success Story

In this study, task-network models using the Improved Performance Research Integration Tool were built to predict the mental workload and performance of the crew of a conceptual mounted combat vehicle. The modeling project analyzed which crewmember, if any, should be allocated the functions of controlling robotic assets in addition to standard mission functions similar to present tank crew missions. In order to further investigate issues derived from the modeling project and to verify its analytical results, a simulation experiment was conducted to examine the mental workload and performance of the combined position of robotics operator and gunner. The results of this experiment were consistent with the predictions generated by the modeling analysis. The modeling and experimental data have successfully contributed to modifications in the design concept for the modeled platform as well as its crewmember function allocations. Language: en
Validation of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children Comparing Anglo and Mexican-American Preschoolers:

The concurrent validity of the recently developed Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) was assessed by comparing it with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) ...
PROPERTIES OF ECHELLE SPECTROGRAPHS: THE TRANSITION FROM 4-M TELESCOPES TO VERY LARGE TELESCOPES

One of the goals of this conference is to discuss the range of characteristics that a high dispersion spectrograph must have to allow astronomers to work on the exciting scientific problems that will be done with very large telescopes. Most echelle work in the last two decades has been done at resolutions of ~2000 and it is anticipated that most future work will be done at resolutions near 5000. The expected designs for echelle spectrographs will not be ideal for most radial velocity work, where the detector noise and dark count will compromise the typical low signal-to-noise spectra used for velocity measurements.
Employability: A psycho-social construct, its dimensions, and applications

Abstract We examine the idea that an individual’s employability subsumes a host of person-centered constructs needed to deal effectively with the career-related changes occurring in today’s economy. We argue that employability represents a form of work specific (pro)active adaptability that consists of three dimensions—career identity, personal adaptability, and social and human capital. Reciprocal relationships among these dimensions are also discussed. The impact of employability on organizational behavior is illustrated through applications to the research literatures on job loss and job search.
Electronically induced lattice instabilities in b.c.c. Zr

Abstract Electronically induced lattice instabilities in metals are discussed by means of an accurate determination of the generalized susceptibility function, χ ( q ), from a KKR band structure and Fermi surface determined for b.c.c. Zr. We describe how the detailed behavior of χ ( q ) for b.c.c. Zr may be related to the omega phase upon alloying with Nb or upon application of pressure to the b.c.c. lattice.
Effects of insecticides on emergence, survival, longevity, and fecundity of the parasitoid Diaeretiella rapae (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) from mummified Myzus persicae (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Five insecticides were tested in the laboratory for their effects on emergence of Diaeretiella rapae (M’Intosh) from mummified Myzus persicae (Sulzer). Diazinon was the most toxic insecticide followed in descending order by malathion, permethrin, methomyl, and acephate. Based on concentration/mortality regressions, recommended field rates of diazinon and malathion should inhibit emergence by 100 and 82%, respectively, while the remaining insecticides should have no adverse effects on emergence. At recommended field rates, acephate and permethrin significantly reduced survival of D. rapae adults for the first day after emergence, but methomyl did not. After the first day, acephate, permethrin, and methomyl had no significant effects on longevity and fecundity of surviving females.
Ab initio kinetic prediction of branching rate constants for reactions of H atoms with CH3O and CH2OH

The ground electronic state potential energy surfaces of the title reactions have been studied at the CCSD(T)/6-311 + G(3df, 2p) level of theory with the geometric parameters optimized at the CCSD/6-311 + G(3df, 2p) level of theory. The direct hydrogen abstraction channels and the indirect association/decomposition channels from the chemically activated methanol molecule have been considered. The barriers for the direct hydrogen abstraction processes in CH3O + H and CH2OH + H are predicted to be 0.11 and 2.2 kcal mol−1, respectively. The rate constants for decomposition of the internally excited CH3OH following the barrierless association reactions have been calculated by micro-canonical VTST/RRKM theory for all accessible product channels. The individual rate constants for the formation of CH2O + H2, predicted to occur primarily by the direct abstraction processes, are in good agreement with the available experimental data in the literature; however, the predicted total rate constants for both title reac...
Fungal Mucoceles of the Sphenoid Sinus

Objective: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that fungal mucoceles of the sphenoid sinus do not necessarily require an external approach for eradication of disease. We report 6 cases of fungal mucoceles of the sphenoid sinus seen at UCLA Medical Center from 1980-1999, 4 of which were successfully treated with endoscopic intranasal sphenoidotomy and the other 2 through either a transseptal or transantral approach. Study Design and Methods: Case series. The medical records of 6 patients with fungal mucoceles of the sphenoid sinus treated at UCLA Medical Center over a 20-year period (1980-1999) were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Six patients diagnosed with fungal mucoceles of the sphenoid sinus were seen at UCLA Medical Center from 1980-1999. Endoscopic intranasal sphenoid sinusotomy was performed on 4 patients and a transseptal or transantral approach to the sphenoid sinus was used on the remaining 2 patients. No evidence of recurrent disease has been seen after up to 15 years of follow-up. Conclusions: When diagnosed early, functional endoscopic intranasal sphenoidotomy represents an effective mode of treatment for patients with fungal mucoceles of the sphenoid sinus, obviating the need for more aggressive surgical approaches.
Use of fructose-2,6-diphosphate to assay for phosphofructokinase activity in human muscle

Abstract Objective: Use fructose-2,6-diphosphate (fru-2,6-P 2 ) for measuring phosphofructokinase (PFK) activity in muscles. Design and Methods: PFK activity was measured at 2 mmol/L MgCl 2 and 5 mmol/L adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (mol/L MgCl 2 :mol/L ATP 0.4) without and with fru-2,6-P 2 . Results: Human muscle extracts had little PFK activity when assayed at mol/L MgCl 2 :mol/L ATP of 0.4 to 0.78 without fru-2,6-P 2 ; 1.83 ± 0.91 units/g muscle. Addition of fru-2,6-P 2 produced an immediate 20- to 57-fold increase in activity; 52.8 ± 12.5 units/g muscle. Raising the mol/L ratio of MgCl 2 to ATP to 0.87 and higher without fru-2,6-P 2 produced 34%–76% of the PFK activity seen with fru-2,6-P 2 . A PFK deficiency patient had a trace of activity, which has independent of mol/L MgCl 2 :mol/L ATP and not activated by fru-2,6-P 2 . Conclusion: The almost complete absence of activity without fru-2,6-P 2 at 0.40 mol/L MgCl 2 :mol/L ATP, and the restoration of maximum activity by fru-2,6-P 2 provides an assay for verified PFK activity that could lead to a more accurate diagnosis in patients with PFK deficiency.
Cellular immunity to heterotopic corneal allografts in the rat.

Although the immune nature of corneal allograft rejection has been recognized for over thirty years, the specific mechanisms involved in such reactions remain obscure. We investigated the cellular immune responses of PVG (RT1c) rats that were grafted with fully allogeneic ACI (RT1a) skin, ACI cornea, or PVG cornea to the chest wall or given sham grafts. Cell-mediated lymphocytotoxicity (CML) was tested at 10 days posttransplant by placing recipient spleen cells in culture with irradiated ACI stimulator cells, and six days later measuring specific lysis of 51Cr-labeled target lymphoblasts at several effector-to-target ratios. Effector cells from animals receiving allogeneic skin or cornea grafts lysed targets from the donor (ACI) strain at levels significantly (P less than 0.01) above those obtained using effectors from control (sham grafted or syngeneic corneal graft recipient) animals. Significant lysis was also seen using target cells from PVG.1A (RT1a) or PVG.R1 (RT1r1) congenic rats, which differ from recipients only at the RT1 complex and the RT1.A (class I antigen) region, respectively. Stimulator cells from PVG.1A and PVG.R1 animals also permitted detection of specific responses in secondary CML, but syngeneic PVG stimulators did not, indicating that in vitro restimulation of effector cells can be met by using stimulator cells bearing only allogeneic class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens. These results indicate that corneal allografts evoke specific cellular immune responses in the rat, and that class I MHC antigens act as effective targets for these responses.
Analysis of passive millimeter-wave imagery texture for enhanced aircraft obstacle avoidance

It has been demonstrated that passive MMW imagers can be used to detect obstacles through the fog, such as treelines and hillsides, which might be encountered in the path of a low-flying aircraft. However, the brightness temperature contrast between the horizon sky and the obstacle can often be quite small in foggy conditions, on the order of 5 K or less. Reliable detection of this contrast without image processing requires a passive MMW imager with a Δ-T min of about 0.2 K, which is quite challenging for existing 30-Hz imagers. While improvements in passive MMW imagers continue, it is useful to look at image analysis techniques that have the potential to improve obstacle detection by increasing the amount of information extracted from each image frame. In this paper we look at the ways that texture can be used to extract more information from the imagery. By merging textural information with the brightness temperature contrast information, there is the potential to enhance the detection of objects within the scene. The data used for the analysis presented here is 93-GHz, passive imagery of a deciduous treeline scene and a concrete building scene. The data were taken from the roof of a 4-story building to simulate the view of a low-flying aircraft. The data were collected over many months with an ARL-built Stokes-vector radiometer. This radiometer is a single-beam system that raster scans over a scene to collect a calibrated 93-GHz image. Texture measurement results for image segment samples, including autocorrelation and spatial edgeness, are presented in this work. Also presented are the effects of applying a modified Sobel edge detection technique to imagery with the least detectable obstacles.
Vectorized 3D microstructure for finite element simulations

Abstract Microstructure based forming models using statistically representative microstructural input provide the most accurate predictions for early localization and failure during complex forming operations. However, the sheer size and complexity of the three dimensional (3D) microstructural data from real materials makes it hard to implement that data in current finite element models. In this report, a technique to create a vectorized 3D microstructure suitable for input into finite element codes is developed and applied to represent the distribution of particles of different phases found in continuous cast (CC) AA5754 sheets, which tend to have heterogeneous particle distributions with particles of several phases in different shapes and sizes (from 0.2 μm to 10 μm) and distributed at random, in stringers and along the “centerline”. The technique consists of a 3D reconstruction of the true microstructure by performing serial sections and conversion of the 3D raster image to the vector image. A 3D mesh is generated automatically using Unigraphics and Hypermesh from real particle field measurements, which can be imported to any FE code. The vectorized microstructure is validated by comparison with the reconstructed images of particle distribution data.
Selected correlates of the stigma associated with mental illness.

(1968). Selected Correlates of the Stigma Associated with Mental Illness. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 74, No. 1, pp. 103-110.
The Titius-Bode Law and the Possibility of Recent Large Scale Evolution in the Solar System

Abstract Although it is by no means clear that the Titius-Bode law of planetary distances is indeed a “law” (even though there are enticing indications), it is proposed that if one assumes that the law is a “law” and that the planets obey it, then this argues against recent large-scale evolution in the solar system. Put another way: one can believe in the Titius-Bode law or in recent large-scale evolution or in neither of them. But it appears difficult to believe in both of them.
Presence of sarcoma genome in a "non-infectious" mammalian virus.

Virus particles, antigenically related to mouse sarcoma virus, can be induced from hamster tumour cells. They are “defective” in their failure to replicate in or transform hamster, mouse or rat cells, although they contain viral-specific RNA and, with “helper” mouse leukaemia virus, show sarcomagenic activity.
Investigation of basic imaging properties in digital radiography. 9. Effect of displayed grey levels on signal detection

Results of an 18‐alternative forced‐choice experiment have shown that observers were capable of detecting a signal with a contrast of 1 in terms of 10‐bit data which were displayed on a CRT monitor with an 8‐bit video generator and a window width setting of 1024. We investigated the conditions under which 10‐bit signal data can be detected when displayed using an 8‐bit video generator. Results show that the 10‐bit digital quantum noise, which was approximately Gaussian distributed, can act as a carrier of the signal data, thus allowing a signal having a contrast of a fraction of a displayed grey level to be detected. We demonstrate the relationship between the rms value of the digital noise (obtainable with a clinical digital subtraction angiography system under various exposure levels), the number of bits available in the display video generator, and the ‘‘transmitted’’ signal contrast displayed on the CRT monitor.
Enhanced anaerobic benzene degradation with the addition of sulfate

Abstract Potential mechanisms for stimulating anaerobic benzene degradation in methanogenic sediments from a petroleum‐contaminated aquifer were evaluated. In short‐term ( 100 days) incubations, sulfate significantly stimulated benzene degradation with a complete shift to carbon dioxide as the end product of benzene degradation. The addition of Fe(III) and humic substances had short‐term and long‐term effects that were similar to the effects of the sulfate amendments. In studies in which anaerobic groundwater was pumped through columns of aquifer sediments, addition of sulfate to the groundwater significantly enhanced the removal of benzene from the groundwater. The stoichiometry of sulfate and benzene removal from the groundwater passing through the sediment columns was consistent with benzene oxidation t...
Is Transformative Learning the Trojan Horse of Western Globalization

This article raises a number of questions intended to disrupt the “banking process” that now characterizes how the ideas of Freire, Dewey, and critical pedagogy theorists are passed on to the next ...
Unexpected reactivity of Rh(TPP)I(CO) toward an alkoxide in CH2Cl2: synthesis and crystal structure of Rh(TPP)(CH2Cl).

Rh(TPP)I(CO) (TPP = tetraphenylporphyrin dianion) reacts with OR- (R = Me, Et) in CH2Cl2 under CO to yield Rh(TPP)(CH2Cl). The proposed mechanism includes displacement of I- by OR-, reductive elimi...
Degradation problems in II-VI compounds

The lifetime problems of II–VIs have been attributed to ionicity, weak bonding, rapid self-diffusion and low resistance to dislocation motion; this motion is probably similar in most II–VIs and III–Vs, except for nitrides. This is believed fundamental by some, but we believe another explanation, “dislocation encapsulation”, caused by Al diffusion around the dislocation at the high T of nitride growth. This creates a layer of higher Eg material, “encapsulating” the dislocations, and repelling carriers. This process might be applied to II–VI heterostructures by annealing. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
LINQ: reconciling object, relations and XML in the .NET framework

Many software applications today need to handle data from different data models; typically objects from the host programming language along with the relational and XML data models. The ROX impedance mismatch makes programs awkward to write and hard to maintain.The .NET Language-Integrated Query (LINQ) framework, proposed for the next release of the .NET framework, approaches this problem by defining a pattern of general-purpose standard query operators for traversal, filter, and projection. Based on this pattern, any .NET language can define special query comprehension syntax that is subsequently compiled into these standard operators (our code examples are in VB).Besides the general query operators, the LINQ framework also defines two domain specific APIs that work over XML (XLinq) and relational data (DLinq) respectively. The operators over XML use a lightweight and easy to use in-memory XML representation to provide XQuery-style expressiveness in the host programming language. The operators over relational data provide a simple OR mapping by leveraging remotable queries that are executed directly in the back-end relational store.
Strain Among Caregivers of Youth Designated as Seriously Emotionally Disturbed: Do Place of Residence and Race Matter?:

To what extent might race and where one lives at service start in Monroe County, New York, influence three dimensions of caregiver strain among those caring for a youth designated as having serious emotional disturbance? We used the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire to measure our outcomes: subjective internalizing strain—negative feelings of guilt and worry associated with having a child with behavioral and emotional problems; subjective externalizing strain—negative feelings about the child such as anger or embarrassment; and objective strain—interruption of personal time, lost work time, and/or financial strain in four geographical areas (place of residence) defined by ZIP code. These places included Low Income Urban (median ZIP code household income less than $39,000), High Income Urban (median ZIP code household income greater than or equal to $39,000), Suburban, and Rural.We found that place at service start and time predicted caregiver strain levels (though time was the only predictor for externalizin...
Management of continuous descent approach during interval management operation

This paper reports on the performance and workload of pilots participating in a human-in-the-loop simulation of interval management operations during a continuous descent approach (CDA) into Louisville International Airport (SDF). The experiment examined variations in pilot roles and responsibilities in an implementation of interval management automation. The roles and responsibility manipulation showed that whether pilots were instructed to follow speed guidance strictly, or to exercise their own judgment, had no effect on workload and only a small effect on interval management performance. However, requiring the pilots to manually enter speeds into the autopilot, rather than having the automation automatically update the autopilot, frequently led to poorer energy management, and higher spacing interval errors at the final approach fix, even in the conditions where pilots were instructed to strictly follow speed guidance. This finding was traced to poorer compliance with the automated speed guidance, lack of awareness of this poor compliance, and insufficient awareness of the energy state of the aircraft. These results suggest that some form of energy guidance may be needed to augment interval management. To do this, recommendations were made for integrating the spacing interval management automation with near-term or far-term energy management systems. Workload measurement showed that, when pilots were required to maneuver to avoid en route weather, the manual conditions resulted in an increase in workload, although the overall level would still be considered low under normal circumstances.
Effects of Handling and Storage Systems on Manure Value

MANURE samples and management data were collected from 43 North Dakota cooperators and three North Dakota State University facilities. Most of the samples were collected as the manure was being pumped for land application. The samples were analyzed to determine the solids concentration, fertilizer nutrients, and other chemical components. The results were compared to published data and found to vary by as much as 100% for some nutrients. The variation appeared to relate to the housing-handling system and management programs. Manure characteristics, except K20, were not found to be closely related to rations fed to the animals. The data should be useful in planning manure handling for livestock operations in North Dakota and other areas using similar management and housing systems.
Characterization of vaccinia virus particles using microscale silicon cantilever resonators and atomic force microscopy

Abstract Rapid means of characterizing and detecting virus particles are very important for a wide variety of applications. We have used vaccinia virus, a member of the Poxviridae virus family and the basis of the smallpox vaccine, as the test case and characterized these particles using atomic force microscopy and micron-scale cantilever beams, with the long-term goal of developing devices for the direct rapid detection of air-borne virus particles. The cantilever beams, driven by thermal noise and a PZT piezoelectric ceramic, served as resonating sensors to measure the mass of these virus particles. Two different size cantilevers were used, with dimensions of 21 μm × 9 μm and 6 μm × 4 μm. All cantilevers measured approximately 200 nm in thickness. The resonant frequency spectra of the cantilevers were measured using a microscope scanning laser Doppler vibrometer before and after the addition of virus particles, and scanning electron micrographs were taken in order to quantify the number of virus particles attached to the cantilevers. The change in resonant frequency as a function of the number of adsorbed virus particles was the basis of the mass detection scheme. We have measured the average mass of a single vaccinia virus particle to be 12.4 ± 1.3 fg and 7.9 ± 4.6 fg, obtained from the larger and smaller cantilever beams, respectively, which is in the expected range of 5–10 fg. The measurable mass sensitivity of cantilevers driven by the piezoelectric ceramic is found to be an order of magnitude greater than the sensitivity of cantilevers driven by thermal noise. These cantilever structures can be integral parts of biosensors for the detection of airborne virus particles.
Comparison and visualization of focusing wave fields from various time reversal techniques in elastic media

This Letter presents a series of time reversal experiments conducted on the surface of a fused silica glass block. Four different time reversal techniques are compared using three different imaging conditions. The techniques include two classical time reversal experiments: one with a pulse waveform source and one with an impulse response generated from a chirp signal. The other two techniques utilize the deconvolution, or inverse filter, signal processing methods for obtaining the signals to back propagate using a pulse waveform and an impulse response from a chirp. The max-in-time, symmetry, and energy current imaging conditions are compared.
Reduced mortality with noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring of shock.

Purpose: This study compared clinical outcomes associated with exposure to pulmonary artery catheters (PACs), central venous catheters (CVCs), arterial pressure waveform analysis for cardiac output (APCO), or no central monitoring (NCM) in patients with shock. Materials and Methods: We assessed 6929 consecutive patients from 2003 to 2006 within a surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital, identifying 237 mechanically ventilated patients with shock. Results: Adjusted for severity of illness, use of APCO monitoring, compared with other options, was associated with reduced intensive care unit mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18-0.77) and 28-day mortality (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.22-0.85). Other monitors were not associated with changes of 28-day mortality (CVC: OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.34-1.17; PAC: OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.36-1.69) or were associated with increased risk (NCM: OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.14-4.61). There were significant differences in the fluid and vasoactive drug prescriptions among the groups. Conclusions: This study supports an association between the use of APCO monitoring and reduction in mortality in shock compared with traditional methods of monitoring. Although it is impossible to exclude the role of unrecognized/unrecorded differences among the groups, these findings may result from differences in supportive care, directed by monitor technology.
Pemoline Therapy Resulting in Liver Transplantation

OBJECTIVE:To describe a case of pemoline-induced liver failure resulting in liver transplantation.CASE SUMMARY:A 9-year-old white boy, diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and treated with pemoline, developed signs and symptoms of liver failure. Pemoline therapy was discontinued, but the patient's liver function continued to decline. Ultimately, a liver transplantation was required.DISCUSSION:Pemoline, an agent used in ADHD treatment, has been associated with hepatotoxicity with the majority of cases occurring in pediatric patients. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of pemoline-induced liver failure resulting in liver transplantation. The mechanism of action remains unclear, with several hypotheses being postulated including hypersensitivity reactions, dose-related phenomena, and autoimmune-mediated reactions.CONCLUSIONS:With increasing evidence linking pemoline to liver failure, this agent should not be considered first-line therapy for ADHD. Prior to initiating...
Analysis of mtDNA, miR-155 and BACH1 expression in hearts from donors with and without Down syndrome

AbstractCancer patients with Down syndrome (DS) are at increased risk for anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations in hearts with-DS may contribute to anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity. Cardiac mtDNA and the mtDNA4977 deletion were quantitated in samples with- (n = 11) and without-DS (n = 31). Samples with-DS showed 30% lower mtDNA (DSMT-ND1/18Sratio: 1.48 ± 0.72 versus non-DSMT-ND1/18Sratio: 2.10 ± 1.59; p = 0.647) and 30% higher frequency of the mtDNA4977 deletion (DS% frequency mtDNA4977 deletion: 0.0086 ± 0.0166 versus non-DS% frequency mtDNA4977 deletion: 0.0066 ± 0.0124, p = 0.514) than samples without-DS. The BACH1 and microRNA-155 (miR-155) genes are located in chromosome 21, and their products have demonstrated roles during oxidative stress. BACH1 and miR-155 expression did not differ in hearts with- and without-DS. An association between BACH1 and miR-155 expression was detected in hearts without-DS, suggesting alterations between BACH1-miR-155 interactions ...
The Debate Regarding the Better Business Bureau’s Commitment to Neutrality: An Analysis of Local Better Business Bureau Boards of Directors

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) states that it is a neutral party striving to serve equally the interests of both businesses and consumers. However, critics have alleged that the BBB’s policies an...
Analysis of Atmospheric Energy Transport in ERA-40 and Implications for Simple Models of the Mean Tropical Circulation

Abstract An analysis of atmospheric energy transport in 22 years (1980–2001) of the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) is presented. In the analyzed budgets, there is a large cancellation between divergences of dry static and latent energy such that the total energy divergence is positive over all tropical oceanic regions except for the east Pacific cold tongue, consistent with previous studies. The west Pacific and Indian Oceans are characterized by a balance between diabatic sources and mean advective energy export, with a small eddy contribution. However, in the central and eastern Pacific convergence zone, total energy convergence by the mean circulation is balanced by submonthly eddies, with a small diabatic source. Decomposing the mean advective tendency into terms due to horizontal and vertical advection shows that the spatial variation in the mean advection is due largely to variations in vertical advection; these variations are further attributed to variations in the vertical profile of the vertica...
Excited triplet — singlet intersystem crossing

Abstract The quantum yield for intersystem crossing from excited triplet states into the singlet manifold was estimated for several molecules by observing the fluorescence emission from the lowest excited singlet state which resuleted from photo-excitation of metastable triplet states. In all cases these quantum yields were very small.
Discovery of a Proneurogenic, Neuroprotective Chemical

SUMMARY An in vivo screen was performed in search of chemicals capable of enhancing neuron formation in the hippocampus of adult mice. Eight of 1000 small molecules tested enhanced neuron formation in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus. Among these was an aminopropyl carbazole, designated P7C3, endowed withfavorable pharmacological properties. In vivo studies gave evidence that P7C3 exerts its proneurogenic activity by protecting newborn neurons from apoptosis. Mice missing the gene encoding neuronal PAS domain protein 3 (NPAS3) are devoid of hippocampal neurogenesis and display malformation and electrophysiological dysfunction of the dentate gyrus. Prolonged administration of P7C3 to npas3 / mice corrected these deficits by normalizing levels of apoptosis of newborn hippocampal neurons. Prolonged administration of P7C3 to aged rats also enhanced neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus, impeded neuron death, and preserved cognitive capacity as a function of terminal aging.
Dynamic ft‐ir spectroscopy of polymer films and liquid crystals

The use of continuous-scan and step-scan Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic techniques to study the dynamics of the response of polymer films and liquid crystals to external perturbations is described here. The first application of dynamic stepscan FT-IR deals with the response of various polymer films to sinusoidally modulated tensile strain. In these experiments, a small amplitude sinusoidal stress is applied to a polymeric film and the transition dipole responses are monitored as a phase lag with respect to the external perturbation. The degree of deformation is small enough to cause only linear reversible responses to the sample. The main advantage of the technique is that it can provide valuable information at the molecular level that can be used to interpret the macroscopic properties of the polymeric material under investigation. Results for heterogeneous polymers include semicrystalline high density/low density polyethylene blends and the micro-phase separated copolymer Kratonr are presented. In addition, continuous-scan stroboscopic FT-IR was used to explore the submolecular (functional group) contributions to the reorientation dynamics of the liquid crystal director in response to pulsed (DC) electric fields. For the nematic liquid crystal molecules, 4-pentyl-4'-cyanobiphenyl (5CB) and 4-pentyl-4'-cyanophenylcyclohexane (5PCH), the individual response of the rigid and floppy parts was examined.
Pre-silicon security verification and validation: a formal perspective

Reusable hardware Intellectual Property (IP) based System-on-Chip (SoC) design has emerged as a pervasive design practice in the industry today. The possibility of hardware Trojans and/or design backdoors hiding in the IP cores has raised security concerns. As existing functional testing methods fall short in detecting unspecified (often malicious) logic, formal methods have emerged as an alternative for validation of trustworthiness of IP cores. Toward this direction, we discuss two main categories of formal methods used in hardware trust evaluation: theorem proving and equivalence checking. Specifically, proof-carrying hardware (PCH) and its applications are introduced in detail, in which we demonstrate the use of theorem proving methods for providing high-level protection of IP cores. We also outline the use of symbolic algebra in equivalence checking, to ensure that the hardware implementation is equivalent to its design specification, thus leaving little space for malicious logic insertion.
Damping of long-wavelength kinetic Alfvén fluctuations: Linear theory

[1] The full electromagnetic linear dispersion equation for kinetic Alfven fluctuations in a homogeneous, isotropic, collisionless, Maxwellian electron-proton plasma is solved numerically in the long-wavelength limit. At propagation sufficiently oblique to the background magnetic field Bo, the wave number dependence of the damping rate of such modes is summarized by an analytic expression which scales as k⊥2k∥ where the subscripts denote directions relative to Bo. This damping progressively (although not monotonically) increases with increasing electron and proton β, corresponding to four distinct damping regimes: nonresonant, electron Landau, proton Landau, and proton transit-time damping.
HIGH-TEMPERATURE BEHAVIOR OF BERYL AND BERYL MELTS AT HIGH PRESSURE.

The pressure dependence of the nonreversible thermal decomposition of natural beryl was examined between 15 and 50 kbars using the high-pressure “belt” apparatus. The principal products of decomposition are silica, phenacite, and chrysoberyl. As the pressure is increased the thermal stability of beryl decreases and the thermal stability of the decomposition products increases. Silica crystallizes from beryl melts as coesite at the higher pressures and as quartz at the lower pressures.
Free-electron lasers in ultraviolet photobiology

The potential uses for a free-electron laser (FEL), tunable in wavelength from 10 to 400 nm, for photobiological experiments is discussed. Inherent problems of cell and molecular absorption, especially in certain regions of the ultraviolet (UV), are addressed. Absorption values for living cells and viruses at selected wavelengths in the UV are tabulated, and a calculation of the flux needed to inactivate mammalian cells is included. A comparison is made of the UV output of a proposed rf-linac FEL with those of a monochromator, a tunable dye laser, and a synchrotron. The advantages of a UV FEL are apparent, especially in the wavelength regions where the cross section for absorption by biological molecules is low, i.e., 300 to 400 nm and 10 to 200 nm. It is apparent that a UV FEL would be an ideal source for a variety of biological studies that use both intact organisms and isolated cells and viruses.
Host-parasite relationships in experimental airborne tuberculosis. VI. Influence of vaccination with Bacille Calmette-Guérin on the onset and/or extent of hematogenous dissemination of virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis to the lungs.

Guinea pigs vaccinated with bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and unvaccinated guinea pigs were challenged by the respiratory route six weeks or six months after vaccination and sacrificed at various intervals after challenge. The six lobes of the lung were cultured separately, and the percentage of culture-positive lobes was calculated, as well as the log10 number of virulent bacilli recovered. The latter was subjected to an analysis of variance, which compared the fate of bacilli in the four largest lobes with the fate of those in the two smallest lobes. The results indicated no difference between the six-week and six-month intervals between vaccination and challenge. In the longer intervals between challenge and sacrifice, small numbers of secondary lesions could be seen on the lobes of the BCG-vaccinated animals. It was concluded that vaccination with BCG retarded the onset and/or reduced the extent of hematogenous dissemination of virulent mycobacteria to the lungs.
Analysis of Food Consumption Patterns in China: Nonparametric and Parametric Approaches

This study analyzes consumption patterns of seven major categories of food for Chinese urban households using both nonparametric and parametric approaches. Nonparametric analysis was conducted to ensure that the data were consistent with the underlying theory. For the parametric part, a flexible demand system that nests the “Almost Ideal Demand System” (AIDS) and the Translog demand system proposed by Lewbel (1989) was estimated, and the expenditure and price elasticities for several food categories were analyzed. Chinese provincial data from the Income and Expenditure Survey of Chinese Urban Households showed that Chinese consumers' consumption behavior is consistent with the microeconomic utility maximization assumptions. The parametric analysis shows that in China from 1985 to 1990, meats, fruits, and eggs had very high expenditure elasticities. Grains were a necessity for low-income provinces but were an inferior good for high-income provinces. The results are useful in understanding and predicting food consumption patterns in China and have implications for economic policy decision making.
Software systems engineering: the case of a new discipline

One of the hallmarks of the modern world is the creation of complex systems. The discipline of systems engineering is often utilised in this activity and, as many of these systems are also software-intensive, the discipline of software engineering becomes one of the critical technologies that must be utilised. In these cases, both disciplines address the same subject, the creation of complex software-intensive systems, albeit from different perspectives. In this paper, we examine the current state of each discipline, analyse and compare each along several dimensions, and conclude by presenting the case for a new discipline, software systems engineering, which combines the essential elements of both disciplines.
Dynamic Marketing Budgeting for Platform Firms: Theory, Evidence, and Application

Abstract Few studies address the marketing budgeting problems of platform firms operating in two-sided markets with cross-market network effects, such that demand from one customer group in the platform influences the demand from the other customer group. Yet such firms (e.g., newspapers whose customers are both subscribers and advertisers) are prevalent in the marketplace and invest significantly in marketing. To enable such firms to make effective marketing decisions, the authors delineate the desired features of a platform firm's marketing response model, specify a new response model, and validate it using market data from a local newspaper. The results show that the firm faces reinforcing cross-market effects, its demand from both groups depends on marketing investments, and the model exhibits good forecasting capability. The authors use the estimated response model to determine optimal marketing investments over a finite planning horizon and find that the firm should significantly increase its newsro...
Photonic crystal non-radiative dielectric waveguide

A non-radiative dielectric waveguide formed by a photonic crystal substrate is presented. Guidance is achieved by cutting an array of holes of size comparable to the guided wavelength into a substrate. In this paper a 16.5 GHz prototype is fabricated and guidance is demonstrated.
Tumor biology of helium and heavy ions

Abstract Using three different in vivo tumor systems, i.e. the EMT6 tumor, R1 rhabdomyosarcoma, and 9L gifosarcoma, significant increases in biologic effectiveness were noted in the Bragg peak portion of heavy ion beams as compared to the entrance or plateau region of these beams. The biological advantages of the carbon and neon beams, at least in the distal portions of the spread out Bragg peak, were similar to those seen previously for 15 MeV neutrons and reflected a marked reduction in OER compared to low LET irradiations. There was close agreement in the results of RBE and OER determinations for the different heavy ion beams for the three tumor systems using various assay methods.
INFLUENCE OF TURBIDITY CURRENTS UPON BASIN WATERS

Waters at the sill depths and near the bottoms of two basins off southern California were sampled in a grid pattern and analyzed for possible anomalies in temperature, salinity, and contents of oxygen, nutrients and suspended sediment due to turbidity currents. The only significantly anomalous patterns revealed were those of low salinity and high suspended sediment, atop a turbidity-current apron opposite the mouths of two submarine canyons. This water was probably emplaced by turbidity currents, and its presence here indicates that areal variations of bottom-water properties elsewhere warrant detailed studies.