cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of low-lying states in a doped CDW superconductor CuxTiSe2

Abstract A superconducting state has recently been observed by only a slight copper doping (∼4%) of the metallic 2D commensurate charge-density-wave (CDW) phase of titanium diselenide. We have employed high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) to probe the evolution of low-lying states, providing evidence that the CDW in the doped system is not due to Fermi surface nesting. With increasing copper concentration, we observe a significant rise of the chemical potential and a manifold of low-lying states at the top of the Fermi sea with increasing particle–hole asymmetry. These effects taken together contribute to destabilize the observed commensurate electronic, possibly, excitonic order in the vicinity of the superconducting doping in this system.
Kinetics of instabilities in electron-hold drops under microwave radiation

Under constant optical pumping and microwave excitation a large electron-hole drop (EHD) can heat considerably. The ratio $\frac{{T}_{\mathrm{carrier}}}{{T}_{\mathrm{lattice}}}$ depends on the intensity and frequency of the microwave field and on the drop radius. The rate equations governing the growth of a large EHD are solved under these conditions. It is shown that above both optical-pump and microwave-field thresholds the drop heats up to temperatures exceeding the critical temperature. An instability in the system is thus created and spikes in the electrical conductivity are expected.
Direct volume rendering of curvilinear volumes

Direct volume rendering can visualize sampled 3D scalar data as a continuous medium or extract features. However, it is generally slow. Furthermore, most algorithms for direct volume rendering have assumed rectilinear gridded data. This paper discusses methods for using direct volume rendering when the original volume is curvilinear, i.e., is divided into six-sided cells which are not necessarily equilateral hexahedra. One approach is to ray-cast such volumes directly. An alternative approach is to ray-cast such volumes directly. An alternative approach is to interpolate the sample volumes to a rectilinear grid, and use this regular volume for rendering. Advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches in terms of speed and image quality are explored.
Identification of Thermosensory and Olfactory Neuron-Specific Genes via Expression Profiling of Single Neuron Types

Most C. elegans sensory neuron types consist of a single bilateral pair of neurons, and respond to a unique set of sensory stimuli. Although genes required for the development and function of individual sensory neuron types have been identified in forward genetic screens, these approaches are unlikely to identify genes that when mutated result in subtle or pleiotropic phenotypes. Here, we describe a complementary approach to identify sensory neuron type-specific genes via microarray analysis using RNA from sorted AWB olfactory and AFD thermosensory neurons. The expression patterns of subsets of these genes were further verified in vivo. Genes identified by this analysis encode 7-transmembrane receptors, kinases, and nuclear factors including dac-1, which encodes a homolog of the highly conserved Dachshund protein [1]. dac-1 is expressed in a subset of sensory neurons including the AFD neurons and is regulated by the TTX-1 OTX homeodomain protein [2]. On thermal gradients, dac-1 mutants fail to suppress a cryophilic drive but continue to track isotherms at the cultivation temperature, representing the first genetic separation of these AFD-mediated behaviors. Expression profiling of single neuron types provides a rapid, powerful, and unbiased method for identifying neuron-specific genes whose functions can then be investigated in vivo.
Fibrinogen adsorption on three silica-based surfaces: conformation and kinetics.

Using AFM (atomic force microscopy) to probe protein conformation and arrangement, and TIRF (total internal reflectance fluorescence) to monitor kinetics, fibrinogen adsorption on three different silica-based surfaces was studied: the native oxide on silicon, acid-etched microscope slides, and acid-etched polished glass. The three are chemically similar, but the microscope slide is rougher and induces AFM tip instabilities that appear as high spots on the bare surface. Fibrinogen's conformation and transport-limited adsorption kinetics are found to be quantitatively similar on all three surfaces. Further, the number of adsorbed proteins in progressive AFM micrographs quantitatively match the coverages measured by TIRF during early adsorption. Surfaces appear full, via AFM, when adsorbed amounts are about an order of magnitude below their true saturation levels (via TIRF) because, above about 0.26 mg/m2, individual proteins cannot be discerned. The results demonstrate how the appearance of AFM micrographs...
Forward and Inverse Transformations between Cartesian and Channel-fitted Coordinate Systems for Meandering Rivers

The spatial referencing of river channels is complicated by their meandering planform, which dictates that Euclidean distance in a Cartesian reference frame is not an appropriate metric. Channel-fitted coordinate systems are thus widely used in application-oriented geostatistics as well as theoretical fluid mechanics, where flow patterns are described in terms of a streamwise axis s along the channel centerline and an axis n normal to that centerline. A means of transforming geographic (x, y) coordinates to their equivalents in the (s, n) space and vice versa is needed to relate the two frames of reference, and this paper describes a pair of transformation algorithms that are explicitly intended for reach-scale studies of modern rivers. The forward transformation from Cartesian to channel-fitted coordinates involves parametric description of the centerline using cubic splines, calculation of centerline normal vectors and curvature using results from differential geometry, and an efficient local search to find in-channel data points and compute their (s, n) coordinates. The inverse transformation finds the nearest vertices of a discretized centerline and uses a finite difference approximation to the streamwise rates of change of the centerline's Cartesian coordinates to obtain the geographic equivalent of a point in the (s, n) space. The performance of these algorithms is evaluated using: (i) field data from a gravel-bed river to examine the effects of initial centerline digitization and subsequent filtering; and (ii) analytically-defined centerlines and simulated coordinates to assess transformation accuracy and sensitivity to centerline curvature and discretization. Any discrepancy between a point's known coordinates in one frame of reference and the coordinates produced via transformation from the other coordinate system constitutes a transformation error, and our results indicate that these errors are 2–4% and 0.2–0.5% of the channel width for the field case and simulated centerlines, respectively. The primary sources of transformation error are the initial digitization of the centerline and the relationship between centerline curvature and discretization.
Agricultural by-products as granular activated carbons for adsorbing dissolved metals and organics

Surplus, low value agricultural by-products can be made into granular activated carbons (GACs) which are used in environmental remediation. This study characterized and evaluated GACs, made from these feedstocks, as effective removers of organics and metals from water. The by-products included soft lignocellulosics such as rice straw, soybean hull, sugarcane bagasse, peanut shell, and harder materials such as pecan and walnut shells. The softer materials were combined with a binder, molasses, to produce briquettes and pellets. The precursors were CO 2 - or steam-activated, and subsequent treatments included oxidation to enhance metal adsorption. Many of the GACs had acceptable physical GAC attributes, such as durability, for commercial usage. GACs made from pecan and walnut shells adsorbed higher levels of benzene, toluene, methanol, acetonitrile, acetone, and 1,4-dioxane from an aqueous mixture than commercial GACs. Neither CO 2 nor steam activation was particularly advantageous in enhancing metal adsorption. Oxidation using O 2 -N 2 gas increased metal adsorption while (NH 4 )S 2 O 8 solution did not. In a copper solution, oxidized GACs made from soybean hull had three to four times the Cu(II) adsorption capacity of metal-adsorbing, commercial GACs. Oxidized GACs made from soybean hull, sugarcane bagasse, peanut shell, and rice straw adsorbed from a mixture higher amounts of Pb(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II) than any commercial GACs. Commercial GACs adsorbed only Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II). The GACs made from the agricultural by-products have considerable potential for adsorption of organics and metals of environmental concern.
Prognostic determinants in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure in newborns.

Abstract Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is becoming an accepted therapeutic modality for newborn respiratory failure, but there is little information available regarding the prognostic determinants with this technique. One hundred thirty-five newborns treated with ECMO over a 4-year period were critically analyzed with regard to the influence that birth weight, gestational age, age at initiation of ECMO, best blood gases before ECMO, number of hours on ECMO, renal failure, intracerebral hemorrhage, and long-distance air transport had on survival. Infants with meconium aspiration and those undergoing long-distance transfer showed significant differences in blood gases before ECMO, with survivors having mote normal pH and carbon dioxide tension values. Intracerebral hemorrhage and renal failure that developed during ECMO were grave prognostic signs, with few survivors in either group. These data show that ability to ventilate patients before ECMO, giving normal carbon dioxide tension and pH values, is an important prognostic sign in infants with meconium aspiration and undergoing long-distance transfer for ECMO, whereas renal failure and intracerebral hemorrhage are usually lethal complications of ECMO. Each center performing ECMO should continually reevaluate this invasive technique and its results and complications.
Limit theorems arising from sequences of multinomial random vectors

Given a sequence of i.i.d. multinomial random vectors, each of the coordinates of the sum of the random vectors, multiplied by their respective indices in the sequence, is centered and normed by its conditional mean and conditional standard deviation, conditioned on the sum of the random vectors. Multivariate normal and χ2 limit distributions are then obtained. Further, limit distributions are determined for sequences of sums of certain diagonal affine transformations of triangular arrays of multinomial random vectors. These distributions involve those of the multivariate normal and the compound Poisson. Necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained for convergence to the multivariate normal distribution.
Culturally Responsive Training of Teacher Educators

Abstract Given that the numbers of culturally and/or linguistically diverse students being educated in U.S. public schools are growing immensely, teacher educators must take responsibility for preparing teacher candidates to work in today's diverse classrooms. This can be difficult, however, if teacher educators are not culturally responsive in their curricular content and pedagogy. Teacher educators could benefit from engaging in professional development in this area. In this article, we discuss the professional literature on culturally responsive higher education training. We focus on the intended outcomes of professional development, including faculty knowledge, skills, and dispositions, as well as activities to promote cultural responsiveness among teacher education faculty.
On Edgeworth Expansion and Moving Block Bootstrap for StudentizedM-Estimators in Multiple Linear Regression Models

This paper considers the multiple linear regression modelYi=xi?s+?i,i=i, ?, n, wherexi's are knownp×1 vectors,sis ap×1 vector of parameters, and?1,?2, ? are stationary, strongly mixing random variables. Letsndenote anM-estimator ofscorresponding to some score function?. Under some conditions on?,xi's and?i's, a two-term Edgeworth expansion for Studentized multivariateM-estimator is proved. Furthermore, it is shown that the moving block bootstrap is second-order correct for some suitable bootstrap analog of Studentizedsn.
Bile Reflux and the Gastric Mucosa: An Experimental Ferret Model

To study the effects of chronic bile reflux on the mammalian gastric mucosa, the ferret model was chosen for its practical aptitude and for its similarity to human gastric anatomy and physiology. A technique was first perfected for endoscopically directed gastric mucosal biopsy in the ferret. Subsequently, a surgical model of maximal enterogastric reflux (MR) and a control model of minimal reflux or “nonreflux” (NR) were developed. A stable population of 9 MR and 9 NR ferrets surviving 1–3 years has been established. All 18 animals, plus 6 nonoperative control animals, have undergone multiple repeat endoscopy and gastric biopsy without complication. The surgical and endoscopic techniques, with preliminary findings, are described.
Functional interactions of HIV-infection and methamphetamine dependence during motor programming

Methamphetamine (METH) dependence is frequently comorbid with HIV infection and both have been linked to alterations of brain structure and function. In a previous study, we showed that the brain volume loss characteristic of HIV infection contrasts with METH-related volume increases in striatum and parietal cortex, suggesting distinct neurobiological responses to HIV and METH (Jernigan et al., 2005). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has the potential to reveal functional interactions between the effects of HIV and METH. In the present study, 50 participants were studied in four groups: an HIV+ group, a recently METH-dependent group, a dually affected group, and a group of unaffected community comparison subjects. An fMRI paradigm consisting of motor sequencing tasks of varying levels of complexity was administered to examine blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) changes. Within all groups, activity increased significantly with increasing task complexity in large clusters within sensorimotor and parietal cortex, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and cingulate. The task complexity effect was regressed on HIV status, METH status, and the HIV×METH interaction term in a simultaneous multiple regression. HIV was associated with less complexity-related activation in striatum, whereas METH was associated with less complexity-related activation in parietal regions. Significant interaction effects were observed in both cortical and subcortical regions; and, contrary to expectations, the complexity-related activation was less aberrant in dually affected than in single risk participants, in spite of comparable levels of neurocognitive impairment among the clinical groups. Thus, HIV and METH dependence, perhaps through their effects on dopaminergic systems, may have opposing functional effects on neural circuits involved in motor programming.
Affinity-based chemical proteomic probe for dehydrogenases: fluorescence and visible binding assays in gels.

Abstract A catechol rhodanine (CR)-based privileged scaffold, tailored to dehydrogenase enzymes, has recently been reported. This scaffold was used as a template in a focused combinatorial library, designed using the NMR SOLVE methodology, to prepare potent (50–200 nM) biligand inhibitors for multiple dehydrogenases. It is reported here that this CR scaffold is also a fluorescent and visible probe for solution and in-gel (native) binding assays, making it a useful screening reagent for dehydrogenases, with applications as an affinity-based chemical proteomic probe. Initial application of this fluorescent CR probe was to dihydrodipicolinate reductase, an anti-infective drug target. The probe also shows in-gel binding affinity to two lactate dehydrogenase isozymes and to 1-deoxy- d -xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase, making it a generally useful in-gel staining reagent for multiple dehydrogenases. Because binding is noncovalent, such a reagent could be used in a displacement assay performed in a native gel, monitoring decrease in fluorescent band intensity. But, because the probe has the added function of serving as a privileged scaffold for dehydrogenase-targeted combinatorial libraries, it could also be used in a direct binding assay to screen for the highest-affinity biligand inhibitors that contain the fluorescent CR. Finally, the CR probe could be used as a stain in proteomic studies, to profile mixtures of proteins run on a native gel, to identify proteins that are likely to be dehydrogenases.
A high resolution spectrograph for the vacuum ultraviolet

Abstract The construction of a 21-foot Eagle mounting vacuum spectrograph employing a 30,000 line per inch concave grating is described. In this instrument, the slit is horizontal, the plateholder vertical, and both are displaced from the rowland plane. This arrangement, originally designed by Harrison, is quite convenient and simplifies evacuation problems. The bilateral slit can be adjusted without breaking the vacuum, and a movable diaphragm is provided for various purposes. The grating, newly ruled and blazed for the 5000 to 6000A region, is normally employed in that order of the vacuum ultraviolet which falls on the blaze. In the fourth order the reciprocal plate dispersion is 0.3A/mm and an observed resolving power of about 300,000 has been obtained. The plate chamber is cylindrical and possesses an aluminum door through the center of which are mounted various controls for operating the cassette. The method of optical adjustment is described briefly and the techniques peculiar to this field such as light sources, order separation, low temperature work, and wavelength standards are discussed. The high resolving power is demonstrated by a number of photographs of room and low temperature absorption spectra of nitric oxide, and emission spectra of atomic oxygen. The optical theory of the mounting, which permits the slit and plateholder to lie off the Rowland plane, is discussed with respect to the theory given by Beutler. This treatment has been examined in detail and a number of corrections and extensions have been made. It is shown that the off-plane mounting causes no new aberrations not already present in the usual in-plane mounting provided that the off-plane angle is kept below 1°.
Detection limits of rare earths by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy

Abstract Using a medium power (1.25–1.50 kW) ICP as an excitation source and a glass concentric nebulizer, aqueous solutions of rare earth elements are measured. Limits of detection for all the rare earth elements in both pure solution and in a mixture of all the rare earth elements combined are measured except for Pm. Analytical lines and ICP characteristics for such measurements are given.
Factions in Morris' natural exponential quadratic variance family and a lack of consensus in sample size determination

Abstract Morris (1982, 1983) shows that there exists only six distributions with variance as a quadratic function of the mean, and calls the group natural exponential-quadratic variance family (NEQVF). This note discovers that in NEQVF there are actually two factions which we call linear and nonlinear mean exponential families (MEF and NLMEF). A statistical utility of this characterization lies in determining a sample size based on Shannon's information criterion: As far as gathering information with respect to the population mean, there is a consensus formula in NEQVF for sample size determination, but with respect to the natural parameter, there are three opinions — one for LMEF and a different one for each member of NLMEF.
Equilibrium characteristics of semiflexible polymer solutions near probe particles

We present a numerical analysis of the mean-field theory for the structure of semiflexible polymer solutions near spherical surfaces, and use the framework to study the depletion characteristics of semiflexible polymers near colloids and nanoparticles. Our results suggest that the depletion characteristics depend sensitively on the polymer concentrations, the persistence lengths, and the radius of the particles. Broadly, two categories of features are identified based on the relative ratios of the persistence lengths to the correlation length of the polymer solution. For the limit where the correlation length is larger than the persistence length, the correlation length proves to be the critical length scale governing both the depletion thickness and the curvature effects. In contrast, for the opposite limit, the depletion thickness and the curvature effects are dependent on a length scale determined by an interplay between the persistence length and the correlation length. This leads to nontrivial (numerical) scaling laws governing the concentration and radii dependence of the depletion thicknesses. Our study also highlights the manner by which the preceding features rationalize the parametric dependencies of insertion free energies of small probes in semiflexible polymer solutions.
CKAP4/p63 is a receptor for the frizzled-8 protein-related antiproliferative factor from interstitial cystitis patients

Antiproliferative factor (APF) is a low molecular weight sialoglycopeptide that is secreted by bladder cells from interstitial cystitis patients and is a potent inhibitor of both normal bladder epithelial and bladder carcinoma cell proliferation. We hypothesized that APF may produce its antiproliferative effects by binding to a transmembrane receptor. This study demonstrates that cytoskeleton-associated protein 4/p63 (CKAP4/p63), a type II transmembrane receptor, binds with high affinity to APF. The antiproliferative activity of APF is effectively inhibited by preincubation with anti-CKAP4/p63-specific antibodies, as well as by short interfering RNA knockdown of CKAP4/p63. Immunofluorescent confocal microscopy showed co-localization of anti-CKAP4/p63 and rhodamine-labeled synthetic APF binding in both cell membrane and perinuclear areas. APF also inhibits the proliferation of HeLa cervical carcinoma cells that are known to express CKAP4/p63. These data indicate that CKAP4/p63 is an important epithelial cell receptor for APF.
Interpretation of x-ray magnetic circular dichroism and x-ray absorption near-edge structure in Ni

An interpretation of the spectral features in the Ni ${L}_{3}$ x-ray absorption near-edge structure and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism signals is presented, based on both one-electron multiple-scattering and atomic-multiplet calculations. Neither of these approaches is fully satisfactory. Although most of the observed features are reproduced by one-electron calculations, the pronounced peak about 3 eV above the edge is not. Conversely, the peak at 6 eV and the smooth plateau just beyond are not reproduced by the multiplet calculations. The lack of the 3-eV feature is attributed to the neglect of many-body effects in the interaction between core hole and final-state ${d}^{n}$ configuration. The observed negative plateau between ${L}_{3}$ and ${L}_{2}$ edges is attributed to transitions to spin-polarized continuum $\ensuremath{\epsilon}d$ states, and the 6-eV peak, to multiple scattering paths of intermediate range and disappears for Ni clusters smaller than 13 atoms. The necessity of both one-electron and atomic-multiplet calculations to explain all features in the data demonstrates the need for a combined approach.
Power Density Effects in the Physical and Chemical Properties of Sputiered Diamond-Like Carbon thin Films

Thin films of diamond-like amorphous carbon were prepared by dc magnetron sputtering. A systematic variation in the physical properties of the films (mass density and electrical resistivity) was found as a function of sputtering power density. Chemical bonding and microstructure of the carbon thin films were investigated using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and Raman spectroscopy. Films grown at a lower power density were found to have more sp3 -bonded atomic sites and larger graphite microcrystals than films produced at higher sputtering power densities.
ANALYSIS OF SIGNAL TREND BY A PSEUDO-EMD METHOD WITH APPLICATIONS TO WEATHER AND SPEECH DATA

Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) has been established as a valuable tool in determining nonlinear signal trend. EMD decomposes a one-dimensional (1D) signal into hierarchical components known as intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and a residue, based on the local properties of the signal. The first IMF depicts the highest local oscillations, while the residue depicts the trend of a signal/data. In each iteration of the EMD process, interpolation is applied to some local maxima and minima points to form upper and lower envelopes, respectively. But, the application of interpolation methods causes huge computation time and other artifacts in the decomposition, which limits the use of EMD for many real life signals. This paper proposes an effective method that replaces the interpolation step by direct envelope estimation using order statistics filters, which results in decreased computation time, following a similar EMD approach that has been recently proposed for two-dimensional data or image analysis. The modified EMD of this paper called pseudo EMD (P-EMD) method is particularly useful in determining, analyzing, and/or modifying the trend of various signals to obtain and/or produce some desired results/outcomes. Several synthetic and real-life signals such as speech signal and sea level pressure and temperature are tested to verify the effectiveness of the P-EMD. From the results, P-EMD has been found as a superior alternative for trend analysis of signal/data, since it results in more accurate trend compared to the other interpolation based EMD methods such as classical EMD (CEMD) and a modified EMD (MEMD), and also facilitates faster computation.
The critical points of the multimatrix model as theories of 2D W-gravity

Abstract We further explore the connections between the generalized KdV hierarchy, the multimatrix model and Wn-gravity. We show that the Lax-pair formulation of the generalized KdV hierarchy is nothing but the hamiltonian equations of W-gravity. Thus we demonstrate that the multicritical points of the multimatrix model are W-gravity theories.
Infinite type power series subspaces of infinite type power series spaces

We consider the problem of finding all power series subspaces of a given infinite type power series space. A necessary condition is obtained which is similar to a property of complemented subspaces of nuclear Frechet spaces. In some cases, a complete solution is obtained and this leads to new information on a conjecture of C. Bessaga.
Ultracentrifugation of a murine leukemia virus in polymer density gradients

Abstract A procedure for the purification in polymer density gradients of Rauscher leukemia virus is described. This involved zonal rate sedimentation of the virus in preformed density gradients of polyglucose or Ficoll. Stock virus preparations were resolved into three visible bands after centrifugation for 35–50 minutes (SW 39 rotor, 30,000 rpm). Leukemogenic activity was recovered in the middle band, which contained large numbers of characteristics virions as revealed by electron microscopy. Complement-fixing antigens accumulated in the two upper bands. Ficoll density gradient purified virus banded in potassium citrate in a single zone with a buoyant density of 1.16 g/ml.
Iron oxide nanoparticle agglomeration influences dose rates and modulates oxidative stress-mediated dose–response profiles in vitro

Spontaneous agglomeration of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) is a common problem in cell culture media which can confound interpretation of in vitro nanotoxicity studies. The authors created stable agglomerates of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) in conventional culture medium, which varied in hydrodynamic size (276 nm-1.5 μm) but were composed of identical primary particles with similar surface potentials and protein coatings. Studies using C10 lung epithelial cells show that the dose rate effects of agglomeration can be substantial, varying by over an order of magnitude difference in cellular dose in some cases. Quantification by magnetic particle detection showed that small agglomerates of carboxylated IONPs induced greater cytotoxicity and redox-regulated gene expression when compared with large agglomerates on an equivalent total cellular IONP mass dose basis, whereas agglomerates of amine-modified IONPs failed to induce cytotoxicity or redox-regulated gene expression despite delivery of similar cellular doses. Dosimetry modelling and experimental measurements reveal that on a delivered surface area basis, large and small agglomerates of carboxylated IONPs have similar inherent potency for the generation of ROS, induction of stress-related genes and eventual cytotoxicity. The results suggest that reactive moieties on the agglomerate surface are more efficient in catalysing cellular ROS production than molecules buried within the agglomerate core. Because of the dynamic, size and density-dependent nature of ENP delivery to cells in vitro, the biological consequences of agglomeration are not discernible from static measures of exposure concentration (μg/ml) alone, highlighting the central importance of integrated physical characterisation and quantitative dosimetry for in vitro studies. The combined experimental and computational approach provides a quantitative framework for evaluating relationships between the biocompatibility of nanoparticles and their physical and chemical characteristics.
HLA-B27 AND MODIFIED BONE FORMATION

Of the many associations between histocompatibility antigens and human diseases a prominent one is that between HLA-B27 and inflammatory arthropathies. Hypotheses to explain this association include the B27 gene being linked to a specific immune-response gene required for disease expression and the B27 antigen acting via molecular mimicry with a microorganism or as a microorganism receptor. Alternatively, the HLA-B27 gene might be closely related to a gene which influences bone formation. The finding of a significant association between B27 and Forestier's disease, a disease characterised by abundant new bone formation, supports such a hypothesis.
Interleukin-1beta Causes Fluoxetine Resistance in an Animal Model of Epilepsy-Associated Depression

Depression represents a common comorbidity of epilepsy and is frequently resistant to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). We tested the hypothesis that the SSRI resistance in epilepsy associated depression may be a result of a pathologically enhanced interleukin-1β (IL1-β) signaling, and consequently that the blockade of IL1-β may restore the effectiveness of SSRI. Epilepsy and concurrent depression-like impairments were induced in Wistar rats by pilocarpine status epilepticus (SE). The effects of the 2-week long treatment with fluoxetine, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), and their combination were examined using behavioral, biochemical, neuroendocrine, and autoradiographic assays. In post-SE rats, depression-like impairments included behavioral deficits indicative of hopelessness and anhedonia; the hyperactivity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis; the diminished serotonin output from raphe nucleus; and the upregulation of presynaptic serotonin 1-A (5-HT1A) receptors. Fluoxetine monotherapy exerted no antidepressant effects, whereas the treatment with IL-1ra led to the complete reversal of anhedonia and to a partial improvement of all other depressive impairments. Combined administration of fluoxetine and IL-1ra completely abolished all hallmarks of epilepsy-associated depressive abnormalities, with the exception of the hyperactivity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, the latter remaining only partially improved. We propose that in certain forms of depression, including but not limited to depression associated with epilepsy, the resistance to SSRI may be driven by the pathologically enhanced interleukin-1β signaling and by the subsequent upregulation of presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors. In such forms of depression, the use of interleukin-1β blockers in conjunction with SSRI may represent an effective therapeutic approach.
Digital overlay technique for documenting toric intraocular lens axis orientation.

Abstract Purpose To describe a digital overlay technique for documenting toric intraocular lens (IOL) axis alignment. Setting Jules Stein Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA. Methods Digital overlay imaging was used to evaluate the alignment of Staar toric IOLs in 4 eyes of 3 patients who had regular corneal astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. Lens axes were determined by computerized analysis of digitally scanned retroillumination photographs. A stock digital image of a Staar AA4203TF toric IOL was superimposed on corneal topography images to document IOL alignment with the steep corneal meridian. Results Digital overlay images demonstrated that 3 IOLs in the sample group were within 5 degrees and 1 was within 20 degrees of the intended axis at the time of the final postoperative examination. Slitlamp lens axis estimations were 3 to 18 degrees different from that determined by this technique. Conclusion Digital overlay imaging of correctly oriented toric IOLs on computerized corneal topography maps represents an intuitive, accurate, and visually appealing method of documenting toric IOL axis alignment.
Long wavelength approximation for Lamb wave characterization of composite laminates

A simple method for measuring Lamb wave phase velocities is used to obtain data for the lowest symmetric Lamb mode (S0) and the lowest antisymmetric Lamb mode (A0) for composite laminates. The experimental data are compared with the results from an approximate theory for the lowest Lamb modes in the low frequency, long wavelength region for a unidirectional laminate, a symmetric cross-ply laminate, a symmetric quasi-isotropic laminate and an aluminum plate. There is good correlation between the data and the results from the approximate theory, which suggests that the approximate theory works well in the low frequency, long wavelength region in these cases. Also, this experimental procedure of measuring phase velocities of the lowest symmetric and antisymmetric modes can be used to characterize laminated composite plates with and without damage since each material and stacking sequence gives distinct lowest symmetric and antisymmetric curves.
Clarifying the public/private distinction by eliminating it?: A response to Josh Boyd

This response to Josh Boyd's “Corporate Rhetoric Participates in Public Dialogue” argues that in spite of the uncertain boundaries between public and private organizations and discourses, critics should retain a distinction between public and private spaces and statements. The response focuses on the ways in which economic interests may influence public deliberation, on Boyd's lack of suspicion of corporate discourse, and on the need for an ideal vision of the “public sphere” even though such a place does not exist.
Identification of hepatic mitogenic and cytochrome P‐450‐inducing fractions of unleaded gasoline in B6C3F1 mice

Unleaded gasoline (UG), a complex mixture of over 300 hydrocarbons, induced liver tumors selectively in female mice and exhibited liver tumor promoting activity. UG also induced cell proliferation and cytochrome P‐450‐related enzyme activities in mouse liver, properties commonly associated with liver tumor promoters. To determine if the mitogenic and/or cytochrome P‐450‐inducing properties of UG reside in individual fractions of UG, UG was separated into four fractions on the basis of boiling point (BP): fraction 1, BP 132°C. Fractions 1 and 2 were combined to form “light UG” (BP 100°C). Female B6C3F1 mice were implanted with osmotic pumps containing 5‐bromo‐2'‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) on d 1, treated by intragastric intubation with corn oil or 3000 mg/kg/d of light, heavy, or whole UG on d 2–4, and euthanized on d 5. Pentoxyresorufin O‐dealkylase (PROD)...
Measuring cartel rents in the college basketball player recruitment market

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) prohibits direct payments to college atheltes and limits the value of a scholarship to $20,000. These rules restrict competition among schools for players so that players will not be paid their marginal revenue product. Therefore, rents are redistributed from players to schools. The rent generated by a premium college basketball player is measured. The empirical results show that a top college player may generate up to $1000000 in annual rents for the team.
Single-Photon CNOT Gate Using Polarization and Spatial-Parity Qubits

We demonstrate a linear single-photon CNOT gate based on a polarization-sensitive spatial light modulator, wherein the polarization qubit controls the photon spatial-parity.
The quantum dynamics of H + H2(ν = 1): A coupled states study of cross sections and rate constants

Abstract Integral cross sections and rate constants for H + H 2 (ν = 1) → H 2 (ν = 0, 1) + H are calculated using a coupled states solution to the three-dimensional Schrodinger equation. The results indicate that the large difference between theory and experiment for this reaction is not due to the dynamics calculation.
Situational and officer-based determinants of police coercion

Using data collected as part of an observational study of the police in Indianapolis, Indiana, and St. Petersburg, Florida, this article examines police use of force to gain a better understanding of why the police resort to force. Like analyses from previous observational studies, the present inquiry borrows from both sociological and psychological theoretical orientations to explore various determinants of force. Unlike previous examinations, the universe of behaviors considered is substantially expanded to include numerous types or levels of force, ranging from verbal commands and threats to the use of impact methods. An ordered probit analysis of 3,116 police-suspect encounters shows that officers often respond to legal stimuli (e.g., suspects' resistance, safety concerns) when applying force. Countering previous findings, it found that officers were not more coercive toward disrespectful suspects. However, the analysis revealed that officers were also influenced by extra-legal factors. Male, nonwhite...
A finite element method for plane strain deformations of incompressible solids

Abstract A finite element method for incompressible deformation is formulated from the virtual work equation based on deviatoric quantities. Particular emphasis is given to nonlinear material behavior. The incompressibility constraint is imposed on the admissible displacement field by direct elimination of nodal displacements. The resulting stiffness matrix is symmetric and positive definite. Once a convergent solution for the displacement is obtained, the hydrostatic stress is determined from the principle of virtual work. A variety of illustrative examples are presented. The efficiency, economy and limitations of the method are discussed.
Childhood maltreatment and personality disorders in adult patients with binge eating disorder.

Grilo CM, Masheb RM. Childhood maltreatment and personality disorders in adult patients with binge eating disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2002: 106: 183–188. © Blackwell Munksgaard 2002. Objective: To examine the association between retrospective reports of different types of childhood maltreatment and current personality disorders (PDs) in patients with binge eating disorder (BED). Method: A total of 116 consecutive out-patients with DSM-IV BED were assessed with diagnostic interviews and completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire to assess childhood maltreatment in five domains (emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect and physical neglect). Results: Eighty-two percent of patients reported some form of childhood maltreatment and 30% met criteria for at least one PD. Emotional abuse was significantly associated with cluster C PD overall and specifically with avoidant PD. Conclusion: Reports of emotional abuse – but not other forms of maltreatment – were associated with greater likelihood of a PDs in patients with BED.
Phase I study of neoadjuvant accelerated short course radiation therapy with photons and capecitabine for resectable pancreatic cancer.

Abstract Purpose In this phase I study, we sought to determine the feasibility and tolerability of neoadjuvant short course radiotherapy (SC-CRT) delivered with photon RT with concurrent capecitabine for resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Materials and methods Ten patients with localized, resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma were enrolled from December 2009 to August 2011. In dose level I, patients received 3 Gy × 10. In dose level 2, patients received 5 Gy × 5 (every other day). In dose level 3, patients received 5 Gy × 5 (consecutive days). Capecitabine was given during weeks 1 and 2. Surgery was performed 1–3 weeks after completion of chemotherapy. Results With an intended accrual of 12 patients, the study was closed early due to unexpected intraoperative complications. Compared to the companion phase I proton study, patients treated with photons had increased intraoperative RT fibrosis reported by surgeons (27% vs. 63%). Among those undergoing a Whipple resection, increased RT fibrosis translated to an increased mean OR time of 69 min. Dosimetric comparison revealed significantly increased low dose exposure to organs at risk for patients treated with photon RT. Conclusions This phase I experience evaluating the tolerability of neoadjuvant SC-CRT with photon RT closed early due to unexpected intraoperative complications.
In vivo microvascular imaging of human oral and nasal cavities using swept-source optical coherence tomography with a single forward/side viewing probe

We report three-dimensional (3D) imaging of microcirculation within human cavity tissues in vivo using a high-speed swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) at 1.3 μm with a modified probe interface. Volumetric structural OCT images of the inner tissues of oral and nasal cavities are acquired with a field of view of 2 mm x 2 mm. Two types of disposable and detachable probe attachments are devised and applied to the port of the imaging probe of OCT system, enabling forward and side imaging scans for selective and easy access to specific cavity tissue sites. Blood perfusion is mapped with OCT-based microangiography from 3D structural OCT images, in which a novel vessel extraction algorithm is used to decouple dynamic light scattering signals, due to moving blood cells, from the background scattering signals due to static tissue elements. Characteristic tissue anatomy and microvessel architectures of various cavity tissue regions of a healthy human volunteer are identified with the 3D OCT images and the corresponding 3D vascular perfusion maps at a level approaching capillary resolution. The initial finding suggests that the proposed method may be engineered into a promising tool for evaluating and monitoring tissue microcirculation and its alteration within a wide-range of cavity tissues in the patients with various pathological conditions.
Evaluation of the fire hazard of duct materials

The author reports on an evaluation program of the hazards of materials based on the rates of heat, smoke, and toxic gas release, rather than on the total quantities released.
Fluorescence anisotropy of diphenylhexatriene and its cationic Trimethylamino derivative in liquid dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes: opposing responses to isoflurane

Background The mechanism of action of volatile general anesthetics has not yet been resolved. In order to identify the effects of isoflurane on the membrane, we measured the steady-state anisotropy of two fluorescent probes that reside at different depths. Incorporation of anesthetic was confirmed by shifting of the main phase transition temperature.
Fault-coverage analysis techniques of crosstalk in chip interconnects

This paper addresses the problem of evaluating the effectiveness of test sets to detect crosstalk defects in system-level interconnects and buses of deep submicron (DSM) chips. The fast and accurate estimation technique will enable: 1) evaluation of different existing tests, like functional, scan, logic built-in self-test (BIST), and delay tests, for effective testing of crosstalk defects in core-to-core interconnects and 2) development of crosstalk tests if the existing tests are not sufficient, thereby minimizing the cost of interconnect testing. Based on a covering relationship we distinguish between transition tests in detecting crosstalk defects and develop an abstract crosstalk fault model for chip interconnects. With this fault model and the covering relationship, we develop a fast and efficient method to estimate the fault coverage of any general test set. We also develop a simulation-based technique to calculate the probability of occurrence of the defects corresponding to each fault, which enables the fault-coverage analysis technique to produce accurate estimates of the actual crosstalk defect coverage of a given test set. The crosstalk test and fault properties, as well as the accuracy of the proposed crosstalk coverage analysis techniques, have been validated through extensive simulation experiments. The experiments also demonstrate that the proposed crosstalk techniques are orders of magnitude faster than the alternative method of SPICE-level simulation. Finally, we demonstrate the practical applicability of the proposed fault-coverage analysis technique by using it to evaluate the crosstalk fault coverage of logic BIST tests for the system-level interconnects and buses in a digital signal processor core.
Improved Repetitive-Element PCR Fingerprinting for Resolving Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Phylogenetic Groups within Escherichia coli

Repetitive-element PCR (rep-PCR) fingerprinting is a promising molecular typing tool for Escherichia coli, including for discriminating between pathogenic and nonpathogenic clones, but is plagued by irreproducibility. Using the ERIC2 and BOXA1R primers and 15 E. coli strains from the ECOR reference collection (three from each phylogenetic group, as defined by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis [MLEE], including virulence-associated group B2), we rigorously assessed the effect of extremely elevated annealing temperatures on rep-PCR's reproducibility, discriminating power, and ability to reveal MLEE-defined phylogenetic relationships. Modified cycling conditions significantly improved assay reproducibility and discriminating power, allowing fingerprints from different cyclers to be analyzed together with minimal loss of resolution. The correspondence of rep-PCR with MLEE with respect to tree structure and regression analysis of distances was substantially better with modified than with standard cycling conditions. Nonetheless, rep-PCR was only a fair surrogate for MLEE, and when fingerprints from different days were compared, it failed to distinguish between different clones within all-important phylogenetic group B2. These findings indicate that although the performance and phylogenetic fidelity of rep-PCR fingerprinting can be improved substantially with modified assay conditions, even when so improved rep-PCR cannot fully substitute for MLEE as a phylogenetic typing method for pathogenic E. coli.