cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anatomical and behavioral correlates of visual acuity in the great horned owl

Abstract Light microscopy of the Great Horned Owl retina has revealed a well-defined convexiclivate fovea which contains both rods and cones. Comparative cell-density counts of rod and cone nuclei, cells of the inner nuclear layer, and ganglion cells for both foveal and peripheral nasal sections of retina indicate a marked decrease in convergence ratio and a small but significant increase in cones, foveally. Rods occur with a much higher density than cones in both retinal areas, but show no local increase in density across the center of the fovea. Behavioral, psychophysical studies of visual acuity over a wide range of luminances have indicated a maximum resolution in this species of 4–5 min of arc between 0–1.0 log ml. Although evidence was obtained for two different mechanisms mediating visual acuity at low vs. high luminance levels, both components of the acuity function 'appear to have a spectral sensitivity function similar to that of rhodopsin. Alternative hypotheses concerning the role of foveal rods vs. extrafoveal rods and foveal rods vs. foveal cones are suggested to account for the results obtained.
Innate immune mucin production via epithelial cell surface signaling: relationship to allergic disease.

Purpose of review Airway epithelial surface signaling is provided by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation, resulting in innate immune responses. Here the focus is the EGFR cascades leading to immune mucin responses. The review is timely because recent discoveries implicate these pathways in multiple innate immune defenses in addition to mucin production. Recent findings EGFR activation causes mucin production and inhibition prevents mucin production by multiple stimuli. The receptors and their epithelial-bound proligands are examined. Proteases cleave and release soluble ligand, which then activates EGFR. A surface metalloprotease, tumor necrosis factor alpha-converting enzyme (TACE), modulates proligand release (and thus EGFR activation). TACE is activated by reactive oxygen species, which can be produced by a novel molecule, dual oxidase-1, which provides reactive oxygen species for TACE cleavage. Upstream of dual oxidase-1 are epithelial receptors that receive messages from inhaled irritants and stimulate the dual oxidase-1-TACE-ligand-EGFR cascade. Summary The EGFR surface signaling pathways are reviewed, with the focus on mucin production, involving human airway epithelial cultures and animal studies, including relevant studies of asthma in humans. Future studies may broaden the innate defenses and utilize these surface signaling pathways in various epithelia, with a variety of pathophysiologic stimuli, with the ultimate aim of examining these pathways in inflammatory diseases.
Magnetic structure in FeRh from constrained total-energy calculations

Abstract The volume dependence of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic total-energy solutions derived from constrained total-energy band calculations is shown to explain the pressure and magnetic field effects on the antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition in FeRh. We show that zero-point energy corrections are necessary to obtain reasonable agreement with experimental critical pressures and magnetic fields, and that the difference in electronic specific heats of the different magnetic states is small and does not play a role in the transition. Lattice constants of the magnetic states are inverted with respect to Invar, leading to enhanced rather than invariant thermal expansion near the transition, so that FeRh can be classified as an “anti-Invar” system.
Determination of aluminum oxide stopping cross sections for protons and deuterons by backscattering from thin targets

Abstract Self-supporting foils of aluminum oxide in the thickness range 100 to 300 nm were prepared by anodic oxidation of aluminum foil and subsequent dissolution of the unreacted aluminum. The foil thicknesses were measured by scanning electron microscopy. Using these foils, stopping cross sections of aluminum oxide for protons and deuterons were measured for particles in the energy range 0.90 to 2.50 MeV. These measured stopping cross sections are compared to other literature results and to the theoretical values as predicted by Bragg's Rule.
Reaction-plane and spin-flip angular correlations in the reactions 12C(τ, τ1γ4.43)12C and 12C(α, α1γ4.43)12C

Abstract Reaction-plane particle-γ angular correlations were measured in the reaction 12 C(τ,τ 1 γ) 12 C at 17 MeV as a function of the γ-ray angle for forty-three τ (lab) scattering angles from 13.5° to 170°. The τ 1 -γ angular correlation function with the γ-ray detector at 90° to the reaction plane was measured for twenty τ (lab) angles from 19° to 114° and the spin-flip probability P 1 was extracted. For comparison of τ and α interactions, reaction-plane correlations were obtained for the 12 C(α, α 1 γ) 12 C reaction at 19 MeV for fifty-five α (lab) scattering angles from 9° to 171°. A coupled-channels analysis of the τ data assuming quadrupole-deformed collective states in 12 C with deformation β 2 = −0.60 was made. Spin-orbit depth V s.o. and β 2 are shown to be strongly correlated in determining P 1 , indicating the inadequacy of DWBA calculations.
A new facile route for the preparation of single-source precursors for bulk, thin-film, and nanocrystallite I-III-VI semiconductors.

We report a new simplified synthetic procedure for commercial manufacture of ternary single-source precursors (SSPs). This new synthetic process has been successfully implemented to fabricate known SSPs on bulk scale and the first liquid SSPs to the semiconductors CuInSe2 and AgInxSy. Single crystal X-ray determination reveals the first unsolvated ternary AgInS SSP. SSPs prepared via this new route have successfully been used in a spray assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process to deposit polycrystalline thin films, and for preparing ternary nanocrystallites.
The mean-field theory of nuclear structure and dynamics

The physical and theoretical foundations are presented for the mean-field theory of nuclear structure and dynamics. Salient features of the many-body theory of stationary states are reviewed to motivate the time-dependent mean-field approximation. The time-dependent Hartree-Fock approximation and its limitations are discussed and general theoretical formulations are presented which yield time-dependent mean-field equations in lowest approximation and provide suitable frameworks for overcoming various conceptual and practical limitations of the mean-field theory. Particular emphasis is placed on recent developments utilizing functional integral techniques to obtain a quantum mean-field theory applicable to quantized eigen-states, spontaneous fission, the nuclear partition function, and scattering problems. Applications to a number of simple, idealized systems are presented to verify the approximations for solvable problems and to elucidate the essential features of mean-field dynamics. Finally, calculations utilizing moderately realistic geometries and interactions are reviewed which address heavy-ion collisions, fusion, strongly damped collisions, and fission.
A study of vibronic structures in the optical spectra of oligo(thienylene ethynylene)s

Abstract At the low temperature, hidden vibronic structures were successfully resolved in the absorption spectra of oligo(thienylene ethynylene)s 2 – 4 . Identification of the lowest energy absorption band aids the assignments of the vibronic structures in these molecules. The emission λ max values were also found to be slightly red-shifted at the low temperature, indicating the adoption of a more planar conformation. The temperature-induced change in molecular conformation appeared to be dependent on the conjugation length of the molecules.
Direct methanol polymer electrolyte fuel cell modeling: reversible open-circuit voltage and species flux equations

By the application of thermodynamic fundamentals of phase and electrochemical reaction equilibria, a mathematical equation has been developed to predict the reversible open-circuit voltage of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), in the absence of electrode poisoning and methanol crossover. The equation accounts for the effect of the nonideal behavior of the fluid phases on the reversible open-circuit voltage. Sample computed results are presented. The species (CH 3 OH, H 2 O, H + ) flux equations to compute molar fluxes through the polymer electrolyte membrane of a DMFC are also presented.
Prediction of Unsteady Airloads for Oblique Blade-Gust Interaction in Compressible Flow

The techniques of Galilean-Lorentz transformation and matched asymptotic expansions are used to simplify the procedure of calculating the lift and pressure distribution induced on an infinite-span thin wing interacting with an oblique sinusoidal gust in subsonic flow. This technique requires that the product of the flow Mach number and the reduced frequency be small. Under this condition, the inner region of the transformed space behaves as an incompressible flow, so that existing incompressible flow theories can be used as a basis to construct closed-form solutions for the airload induced on the wing. This approach is an extension of the GASP approximation developed by Amiet and Sears (1970). Results are obtained for both the magnitude and the phase of the unsteady lift due to interaction with gust. These results are compared with available numerical results. Some discrepancies are noted and discussed.
Determinants of histone H1 mobility and chromatin binding in living cells

The dynamic interaction of chromatin-binding proteins with their nucleosome binding sites is an important element in regulating the structure and function of chromatin in living cells. Here we review the major factors regulating the intranuclear mobility and chromatin binding of the linker histone H1, the most abundant family of nucleosome-binding proteins. The information available reveals that multiple and diverse factors modulate the interaction of H1 with chromatin at both a local and global level. This multifaceted mode of modulating the interaction of H1 with nucleosomes is part of the mechanism that regulates the dynamics of the chromatin fiber in living cells.
Integrating internal marketing with participative management

Internal marketing has been proposed as a way of increasing lower level commitment to corporate strategies and improving organizational integration. Most previous discussions of the topic have focused on methods of internal promotion, persuasion and influence. Limited attention has been given to differences in management styles which affect internal marketing. This article examines the impact of consultative and participative styles of management on internal marketing. It shows how general managers, department managers and individuals can use internal marketing to increase employee involvement in reaching decisions, making commitments and taking action.
Analysis of a flow problem with fixed charges

This article addresses a problem that comes up frequently in network design, and routing. A source is to distribute flows to nodes in the network. Sending flow along an arc involves a fixed cost for using the arc and a variable cost for each ujnit of flow. We show tht the problem of finding a minimum cost collection of arcs along which flows will be directed is an NP-hard problem. We describe a procedure of solving the problem to optimality and several heuristics. In particular, we conclude that the use of polynomially derived Lagrange multipliers yields good quality solutions and bounds and can be implemented in a distributed processing mode in the network.
Disaggregated Spatial-Temporal Analyses of Residential Sales Prices

Abstract A previously reported study of residential sales prices in the vicinity of the Philadelphia-Lindenwold High-Speed Line is extended in several directions. The data set is updated and expanded geographically. Increased control for temporal variation is obtained with the use of month, as a unit of analysis, instead of fiscal year. Monthly price indices for a period of eight years are derived as a consequence. Analyses employing census block groups give evidence of a positive impact of the High-Speed Line, similar, though somewhat stronger, to that indicated by the use of individual residences.
Abstract C56: microRNA-200 control of tumor cell cytoskeletal changes and invasion

Lung cancer is the leading cause of all cancer-related deaths, accounting for 160,000 deaths per year in the US, primarily caused by metastasis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to metastasis will identify new therapeutic targets for improved treatment strategies. Using our mutant Kras and p53 murine model of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma, we have shown that loss of microRNA-200 family (miR-200) expression is necessary and sufficient to drive an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), allowing cells to acquire an invasive and metastatic phenotype necessary for metastasis. Cell motility is characterized by the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, for which we are currently investigating the role of miR-200. Cortactin is a scaffold protein known to play a central role in different signaling pathways involved in the formation of pro-invasive cell structures by recruiting actin-associated proteins and proteases leading to the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Maturation of cell protrusions requires the phosphorylation of cortactin by upstream tyrosine kinases such as src and arg. Functional assay of cell behavior on 2D agarose demonstrates actin reorganization within our cell lines with different miR-200 levels. Biochemical analysis of cell lines from our model and human lung cancer cells shows that metastatic cells (low-miR-200) have increased levels of phosphorylated cortactin compared to the non-metastatic cells (high miR-200), leading us to hypothesize that miR-200 regulates the biochemical activation of signaling pathways that mediate cortactin phosphorylation and a pro-invasive cytoskeletal reorganization. Inhibition of src using pharmacologic inhibitors and an siRNA approach significantly reduces phosphorylated cortactin levels, inhibits in vitro cell migration and invasion, and decreases the invasiveness of cells grown in 3D, demonstrating the importance of this pathway in invasion. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that the pro-survival PI3K pathway can be inhibited using cortactin siRNA, underlining the multi-faceted role of cortactin in tumor progression. Citation Format: Christin Ungewiss, Jonathon D. Roybal, David H. Peng, Don L. Gibbons. microRNA-200 control of tumor cell cytoskeletal changes and invasion. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C56.
Kinetic studies of metal ion speciation

The use of kinetics of metal ion transfer from naturally occurring colloidal ligand systems to complexes with spectrophotometrically favourable ligands as a means of study of speciation of metal ions in natural systems is described. The systems have a species distribution which is determined by the conditions of sample “equilibration”, but kinetic analysis is conducted under conditions (pH, ionic strength) defined by the reagent solution. The resulting species distribution is that of the equilibration condition with relative lability characterized. Application of the approach to complexes of simple metal ions, Cu2+ and Ni2+, with humic colloids and hydrous ferric oxides and to ternary systems of iron(III) or aluminium(III) with humics and OH− are reviewed. The latter studies have been extended to application to natural waters. The conditions for extension of the study of simpler systems to actual natural samples are considered. A method based on laser thermal lensing is proposed.
Shifts of annihilation radiation energy from the electron rest mass energy for positons annihilating in copper and sodium

Abstract The reasons for not expecting the energy of annihilation radiation to exactly equal the electron rest mass energy when annihilation takes place in bulk matter are discussed. It is shown that directional correlation measurements on the two-photon annihilation process enable one to calculate the shift from the electron rest mass energy for positons annihilating in simple metals. Specific results are presented for positons annihilating in copper and sodium. The Doppler broadening of the annihilation radiation is also discussed.
Intra-arterial papaverine-induced seizures: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Microcatheter-guided intra-arterial (IA) papaverine infusion in conjunction with balloon angioplasty is an available therapy for patients with symptomatic vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) that is refractory to hypertensive, hypervolemic therapy. However, side effects and complications have been reported in association with its use. CASE DESCRIPTION We report on a patient who developed symptomatic vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of a left terminal internal carotid artery (ICA) saccular aneurysm. Seven days after the hemorrhage and 4 days after surgical clipping, the patient developed aphasia and right hemiparesis due to vasospasm, which was refractory to maximal medical treatment with volume and blood pressure elevation. Cerebral angiography identified severe narrowing of distal ICA and proximal middle cerebral artery segments bilaterally. These findings partially resolved after balloon angioplasty. However, after 300 mg of IA papaverine, the patient developed generalized convulsions. This occurred despite therapeutic serum levels of phenytoin. Twenty-four hours later, after brief neurologic improvement, recurrent neurologic deficits prompted repeat papaverine administration. Seizures again occurred after the administration of 240 mg of IA papaverine and prevented administration of the full dose. The patient did not develop further seizures and her neurologic deficits continue to resolve. CONCLUSIONS IA papaverine-induced seizures are infrequently reported. This potential complication should be considered when papaverine administration is entertained in the treatment of anterior circulation refractory symptomatic vasospasm after SAH.
Fluoride analysis of the human diet and of biological samples.

Abstract Fluoride analysis of the human diet and of excreta were determined using certain modifications of the diffusion method of Singer and Armstrong. This study deals specifically with the fluoride analysis of the diet and stool, although numerous analyses of urine, saliva, and plasma were also carried out. The dietary fluoride content averaged 1.51 ± 0.11 mg per day in the early studies and 1.81 ± 0.08 mg in later studies. The fecal and urinary fluoride content depended on the dietary fluoride intake. The details of the method of analysis of the diet and of the biological samples are described.
CD19 CAR-Targeted T Cells Induce Long-Term Remission and B Cell Aplasia in an Immunocompetent Mouse Model of B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Although many adults with B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) are induced into remission, most will relapse, underscoring the dire need for novel therapies for this disease. We developed murine CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and an immunocompetent mouse model of B-ALL that recapitulates the disease at genetic, cellular, and pathologic levels. Mouse T cells transduced with an all-murine CD3ζ/CD28-based CAR that is equivalent to the one being used in our clinical trials, eradicate B-ALL in mice and mediate long-term B cell aplasias. In this model, we find that increasing conditioning chemotherapy increases tumor eradication, B cell aplasia, and CAR-modified T cell persistence. Quantification of recipient B lineage cells allowed us to estimate an in vivo effector to endogenous target ratio for B cell aplasia maintenance. In mice exhibiting a dramatic B cell reduction we identified a small population of progenitor B cells in the bone marrow that may serve as a reservoir for long-term CAR-modified T cell stimulation. Lastly, we determine that infusion of CD8+ CAR-modified T cells alone is sufficient to maintain long-term B cell eradication. The mouse model we report here should prove valuable for investigating CAR-based and other therapies for adult B-ALL.
Changes in indices of rat testicular heme biosynthesis and microsomal cytochrome P-450 during sexual maturation.

Abstract The levels of microsomal cytochrome P-450 and heme were measured in the rats testes from weaning (22 days) through attainment of sexual maturity (60–70 days) and beyond (70–125 days). Microsomal heme and cytochrome P-450 increased from 22 days of age to attain maximal levels at 40 days, the approximate age when rats enter the pubertal stage of sexual development. Microsomal heme and cytochrome P-450 levels then declined to attain plateau levels at approximately 65–80 days of age. Testicular mitochondrial δ-aminolaevulinate (ALA) synthase (EC 2.3.1.37) activity was shown to decrease from 22 days and to attain a plateau level at approximately 65 days of age. Administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) increased testicular ALA synthase activity at 49 and 89 days of age, but it failed to alter activity of this enzyme in prepubertal rats of 24 and 37 days of age. Testicular uroporphyrinogen (uro) I synthase (EC 4.3.1.8) activity was also shown to diminish from weaning through sexual maturity. The activity of uro I synthase was not affected by treatment with HCG at any age tested. These data suggest that testicular heme synthesis undergoes a change in regulation during sexual maturation.
Dispersion of the Kerr Electro-Optic Effect in the Short Infrared Spectrum

Measurements of the Kerr electro-optic effect have been made on carbon disulphide, nitrobenzene, $o$-nitrotoluene, chlorobenzene, and halowax oil over a spectral region extending from the sodium lines to beyond 1.6\ensuremath{\mu} (2.1\ensuremath{\mu} for C${\mathrm{S}}_{2}$), or some three times the wave-length range previously investigated by other observers. A spectro-radiometric method was used, involving effectively the measurement of the minor axis of the ellipse into which the plane polarized radiation is converted by the electrostatic stress in the Kerr cell. The potentials across the cell of 3300 to 31,000 volts were furnished by a kenotron and condenser equipment. The Havelock formula for electro-optic dispersion $K=\frac{C{({n}^{2}\ensuremath{-}1)}^{2}}{n\ensuremath{\lambda}}$ and two others have been tested in connection with the results. In most cases the agreement with the Havelock formula is somewhat better than with the others and for C${\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ this law fits the observed dispersion almost within the limits of experimental error throughout the spectral range investigated. Beyond 1\ensuremath{\mu} the dispersion of all the liquids is much the same and the agreement with all these formulas reasonably good. In fact, for this region the Kerr effect is very nearly proportional to the inverse wave-length.
Frequency of Dementia in Elderly Persons

Excerpt To the editor: I read with interest the article, "Primary Total Hip or Knee Replacement: Evaluation of Patients." I note with alarm the statement: "Because 15% of people over age 65 years h...
A Case Study of Restaurant Training Motivations and Outcomes

(2008). A Case Study of Restaurant Training Motivations and Outcomes. Anatolia: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 172-177.
Deposition patterns and transport mechanisms for the endocrine disruptor 4-nonylphenol across the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California.

Dust and particulate distribution patterns are shifting as global climate change brings about longer drought periods. Particulates act as vehicles for long range transport of organic pollutants, depositing at locations far from their source. Nonylphenol, a biodegradation product of nonylphenol polyethoxylate, is a known endocrine disruptor. Nonylphenol polyethoxylate enters the environment as an inert ingredient in pesticide sprays, potentially traveling great distances from its application site. This is of concern when a highly agricultural region, California's Central Valley, lies adjacent to sensitive areas like the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The distribution and transport mechanisms for 4-nonylphenol were investigated in Eastern Sierra Nevada canyons. Regions close to canyon headwalls showed trace amounts of 4-nonylphenol in surface water, snow, and atmospheric deposition. Exposed areas had yearly average concentrations as high as 9 μg/L. Distribution patterns are consistent with particulate-bound transport. This suggests with increasing drought periods, higher levels of persistent organic pollutants are likely.
Intercountry Adoption and Policy Issues

Abstract With the demand for white babies for adoption greatly exceeding their availability in agencies, adoptive parents have begun to seek children in Asia, South America, and Central America. As a result, intercountry adoption is usually transracial adoption as well. This poses problems similar to those posed by the adoption of native born Black and Hispanic children by white families. Philosophical considerations of intercountry adoption are discussed, pro and con, as are special problems that may be posed in adopting children who may have been traumatized by war, hunger and neglect. The questions of helping Third World countries develop their own social services, and recruiting native born minority families to adopt minority children are addressed. Recommendations are made for developing policy and program around sound intercountry adoption procedures.
Arcs of diffuse scattering in icosahedral glass models

Abstract We report the results of experimental and simulation studies of the arcs of diffuse scattering in i-phase titanium quasicrystals and related phases. This work was undertaken to learn what kind of partial order in the samples produces the localized diffuse scattering. In particular, we investigate whether the experimental observations, arcs do not change with annealing and varying concentration, constrain any of the models that have been proposed. We have used the icosahedral glass (IG) model, which produces arcs in computed diffraction patterns, similar to those observed, by systematically varying the local structure in the manner of Robertson and Moss [Phys. Rev. Lett. 66 (1991) 353] to learn how the arcs of diffuse scattering are affected. An IG of point scatters produces diffraction peaks with non-zero width, arcs similar to those observed from real materials, and a broad background of diffuse scattering. Restricting a site's local environment to contain only ‘good’ first neighbor distances sharpens both the peaks and the arcs, and increases their intensities relative to the broad diffuse background. Decoration of the IG by α(TiCrSi) clusters was examined. The localized diffuse scattering is intrinsic to the topological disorder of the random cluster packing; the effect of the atomic clusters was to modulate this intensity.
Human behavior models for agents in simulators and games: part I: enabling science with PMFserv

This paper focuses on challenges to improving the realism of socially intelligent agents and attempts to reflect the state of the art in human behavior modeling with particular attention to the impact of personality/cultural values and affect as well as biology/stress upon individual coping and group decision making. The first section offers an assessment of the state of the practice and of the need to integrate valid human performance moderator functions (PMFs) from traditionally separated subfields of the behavioral literature. The second section pursues this goal by postulating a unifying architecture and principles for integrating existing PMF theories and models. It also illustrates a PMF testbed called PMFserv created for implementating and studying how PMFs may contribute to such an architecture. To date it interconnects versions of PMFs on physiology and stress; personality, cultural and emotive processes (Cognitive Appraisal-OCC, value systems); perception (Gibsonian affordance); social processes (relations, identity, trust, nested intentionality); and cognition (affect- and stress-augmented decision theory, bounded rationality). The third section summarizes several usage case studies (asymmetric warfare, civil unrest, and political leaders) and concludes with lessons learned. Implementing and interoperating this broad collection of PMFs helps to open the agenda for research on syntheses that can help the field reach a greater level of maturity. The companion paper, Part II, presents a case study in using PMFserv for rapid scenario composability and realistic agent behavior.
Extremely low frequency, weak electric fields affect schedule-controlled behaviour of monkeys.

THE effect of weak electric fields on behaviour of orgasnims has potentially important implications for basic neurophysiology and evaluation of environmental hazards (chronic exposure to weak 60-Hz electric fields has become a way of life). We have demonstrated1 that weak (approximately 7 V m−1 p–p), extremely low frequency (7 Hz) electric fields could modify a lever-press response in monkeys. We summarise here data2 confirming that finding for a larger group of animals with more replications and presenting evidence for a dose-dependent relationship for 7-Hz fields. In addition there are indications of a threshold of 10–56 V m−1 p–p for field frequencies higher than electroencephalogram (EEG) range (1–32 Hz). Adey3 has hypothesised that since these field levels areclearly too low to trigger synapsesinthe fashion prescribed by classical neurophysiology, more subtle membrane sensitivities may be functioning as central nervous system mediators of the observed behavioural effects. One possible mediator is the degree of calcium efflux across the membrane4.
Phytoestrogen genistein acts as an estrogen agonist on human osteoblastic cells through estrogen receptors alpha and beta.

Genistein, a soybean isoflavone, has estrogen-like activity in mammals, including the prevention of bone loss. However, whether its mechanism of action on bone turnover is distinct from that of estrogen or raloxifene is unknown. Although genistein has been reported to bind both estrogen receptor (ER) isoforms (alpha and beta), little is known concerning differential activation of gene expression via these ER isoforms. To examine this question, comparison of the responses of normal fetal osteoblast (hFOB) cells stably expressing either ERalpha (hFOB/ERalpha9) or ERbeta (hFOB/ERbeta6), to treatment with genistein, 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) or raloxifene were conducted. In hFOB/ERalpha9 cells, both genistein and E(2) increased the endogenous gene expression of the progesterone receptor (PR), the proteoglycan versican, and alkaline phosphatase (AP), but inhibited osteopontin (OP) gene expression and interleukin-6 (IL-6) protein levels. Raloxifene had no effect on these bone markers. Genistein, but not raloxifene, also mimicked E(2) action in the hFOB/ERbeta6 cells increasing PR gene expression and inhibiting IL-6 production. To determine whether the gene regulatory actions of genistein in human osteoblast cells occur at the level of transcription, its action on the transcriptional activity of a PR-A promoter-reporter construct was assessed. Both genistein and E(2) were found to stimulate the PR promoter in the hFOB cell line when transiently co-transfected with either ERalpha or ERbeta. Whereas hFOB cell proliferation was unaffected by E(2), raloxifene or genistein at low concentrations, higher concentrations of genistein, displayed significant inhibition. Together, these findings demonstrate that genistein behaves as a weak E(2) agonist in osteoblasts and can utilize both ERalpha and ERbeta.
Make Your Own Cigarettes: Toxicant Exposure, Smoking Topography, and Subjective Effects

Background: Despite considerable use of make your own (MYO) cigarettes worldwide and increasing use in the United States, relatively little is known about how these cigarettes are smoked and the resultant toxicant exposure. Methods: In a laboratory study, we compared two types of MYO cigarettes—roll your own (RYO) and personal machine made (PMM)—with factory-made (FM) cigarettes in three groups of smokers who exclusively used RYO ( n = 34), PMM ( n = 23), or FM ( n = 20). Within each group, cigarettes were smoked in three conditions: (i) after confirmed overnight tobacco abstinence; (ii) in an intense smoking paradigm; and (iii) without restrictions. All cigarettes were smoked ad lib through a smoking topography unit. Results: Plasma nicotine significantly increased after cigarettes in all conditions except PMM in the intense smoking paradigm. Puff volume, puff duration, total puff volume, and puff velocity did not differ between cigarette types but the puffs per cigarette and time to smoke were significantly smaller for RYO compared with PMM and FM. Regardless of the cigarette, participants consumed the first three puffs more vigorously than the last three puffs. Conclusions: Despite the belief of many of their consumers, smoking MYO cigarettes is not a safe alternative to FM cigarettes. Like FM, MYO cigarettes expose their users to harmful constituents of tobacco smoke. Despite differences in size and design their puffing profiles are remarkably similar. Impact: These data are relevant to health and regulatory considerations on the MYO cigarettes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(9); 1793–803. ©2014 AACR .
On the existence of capacitary strong type estimates in Rn

This paper is a direct outgrowth of a conversation the author had with Professor V. G. Maz'ya in the Spring of 1974 concerning the existence of certain Lp estimates for the restriction of Riesz potentials of Lp functions to small sets. The main open question concerned the validity of the estimate llI,,f[]v,~ 2 (re<n, l < p < n / m ) given that the measure p satisfies I~(K)~C.R, , ,p (K ) for all compact sets K in R". (See section 1 for the definitions.) Maz'ya has shown ([11] and [12]) that this is valid for m = 1, 2. We now establish this estimate for the remaining integer values of m Theorem 4 of section 4. The proof relies on the following theorem, which is the principal estimate of this paper.
Nucleus accumbens opioid signaling conditions short-term flavor preferences

Abstract Opioid signaling in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) strongly modulates flavor-based food choice. To further investigate the role of opioid signaling in taste reward, we used a sensory specific satiety (SSS) paradigm to devalue specific flavors of nutritionally identical food pellets in rats. In the NAcc, infusion of a μ opioid (MOP) receptor selective agonist selectively increased consumption of a pre-fed flavor, thus reversing the SSS effect. Conversely, blockade of endogenous opioid signaling with the opioid antagonist naltrexone selectively decreased consumption of a recently consumed flavor, potentiating the SSS effect. No enhancement of consumption was observed if a delay of 3 h was imposed following the intra-NAcc MOP agonist indicating that there were no long-term changes in flavor preference. If a delay was introduced between the initial flavor exposure and the intra-NAcc MOP agonist infusion, pellet consumption was increased non-selectively (irrespective of flavor) suggesting that close temporal contiguity between flavor experience and NAcc opioid action is critical for the opioid effect on flavor preference. In contrast to opioid effects, inactivating NAcc neurons by local microinjection of muscimol (a GABAA agonist) increased consumption of both the pre-fed and non-pre-fed flavors equally. These results demonstrate that opioids released in the NAcc during consumption of palatable foods produce a selective and transient increase in preference for a recently sampled flavor.
A 0.16mm 2 completely on-chip switched-capacitor DC-DC converter using digital capacitance modulation for LDO replacement in 45nm CMOS

Reducing power consumption through V DD scaling is a major trend in nanometer CMOS circuits. In modern wireless SoCs, multiple power domains operate below 1.2V and draw less than 10mA of current. Currently, these domains are powered from a 1.8V rail through a low drop-out linear regulator (LDO). The 1.8V rail is obtained from a Li-ion battery using a switching regulator with off-chip passives. It is highly inefficient to power circuit blocks that operate below 1.2V through LDOs. Switched-capacitor (SC) DC-DC converters are a viable solution to replace LDOs in some on-chip power domains but they currently occupy a large on-chip area [1]. Also, the voltage regulation schemes employed by current SC converters are either unsuitable in wireless systems or do not provide high efficiencies in on-chip use cases due to the dominance of bottom-plate and switching losses [2]. In this paper, a completely on-chip SC DC-DC converter that uses a digital capacitance modulation scheme to achieve voltage regulation is presented. The converter occupies only 0.16mm2 in total area and provides up to 8mA of current to output voltages between 0.8V to 1V from a 1.8V input while switching at 30MHz.
Transparent, conducting indium tin oxide films formed on low or medium temperature substrates by ion-assisted deposition.

An ion-assisted evaporation process is described for the formation of ITO films on substrates that cannot be heated beyond 150° C. Refractive indices and absorption coefficients were measured in the visible part of the spectrum for some of the films. The resistivity of the films varied between 0.7 and 8 × 10−3 Ω cm, depending on the process parameters. The properties were uniform over 25-cm diam areas.
A comparison of chloroambucil- and xylene-containing polyamines leads to improved ligands for accessing the polyamine transport system.

Several disubstituted arylene- and chloroambucil-polyamine conjugates were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to target cells via their polyamine transport system (PAT). As compared to the monosubstituted analogues, the disubstituted arylene systems were superior PAT targeting agents. Using a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line (PAT active) and its CHO-MG mutant (PAT inactive), the series was screened for their PAT targeting ability. The data were expressed as a CHOMG/CHO IC50 ratio. Indeed, the disubstituted systems gave high IC50 ratios (e.g., ratio > 2000), which indicated high selectivity for the PAT. The chloroambucil adducts were less toxic than the corresponding arylmethyl compounds. In this regard, having the proper recognition element (i.e., homospermidine) and cytotoxic “cargo” were deemed paramount for successful drug delivery via the PAT.
L2 Literacy and the Design of the Self: A Case Study of a Teenager Writing on the Internet

This article presents a case study that uses ethnographic and discourse analytic methods to examine how electronic textual experiences in ESL figure in the identity formation and literacy development of the learner. First, the article reviews some recent work in literacy studies, L2 learning, and computer-mediated communication to provide a conceptual basis for studying discursive practices and identity formation in L2 learning. The results of a case study of a Chinese immigrant teenager's written correspondence with a transnational group of peers on the Internet then show how this correspondence relates to his developing identity in the use of English. This study develops the notion of textual identity for understanding how texts are composed and used to represent and reposition identity in the networked computer media. It also raises critical questions on literacy and cultural belonging in the present age of globalization and transborder relations.
Light emission resulting from ion-recombination in the pulse-radiolysis of argon containing naphthalene or anthracene

Abstract Light emission from the lowest excited singlet states of naphthalene and anthracene is observed in the pulse-radiolysis of argon gas containing either of these substances. These states are formed, in part, via ion-recombination, and analysis of the emission decay curves allows the determination of the ion-recombination rate constants. In the naphthalene system, the electron-positive ion reaction has a rate constant of (4±1) × 10 −6 cm 3 ion −1 s −1 (120–200°C, 0–2·3 × 10 19 molecules argon/cm 3 ), and in the anthracene system, the anthracene negative ion reacts with positive ions with rate constants of 3·7 ± 0·3 × 10 −7 and 2·4±0·2 × 10 −7 cm 3 ion −1 s −1 at 1·91 × 10 19 and 0·652 × 10 19 molecules argon/cm 3 , respectively, at 195 ± 5°C.
Analysis of cell populations of normal and injured mouse lens epithelium. I. Cell cycle

Using a combination of single isotope and double isotope autoradiography after injection of 3H-thymidine and of 3H- + 14C-thymidine, respectively, the cell cycle of normal and injured lens epithelial cells in the mouse was determined. Progenitor cells in the peripheral region of normal lens epithelium were found to traverse the replicative cycle in the same amount of time as the injury-stimulated cells in both peripheral and central (wound) regions. The individual phases were also the same length, except for a slight shortening of G2 in the injured epithelium. The durations of the phases were: S: 11–12 hours; G2: 1.5–2 hours; M: 4.2–5 hours; G1 (derived): 38–44 hours; and total cycle: 55–61 hours. Two findings were significant in view of previous observations that injury to mouse lens seldom induces lens opacity. First, while the cell cycle duration was not affected by injury, a burst of proliferation of potentially active cells ensued. And, secondly, this burst of proliferation involved only one cell cycle. Only a small number of cells, equivalent to the normal progenitor compartment, continued into a second replicative cycle. The wound was healed, therefore, mainly by one division cycle involving a large number of cells.
Fuzzy clustering in avian infrared imagery application

There are large number of reports regarding bird and bat mortality due to strikes with turbine blades in wind farm applications. This issue is threatening the avian life especially migratory birds and bats. Avian monitoring techniques can be used to detect bird and bats, assess their activity, and make intelligent decision for construction of wind farms. In this paper, an IR monitoring approach is used for monitoring birds and bats in an area potential for future construction of wind turbines. As there is no a priori database of images for local birds/bats, clustering is used as an effective technique to group different avian categories. Fuzzy C Means is developed in this application to cluster the targets into birds, bats, and insects groups. The results are then compared with a hard Ant Clustering Algorithm. The number of created clusters and number of individuals in each cluster are then compared.
Early mortality and years of potential life lost among Veterans Affairs patients with depression.

Objective:Substantial literature documents excess and early mortality among individuals with serious mental illness, but there are relatively few data about mortality and depression. Methods:During fiscal year 2007, data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Death Index were used to calculate mean age of death and years of potential life lost (YPLL) associated with 13 causes of death among veterans with (N=701,659) or without (N=4,245,193) depression. Results:Compared with nondepressed patients, depressed patients died younger (71.1 versus 75.9) and had more YPLL (13.4 versus 10.2) as a result of both natural and unnatural causes. Depending on the cause of death, depressed patients died between 2.5 and 8.7 years earlier and had 1.5 to 6.1 YPLL compared with nondepressed patients. Conclusions:These findings have important implications for clinical practice, given that improved quality of care may be needed to reduce early mortality among depressed VA patients. (Psychiatric Services ...
Enhancing real-time CORBA via real-time Java features

End-to-end middleware predictability is essential to support quality of service (QoS) capabilities needed by distributed real-time and embedded (DRE) applications. Real-time CORBA is a middleware standard that allows DRE applications to allocate, schedule, and control the QoS of CPU, memory, and networking resources. Existing real-time CORBA solutions are implemented in C++, which is generally more complicated and error-prone to program than Java. The real-time specification for Java (RTSJ) provides extensions that enable Java to be used for developing DRE systems. Real-time CORBA does not currently leverage key RTSJ features, such as scoped memory and real-time threads. Thus, integration of real-time CORBA and RTSJ is essential to ensure the predictability required for Java-based DRE applications. We provide the following contributions to the study of middleware for DRE applications. First we analyze the architecture of ZEN, our implementation of real-time CORBA, identifying sources for the application of RTSJ features. Second, we describe how RTSJ features, such as scoped memory and real-time threads, can be associated with key ORB components to enhance the predictability of DRE applications using realtime CORBA and the RTSJ. Third, we perform preliminary qualitative and quantitative analysis of predictability enhancements arising from our application of RTSJ features. Our results show that use of RTSJ features can considerably improve the predictability of DRE applications written using Real-time CORBA and real-time Java.