cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Observations of the β Pictoris Circumstellar Disk with the JHU Adaptive Optics Coronagraph

We report new coronagraphic observations of the β Pictoris circumstellar disk with the JHU Adaptive Optics Coronagraph. We are able to image the inner region of the disk to a radius of 40 AU from the star, and find an abrupt change in the gradient of the disk’s midplane surface brightness at ∼100 AU. Our results are consistent with recently published models which propose two disk components in order to unify optical, IR and IRAS data.
Sulfation of glycolipids by human gastric mucosa in disease.

The activity levels of sulfotransferase enzymes involved in the transfer of sulfate from 3’-phosphoadenosine 5’-phosphosulfate to mucosal membrane and mucus gel glycolipids were studied in fundic and antral mucosal biopsies of patients with severe and chronic gastritis, gastric atrophy, gastric ulcer, and gastric cancer. With sulfotransferase which catalyzes the sulfation of mucus triglucosyl glyceroglucolipid increase in enzyme activity over the control was observed in patients with chronic and severe gastritis, and gastric atrophy, while a decrease in activity was noted in patients with gastric ulcer and gastric cancer. The differences were significant at p
Electron spin-echo experiments of a ground organic triplet state in a single crystal, diphenylmethylene in benzophenone

Abstract Electron spin-echo experiments of the ground triplet state of diphenylmethylene- h 10 and - d 10 imbedded in benzophenone crystals at low temperature (40–60K and 4.2K) are presented. Pronounced modulations due the proton and deuteron hyperfine interactions have been observed in both two-pulse echo and stimulated echo decays. The spin-lattice relaxation times of the system show very little anisotropy.
Relating the bounded arithmetic and polynomial time hierarchies

Abstract The bounded arithmetic theory S 2 is finitely axiomatized if and only if the polynomial hierarchy provably collapses. If T 2 i equals S 2 i + 1 then T 2 i is equal to S 2 and proves that the polynomial time hierarchy collapses to ∑ i + 3 p , and, in fact, to the Boolean hierarchy over ∑ i + 2 p and to ∑ i + 1 p / poly .
Effect of adrenalectomy on the initiation and expression of cocaine-induced sensitization

The role of corticosterone in the initiation and expression phases of sensitization to cocaine was examined. To determine the effect of corticosterone on the initiation of sensitization, male Sprague-Dawley rats were given a sham adrenalectomy (ADX), or ADX surgery. Approximately 1 week later, rats were given a cocaine (15 mg/kg, IP) injection on day 1. On days 2–6, rats were given cocaine (30 mg/kg, IP), and the next day, a cocaine challenge (15 mg/kg) was administered (= early withdrawal). Four days later, 50% of the ADX rats were given corticosterone pellets and corticosterone in the evening drinking water to mimic the circadian variation in corticosterone levels. After 1 week, rats were given a final saline challenge followed by a cocaine challenge (15 mg/kg) the next day (= late withdrawal). Locomotor activity was monitored after cocaine treatment on day 1 and after challenge at early and late withdrawal. Sham controls demonstrated a sensitized locomotor response to the cocaine challenge at early withdrawal, with a slight increase in this behavioral sensitization at the late withdrawal time. In contrast, sensitization was not observed in ADX rats after early withdrawal from cocaine, but this attenuation was not permanent, since ADX animals demonstrated control levels of sensitization by the late withdrawal time 12 days later. Animals given corticosterone replacement 1 week prior to the late cocaine challenge also demonstrated a sensitized response similar to control levels. The effect of corticosterone on the expression of sensitization was examined by administering daily cocaine as before followed by surgery a few days later. The treatment groups were sham, ADX and ADX+corticosterone replacement as described. Fourteen days later, a saline injection was given followed by a cocaine challenge the next day. Behavioral sensitization to a cocaine challenge was found in all three treatment groups. These data suggest that adrenal hormones are necessary during the initiation phase of sensitization when observed after early withdrawal (1 day), but not when sensitization is examined at a later withdrawal time (12 days). In addition, corticosterone levels do not significantly affect the expression phase of behavioral sensitization to cocaine.
Another piece of the autism puzzle

A new study has identified rare de novo mutations in SHANK2 in individuals with autism and/or mental retardation. SHANK2 encodes a scaffolding protein present in excitatory synapses. This finding sheds some light on the pathophysiology of social and cognitive disability.
Population energetics of the intertidal isopod Cirolana harfordi

Laboratory experiments and field measurements generated a population energy-budget estimate for the isopod Cirolana harfordi (Lockington). Assimilation of food energy averaged 88% on a diet of fish. About 35% of assimilated energy is allocated for growth and reproduction, while the bulk of the remainder is used for maintenance and activity (respiration). The high growth efficiency of C. harfordi is discussed with respect to “ecological efficiency” and energy transfer in marine systems.
Iodination (125I) of the apical plasma membrane of toad bladder epithelium: Electron-microscopic autoradiography and physiological effects

The apical plasma membrane of toad bladder epithelial cells has been enzymatically iodinated, using lactoperoxidase, H2O2 (generated by a glucose-glucose oxidase system) and NaI. The site of labeling was demonstrated by electron-microscopic autoradiography; the silver grains (125I) were found exclusively overlying the luminal plasma membranes of the epithelium. The iodination reaction reached completion in less than 5 min. The dependence of the degree of iodination on NaI concentrations (range=6.3×10−8 to 6.3×10−2m) in the mucosal medium was determined. The results suggest that three classes of sites are iodinated within this concentration range. At concentrations of NaI of 6.3×10−6m or less, iodination of the apical membrane had no significant effect on either the fine structure of the epithelium or on electrophysiological properties. The baseline short-circuit current (SCC) remained steady and the response to vasopressin was unimpaired. At concentrations of 6.3×10−5m NaI and greater, the baseline SCC was depressed and the response to vasopressin was partially inhibited. The results indicate that125I may serve as a covalent marker (specific for tyrosine and histidine residues) of the apical plasma membrane of epithelia.
Noise and Bias Error Due to Polarization Coupling in a Fiber Optic Gyroscope

This paper reports a comprehensive model of the noise and drift induced by polarization coupling in a fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) interrogated with a laser of arbitrary linewidth. It includes the effects of dynamic phase biasing, a realistic description of the laser phase noise and polarization-dependent loss. This model yields concise analytical expressions for the noise and drift dependencies on the laser linewidth, the fiber length and holding parameter h , and the fractional power launched into the unwanted polarization at the input to the sensing coil. For all realistic FOG parameter sets, the polarization-coupling noise is found to be insignificant. For a 1-km coil, a typical holding parameter ( $h = 10^{-5}$ ) and push–pull modulation, the drift is only ∼1 μ rad up to a linewidth of ∼100 MHz, which is far lower than previously believed. The drift decreases to even lower values for larger linewidths. Experimental measurements of the noise and drift in a 150-m FOG and their dependence on laser linewidth support these predictions. Birefringence modulation can be brought to bear to reduce this residual drift enough to meet the requirement for aircraft inertial navigation. Ultimately, this analysis shows that low-polarization coupling error can be obtained without the use of a broadband source.
The multi-scale aerosol-climate model PNNL-MMF: model description and evaluation

Abstract. Anthropogenic aerosol effects on climate produce one of the largest uncertainties in estimates of radiative forcing of past and future climate change. Much of this uncertainty arises from the multi-scale nature of the interactions between aerosols, clouds and large-scale dynamics, which are difficult to represent in conventional general circulation models (GCMs). In this study, we develop a multi-scale aerosol-climate model that treats aerosols and clouds across different scales, and evaluate the model performance, with a focus on aerosol treatment. This new model is an extension of a multi-scale modeling framework (MMF) model that embeds a cloud-resolving model (CRM) within each grid column of a GCM. In this extension, the effects of clouds on aerosols are treated by using an explicit-cloud parameterized-pollutant (ECPP) approach that links aerosol and chemical processes on the large-scale grid with statistics of cloud properties and processes resolved by the CRM. A two-moment cloud microphysics scheme replaces the simple bulk microphysics scheme in the CRM, and a modal aerosol treatment is included in the GCM. With these extensions, this multi-scale aerosol-climate model allows the explicit simulation of aerosol and chemical processes in both stratiform and convective clouds on a global scale. Simulated aerosol budgets in this new model are in the ranges of other model studies. Simulated gas and aerosol concentrations are in reasonable agreement with observations (within a factor of 2 in most cases), although the model underestimates black carbon concentrations at the surface by a factor of 2–4. Simulated aerosol size distributions are in reasonable agreement with observations in the marine boundary layer and in the free troposphere, while the model underestimates the accumulation mode number concentrations near the surface, and overestimates the accumulation mode number concentrations in the middle and upper free troposphere by a factor of about 2. The overestimation of accumulation model number concentrations in the middle and upper free troposphere is consistent with large aerosol mass fraction above 5 km in the MMF model compared with other models. Simulated cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations are within the observational variations. Simulated aerosol optical depths (AOD) are in reasonable agreement with observations (within a factor of 2), and the spatial distribution of AOD is consistent with observations, while the model underestimates AOD over regions with strong fossil fuel and biomass burning emissions. Overall, this multi-scale aerosol-climate model simulates aerosol fields as well as conventional aerosol models.
Towards Network Reduction on Big Data

The increasing ease of data collection experience and the increasing availability of large data storage space lead to the existence of very large datasets that are commonly referred as "Big Data". Such data not only take over large amount of database storage, but also increase the difficulties for data analysis due to data diversity, which, also makes the datasets seemingly isolated with each other. In this paper, we present a solution to the problem that is to build up connections among the diverse datasets, based upon their similarities. Particularly, a concept of similarity graph along with a similarity graph generation algorithm were introduced. We then proposed a similarity graph reduction algorithm that reduces vertices of the graph for the purpose of graph simplification.
Characterization of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase in a mouse hepatoma cell line

NADPH-cytochrome c reductase in Hepa-1 cells was induced 2-fold by phenobarbital, but was not induced by benz[a]anthracene or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). The apparent Km of the enzyme for NADPH was 0.57 microM; the activity was inhibitable by NADP; and segregated primarily to the microsomal fraction. Cytoplasm of Hepa-1 cells bound antibody to rabbit cytochrome P-450 reductase. 3T3 cells, which possessed one sixth of the cytochrome c reductase activity of Hepa-1 cells, bound correspondingly less cytochrome P-450 reductase antibody. This supports the notion that cytochrome P-450 reductase was responsible for the cytochrome c reductase activity that was measured.
Competing with channel partners: Supply chain conflict when retailers introduce store brands

Private-label products are of increasing importance in many retail categories. While national-brand products are designed by the manufacturer and sold by the retailer, the positioning of store-brand products is under the complete control of the retailer. We consider a scenario where products differ on a performance quality dimension and we analyze how retailer–manufacturer interactions in product positioning are affected by the introduction of a private-label product. Specifically, we consider a national-brand manufacturer who determines the quality of its product as well the product's wholesale price charged to the retailer. Given the national-brand quality and wholesale price, the retailer then decides the quality level of its store brand and sets the retail prices for both products. We find that a manufacturer can derive substantial benefits from considering a retailer's store-brand introduction when determining the national brand's quality and wholesale price. If the retailer has a significant cost disadvantage in producing high-quality products, the manufacturer does not need to adjust the quality of the national-brand product, but he should offer a wholesale price discount to ensure its distribution through the retailer. If the retailer is competitive in providing products of high-quality, the manufacturer should reduce this wholesale price discount and increase the national-brand quality to mitigate competition. Interestingly, we find the retailer has incentive to announce a store-brand introduction to induce the manufacturer's consideration of these plans in determining the national-brand product quality and wholesale price. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010
Developmental changes of microsomal cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases in larval and adult Diploptera punctata

Abstract The changes in several microsomal cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases were followed in fat body and midgut of the cockroach, Diploptera punctata , during the last larval stage and during the adult stage. The specific activities of aldrin epoxidation, 7-methoxy-4-methylcoumarin O- demethylation and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase were higher in the midgut than in the fat body, but the specific activity of methoxyresorufin O- demethylation was higher in the fat body. The specific activities were low at the time of ecdysis, but the developmental patterns during the last larval stage and during the adult stage were different for the fat body and the midgut enzyme activities, suggesting independent control mechanisms. In the midgut of adults, the various enzyme activities were similar between virgin females and mated females, thus ruling out a possible relation with the gonotrophic cycle which is controlled by juvenile hormone. Significant differences were observed between midgut enzyme activities of male and female roaches. Enzyme levels were drastically reduced in midguts of starved insects, but were restored upon feeding. Our results suggest that the developmental changes of cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases are specific for sex, tissue and possibly also isozymic form of cytochrome P-450 .
Interactions between the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and P-TEFb. Sequential recruitment of transcription factors and differential phosphorylation of C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II at cyp1a1 promoter.

Abstract The expression of the cytochrome P450 1A1 gene (cyp1a1) is regulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates most toxic responses induced by 2,3,7,8tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). In the nucleus, ligand-activated AhR binds to the xenobiotic response elements, initiating chromatin remodeling and recruitment of coregulators, leading to the formation of preinitiation complex followed by elongation. Here, we report that ligand-activated AhR recruits the positive transcription elongation factor (P-TEFb) and RNA polymerase II (RNA PII) to the cyp1a1 promoter with concomitant phosphorylation of the RNA PII carboxyl domain (CTD). Interestingly, the serine 2 and serine 5 of the heptapeptide repeats (YSPTSPS) were sequentially phosphorylated upon TCDD treatment. Inhibition of P-TEFb kinase activity by 5,6-dichloro-1-β-d-ribofuranosyl-benzimidazole (DRB) suppressed CTD phosphorylation (especially serine 2 phosphorylation) and abolished processive elongation without disrupting the assembly of the preinitiation complex at the cyp1a1 promoter. Remarkably, we found that activation of NF-κB by TNF-α selectively inhibited TCDD-induced serine 2 phosphorylation in mouse liver cells, suggesting that residue-specific phosphorylation of RNA PII CTD at the cyp1a1 promoter is an important regulatory point upon which signal “cross-talk” converges. Finally, we show that ligand-activated AhR associated with P-TEFb through the C terminus of cyclin T1, suggesting that AhR recruit the P-TEFb to the cyp1a1 promoter whereupon its kinase subunit phosphorylates the RNA PII CTD.
Dissolved organic iodine in marine waters: Determination, occurrence and analytical implications

Abstract An analytical scheme for the determination of dissolved organic I, DOI, in marine waters has been designed. The concentration of total I is determined as IO 3 − or I − after DOI has been oxidized to IO 3 − quantitatively by UV irradiation and all the inorganic I formed and present initially in the sample have been converted to the appropriate form for detection. The concentration of DOI is estimated as (total I−TII) where TII, or total inorganic I, represents the sum of the directly and independently determined concentrations of IO 3 − and I − . The precision for the determination of total I and DOI are ±0.008 and ±0.02 μ M, respectively. DOI was found ubiquitously in coastal waters. It constituted up to 40% of total I and is therefore a significant, and heretofore largely neglected, pool of dissolved I. The concentration of DOI decreased with depth and increased shoreward in the surface waters. The concentration of DOI has probably been underestimated in previously reported analytical schemes. The contribution of DOI to dissolved I may be safely neglected probably only in the deep oceans.
The Calculus of Nuclear Deterrence

THE importance of nuclear deterrence in the modern world does not require exposition. It became an issue of extended public discussion after the speech on massive retaliation by Secretary of State Dulles, who in the opinion of this writer came closer to an adequate theory of deterrence than most of his critics. This article will develop the view that the threat of counterattack is the best strategy against the possibility of aggression and that a nuclear counterattack is the most effective version of that strategy.
Development of the precerebellar nuclei in the rat. I: The precerebellar neuroepithelium of the rhombencephalon

Short-survival thymidine radiograms from rat embryos aged 13-19 days were analyzed to delineate the precerebellar neuroepithelium of the rhombencephalon. The original definition of the term "rhombencephalon" was modified to refer only to the unique dorsal portion (surface plate) of the medulla and pons where the neural groove fails to fuse and, instead, the medullary velum covers the rhomboid lumen of the fourth ventricle. Initially, the neuroepithelial tissue of the rhombencephalon consists of a pair of rostral and caudal bridgeheads: the former the primary neuroepithelium of the cerebellum and the latter the primary neuroepithelium of the octavo-precerebellar system. The spatial relationship between the cerebellar and precerebellar neuroepithelia soon changes as a result of ongoing morphogenetic events, such that the cerebellar primordium assumes a dorsal position and the precerebellar primordium a ventral position, and the distance between the two decreases. Concurrently the tela choroidea invaginates into the fourth ventricle and a secondary precerebellar neuroepithelium develops. The rostral portion of the secondary precerebellar neuroepithelium grows forward along the choroid plexus and forms the medial recess of the anterior fourth ventricle, while its caudal portion grows in the opposite direction beneath the medullary velum and forms the rostral wall of the posterior fourth ventricle. Evidence will be presented in the succeeding papers that the primary precerebellar neuroepithelium first generates the neurons of the inferior olive that migrate by a circumferential intramural (parenchymal) route to their destination. Next, the neurons of the lateral reticular and external cuneate nuclei are generated. These migrate by a posterior extramural (superficial) route and settle contralaterally. Subsequently, the primary precerebellar neuroepithelium produces the neurons of the nucleus reticularis tegmenti pontis and these form the anterior extramural migratory stream and settle ipsilaterally. Finally, the secondary precerebellar neuroepithelium produces the latest generated neurons of the basal pontine gray that follow the anterior extramural stream and settle ipsilaterally.
Multichannel cavity optomechanics for all-optical amplification of radio frequency signals

Cavity optomechanics can exploit optical forces to achieve all-optical signal processing, but most schemes are limited to a narrow wavelength range. Using a cavity optomechanical design system with two optical channels, Li et al. show broadband readout and all-optical amplification of radio-frequency signals.
A Convenient Procedure for the Syntheses of Vinyl Iodides via the Reaction of Iodine Monochloride with Vinylboronic Acids

Vinyl halides are important synthetic intermediates. One route to vinyl halides involves the reaction of vinylboronic acids with halogens in the presence of sodium hydroxide. Although the reaction of iodine with organoborane reagents has been carefully investigated and is known to produce good yields of stereochemically defined products, it does have two potential disadvantages. The first is the necessity of using a strong base which could react with sensitive functional groups. The second is the fact that one-half of the iodine molecule is lost as iodide which is not economical when radionuclides of iodine are employed. An alternative method of preparing vinyl halides is reported in this paper. Vinyl boronic acids (readily prepared via the hydroboration of alkynes) react with iodine monochloride to yield the corresponding vinyl iodides. This reaction is applicable to a variety of functionally substituted materials. The reaction of triphenylborane with iodine monochloride is also reported.
Diagnosis of tropical biases and the MJO from patterns in the MERRA analysis tendency fields

The Modern-Era Reanalysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) is realistic, including its Madden‐ Julian oscillation (MJO), which the underlying model [Goddard Earth Observing System, version 5 (GEOS-5)] lacks. In the MERRA budgets, analysis tendencies (ATs) make evolution realistic despite model shortcomings. The ATs are the negative of physical process errors, if dynamical tendencies are accurate. Pattern resemblances between ATs and physical tendencies suggest which processes are erroneous. The authors examined patterns of tropicalATsinfourdimensionsandfoundseveralnoteworthyfeatures.TemperatureATprofilesshowthatmoist physics has erroneous sharp cooling at 700 hPa, a signature of misplaced melting and perhaps excessive precipitation evaporation. This excites a distinctive (fingerprint) erroneous short vertical wavelength temperature structure,perhapsacauseoftheGEOS-5too-slowconvectivelycoupledwaves.Theglobe’slargestATof200-hPa wind stems from overactive heating over the intra-Americas seas region in summer, with the same moist physics fingerprint.TheerroneousheatingproducesabaroclinicvortexthatiscounteredbyATsopposingitstemperature and momentum fields in a thermal wind balanced sense. Lack of restraint in the deep convection scheme is also indicated in MJO composites, where the water vapor AT is anomalously positive on the leading edge, indicating a premature vapor sink. Since GEOS-5 lacks an MJO, this diagnosis suggests that the transition from shallow to deep convection (moistening todrying) is crucial in the real-world MJO. This is not news, but its diagnosis by ATs provides an objective, repeatable way to measure the effect that could be a useful guide in model development.
X-ray structural and DFT computational studies of a self-assembled via axial coordination magnesium porphyrin-fullerene conjugate

Slow evaporation of a mixture of organic solvents containing meso-tetraphenylporphyrinato-magnesium(II), MgTPP and N-methyl-2-(4'-N-imidazolylphenyl)-fulleropyrrolidine, C60Im yielded, air stable, dark purple crystals. Determination of the structure by single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed two forms of slightly varying self-assembled via axial coordination MgTPP:C60Im dyad. The Mg-N distance of the newly formed coordinate bond was found to be 2.131 A which was close to the porphyrin ring Mg-N bond distances. The edge-to-edge distances were found to be 9.024 and 9.269 A, respectively, for the two structure forms. The center-to-center distance between the magnesium and fullerene was 13.296 A irrespective of the structural forms. Additional intermolecular type interactions between the magnesium porphyrin and fullerene entities that are not axially coordinated were also observed. DFT calculations performed at the B3LYP/3-21G(*) level on the fullerene and porphyrin segments suggested that the charge transfer type π–π interactions are primarily responsible for the intermolecular association of the presently studied donor-acceptor dyad.
The dependence of Mössbauer isomer shifts on magnetic moments in solvated tris-dithiocarbamates on iron(III)

Abstract The 57Fe room temperature isomer shifts for six solvated tris-dithiocarbamates of iron(III), [Fe(S2CNRR′)3·solvent] are found to obey the same isomer shift vs solid-state magnetic moment linear dependence as the unsolvated complexes. This relationship is independent of the ground-state ( S = 1 2 or S = 3 2 ) in these spin-crossover complexes.
Critical magnetic fields of superconducting thin films of ErRh4B4

Abstract In thin films of the re-entrant ternary superconductor ErRh 4 B 4 the perpendicular critical field H c⊥ has been found to be larger than the parallel critical field H c 11 . These unusual results have been shown to be consistent with a simple model which considers the effect of the magnetization induced in the film by the externally applied field but inconsistent with a more detailed model which invokes multiple pair-breaking mechanisms.
Locomotor behavior and control in human and non-human primates: Comparisons with cats and dogs

For many years the cat has been the accepted mammalian model for investigations on the neural control of locomotion. The results from such studies, and also similar studies on dogs, have been assumed to represent the typical mammalian condition. The primary purpose of this review is to evaluate this assumption relative to human and non-human primates. A second purpose is to acquaint investigators of mammalian locomotor behavior and control with the large amount of data available on this topic for non-human primates. The analysis shows that non-human primates are different from carnivores in footfall patterns, gaits, gait transitions, relative stride length, limb angular excursions, weight support, mechanisms of propulsion, spinal vs. supraspinal control of stepping, and possible EMG patterns. Humans exhibit more similarities with other primates than with cats or dogs, but also appear to be unique in many ways. Thus, it is clear that extrapolations of results based on cat or dog experiments may not be applicable to non-human or human primates. Furthermore, although non-human primates unquestionably make a better experimental model than cats or dogs for understanding human locomotor control mechanisms, exactly how much better remains to be determined.
The effect of the timing and spacing of observations in longitudinal studies of tobacco and other drug use: temporal design considerations.

This article explores the impact of the temporal design, i.e. the sampling of times of measurement, on the statistical and substantive conclusions drawn from longitudinal biomedical and social science research. It is shown that for a study of a given duration, if observations are spaced too far apart the resulting data can support misleading conclusions, whereas if observations are spaced relatively close together, a much more veridical picture of the process of interest is provided. The application of these ideas in several areas is discussed, including correlation and regression analysis where a variable measured at one time is used to predict a variable measured at a later time; growth curve analyses; and analyses involving stage-sequential processes. We argue that longitudinal designs should relate the choice of timing and spacing of observations in longitudinal studies to characteristics of the processes being measured. In addition, consideration of the possible effects of measurement design on results of statistical analyses may aid in their interpretation. New approaches involving intensive data collection with much shorter measurement intervals, such as Ecological Momentary Assessment, are promising, but are costly and are not suitable for every research question. More information is needed to help guide researchers in their choice of temporal design.
Renormalisation of gauge theories using effective Lagrangians. II

Abstract The renormalisation of field theories is understandable in an elegant way in terms of the flow of effective Lagrangians. At distances much larger than some physical cutoff, the physics is described by a small number of parameters, which can be identified purely by dimensional analysis. For scalar theories a rigorous yet simple proof of renormalisability based on this concept was given by Polchinski. For gauge theories there is the extra issue of unitarity of the renormalised S -matrix, which can only be guaranteed by proving renormalised Ward identities, and in this paper we carry this out for the case of non-chiral matter couplings. The second paper in this series extends to chiral theories and to N = 1 supersymmetric Yang-Mills.
TU‐D‐L100F‐03: Quantification of PET and SPECT Biomarkers

The metabolic information provided by PET and SPECT has great potential for diagnosing and staging disease, customizing treatmentdoses for a particular patient, and tracking a patients' response to treatment. However, quantifying the information in these images remains challenging. This presentation will review the sources of variability in the data, grouped into three broad categories: patient — related factors (e.g. body habitus, medications); scanner‐related factors (spatial and energy resolution, sensitivity, data acquisition mode (2D or 3D), attenuation and scatter correction method, image reconstruction algorithm, respiratory and cardiac motion‐correction method); and operator‐related factors such as acquisition and reconstruction protocols, instrument and imagequality control, instrument calibrations, and method of image analysis. The impact of these variables on quantification will be discussed, along with methods for minimizing those that are controllable. The presentation will conclude with a review of current efforts by government agencies, professional organizations, academic institutions, and sponsors of multicenter trials to grapple with the additional complexities that arise from combining data from multiple patients at multiple sites. Particular emphasis will be placed on the author's experience as a member of the PETQuality Assurance Committee at the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) PET Core Lab, which has credentialed more than 100 PET scanners for participation in quantitative PET multicenter trials. Research partially supported by ACRIN. ACRIN is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and receives additional support from industry partners, other governmental agencies and the ACRIN Fund for Imaging Innovation. NOTE: ACRIN is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and receives additional support from industry partners, other governmental agencies and the ACRIN Fund for Imaging Innovation. Educational Objectives: 1. Understand the factors that affect the variability and accuracy of PET and SPECT biomarker quantification, with particular emphasis on scanner‐related parameters. 2. Understand the importance of minimizing variability in order to enhance the ability to distinguish signal from noise. 3. Understand the efforts currently underway to standardize acquisition and processing protocols and to monitor equipment performance through credentialing and periodic quality control checks.
Serum antibodies to periodontal pathogens are a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract Background Chronic inflammation in periodontal disease has been suggested as a potential risk factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to examine serum antibody levels to bacteria of periodontal disease in participants who eventually converted to AD compared with the antibody levels in control subjects. Methods Serum samples from 158 participants in the Biologically Resilient Adults in Neurological Studies research program at the University of Kentucky were analyzed for immunoglobulin G antibody levels to seven oral bacteria associated with periodontitis, including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans , Porphyromonas gingivalis, Campylobacter rectus, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum , Tannerella forsythia, and Prevotella intermedia . All 158 participants were cognitively intact at baseline venous blood draw. In all, 81 of the participants developed either mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD or both, and 77 controls remained cognitively intact in the years of follow-up. Antibody levels were compared between controls and subjects with AD at baseline draw and after conversion and controls and subjects with MCI at baseline draw and after conversion using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. AD and MCI participants were not directly compared. Linear regression models were used to adjust for potential confounding. Results Antibody levels to F nucleatum and P intermedia were significantly increased (α = 0.05) at baseline serum draw in the patients with AD compared with controls. These results remained significant when controlling for baseline age, Mini-Mental State Examination score, and apolipoprotein epsilon 4 status. Conclusions This study provides initial data that demonstrate elevated antibodies to periodontal disease bacteria in subjects years before cognitive impairment and suggests that periodontal disease could potentially contribute to the risk of AD onset/progression. Additional cohort studies profiling oral clinical presentation with systemic response and AD and prospective studies to evaluate any cause-and-effect association are warranted.
From globalization to localization: The world's leading television news broadcasters in Asia

This article addresses globalization of CNNI, BBC World, and CNBC in Asia by analyzing and comparing their programme schedules. Globalization for them means adopting regionalization and localization in their programming strategies. Co‐owning local companies to produce country‐specific programmes is likely to become the dominant model for global news broadcasters’ localization strategy. This study concludes that globalization for the world's leading television news broadcasters no longer means rebroadcasting a universal version of news from the West to Asia. Globalization for these broadcasters has evolved into a two‐way ‘push’ and ‘pull’ process in which local concerns have to be taken into consideration in these broadcasters’ programming.
In-situ plasma diagnostic investigations of single-wall carbon nanotube synthesis by laser ablation of C-Ni-Co targets

Single-wall carbon nanotubes are formed by Nd:YAG laser vaporization of a graphite/(1 at.% Ni, 1 at.% Co) target into flowing argon (500 Torr) within a quartz tube furnace (1000 degrees Celsius). Here, this process is investigated for the first time with time-resolved laser-induced luminescence imaging and spectroscopy of Co atoms, C2 and C3 molecules, and clusters. These measurements under actual synthesis conditions show that the plume of vaporized material is segregated and confined within a vortex ring which maintains an approximately 1 cm3 volume for several seconds. Using time-resolved spectroscopy and spectroscopic imaging, the time for conversion of atomic and molecular species to clusters was measured for both carbon (200 microseconds) and cobalt (2 ms). This rapid conversion of carbon to nanoparticles, combined with transmission electron microscopy analysis of the collected deposits, indicate that nanotube growth occurs during several seconds of time from a feedstock of mixed nanoparticles in the gas-suspended plume. By adjusting the time spent by the plume within the high- temperature zone using these in situ diagnostics, single- walled nanotubes of controlled length were grown at an estimated rate of 0.2 micrometers /s.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Revisiting the chemistry of graphite oxides and its effect on ammonia adsorption

Graphite oxide (GO) was synthesized using two different methods: one with sulfuric acid as part of the oxidizing mixture (Hummers–Offeman method) and another one without the sulfur-containing compound involved in the oxidation process (Brodie method). They were both tested for ammonia adsorption in dynamic conditions, at ambient temperature, and characterized before and after exposure to ammonia by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, potentiometric titration, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and elemental analysis. Analyses of the initial materials showed that besides epoxy, hydroxyl and carboxylic groups, a significant amount of sulfur is incorporated as sulfonic group for GO prepared by the Hummers–Offeman method. The process of ammonia adsorption seems to be strongly related to the type of GO. For GO prepared by the Brodie method, ammonia is mainly retained via intercalation in the interlayer space of GO and by reaction with the carboxylic groups present at the edges of the graphene layers. On the contrary, when GO prepared by the Hummers method is used, the ways of retention are different: not only is the intercalation of ammonia observed but its reaction with the epoxy, carboxylic and sulfonic groups present is also observed. In particular, during the ammonia adsorption process, sulfonic groups are converted to sulfates in the presence of superoxide anions O2−*. These sulfates can then react with ammonia to form ammonium sulfates. For both GOs, an incorporation of a significant part of the ammonia adsorbed as amines in their structure is observed as a result of reactive adsorption.
Structural Stability of Vault Particles

ABSTRACT Vaults, at 13 MDa, are the largest ribonucleoprotein particles known. In vitro , expression of the major vault protein (MVP) alone in Sf9 insect cells results in the production of recombinant particles with characteristic vault structure. With the ultimate goal of using recombinant vaults as nanocapsules for the delivery of biomolecules, we have employed a variety of spectroscopic techniques (i.e., circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy, and light scattering) along with electron microscopy, to characterize the structural stability of vaults over a wide range of pH (3–8) and temperature (10–90°C). Ten different conformational states of the vaults were identified over the pH and temperature range studied with the most stable region at pH 6–8 below 40°C and least stable at pH 4–6 above 60°C. A unique intermediate molten globulelike state was also identified at pH 6 and ~ 55°C. EM imaging showed the opening of intact vaults into flowerlike structures when transitioning from neutral to acidic pH. This information has potential use in the development of recombinant vaults into nanocapsules for drug delivery since one mechanism by which therapeutic agents entrapped in vaults could be released is through an opening of the intact vault structure.
Clinical Significance of Incidental Colorectal Wall Thickening on Computed Tomography Scan in African-American and Hispanic Patients

We sought to assess the significance of an incidental finding of colorectal wall thickening (CRWT) on computed tomography (CT) scan in African-American and Hispanic patients. We retrospectively reviewed charts of African-American and Hispanic patients from January 1994 to December 2005. Those patients were included in whom the colonoscopy was performed due to incidental CRWT on CT scan. Patients with a history or a family history of colorectal malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal surgery, with an incomplete colonoscopic examination, or <18 years of age were excluded. Endoscopic and pathological findings were abstracted. Thirty-two patients met the criteria. Endoscopic examination was abnormal in 21 (65.6%). The positive predictive value of CRWT for abnormal endoscopic examination was 65.6%. Abnormal endoscopic examination revealed diverticulosis in 9 (43%), erythematous mucosa in 8 (38%), polyps in 6 (29%), mass in 2 (9%), thickened folds in 1 (5%), and diverticulitis in 1 (5%). Histopathological findings revealed colitis in 7 (33%), adenoma in 4 (19%), hyperplastic polyps in 4 (19%), adenocarcinoma in 2 (9%), lymphoid aggregates in 2 (9%), melanosis coli in 1 (5%), and normal in 1 (5%) in the abnormal examination group. Abnormal endoscopic examination was found in 65.6% of patients. The prevalence of colitis, adenomas, and malignancy was high, therefore abnormal CRWT warrants further endoscopic evaluation.
Guided Design Simulations in Introductory Level American Politics and State and Local Politics Courses

A series of simulations that I have developed, based on the guided design format, can be used in introductory level American politics and state and local politics courses. I use the simulation as the final course project to synthesize theories and concepts addressed in the course by directly involving students in a sevenstep, problem-solving exercise. Structured as a group project, students work together as a team for a team grade and are in competition with other groups to have their solution adopted as the best solution. Each group presents its solution to the class for the final examination. During the presentations, the class plays the role of contracting agent or commissioning authority depending on the problem scenario. Following the conclusion of all presentations, I repeat the project evaluation criterion and instruct the class to vote by secret ballot for the best solution. Following the vote, I critique each group's performance and note the grade they have earned. Lastly I count the ballots and announce the vote result. I usually present the winning group with a token prize (toy kazoos so the winners can blow their own horn, etc.) to acknowledge their success and close the term on a festive note. While sharing many features of other simulations, the guided design format is especially attractive because it provides feedback following each step. It incorporates a sequenced validation process (i.e., the "guides"), which enables students to repeatedly evaluate their progress and make adjustments they decide upon with minimal faculty intrusion. In both my American politics and state and local politics courses, a current events emphasis is directly incorporated into course content. In addition to the required text(s), students subscribe to a weekly newspaper, The Washington Post Weekly Edition. Classroom instruction is conducted predominantly through a discussion format, with regular use of informal writing exercises and informal debates. Students are expected to apply theory and concepts to current events in classroom discussion, exercises, and essay examinations. The current events emphasis provides the foundation for the guided design project. Course requirements include four examinations and the final guided design project. The examinations and project are graded at equal value. As the capstone of the course, the guided design project concludes the term and is scheduled for the last week(s) of class. By controlling time allocated to each step, or the number of steps included, the project can be run in as few as three class hours. My experience has been, however, that this abbreviated version combines steps better left distinct and does not permit in-depth deliberations, outside data collection, or the exploration of multiple alternatives. For best possible results, I currently devote the last six class hours of the term and the final examination period to the guided design project.
The Moderating Effects of Attitudes on Nurses’ Intentions to Report Impaired Practice

Nurses compose the largest segment of employees in the U.S. health care industry. Nurses whose professional functioning is impaired because of substance abuse represent a threat to the health and safety of patients, other health care staff, and themselves. Attitudes toward substance use have been studied in relation to nurses’ intentions (decisions) to report impaired colleagues. Whether, and to what extent, these attitudes may interact with the characteristics of the “offense” to influence intentions to report impaired practice is unknown. In this article we analyze intentions to report a variety of impaired nursing practice scenarios, obtained using a policy-capturing method, to determine the extent to which attitudes held by the “reporter” influence intentions by moderating the effects of the offense characteristics. Intention data from a sample of 120 nurses were modeled using hierarchical techniques to test the moderating hypothesis. Evidence for the moderating effects of attitudes is discussed.
The Pre-BCR to the Rescue: Therapeutic Targeting of Pre-B Cell ALL

Pre B-ALL is an aggressive cancer of the blood for which treatment of patients with relapsed and refractory disease remains a challenge. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Geng and colleagues surveyed the activation status of the pre-B cell receptor and comprehensively investigated downstream signaling mechanisms currently targetable with small molecule inhibitors.