cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperspectral vibrational photoacoustic imaging of lipids and collagen

The recently developed vibrational photoacoustic (VPA) microscopy allows bond-selective imaging of deep tissues by taking advantage of intrinsic contrast from harmonic vibration of C-H bonds. Due to the spectral similarity of molecules in the overtone vibration region, the compositional information is not available from VPA images acquired by single wavelength excitation. Here we demonstrate that lipids and collagen, two critical markers in many kinds of diseases, can be distinguished by hyperspectral VPA imaging. A phantom consisted of rat tail tendon (collagen) and fat tissue (lipids) was constructed. Wavelengths between 1650 and 1850 nm were scanned to excite the first overtone/combination vibration of C-H bond. B-scan hyperspectral VPA images, in which each pixel contains a spectrum, was analyzed by a Multivariate Curve Resolution - Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) algorism to recover the spatial distribution of two chemical components in the phantom.
Which colon cancer screening test? A comparison of costs, effectiveness, and compliance.

Abstract Purpose Recent media reports have advocated the use of colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening. However, colonoscopy is expensive compared with other screening modalities, such as fecal occult blood testing and flexible sigmoidoscopy. We sought to determine the cost effectiveness of different screening strategies for colorectal cancer at levels of compliance likely to be achieved in clinical practice. Methods A Markov decision model was used to examine screening strategies, including fecal occult blood testing alone, fecal occult blood testing combined with flexible sigmoidoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy alone, and colonoscopy. The timing and frequency of screening was varied to assess optimal screening intervals. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the factors that have the greatest effect on the cost effectiveness of screening. Results All strategies are cost effective versus no screening, at less than $20,000 per life-year saved. Direct comparison suggests that the most effective strategies are twice-lifetime colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy combined with fecal occult blood testing. Assuming perfect compliance, flexible sigmoidoscopy combined with fecal occult blood testing is slightly more effective than twice-lifetime colonoscopy (at ages 50 and 60 years) but is substantially more expensive, with an incremental cost effectiveness of $390,000 per additional life-year saved. However, compliance with primary screening tests and colonoscopic follow-up for polyps affect screening decisions. Colonoscopy at ages 50 and 60 years is the preferred test regardless of compliance with the primary screening test. However, if follow-up colonoscopy for polyps is less than 75%, then even once-lifetime colonoscopy is preferred over most combinations of flexible sigmoidoscopy and fecal occult blood testing. Costs of colonoscopy and proportion of cancer arising from polyps also affect cost effectiveness. Conclusions Colonoscopic screening for colorectal cancer appears preferable to current screening recommendations. Screening recommendations should be tailored to the compliance levels achievable in different practice settings.
When Declaring “I am a Feminist” Matters: Labeling is Linked to Activism

Being a feminist has been operationalized as a label (linked with activism), beliefs (associated with personal and interpersonal outcomes), and their combination. Using an internet survey completed by 220 American mid-western college women, we explored the unique and combined impact of feminist self-labeling with feminist beliefs on women’s well-being, egalitarianism, and activism. Self-labeling was most clearly defined as a binary declaration of being a feminist or not, which alone was related to increased feminist activism above and beyond the impact of feminist beliefs. Furthermore, self-labeling, unlike feminist beliefs, was not related to personal well-being or interpersonal egalitarianism. Our findings confirm the exclusive and singular importance of self-labeling for enhanced feminist action.
Radial differential interior tomography and its image reconstruction with differentiated backprojection and projection onto convex sets

Purpose: Interior tomography has been recognized as one of the most effective approaches in computed tomography (CT) to reduce radiation dose rendered to patients. In this work, the authors propose and evaluate an imaging method of radial differential interior tomography. Methods: In interior tomography, an x-ray beam is collimated to only irradiate the region of interest (ROI) with suspected lesions while the surrounding area/volume of normal tissues/organs is spared. In the proposed imaging method of radial differential interior tomography, the outcome is a ROI image that has gone through a radial differential filtering. The image reconstruction algorithm for the radial differential interior tomography is kept in the fashion of differentiated backprojection and projection onto convex sets, but the requireda priori knowledge in a small round area becomes zero and may be more readily available in practice. Results: Using the projection data simulated by computer and acquired by CT scanner, the authors evaluate and verify the performance of the proposed radial differential interior tomography method and its associated image reconstruction algorithm. The preliminary results show that the proposed imaging method can generate an image that is the radial differentiation of a conventional tomographic image and is robust over noise that inevitably exist in practice. Conclusions: It is believed that the proposed imaging method may find its utility in advanced clinical applications wherein a ROI-based image processing and analysis is required for lesion visualization, characterization, and diagnosis.
Serotype-Specific Reorganization of the Mre11 Complex by Adenoviral E4orf3 Proteins

The early transcriptional region 4 (E4) of adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) encodes gene products that modulate splicing, apoptosis, transcription, DNA replication, and repair pathways. Viruses lacking both E4orf3 and E4orf6 have a severe replication defect, partially characterized by the formation of genome concatemers. Concatemer formation is dependent upon the cellular Mre11 complex and is prevented by both the E4orf3 and E4orf6 proteins. The Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 proteins are targeted for proteasome-mediated degradation by the Ad5 viral E1b55K/E4orf6 complex. The expression of Ad5 E4orf3 causes a redistribution of Mre11 complex members and results in their exclusion from viral replication centers. For this study, we further analyzed the interactions of E4 proteins from different adenovirus serotypes with the Mre11 complex. Analyses of infections with serotypes Ad4 and Ad12 demonstrated that the degradation of Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 proteins is a conserved feature of the E1b55K/E4orf6 complex. Surprisingly, Nbs1 and Rad50 were localized to the replication centers of both Ad4 and Ad12 viruses prior to Mre11 complex degradation. The transfection of expression vectors for the E4orf3 proteins of Ad4 and Ad12 did not alter the localization of Mre11 complex members. The E4orf3 proteins of Ad4 and Ad12 also failed to complement defects in both concatemer formation and late protein production of a virus with a deletion of E4. These results reveal surprising differences among the highly conserved E4orf3 proteins from different serotypes in the ability to disrupt the Mre11 complex.
Design of DNA pooling to allow incorporation of covariates in rare variants analysis.

Background Rapid advances in next-generation sequencing technologies facilitate genetic association studies of an increasingly wide array of rare variants. To capture the rare or less common variants, a large number of individuals will be needed. However, the cost of a large scale study using whole genome or exome sequencing is still high. DNA pooling can serve as a cost-effective approach, but with a potential limitation that the identity of individual genomes would be lost and therefore individual characteristics and environmental factors could not be adjusted in association analysis, which may result in power loss and a biased estimate of genetic effect. Methods For case-control studies, we propose a design strategy for pool creation and an analysis strategy that allows covariate adjustment, using multiple imputation technique. Results Simulations show that our approach can obtain reasonable estimate for genotypic effect with only slight loss of power compared to the much more expensive approach of sequencing individual genomes. Conclusion Our design and analysis strategies enable more powerful and cost-effective sequencing studies of complex diseases, while allowing incorporation of covariate adjustment.
Numerical simulation of fluid flow through random packs of polydisperse cylinders

The macroscopic properties of two-dimensional random periodic packs of polydisperse cylinders are investigated by means of numerical methods. We solve the unsteady, two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations on a staggered Cartesian grid and use the immersed boundary method to treat internal flow boundaries. The effects of porosity, polydispersity, and Reynolds numbers on the macroscopic permeability are studied. For small Reynolds numbers, we show that the permeability can be correlated to the underlying microstructure by means of a suitably defined statistical descriptor, the mean shortest Delaunay edge. With proper scaling, the results for polydisperse cylinders collapse onto the data for monodisperse cylinders, which can then be fitted with a universal curve. We also carry out a statistical analysis of the permeability computed for 500 samples and show that rare events, where the permeability lies outside the mean plus/minus three times the standard deviation, are possible. Finally, for larger Reynolds numbers, we show that a modified Forchheimer equation can characterize the flow.
Teacher Quality and Attrition in a US School District.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine whether teachers with high value‐added scores (as a measure of teacher quality) stay or left test grades and subjects in a medium‐sized school district.Design/methodology/approach – Panel data for this paper encompass teachers providing math and reading instruction and link to individual students in grades 3‐10 from a single Florida school district (2000‐2001 to 2004‐2005). Value‐added modeling is used to estimate a measure of teacher quality, which is entered into binomial logistic regression models.Findings – This paper finds a negative relationship between reading teachers' value‐added scores and attrition (p<0.05) – a finding consistent with the few that have examined the relationship between value added and teacher attrition. A significant relationship is not found between math value added and attrition. There is also no significant relationship between value added and transferring. Secondary and alternatively certified teachers are more likely to e...
Human lymphocyte tubulin: Purification and characterization in normal and leukemic cells

Abstract Tubulin has been purified from human blood and tonsil lymphocytes. Using gel filtration, the molecular weight of human lymphocyte tubulin was estimated to be 119 000. The proteins was shown to consist of two subunits, with molecular weights of 61 000 and 58 000 comparable to the α and β polypeptides of human brain tubulin. A partial identity reaction was observed between lymphocyte tubulin and human tubulin when tested by double immunodiffusion against a rabbit anti-human brain tubulin antibody. In the presence of GTP, the purified protein polymerized to form microtubules. Tubulin was localized to the cell's juxtacentriolar region by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. When assayed by a colchicine-binding assay corrected for time decay, the binding affinity was 1.50 ± 0.86 · 10 6 M −1 and a level in normal lymphocytes of 1.21 · 10 −2 ± 0.79 g/g of soluble protein was determined. Since chronic lymphocytic leukemia lymphocytes have an anomalous capping behavior as well as an unusual susceptibility to colchicine toxicity, the properties and levels of tubulin were determined in these cells. Similar values were obtained for the level, decay rate, molecular weight, and K a for colchicine as for normal lymphocytes. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia lymphocyte tubulin polymerized in a normal fashion. It thus appears that a decrease in the quantity or function of tubulin does not account for these anomalies in the chronic lymphocytic leukemia lymphocyte.
Lymphocyte responses of human neonates to bacterial antigens.

Abstract Antibiotic-killed bacteria have been shown to induce in vitro lymphocyte proliferation in normal adults. To study the development of this reactivity, we analyzed the responses of cord blood lymphocytes to Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae , and to the plant lectins phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen. Cord blood lymphocytes incorporated thymidine in response to plant mitogens and whole antibiotic-killed bacteria at levels similar to those of adult PBL. However, while all neonates responded to plant lectins, one-fifth of neonates did not respond to any of the bacteria studied. In addition, a large group of neonates responded to Staphylococcus but not to pseudomonas or klebsiella. In newborns, there was a significant correlation between responses to pseudomonas and responses to klebsiella but not between responses to Staphylococcus and responses to either gram-negative strain. We suggest that the capability for immune recognition of bacteria is present in most human neonates, but that different developmental processes are required for the proliferative responses to plant mitogens, to antibiotic-killed Staphylococcus, and to the gram-negative bacteria used.
Solar system: Evaporating asteroid

The asteroid Ceres has been thought to contain abundant water. Observations acquired with the Herschel Space Observatory now show that this Solar System object is spewing water vapour from its surface. See Letter p.525
Solid-Liquid Interfacial Free Energy of Water: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study

The superheating-undercooling hysteresis method and molecular dynamics simulation [Luo et al. Phys. Rev. B 2003, 68, 134206] were applied to estimate solid-liquid interfacial free energy (γ) of model water at ambient pressure. Two models of water were selected, the TIP4P-Ew and TIP5P-Ew, which are the improved TIP4P and TIP5P model (for the use with Ewald technique), respectively. The calculated γ at 1 bar is 37 mJ/m(2) for TIP4P-Ew and 42 mJ/m(2) for TIP5P-Ew, consistent with a previous direct MD simulation (39 mJ/m(2)), as well as within the range of measured values (25-44 mJ/m(2)).
The longitudinal influences of computer-intensive learning experiences on at-risk elementary students

This evaluation study examined the school achievement and adjustment by at-risk students one year following their participation as fifth and sixth graders in computer-intensive classrooms using the Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow (ACOT) program. Comparisons between the former ACOT subjects and a matched control group who had attended the same elementary school were made on attitudes toward school, teacher evaluations, grades, computer skills, and standardized test scores. Results showed some advantages for the ACOT students in the seventh grade, but on most measures they were indistinguishable from the control group. Specifically, both groups appeared to remain at risk based on their poor performance and relatively poor adjustment. A key factor in interpreting outcomes for the ACOT group was the limited availability of computers in the seventh grade, which thus restricted their opportunities to apply or transfer the skills they had learned.
Perceived relationship with God fosters positive body image in college women.

Positive body image is defined as healthy body-related attitudes that go beyond the absence of distressful symptoms. A warm and secure relationship with an important other person has been linked wi...
Gain estimation of nonlinear dynamic systems modeled by an FBFN and the maximum output scaling factor of a self-tuning PI fuzzy controller

Abstract This paper proposes new techniques to calculate the dynamic gains of nonlinear systems represented by fuzzy basis function network (FBFN) models. The dynamic gain of an FBFN can be approximated by finding the maximum of norm values of the locally linearized systems or by solving a non-smooth optimal control problem. From the proposed gain calculation techniques, a novel adaptive multilevel fuzzy controller (AMLFC) with a maximum output scaling factor is presented. To guarantee the system stability, a stability condition is derived, which only requires that the output scaling factor of the AMLFC be bounded. Therefore, this paper provides a systematic and simple design practice for controlling nonlinear systems by using an AMLFC. The AMLFC is simulated in a tower crane control system. Simulation results show that AMLFC is not only robust but also provides improved transient performances compared with the robust adaptive fuzzy controller.
Extracellular matrix assembly: a multiscale deconstruction

The biochemical and biophysical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) dictate tissue-specific cell behaviour. The molecules that are associated with the ECM of each tissue, including collagens, proteoglycans, laminins and fibronectin, and the manner in which they are assembled determine the structure and the organization of the resultant ECM. The product is a specific ECM signature that is comprised of unique compositional and topographical features that both reflect and facilitate the functional requirements of the tissue.
Anilinoquinazoline inhibitors of fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase bind at a novel allosteric site: synthesis, in vitro characterization, and X-ray crystallography.

The synthesis and in vitro structure−activity relationships (SAR) of a novel series of anilinoquinazolines as allosteric inhibitors of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (F16Bpase) are reported. The compounds have a different SAR as inhibitors of F16Bpase than anilinoquinazolines previously reported. Selective inhibition of F16Bpase can be attained through the addition of appropriate polar functional groups at the quinazoline 2-position, thus separating the F16Bpase inhibitory activity from the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitory activity previously observed with similar structures. The compounds have been found to bind at a symmetry-repeated novel allosteric site at the subunit interface of the enzyme. Inhibition is brought about by binding to a loop comprised of residues 52−72, preventing the necessary participation of these residues in the assembly of the catalytic site. Mutagenesis studies have identified the key amino acid residues in the loop that are required for inhibitor recognit...
New Approaches in Agricultural Policy Research: Discussion

For welfare economics the raison d'etre, as the present authors seem to believe, is policy evaluation. Hallam has provided a very good summary of approaches to measuring welfare change for individual consumers and firms in a competitive market environment, with mention of the intractability of the aggregation problem at the present point in time. Yet, this discussion centers on the competitive market environment and not the weaknesses which create a need for agricultural policy. This is where the excellent paper by Hallam, in my opinion, has erred. Where has the progress been made in agricultural policy research? The forefront is in the conceptual arena. We now know better what conceptual welfare measures we are identifying, but we are often using the same tools and procedures which were used a decade ago. The exception to this statement comes in nonmarket valuation research, in which attempts are made to provide value estimates for the public goods and externalities which often create the need for agricultural policy. In this area, two things have happened. First, a few techniques for valuation, most notably the travel cost and contingent valuation methods, have had a much firmer foundation laid by the new welfare economics. This has aided their acceptance as legitimate economic tools. Second, the theoretical advances discussed by Hallam have led to the development of new approaches to the valuation of public goods and externalities, particularly the hedonic price and household production methods. It would not be possible to use either approach without the theoretical advances of the past few decades. These are major contributions to agricultural policy research of developments in welfare change measurement.
Epistemic Contradictions in Counseling Theories: Implications for the Structure of Human Experience and Counseling Practice

Theories of counseling process are founded on a logical contradiction in that they are simultaneously objectivist and constructivist in nature. Because this epistemic tension is present across diverse theories and has persisted throughout the history of counseling theorizing, the author argues that it has implications for the structure of human experience. These ideas are examined, and applications to counseling practice are discussed.
Exact distribution of certain general test statistics in multivariate analysis

Summary In this paper, exact solution of Wilks' type-B integral equation has been obtained in its most general form as a series of weighted gamma distributions. This general result then gives the distributions of many test statistics in multivariate analysis. In particular the distributions of Wilks' Λ, the sphericity test criterion, and Bartlett's test statistic, are derived in easily computable form.
Stem cells as therapy for hearing loss

One of the greatest challenges in the treatment of inner-ear disorders is to find a cure for the hearing loss that is caused by the loss of cochlear hair cells or spiral ganglion neurons. The recent discovery of stem cells in the adult inner ear that are capable of differentiating into hair cells, as well as the finding that embryonic stem cells can be converted into hair cells, raise hope for the future development of stem-cell-based treatment regimens. Here, we propose different approaches for using stem cells to regenerate the damaged inner ear and we describe the potential obstacles that translational approaches must overcome for the development of stem-cell-based cell-replacement therapies for the damaged inner ear.
Short communication: Modeling ecological impacts of landscape change

Growth and development in the Rocky Mountain West have increased employment and output at the expense of loss and fragmentation of wildlife habitats, and other environmental impacts. An Ecosystem Landscape Modeling System (ELMS) is proposed for evaluating the potential ecological and economic impacts of future landscape changes in rapidly growing areas of the Rocky Mountain West. ELMS consists of an economic model, land use change model, ecological assessment model, and policy model. The economic model uses IMPLAN and various assumptions to estimate changes in employment and output for alternative future growth rates for sectors in the study area. Future changes in employment and output are translated into land use requirements for residential housing and commercial establishments. Future changes in the extent and location of land converted from undeveloped land classes (undeveloped land zoned residential, agricultural land and private forest land) to developed land classes (residential housing and commercial establishments) are simulated by the land use change model. The ecological assessment model evaluates impacts of land use changes on potential and realized habitat for selected species. The policy model specifies alternative residential and commercial development, infrastructure expansion, and natural resource conservation policies that are incorporated in the economic and land use change models. Results from ELMS can be used to evaluate potential trade-offs between economic and ecological values associated with future growth and development. Trade-off analysis compares increases in employment and output to decreases in potential and effective habitat for the species over time for alternative futures. ELMS has the potential to improve land use planning and management in the Rocky Mountain West.
Capillary electrophoretic separation of chlorophenols using amperometric detection

A simple end-column amperometric detector, without a porous junction, was designed and attached to a capillary electrophoresis instrument to analyze eight mono-, di- and tri-chlorophenols. The platinum detecting electrode was modified by electrodeposition of tin, to enhance sensitivity as well as reduce electrode fouling owing to phenol oxidation. The modified electrode (0.127 mm in diameter) in combination with a 20 μm I.D. separation capillary yielded sharp peaks and enabled us to detect phenol at levels as low as 0.10 μM. Satisfactory separation of the eight chlorophenols was achieved by using a mixed buffer of phosphate-borate.
Hypertension in the US Black Population: Risk Factors, Complications, and Potential Impact of Central Aortic Pressure on Effective Treatment

The identification of specific factors that contribute to hypertension development and progression among blacks in the US is the focus of much ongoing research. The purpose of this paper is to review these factors and discuss how they present unique opportunities for improving the management of hypertension in this difficult-to-treat population. We searched the published literature for articles discussing the risk factors for hypertension and cardiovascular disease in blacks; the target-organ damage and cardiovascular complications associated with hypertension in this difficult-to-treat population; and the role of central blood pressure in predicting cardiovascular events. The prevalence of hypertension is higher in blacks than in other race/ethnic groups, with environmental and genetic risk factors likely playing an important role. The cardiovascular and renal consequences of hypertension (eg, left ventricular hypertrophy and renal failure) are also greater in blacks relative to their white counterparts. Preliminary data suggest that central blood pressure may be higher in blacks than in whites and has the potential for greater prognostic capability relative to peripheral blood pressure. There is an urgent need to successfully control hypertension in the black population. Although data are limited in blacks, evidence suggests that central blood pressure warrants more continued assessment in future clinical studies.
The evolution of language complexity in qualified health claims

In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has oversight for qualified health claims (QHCs). These claims emerged as the result of a legal dispute about commercial speech rights on dietary supplements and food products. The initial court ruling allowed manufacturers to include diet–disease information on packaging, when supporting evidence does not meet the traditional threshold of Significant Scientific Agreement. QHCs communicate about a potential health benefit of the consumption of a food or supplement, and due to their nature, are required to specify the balance of evidence behind the diet–disease relationships. As a result, the language contained in QHCs is complex, making them difficult for consumers to understand. The language has been further complicated by a continuing series of court challenges about how scientific evidence is described in QHCs. To understand the evolution of QHC language, we review the progression of court rulings surrounding qualified health claims and subsequent regulations by the FDA. This analysis provides a case study of the challenging task of effective science communication within a dynamic food litigation and policy environment.
Commercial multiplex technologies for the microbiological diagnosis of sepsis

In patients with suspected sepsis, rapid and accurate diagnosis of the causative infectious agent is critical. Although clinicians often use empiric antimicrobial therapy until the blood cultures are available to potentially adjust treatment, this approach is often not optimum for patient care. Recently, several commercial molecular multiplex technologies have shown promise for fast and comprehensive diagnosis of microorganisms and their antimicrobial resistance signatures. While one class of multiplex technologies is directed at improving the speed and diagnostic information obtained from positive blood cultures, the other identifies the causative microorganisms directly from clinical blood samples. This review provides an overview of these molecular technologies and describes their performance capabilities compared to standard blood cultures and in some cases to each other. We discuss the current clinical impact, limitations, and likely futures advances these multiplex technologies may have in guiding the management of patients with sepsis.
Surface application system for in situ ground-water bioremediation: Site characterization and modeling

Surface application offers an inexpensive, noninvasive alternative to injection wells and infiltration galleries for in situ ground-water bioremediation applications. The technology employs artificial recharge to create favorable hydraulic conditions for mixing and vertical transport of supplemental electron acceptor and nutrients. A test plot infiltration test and a conservative tracer test at Eglin Air Force Base, FL confirmed the potential for transporting solutes to the subsurface via recharging water. These experiments demonstrated both the mounding hydraulics and vertical solute transport that occurs in response to surface application. Modeling provided quantitative estimates of site-specific hydrogeologic and transport parameters. Experimental results also indicated that dilution may be a dominant attenuation mechanism associated with high surface application rates. The tests also serviced as the basis for the design of a pilot scale surface application system for delivery of nitrate to bioremediate a JP-4 contaminated aquifer at the Eglin site. Models calibrated to data from the infiltration experiment were scaled up for design of the pilot scale surface application system. Preliminary tracer results from the pilot scale experiment confirm that surface application can adequately deliver chemicals to the subsurface.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Methanol Oxidation in Supercritical Water

We oxidized methanol in supercritical water at 246 atm and temperatures between 500 and 589 °C. Pseudo-first-order rate constants calculated from the data led to Arrhenius parameters of A = 1021.3±5.3 s-1 and Ea = 78 ± 20 kcal/mol. The induction time for methanol oxidation decreased from 0.54 s at 525 °C to 0.093 s at 585 °C and the reaction products were formaldehyde, CO, and CO2. Formaldehyde was a primary product, while CO and CO2 were secondary products. Formaldehyde was more reactive than methanol and its yield was always less than 24%. The temporal variation of the CO yield exhibited a maximum, whereas the CO2 yield increased monotonically. The experimental data were consistent with a set of consecutive reactions (CH3OH → CH2O → CO → CO2) with pseudo-first-order global kinetics. The experimental data were also used to validate a detailed chemical kinetics model for methanol oxidation in supercritical water. With no adjustments, this elementary reaction model quantitatively predicts the product distr...
Synergistic actions of atorvastatin with γ-tocotrienol and celecoxib against human colon cancer HT29 and HCT116 cells

The synergistic actions of atorvastatin (ATST) with γ-tocotrienol (γ-TT) and celecoxib (CXIB) were studied in human colon cancer cell lines HT29 and HCT116. The synergistic inhibition of cell growth by ATST and γ-TT was demonstrated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and isobologram analysis. δ-TT exhibited a similar inhibitory action when combined with ATST. Mevalonate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate eliminated most of the growth inhibitory effect of ATST, but only marginally decreased that of γTT; whereas farnesyl pyrophosphate and squalene exhibited little effect on the inhibitory action of ATST and γ-TT, indicating protein geranylgeranylation, but not farnesylation are involved in the inhibition of colon cancer cell growth. Both mevalonate and squalene restored the cellular cholesterol level that was reduced by ATST treatment, but only mevalonate eliminated the cell growth inhibitory effect, suggesting that the cholesterol level in cells does not play an essential role in inhibiting cancer cell growth. Protein level of HMG-CoA reductase increased after ATST treatment, and the presence of γ-TT attenuated the elevated level of HMG-CoA reductase. ATST also decreased membrane-bound RhoA, possibly due to a reduced level of protein geranylgeranylation; addition of γ-TT enhanced this effect. The mediation of HMG-CoA reductase and RhoA provides a possible mechanism for the synergistic action of ATST and γ-TT. The triple combination of ATST, γ-TT, and CXIB showed a synergistic inhibition of cancer cell growth in MTT assays. The synergistic action of these three compounds was also illustrated by their induction of G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
Direct observations of solar-wind particles

Direct observations of solar-wind particles are discussed in detail. A well-defined ‘quiet state’ of the solar wind is indicated by observations made from 1962 to 1967. The plasma properties in this quiet state are compared with those predicted by hydrodynamic models of the coronal expansion. While the basic flow parameters are predicted with reasonable accuracy by these models, the thermal properties of the solar-wind particles remain largely unexplained. As the interplanetary plasma is not in thermodynamic equilibrium, the thermal properties are determined by the specific energy-transfer mechanisms operative in the plasma. The observed magnitude of the magnetic-field-aligned anisotropy of proton random motions is interpreted as evidence for the presence of instability-generated waves; the effect of these waves on the thermal properties is examined. The observed chemical compositon of the solar wind is discussed and related to the solar origin of the inter-planetary material. Finally, the spatial and temporal structure of the medium is investigated through consideration of patterns of variation in the plasma properties.
Puberty and the Education of Girls

This study extends previous research on the social psychological implications of pubertal timing to education by applying a life course framework to data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health and from the Adolescent Health and Academic Achievement Study. Early pubertal timing, which has previously been associated with major social psychological changes in girls' lives during middle school, predicted girls' grade point average and probability of course failure at the start of high school. Because of this initial failure during the high school transition, it also predicted their probability of dropping out of high school, and, among those who graduated, their grade point average at the end of high school. Such research demonstrates one way in which the immediate social psychological risk of early pubertal timing, measured as the age at menarche, translates into long-term disadvantage for girls, thereby opening up new avenues of research for social psychologists interested in youth development, health, and education.
Tool integration for collaborative design of manufacturing cells

Abstract Recent research has been directed towards an integrated model of the business and production management functions of an enterprise. Such a goal requires that lower-level activities share tools, models, and information when possible, reducing data inconsistencies and collection requirements. This paper addresses a specific deficiency in this area, the integration of tools for the development and testing of cell design and control. Controller programs are generally created and evaluated using either a stand-alone computer simulation or actual production hardware. This can lead to lost production time due to problems with device interactions. In contrast, robotic simulator-emulator systems provide a powerful virtual environment for cell design and layout, device selection, path planning, controller programming, and testing. The resulting off-line task programs may be verified by simulation playback, translated to native robot languages, and downloaded directly to production hardware. In this research, new functions have been developed to allow cell design and control modeling on the same platform, providing distributed designers with a common model and environment for developing, testing, and integrating their work. Furthermore, the interactions of cell control with other design issues may be observed and evaluated. These functions have been implemented and analyzed using a generic task description language on a simulator-emulator design workstation. This tool integration allows collaborating users with distributed responsibilities to plan, verify, and adjust operational sequences, cell layout, material flow, motion interference, and communication functions in an effective off-line, virtual setting.
Unilateral Central Corneal Epithelial Dysplasia

A unilateral, apparently nonfamilial disease process affecting the interpalpebral portion of the corneal epithelium is reported. The patient, a 62-year-old man, was in good general health; he had no disease of the skin or mucous membranes and no history of trauma. Severe intermittent discomfort of the left eye had been present for several months. Corneal epithelial scrapings were performed on two occasions with a one-year interval, the condition having recurred during the intervening months. Material from both biopsy specimens showed dysplasia of the epithelium with foci of acantholysis and dyskeratosis and features of apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopic findings included intracytoplasmic desmosomes, conspicuous thickened tonofibrils, irregular convoluted cytoplasmic membranes, and dyskeratotic bodies.
Relationship between gluteal muscle activation and upper extremity kinematics and kinetics in softball position players

As the biomechanical literature concerning softball pitching is evolving, there are no data to support the mechanics of softball position players. Pitching literature supports the whole kinetic chain approach including the lower extremity in proper throwing mechanics. The purpose of this project was to examine the gluteal muscle group activation patterns and their relationship with shoulder and elbow kinematics and kinetics during the overhead throwing motion of softball position players. Eighteen Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association softball players (19.2 ± 1.0 years; 68.9 ± 8.7 kg; 168.6 ± 6.6 cm) who were listed on the active playing roster volunteered. Electromyographic, kinematic, and kinetic data were collected while players caught a simulated hit or pitched ball and perform their position throw. Pearson correlation revealed a significant negative correlation between non-throwing gluteus maximus during the phase of maximum external rotation to maximum internal rotation (MIR) and elbow moments at ball release (r = −0.52). While at ball release, trunk flexion and rotation both had a positive relationship with shoulder moments at MIR (r = 0.69, r = 0.82, respectively) suggesting that the kinematic actions of the pelvis and trunk are strongly related to the actions of the shoulder during throwing.
Uterine incision-to-delivery interval and perinatal outcomes in transverse versus vertical incisions in preterm cesarean deliveries

AbstractObjective: To compare the uterine incision-to-delivery interval and neonatal and maternal complications in vertical versus transverse uterine incisions in preterm cesarean births.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of singleton cesarean deliveries from 2002 to 2009 between 23 and 34 weeks of gestation. Statistical analysis utilized Wilcoxon rank-sum test and multivariable logistic regression.Results: Of the 773 singleton cesarean deliveries, 586 (75.8%) had a transverse uterine incision and 187 (24.2%) had vertical uterine incision (classical = 134 and low vertical incision = 53). After adjusting for confounders, there was no significant difference in incision-to-delivery interval between the two types of incisions. The risk for maternal transfusion was higher among those with a vertical incision (odds ratio: 2.17; 95% confidence interval: 1.00, 4.67) than those with a transverse incision. Incision type was not associated with any neonatal outcomes studied, including intraventricular hem...
Neuropilin-1 expression by tumor cells promotes tumor angiogenesis and progression

Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a VEGF(165) and semaphorin receptor expressed by vascular endothelial cells (EC) and tumor cells. The function of NRP1 in tumor cells is unknown. NRP1 was overexpressed in Dunning rat prostate carcinoma AT2.1 cells using a tetracycline-inducible promoter. Concomitant with increased NRP1 expression in response to a tetracycline homologue, doxycycline (Dox), basal cell motility, and VEGF(165) binding were increased three- to fourfold in vitro. However, induction of NRP1 did not affect tumor cell proliferation. When rats injected with AT2.1/NRP1 tumor cells were fed Dox, NRP1 synthesis was induced in vivo and AT2.1 cell tumor size was increased 2.5- to 7-fold in a 3-4 wk period compared to controls. The larger tumors with induced NRP1 expression were characterized by markedly increased microvessel density, increased proliferating EC, dilated blood vessels, and notably less tumor cell apoptosis compared to noninduced controls. It was concluded that NRP1 expression results in enlarged tumors associated with substantially enhanced tumor angiogenesis.
Consent and its meaning to the sexual victimization of women

Two conditions must be met in order for a person to be rightly considered the victim of a crime. First, there must be the victim of some form of harm. Second, the harm in question was the direct result of an act in which the harmed individual did not knowingly consent to take part. What are the dynamics of consent and how important should consent be in defining and placing criminal responsibility in crimes where women are sexually victimized? Finally, how does the conceptualization of victimization change when viewed from liberal and radical feminist perspectives?
Chance, luck and photosynthesis research: An inside story

A major theme in my career has been photophosphorylation; especially contributions to the early work on chemiosmosis, and later involvement in CF1 activation and function. A second theme has been interest in chloroplast biogenesis, with work ranging from translation in chloroplasts to discovery of the enzyme which may contribute to strand exchange, homologous recombination and DNA repair in chloroplasts. Throughout, I try to point out the major contributions of graduate students and postdocs, and help from friends and colleagues. Without them I would have had no career at all.
Distance Distortion: A Comparison of Real World and Computer Animated Environments

The overall goal of this study was to examine the effectiveness of computer animated spaces within the context of design professions, with particular attention to potential distortions of perceived distance that such animations might produce. Three questions were addressed: 1| Do observers accurately perceive the magnitude of distance represented in animated displays? 2) Does the manner in which animated space is divided affect the magnitudes of the distances perceived? 3) Are there differences between male and female observers in such accuracy? Participants were 61 undergraduate psychology students at Washington State University. Computer animations provided participants seven “virtual walks” through computer generated corridors, some of which were divided into segments by open portals or doors. Following each virtual walk, participants were led to a nearby corridor and asked to walk a distance they perceived to be equal to the virtual walk they had just experienced at the computer. Analysis of variance, with a posteriori Fisher LSD tests, showed that computer represented distances were consistently underestimated by both males and females, with females underestimating the distances to a significantly greater degree than males. The presence or number of segments present in the animated spaces had no significant effect on distance estimates. These findings suggest that there may be important limitations in the extent to which computer animations represent distance for observers of both sexes, and that these limitations may be even more pronounced for females than for males. The manner in which the virtual spaces were segmented did not exert a consistent influence on the perception of distance; however, the manner in which virtual spaces are divided and the kind of visual features that are used to indicate such divisions merits further study.
Genetic Analysis of the Salmonella enterica Type III Secretion-Associated ATPase InvC Defines Discrete Functional Domains

An essential component of all type III secretion systems is a highly conserved ATPase that shares significant amino acid sequence similarity to the β subunit of the F0F1 ATPases and is thought to provide the energy for the secretion process. We have performed a genetic and functional analysis of InvC, the ATPase associated with the Salmonella enterica type III secretion system encoded within its pathogenicity island 1. Through a mutagenesis analysis, we have identified amino acid residues that are essential for specific activities of InvC, such as nucleotide hydrolysis and membrane binding. This has allowed us to define discrete domains of InvC that are specifically associated with different essential activities of this protein.
Comparison of scene segmentations: SMAP, ECHO, and maximum likelihood

Sequential maximum a posteriori (SMAP) and the extraction and classification of homogeneous objects (ECHO), two spectral/spatial scene segmentation algorithms, were compared with traditional maximum likelihood (ML) estimation in a supervised classification of multispectral data. SMAP generalized better than both ECHO and ML. Significant differences were found in all mean class classification accuracies: SMAP>ECHO>ML.
A Maximum Likelihood Doppler Frequency Estimator for OFDM Systems

This paper derives a maximum likelihood Doppler frequency estimator for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems in time-varying multipath channels. The proposed scheme is a frequency-domain approach that utilizes pilot subcarriers, which are commonly implemented in most practical systems. Time-varying fading causes intercarrier interference (ICI) in OFDM systems. Thus, in the proposed estimator, the effect of ICI is taken into consideration with a proper model for accurate results. The estimator can be implemented using a finite impulse response (FIR) filter bank whose coefficients can be pre-calculated and stored in order to lower the computational complexity. We evaluate various methods to improve the estimation accuracy and analyze their complexity-performance tradeoffs. We also derive the Cramer-Rao bound and provide simulation results to quantify the performance of the proposed algorithm.