cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two-dimensional and three-dimensional inherent fabric in cross-anisotropic granular soils

Abstract This paper characterizes fabric anisotropy of granular soils by using both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images and evaluates the accuracy and effectiveness of using 2D images to characterize fabric anisotropy in 3D soils. The X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) is used to reconstruct the 3D volumetric images of five air-pluviated sand specimens. Then, six slices are obtained by vertically cutting the 3D volumetric image in an angle increment of 30°. The 3D and 2D images are analyzed to determine long axis fabric, contact normal fabric, and branch vector fabric. The results show that 2D images produce satisfactory predictions for long axis fabric and branch vector fabric. The 2D images produce satisfactory predictions for contact normal fabric for rounded to well-rounded sands, but underestimate or contain large uncertainties to predict contact normal fabric for very angular to sub-rounded soils. This study shows that particle shapes affect the inherent fabric anisotropy in sands. Elongated sands tend to have stronger degrees of long axis and branch vector fabric anisotropy. Angular sands tend to have stronger degrees of contact normal fabric anisotropy.
A Comparision Of Spinal Loads While Lifting In Confined Vertical Space

Background:Lifting in confined vertical space is observed across several industries, including airline baggage handling, mining, construction, maintenance, and shipbuilding. However, only a few stu...
Detection technique effect on rotational Doppler measurements.

There are two established methods for measuring rotational Doppler shift: (1) heterodyne and (2) fringe. We identify a key distinction, that only the heterodyne method is sensitive to the rotating object’s phase, which results in significant differences in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) when measuring multiple rotating particles. When used to measure randomly distributed rotating particles, the fringe method produces its strongest SNR when a single particle is present and its SNR tends to zero as the number of particles increases, whereas the heterodyne method’s SNR increases proportionally to the number of particles in the beam.
Application of enteral nutrition in treatment of Crohn′s disease

Enteral nutrition(EN)therapy is one of the most important treatments of Crohn′s disease(CD), especially in European countries, EN is considered as the first-line of treatment for pediatric CD.EN can improve the poor nutrition condition, induction and maintenance remission, the risk of this treatment is very low.But in our country the application of EN is still limited, deepening the understanding and obtained clinical guidelines are very important. Key words: Enteral nutrition; Crohn′s disease; Treatment
Acalabrutinib: Managing Adverse Events and Improving Adherence in Patients With Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Background Acalabrutinib is a selective Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma, an aggressive B-cell malignancy. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) can have a negative effect on treatment adherence. Objectives This article aims to provide nurses with firsthand guidance so that they can better support patients with mantle cell lymphoma initiating acalabrutinib. Methods Safety data from the acalabrutinib ACE-LY-004 phase 2 trial in 124 patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma were reviewed, and strategies implemented at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to manage trial AEs are described. Findings The most common AEs of any grade were headache and diarrhea, but no patients discontinued treatment because of them. When doses were missed or modified, patients were reeducated about the importance of adherence and how to manage AEs. Grade 1-2 AEs were managed with over-the-counter medication, if needed. These strategies allowed for the tracking of occurrences of nonadherence, providing the opportunity to advise and educate patients and to manage AEs more effectively.
Evaluation and management of a pancreatic rest noted during pre-bariatric surgery screening endoscopy.

Pancreatic rest (PR) is an ectopic pancreatic lesion that is usually found incidentally on endoscopy or surgery. While most lesions do not have clinical significance, some patients are symptomatic and rarely, PR can predispose to malignancy. With the growing popularity of bariatric surgery, it has been unclear how to manage PR found on screening endoscopies, prior to bariatric surgery. Through review of the current literature, we propose an algorithm for clinicians to evaluate and manage PR found on screening endoscopies prior to bariatric surgery. We performed a literature search in PubMed pertaining to PR, clinical characteristics, risk of malignant transformation, endoscopic characteristics, histological descriptions, and resection techniques. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), we found 33 published articles from 2001 to 2019, including case reports, case series, retrospective cohorts, and a review paper. PR is commonly found incidentally in the gastric antrum. Larger lesions have a higher risk of being symptomatic or predisposing to malignant transformation. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can assist in the diagnosis of PR and guide resection technique. Certain histological characteristics, such as Heinrich class, grading of neoplasia, and genetic alterations, can determine malignancy risk of PR. Resection technique, either endoscopically or surgically, should be based on lesion size, depth of wall invasion, and the endoscopists’ level of skill in endoscopic resection. Proper evaluation and treatment of PR should be considered because of the risk for symptoms and malignant transformation. Symptomatic lesions and those at risk for malignant transformation should be considered for resection. EUS can guide the diagnosis and type of resection, either endoscopically through EMR or ESD or surgically through sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).
10-35GHz Passive Mixer-First Receiver Achieving +14dBm in-band IIP3 for Digital Beam-forming Arrays

A 10-35GHz mixer-first receiver is proposed for use in digital beam-forming arrays. Techniques are proposed to enhance the linearity of such receivers, both at baseband and the RF mixer switches. An integrated circuit prototype is fabricated in 28nm bulk CMOS as proof of concept. The receiver achieves an in-band IIP3 of +14dBm, a gain of 15dB and a noise figure of 12.5dB.
The Effect of Feedback on Attention Allocation in Category Learning: An Eye Tracking Study

It has been suggested that category learning involves changes in attention allocation based on the relevance of input to the classification. Using eye-gaze measures, Rehder and Hoffman studied changes in attention allocation during category learning in a 5-4 category structure paradigm with four features of varying diagnosticity levels. In this paradigm, participants are tasked with classifying creatures into two groups through trial and error guided by feedback. While learners' eye-gaze patterns have been studied as a function of feature diagnosticity levels throughout the learning process, they have not been evaluated in relation to performance and feedback. The present study borrowed and modified Rehder and Hoffman's category paradigm and evaluated eye-gaze behavior as a function of the diagnosticity level of features, and the valence (positive vs. negative) of the preceding feedback during learning. Our results support Rehder and Hoffman's observations that gaze on the low diagnosticity feature decreased from the beginning to the end of the task. When change in eye gaze behavior was evaluated in relation to feedback, change in fixation probability was found to be greater following negative feedback. The results indicate that in a category task that includes performance feedback, learning strategies as indicated by changes in selective attention to features are affected to some degree by the valence of the feedback on a preceding trial.
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors require an arcuate-to-paraventricular hypothalamus melanocortin circuit to treat diet-induced obesity.

We have defined some of the necessary components to prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity at the molecular and cellular level. Within POMC neurons, the retinoblastoma protein must remain active and...
Trends in opioid prescription for craniomaxillofacial trauma in the United States: An 11-year retrospective study of emergency room and office visits.

Abstract Background Facial trauma is associated with significant long-term morbidity and pain. These patients are routinely prescribed opioid medication and are at risk for opioid dependence. Rates and trends in opioid prescription in the ambulatory setting for management of craniofacial trauma are unknown. Methods The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data were analyzed from 2006 to 2016. Using International Classification of Diseases codes, 7,997,454 visits for craniomaxillofacial trauma were identified. Trends in opioid and nonopioid prescriptions were studied, with variables of interest including demographics, geographic region, expected source of payment, and injury location. Results Over the study period, trends in both opioid and nonopioid prescriptions remained stable, with about 13.4% of all visits receiving opioid prescriptions. Patients aged 18 to 44 (P Conclusion Opioid medication forms the cornerstone for ambulatory management of craniofacial trauma. Despite increased awareness and emphasis on multimodal pain management, opioid prescription trends have remained relatively stable over time.
Contactless optical coherence tomography of the eyes of freestanding individuals with a robotic scanner

Clinical systems for optical coherence tomography (OCT) are used routinely to diagnose and monitor patients with a range of ocular diseases. They are large tabletop instruments operated by trained staff, and require mechanical stabilization of the head of the patient for positioning and motion reduction. Here we report the development and performance of a robot-mounted OCT scanner for the autonomous contactless imaging, at safe distances, of the eyes of freestanding individuals without the need for operator intervention or head stabilization. The scanner uses robotic positioning to align itself with the eye to be imaged, as well as optical active scanning to locate the pupil and to attenuate physiological eye motion. We show that the scanner enables the acquisition of OCT volumetric datasets, comparable in quality to those of clinical tabletop systems, that resolve key anatomic structures relevant for the management of common eye conditions. Robotic OCT scanners may enable the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with eye conditions in non-specialist clinics.
The influence of 4-thiouridine labeling on pre-mRNA splicing outcomes

Metabolic labeling is a widely used tool to investigate different aspects of pre-mRNA splicing and RNA turnover. The labeling technology takes advantage of native cellular machineries where a nucleotide analog is readily taken up and incorporated into nascent RNA. One such analog is 4-thiouridine (4sU). Previous studies demonstrated that the uptake of 4sU at elevated concentrations (>50{micro}M) and extended exposure led to inhibition of rRNA synthesis and processing, presumably induced by changes in RNA secondary structure. Thus, it is possible that 4sU incorporation may also interfere with splicing efficiency. To test this hypothesis, we carried out splicing analyses of pre-mRNA substrates with varying levels of 4sU incorporation (0-100%). We demonstrate that increased incorporation of 4sU into pre-mRNAs decreased splicing efficiency. The overall impact of 4sU labeling on pre-mRNA splicing efficiency negatively correlates with the strength of splice site signals such as the 3 and the 5 splice sites. Introns with weaker splice sites are more affected by the presence of 4sU. We also show that transcription by T7 polymerase and pre-mRNA degradation kinetics were impacted at the highest levels of 4sU incorporation. Increased incorporation of 4sU caused elevated levels of abortive transcripts, and fully labeled pre-mRNA is more stable than its uridine-only counterpart. Cell culture experiments show that a small number of alternative splicing events were modestly, but statistically significantly influenced by metabolic labeling with 4sU at concentrations considered to be tolerable (40 {micro}M). We conclude that at high 4sU incorporation rates small, but noticeable changes in pre-mRNA splicing can be detected when splice sites deviate from consensus. Given these potential 4sU artifacts, we suggest that appropriate controls for metabolic labeling experiments need to be included in future labeling experiments.
Assessing intervention effects in a randomized trial within a social network.

Studies of social networks provide unique opportunities to assess the causal effects of interventions that may impact more of the population than just those intervened on directly. Such effects are sometimes called peer or spillover effects, and may exist in the presence of interference, i.e., when one individual's treatment affects another individual's outcome. Randomization-based inference (RI) methods provide a theoretical basis for causal inference in randomized studies, even in the presence of interference. In this article, we consider RI of the intervention effect in the eX-FLU trial, a randomized study designed to assess the effect of a social distancing intervention on influenza-like-illness transmission in a connected network of college students. The approach considered enables inference about the effect of the social distancing intervention on the per-contact probability of influenza-like-illness transmission in the observed network. The methods allow for interference between connected individuals and for heterogeneous treatment effects. The proposed methods are evaluated empirically via simulation studies, and then applied to data from the eX-FLU trial. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Employment supports for young adults with autism spectrum disorder: Two case studies

This paper presents the case studies of successful employment support for two young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Contrary to reported employment outcomes for young adults with ASD, these two young people experienced success in their transition to employment as a result of intensive job coaching. Their supports included consultation with a positive behavior support facilitator, the implementation of a multi-component behavior intervention plan, and the implementation of supervisor and co-worker training in the implementation of the plan. Both young adults achieved independence at work and maintained successful employment for two years or more with fading supports as a result of this intervention.
Entrainment of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardias during overdrive pacing from high right atrium and coronary sinus: With special reference to atrioventricular dissociation and 2:1 retrograde block during tachycardias

Entrainment was attempted during electrophysiologic evaluation of 8 patients with atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia. Entrainment could be performed while pacing from the high right atrium in 35 of 35 episodes, from proximal coronary sinus in 9 of 21 episodes and from distal coronary sinus in 10 of 20 episodes. The minimal rates required were 8 to 40 beats/min faster than those of the tachycardias. That the atria (as defined in electrophysiologic studies) were not a necessary component of the reentry circuit was suggested by the occurrence, during tachycardia, of short episodes of AV dissociation and of 1 episode of 2:1 retrograde block. For the tachycardia to be interrupted, the pacing rate usually had to be slightly faster than that required to entrain, as well as sufficiently rapid to produce anterograde block of an atrial impulse in the slow AV nodal pathway. Moreover, termination of tachycardia apparently was a function of the pacing site. In some episodes, either because of a proximity effect or because of a preferential input into the upper common pathway, coronary sinus pacing terminated the tachycardia at slower rates or with fewer stimuli than high right atrial pacing. Thus, patients with drug-resistant AV nodal reentrant tachycardias may benefit from recently introduced pacing techniques for termination of tachycardia through entrainment.
Sociolinguistics and language teaching

PART I LANGUAGE AND SOCIETY 1 Language Attitudes 2 Societal Multilingualism 3 World Englishes 4 Language Planning and Policy PART II LANGUAGE AND VARIATION 5 Regional and Social Variation 6 Pidgins and Creoles 7 Language and Gender PART III LANGUAGE AND INTERACTION 8 Ethnographic Microanalysis 9 Interactional Sociolinguistics 10 Intercultural Communication PART IV LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 11 The Ethnography of Communication 12 Speech Acts 13 Literacy and Literacies PART V LANGUAGE AND EDUCATION 14 Language and Education
Role of the pre-Bötzinger complex in respiratory rhythm generation in vivo: influence of respiratory network drive.

We have previously demonstrated that microinjection of DL-homocysteic acid (DLH), a glutamate analog, into the pre-Botzinger complex (pre-BotC) can produce either phasic or tonic excitation of phrenic nerve discharge. Our initial findings were obtained during hyperoxic normocapnia; thus, the influence of respiratory network drive, including intrinsic pre-BotC neuronal excitability, on the DLH-induced modulation of phrenic motor output requires clarification. We, therefore, examined the effects of chemical stimulation of the pre-BotC during increased respiratory network drive elicited by hypercapnia, hypoxia (ie, peripheral chemoreflex), or focal pre-BotC tissue acidosis in chloralose-anesthetized, vagotomized, mechanically ventilated cats. For these experiments, we selected sites in which unilateral microinjection of DLH into the pre-BotC during hyperoxic normocapnia (PaCO2 = 37–43 mmHg) produced a non-rhythmic tonic excitation of phrenic nerve discharge. During hypercapnia (PaCO2 = 59.7 ± 2.8 mmHg; n = 17), similar microinjection produced excitation in which respiratory rhythmic oscillations were superimposed on varying levels of tonic discharge. A similar pattern of modulation was observed in response to microinjection of DLH into the pre-BotC during normocapnic hypoxia (PaCO2 = 38.5 ± 3.7; PaO2 = 38.4 ± 4.4; n = 8) and during focal pre-BotC tissue acidosis (n = 7). Further, during increased respiratory network drive, these DLH-induced respiratory rhythmic oscillations had an increased frequency compared to the preinjection baseline frequency of phrenic bursts (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that tonic inspiratory motor activity evoked by chemical stimulation of the pre-BotC is influenced by and integrates with modulation of respiratory network drive mediated by input from both central and peripheral chemoreceptors, as well as focal pre-BotC CO2/H+ chemosensitivity.
A neuro-chip for real-time learning, processing and control

We present results of several experiments of a neural network with temporal learning on a single chip. The single chip configuration is a 2-D scalable array with learning constructed via simple modular CMOS building blocks. We report on learning prototype periodic temporal signals which may be displayed as a closed curve, a figure-8 shape, or an arbitrary periodic or aperiodic shapes in the state space. The experiments demonstrate the instantaneous learning by the chip of these shapes.
Introduction To Medium‐Energy Ion Beam Analysis

The earliest applications of ion beam techniques for materials analysis, typified by the work of Tollestrup et al. (1994), were carried out with mega-electron-volt beams in the course of basic research in nuclear physics, and the mega-electron-volt beam techniques still form the indispensable core of the subject. In the broadest sense, the importance of these techniques lies in the fact that the information they yield depends upon nuclear properties and interactions and is, therefore, relatively insensitive to perturbation by local properties such as the chemical environment and electronic structure. The relevant nuclear physics and scattering theory are well known experimentally and often theoretically, and in consequence, important parameters such as interaction cross-sections are known from first principles. This is in sharp contrast to the situation for some other important techniques (e.g., secondary ion mass spectrometry) where the fundamental measurement interactions may be very vulnerable to the unique idiosyncrasies of a specimen. It is essential to stress the unity of ion beam analysis even as one seeks to differentiate the relatively newer medium-energy techniques from their more mature high-energy predecessors. First it is important to understand what is meant by “medium energy.” There are two answers, one historical and one based upon the physics of scattering. For practical purposes, medium energy encompasses ion beam energies from a few tens of to a few hundreds of kilo-electron-volts, and even a bit higher for heavy ions being used in forward-recoil work. Below this range, ion scattering becomes increasingly surface specific. Above it lies the full range of conventional elastic scattering and nuclear reaction analysis. Historically, medium energy has been defined by technology. The field of ion beam analysis owes its ubiquity, if not its existence, to a single device, the silicon surface-barrier particle detector. The articles in this category follow describe some medium-energy ion beam analytical techniques that are optimized for different problems. Time-of-flight medium-energy backscattering and forward-recoil spectrometry, are quite similar to the high-energy techniques of high-energy ion beam analysis but offer increased depth resolution, sensitivity, and surface specificity at the expense of total analyzable depth and ease of use. Heavy-ion backscattering spectrometry is a variant of time-of-flight backscattering that is optimized for the highest possible sensitivity, specifically for the measurement of ultra-low-level metallic contaminants on device-grade Si wafer surfaces. Along with total-reflection x-ray fluorescence spectrometry, it is the definitive method currently available for this measurement. Medium-energy techniques are appropriate for specialized problems and circumstances as described in the articles. Keywords: introduction; medium-energy ion beam analysis
Nutri one-on-one: improving patients’ metabolic profile with one-on-one nutritional coaching in a clinical setting (627.1)

Introduction: More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) are obese. Some of the leading causes of death are due to complications of chronic conditions related to metabolic disorders and obesity. One on one health coaching will assist people in adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors that prevent and control diseases through phases of effective goal setting, motivational interviewing, and collaboration with health care providers. Objectives: This study’s aim was to positively influence patients’ nutritional habits and lifestyle through a brief one on one coaching session. The effects of one on one nutritional education are analyzed through goal setting, motivational lessons, and follow-up to improve lifestyle. Methodology: Patients were interviewed to gain insight into their daily nutritional routines and patients’ anthropometric histories were obtained. Patients were then encouraged to set a primary health goal. A personalized nutritional lesson was administered to address the health goal and current nutriti...
Self-Esteem and Expectancy-Value Discrepancy: The Effects of Believing that You can (or can’t) Get What You Want

This volume consists of chapters that provide rich theoretical insights into the nature of self-esteem. Each chapter describes an impressive program of research; in these, self-esteem is shown to relate to diverse outcomes ranging from task performance to suicidal ideation. The purpose of this chapter is twofold: (a) to highlight the empirical trends that emerge across the preceding chapters and offer the beginnings of a unified explanation, and (b) to discuss the implications of the contributors’ theory and research (and our unified explanation) for behavior in organizational settings.
Utilizing Online Exams: A Case Study

Technology has opened a wide range of possibilities for the college classroom. Thus, the classroom has changed in a variety of ways. Some courses have been converted to fully online courses. Students and instructors do not have any face-to-face contact in these courses. Other courses have converted a portion of their courses to online. These classes are generally referred to as Hybrid classes. Students and instructors meet face-to-face for a portion of the course and complete online assignments for the remainder of the course. Some other courses have maintained their face-to-face course but have integrated technology into those courses. Instructors have utilized a variety of technologies that include but are not limited to: Live Chats, Threaded Discussions – Forums, Powerpoint Presentations, Email, Videos, Software, Spreadsheets, Word Processors, Online Portals, Electronic Portfolios/Projects, Online Exams. This is a case study of the implementation of online exams in a traditional classroom. Students are given a paper and pencil exam that has been utilized previously in other courses as the midterm. Then an online exam was utilized in the courses. The case study looks at the success of the exam from the point of view of the students and instructors. Students overwhelmingly indicated that the online exam was superior to the paper exam. Students indicated that the online exams provided an opportunity for students to complete the exam at a time that was best for them. They were able to pick a time that reduced anxiety. The online exam also provided immediate feedback on how they did. Faculty indicated that although the online exam does have a few glitches and there are concerns about cheating, it was effective and proved useful. Further studies need to be done regarding the online exam to assure that it is an accurate evaluation of student learning.
Pharmacogenetics of responses to alcohol and genes that influence alcohol drinking.

Objective: There is now compelling evidence for genetic influence on susceptibility to alcoholism. This article presents results from studies qualifying alcoholism as a pharmacogenetic disorder of the brain. Method: Studies from the author's research group and other investigators, of human subjects and experimental animal models, are reviewed. Included are experiments on the pharmacogenetics (elimination and metabolism) and pharmacodynamics (initial response, tolerance and dependence) of ethanol. Results: Studies in humans have reliably shown that the genes for the principal enzymes of alcohol metabolism influence drinking behavior and alcoholism risk. Notably, the functional genetic variants of alcohol dehydrogenase that exhibit high alcohol oxidizing activity, and the genetic variant of aldehyde dehydrogenase that exhibits low acetaldehyde oxidizing activity, protect against heavy drinking and alcoholism. Extensive studies of inbred and selectively bred experimental rodent models with alcohol drinking p...
Low-cost solar simulator design for multi-junction solar cells in space applications

Multi-junction solar cells are commonly used in space applications where they are exposed to the air mass 0 (AM0) spectrum. Solar simulators are used to emulate the AM0 spectrum for ground testing of the solar cells before the space application is launched. A low-cost solar simulator was designed using LEDs for the visible spectrum and halogen lamps for the infrared spectrum. A design procedure is provided to determine the intensity and geometry of the lights needed to meet spectral match and spatial uniformity requirements. The presented solar simulator design is adequate for testing GaInP2/GaAs/Ge triple-junction solar cells intended for use in a cube satellite application and has a significantly lower cost than commercially-available solar simulators.
An explanation of ordinal optimization: soft computing for hard problems

Abstract This tutorial explains the fundamentals of ordinal optimization, a tool for computationally intensive system performance evaluation and optimization problems. We argue its inclusion as a complementary tool in the arsenal of soft computing techniques.
WHY DO PT(PR3)2 COMPLEXES CATALYZE THE ALKYNE DIBORATION REACTION, BUT THEIR PALLADIUM ANALOGUES DO NOT? A DENSITY FUNCTIONAL STUDY

The B3LYP hybrid density functional method has been applied to study theoretically the mechanism of the Pd(0)-catalyzed alkyne diboration reaction. It has been found that this reaction proceeds via the same mechanism as the Pt(0)-catalyzed diboration reaction and involves the following steps: (i) coordination of diborane R2B−BR2 to the Pd(0) complex, (ii) oxidative addition of the B−B bond to Pd, (iii) dissociation of one phosphine ligand, (iv) coordination of acetylene, (v) insertion of acetylene into one of the Pd−B bonds, (vi) isomerization of the resultant complex accompanied by recoordination of a phosphine ligand, and (vii) reductive elimination of the alkenyl−diboron products. However, the Pd(0) complex cannot catalyze the alkyne diboration reaction, while its Pt(0) analogue can. The main reason for this difference is found to be in the oxidative addition process of the B−B bond to M(PH3)2. This step takes place for M = Pt with a 14.0 kcal/mol activation barrier and is exothermic, but it does not ...
Voxel-wise magnetization transfer imaging study of effects of natalizumab and IFNβ-1a in multiple sclerosis.

Objective:To determine the effects of intravenous natalizumab and intramuscular interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a) on the volume of white-matter (WM) lesions and normal appearing brain tissue (NABT) unde...
Self-assembled modified deoxyguanosines conjugated to GaN quantum dots for biophotonic applications

The conjugation of self-assembled modified DNA nucleosides (deoxyguanosine lipophilic derivative) to GaN/AlN semiconductor quantum dots for biophotonic application is presented. A resonant energy transfer from GaN nanostructures is observed to enhance the photoluminescence emission from the self-assembled guanosine molecules, which was tailored to achieve a bandgap resonant to the quantum dot emission energy.
Stimulation of fluid intake by maltodextrins and starch

Abstract Maltodextrin solutions are more potent stimulators of fluid intake than are starch suspensions, even though these two substances are both glucose polymers. When rats were offered a choice of two fluids, one containing maltodextrin and the other containing the same concentration of starch, rats preferred maltodextrin; this preference increased over successive days for rats given 7.4% or 10% carbohydrate but not for rats given 1 % carbohydrate. Rats offered fluids containing artificial flavors mixed with maltodextrin and starch acquired preferences for flavors paired with 10% or 7.4% maltodextrin but not for flavors paired with 1 % maltodextrin. In an attempt to determine whether this greater preference for maltodextrin is due to an innate flavor preference, rats were given a choice of maltodextrin containing sucrose octaacetate vs. plain starch; these rats initially preferred starch but subsequently ingested more maltodextrin flavored with sucrose octaacetate than plain starch. Direct evidence for a postingestive factor was obtained by giving rats intragastric infusions of either maltodextrin, starch, or vehicle whenever they drank a dilute saccharin solution. Both carbohydrates stimulated fluid intake, but maltodextrin did so more rapidly (within 1 day rather than the 2 days of training required with starch infusions). These results indicate that some difference in the postingestive effects of maltodextrin and starch contributes to the greater intake-stimulating effect of maltodextrin. The postingestive factor responsible for the difference between maltodextrin and starch has not been identified, but it is not the amount of utilizable energy because rats prefer maltodextrin over starch even when the starch suspension contains more calories than does the maltodextrin solution. It is proposed that the postingestive factor differentiating these substances is rate of digestion.
Shaping, propagation and characterization of ultrafast pulses in optical fibers

The characterization of medium- to low-energy shaped pulses at 1.55 μm through frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG) is illustrated. This capability enables the study of ultrafast pulse propagation through optical fibers. The phase dynamics detected furnishes insight on pulse evolution, specifically on soliton formation – a subject of great importance for telecommunication applications. The combination of shaping and propagation of ultrafast pulses in fibers is examined theoretically using an adaptive pulse-shaping model, based on genetic algorithms, that furnishes optimized pulse shapes for fiber propagation.
Zeeman Splitting in the Diffuse ISM

Many Zeeman-spitting measurements in the diffuse Galactic Interstellar Medium have been made of the 21-cm line in both absorption and emission. Typical field strength is about 6 μG, with enhancement in shocked regions; the magnetic, turbulent, and cosmic-ray pressures are comparable and considerably larger than the thermal gas pressure. For PhotoDissociation Regions, Carbon recombination lines show intriguing results for single-dish measurements. OH Megamasers in Ultra-Luminous Infrared Galaxies show easily detectable fields whose strength ranges up to at least 20 mG. Upper limits for several damped Ly-α systems range down to a few μG. The z=0.692 system against 3C286 was reported in the literature to have a large field strength, but this result is wrong.
Female employment and the social reproduction of the Puerto Rican working class.

The rapid industrialization migration and urbanization processes in Puerto Rico since 1940 have been responsible for the increase in the rate of female employment from 22.1% in 1960 to 27.8% in 1980 while the rate of male employment has fallen. This rise in female employment is significant in an era of growing unemployment and economic crises. There is a tendency for management to prefer young single women workers over the older married or formerly married women. The former tend to be better educated work harder complain less and are likely to be burdened with household or childcare responsibilities which can lead to fatigue or even absenteism on the job. Their strong background in patriarchal rural traditions makes it easier for them to accept the authority of thier employers without question. With a knowledge that they can find other similar work the younger women are not troubled by plant problems such as production cutbacks and layoffs. Their primary concern is not job stability but money which is used for future plans which include marriage children and a new home. In contrast older women view job security as more important. Their years of being in the labor force and the sense of self worth they have acquired as a result of it tend to make them critical of authority. The contribution of working women to the household economy in Puerto Rican working class families varies with age and marital status. Older married and formerly married women carry a heavier financial burden assume a larger share of household responsibilities and are often the sole supporters of their families. Younger women usually share their responsibilities with a relatively large number of siblings. Export-led industrialization has contributed to male outmigration from Puerto Rico but as women lose their factory jobs due the factories being relocaged elsewhere as part of Operation Bootstrap women too may join the migration flows.
Results of Stereotactic Brachytherapy Used in the Initial Management of Patients With Glioblastoma

Recent studies have shown a survival benefit for patients with recurrent glioblastomas treated with stereotactic brachytherapy. On the basis of these encouraging results, we began a prospective study in 1987 to evaluate the use of brachytherapy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Patients were considered eligible for this study if they met the following criteria: Karnofsky performance status 70% or greater; tumor size not greater than 5 cm in any dimension; a radiographically well delineated, supratentorial lesion not involving the ependymal surfaces; and pathologically confirmed glioblastoma. We treated 35 such patients between 1987 and 1990 with stereotactic brachytherapy as part of their initial therapy. The treatment protocol involved surgery, partial brain external-beam radiotherapy, and stereotactic brachytherapy with temporary high-activity iodine 125 sources giving an additional 50 Gy to the tumor bed. Chemotherapy was not used in the initial management of these 35 patients. To compare our results with those obtained in a matched control group, we identified 40 patients with glioblastoma treated with surgery and external radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy, between 1977 and 1986 at our institution. These patients had clinical and radiographic characteristics that would have made them eligible for the brachytherapy protocol. Survival rates at 1 andmore » 2 years after diagnosis were 87% and 57%, respectively, for patients receiving brachytherapy versus 40% and 12.5%, respectively, for the controls (P less than .001). We conclude that stereotactic brachytherapy improves the survival of patients with glioblastoma when it can be incorporated into the initial treatment approach. Unfortunately, only about one in four patients with glioblastoma are suitable candidates for brachytherapy at the time of initial presentation.« less
Induction of human aquaporin-1 gene by retinoic acid in human erythroleukemia HEL cells

Abstract Retinoids have been implicated in the control of cell proliferation, differentiation, and developmental processes. We report here that aquaporin-1 (AQP1) is specifically induced by retinoic acid (RA) in human erythroleukemia HEL cells. Both all-trans-RA (ATRA) and 9-cis-RA (9CRA) strongly induced the AQP1 mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner. AQP1 protein was mainly expressed in plasma membrane in cells induced by RAs. To identify the RA response element (RARE) in the human AQP1 promoter, the 5′-flanking region of AQP1 promoter was isolated and transient transfection experiment in HEL cells was performed. Deletion analysis of the AQP1 promoter revealed that one putative DR5-like RARE with five spaces was located in the region from −2218 to −2202; AGGGCAgggacAGGTGA. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) experiment demonstrated that two slowly migrated complexes (C1 and C2) capable of binding the RARE sequence were present in nuclear extracts prepared from cells and the complex C1 was strongly increased in nuclear extracts by RA stimulation. The complexes C1 and C2 were significantly abolished by an excess unlabeled probe. These results indicate that RAs strongly stimulate the human AQP1 gene expression through the RARE and define a novel role in the regulation of erythropoiesis.
DR5-mediated DISC controls caspase-8 cleavage and initiation of apoptosis in human glioblastomas.

To explore the molecular mechanisms by which glioblastomas are resistant to tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), we examined TRAIL signalling pathways in the tumours. TRAIL has four membrane-anchored receptors, death receptor 4/5 (DR4/5) and decoy receptor 1/2 (DcR1/2). Of these receptors, only DR5 was expressed consistently in glioblastoma cell lines and tumour tissues, ruling out the role of DcR1/2 in TRAIL resistance. Upon TRAIL binding, DR5 was homotrimerized and recruited Fas-associated death domain (FADD) and caspase-8 for the assembly of death-inducing signalling complex (DISC) in the lipid rafts of the plasma membrane. In the DISC, caspase-8 was cleaved and initiated apoptosis by cleaving downstream caspases in TRAIL-sensitive glioblastoma cells. In TRAIL-resistant cells, however, DR5-mediated DISC was modified by receptor-interacting protein (RIP), cellular FADD-like interleukin-1β-converting enzyme inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) and phosphoprotein enriched in diabetes or in astrocyte-15 (PED/PEA-15). This DISC modification occurred in the non-raft fractions of the plasma membrane and resulted in the inhibition of caspase-8 cleavage and activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Treatment of resistant cells with parthenolide, an inhibitor of inhibitor of κB (I-κB), eliminated TRAIL-induced NF-κB activity but not TRAIL resistance. In contrast, however, targeting of RIP, c-FLIP or PED/PEA-15 with small interfering RNA (siRNA) led to the redistribution of the DISC from non-rafts to lipid rafts and eliminated the inhibition of caspase-8 cleavage and thereby TRAIL resistance. Taken together, this study indicates that the DISC modification by RIP, c-FLIP and PED/PEA-15 is the most upstream event in TRAIL resistance in glioblastomas.
Influence of electronic and steric factors on 2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-based enantioselective acylation catalysts

Abstract The catalytic activity and enantioselectivity of chiral 2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine (DHIP) derivatives was examined as a function of the steric environment of the nucleophilic nitrogen and the electronic properties of the pyridine ring. 2-Phenyl-6-trifluoromethyl-DHIP (CF3-PIP) was confirmed to be the best catalyst in this series. In addition, three second-generation catalysts derived from the 1,2-dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]quinoline (DHIQ) core were tested and proved to be considerably more active than CF3-PIP.
Characterization of the most rapidly renaturing sequences in mouse main-band DNA.

Abstract The most rapidly renaturing sequences in the main-band DNA of Mus musculus , isolated on hydroxyapatite, are found to consist of two discrete families: a presumed “foldback” DNA fraction and a fraction renaturing bimolecularly. The latter family, which we call “main-band hydroxyapatite-isolated rapidly renaturing DNA”, has a kinetic complexity about an order of magnitude greater than that of mouse satellite DNA. It shows about twice as much mismatching as renatured mouse satellite, as judged by its thermal denaturation curve. In situ hybridization localizes the sequences to all chromosomes in the mouse karyotype, and to at least several regions of each chromosome. The in situ result and solution hybridization studies eliminate the possibility that the main-band rapidly renaturing DNA is composed of mouse satellite sequences attached to sequences of higher buoyant density. Nuelease S 1 digestion experiments disclose that even at low molecular weight there are unrenatured “tails” attached to the rapidly renaturing sequences. When the main-band DNA fragment size is increased the amount of rapidly renaturing sequences remains constant, but the amount of attached tails of unrenatured DNA increases as judged by S 1 nuclease digestibility, hyperchromicity and buoyant density. It is concluded that at least 5% of the mouse genome is composed of segments of the rapidly renaturing sequences averaging about 1500 base pairs, alternating with segments of more complex DNA averaging about 2200 base pairs. This interspersion of sequences is compared to that found in several other organisms. The properties of the foldback DNA are similarly investigated as a function of DNA fragment size.
Formation of de novo centromeres and construction of first-generation human artificial microchromosomes.

We have combined long synthetic arrays of alpha satellite DNA with telomeric DNA and genomic DNA to generate artificial chromosomes in human HT1080 cells. The resulting linear microchromosomes contain exogenous alpha satellite DNA, are mitotically and cytogenetically stable in the absence of selection for up to six months in culture, bind centromere proteins specific for active centromeres, and are estimated to be 6–10 megabases in size, approximately one-fifth to one-tenth the size of endogenous human chromosomes. We conclude that this strategy results in the formation of de novo centromere activity and that the microchromosomes so generated contain all of the sequence elements required for stable mitotic chromosome segregation and maintenance. This first-generation system for the construction of human artificial chromosomes should be suitable for dissecting the sequence requirements of human centromeres, as well as developing constructs useful for therapeutic applications.
Effect of light history on rod outer-segment membrane composition in the rat.

Albino rats were born and raised through 12 weeks of age in 12L:12D regimes of 5,300- or 800-lx illuminance. Upon killing, the animals' retinas were examined for the following: (1) rhodopsin of whole retina and isolated rod outer-segment membrane; (2) retinal morphology, including outer segment length and outer nuclear layer area; and (3) outer-segment membrane lipid biochemistry. The three groups of animals show significant differences with respect to one another for nearly every parameter measured. Rod outer-segment membranes of rats raised in dim cyclic light (5 lx) have high rhodopsin packing densities, high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and low cholesterol levels in comparison with animals raised in brighter illuminances (300- or 800 lx). The mole ratio of phospholipid to rhodopsin in the outer-segment membrane of rats raised in 5-lx cyclic light is only 43% of that of rats raised in 800-lx cyclic light. The difference between these two groups of animals for docosahexaenoic acid is greater than three times, with dim light-reared animals showing higher levels. These rats (5 lx-reared) have less cholesterol in their photoreceptor outer segments, 6·6 mol% compared with 19·7 mol% for animals from the 800-lx regime. In all cases, rats from the intermediate rearing illuminance (300 lx) exhibit intermediate membrane composition values. It is likely that these differences in membrane composition illustrate a profound effect of light history on photoreceptor function.
The Plans of the Villa Madama

Paolo Giovio relates that in May, 1527, as the Sack of Rome seethed about the Castel Sant'Angelo, Pope Clement VII from the summit of the castle watched smoke rise from his villa on Monte Mario and remarked to his entourage that Cardinal Pompeo Colonna was repaying the debt he owed the pope for the burning and pillaging of the Colonna castles in the previous year.1 As the Sack of Rome marked the termination of the brief Renaissance of the city, so did it interrupt and, in the end, leave pathetically mutilated the most ambitious villa-garden complex planned for post-classical Rome.
Control of Browning During Storage of Apple Slices Preserved by Combined Methods. 4-Hexylresorcinol as Anti-Browning Agent

Effectiveness of 4-hexylresorcinol to inhibit enzymatic and nonenzymatic browning in apple slices preserved by combined methods was assessed during storage at four temperatures. Sodium sulfite and ascorbic acid-2-phosphate were used for comparison. Browning as measured by reflectance spectroscopy and based on visible light absorption was partially inhibited by 4-hexylresorcinol comparable to that of a fivefold sulfite concentration at 25 o C. At temperature above 35 o C, the inhibiting effect of 4-hexylresorcinol was minimal. Energy of activation of the browning reaction was 5-20 kcal/mol and was not affected by anti-browning treatment. Only induction time was delayed by the 4-hexylresorcinol and sulfite treatments