66 research outputs found
An algorithm for series expansions based on hierarchical rate equations
We propose a computational method to obtain series expansions in powers of
time for general dynamical systems described by a set of hierarchical rate
equations. The method is generally applicable to problems in both equilibrium
and nonequilibrium statistical mechanics such as random sequential adsorption,
diffusion-reaction dynamics, and Ising dynamics. New result of random
sequential adsorption of dimers on a square lattice is presented.Comment: LaTeX, 9 pages including 1 figur
Biocompatible Peptide-Coated Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for In Vivo Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
The biocompatibility and performance of reagents for in vivo contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imag-ing are essential for their translation to the clinic. The quality of the surface coating of nanoparticle-based MRI contrast agents, such as ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs), is criti-cal to ensure high colloidal stability in biological environments, improved magnetic performance and dis-persion in circulatory fluids and tissues. Herein, we report the design of a library of 21 peptides and lig-ands and identify highly stable self-assembled monolayers on the USPIONs surface. A total of 86 differ-ent peptide coated USPIONs are prepared and selected using several stringent criteria, e.g., stability against electrolyte-induced aggregation in physiological conditions, prevention of non-specific binding to cells, absence of cellular toxicity and contrast-enhanced in vivo MRI. The bis-phosphorylated peptide 2PG-SâVVVT-PEG4-ol provides highest biocompatibility and performance for USPIONs, with no de-tectable toxicity or adhesion to live cells. The 2PG-SâVVVT-PEG4-ol coated USPIONs show enhanced magnetic resonance properties, r1 (2.4 mM-1.s-1) and r2 (217.8 mM-1.s-1) relaxivities, and greater r2/r1 relaxivity ratios (>90), when compared to commercially available MRI contrast agents. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of 2PG-SâVVVT-PEG4-ol coated USPIONs as a T2 contrast agent for in vivo MRI applica-tions. High contrast enhancement of the liver is achieved as well as detection of liver tumors, with signifi-cant improvement of the contrast-to-noise ratio of tumor-to-liver contrast. It is envisaged that the reported peptide coated USPIONs have the potential to allow for the specific targeting of tumors, and hence early detection of cancer by MRI
Nonequilibrium relaxation of the two-dimensional Ising model: Series-expansion and Monte Carlo studies
We study the critical relaxation of the two-dimensional Ising model from a
fully ordered configuration by series expansion in time t and by Monte Carlo
simulation. Both the magnetization (m) and energy series are obtained up to
12-th order. An accurate estimate from series analysis for the dynamical
critical exponent z is difficult but compatible with 2.2. We also use Monte
Carlo simulation to determine an effective exponent, z_eff(t) = - {1/8} d ln t
/d ln m, directly from a ratio of three-spin correlation to m. Extrapolation to
t = infinity leads to an estimate z = 2.169 +/- 0.003.Comment: 9 pages including 2 figure
Teacher led school-based surveillance can allow accurate tracking of emerging infectious diseases - evidence from serial cross-sectional surveys of febrile respiratory illness during the H1N1 2009 influenza pandemic in Singapore
10.1186/1471-2334-12-336BMC Infectious Diseases12-BIDM
Non-Standard Errors
In statistics, samples are drawn from a population in a data-generating process (DGP). Standard errors measure the uncertainty in estimates of population parameters. In science, evidence is generated to test hypotheses in an evidence-generating process (EGP). We claim that EGP variation across researchers adds uncertainty: Non-standard errors (NSEs). We study NSEs by letting 164 teams test the same hypotheses on the same data. NSEs turn out to be sizable, but smaller for better reproducible or higher rated research. Adding peer-review stages reduces NSEs. We further find that this type of uncertainty is underestimated by participants
International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis
Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICARâRS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICARâRSâ2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidenceâbased findings of the document. Methods: ICARâRS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidenceâbased reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidenceâbased reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICARâRSâ2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidenceâbased management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICARâRSâ2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidenceâbased recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS
Enhanced photoluminescence of ZnO/Er2O3 core-shell structure nanorods synthesized by pulsed laser deposition
A narrow size distribution of ZnO nanorod array has been synthesized on silicon substrate by pulsed
laser deposition (PLD) in argon ambient. ZnO/Er2O3 core-shell nanostructures were then formed
through PLD of a thin Er2O3 layer onto the fabricated ZnO nanorod surface. Transmission electron
microscopy analysis shows that both the ZnO core and Er2O3 shell are polycrystalline.
Photoluminescence measurement was carried out to characterize the optical properties of the core-shell nanostructures. The band diagram of the core-shell structure shows that a type-II
nanostructure may have formed, which explains the ultraviolet emission enhancement of the
core-shell structure over pure ZnO nanorods.Published versio
Experimental characterization and modeling of the contact resistance of Cu-Cu bonded interconnects
The effects of the surface roughness and applied loads on the specific electrical contact resistance of three-dimensional CuâCu bonded interconnects have been quantitatively investigated. Wafer-level thermocompression bonding was carried out on bonded Cu layers with either different surface roughness at a certain load or with similar surface roughness at different applied loads. Experimental results show that as the surface roughness of the Cu bonding layer increases or as the bonding load decreases, the specific contact resistance of the bonded interconnects increases. A model is presented which quantifies the relationship between the specific contact resistance and the true contact area (which is a function of the surface roughness and applied load). Through the true contact area, the integrity of a bonded interface may be predicted from the electrical measurement of the contact resistance.Published versio
iTRAQ-facilitated Proteomic analysis of human prostate cancer cells identifies proteins associated with progression
The unpredictable behavior of prostate cancer presents a major clinical challenge during patient management. In order to gain an insight into the molecular mechanisms associated with prostate cancer progression, we employed the shot-gun proteomic approach of isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ), followed by 2D-LC-MS/MS, using the poorly metastatic LNCaP cell line and its highly metastatic variant LNCaP-LN3 cell line as a model. A total number of 280 unique proteins were identified (â„95% confidence), and relative expression data was obtained for 176 of these. Ten proteins were found to be significantly up-regulated (â„1.50 fold), while 4 proteins were significantly down-regulated (â„â1.50 fold), in LNCaP-LN3 cells. Differential expression of brain creatine kinase (CKBB), soluble catechol- O-methyltransferase (S-COMT), tumor rejection antigen (gp96), and glucose regulated protein, 78 kDa (grp78), was confirmed by Western blotting or independent 2D-PAGE analysis. Additionally, iTRAQ analysis identified absence of the lactate dehydrogenase-B (LDH-B) subunit in LNCaP-LN3 cells, confirming our published data. The clinical relevance of gp96 was assessed by immunohistochemistry using prostate tissues from benign ( n = 95), malignant ( n = 66), and metastatic cases ( n = 3). Benign epithelium showed absent/weak gp96 expression in the basal cells, in contrast to the moderate/strong expression seen in malignant epithelium. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference in the intensity of gp96 expression between benign and malignant cases ( p < 0.0005, MannâWhitney U). Our study is the first to report the application of iTRAQ technology and its potential for the global proteomic profiling of prostate cancer cells, including the identification of absent protein expression
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