MicroRNA detection on microsensor arrays by SPR imaging measurements with enzymatic signal enhancement.

We investigated sequence-specific and simultaneous microRNA (miRNA) detections by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging measurements on SPR chips possessing an Au spot array modified with probe DNAs based on a miRNA-detection-selective SPR signal amplification method. MiRNAs were detected with the detection limit of the attomole level by SPR imaging measurements for different miRNA concentrations on a single chip. SPR signals were enhanced based on a combination process of sequence-specific hybridization of the miRNA to the probe DNAs, extension reaction of polyadenine (poly(A)) tails by poly(A) polymerase, binding of a ternary complex of T30-biotin/horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-biotin/streptavidin to the poly(A) tails, and the oxidation reaction of tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) on the HRP by providing a blue precipitate on the surface. This process sequence-specifically and dramatically amplified the SPR signals. This is a simple, cost-effective, and feasible signal amplification method based on the organic compound TMB instead of metal nanoparticles

Session 4: Evolutionary Indeterminism

Proceedings of the Pittsburgh Workshop in History and Philosophy of Biology, Center for Philosophy of Science, University of Pittsburgh, March 23-24 2001 Session 4: Evolutionary Indeterminis

Physician Attitudes Toward Homosexuality and HIV: The PATHH-III Survey.

PurposeThe aims of this study were (1) to evaluate current physician attitudes toward homosexuality and homosexual, transgender, and HIV-positive individuals and (2) to compare current attitudes of those from prior surveys of the same population, the San Diego County medical community.MethodsAn online survey was conducted during November-December 2017 to assess general attitudes toward homosexuality and medically focused items that addressed homosexual orientation, transgender identity, and HIV. Responses were weighted for nonresponse. Predictors of stigma were assessed using generalized linear models. Trends across three surveys of the same population in 1982, 1999, and 2017 using common items were assessed using unweighted responses.ResultsOf 4418 eligible physicians, 491 (11.1%) responded (median age 55 years, 38% female and 8.7% gay or bisexual). Regarding admission to medical school, 1% opposed admitting a homosexual applicant, 2% a transgender applicant, and 5% an HIV-positive applicant. Regarding consultative referral to a pediatrician, 3% would discontinue referral to a homosexual pediatrician, 5% to a transgender pediatrician, and 10% to an HIV-positive pediatrician. Regarding discomfort treating patients, 7% reported discomfort treating homosexual patients, 22% transgender patients, and 13% HIV-positive patients. Earlier year of graduation from medical school, male gender, and heterosexual orientation were significant predictors of stigma-associated responses. Compared with the results from surveys in 1982 and 1999, the current results suggest substantively less stigma associated with homosexuality and HIV.ConclusionThere have been substantive declines over a 35-year period in the prevalence of stigmatizing attitudes toward sexual minorities and HIV-positive people among physician respondents in three survey waves of the San Diego County medical community

Individual Differences in Perception of People: Attitude Change in Personality

It was hypothesized that (1) people’s attitudes will polarize more and have greater belief consistency with an increased amount of time for thought than with less amount of time for thought, (2) people’s attitudes will polarize more and have greater belief consistency when instructed to think about individuals rather than groups and given a high opportunity for thought, and (3) people’s attitudes will polarize more and have greater belief consistency when instructed to think about individuals rather than groups, are given a high opportunity for thought if those people have a low personal fear of invalidity rather than having a high personal fear of invalidity. We manipulated opportunity for thought and target. We measured the personal fear of invalidity as a moderator variable. We measured attitude polarization and belief consistency. Participants were directed to give initial impressions to descriptors of nonspecific individuals or groups. Participants were then directed to think about some of those descriptors as rebel insurgent individuals or groups. Although our hypotheses were not supported, other findings were significant. Plausible alternative explanations, limitations, and future directions are discussed

The Development of a Parameterized Scatter Removal Algorithm for Nuclear Materials Identification System Imaging

This dissertation presents a novel method for removing scattering effects from Nuclear Materials Identification System (NMIS) imaging. The NMIS uses fast neutron radiography to generate images of the internal structure of objects non-intrusively. If the correct attenuation through the object is measured, the positions and macroscopic cross-sections of features inside the object can be determined. The cross sections can then be used to identify the materials and a 3D map of the interior of the object can be reconstructed. Unfortunately, the measured attenuation values are always too low because scattered neutrons contribute to the unattenuated neutron signal. Previous efforts to remove the scatter from NMIS imaging have focused on minimizing the fraction of scattered neutrons which are misidentified as directly transmitted by electronically collimating and time tagging the source neutrons. The parameterized scatter removal algorithm (PSRA) approaches the problem from an entirely new direction by using Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the point scatter functions (PScFs) produced by neutrons scattering in the object. PScFs have been used to remove scattering successfully in other applications, but only with simple 2D detector models. This work represents the first time PScFs have ever been applied to an imaging detector geometry as complicated as the NMIS. By fitting the PScFs using a Gaussian function, they can be parameterized and the proper scatter for a given problem can be removed without the need for rerunning the simulations each time. In order to model the PScFs, an entirely new method for simulating NMIS measurements was developed for this work. The development of the new models and the codes required to simulate them are presented in detail. The PSRA was used on several simulated and experimental measurements and chi-squared goodness of fit tests were used to compare the corrected values to the ideal values that would be expected with no scattering. Using the PSRA resulted in an improvement of the chi-squared test by a factor of 60 or more when applied to simple homogeneous objects

Jesus as Bridegroom Warrior King: The Use of Psalm 45 in Revelation 19

While the book of Revelation includes no direct quotes from the OT, it is no secret that allusions to the OT permeate the text of John\u27s apocalyptic vision. In alluding to the OT, John develops thematic links and imagery, resulting in theological messaging that informs his readers of the reality of Christ\u27s rule and reign. This thesis investigates John\u27s theological messaging in Revelation 19. Primarily this thesis will examine the themes and imagery of Revelation 19 in light of Psalm 45. It is my proposal that John borrows both imagery and language from Psalm 45 to depict Jesus as the all-inclusive messianic bridegroom warrior king. Overall, this study will seek to show that the themes and motifs of Psalm 45 influenced John in his writing of Revelation 19. Several links reveal this connection. First, Revelation 19 and Psalm 45 speak of a kingly figure who rides out in battle under the banner of truth and meekness and righteousness (Ps. 45:3-5; cf. Rev. 19:11-21; 19:2). Second, both texts present the kingly figure as a warrior and a bridegroom king (Ps. 45:8-15; cf. Rev. 19:6-21). Third, the bride in both contexts is arrayed in wedding clothes and made ready for the king (Ps. 45:14; cf. Rev. 19:7-8). Fourth, Psalm 45 and Revelation 19 present themes of joy and gladness for those who submit to the king (Ps. 45:10-15; cf. Rev 19:7), as opposed to destruction for the king\u27s enemies (Ps. 45:3-5; cf. Rev. 19:11-21). These connections and several others will be explored in the body of the thesis. Ultimately by alluding to several key motifs and themes found in Psalm 45, John portrays Jesus as the ideal eschatological Davidic king. Jesus, as the ultimate Davidic king, victoriously conquers his enemies and consummates his kingdom and eternal rule at his second coming. The result of this theological messaging is a call for his readers to flee idolatry, remain loyal to the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16), and wait for their sure vindication at his coming

Experimental generation of an optical field with arbitrary spatial coherence properties

We describe an experimental technique to generate a quasi-monochromatic field with any arbitrary spatial coherence properties that can be described by the cross-spectral density function, $W(\mathbf{r_1,r_2})$. This is done by using a dynamic binary amplitude grating generated by a digital micromirror device (DMD) to rapidly alternate between a set of coherent fields, creating an incoherent mix of modes that represent the coherent mode decomposition of the desired $W(\mathbf{r_1,r_2})$. This method was then demonstrated experimentally by interfering two plane waves and then spatially varying the coherent between these two modes such that the interference fringe visibility was shown to vary spatially between the two beams in an arbitrary and prescribed way.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figur

Amplification of Angular Rotations Using Weak Measurements

We present a weak measurement protocol that permits a sensitive estimation of angular rotations based on the concept of weak-value amplification. The shift in the state of a pointer, in both angular position and the conjugate orbital angular momentum bases, is used to estimate angular rotations. This is done by an amplification of both the real and imaginary parts of the weak-value of a polarization operator that has been coupled to the pointer, which is a spatial mode, via a spin-orbit coupling. Our experiment demonstrates the first realization of weak-value amplification in the azimuthal degree of freedom. We have achieved effective amplification factors as large as 100, providing a sensitivity that is on par with more complicated methods that employ quantum states of light or extremely large values of orbital angular momentum.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, contains supplementary informatio

Improved Performance of the ECR Waveguide Plasma Cathode with Permanent Magnets

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/83622/1/AIAA-2010-6519-570.pd