Simple Self Research Articles

Synthesis, characterization, and application of novel biodegradable self-assembled 2-(N-phthalimido) ethyl-palmitate nanoparticles for cancer therapy

We report the synthesis of novel biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) which can kill the cancer cells without any additional drug loading. The NP was a self-assembled form of a phthalimide based conjugate, in which the phthalimide moiety was responsible for the anticancer activity. We describe the synthesis of a novel 2-(N-phthalimido) ethyl palmitate (PHEP-Pal) conjugate and subsequent preparation of NPs by a simple self assembly process. The successful synthesis of conjugate was confirmed by various characterization studies including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, TOF-liquid chromatography mass spectroscope, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction unit. The synthesis, shape, size, and size distribution of PHEP-Pal NPs were determined by transmission electron microscope, atomic force microscope, and dynamic light scattering technique. Finally, cell culture studies using A549 and HeLa cells were done to evaluate the anticancer effect of PHEP-Pal NPs, which demonstrated the potency of these NPs for use in cancer chemotherapy.

Inner division and uncertain contours: William James and the politics of the modern self

AbstractThis article revisits the question of the social valence of William James's account of the self. As biographers have long noted, James worried much about the crisis of the autonomous, unitary and well-bounded self. This article suggests that, despite his anxieties, James perceived that those features of the self opened up new possibilities both for the individual and for society. By locating the Jamesian self in the context of period techniques for the cultivation of the self, religious and occult practices, and mystical-cum-political discourse, I argue that for James the crisis of the modern self represented a means both of rooting individuals firmly in the community and of endowing them with a form of agency stronger than those promised by traditional doctrines of the simple, self-directed and well-bounded self. Thus, I argue, James's conception of the self and the techniques of the self that he advocated were part and parcel of an attempt to rethink the relationship between individual and community and to promote a new type of society, one composed of spontaneous pluralistic, open and intimate communities.

Low-voltage and high-frequency Gm-opamp-C filter with automatic self frequency tuning

A 1.0 V, 10 MHz Gm-opamp-C filter is described. For low voltage and high frequency operation, the number of internal nodes is minimized to avoid the generation of parasitic poles and the number of stacked transistors between VDD and GND is limited to two. The frequency response of the filter is automatically tuned by a simple self tuning circuit. The measured dynamic range of the filter is 47 dB while dissipating 5 mA.

Increased pre–SMA activation in early PD patients during simple self–initiated hand movements

The slowness of movement, termed bradykinesia, is one of the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). This symptom may be due to the inability of PD patients to maximise the speed of internally driven movements. The mesial premotor areas and in particular the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) seem to play a crucial role in the temporal initiation of movements in humans and animals. However, this activation seems to be debatable in imaging studies of PD patients. We performed a motor paradigm with temporally self-initiated movements in nine de novo PD patients before and after initiation of dopaminergic medication. The main finding was an increased activation of the pre-SMA in de novo PD patients compared with healthy age-matched control subjects. This result indicates the contribution of the pre-SMA in the temporal initiation of self-generated movements and in the disease pathology of PD. Increased bilateral activation of the superior cerebellum, mainly on the ipsilateral side, and a decreased activation of the ipsilateral inferior cerebellum in PD patients were also present. These findings provide new insights into the activation pattern of the cerebellum in PD patients.

SELF RECOVERY AUTHENTICATION OF IMAGES IN THE DWT DOMAIN

The interest for multimedia contents authentication has recently increased. In particular watermarking-based authentication schemes seem to be offering some advantages with respect to classical cryptography tools (e.g. real content authentication, localization of manipulations, storage format independence, transparency to common signal processing, etc.). In this paper a simple and secure self recovery authentication algorithm which hides an image digest into some DWT subbands of the to be authenticated image is presented. This technique has been designed for video surveillance and/or remote sensing applications. The main goal of this approach is to detect possible malevolent object manipulations undergone by the image (object replacing and/or deletion) by means of a self recovery processing. This valuable characteristic has to be maintained also when an image is processed through an usual and friendly transformation like JPEG compression. Particular care is given to make the scheme robust against innocuous manipulations, and secure against forgery attempts. Experimental results are presented that demonstrate the good performance of the proposed system.

Brain activation during ideomotor praxis: imitation and movements executed by verbal command

Background: Ideomotor apraxia is a disorder of both imitation movements and movements executed by verbal command. Lesion studies have identified the left parietal lobe as the neural correlate for ideomotor...

Multiwavelength Observations of Strong Flares from the TeV Blazar 1ES 1959+650

Following the detection of strong TeV gamma ray flares from the BL Lac object 1 ES 1959+650 with the Whipple 10 m Cerenkov telescope on 2002 May 16 and 17, we performed intensive target of opportunity radio, optical, X-ray, and TeV ?ray observations from 2002 May 18 to August 14. Observations with the X-ray telescope RossiX-Ray Timing Explorer and the Whipple and HEGRA gamma-ray telescopes revealed several strong flares, enabling us to sensitively test the X-ray--gamma-ray flux correlation properties. Although the X-ray and gamma-ray fluxes seemed to be correlated in general, we found an orphan gamma-ray flare that was not accompanied by an X-ray flare. While we detected optical flux variability with the Boltwood and Abastumani observatories, the data did not give evidence for a correlation of the optical flux variability with the observed X-ray and 7-ray flares. Within statistical errors of about 0.03 Jy at 14.5 GHz and 0.05 Jy at 4.8 GHz, the radio fluxes measured with the University of Michigan Radio Astronomy Observatory stayed constant throughout the campaign; the mean values agreed well with the values measured on 2002 May 7 and June 7 at 4.9 and 15 GHz with the Very Large Array and at 4.8 GHz with archival flux measurements. After describing in detail the radio, optical, X-ray and gamma-ray light curves, and spectral energy distributions (SEDs), we present initial modeling of the SED with a simple synchrotron self- Compton model. With the addition of another TeV blazar with good broadband data, we consider the set of all TeV blazars, to begin to look for a connection of the jet properties to the properties of the central accreting black hole thought to drive the jet. Remarkably, the temporal and special X-ray and gamma-ray emission characteristics of TeV blazars are very similar, even though the mass estimates of their central black holes differ by up to 1 order of magnitude.

An Exact Equation for Wilson Loops in Two-Dimensional Euclidean Space

We derive an exact equation for simple self non-intersecting Wilson loops in non-Abelian gauge theories with gauge fields interacting with fermions in two-dimensional Euclidean space.

Deformation and flow in bulk metallic glasses and deeply undercooled glass forming liquids—a self consistent dynamic free volume model

Bulk glass forming metallic liquids such as those of the Zr–Ti–Ni–Cu–Be Vitreloy alloy family have been shown to have Newtonian Viscosity which is well described by the Vogel–Fulcher–Tamann (VFT) equation over roughly 15 orders of magnitude from the high temperature equilibrium melt to the deeply undercooled liquid near and below the experimentally observed glass transition. Experiments have also shown flow becomes non-Newtonian and ultimately unstable against spatial localization into shear bands as the strain rate at a given temperature is increased. This transition from homogeneous to inhomogeneous flow and flow localization has been discussed by several authors and attributed to the influence of strain softening, strain rate sensitivity, and thermal softening.which collectively result in the destabilization of the uniform flow field. The present paper presents a simple self consistent model of uniform steady state flow which is based on the tradition Free Volume Model of the glass transition, the VFT-equation, and a simple treatment of free volume production and annihilation during flow. The model is used to analyze the flow data and shown to give a simple one-parameter fit to experimental steady state Newtonian and non-Newtonian flow data over a broad range of temperatures and strain rates. The model gives simple analytic expressions for the steady state constitutive flow law, the strain rate sensitivity exponent (SRSE), and an implicit equation for the strain rate and temperature dependent viscosity, which is solved numerically. An approximate analytic expression for the non-Newtonian effects is proposed. Generalizing the model to time dependent flow, it is argued that observed shear localization and serrated flow in bulk glass forming liquids arises primarily from transient response phenomena.

A rapid detection of motor block in patients with Parkinson disease during volitional movements of the hand

A rapid detection of motor block in patients with Parkinson disease during volitional movements of the hand

DOES THE LANGUAGE OF RESPONSE INFLUENCE SELF-PRESENTATION? A NEPALESE TEST OF THE CULTURAL ACCOMMODATION HYPOTHESIS

Responses to the Twenty Statements Test were obtained from 171 Nepalese university students assigned to respond either in English or Nepali. Contrary to the cultural accommodation hypothesis the respondents did not provide more idiocentric self-references in the English language condition. However, some language differences were found in specific aspects of the collective self. The respondents, tended to provide more small group self-references when responding in Nepali. Contrary to the Western literature there was little evidence of gender differences in self-construal. The need for finer-grained categorisation than a simple individual or collective self was emphasised.

Demand bargaining in legislatures

We analyze a pure bargaining problem when decisions require simple majority and self interested players make unilateral demands. In contrast to the case where proposals consist of complete sharing profiles, this content of proposals prevents implicit side-payments inside the committee, and so non-discriminatory outcomes might be expected. We show that in some settings this is the case and the surplus is universally shared.

旅行者によるマラリア診断キット使用の問題

Malaria prophylaxis measures of travelers include, in addition to chemoprophylaxis, stand-by treatment (self treatment) which is indicated in areas of low transmission, for short-term travelers and for those with brief, repeated exposure to malaria. The indication of stand-by treatment has now been expanded in some areas, partly due to an increasing concern about the possible adverse effects of malaria chemoprophylaxis. However, the inappropriate use of stand-by treatment in non-malaria cases may expose persons to a significant drug risk, thus developing simple and reliable self diagnostic tests especially for Plasmodium falciparum malaria has been expected. Recently marketed kits for detecting P. falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP-2) or pLDH could be good candidates for malaria self diagnosis by travelers. Especially a card-type kit detecting HRP-2 is characterized by its simplicity and reliability, often showing a sensitivity of>95% or even sometimes 100%. Although the sensitivity of those tests could not always be 100%, they could be very useful when performed properly, especially in cases travelers develop malaria-like symptoms in areas remote from reliable medical facilities. However, reports of self diagnosis with those kits performed by travelers showed discouraging results. Recent studies highlighted errors of performing these tests correctly and of interpreting previously reacted strips or cards. Travelers should not become a victim of potentially useful malaria diagnostic tests due to their incorrect use. Nonetheless, we still believe that the use of those kits by travelers should not be abandoned, rather they must have potential for application to travelers' malaria. This goal could be accomplished by improving the contents of the kits' instructions and also by giving full oral explanation to travelers at travel clinics.

Nanotube growth by surface diffusion

Nanotubes and other nanoclusters of both carbon and boron nitride are controllably grown by simple surface self diffusion, both homogenously and heterogeneously, following a mechanical ball-milling preparative stage. Brief comparisons are drawn with the nucleation and growth of nanostructures during ionizing irradiations of varying degree on graphite and molybdenite target surfaces.

HIN7/440: Evidence-based Consumer Health Information - The need for unbiased risk communication

Online consumer health information is rapidly growing. At the same time an active part of patients and consumers in decision making about preventive or therapeutic interventions is increasingly demanded. The basis for informed consumer choice is the communication of evidence-based scientific data in a format that is clearly understood by most lay persons. The way study results are presented influence decisions by health care providers and patients or consumers alike. The impact of framing of outcome data as either relative or absolute differences is well recognized. Outcome data should be reported as absolute numbers, absolute risk reductions or numbers needed to treat or to screen rather than as relative risk reductions. Beyond the question of whether relative or absolute differences are used, outcome data can be framed by either emphasising achievable benefits or the lack of such benefits. Presentation of data as the proportion of patients who remain free of a target outcome rather than the proportion of patients who benefit from a certain intervention could substantially influence decision making. So far, studies evaluating the communication of treatment results to patients were focussed on the benefits of the respective interventions. Such an approach is incompatible with unbiased informed decision making by the patient, client or consumer. In order to communicate outcome data in an objective manner the whole possible spectrum of data presentation should be considered. Both, the proportion of persons who are likely to benefit as well as the proportion of persons who are unlikely to benefit or likely to be harmed should be presented with equal emphasis. Instruments to judge the quality of printed or online consumer health information do not include rating the framing of outcome data (e.g. http:/www.discern.org.uk).In order to establish an online system of evidence-based consumer health information that provides unbiased evidence-based communication of outcome data mammography screening was used as a model. After screening the literature according to evidence-based medicine criteria the information on benefits and risks of mammography screening has been compiled. Results are communicated as simple self explaining illustrations as well as original numbers equally emphasising the various aspects of the outcome. In addition, unbiased information is provided on the test efficacy of mammography screening (false positive, false negative results), on other potential side effects or other beneficial effects of mammography screening such as the number of diagnostic surgical interventions following mammography or the psychological sequaele thereof, data on total mortality and precision or lack of precision of results. The described mammography screening consumer information system is being evaluated with experts and the target consumer population with the final goal of an online evidence-based consumer health information

The validity of dietary assessment in general practice.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a range of dietary assessment instruments in general practice. METHODS: Using a randomised block design, brief assessment instruments and more complex conventional dietary assessment tools were compared...

A thorough analysis of self-heating effects for SOI MOSFETs on SIMOX and UNIBOND substrates

The impact of the' self heating effect (SH) on the low temperature operation of MOSFET/SOI is investigated with the help of a simple self heating model. Both the SIMOX and UNIBOND substrates are analyzed. The variation with temperature of the buried oxide thermal conductivity extracted from the thermal resistance is found to be in good agreement with the experimental data for fused silica. The influence of the depletion of the thin Si film is carefully analysed and the existence of an optimum substrate temperature is demonstrated allowing better device performance to be achieved.

Chimpanzee dendritic cells derived in vitro from blood monocytes and pulsed with antigen elicit specific immune responses in vivo.

Dendritic cells differentiated in vitro from blood and other sources using cytokines hold particular promise as immunotherapeutic agents in cancer. However, there are currently no data to show that human in vitro-derived dendritic cells are immunogenic in vivo. We have developed a primate model of immunotherapy using dendritic cells differentiated in vitro from blood monocytes by culturing with human granulocyte/ macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-4. We measured the immune response to antigen elicited by in vitro-derived and antigen-treated dendritic cells following a single intravenous inoculation an boost in chimpanzees. The antigens tested were ovalbumin, a complex foreign protein, and a peptide derived from the MUC-1 mucin tumor antigen, a relatively uncomplex self antigen. Four chimpanzees were immunized either with antigen-pulsed dendritic cells (two animals) or mock-treated dendritic cells (one animal) given intravenously or both antigens given in adjuvant subcutaneously (one animal). Each animal received a boost of both antigens in adjuvant 10 days later. All animals responded with an IgG-mediated humoral response to ovalbumin measured in the serum at day 24. This was associated with a proliferative cellular response to ovalbumin in the inguinal lymph node draining the boost injection. In contrast, antibody responses to mucin peptide were detected in one animal in response to the boost injection, and no T cell proliferative responses to mucin peptide were detected in the draining lymph node of any animal. To determine if the single inoculation of antigen-pulsed dendritic cells elicited any immunity, we measured the T cell response to ovalbumin in blood mononuclear cells harvested prior to the boost. Ovalbumin-specific proliferative responses that were antigen dose dependent were detected in one of two treated animals. In contrast, ovalbumin given with adjuvant and mock-treated dendritic cells induced no response. The three animals inoculated with dendritic cells, either antigen or mock treated, had moderate T cell responses to bovine serum albumin, a constituent of the medium used to culture cells prior to injection. We conclude from these data that in vitro-derived dendritic cells can elicit T cell responses to a complex foreign antigen following a single intravenous injection in a large primate. It is likely that immunity to a simple self antigen, MUC-1 mucin peptide, may require multiple inoculations. The results support the use of dendritic cells differentiated in vitro as vehicles for immunotherapy in humans.

Assemblases and coupling proteins in thick filament assembly.

Thick filaments are stable assemblies of myosin that are characteristic of specific muscle types from both vertebrates and invertebrates. In general, their structure and assembly require remarkably precise determination of lengths and diameters, structural differentiation and nonequivalence of myosins, a high degree of inelasticity and rigidity, and dynamic regulation of assembly and disassembly in response to both extracellular and intracellular signals. Directed assembly of myosin in which additional proteins function in key roles, therefore, is more likely to be significant than the simple self assembly of myosin into thick filaments. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans permits a wide spectrum of biochemical, genetic, molecular and structural approaches to be applied to the experimental testing of this hypothesis. Biochemical analysis of C. elegans thick filaments reveals that paramyosin, a homologue of the myosin rod that is the unique product of a single genetic locus, exists as two populations which differ by post-translational modification. The major paramyosin species interacts with the two genetically specified myosin heavy chain isoforms. The minor paramyosin species is organized within the cores of the thick filaments, where it is associated stoichiometrically with three recently identified proteins P20, P28 and P30. These proteins have now been characterized molecularly and contain unique, novel amino acid sequences. Structural analysis of the core shows that seven paramyosin subfilaments are crosslinked by additional internal proteins into a highly rigid tubule. P20, P28 and P30 are proposed to couple the paramyosin subfilaments together into the core tubule during filament assembly. Mutants that affect paramyosin assembly are being characterized for alterations in the core proteins. A fourth protein has been identified recently as the product of the unc-45 gene. Computational analysis of this gene's DNA suggests that the predicted protein may exhibit protein phosphatase and chaperone activities. Genetic analysis shows that three classes of specific unc-45 mutant proteins differentially interact with the two myosins during thick filament assembly. The unc-45 protein is proposed to be a myosin assemblase, a protein catalyst of thick filament assembly.

Hume's First Principle, His Missing Shade, and His Distinctions of Reason

Hume's First Principle, our simple ideas in their first appearance are deriv'd from simple impressions, which are correspondent to them, and which they exactly represent, is not only the fundamental principle of his theory of mind; it is also his criterion of significance.1 Given that all ideas can ultimately be traced to preceding simple which they exactly resemble, to understand an idea, Hume claims, we must examine its corresponding impression (or, if the idea is complex, analyze it into its simple components and examine their corresponding impressions). To show that some putative idea is a fiction, we need only show that we lack the corresponding impression(s). Hume employs the Principle as his criterion of significance when he argues that we have no idea of necessary connection (as a quality of bodies), of substance, or of the (simple) self, among other things. Quick work could be made of both Hume's psychology and these attacks on our ideas if a counterexample to his Principle could be found. Curiously and infamously, after arguing on behalf of the Principle, emphasizing its importance, and even challenging us to find a counterexample, he introduces one contradictory phaenomenon, which may prove, that 'tis not absolutely impossible for ideas to go before their correspondent impressions (T 5).2 He