cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
1163 BIOLOGY AND THERAPY OF ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA (AOM) CAUSED BY BRANHAMELLA CATARRHALIS (Bc)

Since 1980 we have observed an epidemic of AOM caused by Bc; 75% of strains produce beta-lactamase (BL+). To determine clinical significance of this infection, we studied pharyngeal colonization, clinical presentation and outcome of therapy. Bc was present in MEE of 61/355 children enrolled in randomized, prospective clinical trials (17%); the proportion has not changed since 1980. Bc was present in pure culture in 40/61 (66%) and as a mixed infection with S. pneumoniae or H. influenzae in 21 (34%). AOM caused by Bc was less common in spring/ summer 112/110 (11%) than in fall/winter 49/245 (20%) (p < .05). Colonization with Bc was also less common in summer (6/56)(11%) than winter (36/71) (50%) (p < .01). Persistent MEE was present 2 wk. after Bc infection in 83% and at 4 wk. in 63%; the proportions were not significantly different in other etiologic groups. Culture of MEE was performed routinely during therapy. Failure to sterilize Bc-infected MEE was seen with Amoxicillin/Bacampicillin - 3/11 patients; Cefaclor - 2/19; Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole - 0/10; Augmentin - 0/9. All failures were with BL+ stains. AOM caused by Bc occurs when respiratory colonization rates are high. Therapy with some drugs may not give prompt sterilization of MEE. In otherwise healthy children Bc lacks invasive potential; changes in routine prescribing may not be needed even when infection with BL+ Bc is frequent.
Toward a formal theory of extensible software

As software projects continue to grow in scale and scope, it becomes important to reuse software. An important kind of reuse is extensibility, i.e., the extension of software without accessing existing code to edit or copy it. In this paper, we propose a rigorous, semantics-based definition of software extensibility. Then we illustrate the utility of our definitions by applying them to several programs. The examination shows how programming style affects extensibility and also drives the creation of a variant of an existing design pattern. We consider programs in both object-oriented and functional languages to prove the robustness of our definitions.
3-D Imaging and Analysis of Neurons Infected In Vivo with Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate, intracellular parasite with a broad host range, including humans and rodents. In both humans and rodents, Toxoplasma establishes a lifelong persistent infection in the brain. While this brain infection is asymptomatic in most immunocompetent people, in the developing fetus or immunocompromised individuals such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, this predilection for and persistence in the brain can lead to devastating neurologic disease. Thus, it is clear that the brain-Toxoplasma interaction is critical to the symptomatic disease produced by Toxoplasma, yet we have little understanding of the cellular or molecular interaction between cells of the central nervous system (CNS) and the parasite. In the mouse model of CNS toxoplasmosis it has been known for over 30 years that neurons are the cells in which the parasite persists, but little information is available about which part of the neuron is generally infected (soma, dendrite, axon) and if this cellular relationship changes between strains. In part, this lack is secondary to the difficulty of imaging and visualizing whole infected neurons from an animal. Such images would typically require serial sectioning and stitching of tissue imaged by electron microscopy or confocal microscopy after immunostaining. By combining several techniques, the method described here enables the use of thick sections (160 µm) to identify and image whole cells that contain cysts, allowing three-dimensional visualization and analysis of individual, chronically infected neurons without the need for immunostaining, electron microscopy, or serial sectioning and stitching. Using this technique, we can begin to understand the cellular relationship between the parasite and the infected neuron.
Heterometallic Metal−Organic Frameworks Based on Tris(dipyrrinato) Coordination Complexes

A novel class of heterometallic metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) has been synthesized and characterized. The MOFs rely on the use of tris(dipyrrinato) coordination complexes as the bridging structure and silver(I) ions as the linking unit. The building blocks and resulting MOFs have been structurally characterized by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The modular nature of this approach is demonstrated by the use of both iron(III) and cobalt(III) complexes. The MOFs have strong electronic absorption features originating from the metal−dipyrrin chromophore and have continuous channels throughout the lattice that are occupied by ordered and disordered solvent molecules.
Aortic arch replacement using a trifurcated graft: simple, versatile, and safe.

Background Hypothermic selective antegrade cerebral perfusion during aortic arch replacement may prevent adverse neurologic sequelae. It can be provided via balloon-tipped catheters or a branched graft sewn to the brachiocephalic vessels. We report a consecutive series of total arch replacement using a trifurcated graft. Methods From September 1999 through October 2004, 109 patients underwent nonemergent total arch replacement using this technique. The graft, placed during a period of hypothermic circulatory arrest, was used for selective cerebral perfusion during the arch reconstruction. Results Adverse outcomes were seen in 9 (8.3%) patients: hospital death in 5 (4.6%), and stroke in 5 (4.6%). Transient neurologic dysfunction was noted in 6 (5.5%) patients. Mean duration of hypothermic circulatory arrest was 31.2 ± 6.6 minutes and selective cerebral perfusion was 65.3 ± 20.9 minutes. Reoperation for bleeding was required in 3 (2.8%) patients and prolonged intubation in 15 (13.8%). Median intensive care unit stay was 3 days (interquartile range 2–4; range, 1 to 108) and hospital stay was 9 (interquartile range 8–15; range, 5 to 108). Conclusions The trifurcated graft technique results in low rates of perioperative mortality, temporary neurologic dysfunction, and stroke. It may reduce cerebral embolization as it requires no instrumentation of the aortic arch to establish selective cerebral perfusion and, although it mandates hypothermic circulatory arrest to place the graft, this interval is reliably brief enough to fall within accepted safe limits. This strategy leaves no residual arch tissue behind, and allows placement of an elephant trunk proximal to one or more arch vessels if anatomically indicated.
Evaluation of Different Virtual Screening Programs for Docking in a Charged Binding Pocket

Virtual screening of small molecules against a protein target often identifies the correct pose, but the ranking in terms of binding energy remains a difficult problem, resulting in unacceptable numbers of false positives and negatives. To investigate this problem, the performance of three docking programs, FRED, QXP/FLO, and GLIDE, along with their five different scoring functions, was evaluated with the engineered cavity in cyctochrome c peroxidase (CCP). This small cavity is negatively charged and completely buried from solvent. A test set of 60 molecules, experimentally identified as 43 “binders” and 17 “non-binders”, were tested with the CCP binding site. The docking methods’ performance is quantified by the ROC curve and their reproduction of crystal poses. The effects from generation of different ligand tautomers and inclusion of water molecule in the cavity are also discussed.
High efficient photonic band-edge cholesteric liquid crystal lasers

In this paper, we demonstrated a new dye-doped cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) photonic band edge laser with emission enhanced by an external cholesteric resonator. As one-dimensional photonic crystal, the 5-mm dye-doped cholesteric liquid crystal cell generates circularly polarized laser emission at its photonic band edge. When sandwiched between two 5-mm cholesteric liquid crystal mirrors whose reflection band reflects the laser emission from the central dye-doped CLC laser, the emission can be enhanced by ~800X. In experiment, a second-harmonic Q-switched Nd-YAG pulsed laser is used to pump the CLC laser assembly at normal incidence. The detected laser emission is elliptically polarized and is still located at the band edge wavelength of the central CLC cell. The beam divergence is decreased by ~10X due to an increased cavity length. Theoretical analysis using 4x4 transfer matrix and scattering matrix has shown that the circular resonator produces transmission peaks based on Fabry-Perot effect inside reflection band and, moreover, the transmission peak at the band edge of central CLC can be well-preserved. Both experiment results and simulation results are present in good agreement.
Voltage stability-limited interchange flow

Abstract The concept of power flow interchange limited by load voltage constraints is described via the continuation power flow (CPF). Critical flows on tie-lines are determined based on maintaining steady-state voltage stability. The most critical tie-lines are also identified via sensitivity analysis. An application to a test power system is presented.
Oxidation of Tetrahydrobiopterin by Peroxynitrite: Implications for Vascular Endothelial Function

Subsaturating levels of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)), an essential cofactor for nitric oxide synthase (NOS), can lead to endothelial dysfunction as a result of decreased production of nitric oxide. Furthermore, insufficient BH(4) can also result in NOS-uncoupled production of reactive oxygen intermediates, such as superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide. Nitric oxide and superoxide react rapidly to form peroxynitrite, which may be the reactive species responsible for many of the toxic effects of nitric oxide. Here we show that BH(4) is a primary target for peroxynitrite-catalyzed oxidation because at pH 7.4, physiologically relevant concentrations of BH(4) are oxidized rapidly by low concentrations of peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite oxidizes BH(4) to quinonoid 5,6-dihydrobiopterin and a large proportion of the quinonoid isomer readily loses its side chain to form 7,8-dihydropterin which is not a cofactor for nitric oxide synthase. Thus, abnormally low levels of BH(4) can promote a cycle of its own destruction mediated by nitric oxide synthase-dependent formation of peroxynitrite. This mechanism might contribute to vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by oxidative stress.
Thermally induced birefringence and stress in poly(methyl methacrylate) waveguides on oxidized silicon substrates.

A thermally induced birefringence in a poly(methyl methacrylate) waveguide has been observed. From polarization measurements made at the output of a waveguide in the range 20–60°C, a value for Δ(nTE − nTM)/ΔT of 1.1 × 10−6 °C−1 has been calculated. After waveguide preparation the underlying substrate was found to have a bow. By measuring changes in the bow caused by temperature in the range 20–60°, we have calculated a value for the change in stress in the polymethyl methacrylate film of 0.18 MPa/°C. By relating polarization to stress, changes in stress as small as 90 kPa can be measured.
Infrared spectra of proton irradiated ices containing methanol

A set of experimental results on the spectral identification of new species synthesized in irradiated CH3OH and H2O+CH3OH ices is reported. Mass spectroscopy of volatile species released during slow warming gives supporting information on identifications. H2CO is the dominant volatile species identified in the irradiated ices; CH4, CO and CO2 are also formed. During warming the ice evolves into a residual film near 200 K whose features are similar to those of ethylene glycol along with a CO bonded molecular group. Irradiation simulates expected cosmic ray processing of ices in comets stored in the Oort cloud region for 4.6 billion years. Results support the idea that a comet originally containing an H2O+CH3OH ice component has a decreasing concentration of CH3OH towards its outer, most heavily irradiated layers (if independent of all other sources and sinks). The CH4CO and COCO2 ratios are calculated as a function of irradiation; after 22 eV per molecule, CH4CO = 1.96 and COCO2 = 1.45 in an H2O+CH3OH ice mixture. Infrared spectra of CH3OH at T < 20 K on amorphous silicate smokes show a predominantly crystalline phase ice. Irradiation of the ice/silicate composite is compared with irradiated CH3OH on aluminum substrates. Implication for cometary type ices are discussed.
First onset of common pain symptoms: a prospective study of depression as a risk factor

This report examined first onset rates of 5 common pain symptoms and assessed, on a prospective basis, whether depressive symptoms at baseline were associated with onset risks. Adult Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) enrollees (n = 1016) were interviewed in 1986 about their history of each of 5 pain conditions (back pain, severe headache, chest pain, abdominal pain and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain). Three years later, this sample was re-interviewed (n = 803) to measure site-specific first onset rates. The Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) Depression scale was administered at baseline and at 3 year follow-up. Over the three year follow-up interval, rates of first onset were: 17.7% for back pain; 4.2% for severe headache; 3.0% for chest pain; 3.1% for abdominal pain; and 6.5% for TMD pain. Onset rates of persistent pain and of chronic pain dysfunction were substantially lower, but over 1% experienced onset of chronic pain dysfunction for back pain and for headache. There were not significant differences in onset rates of back pain, abdominal pain or TMD pain by severity or chronicity of depressive symptoms. Relative to the non-depressed, persons with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms were more likely to develop headache and chest pain (adjusted odds ratios of 1.7 to 5.0). For headache and chest pain, onset risks were highest among the chronically depressed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The dexamethasone suppression test in panic disorder: Comparison with normal controls

Briley MS, Raisman R, Sechter D, Zarifian E, Langer SZ (1980): 3H-imipramine binding in human platelets: A new biochemical parameter in depression. Neuropharmacology 19:1209-1210. Langer SZ, Briley MS, Raisman R, Henry JF, Morselli PL (1980): Specific 3H-imipramine binding in human platelets: Influence of age and sex. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg Arch Pharmacol 313:189-194, Lowry OH, Rosebrough N J, Farr AL, Randall RJ (1951): Protein measurement with the Folin phenol reagent. J Biol Chem 193:265-275. Mellerup ET, Plenge P, Rosenberg R (1982): 3Himipramine binding sites in platelets from psychiatry patients. Psychiatry Res 7:221-227. Paul SM, Rehavi M, Skolnick P, Ballenger JC, Goodwin FK (1981): Depressed patients have decreased binding of tritiated imipramine to platelet serotonin "transporter." Arch Gen Psychiatry 38:1315-1317. Raisman R, Sechter D, Briley MS, Zarifian E, Langer SZ (1981): High-affinity 3H-imipramine binding in platelets from untreated and treated depressed patients compared to healthy volunteers. Psychopharmacology 75:368-371. Severson JA (submitted): 3H-imipramine binding in aged mouse brain: Regulation by ions and serotonin. Neurobiol Aging. Severson JA, Marcusson JO, Finch CE, Winblad B (1985): Elevated density of 3H-imipramine binding in aged human brain. J Neurochem, in press. Spitzer R, Endicott J, Robins E (1978): Research Diagnostic Criteria: Rationale and Reliability. Arch Gen Psychiatry 35:773-782. Suranyi-Cadotte BE, Wood PL, Schwartz G, Nair NPV (1983): Altered platelet 3H-imipramine binding in schizoaffective and depressive disorders. Biol Psychiatry. 18:923-927.
External peer review quality assurance testing in von Willebrand disease: The recent experience of the United States College of American Pathologists proficiency testing program

The U.S. College of American Pathologists (CAP) has conducted a focused study of the proficiency testing for von Willebrand disease (vWD) analysis from 2003 to 2005. This report summarizes the findings regarding the accuracy and precision of the various assays at different analyte levels, as well as the influence of the reference material used to construct the assay standard curve. The results show that testing of von Willebrand factor (vWF):antigen (vWF:Ag) and ristocetin cofactor activity (vWF:RCo) is reasonably accurate, with all-method mean values falling within 3.2 and 5.6%, respectively, of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Secondary Coagulation Standard (lot 2) assigned values. vWF:Ag measurements are reasonably precise (all-method coefficients of variation [CVs] = 10.7 to 15.1%), even at lower levels of vWF. The highest precision was observed for immunoturbidometric assays (CVs, 6.3 to 9.7%). vWF:RCo measurements are less precise (all-method CVs, 23.3 to 30.9%). The reference materials used in the standard curves for immunoturbidometric vWF:Ag assays appear to have accurately assigned vWF values for the majority of commercial suppliers.
Generalized Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Two Akita Dogs

Two distantly related, two- to three-year-old male Akita dogs developed partial or complete night blindness which progressed to day blindness. Clinical features were attenuated retinal blood vessels, diffuse exaggerated tapetal reflex, and hyperreflective horizontal lines in the tapetal fundus. The principal histologic change was regional photoreceptor cell degeneration. Areas of moderately atrophic sensory retina alternated, concentrically to the papilla, with areas of severely atrophic retina. Ultrastructurally, there was disorganization of photoreceptor outer segments, retinal gliosis, focal loss with reorganization of the outer limiting membrane, and retinal invasion by pigment epithelium-derived macrophages. Clinical observations on five additional Akitas with generalized retinal atrophy suggest that the condition is heritable.
Cancer Biology: Some Causes for a Variety of Different Diseases

Advances and integration of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics have led to a better fundamental understanding of cancer biology and the causes for many types of cancer. Cancer is now thought to originate following either the “cancer stem cell hypothesis” or the “stochastic clonal model.” The pathways that lead to cancer have been delineated genetically and epigenetically. In addition, posttranslational players such as miRNA are now known to have a significant role in cancer diagnosis. To meet the high demands of rapidly proliferating cancer cells, alterations of nutrient and metabolic pathways are required. Accordingly, tumor physiology and the cancer microenvironment have been extensively studied due to their significant role in malignancy. This chapter will discuss these topics and provide a detailed investigation of cancer biology including identification of many of the genes, proteins, signals, and other factors involved in tumorigenesis.
The Power of Middlemarch

PATRICIAMEYER SPACKS, a Fellow of the American Academy since 1994, is the Edgar F. Shannon Professor of English, Emerita, at the University of Virginia. Her recent books include On Rereading (2011), Reading Eighteenth-Century Poetry (2009), and Novel Beginnings: Experiments in Eighteenth-Century English Fiction (2006). She has also recently prepared annotated editions of the Jane Austen novels Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Dorothea’s eyes followed her husband anxiously, while he sank down wearily at the end of a sofa, and resting his elbow supported his head and looked on the floor. A little flushed, and with bright eyes, she seated herself beside him, and said– “Forgive me for speaking so hastily to you this morning. I was wrong. I fear I hurt you and made the day more burdensome.” “I am glad that you feel that, my dear,” said Mr. Casaubon. He spoke quietly and bowed his head a little, but there was still an uneasy feeling in his eyes as he looked at her. “But you do forgive me?” said Dorothea, with a quick sob. In her need for some manifestation of feeling she was ready to exaggerate her own fault. Would not love see returning penitence afar off, and fall on its neck and kiss it? “My dear Dorothea–‘who with repentance is not satis1⁄2ed, is not of heaven nor earth:’–you do not think me worthy to be banished by that severe sentence,” said Mr. Casaubon, exerting himself to make a strong statement, and also to smile faintly. Dorothea was silent, but a tear which had come up with the sob would insist on falling. “You are excited, my dear. And I also am feeling some unpleasant consequences of too much mental disturbance,” said Mr. Casaubon. In fact, he had it in his thought to tell her that she ought not to have received young Ladislaw in his absence: but he ab stained, partly from the sense that it would be un gracious to bring a new complaint in the moment
Large-Scale Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Charged Particle Energy Deposition in Plasmas

Molecular dynamics simulations are presented for the stopping of a charged ion in an electron gas. Full Coulomb collisional processes are included, and the resulting particle wake and energy deposition profiles are examined. The present study is extensible to multicomponent plasmas, for evaluating parameters like dE/dx, straggling, blooming, and energy splits.
Josephson Digital Devices and Circuits

A review of the progress in the field of Josephson digital devices and circuits is presented. Since the first report of measurements on the switching speed of a Josephson junction in 1966, a large variety of circuits have been developed, with one having a delay of only 13 ps. With miniaturization beyond the present 2.5-mu m linewidths, this remarkable speed probably can be exceeded. It is pointed out that the high speed is combined with very low power so that the high packing density needed to make use of the speed is possible. The paper reviews the Josephson junction and its incorporation into logic gates and memory cells. References are given to larger systems using these elements.
Distinguishing between connectivity, intermittent connectivity, and intermittent disconnectivity

Research in Challenged Networks is evolving nicely. Starting with early research in Interplanetary Networks and disconnected ad hoc networks, more recent research efforts have focused on the challenges of novel network architectures like delay tolerant mobile networks, vehicular, and underwater networks. One particular aspect of interest is the seemingly insignificant, yet important distinction between the philosophies of connectivity, intermittent connectivity, and intermittent disconnectivity. Assuming a different connectivity model has profound and often unexpected effects on a wide variety of system characteristics. The lesson going forward, therefore, is the suggestion that the research community should continue to disregard long-held assumptions while also finding ways to evolve network architectures in a way that expand opportunities for novel modes of communication. The goal of this talk is to offer opinions, insight, and direction for three areas of perceived need. These are: 1. The need to focus research attention beyond network layer issues, i.e., the need to focus on aspects of data transport and applications.2. The need to work on network architectures that are realistic within the particular environments of their deployment, e.g., sparse networks with intermittent disconnectivity and multiple egress points.3. The need to work in areas that leverage efforts to (radically) re-think the fundamental design of the Internet, e.g., cross-layer protocol and clean-slate architectures..Within these themes, this talk will briefly review some exemplary systems and applications, and then identify the aspects that are most relevant to Challenged Networks.
Diagrammatic expansions for isobaric analog states and the Coulomb displacement energy

Abstract Certain aspects of diagrammatic expansions for isobaric analog states are discussed. The effect of the charge-distortion potential of Auerbach, Kahana and Weneser on the Coulomb displacement energy is estimated to be about 6% by relating it to the average isotope shift of the core charge distribution.
Continuing Etching of an All-in-One Adhesive in Wet Dentin Tubules

Self-etch adhesives that etch and prime simultaneously are becoming more acidic. We hypothesized that the degree of acidic monomer conversion at the interface and within the tubules was high enough that the acidic reaction would be very self-limiting. Dentin surfaces prepared from extracted, unerupted human third molars were treated with Prompt L-Pop (3M ESPE). The prepared teeth were stored in normal saline, and specimens retrieved at intervals < or = 4 wks were randomly selected for light, scanning electron microscopic and micro-Raman spectroscopic analysis. Morphologic and spectroscopic analyses indicated dentin demineralization and adhesive penetration throughout the demineralized layer and tubules. Increased dentin demineralization and loss of adhesive integrity were noted after aqueous storage. The degree of monomer conversion at the interface was consistently greater than conversion within the tubules. Fluid within the tubules may inhibit monomer conversion. The acidic characteristics of this adhesive may be retained and, thus, continue to affect/demineralize the surrounding dentin.
A new wideband spread target maximum likelihood estimator for blood velocity estimation. I. Theory

The derivation and theoretical evaluation of new wideband maximum-likelihood strategies for the estimation of blood velocity using acoustic signals are presented. A model for the received signal from blood scatterers, using a train of short wideband pulses, is described. Evaluation of the autocorrelation of the signal based on this model shows that the magnitude, periodicity, and phase of the autocorrelation are affected by the mean scatterer velocity and the presence of a velocity spread target. New velocity estimators are then derived that exploit the effect of the scatterer velocity on both the signal delay and the shift in frequency. The wideband range spread estimator is derived using a statistical model of the target. Based on the point target assumption, a simpler wideband maximum-likelihood estimator is also obtained. These new estimation strategies are analyzed for their local and global performance. Evaluation of the Cramer-Rao bound shows that the bound on the estimator variance is reduced using these estimators, in comparison with narrowband strategies. In order to study global accuracy, the expected estimator output is evaluated, and it is determined that the width of the mainlobe is reduced. In addition, it is shown that the height of subsidiary velocity peaks is reduced through the use of these new estimators. >
Creativity and practice

The target article examines the role of practice in the development of excellence in several domains that vary in the degree of innovation involved. The authors do not differentiate domains, but they discuss the development of specifically creative skills only in passing. This commentary presents evidence that practice plays a role in the development of musical composition, through an examination of the careers of Mozart and the Beatles.
Chip-scale source of photonic entanglement

Photonic entanglement is essential to many areas of research, including quantum key distribution, quantum teleportation and linear quantum computing. Typical sources of photonic entanglement rely on 2nd or 3rd order optical nonlinear processes. These sources are inherently probabilistic, so to avoid unwanted multiphoton events they must be operated at very low mean photon number probabilities. Source-multiplexing offers a path around this problem allowing operation much close to the ideal of on-demand emission. We present our recent development of chip-scale devices for photonic entanglement.
Avoiding patient self-blame

There is need for shared responsibility between health care providers and patients. However, an unintended consequence of today's therapies that focus on mind/body interaction is the risk of patients' guilt and self-blame for contracting a disease (such as cancer) and/or for failing to heal themselves. This article suggests ways practitioners of complementary therapies can approach medical patients with a constructive attitude that minimizes the chance of unintentional psychological harm.
Effects of thidiazuron and benzyladenine on axillary shoot proliferation of three green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.) clones

Mature seeds of three green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.) clones, SD1009 (South Dakota origin), SD2002 (South Dakota origin), and KA2018 (Kansas origin) were cut to remove the apical portion and germinated on Murashige and Skoog (1962) salts with B5 vitamins (Gamborg et al., 1968) (MSB5) medium without plant growth regulators. Stable axillary shoot establishment was achieved for all three clones by subculture on MSB5 medium containing a combination of 5 μM thidiazuron (TDZ), 5 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA), and 1 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Following shoot establishment, axillary shoots were placed on MSB5 medium containing a single treatment of TDZ (1, 5, 10, 20, or 40 μM) or BA (1, 5, 10, 20, 40, or 80 μM). Concentration of TDZ and BA significantly affected shoot biomass (total dry weight of axillary shoots), with 10 μm TDZ or 40 μm BA providing maximum shoot proliferation with all three clones. Significant clonal differences also were noted in the proliferation of axillary shoots, with clone SD1009 exhibiting the highest axillary shoot proliferation. Axillary shoots were rooted under ex vitro conditions and acclimatized to the greenhouse.
Durable response after just one cycle of belotecan‐based chemotherapy in a patient with relapsed primary peritoneal serous carcinoma

The efficacy of second-line chemotherapy for relapsed primary peritoneal serous carcinoma has been numerously reported, but reports on durable response after second-line therapy have been rare. We report the case of a 66-year-old woman with relapsed primary peritoneal serous carcinoma who showed durable response after just one cycle of second-line belotecan-based therapy. The response might be a complete pathologic remission. Considering the fact that our patient suffered from neutropenic sepsis during her treatment, we concluded that belotecan-based chemotherapy could be a good option for second-line chemotherapy in some selected patients, so patient selection should be carefully performed due to the toxicity of belotecan.
Calculation of contingency in construction projects

This paper presents a probabilistic model that considers the random nature of change orders and their impact on the cost and schedule of a construction project. The model incorporates uncertainties in project cost and schedule and calculates the contingency based on the level of confidence specified by the owner. It assumes a Poisson arrival pattern for change orders in a construction project. The effect of schedule delays in further increasing the project cost is considered explicitly and the effect of correlation between change orders is discussed and analytically considered. The proposed model may be used for budgeting purposes at the early stages of project development. Typical applications of the proposed model in the context of construction industry are discussed. A numerical example is presented that demonstrates the use of the model in establishing a budget contingency. The results of the example are compared with actual data from previous construction projects.
Generating Smalltalk code from graphical operations and rules

A method for prototyping interactive software systems is described. The method requires three phases. In the first phase, an ER diagram modelling a system is specified and the ER database is created. In the second phase, the semantics of system operators are given in terms of graphical specifications. These graphical specifications include two components: ER operations and ER rules. In the last phase, Smalltalk code is generated and included as a central component of the prototyped system. We discuss the method of rapid prototyping in detail on the example of a graphical query interface. An ER model (meta model) for a query system is described. Next, the meta model is used to specify graphically the operations for graphical query interface in terms of ER operations and ER rules. The characteristics of the generated Smalltalk code are discussed. >
Hierarchical Cluster Analysis of Ignitable Liquids Based on the Total Ion Spectrum

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) data of ignitable liquids in the Ignitable Liquids Reference Collection (ILRC) database were processed to obtain 445 total ion spectra (TIS), that is, average mass spectra across the chromatographic profile. Hierarchical cluster analysis, an unsupervised learning technique, was applied to find features useful for classification of ignitable liquids. A combination of the correlation distance and average linkage was utilized for grouping ignitable liquids with similar chemical composition. This study evaluated whether hierarchical cluster analysis of the TIS would cluster together ignitable liquids of the same ASTM class assignment, as designated in the ILRC database. The ignitable liquids clustered based on their chemical composition, and the ignitable liquids within each cluster were predominantly from one ASTM E1618-11 class. These results reinforce use of the TIS as a tool to aid in forensic fire debris analysis.
A Summary of Allison Gas Turbine’s Marine Experience

Allison Gas Turbine Division of General Motors Corporation has manufactured industrial gas turbines for nearly 30 years and marine gas turbines for nearly 20 years. Allison marine gas turbines have been produced in both the 501-K and 570/571-K engine product lines. Each Allison marine application provided unique challenges to a successful installation. This paper will describe the major Allison marine propulsion and power generation installations, and will discuss the challenges presented by, and solutions for, each project.Copyright © 1992 by ASME
The viscosity of acetone‐water solutions up to their normal boiling points

The viscosity of acetone-water liquid solutions has been measured over the entire concentration range at temperatures from 20°C. to generally within 1° to 10°C. of the normal boiling point. A capillary suspended-level viscometer was used, and the authors estimate that the results are accurate to ±0.2%. Both kinematic and absolute viscosities are given, and the results have been extrapolated to the boiling point of the solutions. The calibration of the Cannon-Ubbelohde viscometer is discussed in detail.
Detecting Unsafe Roadways with Spatial Statistics: Point Patterns and Geostatistical Models

A detection scheme that uses classical and spatial statistics has been developed to identify roadways with the most severe safety needs. It is based on the null hypothesis that all roadways have the same crash risk, that is, all have the same nonfatal and fatal crash rates throughout the entire study region. Fatal and nonfatal crash rates, which are assumed to be randomly distributed as Poisson processes, are modeled with a marked homogeneous Poisson process model. Since the traffic exposures are typically unknown at the crash sites, they are predicted with a geostatistical model. Locations, where the null hypothesis is rejected, are safety treatment candidates. P-value risk rankings are used to identify locations with the most severe safety needs. The results from alternative analyses—one using vehicle miles traveled and another using population as measures of traffic exposure—are conducted and compared. The state of New Hampshire is used in a case study. The effects of analyzing areas with small traffic exposures, the so-called "small-area estimation" problem, and the aim to develop a data-driven detection scheme that meets the requirements as an objective decision-making tool are discussed.
Targeting CD44-STAT3 signaling by Gemini vitamin D analog leads to inhibition of invasion in basal-like breast cancer.

Background CD44, a transmembrane glycoprotein, is a major receptor for extracellular proteins involved in invasion and metastasis of human cancers. We have previously demonstrated that the novel Gemini vitamin D analog BXL0124 [1α,25-dihydroxy-20R-21(3-hydroxy-3-deuteromethyl-4,4,4-trideuterobutyl)-23-yne-26,27-hexafluro-cholecalciferol] repressed CD44 expression in MCF10DCIS.com basal-like human breast cancer cells and inhibited MCF10DCIS xenograft tumor growth. In the present study, we investigated potential factors downstream of CD44 and the biological role of CD44 repression by BXL0124 in MCF10DCIS cells. Methods and Findings The treatment with Gemini vitamin D BXL0124 decreased CD44 protein level, suppressed STAT3 signaling, and inhibited invasion and proliferation of MCF10DCIS cells. The interaction between CD44 and STAT3 was determined by co-immunoprecipitation. CD44 forms a complex with STAT3 and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) to activate STAT3 signaling, which was inhibited by BXL0124 in MCF10DCIS cells. The role of CD44 in STAT3 signaling and invasion of MCF10DCIS cells was further determined by the knockdown of CD44 using small hairpin RNA in vitro and in vivo. MCF10DCIS cell invasion was markedly decreased by the knockdown of CD44 in vitro. The knockdown of CD44 also significantly decreased mRNA expression levels of invasion markers, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), in MCF10DCIS cells. In MCF10DCIS xenograft tumors, CD44 knockdown decreased tumor size and weight as well as invasion markers. Conclusions The present study identifies STAT3 as an important signaling molecule interacting with CD44 and demonstrates the essential role of CD44-STAT3 signaling in breast cancer invasion. It also suggests that repression of CD44-STAT3 signaling is a key molecular mechanism in the inhibition of breast cancer invasion by the Gemini vitamin D analog BXL0124.
Preschool Children Who Have Atypical Patterns of Development

1. Mark D. Simms, MD, MPH* 2. Robert L. Schum, PhD† 1. 2. *Editorial Board. 3. 4. †Pediatric Psychologist, Child Development Center, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin; Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the probability of identifying a specific etiology for mental retardation. 2. Delineate the strongest influences on young children’s language development. 3. Explain how autism can be distinguished from other disorders. 4. Describe the evaluation of preschool children who have atypical patterns of development. At 42 months of age, CG, a sturdy appearing Caucasian male, was unable to communicate clearly because of speech and language difficulties. His parents reported that he spoke “90% gibberish and 10% words” and often answered questions irrelevantly by reciting the alphabet or a nursery rhyme. Although very affectionate, he did not interact much with peers. His behavior was mostly self-directed, and he had difficulty maintaining attention to therapist-directed tasks. He was easily overstimulated and often flapped his arms with excitement. He also was observed to shake his head repetitively, stare at objects, and arrange his toys in straight lines. He became very upset if his toys were moved by someone else. His father, a computer software engineer, was reported to have started talking “late” and had had difficulty with reading in elementary school. Nonverbal cognitive testing found CG’s intelligence to be within the average range, but his language abilities were at the level of a 26-month-old. His articulation errors varied, depending on the length of his utterance, and he had a disorder of syntax (grammar) and semantic (word meaning) language . Children who have atypical patterns of development are a diagnostic challenge in the preschool years. Delayed or inappropriate use of language often is the most prominent symptom, and it frequently is accompanied by unusual social interaction patterns, odd behaviors, or limited play skills. Atypical behaviors include those considered to be uncommon, such as perseveration on specific activities, adherence to strict daily rituals, aloofness, and echolalia (repeating words, phrases, …
Crimes Against Humanity: Repairing Title 18's Blind Spots

This is a contribution to a feshrift devoted to Professor William Schabas. It takes as its starting point President Obama's atrocities prevention and response initiative, a key product of which has been a concerted inter-agency effort to improve the United States' ability to prosecute atrocity crimes by closing gaps in our penal and immigration codes and preventing this country from serving as a safe haven for abusers. A quick survey of Title 18 reveals three obvious gaps in the federal penal code: the United States lacks a crimes against humanity statute, the war crimes statute has a limited jurisdictional reach and does not conform to U.S. obligations under the 1949 Geneva Conventions, and the list of chargeable forms of responsibility excludes express mention of superior responsibility. These gaps significantly hinder the reach of the United States' prosecutorial authorities and have led to instances of impunity, and incomplete accountability, where perpetrators in our midst cannot be prosecuted for their substantive crimes and must be dealt with through immigration and other remedies — a distant second-best option when crimes against humanity are at issue. Through the platform of the Atrocities Prevention Board, the Obama Administration should work with Congress to rectify these statutory shortcomings, and a domestic crimes against humanity statute should be the first priority. That Congress is now Republican-controlled is no barrier to such reforms; indeed, much of the international criminal law that is now found in the U.S. code enjoyed broad bipartisan support and was, in fact, enacted during Republican administrations. The real challenge will be to overcome the deep-seated anti-cooperative ethos that has descended upon Congress. And yet, improving the ability of the United States to prosecute those who would commit crimes against humanity offers a sliver of common ground to lawmakers hailing from both sides of the aisle. Inspired by the same ideals that have undergirded all of Professor Schabas's work, the United States government should take advantage of this clear consensus to strengthen the United States' prosecutorial authorities in the service of atrocities prevention and response.
A Review of “Ruffians, Yakuza, Nationalists: The Violent Politics of Modern Japan, 1860–1960”

Ruffians, Yakuza, Nationalists, by Eiko Maruko Siniawer, is an important work that examines the role played by violent men in modern Japanese politics. From late Edo period shishi to postwar yakuza...
Predictors of opposition to and support for the ordination of women: insights from the LDS Church

Female ordination is an important component of gender equality in Christian religious communities. While prior research has examined societal, institutional, and organisational factors that predict changes in ordination policies in Christian denominations, there is very little research examining individuals’ attitudes regarding the ordination of women. In this research, we use data from two surveys of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) to examine the factors that predict attitudes towards the ordination of women using two polity-specific measures of support or opposition. Results indicate greater support for the ordination of women when framed in a way that takes into account LDS church governance. While several demographic variables predict attitudes towards ordination, the strongest correlate is perceptions of inequality.
Investigating Perinatal Calf Mortality in Beef Herds

This article summarizes the information presented in this issue to identify the reasons for a perinatal calf mortality (PCM) problem through a risk-factor-evaluation approach. The benefits of necropsies in PCM investigations are discussed, and the gross lesions of the major causes of PCM are described. The use of 2x2 tables to calculate odds ratios and the Chi-square method to test the validity of the odds ratios are presented as methods to determine suspected risk factors. The article concludes with a discussion of the management plan used to solve a PCM problem.
Responsiveness of a human parotid epithelial cell line (HSY) to autonomic stimulation: muscarinic control of K+ transport.

Salivary electrolyte secretion is under the control of the autonomic nervous system. In this paper we report that HSY, an epithelial cell line derived from the acinar-intercalated duct region of the human parotid gland, responds to muscarinic-cholinergic (generation of Ca2+ signal) andβ-adrenergic (generation of cAMP signal), but not toα-adrenergic (lack of Ca2+ signal), receptor stimulation. The muscarinic response was studied in detail. Carbachol (10−4 M, muscarinic agonist) or A23187 (5 µM, calcium ionophore) stimulation of HSY cells increases both86Rb (K+) influx and efflux, resulting in no change in net equilibrium86Rb content. Atropine (10−5 M, muscarinic antagonist) blocks both the carbachol-generated Ca2+ signal and carbachol-stimulated86Rb fluxes, but has no effect on either the A23187-generated Ca2+ signal or A23187-stimulated86Rb fluxes. Carbachol- and A23187-stimulated86Rb fluxes are substantially inhibited by two K+ channel blockers, quinine (0.3 mM) and scorpion venom containing charybdotoxin (33 µg/ml). The inhibition of these stimulated fluxes by another K+ channel blocker, tetraethylammonium chloride (5 mM), is less pronounced. Protein kinase C (PKC) seems to be involved in the regulation of the86Rb fluxes as 10−7 M PMA (phorbol ester, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate) substantially inhibits the muscarinic-stimulated86Rb efflux and influx. Because this concentration of PMA totally inhibits the carbachol-generated Ca2+ signal and only 80% of the muscarinic-stimulated86Rb influx, it seems that a portion of the carbachol-stimulated86Rb flux (i.e. that portion not inhibited by PMA) might occur independently of the Ca2+ signal. PMA fails to inhibit the A23187-stimulated86Rb fluxes, however, suggesting that PKC regulates Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel activity by regulating the Ca2+ signal, and not steps distal to this event. 4-α-Phorbol-12,13-didecanoate, a phorbol ester which fails to activate PKC, fails to inhibit either the carbachol-stimulated increase in intracellular free Ca2+, or carbachol-stimulated86Rb fluxes.
A taste of science: Making the subjective objective in the California wine world

This article is about the relationship between the categories of the subjective and the objective in the late 20th-century California wine world, about attempts to transform ‘soft’ subjective judgments into ‘hard’ objective descriptions and evaluations, and about the role of both sensory science and chemistry in such attempts. It focuses on research done at the University of California, Davis, from about the 1950s to the 1980s by the enologist Maynard Amerine, his co-workers, and successors. It suggests ways in which these materials might prompt attention to the role of subjective judgment and the marketplace in other forms of late modern science.
Evaluation of pulmonary and systemic toxicity following lung exposure to graphite nanoplates: a member of the graphene-based nanomaterial family

Graphene, a monolayer of carbon, is an engineered nanomaterial (ENM) with physical and chemical properties that may offer application advantages over other carbonaceous ENMs, such as carbon nanotubes (CNT). The goal of this study was to comparatively assess pulmonary and systemic toxicity of graphite nanoplates, a member of the graphene-based nanomaterial family, with respect to nanoplate size. Three sizes of graphite nanoplates [20 μm lateral (Gr20), 5 μm lateral (Gr5), and 5 μm laterally inducing greater toxicity which peaked at the early time points post-exposure relative to the 1–2 μm graphite nanoplate.