cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hepatic-arterial chemotherapy.

Summary The liver is a common site of metastases from cancers from most sites, but particularly from the gastrointestinal tract, since the portal vein drains into the liver. About half of all patients with colorectal cancer develop liver metastases. The response of liver metastases to systemic combination chemotherapy has improved, but the 2-year survival is only 25–30%. Hepatic-arterial infusion of chemotherapy produces higher response rates, with a 2-year survival of 50–60%. In patients who can undergo liver resection followed by hepatic-arterial infusion, the 2-year survival is 85%. This review summarises the anatomical basis, pharmacokinetic background, and cost-effectiveness of this procedure. We discuss the phase II and phase III studies of hepatic-arterial infusion therapy, with a focus on liver metastases from colorectal cancer.
R+ bacteria in estuarine sediments

Abstract Increased construction of coastal canal communities had led to a deterioration of the water quality in the canals. In addition to being used for recreational activities, the canals serve as a dumping place for domestic sewage from these communities. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of transferable drug-resistant (R+) bacteria in six coastal canals. A significantly higher number of R+ bacteria (both pathogenic and nonpathogenic) occurred in the bottom sediments than in the overlaying water. These sediments can be resuspended following rain, dredging, storms, boating, and diving, thus releasing their bacterial populations into the overlaying water.
Origins and fundamental concepts of the competing-risks problem

Abstract The history of problems dealing with competing risks is briefly outlined, beginning with Daniel Bernoulli's 1760 “Memoir” on mortality due to smallpox and proceeding through the development of actuarial techniques and methods used in clinical research, reliability theory, population dynamics, and other areas of application. A probabilistic formulation of the theory of competing risks is then presented which appears applicable to all these areas. Within the framework of this theory, some fundamental problems are stated and discussed, such as questions of identifiability, choices of estimation procedures, or techniques for testing hypotheses.
The Circulation Associated with a Cold Front. Part II: Moist Case

Abstract The effect of moisture upon the dynamics of mature idealized cold front systems is investigated using a two-dimensional numerical model. Lifting produced by the initial cross-stream frontal circulation studied by Orlanski and Ross (1977) is shown to saturate the warm moist air above the nose of the front when initial humidity levels are sufficiently high. If the atmosphere is convectively unstable, this saturated air will develop into deep convection with the convection-induced circulation overwhelming the initial frontal circulation. The initial development of convection is also shown to produce a gravity wave exhibiting similar scales to those of the convective zone. This wave propagates into the warm air at a much faster speed than the moving front-cloud system. Comparisons are made of the intensity of convection for different initial humidity and temperature conditions and when a low-level capping inversion is present. Also a comparison is made of cloud development caused by a combination of ...
Spinal cord lamina V and lamina VII interneuronal projections to sympathetic preganglionic neurons

This light and electron microscopic study sought to localize spinal cord interneurons that contribute to the normal and abnormal physiological regulation of spinal sympathetic preganglionic function. Sympathetic preganglionic neurons in caudal C8 through T4 of rat spinal cord were retrogradely labeled with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and/or cholera beta subunit (CT beta) following injections into the superior cervical ganglion (SCG). With two exceptions, the observed locations of retrogradely WGA- and CT beta-labeled sympathetic preganglionic neurons were as expected from previous studies. The exceptions were restricted populations of cells in caudal C8 and rostral T1 spinal segments. These neurons were classified as ventrolateral (vlSPN) and ventromedial (vmSPN) sympathetic preganglionic neurons; their somata and dendrites encircled dorsolateral lamina IX motoneurons. Only WGA was transported transneuronally following the retrograde labeling of sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Transneuronally WGA-labeled spinal interneurons were located principally in the reticulated division of lamina V and dorsolateral lamina VII. A strict segmental organization was observed. All transneuronally labeled interneurons were ipsilateral to, and coextensive with, retrogradely WGA-labeled sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Electron microscopic observations suggested that retrograde transsynaptic passage of WGA occurred within the sympathetic preganglionic neuropil and showed further that similar classes of organelles were WGA immunoreactive in retrogradely labeled sympathetic preganglionic neurons and in transneuronally labeled lamina V and lamina VII neurons: 1) cisternae and vesicles at the trans face of the Golgi apparatus, 2) large endosomes/dense bodies, and 3) multivesicular bodies. The data are consistent with two hypotheses: 1) Somatic and visceral primary afferent inputs to thoracic spinal cord modify segmental sympathetic preganglionic function through activation of a disynaptic pathway involving lamina V and/or lamina VII interneurons, and 2) long-loop propriospinal pathways access sympathetic preganglionic neurons through symmetrical, segmental interneuronal circuitry.
A unified approach to mixed finite element methods: application to in-plane problems

Abstract A general method to treat internal constraints within the context of mixed finite element methods has been presented in previous work. The underlying idea is to constrain the assumed stress and strain fields to satisfy the homogeneous equilibrium equations in a weak sense and thus satisfy a priori the internal constraints. This method is now applied to generate four-node plane stress/strain elements. For these elements, it is proved that locking at the nearly incompressible limit (plane strain) is avoided at the element level. The proposed elements are shown to yield excellent results on a set of standard problems. Furthermore, excellent stresses are obtained at the element level.
Lessons from cholesterol-lowering trials

More than 13 million individuals have coronary artery disease (CAD), and in approximately 2 million patients with congestive heart failure, CAD is the underlying cause. The cost of treating cardiovascular disease has spiraled, yet only a small percentage of the total cost is spent on preventive medical therapies and lifestyle changes that can reduce the morbidity, mortality, and disability caused by heart disease. Recent trials of cholesterol-lowering therapies have clearly shown that this treatment approach, particularly the use of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, can significantly reduce mortality from cardiovascular events and the need for expensive hospitalization and revascularization procedures. The challenge for clinicians is to apply the important lessons learned from these clinical trials to patient care. Recent data indicate that less than half of patients with CAD receive cholesterol-lowering therapy, and few meet the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol goal. Clinicians treating CAD need to emphasize primary and secondary prevention and recognize the key role of cholesterol-lowering therapy.
Use of a Multicomponent Reaction for Chemoselective Derivatization of Multiple Classes of Metabolites

We demonstrate that the Ugi reaction enables chemoselective derivatization of biological amines, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, or ketones with a chromophore under one set of reaction conditions, even in the presence of water. Derivatization of neurotransmitters, hormones, disease biomarkers and other metabolites bodes well for systems biology and diagnostic medicine.
Storm over Mono: The Mono Lake Battle and the California Water Future

A dramatic environmental saga unfolds in John Hart's compelling story of the fight to save Mono Lake. This ancient inland sea, in the eastern Sierra near Yosemite National Park, is among the oldest in North America. But over the past fifty years, as its feeder streams were steadily drained to supply water to ever-growing, ever-thirsty Los Angeles, the lake's water volume eventually was reduced by half. Mono Lake's bizarre but productive ecosystem began to collapse: salinity greatly increased, nesting and migrating birds were threatened, and fierce alkali dust storms became a common occurrence. Then, in the mid-1970s, a handful of people, most of them students with minimal financial resources, began a campaign to save the dying lake. They took on not only Los Angeles but the entire state government and a whole way of thinking about water. Their fight seemed doomed in the beginning, but long years of grassroots education and effort finally paid off. In 1994, the California Water Resources Control Board ruled that Los Angeles's use of Mono Lake's waters be restricted. Over time, the lake will return to a healthy condition. John Hart integrates natural, social, and political history into a story that is a source of hope for anyone concerned about the environment. "Storm over Mono" demonstrates the important role of science in public policy debates and validates the concept of the public trust, the idea that certain things belong to us all, not metaphorically but in simple legal fact. Complementing Hart's narrative are 32 stunning colour photo-graphs by a dozen leading nature photographers, along with numerous black-and-white photographs, illustrations, and maps.
Spodumene-bearing rock as flux for triaxial ceramic bodies

AbstractAbstractIn this work, spodumene-bearing rock, a waste from mineral processing, was used as a flux in ceramic bodies, and its reactivity to other raw materials such as quartz and kaolin was analysed. The petrology properties of the pegmatite (parent rock) from which the flux is extracted were characterised. The grindability, fluxing strength and pyroplastic deformation of the spodumene-bearing rock were investigated. In addition, the influence of spodumene-bearing rock on technological properties of the final pieces, mainly in relation to the firing temperature, phases formation and microstructure was also analysed. Then, the firing behaviour to other commercial fluxes such as albite and feldspar was compared. The spodumene-bearing rock was considered an effective flux, capable of reducing the firing temperatures of the tested bodies by viscous flow.
Effect of endogenous phenolic acids on the mixing properties of wheat flour doughs

An interchange experiment showed that it was the gluten/starch fraction of flour and not the level of ferulic acid that controlled rapid breakdown of overmixed doughs. This finding also explains why a large amount of exogenous ferulic acid is needed to cause rapid breakdown. Quantitative analysis of the phenolic acids in wheat flour and doughs showed ferulic acid to be the predominant phenolic acid. During overmixing of wheat flour doughs, ferulic acid was lost from those fractions that initiated breakdown in gluten/starch doughs. As wheat flour dough was overmixed, the concentration of ferulic acid in the free form decreased from 1·0 to 0·3 mg/kg and in the soluble, bound form from 3·8 to 0·9 mg/kg. Ferulic acid in the insoluble, bound form did not decrease in concentration, remaining at about 36 mg/kg. These data are in agreement with the theory that ferulic acid in the water-soluble fraction of wheat flour interacts with the gluten/starch fraction to bring about rapid dough breakdown.
Physical Properties of Whey Protein–Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose Blend Edible Films

: The formations of glycerol (Gly)-plasticized whey protein isolate (WPI)–hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) films, blended using different combinations and at different conditions, were investigated. The resulting WPI: Gly-HPMC films were analyzed for mechanical properties, oxygen permeability (OP), and water solubility. Differences due to HPMC quantity and blend method were determined via SAS software. While WPI: Gly and HPMC films were transparent, blend films were translucent, indicating some degree of immiscibility and/or WPI–HPMC aggregated domains in the blend films. WPI: Gly-HPMC films were stronger than WPI: Gly films and more flexible and stretchable than HPMC films, with films becoming stiffer, stronger, and less stretchable as the concentration of HPMC increased. However, WPI: Gly-HPMC blended films maintained the same low OP of WPI: Gly films, significantly lower than the OP of HPMC films. Comparison of mechanical properties and OP of films made by heat-denaturing WPI before and after blending with HPMC did not indicate any difference in degree of cross-linking between the methods, while solubility data indicated otherwise. Overall, while adding HPMC to WPI: Gly films had a large effect on the flexibility, strength, stretchability, and water solubility of the film polymeric network, results indicated that HPMC had no effect on OP through the polymer network. WPI–HPMC blend films had a desirable combination of mechanical and oxygen barrier properties, reflecting the combination of hydrogen-bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and disulfide bond cross-linking in the blended polymer network.
Abstract 4389: Impact of regulatory T cell depletion on dendritic cell-tumor fusion vaccine immunotherapy

A promising branch of research in cancer immunotherapy is the development of vaccines comprised of dendritic cells hybridized to tumor cells by electrofusion. Studies in numerous murine models have shown the efficacy of treatment with a dendritic cell-tumor fusion vaccine; however, this is critically dependent on systemic administration of 3rd signals such as IL-12 (Interleukin-12). Translation of these findings into the clinic will be difficult due to toxicity, morbidity, and mortality associated with IL-12 administration. Thus, alternative strategies to enhance the efficacy of fusion vaccines are needed. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known to suppress anti-tumor immunity. Treg depletion has been demonstrated to improve tumor immunotherapy in murine tumor models as well as some phase I clinical studies. We therefore investigated whether Treg depletion with the anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody PC61 would significantly improve dendritic cell - tumor fusion immunotherapy in a murine melanoma model. Experiments were conducted using six groups of animals: no treatment (negative control), isotypic monoclonal antibody alone (Y13), Treg depletion alone (PC61), fusion vaccine with Y13 (Fusion + Y13), fusion vaccine with PC61 (Fusion + PC61), and fusion vaccine with IL-12 (Fusion + IL12; positive control). Pulmonary metastases were established through intravenous tail vein injection of 0.25x106 tumor cells (Day 0). Three days later, an injection of 0.6x106 fusion hybrids was delivered intranodally. 250 µg of Y13 or PC61 monoclonal antibodies were delivered one day prior to vaccine delivery. Starting on the day of vaccination in the IL-12 group, 0.2 µg of IL-12 was given daily for 4 days. Three weeks after tumor inoculation, mice were euthanized and the pulmonary metastases were enumerated. The median number of metastases and standard deviation [SD] per group were the following: no treatment= 204 [50]; Y13= 220 [59]; PC61= 211 [49]; fusion+Y13= 126 [67]; fusion + PC61= 72 [74]; fusion + IL12= 1 [11]. Using the Mann-Whitney U test, there was a statistically significant reduction in the number of tumor metastases between both the fusion vaccine + Y13 group and the fusion + PC61 group (P=.0397) as well as PC61 alone group and fusion + PC61 group (P=.002). This suggests that Treg depletion can significantly augment dendritic cell-tumor cell fusion melanoma immunotherapy. Our results support the development of novel therapeutic modalities that include Treg depletion, or modulation, to enhance the efficacy of dendritic cell - tumor fusion cancer immunotherapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4389. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4389
Component design, integration and service transformation in financial industry

Componentisation is the first step in component-based service design; this paper identifies component in business, service and physical layers to build up the alignment and inter-layer interoperability. Related research of this paper is service virtualisation, which is the final stage in service provisioning. This research paper reviews existing literature and uses examples in the industry to demonstrate how services are derived from business components, and how they are designed and produced in achieving service virtualisation. This paper also reviews recent literature in component-based implementation and uses example from the financial industry to review the design process for component-based service virtualisation.
Pneumothorax as the presenting sign of Pneumocystis carinii infection in an HIV-positive child with prior lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis.

An HIV-positive child presented with a pneumothorax secondary to cavitaryPneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis had been evident on earlier radiographs but had resolved, concurrent with a decrease in her CD4 counts, before the radiographic changes of PCP became evident. As immune function declines in HIV-positive children, the chest radiograph may paradoxically clear. In such a setting, development of focal lung disease, including pneumothorax, may heraldPneumocystis carinii infection.
Implantation of the ossified cochlea: management with the split electrode array.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To describe indications for, the surgical technique required, and the expected functional results of split electrode array cochlear implants. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Data collected included etiology of deafness, radiographic findings, pre- and postoperative aided pure tone thresholds, and speech perception testing. Adult speech perception outcomes were measured using the Consonant Nucleus Consonant (CNC) monosyllable words and Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) in quiet/noise (+10dB). The children were assessed using the Infants and Toddlers Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale. Results: Five patients were implanted with a split electrode array. This included two adults and three children. Both adults had preoperative binaural aided pure tone averages worse than 50d B and scores of 0% on both HINT quiet and CNC words. The children had undetectable preoperative aided thresholds and scored an average 4/40 on the IT-MAIS. Postimplant, the average threshold gain was 38.5 dB in the adults and 81.5 dB in the children. One adult improved to score 51%/22% on HINT quiet/noise at 6 months and 72%/30% at 12 months. The other adult continued to score 0% on HINT at 12 months but claimed substantial subjective auditory improvement after the first year of device use. The children averaged 28/40 on the IT MAIS at 6 months after implantation. Forty-two of 48 implanted electrodes were functional. Conclusions: The split electrode array is a useful alternative to traditional cochlear implants in treating deafened patients with cochlear ossification. Patients implanted with the split array show marked improvement in sound and speech perception.
Neurobehavior disinhibition in childhood predicts suicide potential and substance use disorder by young adulthood

The objectives of this study were to (a) determine whether two factors that are established components of the risk for substance use disorder (SUD) also impact on the risk for suicide; and (2) evaluate whether SUD manifest by early adulthood predicts suicide propensity. Neurobehavior disinhibition assessed in 227 boys at ages 10-12 and 16 and parental history of SUD were prospectively evaluated to determine their association with the risk for SUD and suicide propensity between ages 16 and 19. The results indicated that neurobehavior disinhibition at age 16 predicts suicide propensity between ages 16 and 19 (p = .04). A trend was observed (p = .08) for SUD manifest between ages 16 and 19 to predict suicide propensity during the same period. Maternal SUD is directly associated with son's SUD risk but not suicide propensity. Paternal SUD predicts son's neurobehavior disinhibition that, in turn, predisposes to SUD. A direct relation between paternal SUD and son's suicide propensity was not observed. These findings suggest that neurobehavior disinhibition, a component of the liability of SUD, is also associated with suicide risk. These results are discussed within a neurobehavioral framework in which prefrontal cortex dysfunction is hypothesized to underlie the risk for these two outcomes.
SERUM INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR (IGF)-I, -II AND IGF BINDING PROTEIN-3 DO NOT CORRELATE WITH FETAL SIZE IN THE RABBIT. 526

SERUM INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR (IGF)-I, -II AND IGF BINDING PROTEIN-3 DO NOT CORRELATE WITH FETAL SIZE IN THE RABBIT. 526
High-resolution modeling of the spatial heterogeneity of soil moisture: Applications in network design

The spatial heterogeneity of soil moisture remains a persistent challenge in the design of in situ measurement networks, spatial downscaling of coarse estimates (e.g., satellite retrievals), and hydrologic modeling. To address this challenge, we analyze high-resolution (∼9 m) simulated soil moisture fields over the Little River Experimental Watershed (LREW) in Georgia, USA, to assess the role and interaction of the spatial heterogeneity controls of soil moisture. We calibrate and validate the TOPLATS distributed hydrologic model with high to moderate resolution land and meteorological data sets to provide daily soil moisture fields between 2004 and 2008. The results suggest that topography and soils are the main drivers of spatial heterogeneity over the LREW. We use this analysis to introduce a novel network design method that uses land data sets as proxies of the main drivers of local heterogeneity (topography, land cover, and soil properties) to define unique and representative hydrologic similar units (subsurface, surface, and vegetation) for probe placement. The calibration of the hydrologic model and network design method illustrates how the use of hydrologic similar units in hydrologic modeling could minimize computation and guide efforts toward improved macroscale land surface modeling.
The synthetic somatostatin analogue, octreotide, ameliorates acute and delayed intestinal radiation injury

Abstract Purpose: Reducing intraluminal proteolytic activity attenuates intestinal radiation toxicity. This study assessed whether pharmacological inhibition of exocrine pancreatic secretion protects against early and delayed radiation enteropathy in a preclinical rat model. Methods and Materials: Rat ileum was sham-irradiated or exposed to 16 once-daily 4.2 Gy fractions of X-radiation. Vehicle or somatostatin analogue (octreotide, 2 μg/kg/hr) were administered from 2 days prior to 10 days after the end of irradiation. Mucosal injury was monitored noninvasively by assessment of granulocyte transmigration. Radiation injury was assessed at 2 weeks (early phase) and 26 weeks (chronic phase) using quantitative histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and morphometry. Results: Octreotide decreased granulocyte transmigration ( p p = 0.0002), attenuated structural injury at 2 weeks ( p = 0.04) and 26 weeks ( p = 0.02), preserved mucosal surface area at 2 weeks ( p = 0.0008) and 26 weeks ( p = 0.0008), and reduced intestinal wall thickening at 26 weeks ( p = 0.002). Octreotide did not affect granulocyte transmigration, histology, or mucosal surface area in sham-irradiated controls. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the importance of consequential mechanisms in the pathogenesis of chronic radiation enteropathy. Short-term octreotide administration ameliorates acute radiation-induced mucosal injury, as well as chronic structural changes, and should be subject to further preclinical and clinical testing.
Effector CD8+ T cells in systemic sclerosis patients produce abnormally high levels of interleukin-13 associated with increased skin fibrosis

Objective T lymphocytes play an important role in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a connective tissue disease characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and vascular damage. While their precise role and antigen specificity are unclear, T cell–derived cytokines likely contribute to the induction of fibrosis. The aim of this study was to establish the role of cytokine dysregulation by T cells in the pathogenesis of SSc. Methods To identify relationships between a specific cytokine, T cell subset, and the disease course, we studied a large cohort of patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) or limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc). Using Luminex analysis and intracellular cytokine staining, we analyzed the intrinsic ability of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets to produce cytokines following in vitro activation. Results High levels of the profibrotic type 2 cytokine interleukin-13 (IL-13) were produced following activation of peripheral blood effector CD8+ T cells from SSc patients as compared with normal controls or with patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, CD4+ T cells showed a lower and more variable level of IL-13 production. This abnormality correlated with the extent of fibrosis and was more pronounced in dcSSc patients than in lcSSc patients. Conclusion Dysregulated IL-13 production by effector CD8+ T cells is important in the pathogenesis of SSc and is critical in the predisposition to more severe forms of cutaneous disease. Our study is the first to identify a specific T cell phenotype that correlates with disease severity in SSc and can be used as a marker of immune dysfunction in SSc and as a novel therapeutic target.
Theory and the Novel: Narrative Reflexivity in the British Tradition

Narrative features such as frames, digressions, or authorial intrusions have traditionally been viewed as distractions from or anomalies in the narrative proper. In Theory and the Novel Jeffrey Williams exposes these elements as more than simple disruptions, analysing them as registers of narrative reflexivity, that is, moments that represent and advertise the functioning of narrative itself. Williams argues that narrative encodes and advertises its own functioning and modal form. He takes a range of novels from the English canon - Tristram Shandy, Joseph Andrews, The Turn of the Screw, Wuthering Heights, Lord Jim and Heart of Darkness are amongst the novels examined - and shows how narrative technique is never beyond or outside plot. He poses a series of theoretical questions such as about reflexitivity, imitation and fictionality, to offer a striking and original contribution to readings of the English novel, as well as to discussions of theory in general.
The C Terminus of the L-Type Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel CaV1.2 Encodes a Transcription Factor

Voltage-gated calcium channels play a central role in regulating the electrical and biochemical properties of neurons and muscle cells. One of the ways in which calcium channels regulate long-lasting neuronal properties is by activating signaling pathways that control gene expression, but the mechanisms that link calcium channels to the nucleus are not well understood. We report that a C-terminal fragment of CaV1.2, an L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (LTC), translocates to the nucleus and regulates transcription. We show that this calcium channel associated transcription regulator (CCAT) binds to a nuclear protein, associates with an endogenous promoter, and regulates the expression of a wide variety of endogenous genes important for neuronal signaling and excitability. The nuclear localization of CCAT is regulated both developmentally and by changes in intracellular calcium. These findings provide evidence that voltage-gated calcium channels can directly activate transcription and suggest a mechanism linking voltage-gated channels to the function and differentiation of excitable cells.
Floodplain sedimentation rates in an alpine watershed determined by radionuclide techniques

Vertical profiles of the activities of 137Cs and 210Pb were measured on floodplain sediment cores and upland soil cores along the Soda Butte Creek and the Yellowstone River to determine floodplain sedimentation rates. The position of mine tailings from a 1950 impoundment failure was used as a stratigraphic marker to estimate the sedimentation rates and to make comparisons with rates provided by radionuclide-based methods. Mass accumulation (sedimentation) rates calculated from the position of the mine tailings ranged from 0·00 to 0·17 g cm−2 yr−1 and were in good agreement with sedimentation rates calculated from the inventories of 137Cs and 210Pb. Sedimentation rates calculated from the position of the 137Cs peak generally overestimated the sedimentation rates, probably because of increased downward migration of 137Cs caused by the low pH of water moving through the mine tailings or the high permeability of floodplain sediments relative to upland reference soils. This study demonstrates that the 137Cs and 210Pb inventory methods for determining sedimentation rates can be applied to an alpine floodplain where sedimentation events are episodic and where orographic effects on precipitation generate strong downstream gradients in the delivery of atmospheric radionuclides. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction of onboard transform-based lossy compression algorithms with EO/IR focal plane nonuniformity correction techniques

This paper describes the effect of using lossy transform-based compression on infrared framing sensor data with and without sensor anomaly pre-processing. Significant image degradation persists when ground-based non-uniformity correction processing is implemented after the sensor imagery has been compressed and reconstructed. Various techniques for non-uniformity correction, from low to high processing complexity (i.e., standard two-point gain/offset correction, two-point with bad-pixel replacement, adaptive temporal high pass filtering, adaptive neural net non-uniformity correction, etc.), are applied before and after lossy compression at varying compression ratios. Results using both DCT and Wavelet transform-based compression techniques indicate that on-board real-time compression algorithms and nonuniformity correction must be jointly optimized and that direct application of lossy compression without preprocessing for sensor anomalies reduces not only the compression efficiency and image fidelity, but also the performance of subsequent ground-based nonuniformity correction.
Plasma membrane proteins associated with undifferentiated and embryonicDaucus carota tissue

Membranes and membrane proteins from undifferentiated cells and torpedo-stage embryos were compared. A comparison of marker enzyme profiles on linear sucrose gradients showed that the membrane vesicles obtained from 14-day-old embryos were consistently less dense than those obtained from undifferentiated carrot cells. The density of the endoplasmic reticulum, for instance, was 1.10g/cm3 in embryos and 1.12g/cm2 in undifferentiated cells. Proteins and glycoproteins from endoplasmic reticulum-, Golgi apparatus-, and plasma membrane-enriched fractions were compared from undifferentiated carrot cells with 14-day-old embryos by 2D SDS-PAGE. When these two tissues were compared, extensive qualitative and quantitative changes in the steady-state endomembrane and plasma membrane proteins were observed. The plasma membrane was examined further by labeling the plasma membrane proteins with sulfosuccinimidylbiotin. Using this specific label, plasma membrane proteins of 54 kD, 41 kD, 16 kD, and 15 kD were found to be uniquely associated with the embryonic state. Conversely, a 70 kD protein and a 45 kD glycoprotein were found to be associated with only undifferentiated cells. These results demonstrate that proteins of the plasma membrane exhibit distinct changes as a result of somatic embryogenesis in carrot.
Advances in time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of protein films

This article reviews the advances made in the analysis of protein films by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). ToF-SIMS has been used extensively to analyze biological samples owing to its high surface sensitivity, high mass resolution, molecular specificity and imaging capabilities. The fact that its information depth for molecular fragments is typically 1-2 nm, which is smaller than the dimensions of most proteins, makes it an ideal technique for analyzing protein films. Multivariate analysis (MVA) techniques are well suited for analyzing the large, complex data sets generated from ToF-SIMS experiments on biological samples and have become widely used for interpreting ToF-SIMS spectra and images. In recent years, new advances in polyatomic or cluster ion sources have improved spectral quality, reduced sample damage and enabled depth profiling of some organic samples. Also, cationization and other matrix enhancement methods have been developed, which significantly increase the yield of molecular fragments from biological samples. This review will cover the modern ToF-SIMS analysis methods that are currently employed to characterize protein films along with the opportunities and challenges for future advances in ToF-SIMS analysis of these films.
Robbing Peter to pay Paul: Feedback environments and enacted priorities in response to competing task demands

Abstract In this article, we present a model of how the feedback that surrounds performers as they do their work affects their attention and effort allocation in multiple goal situations. Differences in the frequency, specificity, and source of feedback for the multiple goals that performers hold are posited to affect attention and effort allocations. By differentially allocating their efforts in response to the feedback environment, performers often enact priorities that may or may not match the assigned priorities of the organization. These attention and effort allocations are posited to affect relative performance on the goals performers hold (or are assigned). Practical implications for performance management in organizations are addressed.
Chloride efflux measurements in mammalian skeletal muscle

A rapid sampling technique has been used to resolve the components of 36Cl efflux from isolated extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of young rats. Four distinct fluxes with apparent rate constants of 4.40 +/- 0.02 min-1 (k1), 1.30 +/- 0.04 min-1 (k2), 0.24 +/- 0.04 min-1 (k3), and 0.048 +/- 0.05 min-1 (k4) at 30 degrees C were identified. Together, these fluxes accounted for the movement of more than 98% of exchangeable muscle chloride (Cl) ions. The muscle compartment associated with the fastest flux (k1) contained 23% +/- 2% of the total muscle Cl corresponding to the extracellular space as determined with inulin or mannitol. The compartment associated with k2 accounted for 71% of the intracellular volume, and k2 was assumed to represent 36Cl efflux across the surface membrane. The rate constant k2 was temperature-dependent with a Q10 of 1.11 between 5 degrees C and 30 degrees C. Aromatic carboxylic acids known to block sarcolemmal Cl conductance (GCl) specifically lowered k2 by 25% at 30 degrees C, as did replacement of external Cl with nitrate.
Discussion of “Effect of Base Fixity on Buckling of Heavy Column with End Load” by C. Y. Wang

This paper presents the classical flexural buckling solution to an ideal prismatic column with an intermediate lateral elastic restraint and subjected to a concentrated axial load at the top end only. The end conditions are ideal ~clamped, hinged, and free!. The discussor finds this paper useful, particularly for testing a matrix solution proposed by the writer that appears much more general and simpler to program. Consider the stepped column that connects points A and B ~Fig. 1!. This consists of two column segments, AC and CB, with semirigid connections at ends A and B and at the intermediate joint C. It is assumed that ~1! both column segments, AC and CB, are made of homogeneous linear elastic materials with mechanical and geometric properties Et It At ht and Eb Ib Ab hb ~where E5elastic modulus; I5moment of inertia; A5cross-sectional area; and h5span). The subindices t and b indicate the top and bottom column segments, respectively; ~2! the centroidal axis of each segment is a straight line with their centroidal axes lineup; ~3! the column is subject simultaneously to axial loading Pa and transverse load Va at point A, to concentrated loads Pc and Vc , and bending moment M c at the intermediate joint C; and ~4! the lateral sways of the column are partially inhibited by linear springs Sa and Sc located at A and C, respectively, and by an external rotational spring of magnitude SQ at joint C. The rotational fixity factors at ends A and B and the intermediate joint C ~of column segment AC! are assumed to be ra , rb , and rc , respectively. Further details of this model are given by Aristizabal-Ochoa ~1997b!. A general solution to the second-order analysis and buckling load of the column in Fig. 1 is as follows:
Microstructure formation mechanism during a novel semisolid rheo-rolling process of AZ91 magnesium alloy

A novel semisolid rheo-rolling process of AZ91 alloy was proposed. The microstructure formation mechanism of AZ91 magnesium alloy during the process was studied. The results reveal that the eruptive nucleation and the heterogeneous nucleation exist. During the grain growth process, the grain breakage took place and transformed into fine spherical or rosette grains on the sloping plate gradually, the other grain growth style is direct globular growth. Due to the secondary crystallization of the remnant liquids in the roll gap, the microstructure of the strip becomes finer with the increment of the casting temperature from 650 °C to 690 °C. But when the casting temperature reached 710 °C, a part of the liquid alloy transformed into the eutectic phases, and the primary grains ripened to form coarse dendrites. In the casting temperature range from 650 °C to 690 °C, AZ91 alloy strip with fine spherical or rosette grains was prepared by the proposed process.
Phosphodiesterase in the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica.

Abstract Phosphodiesterase was found in homogenates of the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica , and was distributed between a supernatant and particulate fraction after centrifugation at 2000 g . Mg 2+ was necessary for enzyme activity; Ca 2+ in the presence of Mg 2+ did not affect enzyme activity. Enzyme kinetics followed the Michaelis-Menten model with a K m of 8 μM for cAMP and 300 μM for cGMP as the substrate. The most potent inhibitor tested was 1-ethyl-4-(isopropylidenehydrazino)-1 H -pyrazolo- (3,4-b)-pyridine-5-carboxylic acid, ethyl ester, HC1 (SQ 20009) which had a K i of 26 μM. The K i for isobutyl methyl xanthine (IBMX) was 45 μM; for 6,7 dimethyl-4 ethylquinazoline (Quazodine) 75 μM; papaverine. 100 μM; theophylline, 550 μM; and for caffeine or D -lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 800 μM. The effects on fluke motility of these phosphodiesterase inhibitors were tested. All phosphodiesterase inhibitors except caffeine stimulated the rhythmical movement of the flukes. None of the inhibitors tested significantly increased the endogenous cAMP concentrations of fluke heads. IBMX potentiated the rise in endogenous cAMP caused by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) but SQ 20009, LSD, and papaverine prevented it. The latter results could not be explained on the basis of phosphodies-terase inhibition, but might be attributed to interference with the stimulation of adenylate cyclase by 5-HT.
Decimal shifting for an exact floating point representation

Abstract A floating point representation which permits exact conversion of decimal numbers is discussed. This requires the exponent to represent a power of ten, and thus decimal shifts of the binary mantissa are needed. A specialized design is analyzed for the problem of division by ten, which is needed for decimal shifting.
Comparison of the canonical Hamiltonian and the Hamiltonian of Callan and Rubakov for the monopole-fermion system

We compare the canonical Hamiltonian of the monopole-fermion system, derived by Goldstein and Yamagishi, with the Hamiltonian derived by Callan in the bosonized formulation.
Evaluating Speed Differences between Passenger Vehicles and Heavy Trucks for Transportation-Related Emissions Modeling

Heavy-duty trucks make up only 3% of the on-road vehicle fleet, yet they account for > 7% of vehicle miles traveled in the United States. They also contribute a significant proportion of regulated ambient emissions. Heavy vehicles emit emissions at different rates than passenger vehicles. They may also behave differently on-road, yet may be treated similarly to passenger vehicles in emissions modeling. Input variables to the MOBILE software, such as average vehicle speed, are typically specified the same for heavy trucks as for passenger vehicles. Although not frequently considered in modeling emissions, speed differences between passenger vehicles and heavy trucks may influence emissions, because emission rates are correlated to average speed. Differences were evaluated by collecting average and spot speeds for heavy trucks and passenger vehicles on arterials and spot speeds on freeways in Des Moines, IA, and Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Speeds were compared by study site. Space mean speeds for heavy trucks were lower than passenger vehicle speeds for all of the arterials with differences ranging from 0.8 to 19 mph. Spot speeds for heavy trucks were also lower at all of the arterial and freeway locations with differences ranging from 0.8 to 6.1 mph. The impact that differences in on-road speeds had on emissions was also evaluated using MOBILE version 6.2. Misspecification of average truck speed is the most significant at lower and higher speed ranges.
The Epsilon Dataflow Processor

The epsilon dataflow architecture is designed for high speed uniprocessor execution as well as for parallel operation in a multiprocessor system. The epsilon architecture directly matches ready operands, thus eliminating the need for associative matching stores. epsilon also supports low cost data fan out and critical sections. A 10 MFLOPS CMOS/TTL processor prototype is running and its performance has been measured with several benchmarks. The prototype processor has demonstrated sustained performance exceeding that of comparable control flow processors running at higher clock rates (three times faster than a 20 Mhz transputer and 24 times faster than a Sun on a suite of arithmetic tests, for example).
Feynman-Goldstone diagrams in a time-dependent basis

A generalization of many-fermion Feynman-Goldstone diagrams is derived based on a time-dependent unperturbed Hamiltonian along with a time-dependent reference state. In lowest order, the time-dependent Hartree-Fock equations follow immediately from the same arguments which lead to static Hartree-Fock when the basis is time independent. Systematic corrections to the time-dependent Hartree-Fock mean-field approximation are obtained through higher order diagrams.
Low Transition Temperature Liquid Crystalline Amines Incorporating the Trans-1, 4-Substituted Cyclohexane Ring System

Abstract A series of para substituted trans-4-n-alkylcyclohexylbenzylamines was prepared and examined for mesomorphic properties. The n-pentyl derivative 5b showed monotropic smectic behavior while the n-heptyl derivative 5c was an enantiotropic smectic. 5b and 5c are the first examples of low temperature liquid crystals incorporating an amino functionality. While the p-(trans-4-n-alkylcyclohexyl)anilines were not liquid crystalline, N-alkyl substituted-p-(trans-4-n-alkylcyclohexyl) anilines such as N-(n-butyl)-p-(trans-4-n-pentylcyclohexyl)aniline 12a exhibit low temperature mesophases. A strong tendency to spontaneous homeotropic alignment was found in the nematic members of this series.
THE CLINICAL SPECTRM AND PATHOGENESIS OF PARANEOPLASTIC DISORDERS OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Paraneoplastic neurologic disorders (PND) refer to neurologic disorders of unknown cause that occur at higher frequency in patients with cancer than in the general population. There is increasing evidence that many of these disorders are immune mediated and associated with cytotoxic antitumor immunity. The identification of the immune responses in these patients facilitates the diagnosis of the PND and has led to the cloning and characterization of the target antigens in the nervous system and tumor.
Sensory Processing of Backward-Masking Signals in Children With Language-Learning Impairment As Assessed With the Auditory Brainstem Response

The purpose of this study was to examine the possible contribution of sensory mechanisms to an auditory processing deficit shown by some children with language-learning impairment (LLI). Auditory b...
Neuronal cell fate specification in Drosophila

Recent work indicates that the Drosophila nervous system develops in a progressive process of cell fate specification. Expression of specific proneural genes in clusters of cells (the proneural clusters) in the cellular blastoderm endows these cells with the potential to form certain types of neural precursors. Intercellular interactions that involve both proneural genes and neurogenic genes then allow the neural precursors to be singled out from the proneural clusters. Expression of neural precursor genes in all neural precursors is likely to account for the universal aspects of neuronal differentiation, such as axonal outgrowth. Selective expression of certain neuronal-type selector genes further specifies the type of neuron(s) that a neural precursor will produce.
In-vitro suppression of metabolic activity in malignant human glioblastomas due to pulsed - low frequency electric potential exposures

The role of pulsed - low repetition frequency electric potential was investigated in suppressing the metabolic activities of aggressive human brain cancer cells. Twenty four hours post exposure the glioblastomas were found to be significantly inhibited in their metabolic activity. The findings herein reveal a near complete inhibition of glioblastoma's metabolic activity through selective applications of low frequency pulsed electric potentials.
Deep submicron parallel scanning probe lithography using two-degree-of-freedom microelectromechanical systems actuators with integrated nanotips

A new enabling technology for low-cost high throughput parallel scanning probe nanolithography is presented. Monolithic integration of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) actuators with two-dimensional probe arrays as well as preliminary results in the simultaneous generation of multiple submicron patterns using such structures is reported. Two-degree-of-freedom electrothermal MEMS positioning structures integrated with nanoscale probe-tips are used to perform parallel scanning probe nanolithography circumventing the main deficiency of tip-based nanolithography, that is, low throughput. Simultaneous generation of multiple patterns scratched into 800 nm thick photoresist and 200 nm thick gold layers has been successfully demonstrated. Scratch marks as narrow and as long as ∼50 and 27 µm, respectively, have been generated in the X and Y directions using two different microactuator structures carrying 10 and 64 nanotips.
The Sciences of the Artificial Emotions: Comment on Aylett and Paiva:

This article offers a critical perspective on efforts to build computational models of human emotional processes. I argue that current computational scientists are missing an opportunity to bring simplicity and clarity to emotion research by adopting an overly literal interpretation of psychological theory. Rather, hearkening back to arguments from the early days of cognitive science, I suggest an approach of reinterpreting psychological phenomena through the lens of computation. I illustrate this approach through models of emotional dynamics and cultural differences.