cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Problem of Interference in Wireless Communications. The U.S. Regulatory ‘Solution’ and the Property Rights Alternative

The problem of interference in wireless communications was addressed in the U.S. by a command and control system instituted nearly eight decades ago. This system is currently applied in most countries that allow private investment inwireless communications. A brief analysis of how this system emerged in the U.S. and how it operates reveals its gross inefficiencies. An alternative approach based on property rights would be efficient not only in the allocation off requencies to its highest value use, but also in solving interference disputes. The cases of Guatemala and El Salvador, two adopters of this approach, illustrate the benefits of the latter system. Between 1997 and 2001, the annual growth rate of mobile telephony traffic in these two countries more than doubled the average for Latin America and was over 12 times that of Peru. Latin Americans may benefit substantially by abandoning the current command and control system modeled after the U.S. and embracing the property rights approach.
Spatially resolved methane band photometry of Jupiter. I - Absolute reflectivity and center-to-limb variations in the 6190-, 7250-, and 8900-A bands. II - Analysis of the south equatorial belt and south tropical zone reflectivity

Spatially resolved measurements of the absolute reflectivity and center to limb variations of Jupiter in the 6190, 7250 and 8900 A methane bands and nearby continuum regions are presented and analyzed for the south equatorial belts (SEBs) and south tropical zone (STrZ). It is found that the polar hoods, equatorial zone, Red Spot and north tropical zone have highest methane reflectivities, with the temperate zones and polar regions having low reflectivity and the STrZ and SEBs having intermediate values. The data on the SEB and STrZ are analyzed in terms of diffuse reflecting-scattering and two-cloud models of the vertical distribution of aerosols in the Jovian atmosphere. To fit observations, the STrZ cloud top must have between 0.55 and 0.43 bar total pressure and optical depth between 1.5 and 2.5. The reflecting-scattering models are not suitable for the SEBs. The SEB upper cloud is deeper, cloud thickness is less and the lower cloud is deeper than in the STrZ. A forward scattering haze layer accounts for limb darkening in the continuum.
Using fluorescence to measure hydrogen peroxide concentrations in plasma activated media

Recently several investigators have shown that plasma activated media (PAM) is as effective in killing cancer cells as direct plasma treatment of the cells [1], [2]. Low temperature plasma (LTP) generated in oxygen or air containing environments produces various chemically reactive species such as OH and O. These species have very short lifetimes and do not penetrate deep in liquid media. However, they can interact with the liquid to generate relatively stable long lived species inside the volume of the liquid. One such reactive species is hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). Hydrogen peroxide is known to cause various oxidizing reactions in biological cells, including the peroxidation of lipids and DNA damage. Knowing how much H 2 O 2 is generated when liquid biological media is exposed to LTP is therefore of great interest.
Self organizing optical systems

I argue that one reason for "failures" in optical processors is that we expect too much of them. A more modest approach is to have multiple modules or flexible modules or even a hierarchy of such modules and built-in (self organizing eventually) means to activate the proper functionalities at any time. >
Host Plants and Their Diseases

The information telescoped in this section is taken in large part from the records of the Plant Disease Survey as given in the Plant Disease Reporter, Plant Diseases, and the Index of Plant Diseases in the United States, Agriculture Handbook 165, U.S. Department of Agriculture. I have added recent records as I have run across them in the literature and a few personal observations. Inevitably I have missed some, and there will be many more appearing while this text is in press, so the lists cannot be regarded as complete.
Wavering Shadows: A New Jungian Perspective in Steinbeck's The Pearl

Johnson's study, however, is his refusal to relegate only an individual's negative characteristics to his shadow/id world or to place only positive traits into the realm of acceptable cultural behaviors. Rather, Johnson notes that what is culturally acceptable in one society may be quite reprehensible in another. Citing such practices as hand holding, wearing shoes, and burping, Johnson reminds his readers of the very sharp contrasts between what is frowned upon in Western culture and what is encouraged in Eastern philosophy. Johnson even claims that "the shadow world of one culture is a tinderbox of trouble for another."1 One of Johnson's most surprising assertions is his contention that an individual's shadow world also includes some very positive personality traits that have been repressed or not fully developed. He states, "Some of the pure gold of our personality is relegated to the shadow because it can find no place in the great leveling process that is culture." Further explaining this controversial stance, Johnson notes that ironically most people "resist the noble aspects of their shadow world even more strenuously than they hide their dark side and consequently ignore the gold until they suffer a severe shock or illness that enables them to let the gold out."2 Although Johnson's book bears a 1991 copyright, its delineation and interpretation of the principles Jung set down in the early 1930s offers helpful insights on the fictional world of John Steinbeck, whose characters were
Mass rig system for shaking table tests of slender columns

Summary A new mass rig system is proposed to minimize the deficiencies in current shaking table testing setups. This is accomplished by placing the inertial mass on a convex path designed to impose P-Delta demands on slender cantilever columns. The design and performance of the mass rig system, and the principles used in deriving the equations of motion and their analytical validation against results obtained from shaking table tests, are presented. Formulation of the governing equations of motion was based on Lagrangian mechanics and solved using an implicit linear acceleration method with an adaptive time step formulation. Friction developed in the sliding system was also incorporated in the equations of motion. Experimental results validated the accuracy in the derivation and solution of the equations of motion. Validated by analytical and experimental results, P-Delta effects were found to increase the displacement demands on slender columns in the low-frequency range of acceleration input, while in the high-frequency range P-Delta effects led to no increase and in some cases even a reduction in displacement demands. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lessons still needing to be learned

Abstract This commentary is in response to the article entitled, “Development of an International Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE), Lessons Learned After Implementation” which was published in the March 2014 issue. This article presents a very detailed description of the benefits of the APPE from the perspective of North American students; however, it omits any substantive discussion of the value of this from the perspective of the collaborating partner in South Africa. While we agree with the authors that these kinds of experiences are very beneficial for participants from resource-rich settings, the limited consideration for the host country patients and institutions establishes the wrong precedent and fails to teach students the most important patient centric lessons they need to learn as providers. When APPE rotations prioritize one-sided educational interests in this fashion, students miss out on learning the importance of prioritizing patient care above all else. Descriptions of the benefits and/or successes of such programs should all be framed around an evaluation of the impact of such activities on the patients receiving care both now and in the future.
The acute toxicity of methylglyoxal in rats: the influence of age, sex, and pregnancy.

The acute toxicity of methylglyoxal in rats was found to vary with age, sex, and stage of pregnancy. Newborn animals were more sensitive to the lethal effects than were weanling or adult animals. Weanling animals tended to be more resistant than the adult female but more sensitive than the adult males. The response of pregnant animals was found to vary with the stage of gestation, with the later stages of gestation (Days 13 and 21) showing a definite reduction in toxicity in the female while earlier stages did not. The correlation between sex and response to the chemical was marked in the adult rat but less significant in weanling animals. The average acute LD50 for the various groups of animals tested were: newborn, 531 mg/kg; nonpregnant females, 1165 mg/kg; sperm-positive females, 1257 mg/kg; Day 6 of pregnancy, 1252 mg/kg; weanling, 1570 mg/kg; Day 13 of pregnancy, 1575 mg/kg; Day 20 of pregnancy, 1623 mg/kg; male adult, 1990 mg/kg.
The effect of endosomal escape peptides on in vitro gene delivery of polyethylene glycol-based vehicles

Background With recent progress in gene therapy clinical trials, there is an even greater demand to advance the development of nonviral gene delivery vehicles. We have previously developed poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based vehicles with transfection efficiency similar to polyethyleneimine and low cytotoxicity. It was hypothesized that conjugating endosomal escape peptides (EEPs) to PEG-based vehicles would further increase their transfection efficiency. The present study aimed to determine how two different EEPs, INF7 and H5WYG, which destabilize the endosomal membrane at different pHs, affect the efficiency of PEG-based vehicles. Methods INF7 and H5WYG were conjugated to PEG-tetraacrylate (PEG-TA) via a Michael-type addition at the desired molar ratios. The pH-dependent membrane lytic activity, transfection efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, and endosomal escape kinetic rate constants were determined. Results Fusogenic peptides, INF7 and H5WYG, showed pH-dependent membrane lytic activity when conjugated to PEG-TA. The highest membrane lytic activity of PEG-INF7 and PEG-H5WYG conjugates occurred at pH 5 and 5.5, respectively. Coupling one INF7 peptide to PEG-DNA binding peptide (DBP) vehicles increased the transfection efficiency ten-fold and showed greater transfection efficiency than PEG-DBP vehicles coupled with H5WYG peptide. Fitting a first-order kinetic model to the average intracellular pH of the vehicle/DNA particles over time determined that coupling EEPs to PEG-DBP vehicles increased the endosomal escape rate constant by two orders of magnitude. Conclusions Endosomal escape is a key step in nonviral cellular trafficking and thus the transfection efficiency of nonviral vehicles can be increased by targeting release of DNA from the endosome with EEPs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetics of 5-Azacitidine Administered With Phenylbutyrate in Patients With Refractory Solid Tumors or Hematologic Malignancies

Purpose To characterize the pharmacokinetic behavior of 5-azacitidine (5-AC), a cytidine nucleoside analog, when given with phenylbutyrate, a histone deaceytlase inhibitor. Patients and Methods Pharmacokinetic data were obtained from two trials involving patients with solid tumor and hematologic malignancies. 5-AC at doses ranging from 10 to 75 mg/m2/d was administered once daily as a subcutaneous injection for 5 to 21 days in combination with phenylbutyrate administered as a continuous intravenous infusion for varying dose and duration every 28 or 35 days. Serial plasma samples were collected up to 24 hours after 5-AC administration. 5-AC was quantitated using a validated liquid chromatograph/tandem mass spectrometry method. Results 5-AC was rapidly absorbed with the mean Tmax occurring at 0.47 hour. Average maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC0-∞) values increased in a dose-proportionate manner with increasing dose from 10 to 75 mg/m2/d; the mean ± SD Cmax and AUC0-∞ at 10 mg/m2/d ...
Effects of Sedimentation on Particle Deposition in the Lung Alveoli

Deposition of inhaled particles in the lung is one of the key factors for assessing toxic effects of airborne pollutant particles on one hand and for evaluating efficacy of inhalant pharmaceutical aerosols on the other side. Due to the geometric complexity and time-dependency of respiratory tracks, the correct prediction of the particle transport and deposition in the lung airway has been studied with experimental and computational approaches. The human alveolar duct, which connects the alveoli to the bronchioles of the lung, is recently the subject of interest within mathematical modeling because of its implications to drug delivery and ingestion of pollutants. Series of computational approaches have been performed to model the entire lung using 1-dimensional and “trumpet” model analyses [1,2]. Although these models represent with reasonable approximation of the regional particle deposition characteristics, they do not account for the local intricacy of particle transport and deposition in the acinus region, consisting of the alveolar duct and alveoli.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Architectonic Subdivisions of Neocortex in the Galago (Otolemur garnetti)

In the present study, galago brains were sectioned in the coronal, sagittal, or horizontal planes, and sections were processed with several different histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures to reveal the architectonic characteristics of the various cortical areas. The histochemical methods used included the traditional Nissl, cytochrome oxidase, and myelin stains, as well as a zinc stain, which reveals free ionic zinc in the axon terminals of neurons. Immunohistochemical methods include parvalbumin (PV) and calbindin (CB), both calcium-binding proteins, and the vesicle glutamate transporter 2 (VGluT2). These different procedures revealed similar boundaries between areas, which suggests that functionally relevant borders were being detected. These results allowed a more precise demarcation of previously identified areas. As thalamocortical terminations lack free ionic zinc, primary cortical areas were most clearly revealed by the zinc stain, because of the poor zinc staining of layer 4. Area 17 was especially prominent, as the broad layer 4 was nearly free of zinc stain. However, this feature was less pronounced in the primary auditory and somatosensory cortex. As VGluT2 is expressed in thalamocortical terminations, layer 4 of primary sensory areas was darkly stained for VGluT2. Primary motor cortex had reduced VGluT2 staining, and increased zinc-enriched terminations in the poorly developed granular layer 4 compared to the adjacent primary somatosensory area. The middle temporal visual (MT) showed increased PV and VGluT2 staining compared to the surrounding cortical areas. The resulting architectonic maps of cortical areas in galagos can usefully guide future studies of cortical organizations and functions. Anat Rec, 2010.© 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The parallel CH stretching band of cyclopropane at 3100 cm−1

Abstract The ν6 band of cyclopropane has been studied with appreciably higher spectral resolution than that used in previous investigations. Accurate values of the lower-state rotational constants B and DJ can be determined from a Δ2F″ analysis. The vibrational frequency and upper-state B value can be determined from the low-J transitions to unperturbed upper levels. The high-resolution studies reveal that all upper-state rotational levels having J ≧ 11 are perturbed. The following values for molecular constants were obtained: (in cm−1) B0 = 0.67024, D 0 J = 8.2 × 10 −7 , | D0JK |
The predictive power of online chatter

An increasing fraction of the global discourse is migrating online in the form of blogs, bulletin boards, web pages, wikis, editorials, and a dizzying array of new collaborative technologies. The migration has now proceeded to the point that topics reflecting certain individual products are sufficiently popular to allow targeted online tracking of the ebb and flow of chatter around these topics. Based on an analysis of around half a million sales rank values for 2,340 books over a period of four months, and correlating postings in blogs, media, and web pages, we are able to draw several interesting conclusions.First, carefully hand-crafted queries produce matching postings whose volume predicts sales ranks. Second, these queries can be automatically generated in many cases. And third, even though sales rank motion might be difficult to predict in general, algorithmic predictors can use online postings to successfully predict spikes in sales rank.
Peripheral charge effects on the kinetics of Zn(II)-porphyrin system

Abstract Kinetics of the reaction between Zn(II) ion and the peripherally positively charged tetra-(p-trimethylammoniumphenyl)porphyrin (H2TAPP) were investigated at 30°C and 0.5°F ionic strength (NaNO3). The reaction was found to be first order in Zn(II) ion and porphyrin concentration. The specific rate constant for the reaction, if the reacting species were [Zn(OH)+], is 210±30M −1 sec−1 in comparison with 1.50±0.10 M−1 sec−1 determined for the reaction of Zn2+. Both these rates are faster than the corresponding rates for the reaction of a negatively charged tetra-(p-sulfophenyl)porphyrin (H2TPPS). But the demetallation reaction of Zn(II)TAPP is about eight times slower than that of Zn(II)TPPS. No unusual anion dependence of the reaction is observed. Isotope effect and activation parameters of these reactions are presented.
Cotrimoxazole Prophylaxis and Tuberculosis Risk among People Living with HIV

Objectives Many randomized and cohort studies have reported a survival benefit with cotrimoxazole prophylaxis without detecting a difference in tuberculosis (TB) incidence by cotrimoxazole status. However, several in vitro studies have reported that cotrimoxazole possesses anti-TB activity. We sought to compare TB incidence and TB diagnostic yield by cotrimoxazole use among participants in a well characterized cohort of HIV-infected adults living in a high TB prevalence region. Methods We analyzed prospective data from a long-term longitudinal cohort of adults receiving HIV care and TB investigations in Soweto, South Africa. Using longitudinal analysis, we compared total and laboratory confirmed TB incidence by cotrimoxazole status as well as all-cause mortality. In addition, we compared TB culture results by cotrimoxazole status. Results In a multivariable analysis, adjusted for sex, body mass index, WHO clinical stage, time-updated CD4 count, and antiretroviral therapy status, we observed an association between cotrimoxazole and an increase in TB incidence (hazard ratio 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.2). However, when restricted to laboratory-confirmed TB, there was no association between cotrimoxazole and TB incidence (hazard ratio: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.39, 2.4). In TB cases, we found no difference in the proportion of positive sputum cultures or days to culture positivity by cotrimoxazole status. Cotrimoxazole was associated with a reduction in mortality. Conclusions In this cohort with a mortality benefit from cotrimoxazole, we found an increased risk of all TB among individuals using cotrimoxazole, likely a result of residual confounding, but no association between use of cotrimoxazole and laboratory-confirmed TB. Cotrimoxazole did not compromise TB diagnosis.
Toxicity and efficacy of sirolimus: relationship to whole-blood concentrations.

Abstract Background Sirolimus is a novel macrolide immunosuppressive drug with a mechanism of action distinct from that of both cyclosporine and tacrolimus. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated a decrease in acute rejection episodes in renal transplant patients receiving sirolimus compared with controls. The major toxicities associated with sirolimus treatment are thrombocytopenia and hyperlipidemia. In addition, concern has been raised by the higher serum creatinine levels noted in patients receiving sirolimus and cyclosporine compared with controls receiving cyclosporine and azathioprine. Objective The objective of the present review is to summarize the efficacy and toxicity data for sirolimus. Special consideration is given to evidence that links these effects to dose or whole-blood concentrations of sirolimus. Results The literature indicates that trough concentrations of sirolimus >15 ng/mL appear to be associated with a greater risk of both thrombocytopenia and hyperlipidemia, whereas trough sirolimus concentrations Conclusion The evidence to date supports target trough sirolimus concentrations of 6 to 15 ng/mL in most patients. In higher-risk groups and patients receiving cyclosporine-sparing regimens, higher concentrations may be necessary to achieve similar efficacy.
The simulated delivery-room environment as the future modality for acquiring and maintaining skills in fetal and neonatal resuscitation.

Summary The science underlying neonatal resuscitation is growing exponentially in quantity and quality. So, too, is the knowledge of effective methodologies that facilitate acquisition and maintenance of the cognitive, technical, and behavioral skills necessary to for successful resuscitation of the newborn. One of these methodologies, simulation-based training, offers many advantages over more traditional methodologies: By providing key visual, auditory, and tactile cues it creates a high level of physical, biological, and psychological fidelity to the real environment and thus is able to elicit realistic responses from trainees. Training scenarios coupled with debriefings (where discussion of what went well and what could be improved upon occur in a nonjudgmental fashion) provide rich learning experiences that rival or exceed those in the real clinical environment. Simulation-based training will likely become the standard for not only routine training but also high-stakes assessment such as licensure and board certification.
The Seasat Low Rate Data Processing System

SEASAT was a proof of concept mission designed to demonstrate techniques for the global monitoring of oceanographic phenomena by satellite remote sensing. Included in the techniques to be demonstrated were the ability to develop algorithms to produce geophysically useful measurements from the satellite data, and to distribute data to users in a timely manner. The ground data system which supported these objectives for the low rate sensors (that is, excluding the Synthetic Aperture Radar) included subsystems for the acquisition and preprocessing of telemetry; calculation of orbit and attitude data; decommutation, engineering unit conversion, and earth location of the measurements; instrument calibration; calculation of geophysical observables; data cataloging, and data distribution. This system provided data to sensor managers and experiment teams, allowing verification of sensor performance, refinement of processing algorithms, and distribution of processed data with known quality to the scientific user community.
Risk preferences and the marketing of financial services: Segmentation by birth order

Traditional investment questionnaires may yield an incomplete measure of clients’ risk tolerance. Birth order has the potential to provide additional insight into the true nature of customers’ risk aversion, thereby assisting financial advisors to formulate the optimal investment portfolio for each client. We summarize research findings on birth order-related personality traits that have potential impact on the financial services industry. Marketing implications for investment firms are discussed in a framework that considers customers’ birth order differences in risk tolerance, patience, financial goals and conformity.
Effect of the dielectric transition on laser-induced phase explosion in metals

Abstract Phase explosion is an explosive liquid to vapor phase change that occurs during laser ablation as the surface approaches 90% of the thermodynamic critical temperature (0.9Tc), which is the upper limit of superheating. Large variations in properties are expected to occur near 0.8Tc, transforming the electrically conductive metal into a nearly transparent dielectric, an effect that has been neglected in previous models of laser ablation. The work presented in this paper numerically investigates the possible effect of the dielectric transition using a one dimensional heat transfer model. The results show that accurate knowledge of the absorption coefficient above 0.8Tc is critical for predicting the laser fluence at which phase explosion occurs.
Parametric Analysis of Eustachian Tube Function Using Fully Coupled Fluid-Structure Interaction Models

Otitis Media (OM) is the most commonly diagnosed childhood illness and has health care related cost of four billion dollars annually. [1] The onset of OM has been directly related to Eustachian Tube (ET) dysfunction. The ET has three main physiological functions, and when these functions are compromised, middle ear (ME) disorders arise. It is also known that specific populations of patients, such as those with cranio-facial abnormalities, such as a cleft palate, have a 100% onset rate of OM. Even though ET dysfunction has been related to OM, the underlying reasons for ET dysfunction in certain populations remains unknown. To gain an understanding of this system, we use fully coupled fluid-structure interaction (FSI) models of the ET based on geometries reconstructed from histological images. Using these models in systematic parameter variation studies allows us to identify which parameters of the ET can cause dysfunction. Using healthy adult subjects as a model for a well-functioning ET, we determined ET function to be sensitive to changes in TVP muscle force.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Rehabilitation Programmes Following Arthroscopic Meniscectomy in Athletes

The athlete with a meniscal injury can be returned to activity quickly and safely with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. When injuries occur in the relatively avascular inner zones of the meniscus, partial meniscectomy is usually the treatment of choice. The rehabilitation programme should emphasise decreasing inflammation, restoring motion, increasing strength, and safe return to competition. This can begin preoperatively and progress through a phased programme which allows the athlete to participate in goal setting and advancement. By outlining the different phases of knee rehabilitation, the athlete and support team (coach, parent, trainer, therapist, physician) can progress to and plan appropriate return to sport. During this process, preventive measures for reinjury can be addressed, thereby maximising performance and safety.
Diagnosis and Management of Infectious Esophagitis Associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Esophageal disease is a common complication and cause of morbidity in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Opportunistic infections are the leading cause of esophageal complaints and may be a predictor of poor long-term prognosis, presumably as a reflection of severe underlying HIV immunodeficiency. The esophagus may be the site of the first acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining opportunistic illness in a large number of patients. Barium esophagography and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy are diagnostic modalities, commonly used to evaluate esophageal complaints in patients with AIDS. Treatment for most etiologies of esophagitis generally has a high degree of success, with a resultant improvement in quality of life. In addition to optimizing antiretroviral therapy, a thorough diagnostic assessment of every HIV-infected patient with esophageal complaints is warranted, followed by timely and appropriate treatment.
The paradox of arsenic: molecular mechanisms of cell transformation and chemotherapeutic effects

Arsenic is a well-documented carcinogen that also appears to be a valuable therapeutic tool in cancer treatment. This creates a paradox for which no unified hypothesis has been reached regarding the molecular mechanisms that determine whether arsenic will act as a carcinogen or as an effectual chemotherapeutic agent. Much of our knowledge with respect to the actions of arsenic has been drawn from epidemiological or clinical studies. The actions of arsenic are likely to be related to cell type, arsenic species, and length and dose of exposure. Arsenic unquestionably induces apoptosis and may specifically target certain tumor cells. Research data strongly suggest that arsenic influences distinct signaling pathways involved in mediating proliferation or apoptosis, including mitogen-activated protein kinases, p53, activator protein-1 or nuclear factor kappa B. The primary purpose of this review is to examine recent findings, from this laboratory and others, that focus on the molecular mechanisms of arsenic's actions in cell transformation and as a therapeutic agent.
Traumatic atlanto-occipital disruption in children

Ten cases of traumatic atlanto-occipital disruption in pediatric patients are reported. All injuries resulted from motor vehicle accidents, the majority of which were pedestrian/automobile. Three patients survived their injury for a period greater than one year. The importance of recognizing atlanto-occipital disruption is stressed because of its relative frequency in severely traumatized pediatric patients, particularly pedestrian/vehicle incidents, and because of the potential for survival. Diagnosis, in most instances, is based on the lateral cervical spine radiograph. The most applicable diagnostic features in children, as demonstrated on the lateral cervical spine radiograph, are reviewed.
Superheating in the Zirconium-Oxygen Combustion System

WHEN a clean metal surface is exposed to the attack of a gas such as oxygen in low temperature conditions, reaction begins at the gas-metal interface, so that if the reaction products are nonvolatile an intermediate layer between the gas and metal will be formed. If, however, the rate at which the oxidation occurs is sufficiently high and the amount of energy supplied by the oxidation is sufficiently large, the oxidation mode, in most cases, changes into a different sustained rapid combustion mode. This initial rapid rise in temperature of the metal is called an “autoignition” period when it is followed by a sustained period of rapid combustion.
COMBINATION CHEMOTHERAPY FOR METASTATIC OR LOCALLY ADVANCED GENITOURINARY SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA: A PHASE II STUDY OF METHOTREXATE, CISPLATIN AND BLEOMYCIN

AbstractPurpose: The prognosis of patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of genitourinary origin is poor. While single agent chemotherapy results mainly in partial responses of short duration, data on the efficacy of combination chemotherapy are extremely limited. We determined the response rate and toxicity of a combination of 3 of the most active agents, methotrexate, cisplatin and bleomycin, in patients with advanced genitourinary squamous cell carcinoma.Materials and Methods: Patients with metastatic or locally advanced genitourinary squamous cell carcinoma were eligible for study. Treatment consisted of 200 mg./m.2 methotrexate on days m, 15 and 22, and 20 mg./m.2 cisplatin and 10 mg./m.2 bleomycin on days 2 through 6 during a 28-day cycle.Results: Of the 30 patients who enrolled in the trial 29 were evaluable for response. Objective response was achieved in 16 patients (55%, 95% confidence interval 36 to 72), 4 of whom achieved a complete response (14%). Median objective response duration wa...
Computer-aided implementation of a new procedure for design of end-plates and base-plates for traffic support structures

Abstract Many design procedures resulting from challenging engineering-research are never adopted by practicing engineers because of the intensive computational effort needed for their implementation. Advances in computer-development tools during the past two decades, and familiarity of engineers with these tools are certain to abridge the gap between research and implementation. This paper describes a computer-aided, spreadsheet implementation of a new procedure for design of end-plates and base-plates of sign, signal, and light cantilevered traffic support-structures and also for base-plates of span-wire-mounted traffic-signal structures. The procedure is based on beam-and-plate bending and torsion theories, and is intended for routine application by practicing engineers when designing plates of square configurations. A spreadsheet program implementing the procedure has been developed as an efficient tool for engineers designing these items. Using this tool will not only expedite the design process, but also facilitate optimizing plate sizes, because various design alternatives can be easily investigated and the optimal alternative rationally selected.
Molecular markers near the mouse brachymorphic (bm) gene, which affects connective tissues and bleeding time

Several inherited skeletal/connective tissue defects are associated with hemorrhagic disorders in humans. Accordingly, three mouse mutants (brachymorphic [bm], hemimelic extra toes [Hx], and ulnaless [Ul]), with inherited skeletal abnormalities, were analyzed for hemorrhagic tendencies. All three had prolonged bleeding times. Platelet numbers, size, and function, as well as common soluble plasma clotting factors, were not measurably affected. To further define the bm mutation, its chromosomal location relative to 19 other molecular markers was determined to a high resolution in a large interspecific backcross. Several microsatellite markers were found to be very closely linked to bm and should provide useful entry points for the eventual identification of this gene by positional/candidate cloning techniques. These results suggest that inherited skeletal abnormalities and bleeding tendencies are associated more frequently in both humans and animal models than is commonly recognized. Identification of these genes may reveal novel relationships between osteogenesis and hemostasis.
A critical analysis of codon optimization in human therapeutics

Codon optimization describes gene engineering approaches that use synonymous codon changes to increase protein production. Applications for codon optimization include recombinant protein drugs and nucleic acid therapies, including gene therapy, mRNA therapy, and DNA/RNA vaccines. However, recent reports indicate that codon optimization can affect protein conformation and function, increase immunogenicity, and reduce efficacy. We critically review this subject, identifying additional potential hazards including some unique to nucleic acid therapies. This analysis highlights the evolved complexity of codon usage and challenges the scientific bases for codon optimization. Consequently, codon optimization may not provide the optimal strategy for increasing protein production and may decrease the safety and efficacy of biotech therapeutics. We suggest that the use of this approach is reconsidered, particularly for in vivo applications.
Numerical analysis of electrodeposition in microcavities

Abstract Electrodeposition in sacrificial polymeric micromolds is an important step in processes such as LIGA, an acronym for the German words for lithography, electroforming and molding, for fabricating metallic microstructures. This paper investigates electrodeposition in microcavities with a conducting base and plastic features that provide insulating sidewalls for fabrication of the desired metallic micropart. Computational models for the governing transport and electrochemical phenomena are used to simulate the evolution of the electrodeposition front and the spatial current density profiles with time. The effects of the applied voltage and micromold geometry are systematically studied for their influence on the resulting electrodeposition rate and uniformity of the deposition front. Conditions that lead to desirable process and part quality are derived from the studies.
Linking individual-tree and stand-level growth models

Abstract An algorithm is presented to provide a linkage between stand-level models and individual-tree models. The algorithm is based on the assumptions that stand-level estimates of basal area, trees per unit area, and average diameter are correct and that the projected individual trees must be adjusted to equate to the stand-level estimates. The form of the individual-tree model is not important so long as initial and projected tree lists are provided. It is further assumed that the relative growth between individuals is to be maintained and the adjusted survivals are restricted to be less than or equal to 100%. Simplification of the general algorithm are also developed. These simplifications take the form of dropping the survival equation from the individual-tree model and dropping the average diameter estimate from the stand-level model. Examples are provided of a bimodal diameter distribution.
Photoionization Mass Spectrometry of C60 and C70 with a Vacuum Ultraviolet Hydrogen Laser Source

A time-of-flight mass spectrum of the C60 and C70 fullerenes with the use of a vacuum ultraviolet H2 laser photoionization source is presented. The photon energy is 7.8 eV, approximately 0.2 eV above the reported ion thresholds of both molecules. This relatively low excess energy is believed to be insufficient for fragmentation, as demonstrated by production of only parent ions.
Research Spotlight: Changing atmospheric chemistry with the swing of an axe

[1] When a tree is cut down, carbon that has been stored for tens, hundreds, or even thousands of years is released to the environment. In addition, felling that tree slightly alters the wind's path through the woods. If enough forest is cleared, significant changes can be seen in weather patterns and the global carbon cycle. However, the forest is more than a box of carbon and a wind screen. In a new study,Ganzeveld et al. used a climate model that takes into account atmospheric chemistry and gas exchanges at the Earth's surface. The researchers wanted to understand the long-term effects of land use change, which, in addition to carbon cycle and weather pattern effects, can also affect concentrations of various reactive trace gases in the atmosphere, including greenhouse gases such as methane and ozone. Using a land cover and land use projection for the year 2050, the authors find that Earth should expect higher concentrations of ground-level ozone and an increase in the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere. As deforestation continues, the amount of turbulence in the lower atmosphere will decrease, reducing mixing and leading to a buildup of ground-level ozone. (Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres, doi:10.1029/2010JD014041, 2010)
The direct partial oxidation of methane to organic oxygenates using a dielectric barrier discharge reactor as a catalytic reactor analog

Abstract The present work discusses the direct oxidative conversion of methane to organic oxygenates (methanol, formaldehyde, methyl formate, and formic acid) using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor. The DBD reactor can be considered an analog to a catalytic reactor because, just as with the catalytic reactor, the DBD reactor reduces the required temperature and pressure needed for reactions to occur within it as well as control product selectivity. In this study, the effects of changing the electrical properties within a methane–oxygen DBD system were investigated. Increasing the gas gap from 4.0 to 12.0 mm caused the reduced electric field to decrease from 30 to 18 V/cm/Torr, which resulted in a shift in the product distribution from organic oxygenate liquids to ethane and acetylene. The effects of temperature on product selectivity were also studied through the use of a water jacket. Lowering the temperature of water within the water jacket from 75 to 28°C resulted in a 54% increase in organic oxygenate selectivity and a 56% decrease in CO x selectivity.
The effects of p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid on Trypanosoma cruzi infection of mammalian host cells in vitro.

Abstract Treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi blood trypomastigotes with p -chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid (PCMS) increased the association of the parasite with either mouse resident peritoneal macrophages or rat heart myoblasts in vitro. The effect was evidenced by elevation of both the percentage of host cells with parasites and the number of flagellates per 100 cells. The effect of PCMS appeared to be largely on the process of parasite penetration rather than surface binding as it was seen at 37°C but not at 4°C. A short pretreatment time, 5 min, was sufficient to elicit the enhancement, suggesting that the primary effect of PCMS might be at the parasite's cell surface. The PCMS effect was reversible as the parasite returned to normal levels of association with the host cells in less than 4 h after removal of excess PCMS. That sulfhydryl groups were involved in the PCMS effect was indicated by the abilities of excess cysteine and glutathione to block it. These results suggest a role for free sulfhydryl groups on the parasite surface in the process of host cell invasion.
An Information-Theoretic Method for the Treatment of Plural Ancestry in Phylogenetics

In the presence of recombination and gene conversion, a given genomic segment may inherit information from 2 distinct immediate ancestors. The importance of this type of molecular inheritance has become increasingly clear over the years, and the potential for erroneous inference when it is not accounted for in the statistical model is well documented. Yet, the inclusion of plural ancestry (PA) in phylogenetic analysis is still not routine. This omission is due to the greater difficulty of phylogenetic inference on general acyclic graphs compared that on with trees and the accompanying computational burden. We have developed a technique for phylogenetic inference in the presence of PA based on the principle of minimum description length, which assigns a cost--the description length--to each network topology given the observed sequence data. The description length combines the cost of poor data fit and model complexity in terms of information. This device allows us to search through network topologies to minimize the total description length. By comparing the best models obtained with and without PA, one can determine whether or not recombination has played an active role in the evolution of the genes under investigation, identify those genes that appear to be mosaic, and infer the phylogenetic network that best represents the history of the alignment. We show that the method performs well on simulated data and demonstrate its application on HIV env gene sequence data from 8 human subjects. The software implementation of the method is available upon request.
PORE-LEVEL MODELING OF IMMISCIBLE DRAINAGE: VALIDATION IN THE INVASION PERCOLATION AND DLA LIMITS

Motivated by a wide-range of applications from ground water remediation to carbon dioxide sequestration and by difficulties in reconciling experiments with previous modeling, we have developed a pore-level model of two-phase flow in porous media. We have attempted to make our model as physical and as reliable as possible, incorporating both capillary effects and viscous effects. After a detailed discussion of the model, we validate it in the very different limits of zero capillary number and zero-viscosity ratio. Invasion percolation (IP) models the flow in the limit of zero capillary number; results from our model show detailed agreement with results from IP, for small capillary numbers. Diffusion limited aggregation (DLA) models the flow in the limit of zero-viscosity ratio; flow patterns from our model have the same fractal dimension as patterns from DLA for small viscosity ratios.
Physiological exclusion of magnesium from Mytilus edulis calcite

CALCITE produced by many marine organisms (including molluscs1, brachiopods2, coccolithophorids3, and planktonic foraminifera4,5) contains only about 5% as much magnesium as is predicted by laboratory studies of distribution coefficients6,7 (ratio of the Mg : Ca ratio in the solid against that in the solution). Understanding the cause of this low magnesium content is important to our comprehension of the calcification process. It is also of considerable interest to the field of low temperature geochemistry for several reasons. First, calcite is the major authigenic component of marine sediments, and its magnesium content is an important feature of its bulk composition. Second, the controls on the magnesium content of invertebrate skeleta must be understood if Mg : Ca ratios of calcitic fossils are to be used as indicators of sea salt palaeo-chemistry2 or sea surface palaeotemperature8. Third, the mechanism of magnesium inclusion may determine the role of magnesium in regulating selective dissolution of the tests from planktonic foraminifera4. Fourth, since calcite solubility depends on the magnesium content of the calcite, the mode of magnesium inclusion is a factor to be considered in calculating the degee of carbonate saturation in the oceans. Finally, factors governing the mode of magnesium incorporation into skeletal calcite are important to sedimentary petrologists using magnesium as a diagenetic indicator. We report here that the mussel Mytilus edulis, which normally secretes low magnesium calcite, incorporates anomalously high amounts of magnesium into its calcitic shell layer when it is grown in solutions of higher than normal magnesium content. Thus in normal conditions Mytilus physiologically excludes magnesium from its shell-forming fluid, and at higher magnesium concentrations ion regulatory systems breakdown, causing a substantial increase in the amount of magnesium coprecipitated into Mytilus shell calcite.
K+p elastic scattering at 864, 969 and 1207 MeV/c

Abstract The differential cross section for K + p elastic scattering has been measured at 864, 969 and 1207 MeV/ c . Our data show a smooth transition from low-energy s-wave scattering to high-energy diffraction, and are some-what in disagreement with a recent experiment on K + p backward scattering.
Definition of two types of anterior superior iliac spine avulsion fractures

Fractures of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) in adolescents are usually due to avulsion of the sartorius origin from the ASIS; however, the authors here report a second type due to avulsion of the tensor fascia lata origin. Eight patients were identified with ASIS avulsion fractures. Type II sartorius avulsion fracture was due to sprinting in various sports (n = 6). The fragment was smaller and displaced anteriorly. Type II tensor fascia lata avulsion fractures were due to swinging a baseball bat. The two muscular males were both injured during the initial phase of batting. The bony fragment was much larger and displaced laterally as confirmed by three-dimensional computed tomography scans.
Androgen and estrogen effects on protein synthesis by the adult rabbit epididymis.

Abstract The effects of castration and hormone replacement on [35S]methionine incorporation into newly synthesized proteins by the adult rabbit epididymis were studied in vitro. The proteins were analyzed using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Short term (4-day) castration resulted in a few changes in the pattern of radiolabeled proteins observed in the caput, but no effect was seen in the corpus or cauda. The changes in the caput could be reversed if the samples were incubated with testosterone. The epididymis of short term castrates failed to respond to exogenous estradiol. Long term castration (4–6 weeks) resulted in changes in protein synthesis among all three epididymal segments. Short term (4-h) incubation with testosterone restored the pattern of proteins secreted by the caput and cauda to that in intact rabbits. Short term incubation with estradiol did not restore the pattern of radiolabeled secreted proteins, but it did slightly intensify a 28K protein (pI 5.2) that was present...