cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alterations in mRNA expression and protein products following spinal cord injury in humans

We examined the effects of spinal cord injury (SCI) on alterations in gene expression and respective protein products in human skeletal muscle 2 days and 5 days post-SCI. Biopsies were taken from skeletal muscle of 9 men and 1 woman (n = 10) (43.9 +/- 6.7 years) 2 days and 5 days post-SCI and from 5 healthy young men who served as controls (20.4 +/- 0.5 years). Global changes in gene expression were analysed using Affymetrix GeneChips on a subsample of subjects (n = 3). Candidate genes were then pursued via qRT-PCR. Western blotting (WB) was used to quantify protein products of candidate genes. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to localize proteins. Groups of transcripts showing the greatest percentage of altered expression, the most robust fold-changes, and indicative of involvement of an entire pathway using the GeneChip included genes involved in the ubiquitin proteasome pathway (UPP), metallothionein function, and protease inhibition. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed increases in gene expression for UPP components (UBE3C, Atrogin-1, MURF1, and PSMD11), the metallothioneins (MT1A, MT1F, MT1H), and the protease inhibitor, SLPI (P 0.05). IHC showed increased staining for PSMD11 and the metallothioneins 5 days post-SCI, along the peripheral region of the cells. IHC also showed altered staining for Atrogin-1 at 5 days post-SCI along the membrane region. Thus, there was a profound increase in gene expression of UPP components, the metallothioneins, and the protease inhibitor, SLPI, within 5 days of SCI. Increased protein levels for PSMD11 and the metallothioneins 5 days post-SCI, specifically along the cell periphery, indicate that proteins in this region may be early targets for degradation post-SCI.
Societe Generale (B): The Jerome Kerviel Affair

This case illustrates the tension/balance that firms with complex and risky business models must consider in designing their internal controls. It describes the environment in which a derivatives trader engaged in massive directional positions on major European stocks and indexes without being detected for over a year. Although the case could be used to teach the basics of internal controls, it is likely to be more effective by eliciting a debate about how predictable the incident was, and whether or not there was anything fundamentally flawed about the company's choices in terms of strategy, control systems and culture. It also provides an opportunity to discuss the challenges of dealing jointly with a market-wide crisis (subprime) and a company-level crisis.
Investment Creation and Real Exchange Rates in a Model with Search Frictions

Foreign Investment is modeled as the outcome of a search process that emphasizes the distinction between investment creation and investment destruction processes which underlie net flows. The optimal q is shown to equal the difference between a naive net present value calculation and the call option of further search. The investment mechanism is embedded in a two-sector dynamic small open-economy model to derive the response of the economy to a capital market liberalization. The presence of an option value to search is shown to generate dynamics in investment inflows, which when combined with the saving-production decisions of households, generates co-movement in real exchange rates, consumption, current account deficits and non-traded sector output which closely resembles the experience of several Latin-American countries, starting in the late nineteen eighties. The search approach to investment contrasts with the standard q-theory approach which generates counterfactual predictions in this framework. Lastly, the paper evaluates the effect of cyclical shocks on direct investment decisions and provides an argument for the observed stability of these flows.
Assessment of lactose absorption by measurement of urinary galactose

Abstract Individuals with sufficient intestinal lactase hydrolyze ingested lactose to galactose and glucose and these monosaccharides are absorbed. Lactose is not digested completely when intestinal lactase activity is low and the disaccharide is malabsorbed. Breath hydrogen excretion after lactose ingestion is used commonly to diagnose lactose malabsorption. However, no direct tests are currently used to assess lactose absorption. We tested a new method of assessing lactose absorption in 26 healthy individuals. Each subject ingested 50 g of lactose. Participants were evaluated for lactose malabsorption using a standard 3-h breath hydrogen test. In addition, the urinary excretions of galactose, lactose, and creatinine were quantitated for 3–5 h after lactose ingestion. On the basis of breath hydrogen analysis after lactose ingestion, 12 individuals were lactose malabsorbers (defined as a rise in the breath hydrogen concentration of > 20 parts per million above the baseline value). The 14 subjects who did not malabsorb lactose by breath hydrogen testing (defined as a rise in the breath hydrogen concentration of ≤ 20 parts per million above the baseline value), had significantly more galactose in their urine 1, 2, and 3 h after lactose ingestion than lactose malabsorbers. The ratio of excreted lactose to excreted galactose was significantly decreased in lactose absorbers compared with lactose malabsorbers (p
Total and regional body composition across age in healthy Hispanic and white women of similar socioeconomic status

Background: Indirect measures of body composition suggest that Hispanic women have an excess prevalence of overweight and obesity compared with white women. Socioeconomic status (SES) is a potentially confounding factor in such studies. Objective: Our aim was to determine whether Hispanic ethnicity is associated with higher total and regional adiposity and lower fat-free mass (FFM) in healthy women across the adult age range. Design: We used a prospective cross-sectional design to examine total and regional body composition in 54 Hispanic women (primarily of Mexican descent) and 56 white women of similar SES. Results: The groups were not significantly different in mean age, body mass, or SES, although the Hispanic women were shorter (P < 0.05). Body mass index (in kg/m 2 ; 25.2 ± 0.5 compared with 23.9 ± 0.5; P < 0.05), percentage body fat (38.4 ± 0.8% compared with 34.9 ± 1.3%: P < 0.05), and total fat mass (25.0 ± I.0 compared with 23.0 ± 1.2 kg; P = 0.10) were or tended to be higher in the Hispanic women. The greater total adiposity of the Hispanic women was primarily the result of higher percentage fat and fat mass in the trunk (P < 0.05); within the trunk region, abdominal and subscapular skinfold thicknesses were 30-40% greater in the Hispanic women (P <0.01). Total FFM was slightly but significantly lower in the Hispanic women (38.9 ± 0.6 compared with 40.9 ± 0.6 kg; P = 0.01), primarily because of a smaller FFM in the trunk region (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Among healthy women, Hispanic (Mexican American) ethnicity may be associated with modestly higher levels of adiposity and slightly lower amounts of FFM overall and in the trunk region in particular.
A Disulfide Bond-forming Machine Is Linked to the Sortase-mediated Pilus Assembly Pathway in the Gram-positive Bacterium Actinomyces oris

Export of cell surface pilins in Gram-positive bacteria likely occurs by the translocation of unfolded precursor polypeptides; however, how the unfolded pilins gain their native conformation is presently unknown. Here, we present physiological studies to demonstrate that the FimA pilin of Actinomyces oris contains two disulfide bonds. Alanine substitution of cysteine residues forming the C-terminal disulfide bridge abrogates pilus assembly, in turn eliminating biofilm formation and polymicrobial interaction. Transposon mutagenesis of A. oris yielded a mutant defective in adherence to Streptococcus oralis, and revealed the essential role of a vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR) gene in pilus assembly. Targeted deletion of vkor results in the same defects, which are rescued by ectopic expression of VKOR, but not a mutant containing an alanine substitution in its conserved CXXC motif. Depletion of mdbA, which encodes a membrane-bound thiol-disulfide oxidoreductase, abrogates pilus assembly and alters cell morphology. Remarkably, overexpression of MdbA or a counterpart from Corynebacterium diphtheriae, rescues the Δvkor mutant. By alkylation assays, we demonstrate that VKOR is required for MdbA reoxidation. Furthermore, crystallographic studies reveal that A. oris MdbA harbors a thioredoxin-like fold with the conserved CXXC active site. Consistently, each MdbA enzyme catalyzes proper disulfide bond formation within FimA in vitro that requires the catalytic CXXC motif. Because the majority of signal peptide-containing proteins encoded by A. oris possess multiple Cys residues, we propose that MdbA and VKOR constitute a major folding machine for the secretome of this organism. This oxidative protein folding pathway may be a common feature in Actinobacteria.
Labour’s legal resources after 2004: the role of the European Union

This article investigates the influence of the European Union (EU) on legal resources available to labour to tackle labour market challenges in Central and Eastern European countries after their ac...
Arthrodesis of the Interphalangeal Joints With Headless Compression Screws

Interphalangeal arthrodesis is a reliable method of pain relief for arthritic proximal and distal interphalangeal joints in the fingers. Indications include osteoarthritis, acute trauma, chronic reconstruction for trauma, rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritides, and at the distal interphalangeal joint, chronic mallet finger deformity and unreconstructible flexor tendon defects. Solid arthrodesis imparts stability to the digital skeleton. Headless compression screws can be reproducibly inserted and are a good method to provide fixation adequate to accomplish interphalangeal arthrodesis. Surgical technique involves a dorsal incision and preparing the skeleton for good bony apposition. Exact technique for screw insertion depends on the specific screw used. Union rates range from 85% to 100% in published studies, with time to union of 7 to 10 weeks.
Deciphering the information content of polycyclic conjugated hydrocarbon formulas - from benzenoids to fullerenes

Abstract While reviewing our contributions directed toward the development of a unified structure theory of polycycic conjugated hydrocarbons, some formula, structure, and stability relationships of benzenoids to fullerenes are demonstrated. Coupling Clar's sextet ruse with Fowler's leapfrog algorithm, one can construct the more stable benzenoid isomers without needing knowledge of the remaining isomers.
A Friend in Need: The Impact of the Syrian Civil War on Syria's Clients (A Principal–Agent Approach)

When a regional sponsor of militant movements experiences profound domestic instability, what happens to its clients? This paper explores this question by examining the case of Syria and its clients using a principal–agent approach. It examines three types of principal—single, collective, and multiple—focusing on the varying effects that these relationships have on the agents involved and arguing that each type of principal presents prospective agents with a trade-off between a loss of autonomy and a loss of internal cohesion. By comparing the effects of Syrian sponsorship on nonstate actors who have served as Syrian agents at various points in the evolution of the regime, I demonstrate that each type of principal has distinct advantages and risks for its agents. The paper concludes by outlining five possible outcomes of the current uprising in Syria for the Asad regime's clients, based on the uprising's impact on the regime as a principal.
Preserving the cornea: corneal storage media.

Purpose of review The aim of this article is to review the recent literature regarding corneal storage media since the last review that discussed this topic in substantial detail in this journal. Recent findings During the last few years, despite the development of new corneal storage media and the addition of new additives to established corneal storage media, Optisol GS (Bausch & Lomb, Irvine, California, USA) has continued to remain the popular choice among storage media used in the United States, and traditional organ culture methods are still used in Europe. Recognizing that persistent epithelial defects after corneal transplantation can be a serious complication, however, attention has started to focus on not only preserving the endothelium, but also the epithelium. In addition, there has been more research towards antimicrobial prophylaxis. Summary With recent evidence suggesting that longer storage times may allow better outcomes in high-risk grafts because of the depletion of donor T cells from the donor cornea into the storage media, storage media will need to be optimized for preserving the endothelium for longer periods of time. In addition, because the epithelium is typically unable to be sustained for longer than 1 week in storage media, research toward preserving the epithelium will also be essential.
Robustness of capacity rationing policies

A recent paper discusses a capacity rationing policy that allows make-to-order manufacturing firms encountering expected total demand in excess of available capacity to discriminate between two classes of products, one yielding a higher profit contribution per unit of capacity allocated to it than the other. The result is a selective rejection of orders for the class with lower unit contribution, yielding an increase in total profit when compared to a base case that implements no capacity rationing. Implementation of the policy requires forecasts of demand parameters for both product classes. In this paper we test the sensitivity of the capacity rationing policy to forecast errors in these parameters. The results indicate that, on average, the rationing policy is quite robust in improving profit even when actual demands are approximately twenty percent different from forecast values.
Optical Prolog Computer Using Symbolic Substitution.

The Prolog language provides the flexibility to implement many expert system approaches and exhibits high levels of parallelism. However, it is too slow to have wide applicability to real-world problems or for real-time problems. The most computationally demanding steps in Prolog are the search and substitution required in unification. An all-digital opto-electronic architecture is described in which optical symbolic substitution is used to significantly speed unification by using high levels of parallelism. A simulator is being developed for the system to verify operation and assist performance evaluation. Progress in spatial light modulators suggests that such architectures will soon be feasible and superior to all-electronic counterparts.
The Renal Vascular Response to Acutely Elevated Intrapelvic Pressure: Resistive Index Measurements in Experimental Urinary Obstruction

AbstractPurpose: To assess the accuracy of resistive index (RI) in the diagnosis of obstruction.Materials and Methods: The time course of RI and its relationship to intrapelvic pressure were measured in 6 dogs following unilateral obstruction.Results: Changes in RI 1) occurred as early as 1/2 hour after acute obstruction, 2) only reached diagnostic sensitivity after 3 to 4 hours, 3) accurately diagnosed obstruction whenever the RI ratio between the kidneys exceeded 1.15 and 4) were uninfluenced by alterations in intrapelvic pressure.Conclusions: Because RI more closely reflects changes in renal blood flow than pelvic pressure, it can accurately diagnose acute obstruction but only after several hours. Diagnostic accuracy in chronic obstruction may be influenced by these physiologic relationships.
Experimental Investigation on Geometric Effect on Micro Fluidic Diodicity

The Micro pump is an essential component in a Micro Total Analysis System (μTAS). A feasible and reliable design of the micro pump is a key for the development of the μTAS. The Valve-less Rectification Micro Pump (VRMP) has many advantages, such as: non-moving parts, independent of fluids and channels properties, reliable, and easy to fabricate. Fluid diodicity is an essential parameter of the VRMP design. In this study, we investigate the fluid diodicity (the ratio of forward to reverse flow’s pressure drop) of micro rectifying geometries for more effective design of VRMPs. An experimental apparatus is designed and constructed. In our preliminary experiments, we measured diodicities of four different rectifying geometries, including bifurcation, heart shape, semi-circle and triangle. Experimental results demonstrate that rectifying geometries can take different designs that differ from the conventional diffuser-nozzle and Tesla’s designs; therefore, there is an opportunity to enhance the performances of VRMP by choosing the application-specific rectifying geometries.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Atmospheric hydroxyl response to the partial solar eclipse of May 30, 1984

A large amplitude oscillation in the vertical column abundance of atmospheric OH has been observed in ground-based spectroscopic absorption measurements from Fritz Peak Observatory, Colorado (105°W, 40°N) during and after the partial solar eclipse of May 30, 1984. An initial OH reduction during the eclipse was followed by an underdamped oscillation having a period of about one hour; the OH abundances returned to normal values two hours after the eclipse termination. This is believed to be the first observation of a "ringing" response of any atmospheric constituent to a solar eclipse.
A SEARCH FOR STRUCTURE IN THE n--p SCATTERING CROSS SECTION.

Abstract The n-p total cros section has been measured in the energy range 1.5 to 15 MeV with good energy resolution and high statistical accuracy. No evidence of structure was found.
Initial Development of the Pediatric Camp Outcome Measure

The objective of this pilot study was to develop the Pediatric Camp Outcome Measure (PCOM), an instrument designed to assess children's perception of the pediatric camp experience. Fifty-one children completed the PCOM at the end of a 1-week pediatric summer camp for individuals with complex heart defects. Participants also completed measures of anxiety, depression, and quality of life to provide support for the dimensions measured in the PCOM. The resultant 27-item, multidimensional instrument demonstrated strong internal consistency estimates for the total scale (α = .93) and each subscale (self-esteem, α = .84; emotional functioning, α = .84; socialization, α = .89; physical activity, α = .80). Initial support for the utility of the PCOM and the subscales was provided by significant correlations with concurrent measures of depression, anxiety, and general and cardiac-related quality of life. This study provides initial data and support for the use of the PCOM to measure children's responses to pediatri...
Ambiguity and gratuitous concurrence in inter-cultural communication

A: Excuse me, but we're just trying to find the right bus that takes us to the boat for Upolu. We were told that it stops here in front of the village store, but we've been waiting since 9 o'clock this morning and we'd like to know if there is going to be a bus before this evening or if we'll have to wait until tomorrow for a bus. I: Yes.
Political Knowledge and Issue Voting Among the Latino Electorate

How informed is a Latino vote? Though recent scholarship has improved our understanding of Latino political participation, partisanship, and policy preferences, relatively little is known about how...
Lithium inhibits internalization and endosomal processing of both neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 and transferrin receptors.

Abstract Low concentrations of Li + reduce the rate of internalization of neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 receptors [M.S. Parker, S.L. Parker, J.K. Kane, Internalization of neuropeptide Y Y1 and Y5 and of pancreatic polypeptide Y4 receptors is inhibited by lithium in preference to sodium and potassium ions, Regul. Pept., 118 (2004) 67–74]. This Li + -induced decrease in Y1 receptor internalization could be alleviated by Y1 receptor agonists. As shown by fractionation on Percoll gradients, lithium treatment induces a concentration-related decrease of intermediate and higher endosomal densities that contain the internalized Y1 ligand–receptor complex. This indicates an inhibition of endosome processing and maturation. Internalization of human transferrin shows [Li + ] sensitivity similar to that of the Y1 receptor, and a similar Li + -induced decrease in endosomal processing. Lithium treatment thus decreases activity of the endosome system shared in the recycling endocytosis of the Y1 and transferrin receptors.
Quantifying On and Off-Target Genome Editing

Genome editing with engineered nucleases is a rapidly growing field thanks to transformative technologies that allow researchers to precisely alter genomes for numerous applications including basic research, biotechnology, and human gene therapy. While the ability to make precise and controlled changes at specified sites throughout the genome has grown tremendously in recent years, we still lack a comprehensive and standardized battery of assays for measuring the different genome editing outcomes created at endogenous genomic loci. Here we review the existing assays for quantifying on- and off-target genome editing and describe their utility in advancing the technology. We also highlight unmet assay needs for quantifying on- and off-target genome editing outcomes and discuss their importance for the genome editing field.
Moraxella catarrhalis Expresses a Cardiolipin Synthase That Impacts Adherence to Human Epithelial Cells

The major phospholipid constituents of Moraxella catarrhalis membranes are phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and cardiolipin (CL). However, very little is known regarding the synthesis and function of these phospholipids in M. catarrhalis. In this study, we discovered that M. catarrhalis expresses a cardiolipin synthase (CLS), termed MclS, that is responsible for the synthesis of CL within the bacterium. The nucleotide sequence of mclS is highly conserved among M. catarrhalis isolates and is predicted to encode a protein with significant amino acid similarity to the recently characterized YmdC/ClsC protein of Escherichia coli. Isogenic mclS mutant strains were generated in M. catarrhalis isolates O35E, O12E, and McGHS1 and contained no observable levels of CL. Site-directed mutagenesis of a highly conserved HKD motif of MclS also resulted in a CL-deficient strain. Moraxella catarrhalis, which depends on adherence to epithelial cells for colonization of the human host, displays significantly reduced levels of adherence to HEp-2 and A549 cell lines in the mclS mutant strains compared to wild-type bacteria. The reduction in adherence appears to be attributed to the absence of CL. These findings mark the first instance in which a CLS has been related to a virulence-associated trait.
Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms and Distress 1 Year After Burn Injury

The occurrence and predictors of post-traumatic stress symptoms 1 year after a burn injury were assessed in a large prospective sample (N = 172). Participants completed a self-report post-traumatic stress symptom checklist at 3 time points: within 24 hours of admission to a burn center, 1 month after the injury, and 1 year after the injury. A notable number of participants had a range of post-traumatic stress symptoms both at 1 month and at 1 year after the burn injury. More than half of the sample reported recurrent intrusive recollections of the burn injury at 1 month and at 1 year. Other commonly endorsed symptoms were sleep disturbance, avoidance of thoughts or feelings associated with the burn, and distress at reminders of the burn. The number of post-traumatic stress symptoms endorsed at 1 month was the only significant predictor of post-traumatic stress symptoms at 1 year. These results suggest that it is common for patients to have some post-traumatic symptoms 1 year after a burn injury and that early experiences of post-traumatic stress symptoms may be associated with the development or maintenance of post-traumatic stress disorder. We recommend that burn care professionals identify and intervene with patients who have clinically significant distress as a result of their burn injuries.
Semantic-less coordination of power management and application performance

A computer system often has multiple power management modules controlling diffierent power knobs. Uncoordinated operation of these knobs not only leads to suboptimal operation but may also cause unsafe behaviors. Coordination methods have thus been proposed to jointly control the power knobs and performance. However, in many systems, such joint design is not feasible due to lack of visibility into all modules to be coordinated. This occurs, for instance, in commodity software that runs on multiple platforms, andemerging cloud hosted applications that operate on platforms outside developers' control and alongside unknown other workloads. We propose an approach for semantics-free coordination where power-performance management can be performed within each module without semantic knowledge regarding other modules.
On the mechanism of nonphotochemical hole burning of optical transitions in amorphous solids

Abstract New temperature-dependent nonphotochemical hole burning results are reported for cresyl violet perchlorate in polyvinyl alcohol which indicate that the simple model for spectral hole production based on a static distribution of two-level systems (TLS) provides an inadequate description. One of the key observations reported is noted to have been made for a variety of other systems. A new mechanism, based on an “outside-in” hierarchy of constrained configurational tunneling events, is proposed in which the time evolution of free volumes plays an important role. The model is consistent with the available data and lends itself to testing by further experiments.
Pentacarbonyl(trimethylamine)chromium and Pentacarbonyl(trimethylamine)Molybdenum

Pentacarbonyl(trimethylamine)chromium (1) and pentacarbonyl(trimethylamine)molybdenum (2) are isomorphous and crystallize in the space group P21/n, a = 6.8267(14) A, b = 11.269(2) A, c = 14.692(3) A, β = 102.89(3)°, V = 1,101.8(4) A3, Z = 4 for 1 and a = 6.949(5) A, b = 11.362(5) A, c = 14.927(5) A, β = 102.639(5)°, V = 1,150.0(10) A3, Z = 4 for 2; both compounds possess distorted octahedral molecular geometries that result from the steric influence of the coordinated amine ligand. The title compounds are isomorphous and crystallize in the space group P21/n with a distorted octahedral geometry.
An algorithm for converting a virtual-bond chain into a complete polypeptide backbone chain

A systematic analysis is presented of the algorithm for converting a virtual-bond chain, defined by the coordinates of the alpha-carbons of a given protein, into a complete polypeptide backbone. An alternative algorithm, based upon the same set of geometric parameters used in the Purisima-Scheraga algorithm but with a different "linkage map" of the algorithmic procedures, is proposed. The global virtual-bond chain geometric constraints are more easily separable from the loal peptide geometric and energetic constraints derived from, for example, the Ramachandran criterion, within the framework of this approach.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis against urinary tract infection in the chronic spinal cord injury patient

Suppressive therapy with antibiotics has long been thought to decrease the number of complications from the neuropathic bladder in spinal cord injury patients, but it may also induce resistance to antibiotics which subsequently causes difficulties in treating symptomatic urinary tract infections. Forty-three chronic spinal cord injury patients were randomized to continue to receive daily trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) urinary tract prophylaxis versus discontinuing antibiotic prophylaxis. Patients were all at least 6 months after spinal cord injury. Patients were followed for a minimum of 3 months, with weekly catheter urine cultures. The difference in the colonization rate at onset and after 3 months (percent of cultures with asymptomatic bacteriuria) between the control and prophylaxis group was not statistically significant (P > 0.1). There was a significant decrease in the percentage of TMP-SMX resistant asymptomatic bacteriuria in the control group, 78.8%, compared to 94.1% in the suppressive group (P 0.5). There was a larger percentage of TMP-SMX resistant symptomatic urinary tract infections in the treated group, 42.5% versus 37.5% in the control group, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.5). Irrespective of the method of bladder management, suppressive therapy with TMP-SMX did not reduce the incidence of symptomatic bacteriuria and did increase the percentage of cultures resistant to TMP-SMX in asymptomatic patients.
Distribution of points by degree and orbit size in a large random tree

Using generating functions and asymptotic techniques, the probability that in a large random tree a point is of degree r and an orbit of size s for r ≤ 7 and s ≤ 7 is calculated. For example, it is found that about 17% of the points of a random tree are fixed and have degree one. This method is readily applied to different types of trees.
Diffusion of 1H and 2H on the Ni(111) and (100) planes

Abstract The diffusion of 1H and 2H on Ni(111) and (100) surfaces of a field emitter was studied by the fluctuation method. Activated and tunneling diffusion was seen on both surfaces. On (111) the activation energy for diffusion of 1H, Ed(1H) ~ 3 kcal at low coverage, increases to ~ 4 kcal at higher coverage and then decreases slightly. Ed(2H) parallels Ed(1H) but is 0.4 kcal higher throughout D 0 ( 1 H ) = 3 × 10 −4 cm 2 s −1 at low coverage, rises to 7 × 10−2 cm2 s−1 at midcoverage and then drops only slightly different over most of the coverage range. Tunneling diffusion coefficients DT are ~ 10−10 cm2 s−1 for both isoto with only small coverage dependence over the accessible range. On (100) E d ( 1 H ) = 3.2 kcal with very little coverage dependence, and Ed(2H) = 3.6 kcal, also with very little coverage dependence. D 0 ( 1 H ) = 8 × 10 −6 cm −2 s −1 at low coverag constant with increasing coverage. D 0 ( 2 H ) = 2 × 10 −5 cm 2 s −1 at low, and rises to 2 × 10−4 cm2 s−1 D T ( 1 H ) = 10 −12 cm 2 s −1 at low coverage and only weakly coverage dependent. D T ( 2 H ) = 10 −12 cm 2 s −1 at low coverage. The small isotope effects in tunneling are attributed to relatively small barrier opacities and to some cancellation of mass effects in H tunneling and in the substrate distortions accompanying tunneling.
Comparison of the mechanical properties of the crystalline and amorphous forms of a drug substance

Abstract Purpose: To better understand the influence of long-range molecular order on the processing characteristics of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Methods: Crystalline and amorphous samples of a model drug substance were isolated and their “true” density, crystallinity, melting point, glass transition temperature, particle size distribution, and powder flow characteristics determined. Compacts of a standard porosity were manufactured from each form and their dynamic indentation hardness, quasi-static indentation hardness, tensile strength and “compromised tensile strength” determined. X-ray powder diffraction was used to confirm that no changes were induced by compact formation or testing. Results: The crystalline and amorphous forms of the drug substance had relatively high melting and glass transition temperatures (approximately 271 and 142 °C, respectively) and were physically and chemically stable under the conditions of the testing laboratory. Consistent with this there was no evidence of crystallinity in the amorphous samples or vice versa before, during or after testing. The two API lots were effectively equivalent in their particulate properties (e.g. particle size distribution), although differences in their particle morphologies were observed which influenced powder flow behavior. The compacts of the bulk drug samples exhibited moderate ductility, elasticity, and strength, and high brittleness, in keeping with many other drug substance samples. A significantly greater compression stress was required to form the compacts of the crystalline material, and these sample materials were more ductile, less brittle and less elastic than those made from the amorphous API. There were no major differences in the tensile strength or the viscoelasticity of the compacts made from the crystalline and amorphous samples. Conclusions: The mechanical properties of compacted amorphous and crystalline samples of a drug substance have been measured and the contributions due to the molecular ordering of the crystalline form proposed. Small but significant differences in the mechanical properties were noted which could potentially affect the processing performance of API.
Deviance without deviants: The temporal quality of patterned behavior 1

Abstract Social scientists oriented toward labeling have argued that there are unfortunate consequences, in the form of self‐fulfilling prophesies or secondary deviance, of placing people into a deviant category and giving them the label associated with that grouping. This paper proposes that such a process of categorization is inaccurate because it transforms activity into identity. Identity suggests permanence, whereas activity suggests voluntarism, responsibility, and the labile nature of human conduct. Deviance without deviants would stress the impermanence of patterns of behavior, even though they be patterns, and the potential of all persons to go in all directions.
Casting and Traction Treatment Methods for Scoliosis

There is little consensus among spinal deformity surgeons as to the best way to treat infantile or early-onset scoliosis. Bracing may or may not be effective, and subcutaneous rods have a high complication rate. Current techniques of casting as championed by Min Mehta and Jean Dubousset are presented as is the use of halo-gravity traction for the more severe cases. We firmly believe that "outdated" techniques, such as casting and traction, still play an important role in the treatment of this challenging problem.
Stress and charge imbalances in superconducting cuprates

Abstract La 2 CuO 4 and Nd 2 CuO 4 have layered structures, with alternating perovskite and NaCl layers in the former, and alternating perovskite and fluorite layers in the latter. Because of bond length mismatches, the perovskite layers in La 2 CuO 4 are in compression relative to the NaCl layers, while in Nd 2 CuO 4 the perovskite layers are in tension. There are also charge imbalances between the alternating layers that are in the opposite sense in the two compounds. The compounds differ in their preferred direction of nonstoichiometry, the solubility of aliovalent impurities, and the electrical properties of the doped materials in the normal state, and these differences are correlated with the relief of the imbalances in stress and charge between the alternating layers. It is shown that as a result, the enthalpy of oxidation of acceptor-doped La 2 CuO 4 increases with increasing acceptor concentration, and this results in a maximum in the hole concentration in the oxidized material as a function of acceptor concentration.
Antivascular Ultrasound Therapy Extends Survival of Mice With Implanted Melanomas

Abstract The goal of this murine investigation was to evaluate the effect of an antivascular ultrasound treatment on the growth of an implanted melanoma and the consequent survival rate. After the intravenous injection of 0.2 mL ultrasound contrast agent (Definity), therapy ( n = 15) was performed on 1-mL tumors for 3 min with low-intensity continuous ultrasound (3 MHz; 2.4 ± 0.1 W.cm –2 [I SATA ]); control mice ( n = 17) received a sham treatment. Mice were euthanized once the tumor had reached 3 mL, and then survival percentage vs. time curves were plotted. The median survival time (time for tumor to reach 3 mL) for the treated group was 23 d and for the control group was 18 d; the difference was statistically significant ( p ≤ 0.0001). Antivascular ultrasound therapy reduced the growth rate of an implanted melanoma and increased survival time. The ultrasound therapy provides a further example of tumor vascular disruption, and its future clinical potential should be investigated. (E-mail: sehgalc@uphs.upenn.edu )
Striving for Quality Control in Distance Education

SUMMARY From 1995 to 1998, the use of Internet-based courses grew from 22% of institutions to 60%. It is estimated that by the year 2006 enrollment in distance education learning programs will increase by 1.5 million students. In light of this rapid growth, many educators wonder whether the learning in these new courses is of the same value as in traditional courses. The authors of this article share their thoughts on this topic by first talking about distance education and online instruction, including its benefits and drawbacks, and then discussing the quality of product, learning, and technology. Lastly, they illustrate how to control the quality of online instruction.
Application of an HIV gp41-Derived Peptide for Enhanced Intracellular Trafficking of Synthetic Gene and siRNA Delivery Vehicles

Endosomal release is an efficiency-limiting step for many nonviral gene delivery vehicles. In this work, nonviral gene delivery vehicles were modified with a membrane-lytic peptide taken from the endodomain of HIV gp41. Peptide was covalently linked to polyethylenimine (PEI) and the peptide-modified polymer was complexed with DNA. The resulting nanoparticles were shown to have similar physicochemical properties as complexes formed with unmodified PEI. The gp41-derived peptide demonstrated significant lytic activity both as free peptide and when conjugated to PEI. Significant increases in transgene expression were achieved in HeLa cells when compared to unmodified polyplexes at low polymer to DNA ratios. Additionally, peptide-modified polyplexes mediated significantly enhanced siRNA delivery compared to unmodified polyplexes. Despite increases in transgene expression and siRNA knockdown, there was no increase in internalization or binding of modified carriers as determined by flow cytometry. The hypothesis...
Using Historical Simulations to Teach Political Theory

As teachers of political theory, our goal is not merely to help students understand the abstract reasoning behind key ideas and texts of our discipline. We also wish to convey the historical contexts that informed these ideas and texts, including the political aims of their authors. But the traditional lecture-and-discussion approach tends to obscure the historical and political dimensions of political theory. Reacting to the Past historical simulations provide a powerful tool for remedying these shortcomings. The simulations foster three kinds of lessons that are difficult to impart with more traditional approaches. First, they help students see the intimate and reciprocal connections between politics, history, and political philosophy. Second, the simulations bring to light the inherently political dimensions of interpreting key political ideas. Finally, drawing upon the ideas of Hannah Arendt, we argue that the simulations educate students about the nature of freedom and political action.
Synthesis amd characterization of [Et4,N]2[Mo(CO)4(SR)2] (R = Ph, Bz): New, potentially chelating bis-thiolate species

Abstract The new complexes [Et 4 N] 2 [Mo(CO) 4 (SR) 2 ] (R = Ph, Bz) have been prepared by reaction of [Et 4 N] [SR] with (norbornadiene)Mo(CO) 4 at low temperature. The IR spectra and electrochemical behavior of these two species are different, perhaps implicating different conformational isomers with respect to the thiolate ligands. These complexes may prove to be valuable reagents for the synthesis of new heterometallic compounds, by virtue of their cis -monodentate thiolate ligands.
Stationary temporal solitons in optical fiber and the swing effect of spatial solitons in two-dimensional devices

The one-particle type temporal soliton exists by maintaining a balance between dispersive linear contributions on the one hand and non-linear effects on the other. The linear contributions occur from processes such as group velocity and polarization mode dispersion. The nonlinear features occur from Kerr, or power law non-Kerr behavior. In addition, a variety of perturbations, such as damping, Brillouin scattering, and Raman effects exist to alter the simple soliton solution. In this paper, we review the propagation of temporal solitons in power law non-Kerr media. This is developed through the higher nonlinear Schroedinger's equation (HNLSE). Also, the fundamentals of multiple-scales are presented that will be used to yield quasi-stationary solitons when perturbations are present. In waveguides, the one-particle type spatial soliton exists by maintaining a balance between the linear propagational diffraction and non-linear self-focusing, while possibly being subjected to a variety of perturbations. Here, we use a spatial optical soliton solution to the nonlinear Schroedinger equation in an inhomogeneous triangular refractive index profile as a small index perturbation to illustrate the oscillation property within a two dimensional waveguide. We determine, from the motion of spatial soliton, its effective acceleration, period of oscillation, and compare results with the Gaussian refractive index profile. Such spatial solitons behave as point masses existing in a Newtonian gravitational potential hole.
Heat transfer dynamics associated with the simultaneous growth of solid liquid melt layers

Abstract A computational model is developed to study the effects of alumina layer formation on an ablative surface, when exposed to high temperature particle laden gas flow. The one-dimensional model is developed taking into consideration the thermal loading, particle loading and the temperature dependence of the thermo-physical properties of alumina. A fully implicit finite volume method is used to solve the coupled set of non-linear heat conduction equations. The solidification interface is tracked using the Lagrangian interpolation technique. The particle mass flux was found to be the major factor affecting the solid layer growth rate and the heat transferred to the ablative layer. The gas heat flux also has a major effect on the solid growth rate and the heat transferred to the ablative surface, but only for the lower particle mass fluxes. On the other hand the particle temperature has a linear effect on the solidification dynamics and the heat transferred to the ablative surface for all particle mass fluxes. The heat transferred to the ablative surface is reduced by approximately 40–90%, depending on the mass fluxes, due to the formation of the alumina layer.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Modality Use and Beliefs Among African American Prostate Cancer Survivors

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United States. The American Cancer Society (2007) estimated that in 2007, 218,890 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States and approximately 27,050 men will die from the disease, making it the second leading cause of cancer death among all men. The age-adjusted incidence of prostate cancer from 1998–2002 was 272 per 100,000 among African Americans compared to 169 per 100,000 among Caucasians (Ries et al., 2006). Furthermore, prostate cancer mortality rates in African Americans are at least two times higher than in Caucasians (American Cancer Society; Ries et al.). Prostate cancer affects African American men disproportionately, especially when compared to Caucasians. Reasons for increased prostate cancer incidence and mortality among African American men are unclear. Distrust of the medical system, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) beliefs, poverty, limited education, and prior health experiences contribute to existing disparities in mortality rates (Agho & Lewis, 2001; Farkas, Marcella, & Rhoads, 2000; Jones & Wenzel, 2005; Kendall & Hatton, 2002; Kinney, Emery, Dudley, & Croyle, 2002; Marks, 2002; Wolff et al., 2003). Many African Americans continue to distrust healthcare providers because of prior and continuing unequal healthcare experiences. The infamous Tuskegee syphilis study (conducted from 1932–1972), in which African American men with syphilis were denied treatment, is still cited as a reason for wariness of conventional health care in the United States (Weinrich et al., 2002). Several studies suggest that CAM modalities, including cultural and religious beliefs, may be one of the most significant contributors to unequal mortality for African Americans with cancer (Kinney et al.; Lannin et al., 1998; Margolis et al., 2003). The official definition from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine ([NCCAM], 2007), an institute of the National Institutes of Health, identifies CAM as a group of products and practices that are not considered part of conventional allopathic treatments. NCCAM classifies prayer and spirituality as CAM modalities. For purposes of this research, the authors have used NCCAM’s definition of CAM. The focus of the research is on the exploration of CAM modality use and beliefs among African American survivors of prostate cancer.
Transfused B19V: B-nign, B-ware, B-gone?

In this issue of Blood , Kleinman and colleagues report that blood components containing low levels of B19V are unlikely to transmit infection, and that screening donated blood with sensitive B19V DNA assays would provide little benefit to blood recipients at a cost of excluding many safe blood components. 1
The application of diethylaminosulfur trifluoride in the synthesis of fluorinated sterols and bile acids

Methyl 3,3-(ethylenedioxy)-6β-fluoro-5β-cholan-24-oate has been prepared starting from hyodeoxycholic acid and 3,3-(ethylenedioxy)-7(α and β)-fluorocholestan-22-al starting from stigmasterol, using diethylaminosulfur trifluoride as the fluorinating agent. These molecules will be used to synthesize analogs of the aminosterol antibiotic squalamine.
Sanitary Implications of Small Boat Pollution in an Atlantic Estuary

Study indicates that coliforms increase in water column and shellfish in direct relation to small boat population in three of four recreational areas sampled.
Optimal tolerance allocation using a multiobjective particle swarm optimizer

Particle swarm optimizers are routinely utilized in engineering design problems, but much work remains to take advantage of their full potential in the combined areas of sensitivity analysis and tolerance synthesis. In this paper, a novel Pareto-based multiobjective formulation is proposed to enhance the operations of a particle swarm optimizer and systematically distribute tolerances among various components of a mechanical assembly. The enhanced algorithm relies on nonlinear sensitivity analysis and the statistical root sum squares model to simultaneously optimize product performance criteria, the manufacturing cost, and the stack-up tolerance. It is shown that the proposed algorithm can accomplish its optimization task by successfully shifting nominal values of design parameters instead of the expensive tightening of component tolerances. Several numerical experiments for optimal design of a stepped bar assembly were conducted, which highlight the advantages of the proposed methodology.