cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gene therapy for cancer and metastatic disease

Gene therapy has been applied to the treatment of cancer and metastatic disease for over ten years. Research in this area has utilised multiple gene therapy approaches including targeting tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes, stimulating the immune system, targeted chemotherapy, antiangiogenic strategies, and direct viral oncolysis. In recent years, gene delivery vectors have been developed that selectively target tumour cells through tumour-specific receptors, deletion of certain viral gene sequences, or incorporation of tumour-specific promoter sequences that drive gene expression. Preclinical models have produced promising results, demonstrating significant tumour regression and reduction of metastatic disease. Unfortunately, only limited responses have been observed in clinical trials. The main limitations in treating metastatic disease include poor vector transduction efficiencies and difficulties in targeting remote tumour cells with systemic vector delivery. Currently, various groups are investigating means to improve gene delivery and clinical responses by continuing to modify gene delivery vectors and by concentrating on combination gene therapy and multimodality therapy.
Sialyl Residues Modulate LPS-Mediated Signaling through the Toll-Like Receptor 4 Complex

We previously reported that neuraminidase (NA) pretreatment of human PBMCs markedly increased their cytokine response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). To study the mechanisms by which this occurs, we transfected HEK293T cells with plasmids encoding TLR4, CD14, and MD2 (three components of the LPS receptor complex), as well as a NFκB luciferase reporting system. Both TLR4 and MD2 encoded by the plasmids are α-2,6 sialylated. HEK293T cells transfected with TLR4/MD2/CD14 responded robustly to the addition of LPS; however, omission of the MD2 plasmid abrogated this response. Addition of culture supernatants from MD2 (sMD2)-transfected HEK293T cells, but not recombinant, non-glycosylated MD2 reconstituted this response. NA treatment of sMD2 enhanced the LPS response as did NA treatment of the TLR4/CD14-transfected cell supplemented with untreated sMD2, but optimal LPS-initiated responses were observed with NA-treated TLR4/CD14-transfected cells supplemented with NA-treated sMD2. We hypothesized that removal of negatively charged sialyl residues from glycans on the TLR4 complex would hasten the dimerization of TLR4 monomers required for signaling. Co-transfection of HEK293T cells with separate plasmids encoding either YFP- or FLAG-tagged TLR4, followed by treatment with NA and stimulation with LPS, led to an earlier and more robust time-dependent dimerization of TLR4 monomers on co-immunoprecipitation, compared to untreated cells. These findings were confirmed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis. Overexpression of human Neu1 increased LPS-initiated TLR4-mediated NFκB activation and a NA inhibitor suppressed its activation. We conclude that (1) sialyl residues on TLR4 modulate LPS responsiveness, perhaps by facilitating clustering of the homodimers, and that (2) sialic acid, and perhaps other glycosyl species, regulate MD2 activity required for LPS-mediated signaling. We speculate that endogenous sialidase activity mobilized during cell activation may play a role in this regulation.
Psychologists in Long‐Term Care: Overview of Practice and Public Policy: Introduction to the Special Series

With the overall aging of the population and the concomitant need for the provision of mental health care for older adults, professional psychology in long-term care has come of age. Psychologists are now increasingly practicing in such traditional long-term care settings as nursing homes and in less traditional ones such as rehabilitation units, day centers, partial hospitaliza-tion programs, and hospices. The practice of psychology in long-term care is strongly influenced by public policy issues relating to Medicare, such as conditions of reimbursement, the rise of managed Medicare, and the continued disparity between payment for mental health and medical diagnoses. Ceropsychologists must be flexible in the form of their healthcare delivery to continue to provide quality services. The following articles in this special section on long-term care summarize the research on assessment and interventions for long-term care patients, outline the training opportunities available, and provide a decision-making framework for the common professional ethical/legal issues encountered in long-term care settings.
Human biofield and intention detection: individual differences.

Objective: To evaluate a battery of biofield awareness tasks that address bioelectromagnetic and consciousness related mechanisms of action, and examine individual differences in integrative biofield awareness (IBA). Methods: Six (6) biofield awareness tasks were designed: 2 involved the experimenter placing his or her hands near the subject, 2 involved intense staring with associated eye movements approximately 3' from the subject, and 2 involved gentle intention with virtually no movement. Each task required a binary response from the subject. There were 10 trials per task for a total of 60 trials; blocks of 6 trials contained one of each task. Subjects were 165 undergraduate psychology students at the University of Arizona Tucson, AZ. Subjects were also assessed on their awareness of their own biofields, and they filled out various questionnaires, including estimates of how well they thought they would do and their openness to spiritual beliefs and experiences. Results: Percent IBA accuracy for the ent...
Surgical outcomes with subperiosteal pocket technique for cochlear implantation in very young children

Abstract Objectives As data continue to emerge demonstrating improved hearing outcomes associated with younger age at time of cochlear implantation, more children aged 12 months or younger are undergoing this procedure. Drilling a well to house the cochlear implant receiver/stimulator (R/S) may carry an increased risk in this group of patients as the calvarium is thin and drilling an adequate well may require exposure of the underlying dura. Our group has employed a technique in this age group which involves securing the R/S in a subperiosteal pocket without creating a bony well. We report our experience with six infants 12 months of age or younger undergoing cochlear implantation with the subperiosteal pocket technique. Methods Cases were identified by searching an IRB approved research registry. Charts were reviewed for demographics, surgical technique, and clinical outcomes. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results Six patients 12 months of age or younger underwent cochlear implantation over a one year period. Simultaneous bilateral implantation was performed in all cases, for a total of 12 implanted ears. The average age at time of implantation was 9.8 months (SD 2.1 months). There were no postoperative wound complications. No evidence of device migration was noted in any patient as of the most recent follow-up appointment. There was one device hard failure at 32 months. Average length of follow-up was 28.4 months (SD 13.8 months). Conclusions No wound complications or device migrations occurred in 12 cochlear implantations in six children aged 12 months or younger. Advantages of this technique include no risk to the dura in this location, smaller incisions, and shorter surgical time. A potential disadvantage is the increased device profile from the lack of a well. New thinner implant designs may minimize this concern. Further prospective study is justified to confirm our initial experience in this small group.
Automation of polymerase chain reaction tests. Reduction of human errors leading to contamination.

Abstract We compared the performance over 21 months of manually performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based DNA analysis experiments with 25 months of automated PCR performed by a Zymark robotic system. Automation of the PCR technique resulted in a sixfold reduction in the number of experiments reporting carryover contamination and decreased the overall rate of contamination among total reactions 68-fold. Whereas contamination occurrences among manual experiments were evenly dispersed over the study interval and correlated with the lack of experience of laboratory personnel, the contamination that occurred with the robotic system was confined to the first 10 months of operation. In manual experiments, many of the 81 no-target false positives were sufficiently strong to result in the invalidation of 151 samples and positive controls. The seven no-target control false positives in the automated system were weak bands that were easily subtracted as background. Because none of the negative samples had DNA bands, no sample on the automated system has ever been invalidated as a result of contamination. Automation of PCR tests appears to offer great promise in reducing contamination to acceptable levels (e.g.,
Synthesis and characterization of a novel derivative of chitosan

Abstract The graft -copolymer of chitosan with 4-(6-methacryloxyhexyloxy)-4′-nitrobiphenyl I was synthesized by radical polymerization. Graft -copolymerization was carried out under homogeneous conditions with AIBN as initiator and 2 wt% acetic acid as solvent. Homopolymerization of I was also carried out to obtain material for comparative analysis. The resulting chitosan graft -copolymers were isolated, purified and characterized with FTIR, NMR, DSC, and TGA. Films were then prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction, wave guide coupling and infrared dichroism techniques.
Blood collection tubes influence serum ficolin-1 and ficolin-2 levels.

ABSTRACT The ficolins are members of a recently discovered family of host innate opsonins that can activate the lectin pathway of complement. The ficolins bind many ligands, although they are typically described as binding acetylated sugars. Ficolin-1 (M-ficolin) and ficolin-2 (L-ficolin) are known to bind Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 19C and 11A, respectively. While studying the binding of ficolins to pneumococci, we found variations in ficolin-2 binding among serum samples collected in different types of blood collection tubes. Plastic tubes, which contain a silica clot activator, yielded sera with reduced ficolin-2 binding and apparent ficolin-2 levels. We found that the silica clot activator eluted from plastic red-top tubes inhibited ficolin-2 ligand binding, while other related proteins, like mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and ficolin-1, were not affected. These tube types did not affect the concentrations of other related opsonins (C1q, MBL, or ficolin-3 [H-ficolin]). Interestingly, we also found that ficolin-1 levels were increased 2- to 3-fold in plastic serum separator tubes compared to the increases in other tube types. These findings have implications for future ficolin-1 and ficolin-2 studies, as proper sample collection and handling are essential.
Influence of chemisorbed carbon monoxide on hydrogen evolution at smooth platinum electrodes in sulfuric acid solution

Abstract Cathodic current—potential curves were measured potentiostatically on two smooth platinum electrodes of different shape in 0.5 M H2SO4 at room temperature in the presence of chemisorbed carbon monoxide. Coverages of carbon monoxide between 0 and 0.6 lead to a relatively small decrease of the current density at constant hydrogen overvoltage. Mass transport processes remain largely rate-controlling. A rapid decrease of current follows, with a further increase of the carbon monoxide coverage. A transition from mass transport to kinetic control takes place. The rapid decrease is followed by a slower decrease at coverages above 0.85. This leveling-off results from hydrogen evolution on top of the chemisorbed layer of carbon monoxide. The retarding effect of chemisorbed carbon monoxide on hydrogen evolution is compared with the similar effect on hydrogen dissolution for the same electrodes.
Angling ecotourism: issues, guidelines and experience from Kamchatka.

Recreational fishing is an important component of the tourism industry and an important component of regional economies around the world. When angling tourists reach threatened freshwater ecosystems, however, there is a risk of degrading the very fishery and landscapes that attracted them, thwarting long-term economic development prospects and reducing biodiversity. Following the emergence of catch-and-release recreational fishing, we believe that angling can be legitimately considered a form of ecotourism that contributes positively to conservation, science, and local or regional economic development. With successful angling ecotourism projects, anglers and local populations can become viable constituencies for conservation. We describe the angler-sponsored research programme of the Kamchatka Steelhead Project as one case study where many aspects of a successful ecotourism project were present. We then propose guidelines for future angling ecotourism projects and address opportunities and obstacles to th...
The Specific Heat of Lead in the Temperature Range 1°K to 75°K

The specific heat of pure Pb in the temperature range 1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to 75\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K has been measured calorimetrically, both in the normal and superconductive states. The measurements were made using a useful semiautomatic recording system. It was found that at the lowest temperatures (1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to 4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) the lattice specific heat of Pb in the normal state was a ${T}^{3}$ function, with a Debye $\ensuremath{\theta}=96.3$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. It was found that the variation of $\ensuremath{\theta}$ with temperature over the whole range of temperature employed confirmed the theoretical computations made by Leighton for f.c.c. lattices. The normal electronic specific heat was found to be $7.48\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4} T$ cal/mole-deg, in good agreement with results from magnetic measurements on superconducting Pb. The measured value of the electronic specific heat of the superconducting state was ${C}_{el,s}=5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5} {T}^{3}$ cal/mole-deg, in the temperature range 1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to 4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K; this result was also in agreement with the magnetic measurements.
The role of attributional judgments when adopted computing technology fails: a comparison of Microsoft Windows PC user perceptions of Windows and Macs

The bulk of research to date on diffusion of innovations and the user acceptance of computing technology has focused on modelling the factors that lead to a user's decision to adopt and use a technology, instead of how individuals use technology and experience it after adoption. The current paper explores how users rationalise failures in their adopted innovations; their biases in the assessment of competing technologies; and the ultimate influence of these attributions on their interpersonal word of mouth communication with other users. The findings of the research point to the mechanisms of ego enhancement and innovativeness influencing users’ reactions to the failure of their adopted computing technology. Biases regarding competing technologies are, however, influenced by information presented in the mass media. Experienced users and users who are technologically innovative are more likely to exhibit biased optimism towards the technology they have adopted. When such users hear about the failure of the computing technology they have adopted, they are far more likely to blame other users for it. In contrast, less innovative, later adopters of a technology are far more likely to blame their adopted technology and consider it to be inferior.
X-ray astronomy.

After the great successes of astronomy in the optical field, it is not surprising that attempts would be made to pursue astronomy in other spectral regions as well. In addition to radio astronomy and infrared astronomy, X-ray and gamma astronomy were also suitable. The problem is that it is only possible to operate astronomy from the surface of the Earth from the radar to the optical.
Acetophenone and stilbene derivatives from Gnetum ula

Abstract The isolation of bergenin, 2-hydroxy-4-benzyloxyacetophenone and the related dimer and stilbene from Gnetum ula is reported.
Amyloid precursor protein is an autonomous growth cone adhesion molecule engaged in contact guidance.

Amyloid precursor protein (APP), a transmembrane glycoprotein, is well known for its involvement in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease of the aging brain, but its normal function is unclear. APP is a prominent component of the adult as well as the developing brain. It is enriched in axonal growth cones (GCs) and has been implicated in cell adhesion and motility. We tested the hypothesis that APP is an extracellular matrix adhesion molecule in experiments that isolated the function of APP from that of well-established adhesion molecules. To this end we plated wild-type, APP-, or β1-integrin (Itgb1)- misexpressing mouse hippocampal neurons on matrices of either laminin, recombinant L1, or synthetic peptides binding specifically to Itgb1 s or APP. We measured GC adhesion, initial axonal outgrowth, and substrate preference on alternating matrix stripes and made the following observations: Substrates of APP-binding peptide alone sustain neurite outgrowth; APP dosage controls GC adhesion to laminin and APP-binding peptide as well as axonal outgrowth in Itgb1− independent manner; and APP directs GCs in contact guidance assays. It follows that APP is an independently operating cell adhesion molecule that affects the GC's phenotype on APP-binding matrices including laminin, and that it is likely to affect axon pathfinding in vivo.
Interaction of the Retina with Suprachiasmatic Pacemakers in the Control of Circadian Behavior

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the central circadian pacemaker governing the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in mammals. The mammalian retina also contains circadian oscillators, but their roles are unknown. To test whether the retina influences circadian rhythms of locomotor behavior, the authors compared the activity of bilaterally enucleated hamsters with the activity of intact controls held in constant darkness (DD). Enucleated hamsters showed a broader range of free-running periods (tau) than did intact hamsters held for the same length of time in DD. This effect was independent of the age at enucleation (on postnatal days 1, 7, or 28). The average tau of intact animals kept in DD from days 7 or 28 was significantly longer than that of intact animals kept in DD from day 1 or any of the enucleated groups. This indicates that early exposure to light-dark cycles lengthens the tau and that the eye is required to maintain this effect even in DD. These data suggest that hypothalamic circadian pacemakers may interact continuously with the retina to determine the tau of locomotor activity. Enucleation caused a large decrease in glial fibrillary acidic protein in the SCN but has no (or slight) effects on calbindin, neuropeptide Y, vasopressin, or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, which suggests that enucleation does not produce major damage to the SCN, an interpretation that is supported by the fact that enucleated animals retain robust circadian rhythmicity. The presence of an intact retina appears to contribute to system-level circadian organization in mammals perhaps as a consequence of interaction between its circadian oscillators and those in the SCN.
FAMILY EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND GENDER ROLE ATTITUDES A Comparison of Women and Men College Graduates

Data from 590 college graduates are used to assess the relationship between family employment status and gender role attitudes for a predominately European American sample. The women in this study are employed full time, part time, or are full-time homemakers, and all report being married to men employed full time. The men in the study are all employed full time and report having wives who are employed full time, part time, or are full-time homemakers. Controlling for the effects of selected background factors, full-time employed women are the most supportive of nontraditional family gender roles, followed by part-time employed women. The attitudes of homemakers are more similar to those of the men. Few significant differences exist when comparing the men with full-time employed wives, those with part-time employed wives, and men married to homemakers. The findings suggest an important link between work experiences, lifestyle choices, and gender role attitudes, particularly for women.
Effects of prenatal x-ray irradiation on audiogenic seizures in the rat.

Abstract Gravid albino rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain received 25, 50, or 100 r whole-body X-ray irradiation on days 5, 10, 15, or 20 of gestation. Controls were sham-irradiated. Over 500 surviving offspring were evaluated for susceptibility to audiogenic seizures under two conditions of threshold testing, with the bell alone and with a pretreatment of Metrazol (16 mg/kg). The tests were conducted when the animals were 120 and 122 days of age. Irradiation on days 5 or 10 of gestation resulted in a decrease in seizure responses, while irradiation on days 15 or 20 of gestation resulted in an increase in seizure responses. The differences were more pronounced under the lowered threshold condition. These findings appeared to be independent of dosage. It was concluded that low levels of prenatal irradiation can alter the threshold of susceptibility to audiogenic seizures in the offspring.
Building a corpus and developing a question classifier to support messaging-based question answering

We are investigating question classification for restricted domains with the broader goal of supporting mixed-initiative interaction on mobile phones. In this paper, we discuss the development of a new domain-specific corpus of cancer-related questions and our efforts toward training a classifier. This work includes the development of a new taxonomy of expected answer types that we have been evaluating. Our goal is to create software to engage newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients in question-answering dialogs related to their treatment options. We are focusing our work on the interaction environment afforded by text and multimedia (SMS and MMS) messaging using mobile telephones, because of the prevalence of this technology and the growing popularity of text messaging, especially among underserved populations. This work is interesting from a user interface and communication standpoint because, despite this growing popularity, there has been little formal study of this type of interactive communication.
All-optical 3R regeneration technique using injection-locking in gain-switched DFB-LD

A new all-optical 3R regeneration technique using injection-locking in a gain-switched DFB-LD is proposed. The operation of the technique is confirmed numerically and experimentally. Both simulation and experimental results show that the degraded RZ pulses are reshaped, retimed, and regenerated by injection-locking, into short pulses generated by gain-switching. Moreover, error-free all-optical 3R regeneration at 2.5 Gbit/s has been successfully achieved, with 1.5 dB negative penalty.
Money demand revisited: An operational subjective approach

SUMMARY This paper proposes a method of data analysis founded on the philosophy and understanding of uncertain knowledge developed by Bruno de Finetti. Specifically, the paper investigates the informational content of interest rates for the prediction of Ml. This empirical application replicates that of Cooley and Leroy (1981) and McAleer, Pagan, and Volker (1985), but the procedures and their interpretation follow the operational subjective approach. The issue of an autocorrelated error structure is recast in the operational subjective context. Methods are developed to assess the interest sensitivity of the demand for money in this context. This paper illustrates an operational method of data analysis in the context of linear models. The procedures advocated are founded on the subjective theory of probability originated by Bruno deFinetti (1974, 1975) and enhanced by L. J. Savage (1954). This foundational position denies the existence of a 'true' model and its concomitant parameters. The function of a model is its assistance in generating predictive distributions of observable unknown quantities. A model's performance at prediction is empirically observable. This proposed method of econometric analysis is illustrated with an applied example taking advantage of a previous, well-known application confronting the appropriateness of econometric practices. The example concerns money demand as measured by Ml with particular emphasis on the informational content of interest rates for the forecasting distribution of Ml. Cooley and Leroy (1981) examined the estimation of money demand, employing the Bayesian method of extreme bounds analysis developed in Leamer (1978). Although Bayesian in approach the method focuses on parameter estimation and retains the conviction of standard techniques in the reality of the model and in the reality of the model parameters. McAleer, Pagan, and Volker (1985) re-examine the same model and data from a frequentist approach, yielding an appropriate example with which to contrast the method presented here and its interpretation.
Quality of earnings: A key factor in financial planning

Abstract This paper presents the results of an empirical study based on the premise that, among companies with the same nominal earnings, those with higher quality of earnings will be more highly valued by investors. The price-earnings ratio should be higher for companies with better quality of earnings and lower for companies with poorer quality of earnings. The test is performed by estimating regression equations relating the price-earnings ratio to quality of earnings factors. The study should prove to be of significant value to financial decision-makers in formulating their long range plans.
cDNA Clone of a Putative Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Trypsin Inhibitor Has Homology with Peanut Allergens Ara h 3 and Ara h 4

Trypsin inhibitors are pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, which play an important role in the plant defense mechanism against insects and pathogens. Peanut trypsin inhibitors are low molecular mass seed storage proteins. Like peanut allergens, they are stable to acid and heat, resistant to digestion, and can have a negative impact on human health. In peanut, five Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitors (BBTI) have been isolated and amino acid sequences published. However, to date, no peanut BBTI sequence is available at both the cDNA and the genomic levels. The objectives of this investigation were (i) to synthesize degenerate oligonucleotides based on conserved regions of published amino acid sequences of BBTI, BII, and BIII; (ii) to isolate, sequence, and analyze at least one positive peanut trypsin inhibitor cDNA clone using the synthesized (32)P-labeled oligonucleotides as probes; and (iii) to determine its trypsin inhibitory activity. Thirty-two degenerate oligonucleotides DNA primers of 24 nucleotides each were synthesized based on the published amino acid sequences of peanut BBTI, and two were selected as probes to screen a peanut Lambda gt 11 cDNA library. Three putative positive clones were isolated, purified, and subcloned, and one was sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed a partial cDNA clone of 643 bp with a start codon. This clone shares 93 and 96% nucleotide sequence homology with peanut allergens Ara h 3 and Ara h 4 cDNA clones, respectively. A trypsin inhibitor assay revealed that peanut allergen Ara h 3 has a trypsin inhibitory activity of 11 238 TIA/mg protein. We concluded that peanut allergen Ara h 3 may also function as a trypsin inhibitor.
Beyond Deserving More: Psychological Entitlement Also Predicts Negative Attitudes Toward Personally Relevant Out-Groups

Psychological entitlement is defined as the “stable and pervasive sense that one deserves more and is entitled to more than others.” Research has shown those high in entitlement tend to behave self...
Renewable pencil electrodes for highly sensitive stripping potentiometric measurements of DNA and RNA

Renewable graphite pencil electrodes are demonstrated to be excellent materials for adsorptive stripping measurements of trace nucleic acids. While displaying an attractive stripping performance, comparable to that of conventional carbon paste electrodes, the pencil electrode offers a convenient (mechanical) renewal, with each stripping potentiogram recorded at a fresh surface. Various pencil lead materials and lengths have been examined and experimental variables of the pretreatment and measurement procedures have been explored and optimized. The extremely low detection limits (e.g., 3 μg l−1 tRNA with 10 min accumulation) are coupled to a good surface-to-surface reproducibility (RSD of 6.4% for 14 repetitive measurements of 1 mg l−1 ssDNA).
Wavelet-based feature extraction method for inspection using cross-sensor image data

We used a method designed to fuse imagery from different sensor types. The method uses different forward transforms of input images and a common transform to reconstruct the final result. When measuring the average relative entropy of the fused results, we found that our method gave generally better results when compared to a more conventional approach. We found that reconstruction filters with a small number of zeros seemed to give the best performance.
Numerical modeling of two-phase flow in the NaCl-H2O system: 2. Examples

[1] In an earlier paper, we presented a new multiphase numerical code for NaCl-H2O fluid called FISHES. Here we present some example simulations using FISHES that show its applicability to 1-D and 2-D geometries that are commonly used in describing two-phase hydrothermal flows. We simulate a 1-D heat pipe with an open top upper boundary in order to study mass and energy balance properties within a region of phase separating fluid. The results show the formation of a dense brine layer at the base of the heat pipe as a two-phase zone expands toward the top. We then simulate 2-D circulation in a single-pass geometry with a highly permeable discharge zone, a geometry that has often been used in the study of seafloor hydrothermal systems. We show that when active phase separation occurs at the base of the system, low-salinity fluid emerges from the top as a dense brine layer forms at the base and that increased vent fluid temperatures result from decreasing the width of the discharge pipe. Following a period of active phase separation, we show that lowering the basal temperature results in flushing the brine from the system on a time scale similar to the period of active phase separation. Lowering the permeability does not significantly affect vent fluid salinities during active subsurface phase separation but inhibits the flushing of brine upon lowering of basal temperatures; also, low permeabilities increase the time scale for the evolution of the system. Finally, we conduct simulations of two-phase flow in rectangular 1 km2 homogeneous fluid-saturated open top boxes heated from below with permeabilities of 10−12 and 10−13 m2. During these simulations a strong plume forms above the region of strong lateral temperature change, and brine collects at the base of the system. Initially, low-salinity fluids vent from the top of the box; eventually, higher-salinity fluids emerge. Vent fluid salinities and temperatures associated with plumes vary with time, resulting in larger temporal variation in fluid properties than those obtained from single-pass simulations.
On the nonexistence of L p solutions of certain nonlinear differential equations

The asymptotic behavior of the solutions of ordinary nonlinear differential equations will be considered here. The growth of the solutions of a differential equation will be discussed by establishing criteria to determine when the differential equation does not possess a solution that is an element of the space L p (0, ∞)( p ≧ 1).
The Transmission of Control Through Organizational Hierarchy

This paper addresses the problem of control loss in hierarchies. Data on 215 departments (aggregated from 2,363 individual questionnaires) show that behavior control and output control differ sharp...
Authorship characteristics in prosthodontic literature: proliferation and internationalization. A review and analysis following a 10-year observation.

Statement of problem Author characteristics and the extent of dental literature authorship globalization have not been widely investigated, especially in prosthodontics. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine trends in authorship characteristics in prosthodontics. Material and methods Articles published in The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry (JPD), International Journal of Prosthodontics (IJP), and Journal of Prosthodontics (JP) in 1998, 2003, and 2008 were reviewed. Abstracts, letters to the editor, and book reviews were not included in the investigation. The authors' educational degrees had to be listed in the publications for the articles to be included. For each article, number of authors, degrees of all authors, academic ranks of first and last authors, and geographic origin were recorded. Descriptive and analytic analyses (α=.05), including a generalized linear model, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, or chi-square tests, were used as appropriate. Results A total of 998 articles met the inclusion criteria from the 3 selected journals for the years studied. Across all 3 journals, the mean number of authors per article increased significantly from 2.9 in 1998 to 3.6 in 2008 (Kruskal-Wallis, P df =1, P =.018). The contributions from Asia and South America increased over time. Conclusions The number of authors per article, the number of authors with higher educational degrees, and the percentage of senior-ranking faculty as last author steadily increased in the prosthodontic literature from 1998 to 2008. The trend of globalization of authorship was evident in the prosthodontic literature.
Strongly chaotic non-newtonian mantle convection

Abstract We have studied the problem of strongly time-dependent, two-dimensional, incompressible, infinite Prandtl number thermal convection in an aspect-ratio five box for a non-Newtonian power-law rheology and a heated from below configuration, as applied to mantle dynamics. The convection equations are solved by means of a characteristics-based method with a Lagrangian formulation of the total derivative in the energy equation. Iterations are required at each time step for solving the nonlinear momentum equation. Bicubic splines are used for the spatial discretization. The transition from mildly time-dependent to the strongly chaotic or turbulent regime, in which the plumes become disconnected, occurs at much lower Nusselt numbers (Nu), between 20 and 25, than for Newtonian rheology. TheNu versus Rayleigh number(Ra) relationship displays a kink at this transition. Rising non-Newtonian plumes exhibit much greater curvature in their ascent than Newtonian ones and are strongly attracted by descending curr...
Distinct 5-HT receptors mediate the peristaltic reflex induced by mucosal stimuli in human and guinea pig intestine

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: The role of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in regulating the peristaltic reflex in humans is unknown. The neural pathways subserving peristalsis induced by mucosal stimulation were characterized in human jejunum and guinea pig colon. METHODS: Compartmented flat-sheet preparations that enable measurement of 5-HT and sensory transmitter release into one compartment and mechanical responses in adjacent compartments were used. RESULTS: Mucosal stimuli (2-8 brush strokes) caused concomitant release of 5-HT and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) into the compartment where stimulation was applied in both species; in contrast, muscle stretch caused release of CGRP only. CGRP release as well as ascending contraction and descending relaxation of circular muscle induced by mucosal stimulation were inhibited by a selective 5-HT4 antagonist in human jejunum and by selective 5-HT4 and 5-HT3 antagonists in guinea pig colon. The effects of the 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 antagonists in guinea pig colon were additive. A selective 5-HT1P antagonist mimicked the effect of the 5-HT4 antagonist. The CGRP antagonist human CGRP8-37 inhibited ascending and descending responses in both species. CONCLUSIONS: 5-HT released by mucosal stimulation initiates a peristaltic reflex by activating 5- HT4/5-HT1P receptors on sensory CGRP neurons in human intestine and 5- HT4/5-HT1P and 5-HT3 receptors in guinea pig colon. (Gastroenterology 1996 Nov;111(5):1281-90)
On the synthesis of hydrogen producing alternative thermochemical cycles with electrochemical steps

Abstract Here we expand on our process systems engineering-based methodology for the initial evaluation of alternative thermochemical cycles for hydrogen production. A new identification algorithm is presented, which includes thermochemical cycles with electrochemical steps, referred to as hybrid cycles, in the reaction cluster search space. The resulting formulation is a mixed integer non-linear program, which we show can be solved as a set of mixed integer linear sub-problems using branch and bound. With a target base level, or theoretical maximum efficiency of 35%, as to be competitive with bottoming cycle based hydrogen production technologies, identified hybrid cycles are screened with an evaluation procedure based on heat pinch analysis. The strength of the expanded formulation is demonstrated with a case study for a hybrid copper–chlorine system. Results from our systematic evaluation suggest the proposed methodology is robust over a wide range of temperatures and candidate species. In this case study, we identify several hybrid cycles with estimated base efficiencies of up to 36%, exceeding our target efficiency.
Wisdom Sits in Places: Landscape and Language Among the Western Apache

This remarkable book introduces us to four unforgettable Apache people, each of whom offers a different take on the significance of places in their culture. Apache conceptions of wisdom, manners and morals, and of their own history are inextricably intertwined with place, and by allowing us to overhear his conversations with Apaches on these subjects Basso expands our awareness of what place can mean to people.Most of us use the term "sense of place" often and rather carelessly when we think of nature or home or literature. Our senses of place, however, come not only from our individual experiences but also from our cultures. "Wisdom Sits in Places," the first sustained study of places and place-names by an anthropologist, explores place, places, and what they mean to a particular group of people, the Western Apache in Arizona. For more than thirty years, Keith Basso has been doing fieldwork among the Western Apache, and now he shares with us what he has learned of Apache place-names--where they come from and what they mean to Apaches."This is indeed a brilliant exposition of landscape and language in the world of the Western Apache. But it is more than that. Keith Basso gives us to understand something about the sacred and indivisible nature of words and place. And this is a universal equation, a balance in the universe. Place may be the first of all concepts; it may be the oldest of all words."--N. Scott Momaday"In "Wisdom Sits in Places" Keith Basso lifts a veil on the most elemental poetry of human experience, which is the naming of the world. In so doing he invests his scholarship with that rarest of scholarly qualities: a sense of spiritual exploration. Through his clear eyes we glimpse the spirit of a remarkable people and their land, and when we look away, we see our own world afresh."--William deBuys"A very exciting book--authoritative, fully informed, extremely thoughtful, and also engagingly written and a joy to read. Guiding us vividly among the landscapes and related story-tellings of the Western Apache, Basso explores in a highly readable way the role of language in the complex but compelling theme of a people's attachment to place. An important book by an eminent scholar."--Alvin M. Josephy, Jr.
Effects of continuous feeding of low-phosphorus diets with and without phytase during the growing and laying periods on performance of two strains of Leghorns.

Abstract An experiment was conducted to determine the minimum levels of nonphytate P (NPP) with and without phytase that can be continuously and safely used during the growing and laying periods for diminishing P excretion to the environment. The experiment consisted of a 2 × 8 factorial arrangement of the treatments with two strains (Babcock B-300 and Hy-Line W-98) and eight diets. The birds of the control group (T1) were fed a determined NPP regimen of 0.34-0.30-0.23% for the periods of 0 to 6 wk (0.34%), 6 to 12 wk (0.30%), and 12 to 18 wk (0.23%) of age and 0.39% determined NPP during the laying period (18 to 26 wk of age). The dietary NPP regimens during the growing and laying periods for T2 to T5 were as follows: T2, 0.25-0.20-0.16 and 0.29%; T3, 0.15-0.10-0.08 and 0.18%; T4, 0.12-0.07-0.08 and 0.12%; and T5, 0.08-0.07-0.08, and 0.08%. The birds of T6 to T8 were fed diets similar to T3 to T3 plus 300 U phytase/kg of diet. The growth parameters and egg production performance of birds of T2, which were fed the NPP regimen of 0.25-0.20-0.16% during the growing period and 0.29% NPP during the laying period, and those of T6, which were fed a NPP regimen of 0.15-0.10-0.08% plus phytase during the growing period and 0.18% NPP plus phytase during the laying period were similar to the control group. However, their total P intakes were 16.1 and 44% lower, respectively, and their NPP intakes were 29.7 and 64.1% lower, respectively, than the control group during the entire growing period. During the digestion trial (wk 16), daily total P excretion of these two groups (T2 and T6) were 21.2 and 43.1%, respectively, lower than the control groups. The birds fed T3, T4, and T5 regimens had consistently inferior performance than the controls both during the growing and laying periods. Phytase completely alleviated the adverse effect of the low-NPP levels fed to T3 during the growing and laying periods and partially alleviated the adverse effects of low-NPP regimens fed to birds of T4 and T5 during the growing and laying periods. Additional experiments involving longer laying cycles are warranted prior to making practical recommendations.
Cost-effectiveness of omalizumab in adults with severe asthma: Results from the Asthma Policy Model

Background Omalizumab (trade name Xolair) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of moderate-to-severe allergic asthma. Given the high acquisition cost of omalizumab, its role and cost-effectiveness in disease management require definition. Objective We sought to identify the clinical and economic circumstances under which omalizumab might or might not be a cost-effective option by using a mathematic model. Methods We merged published data on clinical and economic outcomes (including acute event incidence, frequency/severity of hospitalizations, and health-related quality of life) to project 10-year costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and cost-effectiveness of treatment with omalizumab in addition to inhaled corticosteroids. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by using input data ranges from a variety of sources (published clinical trials and observational databases). Results For patients with baseline acute event rates, omalizumab conferred an additional 1.7 quality-adjusted months at an incremental cost of $131,000 over a 10-year planning horizon, implying a cost-effectiveness ratio of $821,000 per QALY gained. For patients with 5 times the baseline acute event rate, the cost-effectiveness ratio was $491,000 per QALY gained. The projected cost-effectiveness ratio could fall within a range of other programs that are widely considered to be cost-effective if the cost of omalizumab decreases to less than $200. Conclusion Omalizumab is not cost-effective for most patients with severe asthma. The projected cost-effectiveness ratios could fall within a favorable range if the cost of omalizumab decreases significantly. Clinical implications Based on the high cost of omalizumab, it is especially important that clinicians explore alternative medications for asthma before initiating omalizumab.
A Tour Construction Framework for the Travelling Salesman Problem

The Tour Construction Framework (TCF) integrates both global and local heuristics in a complementary framework in order to efficiently solve the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP). Most tour construction heuristics are strictly local in nature. However, the experimental method presented in this research includes a global heuristic to efficiently solve the TSP. The Global Path (GP) component and Super Node (SN) component comprise the TCF. Each component heuristic is tuned with one or more parameters. The performance of the TCF is evaluated for speed, accuracy, and computational complexity, and it is compared against six mainstream TSP solvers: LinKernighan-Helsgaun (LKH-2), 2-Opt, Greedy, Boruvka, QuickBoruvka, and Nearest Neighbor. The empirical study demonstrates the effectiveness of the TCF in achieving near-optimal solutions for the TSP with reasonable costs.
Sounding the city: Ciaran Carson and the perceptual politics of war

‘Only the city’, argues Ciaran Carson, ‘can be a map of the city’. Carson, writing of a ‘Troubled’ Belfast, suggests that the immanence of violence in a conflict zone leaves landmarks contingent, potentially temporary, alarmingly open to being ‘swallowed in the maw of time’. This uncertainty collapses optic (and the map's pan-optic) logic: less a legible landscape than a ‘demolition city’, Belfast seems a shape-shifter of sorts, an urban palimpsest where past haunts present and ‘streets and shops [are the stuff of] memory’. Carson's poetry responds to this injunction, plotting Belfast's ‘dangerous potentiality’ by tracing the epistemological exhaustion of the visual. It also, however, provisionally re-maps the city in and through sound, considering place in acoustic space. While Carson's poem ‘Question Time’ peremptorily pronounces that ‘[m]aps and street directories are suspect’, his ‘Queen's Gambit’ charts Belfast's whirrings, tickings, hissings, and rumblings in their stead. Carson therefore offers a...
Degrees of Unsolvability in Formal Grammars

The following theorem is a refinement of an unsolvability result due to E. Post: For any recursively enumerable degree D of recursive unsolvability there is a recursive class of sequences (of the same length) of nonempty words on an alphabet A such that the Post correspondence decision problem for that class is of degree D. This theorem is proved and then applied to obtain degree analogues of the ambiguity problem and the common program problem for the class of context-free grammars.
Wave velocities in shock-compressed cubic and hexagonal single crystals above the elastic limit

Abstract When solids are subjected to high-pressure shock-wave loading, multiple stress waves propagate with velocities dependent upon the elastic and inelastic compressibilities of the solid. The present paper shows that the inelastic or plastic waves in cubic and hexagonal single crystals do not necessarily propagate with the bulk sound speed as they do in isotropic elastic-plastic solids. This result is a consequence of anisotropy in the plastic deformation which depends on the slip plane orientation in the crystal and has important consequences with regard to the determination of compressibilities from shock-wave data. In particular, for wave propagation in the directions of cubic crystals the departure from the bulk velocity can be significant (5–25 per cent). For wave propagation normal to the c -axis in hexagonal crystals, the plastic wave velocity also differs from the bulk sound speed (10–25 per cent). Plastic wave velocities are tabulated for a number of cubic crystals on the basis of the various slip systems common to these materials. The calculated velocities are then compared with experimental data on shock-loaded single-crystal aluminum and sodium chloride.