cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer has a dismal prognosis and is projected to be the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality by 2030. Although modest improvement in survival with current conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy-based regimens, 5-year overall survival is still 9%. Despite becoming standard of care in several malignancies, single agent or dual check point inhibitor therapy is not effective in pancreatic cancer except in subgroup of patients with high microsatellite instability or high tumor mutational burden. Profoundly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer is a major barrier for success of immunotherapy. Rigorous research efforts are underway to explore immune-based combination therapy with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stroma-modifying agents, vaccines, and targeted therapies. This article aims to provide a review of the ongoing research in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
Product-Line Strategy at Porsche: The Effect of New Models on the Porsche Brand and the 911

The Porsche 911 has long been the face of the company's product line. Over the years, Porsche has added models priced either above or below the 911, but only the lower-priced models have sold well. Porsche seems to struggle between what an executive calls the "pull of the market" and the "tug of brand equity." This case provides an opportunity for students to analyze the optimal breadth of a product line that will balance sales, profitability, dealer satisfaction, and long-term brand health and customer satisfaction. Excerpt UVA-M-0695 Rev. Jun. 30, 2011 Product-Line Strategy at Porsche: THE EFFECT OF NEW MODELS ON THE PORSCHE BRAND AND THE 911 The 911 is the most universally recognized car on the planet. From the very first bathtub 356 to the modern 911, the formula for a successful Porsche has never deviated. Put the engine in the rear, outrageous fender flares at each wheel (but especially in the rear), and make sure, damn sure, that the styling is predicated on styling cues established 40 years ago. Along the way, Porsche has tried to deviate from this simple formula—the 914, the 928 and, of course, the 944, none of which have been successful, despite the fact that all (and I include the 914 in that category because the 914/6 version was a great car) were exemplary motor cars that outshone their contemporaries. . . .
Mode Losses in Waveguide FAR-Infrared Lasers

The mode losses in hollow-circular waveguide resonators for far-infrared lasers are studied. Theoretical formalisms have been developed for the waveguide resonator which consists of both dielectric and metallic tubes with dielectric films and metallic grids deposited on mirrors and waveguide walls. Both propagation loss and the coupling loss for low-loss modes, circular magnetic and electric modes, and hybrid modes are investigated theoretically. A computer program was written to solve the equations numerically.
The distance of operators of in nite multiplicity to the normals and nonseparable BDF theory

We show that the distance from an operator T to the normal operators changes drastically when we increase the multiplicity to ∞. If T(∞) denotes a countably in nite direct sum of copies of T, and if C is the constant in the remarkable distance estimate of Kachkovskiy and Safarov (2016), then the distance from T(∞) to the set of normal operators is at most 2C||T*T-TT*||1/2. There is no such relation for the in mum of the distances from T(n) (1≤n<∞) to the normals. We use this to show that if H is a nonseparable Hilbert space and K is any closed ideal in B(H) that is not the ideal of compact operators, then any normal element of B(H)=K can be lifted to a normal element of B(H).
Lay Juries, Professional Arbitrators, and the Arbitrator Selection Hypothesis

Do civil juries follow the broad dictates of the law? For example, do those plaintiffs who suffer greater damages receive greater awards? Are juries consistent? Do juries empty deep pockets? In many states automobile accidents are first tried by a professional arbitrator and then by a jury if one of the litigants is dissatisfied with the outcome. How do the decisions made by professional arbitrators compare to the decisions made by juries? This article seeks to answer these questions by first developing a model of arbitrator selection and then undertaking an empirical study of 380 automobile accident cases that went through both an arbitration and a jury trial. Copyright 2003, Oxford University Press.
Recognition of letters displayed as briefly flashed dot patterns

Complex shapes can be identified (named) when only the outer boundary of the shape is represented by discrete dots and with the dots being displayed for a duration lasting only a few microseconds (μs). This line of work is extended here to include recognition of letters with 10 μs flashes as a means to study visible persistence and information persistence. The first two studies were designed to assess visible persistence. Models were derived that quantified how recognition changed as a function of flash intensity. Then each letter was displayed twice, each at a near-threshold level of intensity and varying the interval between flashes. The second flash was able to boost the influence of the first flash for about 100 ms. This corresponds to the duration that a brief flash will remain visible, so these conditions likely were producing visible persistence. Information persistence was studied by manipulating dot density of the letter patterns. Recognition declined as the density of dots in each letter pattern was reduced. When two complimentary low-density samples were flashed, there was summation of their influence that declined to an asymptote in about 200 ms, and then remained above the one-flash control out to the maximum test interval of 1 s. The summation of high-salience, low-density dot patterns over such a long interval likely reflects both iconic memory persistence and access to working memory.
Microwave field-effect transistors: Theory, design, and applications

This book covers the use of devices in microwave circuits and includes such topics as semiconductor theory and transistor performance, CAD considerations, intermodulation, noise figure, signal handling, S-parameter mapping, narrow- and broadband techniques, packaging and thermal considerations. Perhaps the most comprehensive text on GaAs FET technology and its practical application. It covers the use of MESFET devices in microwave circuits, such as low-noise amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, power amplifiers, switches and multipliers. This text is a classic reference for all engineers involved in the development of solid state microwave devices.
High birefringence liquid crystal mixtures for laser beam steering

Summary form only given. Optical phased arrays (OPA) represent a versatile device for laser beam steering, adaptive optics, electronic lens, and network switching. An applied stepwise voltage creates a phase grating inside the liquid crystal (LC) media that deflects the incoming laser beam to a programmable angle with high precision and high energy efficiency. LC mixtures with /spl Delta/n/spl ges/0.4 and low viscosity, wide nematic range, low operating voltage and good UV stability are particularly desirable. Tolane liquid crystals exhibit a reasonably high /spl Delta/n, low viscosity, and good chemical, photo and thermal stability. The same properties are also found in isothiocyanates. Therefore, coupling tolane and NCS groups should lead to a high birefringence and large dielectric anisotropy while preserving a relatively low viscosity.
Automated multi-atlas labeling of the fornix and its integrity in alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. Diffusion imaging provides information on white matter integrity not available with standard MRI, revealing additional information on how Alzheimer's disease affects the brain. Here we implemented and tested a multi-atlas labeling algorithm to segment the fornix and a point-correspondence tract matching scheme to assess fiber integrity in the fornix in diffusion MRI from 210 participants scanned as part of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Various diffusion-derived measures were used to relate fornix degeneration to cognitive decline. On 3D parametric tract models, mean diffusivity (MD) was more sensitive to group differences than fractional anisotropy (FA). Compared to previous studies, we mapped diffusion information along the fornix, yielding 3-D maps of degenerative changes along the tract in people with different stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Acrolein. IV. Evidence for the formation of the cytotoxic aldehyde acrolein from enzymatically oxidized spermine or spermidine.

Abstract Acrolein is formed in significant amounts from enzymatically oxidized spermine or spermidine at 37 °. This was proved by its detection in the vapor phase of incubation mixtures containing plasma amine-oxidase (or calf serum) and spermine or spermidine. Using air or nitrogen as carriers the vapor phase of the incubation mixtures was passed through cold traps with water or ethanol where acrolein was collected by absorption. Identification and quantitation of the absorbed acrolein was carried out by fluorometry, colorimetry, uv spectrophotometry, and by comparison of the ir spectra of its 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative with those obtained from the derivatives of reference solutions of acrolein. Equivalent amounts of putrescine could not be detected in the solutions with the absorbed acrolein. Different pathways are suggested for the resulting intermediate products from enzymatically oxidized spermine at 30 and 37 °, according to the length of the oxidation period.
Discretion versus policy rules in practice: two critical points

My reaction to John Taylor’s paper is predominantly positive. It strikes me as quite a valuable discussion one that is genuinely thoughtful and shows in many ways the fruits of John’s extensive experience in building, estimating, and simulating multicountry (as well as single-economy) econometric models. Indeed, it even shows evidence of his public-service experience as a member of the Council of Economic Advisors. Nevertheless the paper raises a pair of issues that warrant further discussion. One of these involves a definitional problem concerning the paper’s main topic and the other pertains to substantive problems with some of the work that it discusses. The first problem is that the paper is not, I believe, entirely successful in its attempt to offer an operational distinction between policymaking according to a rule and policymaking by discretion. I am highly sympathetic to John’s desire to broaden the concept of a rule beyond the literal adherence to a mechanical formula, but in that regard I do not see how he means to make use of the “precise analytical distinction” that is provided as he mentions on p. 198 by the time-consistency literature. His discussion accurately stresses that a rule will not prevail when “the settings for the instruments of policy are determined from scratch each period with no attempt to follow a reasonably well-defined contingency plan...” (p. 198). It then goes on more constructively to suggest that the crucial distinction is that a rule is and discretion is not systematic, which means “methodical, according to a plan, and not casually or at random.“’ I do not think this statement is
Fundamentals of Structural Mechanics

Vectors and Tensors.- The Geometry of Deformation.- The Transmission of Force.- Elastic Constitutive Theory.- Boundary Value Problems in Elasticity.- The Ritz Method of Approximation.- The Linear Theory of Beams.- The Linear Theory of Plates.- Energy Principles and Static Stability.- Fundamental Concepts in Static Stability.- The Planar Buckling of Beams.- Numerical Computation for Nonlinear Problems.
Client or Prospective Client: What's the Difference?

The use of websites and social media by lawyers has grown rapidly. In this ethics column, we explore the ethics of lawyers communicating with nonclients, prospective clients, and clients through websites and social media. To understand the potential ethical consequences of such communications, a lawyer needs a firm grasp of the distinctions ethics authorities draw among nonclients, prospective clients, and clients. We focus on these distinctions, with particular emphasis on ABA Model Rule 1.18 and the distinction between a prospective client and a client.
A quantitative assessment of RFI in the near-earth environment

Central to the issue of making observations from space near the earth is the assessment of the environmental noise levels at very low frequencies. It is well known from previous space-borne observations, particularly from the Radio Astronomy Explorer satellites, that the radio frequency interference (RFI) levels below about 10 MHz are very high, sometimes exceeding the galactic background noise by at least 40 dB. In this paper I will review the known sources of rf noise, their spectral and intensity characteristics, and how serious a threat each represents to monitoring in the earth's neighborhood It is clear that the quietest frequency/time regime for monitoring galactic and extragalactic sources is over the dayside of the earth in the 0.8 – 10 MHz band Observations made in 1969 from RAE-1 achieved an interference free duty cycle of nearly 5096 in the band below 4 MHz on the nightside of the planet. It is felt that by going to an altitude of ~ 10Re, observations during the present epoch could match or exceed the 1969 RAE observing conditions, particularly on the dayside of the planet.
Adaptive Algorithms for Blind Channel Equalization

Several different approaches to the design of blind channel equalization algorithms for digital communications have been described in the literature, including steepest-descent algorithms, algorithms based on the use of high-order statistics, and algorithms based on the maximum-likelihood criterion. In this paper, we focus on algorithms based on maximum likelihood optimization for jointly estimating the channel characteristics and the data sequence.
Dataflow Computers: Their History and Future

The dataflow model of computation offers an attractive alternative to control-flow in extracting parallelism from programs. The execution of a dataflow instruction is based on the availability of its operand(s); hence, the synchronization of parallel activities is implicit in the dataflow model. Instructions in dataflow model do not impose any constraints on sequencing except for the data dependencies in the program. The elegant representation of concurrency in dataflow computation led to considerable interest in dataflow modes over the past three decades. These efforts have led to successively more elaborate architechtural implementations of the model. However, studies form past projects have revealed a number of inefficiencies in dataflow computing. Recent advances that may address these deficiencies have generated a renewed interest in dataflow. In this article we will survey the various issues and developments in dataflow computing. Keywords: dataflow architecture; dataflow languages; classification of dataflow machine; macro dataflow; pure dataflow; hybrid dataflow; handling data structures; partitioning and load balancing; cache in dataflow
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—DISSEMINATED PERITONEAL LEIOMYOMATOSIS IN A DOG

A 17-month-old male Labrador retriever presented for evaluation of an abdominal mass felt during abdominal palpation. Multiple variably sized cystic masses were identified on sonographic and radiographic images. Exploratory laparotomy revealed multiple peritoneal masses that exhibited atypical contractions and lacked an identifiable organ of origin. Histology and immunohistochemistry of multiple surgically excised masses was consistent with benign tumors of smooth muscle origin (leiomyomas). The presence of multiple peritoneal leiomyomas in this dog is consistent with disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis. Two years after diagnosis and multiple surgical interventions, continual insidious enlargement of leiomyomas was identified on ultrasound and CT.
Functional factor VIII made with von Willebrand factor at high levels in transgenic milk.

Summary. Background: Current manufacturing methods for recombinanthumanfactor VIII(rFVIII)withinmammaliancell cultures are inefficient, hampering the production of sufficient amounts for affordable, worldwide treatment of hemophilia A. However, rFVIII has been expressed at very high levels by the transgenic mammary glands of mice, rabbits, sheep, and pigs. Unfortunately, it is secreted into milk with low specific activity, owing in part to the labile, heterodimeric structure that results from furin processing of its B domain. Objectives: To express biologically active rFVIII in the milk of transgenic mice through targeted bioengineering. Methods: Transgenic mice were made with a mammary-specific FVIII gene (226/N6) bioengineered for efficient expression and stability, encoding a protein containing a B domain with no furin cleavage sites. 226/N6 was expressed with and without von Willebrand factor (VWF). 226/N6 was evaluated by ELISA, SDS-PAGE, western blot, and one-stage and two-stage clotting assays. The hemostatic activity of immunoaffinity-enriched 226/N6 was studied in vivo by infusion into hemophilia A knockout mice. Results and conclusions: With or without coexpression of VWF, 226/N6 was secreted into milk as a biologically active single-chain molecule that retained high specific activity, similar to therapeutic-grade FVIII. 226/N6 had > 450-fold higher IU mL )1 than previously reported in cell culture for rFVIII. 226/N6 exhibited similar binding to plasmaderived VWF as therapeutic-grade rFVIII, and intravenous infusion of transgenic 226/N6 corrected the bleeding phenotype of hemophilia A mice. This provides proof-of-principle for the study of expression of 226/N6 and perhaps other single-chain bioengineered rFVIIIs in the milk of transgenic livestock.
A Tide in the Affairs of Women

Women, Wives, Mothers: Values and Options. Jessie Bernard. Chicago: Aldine, 1975. viii + 286 pp. $5.95 (paper). The Women's Movement: Political, Socioeconomic, and Psychological Issues. Barbara Sinclair Deckard. New York: Harper and Row, 1975. xii + 450 pp. $6.95 (paper). Sex and the Intelligent Woman. Manfred F. DeMartino. New York: Springer, 1974. xii + 308 pp. $8.95 (cloth). Women and Men: An Anthropologist's View. Ernestine Friedl. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1975. xi + 148 pp. n.p. (paper). Naked Nomads. George Gilder. New York: Quadrangle-New York Times, 1974. 180 pp. $7.95 (cloth). Sex Roles in Law and Society: Cases and Materials. Leo Kanowitz. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1974 (First published 1973, reprinted). xiv + 706 pp. $20.00 (cloth), $8.50 (paper). Women and the Law: The Unfinished Revolution. Leo Kanowitz. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1975 (First published 1969, reprinted). xviii + 312 pp. $3.95 (paper). Female of the Species. Kay Martin and Barbara Voorhies. New York: Columbia University Press, 1975. xi + 432 pp. n.p. (paper). The Role of Woman in the Middle Ages. Papers of the 6th Annual Conference of the Center for Medieval and Early Renaissance Studies, State University of New York at Binghamton, May 1972. Rosemarie Thee Morewedge, ed. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1975. xv + 195 pp. $12.50 (cloth). Men and Masculinity. Joseph H. Pleck and Jack Sawyer, eds. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, 1974. viii + 184 pp. $6.95 (cloth). Women and Social Policy. Constantino Safilios-Rothschild. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, 1974. ix + 197 pp. $6.95 (cloth), $3.50 (paper). Women in Chinese Society. Margery Wolf and Roxane Witke, eds. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1975. x + 315 pp. $12.50 (cloth).
Experiences with Mirth: an open source health care integration engine

Integration engines are a crucial piece of the health care information technology puzzle. Health care organizations like hospitals and clinics are faced with vast amounts of data and a slew of interchange standards and protocols when addressing the issue of exchanging data between information systems. This paper describes our experience in developing Mirth, a popular open source health care messaging integration engine. Based on a unique client-server and enterprise service bus hybrid architecture, Mirth supports the development of interfaces for moving data between two or more systems. We describe the Mirth architecture in detail and discuss our experiences through several case studies that demonstrate its use. We also provide our insights gained in designing the Mirth architecture through several lessons learned.
Comparison of α-Crystallin A and B chains in their dissociated and associated states

Changes occurring during the heterologous association of A with B chains to form α-crystallin molecules were compared to changes occurring during homologous association of these chains to form aggregate molecules of A with A or B with B chains. This analysis of the α-crystallin subunit chains was done with antibodies to dissociated A or B chains and with antibodies restricted to each of these chains isolated from an immune serum to α-crystallin in which the A and B chains were associated with each other. In separated, aggregated A chains, only about 25% of the antigenic determinants were found to be the same as those which occur in the monomeric A chains. In the aggregated B chains, about 58% of the determinants were found to be also reactive in the monomeric B chains. These findings indicate that significantly greater conformational changes take place during the aggregation of A than of B chains. Antigenically, the A and B chains were found to be completely different. The antigenic determinants of A chains in α-crystallin constitute 92% of all of the antigenic determinants in separated, aggregated A chains. The 8% of determinants present in separated, aggregated A chains which were non-reactive in α-crystallin or absent from it were also nonreactive in monomeric A chains; thus, these determinants must be aggregation-dependent. The antigenic determinants of A chains in α-crystallin and those of separated, aggregated A chains showed the same ratio of monomeric to aggregation-dependent antigenic determinants. The B chains in α-crystallin and in the separated, aggregated B chains were found to be antigenically identical. These results are compatible with the view that early post-translational changes of A and B chains may first involve homologous aggregation of each chain, followed by conformational changes which lead to the association of A with B chains in a 2:1 ratio. An association of two monomeric A chains with one monomeric B chain, e.g. leading first to the formation of a “primary” α-crystallin molecule which then aggregates further, could be expected to yield different immunochemical data. This hypothesis is under further investigation.
Ah receptor phosphorylation: localization of phosphorylation sites to the C-terminal half of the protein.

Abstract The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcriptional enhancer activated by the binding of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) and related xenobiotics. Ligand binding initiates a series of poorly understood molecular events which confers recognition of cis -acting elements located in regulatory regions of particular structural genes, such as CYP1A1 . Several studies have suggested that AhR phosphorylation may be instrumental in activating the AhR to a DNA-binding state. In agreement with previous investigations, treatment of the AhR with acid phosphatase resulted in the loss of DNA-binding activity. To further evaluate the functional role of AhR phosphorylation we determined whether TCDD binding altered total AhR phosphorylation, and identified phosphorylated regions by the examination of chemical cleavage patterns. The AhR was isolated by immunoprecipitation from [ 32 P]-orthophosphate-labeled Hepa 1 cells grown in the presence or absence of TCDD. Examination of the amount of 32 P associated with the AhR indicated that the total level of AhR phosphorylation was not affected by ligand binding. Chemical cleavage with hydroxylamine and cyanogen bromide also revealed a similar pattern for liganded and unliganded AhR. The shortest regions of overlap determined by the chemical cleavage patterns localized phosphorylation sites to two regions in the C-terminal half of the AhR, One region is centrally located between amino acids 368 and 605 and within or adjacent to a DNA binding repressor domain. The other region is located at the glutamine-rich carboxyl terminus between amino acids 636 and 759. These data coupled with previous observations imply that total AhR phosphorylation is not altered by the ligand-elicited transformation to a DNA-binding form, but that phosphorylation nevertheless plays an important role in the ability of an active AhR-Arnt complex to associate with cis -acting regulatory elements.
Seven dubious methods to mitigate stiffness in particle flow with non-zero diffusion for nonlinear filters, Bayesian decisions, and transport

We explain why one of our favorite particle flows (method #18) requires special care for numerical integration. The root cause is stiffness of the flow. This can be mitigated with a small increase in computational complexity (a factor of three). There are many ways to do this, but some are much better than others. In particular, one can use a smaller step size for numerical integration, or use principal coordinates, or use a stiff ODE solver or an adaptive ODE solver or other methods. We show that the best methods are contrary to the standard advice given in textbooks.
Balloon Cytology in Screening of Asymptomatic Alcoholics for Esophageal Cancer, Part I

We assessed the feasibility of using balloon cytology to screen an asymptomatic group of alcoholics at increased risk for esophageal cancer. The results indicate that this group can be studied with minimal morbidity and that useful material can be obtained in 85% of subjects. Keratinization was present in 68% of specimens and fungus was noted in 9%. Individuals with moderate to large amounts of keratinization consumed significantly more alcohol than those without cytologic evidence of keratin. We speculate that keratinization and fungus may represent markers of enhanced malignant potential in this population.
Interleukin 10 is not essential for survival or for modulating T-cell function after injury

Abstract Background: Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is thought to be protective in injury and sepsis. However, we recently reported that IL-10 antagonism can be beneficial after burn injury. This study used IL-10–deficient (IL-10 [–/–]) mice to further define the role of IL-10 after injury. Methods: Wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 or IL-10 (–/–) mice were anesthetized, sham or burn injured, and immunized subcutaneously with a T-cell–dependent protein antigen. Ten days later antigen-specific serum antibody isotype formation was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, antigen-stimulated splenic T-cell proliferation and cytokine production (interleukin 2, interferon gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were measured. Results: Burn-injured IL-10 (–/–) mice survival (80%) was equivalent to that of burn-injured WT mice (74%). An injury-dependent loss of T-helper 1 (Th1)–type antibody isotype (IgG2a) formation occurred in both WT and IL-10 (–/–) mice. In vitro studies indicated that burn injury caused reduced antigen-stimulated splenic T-cell proliferation and Th1-type (interleukin 2 and interferon gamma) cytokine production in WT and IL-10 (–/–) mice, whereas burn-injured IL-10 (–/–) mice produced high levels of antigen-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-α. Conclusions: IL-10 is not essential for survival after burn injury or for several injury-induced changes in adaptive immune function, including Th1-type antibody isotype formation, T-cell proliferation, and Th1-type cytokine production. (Surgery 1999;126:456-62.)
A Hybrid-Inverse Method for Predicting the Temperature Profile Along a Blackbody Optical Fiber Thermometer

A blackbody optical fiber thermometer consists of an optical fiber whose sensing tip is given a metallic coating. The sensing tip of the fiber forms an isothermal cavity, and the emission from this cavity is approximately equal to the emission from a blackbody. Temperature readings are obtained by measuring the spectral intensity at the end of the fiber at two wavelengths. The ratio of these measurements is used to infer the temperature at the sensing tip. However, readings from blackbody optical fiber thermometers are corrupted by self-emission when extended portions of the fiber are exposed to elevated temperatures. The error due to self-emission by the fiber may be eliminated using spectral remote sensing. In this method, the radiation exiting the fiber is measured in portions of the visible and infrared spectrum, and the measured spectral intensities are used to reconstruct the temperature profile along the fiber. One method of reconstructing the temperature profile along the fiber is to use a genetic algorithm. Genetic algorithms are, however, computationally expensive. This paper describes a method for decreasing the computational time by implementing a hybrid inversion algorithm. This hybrid algorithm first uses a genetic algorithm to narrow the search space. A gradient-based method is then used to complete the inversion process. Results from the genetic algorithm alone, the gradient-based method alone and the hybrid method are presented.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Metal speciation in xylem and phloem exudates

Two computer programs based on simultaneous chemical equilibria were compared for calculation of chemical species in xylem exudates. The first program, CHELATE, was developed to calculate the chemical species in xylem exudates while GEOCHEM was developed to calculate the speciation of natural aquatic systems. The output of the two programs should be similar since they are based on similar calculations. Data input to the programs consisted of concentration data for Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn, NH4, PO4, pH and 28 organic ligands reported for xylem exudates from soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) plants grown in nutrient solution17. The organic ligands included amino acids and low molecular weight organic acids (e.g., citric and malic). With the exception of Fe, there were large differences between CHELATE and GEOCHEM in the calculated speciation of nearly all metals in the xylem exudates. In general, there was better agreement between the programs for the speciation of alkaline earth metals than for transition metals. Discrepancies between the two programs were attributed to differences in 1) species considered and 2) stability constants. GEOCHEM considered a greater number of possible complexes. In addition, stability constants for some complexes differed by as much as 10 fold between the two programs. When the data base for GEOCHEM and CHELATE were the same, the output from CHELATE and GEOCHEM was almost identical. Thus, computations performed by the two programs are equally valid, but it is essential that the data base used in chemical models be verified before interpreting the output.
Classification and pathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis

Although candidiasis of the female genital tract is one of the most common of the vaginitides, it is a poorly understood disease entity. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a monoetiologic disease, but the pathways by which pathogenic expression is attained are sufficiently divergent to constitute a classification schema that influences therapy. For selection of appropriate therapy, the following three broad categories are proposed: (1) primary candidiasis, (2) antibiotic-induced candidiasis, and (3) systemically induced candidiasis.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, class 2 beta (PI3KC2β) isoform contributes to neuroblastoma tumorigenesis.

Abstract Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) play important roles in human tumorigenesis. Activation of the PI3K target AKT is frequent in neuroblastoma (NB) and correlates with poor prognosis. PI3K pan-inhibitors reduce NB tumor formation but present severe toxicity, which limits their therapeutic potential. Therefore, defining the importance of specific PI3K isoforms may aid in developing more effective therapeutic strategies. We previously demonstrated that PI3K Class IIβ (PI3KC2β) and its regulator intersectin 1 (ITSN1) are highly expressed in primary NB tumors and cell lines. Silencing ITSN1 dramatically reduced the tumorigenic potential of NB cells. Interestingly, overexpression of PI3KC2β rescued the anchorage-independent growth of ITSN1-silenced cells suggesting that PI3KC2β mediates ITSN1's function in NB cells. To address the importance of PI3KC2β in NBs, we generated PI3KC2β-silenced lines and examined their biologic activity. Herein, we demonstrate that PI3KC2β-silencing inhibits early stages of NB tumorigenic growth. We also show that loss of endogenous PI3KC2β or ITSN1 reduces AKT activation but does not impact ERK–MAPK activation. These data reveal a novel role for PI3KC2β in human NB tumorigenesis.
The Time Course of the Immune Response to Experimental Coronavirus Infection of Man

After preliminary trials, the detailed changes in the concentration of specific circulating and local antibodies were followed in 15 volunteers inoculated with coronavirus 229E. Ten of them, who had significantly lower concentrations of pre-existing antibody than the rest, became infected and eight of these developed colds. A limited investigation of circulating lymphocyte populations showed some lymphocytopenia in infected volunteers. In this group, antibody concentrations started to increase 1 week after inoculation and reached a maximum about 1 week later. Thereafter antibody titres slowly declined. Although concentrations were still slightly raised 1 year later, this did not always prevent reinfection when volunteers were then challenged with the homologous virus. However, the period of virus shedding was shorter than before and none developed a cold. All of the uninfected group were infected on re-challenge although they also appeared to show some resistance to disease and in the extent of infection. These results are discussed with reference to natural infections with coronavirus and with other infections, such as rhinovirus infections.
Right Ventricular Dyssynchrony in Heart Failure: A Tissue Doppler Imaging Study

Abstract Background The development of right ventricular dysfunction is a poor prognostic sign in patients with heart failure (HF). Although left ventricular dyssynchrony has been well described, it is not known whether right ventricular dyssynchrony coexists in HF. We used tissue Doppler imaging to determine whether right ventricular dyssynchrony is also present in HF patients. Methods and Results In 34 HF patients (mean age 56 ± 13 years), we measured longitudinal strain at the right ventricular free wall, interventricular septum, and left ventricular lateral wall. Right ventricular and left ventricular dyssynchrony were defined as the difference in time to peak strain between the right ventricular free wall and the septum and between the left ventricular lateral wall and septum, respectively. Mean right ventricular dyssynchrony was 59 ± 45 ms and the mean left ventricular dyssynchrony was 80 ± 62 ms. We found a strong correlation between right ventricular dyssynchrony and pulmonary artery systolic pressure ( r = 0.73; P r = −0.43; P Conclusion HF patients exhibit right ventricular dyssynchrony by strain imaging which correlates with pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction.
High-Molecular-Weight Polymer Analysis by Laser Microprobe Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry:

The frequency-quadrupled output of a Nd:YAG laser (266 nm) is focused to a spot of about 10 micrometers diameter and used to ablate eight industrially important polymers of known composition within a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FTICR). The spectra usually show distinct and dramatic differences compared with those obtained with conventional laser microprobes based on a time-of-flight approach. Although rearrangement products are more prevalent than structural ions, the spectra are directly distinguishable by qualitative inspection. Spectra are consistent with two simple mechanisms for formation of rearrangement products: carbon clustering and condensation of stable subunits. High-mass C clusters resembling the
A Case Study of Mental Health Professionals' Input into Juvenile Court Decision Making:

This article focuses on the common practice of employing masters level mental health professionals (social workers and psychologists) rather than bachelors level probation officers to prepare presentence reports in juvenile court settings. Using a before-and-after research design, the study identified and compared the process of decision making, the severity of decisions, and recidivism as reflected in the presentence reports of mental health professionals and probation officers. The major findings indicate that the employment of mental health professionals moved the court away from a legalistic decision model, where punishments were tailored to the seriousness of past andpresent delinquent behavior, and resulted in more severe case dispositions for offenders. Furthermore, the professionals' input did not produce a reduction in recidivism. The article concludes by stressing the need to avoid increased intervention unless there is a clear demonstration of benefit. Additionally, several topics are suggested...
Interpersonal and mass media communication: Political learning in New Hampshire's first‐in‐the‐nation presidential primary

This article examines voters’ attentiveness to the news media and participation in political discussions during the New Hampshire presidential primary. Differences in exposure to these intermediaries are explored in an effort to identify where different voters turn for political information. While political attentiveness is strongly correlated with political discussions, attentiveness to the news media is better explained by demographic differences. Thus, there is a motivational difference that has important implications for understanding how voters obtain and process political information. Specifically, the results presented in this study suggest that political learning occurs most effectively through social interaction with personal intermediaries. Voters have more contact with the mass media than with personal networks. But when salient political cues are not available to voters through the mass media, personal networks provide the most attentive voters with an opportunity for political learning throug...
The Selective Conscientious Objector: A Vietnam Legacy

There are many legacies which remain from participation by the United States in the Vietnam War. There are unresolved questions of amnesty for draft evaders; there are controversies concerning the admission of refugees to the United States; there are the forgotten soldiers who participated in the longest and most unpopular war in U.S. history; and there are unanswered questions concerning the now suspended military draft.
The movement of metals applied to soils in sewage effluent

Land treatment is increasingly being utilized as a method of waste disposal for both sewage effluent and sludges. While there has been considerable attention directed toward the fate of metallic constituents of sewage sludges, there is little information on the fate and mobility of metals applied to soils in sewage effluent. This study was undertaken utilizing secondary treated sewage effluent amended to contain slightly less than 1 mg l−1 each of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The effluent was applied weekly for a period of one year on large undisturbed monoliths of four diverse soils enclosed in lysimeters. Leachate water and periodic soil samples were collected to evaluate the mobility of the metals. Soil samples collected after one year of effluent revealed that increases in the concentration of metals were greatest at the surface and decreased sharply with depth so that in most cases increases below 25 cm were insignificant. The depth of movement appeared to be independent of the soil characteristics, despite the range of clay content and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Mobility evaluated from the percent of that applied remained in the surface 0 to 2.5 cm was as follows Cd > Zn = Ni = Pb > Cu. The movement of metals was sufficiently slow, however, so that the leachate water collected at 1.5 m below the surface remained free of the applied metals throughout the study.
Managed care and children with special health care needs

Abstract Providing care to children with special health care needs within a managed care environment presents special challenges for providers and parents alike. The goal of managed care is to contain costs by encouraging or requiring members to obtain services through a designated network. In managed care programs, children and families may experience limited access to specialized care and services, along with decreased fragmentation inherent in fee-for-service care. For providers, managed care creates financial risk while offering opportunities for acquiring new skills and knowledge. The primary care provider assumes a central role in creating a medical home that links the child and family to a single provider who is an ongoing resource and partner in care. To provide comprehensive, coordinated, family-centered care, the medical home provider must learn about a variety of services available within the community and guide parents in learning how to access the services that meet their child's needs. Pediatric nurse practitioners can play a significant role in ensuring that children receive the most appropriate care. J Pediatr Health Care. (2001). 15, 3-9.
Green macroalgae blooms in the Yellow Sea during the spring and summer of 2008

[1] During the spring and summer of 2008, a large-scale green macroalgae (Enteromorpha prolifera) bloom broke out in the Yellow Sea. The bloom eventually aggregated in the coastal region off Qingdao in China, significantly affecting the city's preparations for the 2008 Summer Olympic sailing games. An algorithm using the Normalized Difference Algae Index, in combination with the shortwave infrared (SWIR) based water optical signature retrievals over macroalgae coverage, was developed with measurements from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Aqua to reveal the start, evolvement, coverage, and aggregation density of this bloom. The bloom started in the southern Yellow Sea during mid May of 2008, moved to the north with the ocean currents, reached its peak in late June with bloom areal coverage of ∼4000 km2 on 25 June, then gradually died down in late July. The SWIR atmospheric correction algorithm has been used to study the optical features of the green macroalgae patches during this event and quantify the macroalgae aggregation in the coastal region. The optical spectra of the bloom are characterized with significantly enhanced ocean surface-leaving radiance at the near-infrared wavelength with a maximum value exceeding ∼5 mW cm−2μm−1 sr−1 at the wavelength of 859 nm off the Qingdao coastal region in late June. In contrast, the optical spectra of macroalgae show little difference from the clear ocean waters in the visible band. The causes of the macroalgae bloom are also discussed and attributed to the eutrophication and bloom-favorable physical conditions (e.g., sea surface temperature, winds, ocean current, etc.) in the Yellow Sea.
Homograft Aortic Valve Replacement: The Subcoronary and Cylindrical Techniques

Aortic valve replacement using the homograft valve has an important place in the cardiac surgical armamentarium. Despite this, the homograft valve is still not widely used, in part due to the perceived difficulty of the procedure compared with aortic valve replacement using prosthetic devices , less convenient availability of the homograft compared with that of prosthetic devices, and concerns regarding homograft valve failure. This section outlines the subcoronary technique (and its variations) and cylindrical technique for aortic valve replacement using the homograft aortic valve. Homograft aortic valves had a short investigational' and clinical2 application by insertion in the descending thoracic aorta. However, it was Ross3 who first performed a homograft aortic valve replacement in the orthotopic position using a single suture line technique based on the work of Duran and Gunning4 In the same year, working independently, Barrett-Boyes5 also described the subcoronary technique using a double
Induction of summer hibernation in the 13-lined ground squirrel shown by comparative serum transfusions from arctic mammals.

Abstract A “trigger” substance was again indicated to be present in sera of hibernating animals. Sera from the hibernating 13-lined ground squirrel, hibernating woodchuck, hibernating Arctic ground squirrel, and hibernating Arctic marmot were all capable of inducing the 13-lined ground squirrel to hibernate in the summer, a season when that species would normally be active. The hibernation trigger is thus not species specific. It is effective whether drawn from these two Arctic species of hibernators or drawn from these two species of hibernators from the midwestern states. The normothermic Arctic marmot appears to have an “anti-trigger” substance in its serum in the summer, which impedes fall hibernation in the transfused 13-lined ground squirrel. This is similar to the anti-trigger observed in the summer serum of active 13-lined ground squirrels and active woodchucks. With respect to hypothermia, it was induced in Artic marmots and in Arctic foxes at Point Barrow, Alaska, in summer. Though in such cases body temperatures fell significantly (as in hibernation), no trigger was recovered from their hypothermic sera that could be shown to be capable of inducing summer hibernation in the ground squirrel. Neither was anti-trigger found in the serum of hypothermic experimentals. These latter experiments thus suggest that the release of trigger into the blood during hibernation is dependent on a mechanism more complex than simply lowering body temperature.
Strategies for health promotion

A key element in most efforts to prevent disease and promote health is behavioral change to lower risk. One-to-one programs to help people change their behavior are seriously limited because of the difficulty people have in making behavioral changes and because one-to-one programs do little to modify those forces in the community that continually produce new people at risk. In addition to one-to-one programs, therefore, environmental strategies for disease prevention are needed. Several clues regarding environmental interventions can be gleaned from the study of patterns of disease distributions. Not only are environmental approaches to prevention more efficient and practical than one-to-one programs, they also may shed new light on our understanding of disease etiology.
High capacity Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2–V2O5 composite cathodes with low irreversible capacity loss for lithium ion batteries

Abstract With an aim to suppress the huge irreversible capacity loss encountered in high capacity layered oxide solid solutions between Li2MnO3 and LiMO2 (M = Mn, Ni, and Co), layered Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2–V2O5 composite cathodes with various V2O5 contents have been investigated. The irreversible capacity loss decreases from 68 mAh/g at 100% Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 to 0 mAh/g around 89 wt.% Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2–11 wt.% V2O5 as the lithium-free V2O5 serves as an insertion host to accommodate the lithium ions that could not be inserted back into the layered lattice after the first charge. The Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2–V2O5 composite cathodes with about 10–12 wt.% V2O5 exhibit an attractive discharge capacity of close to 300 mAh/g with little irreversible capacity loss and good cyclability.