cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of small-amplitude intermediate shocks in a dissipative and dispersive system

Our study of the relationship between shock structure and evolutionarity is extended to include the effects of dispersion as well as dissipation. We use the derivative nonlinear Schrodinger-Burgers equation (DNLSB), which reduces to the Cohen-Kulsrud-Burgers equation (CKB) when finite ion inertia dispersion can be neglected. As in our previous CKB analysis, the fast shock solution is again unique, and the intermediate shock structure solutions are non-unique. With dispersion, the steady intermediate shock structure solutions continue to be labelled by the integral through the shock of the non-co-planar component of the magnetic field, whose value now depends upon the ratio of the dispersion and dissipation lengths. This integral helps to determine the solution of the Riemann problem. With dispersion, this integral is also non-zero for fast shocks. Thus, even for fast shocks, the solution of the Riemann problem depends upon shock structure.
The interfacial surface temperature of a disc brake

Abstract The equations for the surface temperature rise at the interface between a friction material and a brake disc have been rederived to show how they are interrelated. By making assumptions about how the heat generated during braking enters the brake disc, the surface temperature rises for the bulk surface and for the actual contact area have been calculated. These are compared with the observed bulk surface temperature rise and the temperature rise at the actual contact area estimated from the structure of the wear debris produced during braking, using an asbestos-based friction material rubbing on a cast-iron brake disc.
Visual impairments in macaques following inferior temporal lesions are exacerbated selectively by additional damage to superior temporal sulcus

The present study examined the behavioural effects of removing the inferior temporal cortex (area TE) either on its own or in combination with the adjacent fundus and upper bank of the superior temporal sulcus (area STP). Comparisons with preoperative behaviour showed that the addition of superior temporal sulcal damage led to an increase in visual components of the Kluver-Bucy syndrome, i.e. an increased tendency to touch and examine objects coupled with a decrease in emotional reactivity, but no excessive orality, changes in food preference, or coprophagia. No group differences were found in the learning of 3 pattern discriminations, but the animals with additional superior temporal sulcal lesions were more impaired than the others on 3 colour discriminations, successive reversals of an object discrimination, and a learning-set task. These findings indicate that STP provides an important route, independent of the route via TE, by which visual information can reach limbic structures to evoke affective responses and contribute to visual learning.
Methods for generating reagents to examine idiotype networks within antiviral immune responses

The use of anti-idiotypic antibodies to examine and/or modulate the immune response to various viral antigens has the potential to be of use in many diverse systems. This paper details the method and immunologic parameters used in our laboratory to generate and characterize anti-idiotypic antibodies (anti-Id or Ab-2) with specificity for antibodies directed against viral antigens. These anti-Id reagents have been used in our laboratory for studies involving the immune responses to hepatitis B virus and simian virus 40, which we describe here, as well as herpes simplex virus, and the human immunodeficiency virus. We have utilized these anti-Id reagents to examine the fine specificity of the idiotypes on antiviral antibodies in these systems and have attempted to modulate or induce specific antiviral immune responses. It is anticipated that the methods described herein will be helpful in analyzing the immune response in other viral systems including studies involving viral-receptor interactions.
Reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases: A qualitative assessment of Louisiana health disparities collaboratives

Background: Chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, continue to lead the way with regard to mortality as well as morbidity in the United States. Despite several efforts to prevent the onset of these diseases in the last couple of decades, the burden of chronic diseases continues to rise. The burden of chronic diseases has increased more rapidly among disparate populations, particularly among ethnic minorities, rural, and those in the lower socio-economic status. Rationale for Study: In an effort to reach the disparate populations, health disparities collaborative was implemented in Louisiana in 2010 in three federally qualified health centers to improve delivery of quality care and improve health outcomes for patients diagnosed with diabetes and heart disease. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using individual face-to-face interviews at each clinical site to assess the level of implementation, satisfaction with the initiative, and challenges and barriers in implementing the initiative. Data in this qualitative study were analyzed using interpretative coding. Results: All three clinical sites expressed satisfaction in implementing the collaborative and appreciated the coordinated efforts to treat chronic diseases among their patients. Interpretation: Although the implementation of chronic disease collaborative appeared to be very successful based on the qualitative data as well as clinical outcomes, several challenges in implementation were observed. Results of the study indicated a need for strong leadership at the clinical sites, enhanced communication efforts to engage the collaborative team, and increased emphasis on patient education for successful implementation of the collaborative. Key words: Chronic disease, disparities, qualitative study.
Fear of God (taqwā) in the Qur'ān: Some Notes on Semantic Shift and Thematic Context

One of the most ubiquitous terms in the Qur'an, taqwd, or 'fear of God', serves as a major theme and leitmotif of the wider Quranic vision. This study explores, both lexically and semantically, the way in which this term is situated within the Quranic universe of discourse, proposing that by attending to the broader semantic dynamism of the text itself we are in a better position to understand the range and scope of the vision which shaped the Qur'an's key thematic structures. Methodologically, the study has made use of a systematic statistical survey of the Quranic lexicon, deriving by way of computer-aided analysis a comprehensive inventory of all morphological derivations of radicals connoting the general idea of 'fear', a larger semantic grouping to which the term taqwd belongs. Predicated upon the results of this empirical survey, the study takes as its primary analytic framework the Qur'an's inherent intertextual reflexivity and argues that observable semantic shifts in the rhetoricity of the term taqwa represent circumstantial developments in the text's basic chronology.
A COMPARISON OF THE TOXICITY OF SOME ALLYL, PROPENYL, AND PROPYL COMPOUNDS IN THE RAT.

Summary The toxicity in the rat of a number of allyl, propenyl, propyl, and related compounds has been compared using as criteria the acute oral toxicity and the hepatotoxicity in a short-term, high-dose study. The results of these studies indicated: 1. Aliphatic allyl compounds (allyl alcohol and allyl esters) were much more acutely toxic than aliphatic propyl compounds (propanol and propyl esters). 2. The aliphatic allyl compounds caused macroscopic liver lesions, the most significant of which was necrosis; the propyl compounds were not hepatotoxic. 3. Aromatic allyl compounds were more toxic than aromatic propyl compounds, but the difference was not as marked as with the aliphatic allyl and propyl compounds. Aromatic propenyl compounds were usually, but not always, more toxic than aromatic allyl compounds. 4. The nature of other substituents on the benzene ring influenced the hepatotoxicity of the aromatic allyl, propenyl, and propyl compounds. Allylbenzene was not hepatotoxic. Safrole, isosafrole, and dihydrosafrole—the allyl, propenyl, and propyl derivatives of methylenedioxybenzene—caused severe liver lesions consisting of discoloration, enlargement, and loss of normal texture. The hepatotoxicity of these compounds appeared to be independent of the nature of the 3-carbon side chain, but both the 3-carbon side chain and the methylenedioxy group appeared to be necessary for the hepatotoxic action. Mild liver lesions, discoloration, mottling, and blunting of the lobe edges were seen with a number of the other aromatic compounds tested, but the occurrence of these lesions was not related to a particular structure.
Reducing relative humidity is a practical way to control dust mites and their allergens in homes in temperate climates

Background Maintaining a relative humidity (RH) of less than 50% is one recommendation for reducing numbers of house dust mites and their allergens in homes. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether, in a humid temperate climate, indoor RH could be sufficiently lowered to control dust mites and their allergens. Methods During a period spanning 2 humid summers (May 1998 to October 1999), dust mite and allergen densities were determined in 3 groups of homes. One group (low RH group, n = 23) maintained an RH of less than 51%. Most of these homes used a high-efficiency dehumidifier and air conditioning. A second group of homes (group A) used air conditioning only (n = 19) or air conditioning and dehumidification (n = 5) but did not maintain an RH of less than 51%. A third group of homes (group C, n = 24) controlled climate by opening windows and had an RH of greater than 51%. Normal housecleaning was maintained in all homes during the study. Results The low RH group homes started in June with a mean +/- SE of 401 +/- 124 live mites and 17 +/- 3 microg of total Der 1 allergen per gram of dust. After 17 months of maintaining an RH of less than 51%, these declined significantly to 8 +/- 3 live mites per gram (P =. 004) and 4 +/- 1 microg of Der 1 per gram of dust (P Conclusion This study showed that it is practical to maintain an indoor RH of less than 51% during the humid summer season in a temperate climate, and this resulted in significant reductions in mite and allergen levels.
Conceptualizing defensive silence in project-manager-to-project-sponsor communication

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gain a greater understanding of fear-based information withholding in project-manager-to-project-sponsor (PM2PS) communication and to propose future research directions. Design/methodology/approach – The research consisted of a review of the literature related to the withholding of information in subordinate-to-superior communication and in PM2PS communication. Literature from project communication studies and literature from general communication theory was consulted. Findings – Using defensive silence theory as a conceptual framework, five research propositions specific to fear-based information withholding in PM2PS communication are offered. Research limitations/implications – The study findings are limited to PM2PS communication based upon fear. The study provides a foundation for further research in this area within the conceptual framework of defensive silence theory. Practical implications – The practical implication of this paper is that certain perception...
Synthesis of carbon‐14 and carbon‐13 labeled chlorinated polycyclic pesticides

The preparations of the pesticides 1,1a,2,2,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-dodecachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-1H-cyclobuta[cd]pentalene-U-C14 (mirex-U-C14), 1,1a,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-decachlorooctahydro-l,3,4-metheno-2H-cyclobuta[cd]pentalen-2-one-U-C14 (Kepone™-U-C14), ethyl 5-(1,1a,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-decachlorooctahydro-2-hydroxy-l,3,4-metheno-1H-cyclobuta[cd]pentalen-2-Y1-1,1a,2,3,3a,4,5,5a,5b,6-C1410)- levulinate (kelevan-C14), 1,4,5,6,7,8,8-heptachloro-3a,4,7,7a-tetra-hydro-4,7-methanoindene-4,5,6,7,8-C514 (heptachlor-4,5,6,7,8-C514) and 1,4,5,6,7,8,8-heptachloro-2,3-epoxy-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methanoindan-4,5,6,7,8-C514 (heptachlor epoxide-4,5,6,7,8-C514) from hexachlorocyclopentadiene-U-C14 are described. Specific activities were in the range of 1.8 to 3.2 mCi/mmol. Further, the synthesis of mirex-C213 and Kepone™-C213 from isopropyl formate-C13 is reported. The determination of the carbon-13 enrichment of these compounds was accomplished by selected ion monitoring (SIM) of seven ions in the molecular clusters of mirex and Kepone™, followed by calculation of the relative abundance of the various carbon-13 containing molecules from the areas of the SIM plots.
THE EVOLUTION OF THERMOTOLERANCE IN HOT SPRING CYANOBACTERIA OF THE GENUS SYNECHOCOCCUS

The extension of ecological tolerance limits may be an important mechanism by which microorganisms adapt to novel environments, but it may come at the evolutionary cost of reduced performance under ancestral conditions. We combined a comparative physiological approach with phylogenetic analyses to study the evolution of thermotolerance in hot spring cyanobacteria of the genus Synechococcus. Among the twenty laboratory clones of Synechococcus isolated from collections made along an Oregon hot spring thermal gradient, four different 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences were identified. Phylogenies constructed using these sequence data indicated that the clones were polyphyletic but also that three of the four sequence groups formed a clade. Differences in thermotolerance were observed for clones with different 16S rRNA gene sequences, and comparison of these physiological differences within a phylogenetic framework provided evidence that more thermotolerant lineages of Synechococcus evolved from less thermotolerant ancestors. The extension of the thermal limit in these bacteria was correlated with a reduction in thermal niche breadth, which may have implications for the geographic distributions of these organisms. This study illustrates the utility of using phylogenetic comparative methods to investigate how evolutionary processes have shaped historical patterns of ecological diversification in microorganisms.
Rearing conditions differentially affect the locomotor behavior of larval zebrafish, but not their response to valproate-induced developmental neurotoxicity.

Abstract Zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) are widely used in developmental research, but still not much is known about the role of the environment in their development. Zebrafish are a highly social organism; thus exposure to, or isolation from, social environments may have profound developmental effects. Details of rearing conditions are often sparse in the zebrafish literature. This study compared (1) the activity of larval zebrafish that were raised individually vs in groups, and (2) the effect of the developmental neurotoxicant valproate. We randomly assigned embryos to single- or group-reared social environments from 0 to 5 days post fertilization (dpf), while treating them with or without valproate (final concentration 48 μM) from 0 to 2 dpf, resulting in a total of four groups (group control, group treated, single control, single treated). At 5 dpf all embryos were transferred to singly-housed environments where they remained for locomotor activity testing (alternating periods of light and dark) conducted on day 6. Larvae that had been reared in groups had higher levels of activity in the dark period compared to larvae that had been raised individually. Valproate increased activity in both the singly-reared and group-reared larvae during periods of darkness but not light. Further analyses of dark activity indicated that rearing condition did not differentially affect larval responses to valproate. These results indicate that rearing conditions affected the locomotion of zebrafish larvae, but did not alter the effect of the developmental neurotoxicant valproate.
Solid Solutions in the System Urania—Rare-Earth Oxides: I, UO2-GdO1.5,

The extent and nature of solid solution formation in the system urania-gadolinia were investigated. Compositions sintered in hydrogen, in argon, and in air were analyzed by chemical and X-ray methods. Extensive solid solution exists between uranium dioxide and gadolinium sesquioxide. Some anomalies in the lattice parameters of the solid solutions are interpreted.
Suicidal Behavior in Children and Adolescents

It is difficult to address the issue of suicide in adults; it is even more painful to consider this subject in children and adolescents. Our Western culture, particularly since Rousseau, has nostalgically idealized childhood as happy, innocent, and free from violence. The myth contends that children are supported and motivated by their surroundings, without which they are relatively weak, ineffective, and even helpless. When youngsters act on primitive impulses in a naked, destructive manner, it is often comforting to pretend that the intentional is accidental. Historically, suicidal behavior in nonadults has escaped intensive clinical study, in part, because of a cultural countertransference somewhat analogous to that associated with the Battered Child Syndrome. This syndrome of violence upon children went unreported until 1960, largely because pediatricians and family physicians could not believe that other adults, particularly parents, could intentionally injure children.
The role for interleukin-12 therapy of cutaneous T cell lymphoma

Recent phase I and phase II trials using recombinant human interleukin-12 (rhIL-12) for cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) have been completed. Observations on 32 evaluable patients revealed an overall response rate approaching 50 percent. Biopsy of regressing lesions revealed an increase in numbers of CD8+ and/or TIA-1+ T cells. These results suggest that rhIL-12 may induce lesion regression by augmenting antitumor cytotoxic T cell responses. Future trials will be focused on strategies for further immune enhancement by the concomitant use of additional immune augmenting cytokines with rhIL-12.
Are Markets Like Mushrooms? and Other Neoliberal Quandries:

Abstract The neohberal Washington Consensus dominated global policy making over the 1980s. Fundamental to this consensus were three theoretical and ideological tenets: that privatization and markets are a natural order and that this order is best achieved if the state economic role is limited. I argue that private property and markets simply cannot be established as neohberals propose, nor can the state be so easily curtailed. To support this argument, I will draw briefly on examples from the “transition economies.” I argue that a more historical understanding of the nature of markets, property, and diverse forms of social organization will allow policy makers to more accurately use these institutions to achieve desired ends. This does not resolve the question of how to define those ends.
Tracing the Effects of Agricultural Commodity Prices on Food Processing Costs

Although food processing sector production is inherently linked to the availability and prices of agricultural materials (MA), this link appears to be weakening due to adaptations in input costs, technology, and food consumption patterns. This study assesses the roles of these changes on food processors costs and output prices, with a focus on the demand for primary agricultural commodities. Our analysis of the 4-digit U.S. food processing industries for 1972-1992 is based on a cost-function framework, augmented by a profit maximization specification of output pricing, and a virtual price representation for agricultural materials and capital. We find that falling virtual prices of MA and input substitution have provided a stimulus for MA demand. However, scale effects have been MA-saving relative to intermediate food products, and disembodied technical change has strongly contributed to declining primary agricultural materials demand relative to most other inputs.
A Topology-Based Miniaturization of Circularly Polarized Patch Antennas

A novel approach for the miniaturization of circularly polarized patch antennas is presented. This enables a size reduction of as high as 75%, compared to a conventional corner-truncated circularly polarized patch antenna. The proposed design procedure consists of a number of intermediate steps, each of which produces antenna miniaturization as well as the desired polarization and impedance matching properties. This is very challenging in miniaturizing circularly polarized probe-fed patch antennas. It is shown that two resonant frequencies can be tuned independently to produce a dual band antenna with two orthogonal polarizations. Finally, two circularly polarized miniaturized patch antennas with different miniaturization factors are fabricated, and their input impedances, radiation patterns and axial ratios are discussed.
Methods for Optimizing a Family of Recongurable Aircraft

Aircraft with modular aerostructure components may o er signi cant exibility in mission performance by enabling recon guration between sorties. This paper introduces an approach for optimizing a family of aircraft variants de ned by a library of large-scale interchangeable components such as wings, tails, engines, and payloads. First, the combinatorial problem of composing multiple interchangeable components into feasible aircraft variants is posed. Next, the paper develops two methods to determine optimal recon gurable family architectures. The optimization approaches are then applied to an example problem to de ne families of modular UAVs consisting of interchangeable wings and engines. The results indicate a rich nonlinear trade space of component library de nitions and aircraft con gurations that depends strongly on the diversity of the required missions.
Measurement of integrated speckle statistics for CO 2 lidar returns from a moving, nonuniform, hard target

A pulsed, dual CO2 laser lidar was used to measure return signal statistics as a function of the number of speckles integrated by the lidar receiver per laser pulse. A rotating target generated statistically independent speckle patterns on each laser pulse. Data were collected for a wide range of receiver aperture sizes. A statistical model is developed that predicts the probability density of the return lidar pulse energy, which includes speckle, depolarization by the target, and albedo sampling. The predictions of this model are compared with the measured probability density function of the return pulse energies. Very good agreement is found between the geometrically calculated number of integrated speckles and the number predicted by the model.
Novel gene and gene model detection using a whole genome open reading frame analysis in proteomics

Background: Defining the location of genes and the precise nature of gene products remains a fundamental challenge in genome annotation. Interrogating tandem mass spectrometry data using genomic sequence provides an unbiased method to identify novel translation products. A six-frame translation of the entire human genome was used as the query database to search for novel blood proteins in the data from the Human Proteome Organization Plasma Proteome Project. Because this target database is orders of magnitude larger than the databases traditionally employed in tandem mass spectra analysis, careful attention to significance testing is required. Confidence of identification is assessed using our previously described Poisson statistic, which estimates the significance of multi-peptide identifications incorporating the length of the matching sequence, number of spectra searched and size of the target sequence database. Results: Applying a false discovery rate threshold of 0.05, we identified 282 significant open reading frames, each containing two or more peptide matches. There were 627 novel peptides associated with these open reading frames that mapped to a unique genomic coordinate placed within the start/stop points of previously annotated genes. These peptides matched 1,110 distinct tandem MS spectra. Peptides fell into four categories based upon where their genomic coordinates placed them relative to annotated exons within the parent gene. Conclusion: This work provides evidence for novel alternative splice variants in many previously annotated genes. These findings suggest that annotation of the genome is not yet complete and that proteomics has the potential to further add to our understanding of gene structures.
A Phase II Pilot Trial of Concurrent Biochemotherapy with Cisplatin, Vinblastine, Temozolomide, Interleukin 2, and IFN-α2B in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma

Purpose: In an effort to reduce the frequency of central nervous system (CNS) progression in patients with metastatic melanoma with ongoing systemic response to biochemotherapy, we modified our standard concurrent biochemotherapy regimen by replacing dacarbazine (DTIC) with oral temozolomide. Experimental Design: Patients received cisplatin, vinblastine, and temozolomide (20 mg/m 2 cisplatin and 1.2 mg/m 2 vinblastine i.v., days 1–4; 150 mg/m 2 p.o. temozolomide, days 1–4) concurrent with interleukin 2 (9 MIU/m 2 /day) by continuous i.v. infusion on days 1–4 and IFN-α (5 MU/m 2 /day) on days 1–5, 8, 10, and 12. Prophylactic antibiotics and a maximum of four cycles were administered. Routine granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and aggressive antiemetics were also provided. Tumor staging included torso computed tomography scans and brain magnetic resonance imaging pretreatment, after cycle 4 and then every 3 months for 2 years. Torso computed tomography scans were also performed after cycle 2. Results: A total of 147 treatment cycles were administered to 48 patients. No patients had received prior chemotherapy or interleukin 2; however, 19 (40%) had received prior adjuvant IFN-α. Significant toxicities included 2 deaths from cardiac events (pericarditis al tamponade and posttreatment myocardial infarction with associated ventricular arrhythmia) and 3 gastrointestinal serious adverse events (pancreatitis, appendicitis, and upper GI bleed). No other nonhematological grade 4 toxicities were observed. Tumor responses were seen in 22 of 47 evaluable patients (relative risk, 47%) with 7 complete responses (15%). Response durations ranged from 1 to 29+ months with 1 currently ongoing. Median survival was 7.5 months. The CNS was the initial site of progression in 2 responding patients. An additional 6 responding patients developed CNS progression within 3 months of systemic progression. Initial CNS progression was significantly less frequent what was seen with the prior DTIC-based biochemotherapy regimen (2 of 22 versus 12 of 19; P = 0.001). Conclusion: This regimen appears to be active and reasonably well tolerated in patients with metastatic melanoma. Although the substitution of temozolomide for DTIC reduced the incidence of initial CNS progression, this effect did not appear to result in an improved overall outcome.
The ichthyoses—a review

The ichthyoses are a group of hereditary disorders of keratinization which share in common the accumulation of large amounts of scale. The four major types, as well as the rarer forms, are reviewed, and current therapy is discussed.
Comparative Nutritional Value of Different Cereal Grains as Protein Sources in a Modified Chick Bioassay

Abstract Two experiments were conducted using low protein diets to assay the nutritive value of different grains for young chicks. The bioassay used was a modification of the PER method to consider special characteristics of the chick as an experimental subject. In the first experiment a total of 10 samples, including soybean meal, casein, rye, triticale and different selections of corn, wheat and barley were assayed with and without a combined supplement of lysine and procaine penicillin. In the second experiment a total of 23 samples, including soybean meal, casein, rye and different selections of corn, wheat, triticale, barley and sorghum were assayed with and without a lysine supplement. Some of the samples were also assayed with a combined supplement of lysine and procaine penicillin. In all treatments in both experiments the level of total protein in the diet was kept at 14% with 8% supplied by a basal protein premix and the remainder by the test material, with adjustments whenever the lysine supplement was used. Data on body weight and feed consumption of the birds were collected to two weeks of age. PER values were calculated. The results showed soybean meal to have the highest nutritional value of the materials tested. Samples of opaque-2 corn were better than samples of normal corn, even after a lysine deficiency was corrected. A sample of floury-2 corn was only slightly better than its normal counterpart. INIA-66 wheat was better than three other wheat samples, but only after a lysine deficiency was corrected. Triticale (Trailblazer) had a lower PER value than three other triticale selections, but only when the diets contained a supplement of lysine. Hyproly barley gave better growth and PER values than Piroline barley, but supplements of lysine and procaine penicillin made them equal. No differences were observed in the nutritional value of three sorghum samples.
Multi-log cytotoxicity of carbocyclic 2'-deoxyguanosine in HSV-TK-expressing human tumor cells.

Ganciclovir (GCV) is widely used as a prodrug for selective activation in tumor cells expressing herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) because of its ability to induce multi-log cytotoxicity to HSV-TK-expressing as well as nonexpressing bystander cells. We now report that another substrate for HSV-TK, D-carbocyclic 29-deoxyguanosine (CdG), induces multi-log cytotoxicity in HSV-TK-expressing and bystander cells at concentrations #3 mM. We have compared the cytotoxicity and cell cycle effects of CdG to that observed with GCV in two human tumor cell lines. The results demonstrated that cytotoxicity of CdG was similar to that of GCV in both U251 glioblastoma and SW620 colon carcinoma cells that stably expressed HSV-TK. In addition, CdG induced a potent bystander effect in both cell types in co-cultures consisting of HSV-TK-expressing and nonexpressing bystander (lacZ-expressing) cells at ratios of 50:50 or 10:90. Selectivity for HSVTK-expressing compared to lacZ-expressing cells was similar for CdG and GCV in the U251 cells, however CdG was less selective than GCV in the SW620 cell lines. Despite their ability to induce multi-log cytotoxicity at similar concentrations, CdG and GCV exhibited differential effects on cell cycle progression. Cells incubated with 1 mM CdG for 24 hr accumulated in S-phase and G 2/M after drug washout, and the majority of cells died prior to cell division. This contrasts with the delayed effects of 1 mM GCV that were not evident until after cell division when cells attempted S-phase for the second time. Thus, CdG is a potent cytotoxic agent that merits further investigation to determine whether it will be therapeutically effective in enzymeprodrug therapy with HSV-TK.
Use of a rapid muscle protein solubility technique to predict beef muscle yield as a function of time temperature salt and phosphate

An improved muscle protein solubility method has been developed which has two distinct advantages over the traditional method: it requires much less time and may be conducted at room temperature. The pre- or post-rigor sample is homogenized in a Brinkman Polytron in 25 ml buffer and is centrifuged. The supernatant is decanted and soluble protein determined as in the traditional method (biuret). Comparable results were obtained for old vs new method for samples of porcine longissimus muscle which encompassed a wide range of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein solubilities. The new method can also be applied with accuracy equivalent to the traditional method for the determination of solubility in cooked meat samples. A four-factor response surface experimental design (central composite) was utilized to evaluate the role of process variables and product ingredients on the cooking losses of USDA Utility grade biceps femoris muscle. The factors were cooking time (0.5–12.0 hr), temperature (55–85°C), NaCl (0–4%), and Na tripolyphosphate (0–0.5%): Shrink was determined on ground 25-g samples by calculating the free moisture lost (as a percentage of total moisture) after centrifugation in Wierbicki tubes. Sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein solubility were determined on the same samples by the rapid solubility technique. Stepwise regression was used to tit a multiple polynomial equation to shrink loss and protein solubility (P < 0.001). The results indicated that cooking temperature was decisively the most important factor controlling yield and protein solubility. Shrink and protein solubility were nearly independent of time in the center point regions of the experiment which are, based on the type of design (central composite), the most accurate areas for prediction. Previous studies have demonstrated that the major tenderization reactions in beef are dependent both on time and temperature. Therefore, these findings suggest that improved yield in commercial thermal processes is possible by selecting long-time, low-temperature treatments since protein solubility and, therefore, yield are primarily functions of temperature and are relatively independent of time at a given temperature.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: the neonatologist's perspective.

1. Krisa Van Meurs, MD* 2. Billie Lou Short, MD† 1. 2. *Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA. 3. 4. †Professor of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Delineate the studies used for prenatal diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). 2. Describe prenatal therapies currently being investigated for the treatment of CDH. 3. Delineate the options available for ventilation of the neonate who has CDH. 4. Describe the potential complications that can be experienced by surviving infants who have CDH. During the past 10 years, significant changes have occurred in the diagnosis and management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The unsuspected birth of an infant who has CDH, the emergency transfer to a center where a pediatric surgeon and neonatologist are available, and the rush to the operating room for repair are a memory. Today we frequently provide prenatal counseling to parents of fetuses who are diagnosed as having CDH in utero, and a myriad of antenatal and postnatal therapies are available. Yet, the quest for therapeutic approaches that will optimize survival for the severely affected infant continues. Several new therapies on the horizon offer promise for the future. Most diaphragmatic hernias are posterolateral defects of the Bochdalek type, although Morgagni and pars sternalis hernias do occur. The incidence of CDH ranges from 0.08 to 0.45 per 1,000 births. The explanation for this variation in incidence most likely is underdiagnosis related to early deaths among neonates who are severely affected. Eighty-five percent of defects are left-sided, 13% are right-sided, and 2% are bilateral. Most studies have found an equal representation of genders, although a 1.25 male-to-female ratio was reported in one large population-based study (see Torfs et al in Suggested Reading). The incidence of anomalies associated with CDH is 20% to 50%. This range is related to differences in both the definition of anomalies and in patient selection, with higher incidences reported in population-based studies (Table⇓). CDH can be seen …
Long-term hepatic support by intermittent multi-species liver perfusions.

Abstract A patient in terminal hepato-renal failure from chronic aggressive hepatitis was brought out of coma eight times and was maintained for a period of 21/2 months, while awaiting liver transplantation, by a series of 16 extracorporeal liver perfusions from 10 pigs, 3 baboons, 1 calf, 1 monkey, and 1 human, supplemented by 20 exchange blood-transfusions. In addition to reversing coma and clearing bilirubin, these livers were shown to synthesise clotting factors, particularly factors II, V, and IX. Although exchange transfusions were equally effective in raising coagulation factors they were ineffective in restoring consciousness. Immunological studies showed that perfusion with a pig liver was followed by the development of lymphocytotoxic and anti-pig-serum antibodies which reached a maximum during the 3rd week and fell to preperfusion level later. In contrast, perfusions with baboon livers did not lead to sensitisation. Despite multiple exchange blood-transfusions and liver perfusions, leucoagglutinin and lymphocytotoxic antibodies to human cells did not develop. Clinical and biochemical data indicated that, throughout the period of hepatic support, there was almost complete absence of any intrinsic liver-cell function— making hepatic transplantation the only hope for prolonged survival. A suitable donor could not be found for this patient, who died 76 days after admission. Necropsy revealed massive hepatic-cell necrosis and collapse with early and incomplete liver regeneration.
Engineering Considerations for the Application of Extremophiles in Biotechnology

Biotechnology may soon take greater advantage of extremophiles — microorganisms that grow in high salt or heavy metal concentrations, or at extremes of temperature, pressure, or pH. These organisms...
hp-Adaptive Finite Elements for Time-Harmonic Maxwell Equations

We review the fundamentals of hp-finite element discretisation of Maxwell equations and their numerical implementation, and describe an automatic hp-adaptive scheme for the time-harmonic Maxwell equations.
Molecular breast imaging: Can it adequately image breast tissue relative to mammography?

2302 Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the relative amount of breast tissue seen in the field of view with Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) and digital mammography (MMX). MBI has been shown to be a useful tool in the evaluation of breast lesions. Careful positioning is critical for detection of lesions close to the chest wall and for correlation of findings with those on MMX. Differences in dead space at the edges of the detector, and in compression force between the 2 modalities can lead to discrepancies in the amount of tissue in the field of view. Consequently, tissue close to the chest wall may not be adequately visualized by MBI. Methods 40 patients underwent MMX and MBI (8 mCi Tc-99m sestamibi). Using the cranio-caudal (CC) views from MBI and MMX, breast thickness was recorded from each system, and breast compression force was recorded from MMX. The amount of breast tissue in the field of view was assessed on CC views by measuring the distance from the nipple perpendicularly back towards the edge of the detector. Results Breast compression force in MBI was dictated by patient comfort (pain free) and was Conclusions While differences in the amount of tissue seen on MBI and MMX can be partly explained by difference in compression force and system dead space (~8 mm on MBI and ~ 4mm on MMX), lesions close to the detector edge on MMX may not be visible on MBI, particularly for women with large breasts. New MBI gantry designs combined with additional comfort measures may allow for better positioning and improved visualization of chest wall lesions
Coarse-Grained Theory of Biological Charge Transfer with Spatially and Temporally Correlated Noise.

System–environment interactions are essential in determining charge-transfer (CT) rates and mechanisms. We developed a computationally accessible method, suitable to simulate CT in flexible molecules (i.e., DNA) with hundreds of sites, where the system–environment interactions are explicitly treated with numerical noise modeling of time-dependent site energies and couplings. The properties of the noise are tunable, providing us a flexible tool to investigate the detailed effects of correlated thermal fluctuations on CT mechanisms. The noise is parametrizable by molecular simulation and quantum calculation results of specific molecular systems, giving us better molecular resolution in simulating the system–environment interactions than sampling fluctuations from generic spectral density functions. The spatially correlated thermal fluctuations among different sites are naturally built-in in our method but are not readily incorporated using approximate spectral densities. Our method has quantitative accuracy...
Diagnostic criteria for the characterization of quasireversible electron transfer reactions by cyclic square wave voltammetry.

Theory for cyclic square wave voltammetry of quasireversible electron transfer reactions is presented and experimentally verified. The impact of empirical parameters on the shape of the current–voltage curve is examined. From the trends, diagnostic criteria enabling the use of this waveform as a tool for mechanistic analysis of electrode reaction processes are presented. These criteria were experimentally confirmed using Eu3+/Eu2+, a well-established quasireversible analyte. Using cyclic square wave voltammetry, both the electron transfer coefficient and rate were calculated for this analyte and found to be in excellent agreement with literature. When properly applied, these criteria will enable nonexperts in voltammetry to assign the electrode reaction mechanism and accurately measure electrode reaction kinetics.
Gross External Morphology of Embryos of Culex Tarsalis Coquillett (Diptera: Culicidae)

A method is described for observing living mosquito eggs that have transparent shells. The gross embryology of Culex tarsalis Coq. is presented, accompanied by a series of diagrams showing growth phases and a timetable that lists when those phases occur at specific temperatures. The occurrence of blastokinesis in Culicidae is discussed.
Sexual Abstinence Counseling among Trainees and Teachers in a Catholic Pediatric Residency Program: Clinical Education within the Context of Conflicting Ideologies

Purpose The negative impact of teenage sexual activity in the US is well established. The American Academy of Pediatrics policy guidelines recommend a comprehensive approach to sexual health counseling that includes abstinence and contraception. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops recommends an abstinence-only approach. Both views converge on the importance of delayed initiation of intercourse. Data on physician compliance with abstinence counseling is scant.
Effect of the green tea catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, on innate immune responses in HIV-1 infection as a microbicide (P3170)

Our preclinical data showed binding of green tea catechin, epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG), to CD4 with inhibition of HIV-1-gp120 binding to human CD4+Tcells throughout a broad spectrum of virus strains lead to implementation of our Phase I/IIa clinical trial in HIV-1-infected indivduals. As mucosal dendritic cells(DC), Langerhans cells(LC) and monoctye-derived dendritic cells(MDDC), with CD4 receptor binding to HIV-1-gp120, act as first line defense in mucosa against invading pathogens via innate immune responses,EGCG in the context of an HIV-1 microbicide was studied. Human CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells and CD14+ cells differentiatied to LC and MDDC,respectively were assessed for HIV-1-gp120 binding, Annexin V-binding apopotosis and receptor profiling by flow cytometry, cytokine profiling by Luminex, toll-like receptor(TLR) profiling by RT-PCR, antigen uptake/presentation(APC) by RIA, cytotoxicity by MTT and statistical significance by Student’s t test. EGCG(1-50uM) downregulated TLR-6,-8 mRNA expresion (25%;p
Integrate Hacking Technique into Information Assurance Education

It has become a trend that more and more institutions offer offensive techniques in information assurance education. In this paper, up the discussion of network mapping and vulnerability scanning, gaining access to a target via vulnerability exploitation, and maintaining an access to a victim host through HackerDefender rootkit techniques, we propose integrating the hacking techniques into information security education. Five hands-on lab exercises are proposed and the platform iVLab to conduct the labs are also presented.
Momentum from Noise

Momentum is a classic anomaly against the efficient market hypothesis. In this paper I show that momentum can be generated from an efficient market where investors try to extract the true underlying value. Price is obtained as the best estimate of the intrinsic value using observable, but noisy, information such as earnings. Prices exhibit momentum effect even though the underlying value is a martingale. The market is efficient in a sense that investors incorporate the information in their estimate of the underlying value. Momentum arises when the belief about the variance of the noise is different from the true variance. Momentum is the norm, not an exception. Momentum is a manifestation of noise.
Microkinetic analysis of C3–C5 ketone hydrogenation over supported Ru catalysts

Abstract Rates of C3-C5 ketone hydrogenation are measured in the vapor phase over Ru/SiO2. Reaction kinetics are considered through a range of ketone partial pressures (0.3–30 Torr), hydrogen partial pressures (90–900 Torr), and reaction temperatures (322–456 K). Ketone hydrogenation is observed to be facile, with site time yields ranging from 0.14 s−1 for 2-pentanone to 0.37 s−1 for acetone at 322 K and 1.2 bar H2. At low temperatures, apparent reaction orders and kinetic barriers are similar for all ketones. During acetone hydrogenation at higher temperatures, (422 K), the ketone order increases from 0 to 0.4, while the hydrogen order increases from 0.5 to 0.9. Furthermore, the apparent barrier decreases from ≈50 kJ mol−1 at 322 K to ≈18 kJ mol−1. Apparent trends in hydrogenation rates are interpreted at an elementary level using a microkinetic analysis that is based on a Horiuti-Polanyi mechanism involving two distinct surface sites.
Counting Wordsworth by the Bay: The Distance of Josephine Miles

ABSTRACTThis essay situates the pioneering quantitative methodology of the poet-critic Josephine Miles in the early new-critical period, when the reading practices associated with modern literary studies were taking hold of the incipient discipline—often at the expense of romantic poetry. Skeptical of ideals of autonomy and unity, Miles’s descriptive historicism veers between “close criticism” and what we now call distant reading. Her early work on nineteenth-century poetry as well as her archived word-counting notes challenge the New Critics’ obsession with the shape and wholeness of the poem, adding nuance to our sense of the evolving academic hegemony of formalism in the 1940s while also suggesting new ways of understanding the recent digital turn.
Developing a More Effective and More Efficient Clinical Trial Model

This chapter is aimed at demonstrating how the new findings can serve to redesign the established clinical trial of new drugs, a model first developed in the 1950s. That earlier procedure only evaluates whether the putative new drug is superior to a placebo in reducing the severity of the disorder. The alternative “componential” paradigm provides a profile of drug actions, i.e., the timing and specific changes induced by the drug on the behavioral and mood components of the disorder. This chapter describes the componential trial comparing its advantages with the standard diagnostic model. Application of the alternative model in the late 1980s established its validity and contributed to refining current information on the onset of action and the actions of different classes of antidepressants. It is now possible to predict the patients’ clinical response based on reactivity to the agent during the first 2 weeks. Demonstrating that a drug’s efficacy can be tested within 2 weeks has been shown in several already reported studies. Reducing trials from 6 to 2 weeks can result in radically reduced costs for drug companies. In addition, the new componential paradigm for clinical trials makes detecting potential applications of the new agent for disorders other than depression, much easier to identify. It, thus, enhances basic research and drug development programs for pharmaceutical companies. These factors can contribute to eliminating the stalling of drug development that has occurred over the past decade. Practical details on these applications and the methodology are addressed.