cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Xenogeneic Human Tyrosinase DNA Vaccination Induces Specific Immune Response in Dogs with Advanced Malignant Melanoma

Introduction: Xenogeneic melanosomal differentiation antigens, delivered in the form of a plasmid DNA vaccine, can overcome host immune ignorance/tolerance in preclinical animals to melanoma by: 1) generating humoral and cytotoxic T cell responses and 2) inducing protection from tumor challenge. Initial trials of human tyrosinase (huTyr) DNA vaccination of dogs with advanced malignant melanoma (Bergman et al, 2003) demonstrated safety and prolongation of survival with this therapeutic modality. We investigated antigen-specific immunity in dogs receiving huTyr DNA vaccination. Methods: Three cohorts of three dogs each with advanced (WHO stage II-IV) canine malignant melanoma (CMM) received four biweekly IM injections (dose levels 100, 500, or 1,500 ug, respectively/vaccination) of huTyr plasmid DNA via the Biojector2000 jet delivery device. Sera samples were taken before and after vaccination to detect specific antibody formation to huTyr by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assays (ELISAs) and flow-cytometry. Results: Three dogs have measurable, 2 to 4 fold huTyr-specific antibody titers. Preliminary studies by flow-cytometry have confirmed antibody response to huTyr by positive binding to endogenous human tyrosinase in SK-Mel188 cells using post-vaccinate serum. Conclusions: Xenogeneic (huTyr) DNA vaccination generates antigen-specific humoral responses, which may partially explain the previously reported clinical efficacy and anti-tumor responses. Ongoing studies include: 1) a comprehensive analysis by flow-cytometry to detect huTyr-specific antibodies and 2) a quantitative measure of potential cytotoxic T-cell responses in these dogs by the DNA vaccination.
Enhanced septahedral ordering in cold Lennard-Jones fluids.

We report molecular dynamics calculations on a two-component, cold, 15 625 particle, three-dimensional Lennard-Jones fluid. We calculated spherical harmonic components ${Q}_{LM}$ for the density of particles in the first coordination shell of each particle, as well as their spherical invariants $⟨{Q}_{L}^{2}⟩$, time-correlation functions, and wavelet density decompositions. The spherical invariants show that noncrystalline septahedral $(⟨{Q}_{7}^{2}⟩)$ ordering is important, especially at low temperature. While $⟨{Q}_{10}^{2}⟩$ could arise from icosahedral ordering, its behavior so closely tracks that of the nonicosahedral $⟨{Q}_{11}^{2}⟩$ that alternative origins for $⟨{Q}_{10}^{2}⟩$ need to be considered. Time correlation functions of spherical harmonic components are bimodal, with a faster temperature-independent mode and a slow, strongly temperature-dependent mode. Volume wavelet decompositions show that when $T$ is reduced, the correlation length of $⟨{Q}_{7}^{2}⟩$ increases, especially below $T=0.7$, but that the correlation length of $⟨{Q}_{5}^{2}⟩$ is independent of $T$.
Ribo-gnome: the big world of small RNAs

Small RNA guides--microRNAs, small interfering RNAs, and repeat-associated small interfering RNAs, 21 to 30 nucleotides in length--shape diverse cellular pathways, from chromosome architecture to stem cell maintenance. Fifteen years after the discovery of RNA silencing, we are only just beginning to understand the depth and complexity of how these RNAs regulate gene expression and to consider their role in shaping the evolutionary history of higher eukaryotes.
Novel dichlorophenyl urea compounds inhibit proliferation of human leukemia HL-60 cells by inducing cell cycle arrest, differentiation and apoptosis

Two novel dichlorophenyl urea compounds, SR4 and SR9, were synthesized in our laboratory and evaluated for anti-cancer activities. Specifically, we investigated the antiproliferative properties of these new compounds on promyelocytic HL-60 leukemia cells by analyzing their effects on cell differentiation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis. SR4 and SR9 were both cytototoxic to HL-60 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner, with IC50 of 1.2 μM and 2.2 μM, respectively, after 72 h treatment. Both compounds strongly suppressed growth of HL-60 cells by promoting cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 transition, with concomitant decrease in protein levels of cyclins D1 and E2 and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK 2 and CDK 4), and increased protein expression of CDK inhibitors p21WAF1/Cip1 and p27Kip1. In addition, either compounds induce cell differentiation as detected by increased NBT staining and expression of CD11b and CD14. Treatment with SR compounds also promoted mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis as confirmed by Annexin V-FITC double staining, DNA fragmentation, increased expression of caspase 3, 7 and 9, cytochrome c release, PARP degradation, and collapse in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨMT). Collectively, these results provide evidence that SR4 and SR9 have the potential for the treatment of human leukemia and merit further investigation as therapeutic agents against other types of cancer.
Germ-line mutations, pancreatic inflammation, and pancreatic cancer.

The fundamental problem underlying pancreatic cancer is altered genetics. Rare germ-line mutations lead to familial cancer syndromes that may include pancreatic cancer. But why do some people develop pancreatic cancer while others develop cancer in other organs, or not at all? We discuss the possibility that other common germ-line mutations diminish the ability of pancreatic cells to protect themselves from environmental or metabolic stressors, resulting in reactive molecules that lead to cell injury and DNA damage—with a series of lucky hits knocking out key tumor-suppressor genes and activating oncogenes in at least one cell with clonal growth potential. Inflammation likely accelerates this process, whether or not it is clinically evident. We also note the significant effects of smoking, alcohol, antioxidants, and diet on risk, and that together they confer a major portion of attributable risk that may be linked to the injury-inflammation-cancer pathway. Because we cannot change our genes, lifestyle choices are currently the best way to reduce pancreatic cancer risk until more effective preventative strategies are developed.
Streptomyces aspartate transcarbamoylase is a dodecamer with dihydroorotase activity.

Aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATCase) was purified from Streptomyces griseus. The enzyme is a dodecamer with a molecular mass of approximately 450 kDa. The holoenzyme is a complex of ATCase and active dihydroorotase (DHOase) subunits. The ATCase and DHOase activities co-purify after gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. Denaturing gel electrophoresis separates the holoenzyme into a 38-kDa ATCase polypeptide and a 47-kDa DHOase polypeptide. The holoenzyme retained ATCase and DHOase activity after being heated to 65°C for 5 min, but after storage at 4°C for 24 hours lost ATCase activity. Previously, the Pseudomonas putida Class A ATCase was defined by Schurr et al. (J Bacteriol 177, 1751–1759) as requiring an inactive DHOase to be functional. Here, we show that an active DHOase is part of the dodecameric ATCase/DHOase complex in Streptomyces. To distinguish those Class A ATCases with active DHOases from those with degenerate DHOases, we suggest the subdivision, Class A1, for the former and Class A2 for the latter.
TRIP Effect in a Hot-Rolled Low-Carbon High Strength Complex Phase Steel

In the present work, a study has been made of the hot-rolling process for a transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel Fe-0.12C-0.5Si-1.4Mn-0.5Cr (wt%). The volume fractions of retained austenite before and after a deformation were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The microstructure was characterized by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). A uniaxial tension text indicated that the steel possesses ultimate tensile strength of 748 MPa with yield ratio of 0.7 and elongation of 20%. The steel with the volume fraction of retained austenite of 12.5 % exhibits significant TRIP effect.
The Effect of Operating Conditions on the Radiation Resistance of VDMOS Power FETs

The effect of gamma radiation on the threshold voltage, "On" resistance, and breakdown voltage of VDMOS Field Effect Transistors operating under various bias conditions is presented. The drain-source breakdown voltage and the "On" resistance of these devices have been found to be unaffected by irradiating the devices to a total dose of 4×104 rads. The electrical parameter affected by irradiation is the gate threshold voltage. The threshold voltage shift at a particular radiation level for devices biased with both gate and drain voltage has been determined to be dependent only on the magnitude of the gate voltage during irradiation. This shift has been found to be independent of the drain-source voltage (30-80 volt range) and operating frequency (10-50kHz range). Practically no annealing occurs at room temperature. However, these devices have been found to recover to within 10% of their initial threshold voltage after annealing at 200°C under gate bias of 18 volts for 22 hours.
Coronary Arteriosclerotic Disease Existed In China Over 2,200 Years Ago

recent studies of ancient egyptian mummies by whole-body multislice computed tomographic scans documented the presence of atherosclerosis in their aorta, as evidenced by calcification, as well as in the femoral, iliac, carotid, and coronary arteries.1, 2 therefore, arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular calcification are not unique to contemporary humans. indeed, coronary atherosclerotic disease is not a modern ailment: it existed in China as far back as 2nd-century B.C.3-8 extensive occlusive coronary atherosclerotic disease was found in a 50-year-old Chinese noblewoman — lady dai — who died in 163 B.C.9 she had a severely occluded left anterior descending coronary artery (Figure 1), which was responsible for her sudden death from an anterior myocardial infarction an hour or so after a meal.3-8 lady dai had several risk factors. First, she had a type a personality; 1381⁄2 musk melon seeds were found in her stomach (Figure 2), and researchers believed she must have gulped down
A simple plant mutation abets a predator‐diversity cascade

Resource consumption often increases with greater consumer biodiversity. This could result either from complementarity among consumers or the inclusion of particular key species, and it is often difficult to differentiate between these two mechanisms. We exploited a simple plant mutation (reduced production of surface waxes) to alter foraging within a community of aphid predators, and thus perhaps shift the nature of resulting predator diversity effects. We found that greater predator species richness dramatically increased prey suppression and plant biomass only on mutant, reduced-wax pea plants (Pisum sativum). On pea plants from a sister line with wild type, waxier plant surfaces, predator species richness did not influence predators' impacts on herbivores or plants. Thus, a change in plant surface structure acted to turn on, or off, the cascading effects of predator diversity. Greater predator richness encouraged higher densities of true predators but did not lead to greater reproduction by a parasitoid, Aphidius ervi; fecundity of each natural enemy species was similar for the two plant types. Behavioral observations indicated that although A. ervi was less likely to forage within species-rich predator communities, low-wax plants mitigated this interference by encouraging generally greater A. ervi foraging and thus high rates of aphid dislodgement (aphids dropped from plants to escape A. ervi, but not the other predators). Thus, only species-rich, low-wax plants simultaneously encouraged strong species-specific effects of A. ervi, and strong complementarity among the other predator species. In summary, our study provides evidence that diversity effects in predator assemblages are sensitive to habitat characteristics. Further, we show that a simple plant morphological trait, controlled by a single gene mutation, can dramatically alter the cascading effects of predator species richness on herbivores and plants.
Sr isotopes and pore fluid chemistry in carbonate sediment of the Ontong Java Plateau: Calcite recrystallization rates and evidence for a rapid rise in seawater Mg over the last 10 million years

Abstract The 87Sr/86Sr ratios and Sr concentrations in sediment and pore fluids are used to evaluate the rates of calcite recrystallization at ODP Site 807A on the Ontong Java Plateau, an 800-meter thick section of carbonate ooze and chalk. A numerical model is used to evaluate the pore fluid chemistry and Sr isotopes in an accumulating section. The deduced calcite recrystallization rate is 2% per million years (%/Myr) near the top of the section and decreases systematically in older parts of the section such that the rate is close to 0.1/age (in years). The deduced recrystallization rates have important implications for the interpretation of Ca and Mg concentration profiles in the pore fluids. The effect of calcite recrystallization on pore fluid chemistry is described by the reaction length, L, which varies by element, and depends on the concentration in pore fluid and solid. When L is small compared to the thickness of the sedimentary section, the pore fluid concentration is controlled by equilibrium or steady-state exchange with the solid phase, except within a distance L of the sediment–water interface. When L is large relative to the thickness of sediment, the pore fluid concentration is mostly controlled by the boundary conditions and diffusion. The values of L for Ca, Sr, and Mg are of order 15, 150, and 1500 meters, respectively. LSr is derived from isotopic data and modeling, and allows us to infer the values of LCa and LMg. The small value for LCa indicates that pore fluid Ca concentrations, which gradually increase down section, must be equilibrium values that are maintained by solution-precipitation exchange with calcite and do not reflect Ca sources within or below the sediment column. The pore fluid Ca measurements and measured alkalinity allow us to calculate the in situ pH in the pore fluids, which decreases from 7.6 near the sediment–water interface to 7.1 ± 0.1 at 400–800 mbsf. While the calculated pH values are in agreement with some of the values measured during ODP Leg 130, most of the measurements are artifacts. The large value for LMg indicates that the pore fluid Mg concentrations at 807A are not controlled by calcite-fluid equilibrium but instead are determined by the changing Mg concentration of seawater during deposition, modified by aqueous diffusion in the pore fluids. We use the pore fluid Mg concentration profile at Site 807A to retrieve a global record for seawater Mg over the past 35 Myr, which shows that seawater Mg has increased rapidly over the past 10 Myr, rather than gradually over the past 60 Myr. This observation suggests that the Cenozoic rise in seawater Mg is controlled by continental weathering inputs rather than by exchange with oceanic crust. The relationship determined between reaction rate and age in silicates and carbonates is strikingly similar, which suggests that reaction affinity is not the primary determinant of silicate dissolution rates in nature.
Smoking and mental health problems in treatment-seeking university students.

Smoking prevalence and daily cigarette consumption are significantly higher among individuals with mental health problems. Studies performed in the general population report greater levels of functional disability, more psychiatric symptoms, and poorer quality of life in heavy smokers. Less is known about the burden of tobacco in individuals seeking mental health care. A total of 503 treatment-seeking university students were evaluated with a standardized and validated computer assessment tool (PsyberCare-MH, Polaris Health Directions) that assessed subjective well-being; severity of psychiatric symptoms; and vocational, social, and personal functioning. These patients also were categorized as nonsmokers/occasional smokers (n=384), light smokers (at least weekly use; n=68), and heavy smokers (daily smoking >10 cigarette/day; n=51). Compared with nonsmokers, heavy smokers, but not light smokers, reported substantially poorer well-being, greater symptom burden, and more functional disability (all scales p<.008). Smoking status should be assessed in all individuals seeking mental health treatment and appropriate cessation assistance should be provided.
The use of computer-aided engineering workstations in digital circuit design laboratory

The author first discusses the issue of acquiring a computer-aided engineering (CAE) workstation for educational uses and then describes a simple circuit design example using industrial CAE tools that are available to the students in a digital circuit design laboratory. The students are required to design, simulate, implement, and test a complex state machine. >
Rapid transfer of low copy-number episomal plasmids from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Escherichia coli by electroporation

A simple and reproducible method for transferring low copy-number episomal plasmids from yeast toEscherichia coli has been developed. Although slightly more time-consuming than direct transfer methods, which are effective with high copy number plasmids, the method is significantly faster than methods that require purification of yeast DNA. Plasmid DNA is released from yeast cells during brief treatments involving grinding with glass beads and heating. The treated yeast are cooled, electrocompetentE. coli is added, the mixture is electroporated, and transformants are selected using standard conditions forE. coli electrotransformation. The procedure typically yields sufficient transformants for most applications.
The Innovative Potential of American-Educated Japanese

The overseas scholar who returns to his home country is the epitome of the innovator: he has been sent abroad to acquire new knowledge, and he is expected to make use of this knowledge in contributing to change in his home society. However, in our study of Japanese educated abroad, we found that an overseas education did not automatically qualify the returnee for an innovative role. Depending upon the nature of his sponsorship, the returned student is subjected by his peers to constant evaluation of his position in the shifting currents of international imagery and prestige—evaluation which is part of the effort by Japanese intellectuals to define Japan's position in the world. His innovative efforts are also influenced by the level of advancement in his career upon return home, and upon his personal attitudes and habits. For example, social etiquette is of key importance in Japanese society; accomplishment is often determined by the ability and willingness of the individual to adhere to prescribed behavi...
Static negative resistance in avalanche diodes

At high current levels some diodes, when reverse-biased into avalanche, can exhibit a dc negative resistance. The diode parameters affecting this negative resistance and the frequency dependence of the resistance are discussed.
Response of angina and ischemia to long-term treatment in patients with chronic stable angina: A double-blind randomised individualized dosing trial of nifedipine, propranolol and their combination

Abstract Seventy-four patients with chronic stable mild angina, mild coronary artery disease (83% had one- or two-vessel disease) and normal left ventricular function were studied to measure the response of treadmill exercise performance and painful and silent ischemia in the ambulatory setting to randomly assigned treatment with nifedipine or propranolol and their combination; titration to maximal tolerated dosages was performed in doubleblind manner. At 3 months both nifedipine and propranolol reduced the weekly angina rate (p During ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring before treatment, there were 1.4 ± 2.4 (mean ± SD) episodes/24 h of painful ischemia and a very low silent ischemia frequency: mean 1.1 ± 2.7 episodes/24 h, mean duration 16 ± 25 min/24 h. Treatment with propranolol and nifedipine resulted in reduction of episodes and duration of painful and painless ischemia; approximately 77% of patients were free of all ischemic episodes. It is concluded that patients with chronic stable mild angina have a low incidence of silent ischemia. Nifedipine or propranolol alone, titrated to individualized maximally tolerated dosages, are equally effective in long-term control of painful and painless ischemia, anginal episodes and exercise-induced ischemia. Combination therapy further reduced only exercise-induced angina and maximal exercise-induced ST depression.
Observations of a firm's information processing with a data base management system

The organization in this study used all versions of IMS, from IMS 1 through IMS VS 1.01, over the period 1970–1975. During this period, the number of messages processed steadily increased from 6000 in October 1970 to a maximum in excess of 150,000 in September 1974. This volume enhancement was achieved by solving a sequence of problems concerning IMS software, data base design, or program coding. Perhaps the most important factors supporting the increase were two improvements in IMS software: one was the data base buffer pool introduced with IMS 2; the other the feature introduced with IMS VS that, unlike the previous versions, enabled the simultaneous updating of different data base segments belonging to the same type.
Control, Correction, and Modeling of Setup Errors and Organ Motion.

As advances in radiotherapy technology enable higher precision treatment, it becomes increasingly important to understand the factors that contribute to treatment uncertainty. The recent developments in imaging modalities and computer algorithms have made possible quantitative measurements of treatment uncertainties on statistically significant numbers of patients, which has led to new strategies for reducing as well as incorporating them into the treatment planning process. This article reviews the current literature on two sources of uncertainties deemed important in photon therapy, namely, patient localization (setup) errors and organ motion. In the area of patient localization there has been increasing work on protocols using electronic portal imaging devices to correct setup errors. These protocols are derived from probability analyses based on knowledge of setup errors for a population of patients in combination with defined clinical endpoints. Measurements of organ motion and methods to correct or control it have been more limited, due partly to the larger difficulties in imaging and motion characteriation. We also review two paradigms for accounting for uncertainties in treatment plans: the conventional approach, which adds a margin around the tumor volume, and an alternative one, which includes uncertainties directly in the dose distributions of the tumor volume and nearby normal organs.
Between You and Me: Setting Work-Nonwork Boundaries in the Context of Workplace Relationships

This study examined how individuals do “boundary work,” the process of negotiating, setting, moving, and adjusting boundaries between work and life outside of work. In an inductive qualitative stud...
The photolysis of the l-cycloalkoxy-5-chloro-1,2,3-benzotriazole system

Three l-cycloalkoxy-5-chloro-1,2,3-benzotriazoles were photolyzed at 254 nm. The major photolytic pathway yielded the corresponding cyclic ketone and 4,4′-dichloroazobenzene.
Statistical Biostratigraphic Correlation and Senonian Stratigraphy in West Texas and Northeastern Chihuahua, Mexico: ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Upper Cretaceous rocks in west Texas and northeastern Chihuahua, Mexico, are divided into three formations, the Ojinaga Formatios, the San Carlos Formation, the El Picacho Formation. A quantitive zonation based on morphologic changes in stratigraphically successive Placenticeras samples is proposed in order to supplement the established Upper Cretaceous collignonicerid zonation. The correlation coefficients of eight stratigraphically unrelated samples are statistically compared with the established Placenticeras evolutionary sequence and time correlations are made. The results of the biostratigraphic analysis suggest that the Senonian strandline is Presidio and Jeff Davis Counties, Texas, and northeastern Chihuahua moved in a southeasterly direction during an extensive marine regression.
A Novel Tin Oxide Based Thick-Film Sensor for Determining Sulfur Hexafluoride Decomposition Product Sulfur Dioxide

In this investigation, we have synthesized pure and copper decorated tin oxide nanostructures with a facile yet environment-friendly hydrothermal route. The sensing materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Thick-film gas sensors are fabricated from the as-prepared samples, and their gas sensing performances towards sulfur dioxide are calculated and evaluated by a Chemical Gas Sensor-8 intelligent gas sensing analysis system automatically.
Alternative Approaches to Public Health Surveillance of IDDM

OBJECTIVE To assess the appropriateness of national surveillance of IDDM. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We reviewed the structure and function of national disease surveillance, the diverse goals of IDDM surveillance, and prior experience with IDDM as a reportable disease. RESULTS Surveillance is the systematic and ongoing collection, analysis, interpretation,and dissemination of data linked to public health action. The potential goals of surveillance of IDDM are to understand the etiology and trends in incidence of IDDM, to measure the burden of IDDM and its complications, and to assess mortality. Problems associated with surveillance of IDDM include underreporting, delayed reporting, and lack of funding. CONCLUSIONS To make IDDM a nationally reportable disease is neither warranted nor feasible at this time. Although surveillance is needed to understand diabetes better and for diabetes control, proposed initiatives, such as major expansions of IDDM reporting, should be developed to address specific questions, problems, and needs— stillrecognizing real-world issues of competing priorities and limited resources.
The effect of ascorbic acid on malonaldehyde formation, K+, Na+ and water content of brain slices.

The ascorbate status of cortical brain slice preparation was correlated with malonaldehyde levels during the first hour of incubation in normal Krebs-Ringer phosphate medium. The ascorbate content of fresh cortical slice was 3.33 ± 0.34 μmol/g. A portion of ascorbate was released from the tissue during incubation. The release of ascorbate was less extensive when 1 mM ascorbate was added to the medium, and in the presence of 3 mM ascorbate the initial tissue level of ascorbate was maintained during the experiment. Addition of ascorbate to the medium produced a biphasic effect on malonaldehyde formation: 1 mM ascorbate doubled, 3 mM ascorbate inhibited malonaldehyde production, as compared to control values. When in vivo cortical ascorbate level was increased by 25% through an intraperitoneal injection of 2 g/kg Na ascorbate, the relationship between tissue and medium ascorbate during incubation was unaltered, but malonaldehyde formation was delayed by approximately 30 min and the stimulatory effect of low concentration of ascorbate was not seen. During the lag period there was evidence of an ion and water pumping mechanism opposing the accumulation of water and the movement of K+ and Na+ along their concentration gradients.
Variability in the Fatty Acid Composition of Wax Esters from Vernix Caseosa and Its Possible Relation to Sebaceous Gland Activity

Wax ester/sterol ester (WE/SE) ratios were measured in samples of vernix caseosa lipid obtained from 21 full-term infants. The mean WE/SE ratio was twice as high in males as in females, suggesting higher average fetal sebum production rates in males, but individual values varied widely and there was considerable overlap between the sexes. Wax esters (a class of lipid produced only by the sebaceous glands) were isolated from 6 of the 21 samples of vernix caseosa lipid and analyzed for fatty acid composition. The percentages of iso and anteiso branched saturated fatty acids and of Δ9-type monounsaturated fatty acids were found to be correlated negatively with the WE/SE ratios of the original lipid samples. Values for the percentages of the major Δ9-type monounsaturates, plotted as a function of WE/SE ratios, fell near a curve of the shape which would be expected if a limited quantity of Δ9-type monounsaturates were available for sebum synthesis, and were diluted with varying amounts of Δ6-type monounsaturates, the amount of the Δ6-type monounsaturates being proportional to the amount of wax esters synthesized by the sebaceous glands. The results suggested that the rate of sebum production may be the sole determinant of the percentage of Δ9-type monounsaturates in sebaceous wax esters and a partial determinant of the percentage of iso and anteiso branched saturates.
The scientist's dilemma

In his article, Toby Carlson describes the deterioration of science funding procedures that he has experienced over the course of his career. As a young faculty member, I have not personally experienced the decline in the way Carlson has, but, as a scientist, I have a tendency to try and analyze and model phenomena even if I have not necessarily personally experienced them. It is in this spirit that I approached one of the main issues that Carlson describes: the escalation in the amount of time scientists spend writing grant proposals.
Recrystallization of Cerium Oxide in Porcelain Enamels

The effect of cerium oxide incorporated as the principal opacifying agent in the frit batch on the properties of white cover-coat porcelain enamels was studied. The effect of several variables on the opacity of the enamel was investigated as a function of firing temperature. Variables studied included (a) the amount of cerium oxide added, (b) the manner in which cerium oxide was incorporated into the enamel, i.e., mill addition, frit addition, or combination of both, (c) composition of the base glass, (d) weight of application, and (e) type of mill addition. Porcelain enamels were produced which had good acid resistance, high gloss, and a reflectance of 80% or more. Mill-added cerium oxide seemed to be less effective than that which was incorporated in the porcelain enamel as a component of the frit. The spectrophotometric analysis indicated goed color stability of cerium oxide enamels. (auth)
On Being American Indian: Current and Possible Selves

Three studies using different methods (spontaneous self-descriptions, possible selves, and endorsement of independence/interdependence) examined American Indian (AI) and European American (EA) self-understanding at three age levels (Junior High—6–8th grade, High School—9–12th grade, and University). AI, in comparison to EA, generated fewer statements overall, used fewer categories of response, and made reference to fewer positive attributes and abilities. Reflecting a pervasive concern with interdependence, AI were more likely to describe themselves in terms of other-focused actions (e.g., I work hard because others are counting on me) and to endorse interdependence than were EA. However, reflecting a simultaneous concern with some aspects of independence, AI emphasized self-improvement in their self-descriptions, achievement in their possible selves, and strongly endorsed items relating to self-knowledge. AI reported more feared selves related to poverty and deviant behavior than did EA. Both AI and EA H...
High-temperature, high-frequency characterization system for power ferrites

An automatic magnetic test system is presented that can measure hysteresis loops of Manganese-Zinc (MnZn) power ferrites up to their Curie temperatures, in the 10 kHz-1 MHz frequency range. Low-cost test fixtures are constructed that can withstand elevated temperatures as high as 250 /spl deg/C. The experimental procedures for the automated acquisition of dynamic hysteresis loops with constant and with variable peak flux density are presented. The usefulness of the test system is demonstrated by the experimental results from three commercial MnZn power ferrites.
GOES-R Advanced Baseline Imager Color Product Development

Abstract The current Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) series was inaugurated in 1994 with the launch of GOES-8 and will continue with two more satellites (GOES-O and -P) after the most recent GOES-13 launched in 2006. The next-generation GOES (beginning with GOES-R) will be launched in the 2015 time frame. This new series of satellites will include improved spatial, temporal, spectral, and radiometric resolution. The last two characteristics are manifest by an increased number of spectral bands and increased precision for measurements from those bands. To take advantage of the lead time needed to design, build, and test this new and complex satellite system, work is going into developing image products to be implemented as soon as GOES-R becomes operational. Preparations for GOES-R image products for applications to various weather events, especially mesoscale events, are well underway. The approach used for these “risk reduction” activities is to apply data from existing operation...
Burkholderia cepacia Septicemia in a Pediatric Oncology Patient: A Pharmacotherapy Challenge

OBJECTIVE:To discuss pharmacotherapy challenges encountered during treatment of a pediatric oncology patient with Burkholderia cepacia septicemia.CASE SUMMARY:An 11-year-old male with a history of aplastic anemia presented to the emergency department with a 1-day history of cough and purulent nasal discharge 6 months after undergoing bone marrow transplant. Blood cultures obtained from the patient's Broviac catheter revealed gram-negative rods. Piperacillin/tazobactam and tobramycin were administered, but the patient worsened clinically, with fever and chills. B. cepacia was identified as the offending pathogen, and the therapy was changed to meropenem and ciprofloxacin, as piperacillin/ tazobactam and tobramycin are ineffective against Burkholderia spp. Intravenous trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, the drug of choice for Burkholderia spp. infections, was unavailable as it had been placed on national manufacturer backorder. The patient improved initially, but he later experienced recurrence of fever, and blo...
A densitometer for quantitative autoradiography

A low cost spot densitometer system is described. This system is useful for quantitative autoradiography of local cerebral glucose utilization, blood flow, receptor binding and other applications requiring densitometry on films. The densitometer can be used alone or interfaced to a microcomputer. The densitometer consists of a photographic enlarger, a digital multimeter, and the densitometer electronics. We have described how to construct, test and use the densitometer and how to interface the densitometer to a microcomputer. The advantages of this system are: (1) the ability to enlarge the image for accurate measurements from 'small' areas; (2) a completely unobscured image during measurement; (3) low cost and (4) ease of use.
Low-resistance Ohmic contacts to digital alloys of n-AlGaN/AlN

Low contact resistance to digital alloys of n-type AlGaN/AlN with high average Al concentration is described. Low-energy electron diffraction was used to evaluate surface precleaning with HCl and buffered HF. The contact metallization consisting of a stack of Ti/Al/Ti/Au, 20/100/45/60 nm in thickness, was e-beam deposited and etch-patterned. The lowest specific contact resistance of 5.6/spl times/10/sup -5/ /spl Omega//spl middot/cm/sup 2/ was obtained after annealing in N/sub 2/ ambient at 700/spl deg/C.
Perceptions of Interracial Couples: Prejudice at the Dyadic Level:

Three hypotheses about perceptions of interracial couples were tested. European American respondents read descriptions of interracial or intraracial couples and rated the couple and the partners on a variety of dimensions. As predicted, interracial couples were perceived as less compatible than were intraracial couples, but only when the other-race partner was African American, not when he or she was Asian American. Being in an interracial marriage had stronger effects on perceptions of men than women, and different effects on perceptions of minority group men than majority group men on dimensions of perceived racial identity and comfort with same-race others. However, contrary to predictions, there were no differences in perceptions of intraracial couples. Implications for future research on the consequences of perceptions on actual characteristics of interracial couples are discussed.
Generalized linear models with a coarsened covariate

Summary. We consider generalized linear models with a coarsened covariate. The term ‘coarsened’ is used here to refer to the case where the exact value of the covariate of interest is not fully observed. Instead, only some set or grouping that contains the exact value is observed. In particular, we propose a likelihood-based method for estimating regression parameters in a generalized linear model relating the mean of the outcome to covariates. We outline Newton– Raphson and EM algorithms for obtaining maximum likelihood estimates of the regression parameters. We also compare and contrast this likelihood-based approach with two somewhat ad hoc procedures: a complete-case analysis in which individuals with coarsened data are excluded and estimation is based on the remaining ‘complete cases’, and a coarsened data regression model in which the covariate values for all the complete cases are coarsened and then included in a regression model relating the mean to the coarsened covariate. The methodology that is presented is motivated by coarsened data on the racial–ethnicity categorization of patients in the US’s National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, a study to examine the medical care that is provided to a patient in a physician’s office. In this study, the outcome of interest is the level of tests (none, non-invasive tests or invasive tests) ordered for the patient at the doctor’s visit. One of the covariates of interest is the patient’s four-level discrete covariate comprised of four racial–ethnicity categories: white–Hispanic, white–non-Hispanic, AfricanAmerican–Hispanic and African-American–non-Hispanic. However, of the 19 095 patients in the sample, 14 955 (or 78%) have the exact category of race–ethnicity recorded and 4140 (or 22%) have race–ethnicity coarsened. For the latter group of 4140 individuals, the ethnicity is not recorded, but we know that 3683 are white and 457 are African-American.
“High‐stakes”; testing of medical students using standardized patients

Standardized patients (SPs) are being used for teaching and testing in a growing number of U.S. medical schools. More attention to their use in formal evaluation settings raises questions about SP characteristics for “high‐stakes”; testing. Institutions contemplating the use of SPs in tests that “count"—whether they are medical schools or test agencies—need to examine a complex of new issues related to this intended use. This article discusses what some of these issues are and proposes some benefits to be gained by the schools and the licensing bodies by addressing this complex of issues in a collaborative way. The effort to develop a common set of processes to deal with the development and administration of SP tests could lay the groundworkfor a common clinical evaluation system that would efficiently serve both education and licensure requirements while safeguarding their autonomous interests. The current Standardized Patient Project at the National Board of Medical Examiners serves as an example of thi...
Mapping and management of the non-native Japanese spiraea at Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve, Virginia, USA.

Biological invasions of non-native species are an important conservation issue because of the potential negative impacts on native plant and animal communities. One species of concern in Virginia is Japanese spiraea (Spiraea japonica L.f.). At Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve (BMNAP) the spread of Japanese spiraea threatens the integrity of native high-elevation grassy balds, eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) glades, and mafic seep communities. A prerequisite to successful management of a non-native species is knowledge about where a species has established and how it spreads. Thus, our objectives were to: (1) identify current populations of Japanese spiraea at BMNAP, and (2) characterize environmental conditions favoring the growth of Japanese spiraea. Paired-plot sampling was used to compare environmental parameters from adjacent plots with and without Japanese spiraea. Canopy cover was significantly lower in plots with Japanese spiraea compared to plots without Japanese spiraea (t = 1.76, P = 0.02), suggesting Japanese spiraea is more successful in establishing in higher light environments. At BMNAP, lower canopy cover reflected historical disturbances such as old power line cuts or roads. Although Japanese spiraea is not currently invading the grassy balds or eastern redcedar glades at the Buffalo Mountain summit, existing populations pose an immediate threat to the mafic seeps at the base of the mountain. Regular monitoring and mapping will be important to prevent Japanese spiraea from hindering conservation goals.
(Tert-butyl)cyclopentadienylindium(I), In(C5H4CMe3): synthesis, characterization and X-ray structural study

Abstract The indium(I) compound, In(C 5 H 4 CMe 3 ), has been prepared from the corresponding lithium cyclopentadienyl reagent Li(C 5 H 4 CMe 3 ) and InCl in OEt 2 . Characterization data have included partial elemental analyses (C, H), physical properties, IR, 1 H NMR and mass spectroscopic data, oxidation reactions with dilute aqueous HCl and a single-crystal X-ray structural study. The colorless crystal of In(C 5 H 4 CMe 3 ) consists of infinite zigzag chains. There are no interstrand In⋯In interactions. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P 2 1 / n with four formula units in the unit cell with dimensions of a 6.139(1), b 9.765(6), c 15.543(3) A, β 92.87(1) and ϱ calcd 1.68 g/cm 3 .
Quality of Online Information to Support Patient Decision-Making in Breast Cancer Surgery

Background Breast cancer patients commonly use the internet as an information resource. Our objective was to evaluate the quality of online information available to support patients facing a decision for breast surgery. Methods Breast cancer surgery-related queries were performed (Google and Bing), and reviewed for content pertinent to breast cancer surgery. The DISCERN instrument was used to evaluate websites' structural components that influence publication reliability and ability of information to support treatment decision-making. Scores of 4/5 were considered “good.” Results 45 unique websites were identified. Websites satisfied a median 5/9 content questions. Commonly omitted topics included: having a choice between breast conservation and mastectomy (67%) and potential for 2nd surgery to obtain negative margins after breast conservation (60%). Websites had a median DISCERN score of 2.9 (range 2.0–4.5). Websites achieved higher scores on structural criteria (median 3.6 [2.1–4.7]), with 24% rated as “good.” Scores on supporting decision-making questions were lower (2.6 [1.3–4.4]), with only 7% scoring “good.” Conclusion Although numerous breast cancer-related websites exist, most do a poor job providing women with essential information necessary to actively participate in decision-making for breast cancer surgery. Providing easily- accessible, high-quality online information has the potential to significantly improve patients' experiences with decision-making. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:575–580. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of Simulation and Experimental Data of a Zero Energy Home in an Arid Climate

In this study, a widely used software package, Trace 700 was used to simulate the energy consumption of the heating and cooling loads of two residential homes and compare them with their experimental values. One home is classified as a zero energy home (ZEH) and employs advanced construction features, which is designed to consume significantly less energy than a normal home. The baseline home is of the exact same dimensions and floor plan as the ZEH, but uses more traditional construction practices. Trace was used to model both homes during periods where both cooling and heating were used, respectively, for an available period of two weeks in 2005. Actual weather data from the vicinity were obtained during the monitoring phase and were introduced into Trace as input data to create a more accurate representation of the conditions. The difference between the simulated predictions and the actual experiments showed an average difference of 2.25 and 6.29% for the baseline house for cooling electric energy and heating energy, respectively, while that difference was 10.67% in cooling for the ZEH. No estimate is presented to the difference in the heating mode for the ZEH due to a plumbing problem. The data showed the ZEH reduced the cooling load by about 76% experimentally and 75% by simulation. The simulation comparison between the baseline and ZEH indicate a reduction of the heating load of about 12%.
Changes in the 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity of mouse blastocysts during delayed implantation

The rate of estrone (F1) -� estradiol-1 713 (E2) or E2 -� Econversion catalyzed by I 713-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (1713-HSD) activity was determined for each mouse embryo in modified F-JO medium con- taining 0.95 pM 3H-E1 or 3H-E2. During delayed implantation, the F1 -+ F2 conversion rate was decreased (p<0.OOS) from 5.69 ± 0.34 fmol/h/blastocyst on Day 5 to 3.50 ± 0.46 fmol/h/blastocyst on Day 9, whereas F2 -* E1 was increased (p<O.005) from 7.44 ± 1.08 to 18.60 ± 2.04 fmol/h/blastocyst. After estrogen injec- tion, the Day 9 implanting blastocyst showed an increase (p<O.005)in E1 -#{247} E2 conversion to 9.05 ± 0.64 fmol/h/blastocyst but a slight, insignificant decrease in E2 -+ F1 conversion to 14.02 ± 1.82 fmol/h/blastocyst. A similar trend was also observed in Day 5 implanting blastocysts when compared to Day 5 delayed blasto cysts. Thus, 1713-HSD activity in delayed blastocysts favors E2 E1 over F1 -� F2 conversion in a ratio of5:1. After estrogen induction of implantation, the E1 -� F2 conversion rate is stimulated and the ratio of F2 -� F1 to F1 F2 rate is decreased to 1.5; 1. The results suggest that I 7,6-HSD activity may be involved in blastocyst implantation.
Representing biological and physical systems as temporal event hierarchies

A method for representing texts describing biological systems is presented. The representation is that which an educated layman would build from reading a text describing a biological system. This representation is viewed as a bridge between the English description of a biological system and deeper representations of such a system. The representation is based on temporal relations which are used to index and organize knowledge about biological systems (circulatory, respiratory, etc.) in a hierarchy of events. Several reasoning methods which the proposed representation permits are explained. A method for drawing diagrams depicting the function of the systems represented is also included. >