cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physics of Solar System Plasmas: The solar wind interaction with planets and other solar system bodies

We learned in the previous chapter that the solar wind is an almost collisionless plasma consisting mainly of protons and electrons flowing outward from the Sun supersonically and super-Alfvenically at several hundred kilometers per second. The interplanetary magnetic field is carried out into the solar system by the solar wind. Planets and other solar system bodies act as obstacles to the flow of the solar wind, but the nature of this interaction strongly depends on the characteristics of the planet. Chapter 7 deals with the solar wind flow around planets and other objects. A very brief introduction to this topic was given in Chapter 1. Further reading material on this topic can be found in the bibliography at the end of this chapter. Chapter 8 will deal with the internal dynamics of the terrestrial magnetosphere as well as with the magnetospheres of the outer planets. Types of solar wind interaction Nature of the obstacle The manner in which the solar wind interacts with objects, or bodies, in the solar system depends, naturally, on the characteristics of that object. Relevant characteristics include its heliocentric distance ( r ), its size, whether or not it has an atmosphere and ionosphere, and the strength of its intrinsic magnetic field. Table 7.1 lists some relevant characteristics for all the planets and for other solar system bodies.
Investigational New Drug‐Directed Toxicology and Pharmacokinetic Study of 4‐[3‐(2‐Nitro‐1‐Imidazolyl)‐Propylamino]‐7‐Chloroquinoline Hydrochloride (NLCQ‐1, NSC 709257) in Beagle Dogs

4-[3-(2-Nitro-1-imidazolyl)-propylamino]-7-chloroquinoline hydrochloride (NLCQ-1), a 2-nitroimidazole-based hypoxia-selective cytotoxin has been shown to target hypoxic regions of solid tumours. The present study is one of several pre-clinical toxicology studies conducted in support of an 'investigational new drug' (IND) application to test this agent as an adjuvant to radio/chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer in humans. Twenty-four dogs were each assigned to one vehicle control group or to one of three test article-treated groups (three dogs/sex/treatment group). Intravenous (i.v.) doses of 0, 2.74, 5.48 and 10.95 mg/kg/day (54.8, 109.6 or 219 mg/m(2)/day) were administered on a per day x 5 days (qd x 5) schedule. NLCQ-1 was formulated as a solution in sterile saline at 1.5 mg/ml. None of the dogs died during this 33-day study. With few exceptions, most of the clinical signs of toxicity were noted within 2 hr following dosing in the 10.95 mg/kg/day dose group. These observations included aggressive behaviour, ataxia, tachypnea, emesis, hypoactivity, excessive salivation, tremors, and involuntary urination and defecation. Aggressive behaviour was judged to be dose-limiting. No clinical signs of toxicity were noted during the 28-day observation period that followed the 5-day dose period. Findings in a functional observation battery examination were consistent with the clinical observations. No drug-related effects were noted on the body weight or food consumption values, and no drug-related changes were noted during ocular examinations made on these animals prior to scheduled necropsy or during examination of electrocardiogram recordings made at 15 min. and 2 hr after dosing on days 1 and 5. No definitive changes in haematology, clinical chemistry or coagulation values were noted in dogs treated with NLCQ-1. NLCQ-1 was detected in the plasma of treated dogs on days 1 and 5, up to 60 min. after dosing (2.74 and 5.48 mg/kg/day) and up to 8 hr after dosing (10.95 mg/kg/day). There was a dose-related increase in maximum plasma concentration of NLCQ-1 at 5 min. after dosing; comparable concentrations were noted on days 1 and 5. No definitive test article-related lesions were noted during microscopic evaluation of tissues from dogs in this study, although lesions noted at the injection site and in the vascular tissue, lungs, thymus, prostate gland, muscle, adrenal cortex and tongue may have resulted from treatment with this drug. Any drug-related toxicity noted was readily reversible and not cumulative. No sex difference was detected in the susceptibility to NLCQ-1-induced toxicity.
Two-Higgs-doublet-portal dark-matter model: LHC data and Fermi-LAT 135 GeV line

We study a two-Higgs-doublet model augmented by a scalar dark matter particle that provides an excellent fit to the LHC Higgs data and the Fermi-LAT 135 GeV line. The heavy $CP$-even Higgs boson, which predominantly mediates annihilation and scattering, must have a coupling to weak gauge bosons at or below percent level to suppress the continuum gamma-ray spectrum below the limit from the Fermi-LAT data and the antiproton spectrum constrained by the PAMELA data. Discovering or excluding this $CP$-even Higgs boson at the LHC with a mass between 265 and 280 GeV is a crucial test of this scenario.
Solvent-stationary phase interactions in normal bonded phase high-performance liquid chromatographic columns: I. Investigation of system peaks in amino bonded phase columns

Abstract System peaks in normal bonded phase high-performance liquid chromatography (NBP-LC) have been used to characteirze solvent-stationary phase interactions in an aminopropyl (amino) NPB column. Mobile phases (“solvents”) consisted of binary mixtures of hexane and a polar modifier. The term “system peak” is used to describe peaks arising from mobile phase components under isocratic conditions. These peaks can be either positive or negative, depending on the absorbance of the component relative to that of the bulk mobile phase. This study indicates that a high modifier concentrations the partition model seems to be more appropriate in describing retention in amino NBP columns than the adsorption-displacement model.
Utility of immunophenotyping of plasma cells in multiple myeloma.

In this issue of Leukemia and Lymphoma, Huang et al. [1] report on a cohort of patients with CD20-positive multiple myeloma among a cohort of 331 newly-diagnosed patients. In this cohort, patients ...
3D T2 MR Imaging–Based Measurements of the Posterior Cervical Thecal Sac in Flexion and Extension for Cervical Puncture

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The current standard technique for cervical puncture involves prone positioning with neck extension. The purpose of this study was to compare measurements of the posterior cervical thecal sac during neck flexion and extension in supine and prone positions by using high-resolution MR imaging to help determine the optimal positioning for cervical puncture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-resolution T2-weighted MR imaging was performed of the cervical spine in 10 adult volunteers 18 years of age and older. Exclusion criteria included the following: a history of cervical spine injury/surgery, neck pain, and degenerative spondylosis. Images of sagittal 3D sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts by using different flip angle evolutions were obtained in the following neck positions: supine extension, supine flexion, prone extension, and prone flexion. The degree of neck flexion and extension and the distance from the posterior margin of the spinal cord to the posterior aspect of the C1–C2 thecal sac were measured in each position. RESULTS: The mean anteroposterior size of the posterior C1–C2 thecal sac was as follows: 4.76 mm for supine extension, 3.63 mm for supine flexion, 5.00 mm for prone extension, and 4.00 mm for prone flexion. Neck extension yielded a larger CSF space than flexion, independent of supine/prone positioning. There was no correlation with neck angle and thecal sac size. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior C1–C2 thecal sac is larger with neck extension than flexion, independent of prone or supine positioning. Given that this space is the target for cervical puncture, findings suggest that extension is the ideal position for performing the procedure, and the decision for prone-versus-supine positioning can be made on the basis of operator comfort and patient preference/ability.
The emperor's new masks: On demographic differences and disguises

Remaining unrecognized in an era of ubiquitous camera surveillance remains desirable to some, but advances in face recognition technology make it increasingly difficult to do so. A large database of high-quality imagery was used to explore the effectiveness of disguise as an approach to avoiding recognition. A commercial system that was highly rated in NIST's Face Recognition Vendor Test[13] was used to evaluate a variety of disguises worn by each member of a study population that was diverse in age, gender, and race. Analysis of the recognition results for subsets extracted from the population shows that disguise can be remarkably effective. However, the efficacy of the disguises against face recognition varies so significantly with demographics that, for some, the disguises are not worth wearing.
Shifting therapeutic attention in MS to osteopontin, type 1 and type 2 IFN

It is widely debated whether MS is mediated solely by Th1, or solely by Th17, whether it might be mediated by both pathways, or perhaps by neither pathway. We must integrate the following four facts: first, MS lesions have a signature of IL-6-, IL-17-, osteopontin- and IFN-driven transcriptional activity. Second, MS is worsened with administration of IFN-gamma, the quintessential type 2 IFN and Th1 cytokine. Third, blockade of TNF-alpha worsened MS in clinical trials. Fourth, inhibiting the main driver of Th17, IL-23, failed to modulate relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Against this backdrop, standing outside the framework of the Th1 and Th17 pathways are the type 1 IFN, notably IFN-beta, the most widely used approved therapy for RRMS. A paper in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology demonstrates that IFN-beta suppresses production in CD4(+) T cells of both osteopontin and IL-17. In this commentary, the roles of these two molecules, i.e. osteopontin and IL-17, are discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of MS. Osteopontin may be more important than Th1 or Th17 in the pathogenesis of RRMS. Trials targeting this small integrin-binding protein ought to be pursued in RRMS.
PAVLOV and the Evolution of Cooperation: An Experimental Test*

The evolution of cooperation in social dilemmas continues to intrigue social and behavioral scientists. Recent experiments using computer simulation have identified a promising new development: a simple learning model (called PAVLOV) can thrive in interaction with a broad array of alternative strategies. Other simulations have explored how strategies similar to PAVLOV can learn to cooperate with copies of themselves, revealing a bistable system in which cooperation emerges through a "drunkard's walk." Although these formal studies have yielded provocative new insights, empirical research was needed to test PAVLOV's behavioral assumptions. Laboratory experiments with human subjects support two conditional strategies, state-conditioned (PAVLOV) and response-conditioned (TIT FOR TAT). The results provide little support for unconditional strategies implied either by rationally analytic models (ALL-D) or by altruism (ALL-C). The evolution of cooperation in the iterated Prisoner's Dilemma continues to intrigue social and behavioral scientists. In Prisoner's Dilemma, the two contestants must either cooperate (C) or defect (D); payoffs are contingent on the four possible combinations, and DC > CC > DD > CD. (DC means unilateral defection, the most rewarding outcome.) In a single play, Ego is always better off defecting because DC > CC (if Alter plays C) and DD > CD (if Alter plays D). Yet DD is the next-to-worst possible outcome for both. In a repeated game, however, Ego's best strategy depends on Alter's. Computer simulation then can be used to identify robust strategies-that is, those which do well against a broad array of other successful strategies. Eleven years ago, Axelrod's (1984) celebrated computer tournament was won by one of the simplest strategies entered, TIT FOR TAT (or TFT). TFT is based on the principle of reciprocity: cooperate on the first move and thereafter mimic the interactant's previous move. Axelrod showed how TFT can gain a foothold and then thrive, even in a world infested with ruthless predators. The key to TFT's success is that it cooperates with other reciprocators but resists exploitation by more aggressive strategies such as ALL-D (always defect). ALL-D is myopically flawed; its
Structural Interpretations of Dielectric Measurements in a Lead Borate Melt

The electrical conductivity, dielectric permittivity, and dielectric loss of amorphous PbO-2B2O3 were measured from 300° to 850°C. The experimental activation energy for conduction was 37±4 kcal/mol from 300° to 450°C and 89±10 kcal/mol from 450° to 650°C and gradually decreased to 34±4 kcal/mol with further increases in temperature. The most probable relaxation time, determined from the dielectric measurements, had the same experimental activation energy as conduction. Possible mechanisms of ionic transport for Pb in the glass and melt are proposed.
Improving calling surveys for detecting Fowler's toad, Bufo fowleri, in southern New England, USA

Effectively monitoring population trends in Bufo fowleri is a priority in certain regions of this species' range. To determine the most appropriate sampling regime for B. fowleri at Cape Cod National Seashore, we sampled 67 sites with weekly calling surveys from 12 April to 24 July 2003, 2004 and 2005. Surveys were conducted from sunset to approximately midnight. B. fowleri calls were documented on 327/1350 sampling events and at 40 sites, 26 of which supported breeding aggregations. In 96% of sampling events resulting in a calling index value of 1, time to first detection was within three minutes. For all sampling events resulting in index values of 2 or 3, event maxima were recorded within the first survey minute. Most detections occurred within two hours of sunset on calm nights in June when surface water and air temperatures were >17.85°C and 20.75°C, respectively. Surface water temperature and Julian date were important predictors of calling, and June was identified as the optimal time to survey for this species.
Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of deconvolution for ion mobility spectrometry

Abstract Using deconvolution, ion mobility peak shape was found to be dependent upon the nature of the compound, moisture of the drift gas, and acquisition temperature (water clustering) over processes such as ion scavenging and diffusion. Under low moisture conditions, the nature of the compound had greater impact upon peak shape than experimental variables such as temperature. When coeluting compounds were introduced into the mobility spectrometer, peak shape and deconvolution performance were dependent upon the above factors as well as relative concentrations, proton affinities, and differences in the drift times of the mobility peaks of individual components. Deconvolution coupled with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry was employed for interpretation of mixed component mobility spectra.
A Michnik reader

dangerous to classify values broadly as women's or men's when neither of these terms signifies a homogenous category. Considering race, class, ethnic, and religious factors leads to the possibility that women share more of their "values" with men of similar backgrounds than with women of different backgrounds. Where, then, can we locate "women's values," and what are they? Difficulties I have with this essay aside, however, Kessler-Harris is reading the positions of women as products of their relationships to both work and the family. It is this kind of synthesis that best picks up on the analytical and political complexities involved in studying women's changing positions. Scholarship on women is necessarily involved in a political dialogue-and what we cannot avoid hearing and taking note of in the texts discussed here is that freedom from gender inequalities cannot happen at home or at work without happening at both.
Contribution of Functional Groups to the Raman Spectrum of Nanodiamond Powders

In depth understanding of Raman spectra of carbon nanomaterials led to the extension of this technique from simple carbon allotrope detection (fingerprinting) to analysis of the dimensions and ordering of graphene, graphite and nanotubes. In characterization of nanodiamond powders, which have been attracting attention as one of the most promising carbon nanomaterials, Raman spectroscopy is still mainly used only for detecting the diamond phase because of poor understanding of other spectral features. In this paper, we critically examine different explanations of the broad asymmetric Raman band between 1500 and 1800 cm−1 present in all nanodiamond powders and provide an assignment of the contributing peaks, solving one of the major remaining mysteries in Raman spectroscopy of nanodiamond. By using nanodiamond powders with different and well-controlled surface chemistries, as well as in situ Raman measurements at elevated temperatures, we show that these peaks originate from O−H bending vibrations either fr...
The equivalence of spin inversion and phase reversal using symmetric pulses

Abstract It is demonstrated that when a symmetric amplitude-modulated RF pulse applied in the presence of a linear static magnetic field gradient is used for either spin inversion or phase reversal, the longitudinal magnetization distribution in the former case and the echo amplitude distribution in the latter case, have similar shapes as functions of off resonance frequency. This result makes it clear that if a symmetric amplitude-modulated selective pulse performs well for spin inversion, then it can also be used for phase reversal to form an echo, and that the design criteria for both functions are equivalent.
A scintillating gaseous hydrogen drift chamber for use as a position-sensitive target☆

Abstract At room temperature and pressure the hydrogen gas gain is 60, and the drift velocity is 0.5 cm/μs for E=200 V/cm. One MeV of ionization produces 15 photons for 1850 A .
Simple derivation of TFIID-dependent RNA polymerase II transcription systems from Schizosaccharomyces pombe and other organisms, and factors required for transcriptional activation.

Abstract Resolution of whole cell extract through two chromatographic steps yields a single protein fraction requiring only the addition of TFIID for the initiation of transcription at RNA polymerase II promoters. This approach allows the convenient generation of RNA polymerase II transcription systems from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, human lymphocytes, and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. TFIIDs from all three organisms are interchangeable among all three systems. The S. cerevisiae and Sch. pombe systems support effects of acidic activator proteins, provided a further protein fraction from S. cerevisiae is supplied. This further fraction is distinct from the mediator of transcriptional activation described previously and represents a second component in addition to general initiation factors that may facilitate a response to acidic activators.
Determinant Efficiencies in Ill-Conditioned Models

The canonical correlations between subsets of OLS estimators are identified with design linkage parameters between their regressors. Known collinearity indices are extended to encompass angles between each regressor vector and remaining vectors. One such angle quantifies the collinearity of regressors with the intercept, of concern in the corruption of all estimates due to ill-conditioning. Matrix identities factorize a determinant in terms of principal subdeterminants and the canonical Vector Alienation Coefficients between subset estimators—by duality, the Alienation Coefficients between subsets of regressors. These identities figure in the study of D and 𝐷 𝑠 as determinant efficiencies for estimators and their subsets, specifically, 𝐷 𝑠 -efficiencies for the constant, linear, pure quadratic, and interactive coefficients in eight known small second-order designs. Studies on D- and 𝐷 𝑠 -efficiencies confirm that designs are seldom efficient for both. Determinant identities demonstrate the propensity for 𝐷 𝑠 -inefficient subsets to be masked through near collinearities in overall D-efficient designs.
Understanding citizen perceptions of science controversy: bridging the ethnographic—survey research divide

Using the contemporary debate in the United States over embryonic stem cell research as a test case, we outline a theoretical framework that points to the central impact of value predispositions, schema, political knowledge, and forms of mass media use in shaping public perceptions of science. In the process, by proposing an alternative approach to the dominant science literacy model, we address the existing divide between survey-based and ethnographic studies. Analyzing nationally representative survey data collected in the US in the fall of 2003, our findings suggest that value predispositions related to Christian conservatism and social ideology, along with schema related to abortion and reservations about science, serve as primary influences on citizen evaluations of embryonic stem cell research and therapeutic cloning, while our measure of issue-specific political knowledge had no statistically significant impact. In addition, after all controls, attention to newspaper coverage along with various for...
Reactions of Zirconium and Hafnium Atoms with CO: Infrared Spectra and Density Functional Calculations of M(CO)x, OMCCO, and M(CO)2- (M = Zr, Hf; x = 1−4)

Laser-ablated zirconium and hafnium atoms were reacted with CO molecules during condensation in excess neon. The Zr(CO)x and Hf(CO)x (x = 1−4) carbonyls formed during sample deposition or on anneal...
Amputee socks: Sock thickness changes with normal use

Background:Prosthetic socks are expected to decrease in thickness and have reduced volume accommodation with normal use. It is unknown, however, to what degree they reduce in thickness over time.Objective:The goal of this study was to determine a correlation between the age of a prosthetic sock (defined as the out-of-package time) and the resulting change in thickness under standardized weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing conditions.Study design:Experimental, mechanical assessment.Methods:Used prosthetic socks were donated by donors with transtibial amputation. Sock thickness was measured on a custom instrument under conditions representative of normal use. Stress-thickness response was compared to that of equivalent new socks to quantify the effects of use on sock performance.Results:Sock thickness changed non-linearly over time. On average, socks were 75% ± 17% of their initial thickness after 1 month, while socks older than 1 month were 72% ± 18% of their initial thickness. The elasticity of socks di...
Memory deficit in monkeys brain damaged by asphyxia neonatorum.

Abstract This study demonstrates a deficit in memory in rhesus monkeys 8–10 years after neonatal asphyxia. A delay of 5–120 sec after giving a visual cue was imposed on four experimental and four control monkeys. When there was no delay, all of them performed at or above 85% criterion. Marked differences between the asphyxiated and nonasphyxiated animals emerged after only 5 sec of delay.
Self-discrepancies and negative affect: The moderating roles of private and public self-consciousness

Although distinct self-discrepancies are theoretically associated with distinct emotional states, empirical support has been inconsistent. In this study I explored the moderating impact of self-consciousness on the relationship between self-discrepancies and emotion. Discrepancies must not only exist, but must also be accessed to have their presumed consequences. Thus, individuals dispositionally prone to focus attention upon the self should evidence a stronger relationship between specific self-discrepancies and theorized emotions. Participants were assessed on self-discrepancies, on private and public self-consciousness, and on levels of negative affect. Correlations between specific self-discrepancies and theorized emotions were significantly stronger among individuals scoring higher on private self-consciousness. However, the degree to which discrepancies evoke distinct emotions was called into question. Finally, public self-consciousness was not found to play a moderating role.
A review of semi-rigid, stilbene-containing alternating copolymers

The synthesis and properties of sterically congested, stilbene-containing alternating copolymers are reviewed. Persistence lengths (2–6 nm) determined by size exclusion chromatography and small angle X-ray scattering techniques show that these are semi-rigid copolymers. Fully characterized polyanions and polyampholytes, prepared from organic-soluble precursors were studied, along with their respective salt and pH response behavior resulting from the semi-rigid polymer backbone. The solid-state characterization from these studies reveals a high degree of hindered rotation along the polymer backbone. The contorted structure and the hindered rotation of the polymer backbone generate inefficient chain packing, which leads to an increase of nanoporosity and higher surface areas. The semi-rigid stilbene-containing copolymers are a new class of copolymers where the increased polymer backbone rigidity leads to a wide range of polymer properties not attained with flexible polymers.
Assessing PTSD with the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III

We studied the utility of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) in assessing substance-abusing (n = 228), combat-related PTSD patients (n = 32). The MCMI-III produced a code type (16A) that was quite different from MCMI-I and MCMI-II code types (8A2) among similar populations. The PTSD Scale (R) successfully differentiated between a PTSD and non-PTSD substance-abusing group using mean Base Rate scores, was the best predictor of PTSD in a multiple regression equation, and the scale's sensitivity and specificity in detecting and/or ruling out the disorder was above that provided by chance alone and higher than the values reported in the test manual for that scale. The MCMI-III may be used as a broad band screening instrument for PTSD, at least among patients with combat-related stress.
Design of DDS-Like Clock Generator Using Bidirectional Integration

In many applications such as digital communication systems, a reconfigurable clock is required to switch the desired frequency at necessary time. However, using the conventional direct digital frequency synthesizer (DDS) as a pulse or clock generator may cause jitter problems, therefore phase-interpolation approaches are used to generate a pulse or clock with correct time intervals. Focusing on design methodology, a high-precision DDS-like clock generator without phase accumulator and phase interpolation is proposed in this paper, which only uses the bidirectional integration on a single capacitor to directly achieve the clock output with correct time intervals. It also can avoid the impact on frequency error caused by the capacitance error. Therefore, the proposed DDS-like clock generator using bidirectional integration can provides a low-jitter and high-precision clock output, and it also has less hardware complexity.
Sensible heat correction in laminar film boiling and condensation

This paper describes the influence of accounting for inertia as sensible heat in laminar film boiling and condensation problems. The influence of sensible heat becomes increasingly important in the case of film boiling since the numerical value of the Jakob number is high enough to make the correction very important. This will make it possible to solve film boiling and condensation problems accurately with no more than a latent heat correction without reverting to complicated numerical solutions.
X-inactivation pattern in an Ullrich–Turner syndrome patient with a small ring X and normal intelligence

In a description of 8 girls who had Ullrich-Turner syndrome (UTS) with a small r(X), mental retardation, and other unusual findings, it was hypothesized that the distinctive phenotype was associated with the loss of the X inactivation center from the r(X) and lack of genetic inactivation of the ring [Van Dyke et al., 1992]. Here, we present a 17-year-old young woman with 45,X/46,X,r(X)(?p11q13) mosaicism, Ullrich-Turner syndrome, and normal intelligence. In situ hybridization with the X-centromere DNA probe DXZ1 (Oncor, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD) was performed on previously G-banded slides, and the probe hybridized to the centromere regions of the normal X and the ring. The r(X) appears to be inactivated since a buccal smear demonstrated 5% Barr bodies. Furthermore, DAPI stain and FISH analysis with the X-centromere DNA probe DXZ1 was employed to distinguish the inactive X from the active X, and verified the presence of a sex chromatin mass in fibroblasts. These observations are consistent with the active-ring-X-and-mental-retardation hypothesis since the ring in this patient, although very small, appears to be normally inactivated and she has normal intelligence.
A random particle model for catalyst dilution

The effect of mixing catalyst and inert particles on conversion has been studied. It has been shown that the dilution criterion proposed by van den Bleek et al. is not valid for all reaction orders. A new model (random particle model) which stochastically models a reactor consisting of a random mixture of catalyst and inert particles is proposed. Based on this model, dilution equations have been developed to enable an experimenter estimate a priori the magnitude of the effect of dilution.
Abstract 4520: Nanotechnology based drug delivery in childhood leukemia therapy: A novel approach to reduce side-effects.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Despite attaining 5-year survival rates of 90%; more than 60% of pediatric cancer survivors are affected by at-least one life threatening event in their lifetime. Childhood leukemia is currently treated with a combination of chemotherapeutics that are effective in combating the disease. However, these drugs also affect the normal growing cells in children causing devastating side-effects. The goal of this study is to develop nanosized drug delivery formulations that deliver drugs specifically to leukemic cells and ultimately reduce treatment related side-effects in children. Multi-step chemical transformations were employed to construct amphiphilic block copolymers consisting of hydrophilic polyether (PEG) and hydrophobic polyester (PCL) bearing pendent cyclic ketals. The functional block copolymers self-assemble into micelles with a core-shell architecture comprising a segregated PCL core that encapsulates the steroid drug (Dexamethasone) and a sterically stabilized PEG shell that provides a platform to conjugate targeting moieties. Dexamethasone (Dex) and fluorescent-dye encapsulated nanoparticles (NPs) were formulated by a nanoprecipitation method. The size and morphology of all formulations were analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. The non-toxic nature of the blank-NPs was confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. The drug encapsulated NPs (Dex-NPs) are endocytosed into leukemic cells and induced cytotoxicity similar to that of free Dex, but at reduced doses. The Dex-NPs significantly improved survival in preclinical mouse models of leukemia. A second generation drug encapsulated targeted NPs with transferrin as the targeting moiety improved NP uptake in leukemic cells by comparison to non-targeted NPs. The demonstrated efficacy of such novel nanotherapeutic systems in vitro and in pre-clinical mouse models of acute leukemia have provided the foundation to successfully create novel therapeutic delivery systems that target and treat pediatric hematological malignancies with enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity. Citation Format: Vinu Krishnan, Xian Xu, Sonali Barwe, Xiaowei Yang, Scott A. Waldman, Robert W. Mason, Xinqiao Jia, Ayyappan K. Rajasekaran. Nanotechnology based drug delivery in childhood leukemia therapy: A novel approach to reduce side-effects. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4520. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4520
Type of self-discrepancy and relationships to components of the tripartite model of emotional distress

Abstract Based on Higgins’ Self-Discrepancy Theory, two types of discrepancies (i.e., actual/own: ideal/own: AI and actual/own: ought/other: AOO) were examined for their specificity in relating with either anxious or depressive mood. The study assessed whether the predicted relationships between the AI discrepancy and dejection-related emotions and the AOO discrepancy and agitation-related emotions would extend to Clark and Watson’s tripartite model of anxious and depressed mood, a measure of clinical symptoms of depression, and to a measure of dispositional shyness. Results showed that the AI discrepancy was consistently related with the hypothesized tripartite components of depressive affect and with symptoms of clinical depression. In sharp contrast the AOO discrepancy was unrelated to tripartite components of anxious affect and with shyness. Additional findings, issues, and implications for the self-discrepancy theory are discussed.
Toward Patient-Specific Cervical Spine Functional Spinal Unit FE Modeling and Validation

Preventive measures and treatment modalities for correcting spinal disorders benefit significantly from advancements aimed at understanding the biomechanics of the human spine in the normal as well as altered states [1]. Finite element (FE) modeling is a useful tool to understand the behavior of the cervical spine under such conditions. In order for an FE model to yield clinically relevant results, the geometry must be as realistic as possible [2], in addition to incorporating accurate material properties and boundary conditions. The spine’s anatomy is very complex, rendering it difficult to acquire accurate geometrical representations for FE analysis. Many meshes in the literature are based on simplified or idealized geometries, or are assumed to be symmetric about the sagittal plane [3]. Traditional meshing techniques are time consuming and tedious, and lack remeshing capabilities [2]. The ability to create hexahedral cervical spine FE models on a patient-specific basis is a desirable task because it can account for variations in anatomy, as well as provide insight for surgical planning/treatment. Our mesh development methods improve on existing multi-block meshing methods to make this possible. We have created a C45 functional spinal unit (FSU) using these techniques, and to date have validated it by comparison to data presented in the literature.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Synthesis and assembly of soybean β-conglycinin in vitro

The construction of SP6-derived expression plasmids that encode normal and modified β-conglycinin subunits is described. With the exception of an additional methionine at their NH2-terminal ends and the lack of glycans, the normal subunits synthesized at the direction of these plasmids coresponded to mature α and β subunits isolated from soybean seeds. The subunits assembled into trimers in vitro that were equivalent in size to those formed in vivo. This result shows that the glycans are not required either for protein folding or oligomer assembly. Subunits produced from other plasmids, which had modifications in a highly conserved hydrophobic region in the COOH-terminal end of the subunits, either did not assemble or assembled at an extremely low rate compared to unmodified subunits. Structural changes at the more hydrophilic NH2-terminal end had mixed effects. Several subunits modified in this region assembled into trimers at rates that were either equal or greater than those for normal α subunits. Others assembled less completely than the normal subunits. Our results indicate that the in vitro synthesis and assembly assay will be useful in evaluating structure-function relationships in modified β-conglycinin subunits. The results also show that structural changes at the NH2-terminal end of the subunits are tolerated to a greater extent than modifications in the hydrophobic conserved region in the COOH-terminal half of the subunits, and this information will be useful in efforts to improve soybean quality.
Intraoperative transcranial Doppler: Limitations of the method

To test the hypothesis that the transcranial Doppler is a useful technique for intraoperative neuromonitoring, we prospectively used it to study 83 patients undergoing carotid end-arterectomy. A 2 MHz pulsed-wave, range-gated transcranial Doppler was positioned at the transtemporal window after induction of general anesthesia. Mean middle cerebral artery velocity, intraarterial blood pressure, end-tidal PCO2, heart rate, and a spectral array of electroencephalographic activity were recorded continuously throughout the operation. Internal carotid artery back pressure was measured routinely. On completion of the endarterectomy, duplex ultrasound examinations and arteriograms were uniformly obtained to assess technical adequacy. Forty-nine of the 83 patients (60%) had complete preoperative and intraoperative transcranial Doppler examinations. Eleven (13%) had incomplete assessments because of small or absent transtemporal windows. Twenty-three (27%) had unsuccessful monitoring because of technical difficulties, primarily because of inability to maintain probe position--with loss of mean middle cerebral artery velocity recording. In the patients with complete studies, transcranial Doppler failed to provide information that altered surgical therapy. All monitoring modalities were normal in the one patient (1.2%) who sustained an operative stroke. We conclude that at this time, transcranial Doppler has not been useful to routinely monitor the intraoperative events during carotid endarterectomy.
Characterization of the active site of group B streptococcal hyaluronan lyase.

Hyaluronan lyase is secreted by most strains of the human pathogen, group B streptococcus. Site-directed mutagenesis of the enzyme identified three amino acid residues important for enzyme activity, H479, Y488, and R542. These three residues are in close proximity in the putative active site of a homology model of group B streptococcal hyaluronan lyase. The homology model was based on the crystal structure of another related glycosaminoglycan lyase, chondroitin AC lyase, which exhibits different substrate specificity. Two asparagine residues in the active site groove, N429 and N660, were also found to be essential for enzyme activity. In addition, conversion of two adjacent tryptophan residues in the groove to alanines abolished activity. All amino acids found to be essential in GBS hyaluronan lyase are conserved in both enzymes. However, several amino acids in the active site groove of the two enzymes are not conserved. In the 18 cases in which one of these amino acids in GBS hyaluronan lyase was replaced with its corresponding amino acid in chondroitin AC lyase, no major loss of activity or change in substrate specificity was observed.
Biochemical and biophysical properties of squash mosaic virus and related macromolecules.

Abstract Purified preparations of squash mosaic virus contain three kinds of macromolecular particles with sedimentation rates 57 S, 95 S and 118 S. The 118 S particle is infectious. The particles were separated from each other by means of density-gradient sedimentation. Their diffusion coefficients and amino acid composition were found to be similar. The particles differ mainly in their content of ribonucleic acid. The 57-S particle contains no RNA, the 95-S particle contains 27% RNA, the 118-S particle contains 35% RNA. The base compositions of the latter two RNA's are similar. Partial specific volumes were determined for the three particles and are consistent with values calculated from their RNA content and amino acid composition. The particles have molecular weights 4.5·106, 6.1·106 and 6.9·106, respectively.
Stiffening of bent beams due to partial and complete end restraint

Abstract A study of the effect of axial restraint on the bending deflections of centrally-loaded 3inned beams is presented. Exact and approximate solutions are given for the cases of no, partial, and full axial restraint. It is demonstrated that even moderate restraint can significantly increase the stiffness of the beam in response to transverse loading.
Modulating Inhibitors of Transthyretin Fibrillogenesis via Sulfation: Polychlorinated Biphenyl Sulfates as Models

Small molecules that bind with high affinity to thyroxine (T4) binding sites on transthyretin (TTR) kinetically stabilize the protein's tetrameric structure, thereby efficiently decreasing the rate of tetramer dissociation in TTR related amyloidoses. Current research efforts aim to optimize the amyloid inhibiting properties of known inhibitors, such as derivatives of biphenyls, dibenzofurans and benzooxazoles, by chemical modification. In order to test the hypothesis that sulfate group substituents can improve the efficiencies of such inhibitors, we evaluated the potential of six polychlorinated biphenyl sulfates to inhibit TTR amyloid fibril formation in vitro. In addition, we determined their binding orientations and molecular interactions within the T4 binding site by molecular docking simulations. Utilizing this combined experimental and computational approach, we demonstrated that sulfation significantly improves the amyloid inhibiting properties as compared to both parent and hydroxylated PCBs. Importantly, several PCB sulfates were of equal or higher potency than some of the most effective previously described inhibitors.
Adrenergic and noradrenergic regulation of pulsatile luteinizing hormone release.

Abstract The object of this study was to further define the roles of both norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPIN) in regulating pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) release in 4-day ovariectomized rats, in particular to examine the effect of decreasing NE synthesis on pulsatile LH secretion in animals with already greatly depleted levels of brain EPIN. Rats were injected ip with vehicle or drug at -27, -20, -5 and - 3 h relative to the onset of a 3-h blood sampling period. Hypothalamic-preoptic area (HPOA) levels of NE and EPIN were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Compared to controls, FLA-63 (25 mg/kg, a dopamine-ss- hydroxylase inhibitor), given at - 3 h, produced 50% and 22% declines in HPOA-NE and EPIN, respectively, and reductions in pulse amplitude and frequency. LY134046 (50 mg/kg, a phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase inhibitor), given at - 27, - 20 and - 5 h, or -27, -20, -5 and -3 h, produced no change in NE, 88% and 86% declines in EPIN, respectively, and reductions in pulse frequency only. Each LY134046 treatment protocol produced the same decline in EPIN and pulse frequency. Thus, EPIN levels were maximally decreased by three LY134046 injections. When rats were given LY134046 at -27, -20 and -5 h, and FLA-63 at -3 h, compared to rats treated with LY134046 alone, there was no further decrease in HPOA-EPIN (82% decline), a 46% decline in NE, a further reduction in pulse frequency and a reduction in pulse amplitude. This further suppression of LH release must be due to a reduction in HPOA-NE levels since no further decrease in EPIN levels occurred. These data demonstrate within the same animal that NE and EPIN are both stimulatory to pulsatile LH release. NE stimulates the amplitude and frequency, and EPIN stimulates the frequency of pulsatile LH secretion.
Chemoattractant-elicited increases in myosin phosphorylation in D̲i̲c̲t̲y̲o̲s̲t̲e̲l̲i̲u̲m̲

Abstract Cyclic AMP stimulation of chemotactically competent Dictyostelium amebas labeled with [ 32 P]orthophosphate transiently increases phosphorylation in the heavy chain and the 18,000 dalton light chain of myosin. Immediately before the increase, heavy chain phosphorylation transiently decreases. These phosphorylation changes also occur when cAMP-induced activation of adenylate cyclase is blocked by pretreatment of amebas with caffeine. The time course of these phosphorylation responses correlates with the shape changes induced in amebas exposed to a temporal increase in cAMP concentration. The dose dependence of the phosphorylation responses is the same as that previously determined for chemotaxis. The phosphorylation responses exhibit adaptation properties in common with those of the shape change response and chemotaxis. Increases in the rate of myosin heavy chain and light chain phosphorylation can be observed in vitro by stimulating unlabeled amebas with cAMP and then lysing the cells into a γ-[ 32 P]ATP-containing reaction mixture.
Hemispheric control of the initial and corrective components of aiming movements.

Abstract This study examined whether the left and right hemisphere play differential roles in controlling the initial and corrective components of aiming movements. A simple aiming task was administered to 31 normal control subjects and 29 unilateral stroke patients (14 with right hemisphere damage and 15 with left hemisphere damage). Movement was varied (25, 64 and 100mm) and reaction time, movement time and accuracy were measured. Through a trajectory analysis, initial and corrective movements were separated. The stroke patients performed the task with their ipsilateral arm which was compared to the normal control's right or left arm performance. Regardless of the movement amplitude the left hemisphere group's reaction time was slower, and the execution of the intial movement component was less accurate than controls. No performance deficits were found on corrective movements. Performance was not impaired for the right hemisphere group on any measures. The results are discussed in terms of the hemispheres' possible roles in controlling movements which are largely open or closed loop.
Moderating effects of age on the alcohol and sexual risk taking association: An online daily diary study of men who have sex with men.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for the majority of HIV/AIDS diagnoses and data suggest infection rates are rising. Identification of factors that increase the risk of infection is key to the development of effective prevention programs. Previous research has been inconsistent regarding the link between alcohol consumption and sexual risk taking among MSM. Daily reports of alcohol consumption and sexual behavior were completed for up to 30 days by 143 HIV negative MSM recruited online. This resulted in 2,887 daily reports of number of sex partners and 549 episodes of sex. Independent variables included age, number of standard drinks consumed, and partner type. Outcome variables included sex with a partner, a composite sexual risk variable, and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). Alcohol consumption significantly increased the odds of having sex and had a significant positive association with the sexual risk composite variable. Age was a significant moderator of the association between alcohol consumption and sexual risk taking, with the effects of alcohol increasing with age. For example, at the 75%tile of age (37 years old), the odds of UAI increase from ∼0.2 to 0.35 as the number of alcoholic drinks increases from zero to seven. Partner type did not have significant effects. Daily reports of alcohol consumption had a significant within-person association with sexual risk behaviors, particularly among older MSM. Findings highlight the importance of measuring individual differences as moderators of the association between alcohol and risky sexual behavior.
Environmental management system implementation in Romanian organisations a driving factor for sustainable development

This paper presents the results of an empirical study carried out in Romanian organisations, with the aim of demonstrating the positive impact of an Environmental Management System (EMS) implementation according to ISO 14001 on the organisational variables that influence business performance. The European Union accession in 2007 creates high competitive and environmental pressures on Romanian companies. ISO 14001 can act as a useful management guide for organisations that do not have extensive experience in a market economy. While implementing an environmental management system, companies enter change and learning processes that trigger business performance and sustainability.