cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decision-Set Concept with Application to the Recognition of Hand-Printed Numeric Characters

The decision-set concept is developed for pattern class representation. A dynamic programming method is used for construction of optimal decision sets. A rejection set is also constructed. When classifying a given pattern sample, its feature vector is sequentially tested for containment in each set according to an optimally determined hierachical order. The decision-set approach affords flexibility in the design of classifiers. The particular sets chosen here are aimed at implementation simplicity and are optimalized to attain high recognition rate. The optimum design procedure is demonstrated on the Knol1’s handprinted numerals. The classifier is then simulated and evaluated. Good results have been obtained.
Influence of the universities on the positions of their graduates at the labour market

The current opinion, very trendy and often presented in our media, on the problems of self assertion of graduates, among other also university graduates, considers as the cause of the current situation the education system itself - the structure of the system, curricula, the pro- portion between theoretical and practical education etc. The newest experience, supported by trends in EU countries, show that a solution of this problem exceeds the possibilities of schools, because the problem itself is determined by the level of economy and especially the dynamics of economic growth and on the other site, by the information flows among all the eligible subjects.
Some toxic culinary herbs in North America

Abstract In recent years, new herbs, particularly from Asia and Latin America, have appeared upon the North American markets. Some of these herbs have accumulated sufficient toxicological literature to question their safety, and caution is advised on their consumption: hoja santa/yerba santa acuyo (Piper auritum Humb., Bonpl., & Kunth), California bay [ Umbellularia californica (Hook. & Arnott) Nutt.], perilla/ shiso [ Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton], pink/red peppercorns ( Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi and S. molle L.), and epazote /wormseed/chenopodium ( Chenopodium ambrosioides L.). Examination of the essential oils by GC/MS revealed many dominant components which are documented to be toxic to mammalian systems.
A Jurisprudential Approach to Common Law Legal Analysis

In this Article, Professor Beckerman-Rodau explores an array of underlying policy concerns that shape judicial decision making. Various members of society identify these policy concerns differently, depending on their points of view. Professor Beckerman-Rodau suggests that the purpose and goals of law shift over time to accommodate and reflect changing societal norms. At the same time, however, certain underlying policies, most significantly equity and uniformity, are universal in their application in the legal system. Because every rule of law is based on several underlying and often conflicting policy considerations, Professor Beckerman-Rodau argues that these competing considerations are expressed in the form of multi-layer, bi-polar, or in some cases, multi-polar continuums. Specifically, the employment requirement of vicarious liability represents bi-polar continuum considerations, whereas the reasonableness test of covenants-not-to-compete exemplifies a multi-polar continuum approach to law. An examination of the right of publicity typifies the significance of policy considerations in the evolution of this relatively new cause of action. Preventing consumer confusion, protecting business reputations, and recognizing intellectual property rights are policy concerns that will affect the scope of protection provided by the right of publicity. The weight that decision makers assign to these competing policy considerations is inevitably a product of a combination of factors such as individual biases, collective norms, and the overarching goal of law as a mechanism for the fair resolution of disputes.
Osmotic swelling of heart mitochondria in acetate and chloride salts: Evidence for two pathways for cation uptake

Abstract Swelling of nonenergized heart mitochondria suspended in acetate salts appears to depend on the activity of an endogenous cation/H + exchanger. Passive swelling in acetate shows a characteristic cation selectivity sequence of Na + >Li + >K + , Rb + , Cs + , or tetramethylammonium, a sharp optimum at pH 7.2–7.3, activation by Ca 2+ , and loss of activity on aging which can be related to loss of endogenous K + . The reaction is nearly insensitive to either addition of exogenous Mg 2+ or removal of membrane Mg 2+ with EDTA. Each of these characteristics of passive swelling in acetate salts is duplicated in chloride media when tripropyltin is added to induce Cl − /OH − exchange. In contrast to nonenergized mitochondria, swelling of respiring mitochondria has been postulated to depend on electrophoretic uptake of cations in response to an interior negative membrane potential. Respiration-dependent swelling in acetate shows an indistinct cation selectivity sequence with Li + and Na + supporting higher rates of swelling at higher efficiency than K + , Rb + , and Cs + . The high rates of respiration-dependent swelling in Li + and Na + are inhibited by low levels of exogenous Mg 2+ ( K i of 5–10 μ m ), but a significant swelling with almost no cation selectivity persists in the presences of 2 m m Mg 2+ . Removal of membrane Mg 2+ by addition of EDTA strongly activates the rate of respiration-dependent swelling and converts a sigmoid dependency of swelling rate on Li + concentration to a hyperbolic one with a Km of about 14 m m Li + . The cation selectivity and Mg 2+ dependence of the reaction induced in chloride salts by tripropyltin are identical to these properties in acetate. Energy-dependent swelling in acetate shows optimum activity at pH 6.5 which appears related to the availability of free acetic acid, since the corresponding reaction induced in chloride shows a broad optimum at about pH 7.5. These studies support the concept that monovalent cations enter nonenergized mitochondria by electroneutral exchange with protons but penetrate respiring mitochondria by electrophoretic movement through one or more uniport pathways. They further suggest that both a Mg 2+ -sensitive uniport with high activity for Na + and Li + and a Mg 2+ -insensitive pathway with little cation discrimination are available in the membrane.
Load Balancing and Continuous Quadratic Programming

A quadratic programming approach is described for solving the graph partitioning problem, in which the optimal solution to a continuous problem is the exact solution to the discrete graph partitioning problem. We discuss techniques for approximating the solution to the quadratic program using gradient projections, preconditioned conjugate gradients, and a block exchange method.
From DC to AC [rotary lime kiln conversion]

This article presents a case history of the conversion of a rotary lime kiln from a DC drive system to an AC drive system. The discussion includes the following aspects: existing equipment and its history; the need for the upgrade and the required results; mechanical drive-line considerations; drive alternatives investigated; a description of the hardware used; the installation; drive commissioning; results achieved; and future enhancements.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope gene structure and diversity in vivo and after cocultivation in vitro

Nested-primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been applied to the molecular cloning of 4.6-kb half-genome fragments of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) taken directly from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of an individual with neurological symptoms of HIV-1 infection. In a similar manner, gp120-coding portions of the envelope gene were cloned after PBMC from the same blood sample were cocultivated with uninfected PBMC for 28 days. The complete 1.6-kb nucleotide sequence of the gp120 gene was determined from each of 35 clones examined. Two of 13 (15%) PBMC-derived gp120 genes and 3 of 22 (14%) coculture-derived gp120 genes were defective as a result of frameshifts and an in-frame stop codon(s). Mean diversity between individual gp120-coding sequences in PBMC was fivefold greater (3.24%) than after coculture (0.65%). A predominant sequence of "strain" was found after coculture that was distinct from the diverse viral genotypes detected in vivo and therefore was selectively amplified during in vitro propagation. Multiple distinct third variable (V3) regions encoding the principal neutralizing domain of the envelope protein were detected in PBMC-derived genes, suggesting the presence of immunologic diversity of HIV env genes in vivo not reflected in the cocultured virus sample. The large size of the HIV fragments generated in this study will permit analysis of the diversity of immunologic reactivity, gene function, and pathogenicity of HIV genomes present within infected individuals, including the functional significance of the loss of diversity that occurs upon coculture.
A new approach to investigate Li2MnO3 and Li(Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2)O2 mixed phase cathode materials

In this work, cathodes consisting of a Mn–rich electrochemically inactive Li2MnO3 phase and a Li(Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2)O2 (NMC) phase are processed by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Different from the traditional bulk/powder synthesis approach, pure materials of the two phases are either uniformly integrated by co-deposition of the two phases or deposited sequentially as a layered structure, to emulate Li-rich mixed phase cathode materials. A high deposition temperature, 750 °C, was used to grow the films on c-cut sapphire and stainless steel substrates. The films either in a random form or in a more controlled multilayer-type, both show excellent film quality. The multilayer composite films show superior capacity, cycling and rate capabilities, with a capacity of 293 mA h g−1 at 0.05 C. This method gives much better control of the Mn content of the cathode, phase purity and combination schemes, i.e., mixing at the atomic level or embedding Li2MnO3 domains of different sizes in the NMC matrix or both. Moreover, this approach can be applied to screen lithium-rich Mn phase and other novel material combinations in a more controlled and expedient manner.
Effects of prenatal inhalation exposure to copper nanoparticles on murine dams and offspring

Increasing numbers of individuals may be exposed to nanomaterials during pregnancy. The overarching goal of this investigation was to determine if prenatal inhalation exposure to copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) has an effect on dams and offspring, including an analysis of inflammatory markers (Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles). Physicochemical characterization of Cu NPs was performed. Pregnant and non-pregnant mice (C57Bl/6 J) were exposed to Cu NPs or laboratory air in the whole-body chamber for 4 hrs/day on gestation days (GD) 3–19 (3.5 mg/m3). Animals were euthanized on GD 19 (0 week) or 7 weeks later. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was analyzed for total and differential cells. Cytokine/chemokine concentrations were determined in the BAL fluid and the plasma of dams/non-pregnant mice and pups. Cu content was determined in the lungs and the blood of dams/non-pregnant mice and pups, in the placentas as well as in the whole bodies of pups immediately after delivery. Lungs and placentas were evaluated for histopathological changes. Gene expression of the Th1/Th2 profiles were analyzed in spleens of pups. The survival rate of 7 week old pups exposed to Cu NPs was significantly lower than control pups (73 vs. 97 %). The average litter size, male/female ratio, body weight and lenght at birth were not different between Cu NP-exposed and control mice. Both pregnant and non-pregnant mice exposed to Cu NPs had significant pulmonary inflammation with increased number of neutrophils in the BAL fluid compared to controls. Perivascular lymphoplasmacytic cuffing was found in the lungs of exposed mice and was more pronounced in the non-pregnant group. Similarly, levels of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines IL-12(p40), G-CSF, GM-CSF, KC, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, RANTES and TNF-α in BAL fluid were significantly higher in non-pregnant than pregnant exposed mice. Histopathology evaluation of placentas did not identify any pathological changes. No translocation of Cu into the placenta or the fetus was found by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. Expression of several Th1/Th2 or other immune response genes in pups’ spleens were found to be significantly up- or down-regulated. Prenatal exposure to Cu NPs caused a profound pulmonary inflammation in dams and strong immunomodulatory effects in offspring. There was no clear polarization of genes expressed in pups’ spleens towards Th1 or Th2 type of response.
On equations defining arithmetically Cohen-Macaulay schemes, II

In this paper we continue the study of the simplest arithmetically Cohen-Macauly (CM for short) schemes (cf. [ 111 and [ 12, I]). We describe the Hilbert function of an arbitrary CM scheme in P’ of given degree e lying on a hypersurface of given degree k and such that its general curvilinear section has minimal genus (Proposition 1.3). We present a geometric construction of all reduced irreducible codimension two CM varieties whose general curvilinear sections have minimal genus with respect to degree (Theorem 1.7). We also prove the following assertion essentially due to Severi: there exist smooth nonspecial CM curves of degree n and genus g in p’ iff r < y1= g + r d T(Y + 1)/2 (Proposition 1.6). Any such curve has minimal genus with respect to degree. In the last section we consider d-dimensional CM schemes of degree e mvd = (“-j,Jed) in P” whose general curvilinear sections have minimal genus. These are the most accessible CM schemes (cf. [ 12, I]). We prove that the corresponding part of the Hilbert scheme is a connected smooth variety naturally birationally equivalent to nd+ ’ SymemVd( p’), provided v = d+ 2 (Theorem 2.6). This was known for (m, v, d) = (2,3, 1) (cf. [9]). Our proof relies on an explicit description of the infinitesimal deformations of a thick subspace of arbitrary codimension (see 2.4). We work over an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0. By the genus of a CM curve we mean its arithmetic genus.
Identification of the triazine receptor protein as a chloroplast gene product.

Abstract The triazine herbicides inhibit photosynthesis by blocking electron transport at the second stable electron acceptor of photosystem II. This electron transport component of chloroplast thylakoid membranes is a protein-plastoquinone complex termed “B.” The polypeptide that is believed to be a component of the B complex has recently been identified as a 32- to 34-kilo-dalton polypeptide by using a photoaffinity labeling probe, azido-[14C]atrazine. A 34-kilodalton polypeptide of pea chloroplasts rapidly incorporates [35S]methionine in vivo and is also a rapidly labeled product of chloroplast-directed protein synthesis. Trypsin treatment of membranes tagged with azido-[14C]atrazine, [35S]methionine in vivo, or [35S]methionine in isolated intact chloroplasts results in identical, sequential alterations of the 34-kilo-dalton polypeptide to species of 32, then 18 and 16 kilodaltons. From the identical pattern of susceptibility to trypsin we conclude that the rapidly synthesized 34-kilodalton polypeptide that is a product of chloroplast-directed protein synthesis is identical to the triazine herbicide-binding protein of photosystem II. Chloroplasts of both triazine-susceptible and triazine-resistant biotypes of Amaranthus hybridus synthesize the 34-kilodalton polypeptide, but that of the resistant biotype does not bind the herbicide.
On selecting a subset of ifra populations which are better than a control

Seanπ 1,π 2, ...,π k k poblaciones con tasas (de morir) medias crecientes (IFRA) yπ 0 es la poblacion de control (del mismo tipo). Se quiere utilizar muestras de tamanos iguales de cada poblacion para seleccionar las poblaciones que son mejores queπ 0. Consideramosπ i mejor queπ 0 siγ i (x) ⩽γ 0 para (xδ)δ todox (0<δ≤1, δ especificado) donde $$\gamma _i (x) = - \frac{{\ell n[1 - F_i (x)]}}{x},$$ el tasa media deπ i ,F i (x) es la distribucion de la variable aleatoria positiva y continua que es asociada conπ i (i=1, 2, …,k). El procedimiento consiste en ponerπ i en el subconjunto de “mejores”T i ≥c T o , donde es el numero mas grande que satisface algunas probabilidades requeridas; yT i es un estadistico propio. Algunas soluciones exactas y aproximadas se obtienen considerando tres formas diferentes de estadisticos.
Toward understanding GPCR dimers.

Recent studies on the metabotropic glutamate receptors provide new insights into their signaling mechanisms that may apply to other G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) families.
Methionine Toxicity in Chicks and Poults

In feeding experiments with poults, 2% DL-methionine caused a marked growth depression which could be alleviated by the addition of glycine. Homocystine at an equimolar level depressed growth to a lesser degree than methionine, and this growth depression could be alleviated by glycine. Betaine could alleviate the growth depression of homocystine but not that of methionine. Methionine-fed poults developed a cervical paralysis similar to that of a folic acid deficiency, but the addition of this vitamin at several times the requirement was ineffective in counteracting the toxicity of methionine in either chicks or poults.
The effects of a hydrogen environment on the lifetime of small-diameter drift chamber anode wires

Possible deterioration of anode sense wires used in a hydrogen-filled neutron detector is investigated. Wires were loaded with free weights and put into a wire detector environment. Stainless Steel, Tungsten, and Platinum wires did not break after exposure to charge equivalent to many wire lifetimes. Furthermore, exposure to hydrogen gas caused no noticeable surface degradation or change in wire yield strength.
Changes in phenolic acids and abscisic acid in sugar pine embryos and megagametophytes during stratification

The phenolic acids and abscisic acid (ABA) of sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana Dougl.) embryos and megagametophytes, separated by high-pressure liquid chromatography, were analyzed during 90 days stratification of the seeds. The phenolic acids occurred mainly as glycosides. Following hydrolysis, the majority of phenolics present could be identified as common benzoic and ciranamic acid derivatives. Levels of phenolic acids were relatively low in dormant seeds, but increased substantially in the embryos during stratification at 5°C, particularly cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and one unknown. This active synthesis during stratification did not support an inhibitory function for phenolic acids. During stratification at 5°C, changes in ABA levels in both tissues followed a triphasic pattern, with no loss during the first 30 days, a significant decrease the second 30 days, and a lesser decrease the last 30 days. Loss of ABA from moist seeds at 25°C occurred three times as rapidly, so that by 30 days the ABA level of these seeds was equivalent to that of seeds stratified 90 days at 5°C; however, dormancy was not alleviated at 25°C. Application of exogenous ABA (10−7 to 10−4M) to stratified seeds did not significantly reduce germination. Together, the above results did not support a primary role for ABA in the maintenance of dormancy in sugar pines. A correlated increase in phenylpropanoid metabolism and respiratory capacity with increased germinability during stratification suggests that loss of dormancy may be more closely dependent on increased levels of growth promoters or shifts in metabolic pathways.
The use of decision-theoretic approach in regulating toxicity.

Abstract This paper presents a general decision model for quantitative risk analysis to help in solving the problem of setting the optimal exposure level of a potential carcinogen in regulatory decision-making. This model consists of a probability function and two loss functions. The probability function describes the dose-response relationship for a potential carcinogen at various exposure levels. The two loss functions include (1) the cost of using a potential carcinogen, e.g., health loss, and (2) the cost of not using the compound, e.g., economic loss. Using the principle of minimum expected loss, a fundamental formula for setting the optimal beneficial dose level is derived. The formula equates the probability function to a ratio of loss functions. The general form of loss functions is described in the paper. Under certain conditions, the current approach for quantitative risk assessment is a special situation of this general model.
Oculoauriculovertebral dysplasia and variants: Phenotypic characteristics of 294 patients

Here we describe the phenotypic characteristics of a single craniofacial clinic population of 294 individuals affected with oculoauriculovertebral dysplasia (OAV) and variants. To our knowledge, this is the largest population so described in the literature. The study population was divided into five subgroups based on the presence of combinations of minimal diagnostic criteria: microtia, mandibular hypoplasia, anomalies of the cervical spine and/or epibulbar or lipodermoids. The following data were recorded: sex (M:F 191:103); race (78% Caucasian); the presence of unilateral or bilateral microtia (193 unilateral, 98 bilateral); the presence of symmetric microtia in bilateral cases (34/98); the presence of mandibular hypoplasia ipsilateral or contralateral to the microtic ear or most severely microtic ear in bilateral cases (135/137 were ipsilateral in unilateral cases, 55/62 were ipsilateral in bilateral cases); the number of individuals with no other congenital anomaly in addition to the minimal diagnostic criteria (154/294), with only one other congenital anomaly (51/294), and with two or more other congenital anomalies (89/294); and the type of other congenital anomalies. Finally, we compared our results with other studies. Findings from our study include: mandibular asymmetry should be expected in patients with unilateral or bilateral microtia; bilateral involvement is frequent in patients with microtia; other malformations are seen frequently in all subgroups; anomalies of the cervical spine are more likely to be associated with other anomalies; and other malformations are seen in all systems and should be searched for to provide optimal management.
Multi-step oxidations catalyzed by cytochrome P450 enzymes: Processive vs. distributive kinetics and the issue of carbonyl oxidation in chemical mechanisms.

Catalysis of sequential oxidation reactions is not unusual in cytochrome P450 (P450) reactions, not only in steroid metabolism but also with many xenobiotics. One issue is how processive/distributive these reactions are, i.e., how much do the “intermediate” products dissociate. Our work with human P450s 2E1, 2A6, and 19A1 on this subject has revealed a mixture of systems, surprisingly with a more distributive mechanism with an endogenous substrate (P450 19A1) than for some xenobiotics (P450s 2E1, 2A6). One aspect of this research involves carbonyl intermediates, and the choice of catalytic mechanism is linked to the hydration state of the aldehyde. The non-enzymatic rates of hydration and dehydration of carbonyls are not rapid and whether P450s catalyze the reversible hydration is unknown. If carbonyl hydration and dehydration are slow, the mechanism may be set by the carbonyl hydration status.
Emissions of Metals Associated with Motor Vehicle Roadways

Emissions of metals and other particle-phase species from on-road motor vehicles were measured in two tunnels in Milwaukee, WI during the summer of 2000 and winter of 2001. Emission factors were calculated from measurements of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10) particulate matter at tunnel entrances and exits, and effects of fleet composition and season were investigated. Cascade impactors (MOUDI) were used to obtain size-resolved metal emission rates. Metals were quantified with inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). PM10 emission rates ranged from 38.7 to 201 mg km(-1) and were composed mainly of organic carbon (OC, 30%), inorganic ions (sulfate, chloride, nitrate, ammonium, 20%), metals (19%), and elemental carbon (EC, 9.3%). PM10 metal emissions were dominated by crustal elements Si, Fe, Ca, Na, Mg, Al, and K, and elements associated with tailpipe emissions and brake and tire wear, including Cu, Zn, Sb, Ba, Pb, and S. Metals emitted in PM2.5 were lower (11.6% of mass). Resuspension of roadway dust was dependent on weather and road surface conditions, and increased emissions were related to higher traffic volumes and fractions of heavy trucks. Emission of noble metals from catalytic converters appeared to be impacted by the presence of older vehicles. Elements related to brake wear were impacted by enriched road dust resuspension, but correlations between these elements in PM2.5 indicate that direct brake wear emissions are also important. A submicrometer particle mode was observed in the emissions of Pb, Ca, Fe, and Cu.
Crack paths, microstructure, and fatigue crack growth in annealed and cold-rolled AISI 304 stainless steels

To assist in the understanding of micromechanisms for corrosion fatigue crack growth in metastable austenitic steels, the relationships between the crack paths and the underlying microstructure were investigated for annealed and cold-rolled (CR) 304 stainless steels that had been tested in a deaerated 3.5 pct NaCl solution, air, and vacuum. Corrosion fatigue in the deleterious environments (3.5 pct NaCl and air) was brittle and occurred primarily by {001}γ and other unidentified, quasi-cleavage (QC), accompanied by preferential cracking along {111}γ twin and grain boundaries. In contrast, fatigue cracking in vacuum was ductile, fully transgranular, and noncrystallographic. Transformation to alpha prime (α′-) martensite by fatigue was found to be essentially complete in the CR steel, which contained e-martensite, and in the annealed steel tested in vacuum, but was substantially less in the annealed steel tested in air and 3.5 pct NaCl solution. These results, taken in conjunction with the crack growth and electrochemical reaction data, support hydrogen embrittlement (HE) as the mechanism for corrosion fatigue crack growth in 304 stainless steels in 3.5 pct NaCl solution. Martensitic transformation appears not to be the only responsible factor for embrittlement. Other microstructural components, such as twin and grain boundaries, slip bands, and cold work-induced lattice defects, may play more important roles in enhancing crack growth rates.
Benefits of an Intervention Focused on Oddity and Seriation

Research Findings: A total of 72 Head Start children (M age = 53.26 months, SD = 5.07) were randomly assigned to 4 conditions. Some were taught the oddity principle (choosing the object that differs from others in a group) and seriation (ordering objects on a dimension and inserting new objects into such orders), which are forms of thinking that develop naturally at about age 4. Others were taught letters or numbers or were engaged in art activities in sessions matched in frequency, timing, and extent. Toy animals were used as props in lessons that scaffolded the children's learning. Preschoolers in the cognitive group improved their cognitive skills significantly more than the others and also became better than the numbers or art groups at identifying letters, as measured by the Letters and Words scale of the Stanford Early School Achievement Test 2. This indicates that with improved oddity and seriation skills, children profited more from lessons and letter sounds offered to all children by their classr...
Foucault, justice, and athletes with prosthetics: the 2008 CAS Arbitration Report on Oscar Pistorius

The participation of Oscar Pistorius in the 2012 London Olympic Games served as a significant milestone for the inclusion of disabled athletes in major international athletics. An account of the struggle by Pistorius to compete in international competition is presented by the 2008 CAS Arbitration Report released by the CAS arbitration panel that ultimately ruled for his eligibility. Superficially, the Arbitration Report reads as an account of a correction in procedural error, with the CAS Arbitration Panel working to correct the decision of an IAAF hearing that the CAS Arbitration Panel critiqued as lacking transparency and going “off the rails.” This paper, however, goes beyond a superficial reading of the Arbitration Report and instead engages a deeper analysis by applying the theories of Michel Foucault to identify what the report reveals about the nature of justice under the CAS for athletes with prosthetics in international sport.
Cancer: Tumour-fighting virus homes in

An early clinical trial demonstrates the delivery and replication of a cancer-killing virus in metastasized tumour tissue. These promising results could provide a foundation for systemic virotherapy for patients with cancer. See Letter p.99 Oncolytic viruses, either natural or engineered, preferentially infect and lyse tumour cells. David Kirn and colleagues now report a phase I clinical trial in which they demonstrate systemic delivery of the engineered oncolytic virus JX-594 selectively to tumour tissue after a single injection. Tumour biopsies indicate that the virus replicates in cancer but not in adjacent normal tissue. JX-594 is engineered to replicate in a broad spectrum of cancer cells harbouring activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor/Ras pathway. Although the trial was not designed to demonstrate clinical efficacy, the results suggest that JX-594 may elicit a clinical response in some patients.
Supernumerary limbs of urodele larvae resulting from localized ultraviolet light

Abstract Localized ultraviolet irradiation of the elbow region of the forelimb of larval Ambystoma results in two major changes: extensive regression of the distal end of the upper arm and of the proximal end of the forearm; the establishment of a supernumerary limb at the level of irradiation. As a supernumerary blastema is established it bears a close resemblance, except for its position, to the blastema formed after limb amputation. It is a local aggregation of cells covered over by a thickened plate of epidermis, devoid of a basement membrane. The earliest blastemata studied possess nerve fibers which extend into the epidermal plate. Fully formed supernumerary limbs vary greatly in their morphological characteristics. The number of digits ranges from one to six. Within each supernumerary are well-developed skeletal elements, which bear a resemblance to, but are not identical with, those of a normal forearm, wrist, and hand. Fully formed supernumerary limbs are ordinarily well innervated through the establishment of both flexor and extensor nerve trunks as prominent branches of main trunks within the parent limb. Extensive anastomoses of nerve trunks have been observed at the bases of supernumerary limbs in the area where regression was most extensive.
Glass Transition Temperatures Determined using a Temperature-Cycling Differential Scanning Calorimeter

Glass transition temperatures, T g , of polystyrene, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polydextrose, gelatin, corn flakes, pasta, and aqueous glucose/glycine solutions were determined using a differential scanning calorimeter which cycled the temperature while the net temperature increased at a constant rate. Operating conditions of the modulated differential scanning calorimeter TM (MDSC TM ) for optimizing the endothermic baseline shift associated with the glass transition were a scan rate of 5°C/min with an amplitude of ± 1°C over a modulation period of 60 or 100 sec. The MDSC successfully separated the glass transition from other irreversible thermal changes in simple food ingredients. While the MDSC did not distinctly determine T g of complex food systems at low moisture contents, glass transitions were observed for solutions and food systems at higher moisture contents. T g values from MDSC were reproducible and similar to those from standard DSC.
Low return loss DC to 60 GHz SMT package with performance verification by precision 50 Ohm load

This paper describes the design process and measurement results for a precision microstrip 50 ohm load used to qualify SMT packages with low reflection transitions up to 60 GHz. Using a low return loss 50 ohm microstrip load and a network analyzer with a time gating function allows fast and unambiguous characterization of individual package transitions. The 50 ohm load is coupled with an optimally designed wire bond connection between the microstrip circuit and the topside signal trace on the SMT package. Verification of this characterization technique is demonstrated by measurements made on a PCB /spl rarr/ package trace /spl rarr/ wire bond /spl rarr/ 50 ohm load transition, showing better than -20dB return loss DC to 50 GHz, and better than -15dB return loss DC to 60 GHz.
An approach to validation of a leg simulation by the comparison of two dynamic models

The dynamics of a jointed leg were simulated using two different models, one based on a recursive Newton-Euler method and one on a closed-form Lagrange method. To validate the models, the simulations were run in parallel and the intermediate steps and output of the two methods were compared to one another to reveal the presence and locations of errors. Sources of error and the use of this method for the detection of errors are discussed. Some errors could not have been detected using only a single simulation.
Decay of 56 min 69gZn, 14 h 69mZn and 39 h 69Ge to levels of 69Ga

Abstract The decay of 69mZn was found to have weak β-branches to the 574 (0.032±0.005%) and 872 keV (0.004±0.002%) levels of 69Ga in addition to the prominent (>99.9%) 439 keV isometric transition to 69gZn. Decay of the latter includes a weak (0.0015±0.0005%) β-branch to the 318 keV level of 69Ga. Ten of the 36 γ-rays assigned to the decay of 69Ge in this work had not previously been observed. Levels are established in 69Ga at 318, 574, 872, 1106, 1336, 1487, 1525, 1723, 1891, 1923, 2022 and 2043 keV. The recent level predictions by Kisslinger and Kumar are in better agreement with the observed levels of 69Ga than previous calculations although discrepancies in levels positions are still rather large. As the energies of the excited states of even nuclei in the vicinity of 69Ga do not vary smoothly with N and Z, it is doubtful that a generalized type of calculation (e.g. Kisslinger-Kumar) can provide a very good fit to levels in the region. The log ft value of 8.6 for the β− transition from 1 2 − 69gZn to the 1 2 − level at 318 keV in 69Ga is among the largest known for allowed transitions. The half-lives of the species studied were determined to be 69gZn, 55.6±1.6 min; 69mZn, 14.4±0.1 h and 69Ge, 39.05±0.10 h. A value of 0.102±0.004 was obtained for the isomer-yield ratio 69mZn/69gZn in the 68Zn(n,γ)69Zn reaction.
Strategy, Control Systems, and Resource Sharing: Effects on Business-Unit Performance

Focusing on business units (SBUs) in diversified firms, this study investigated the relationships among control systems, resource sharing, and competitive strategies and their interactive effects o...
Near drowning and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Dr.Micheal Buggia:Today’s case is that of a 19-year-old man presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) as a trauma activation. The patient was water tubing behind a boat, and as the boat stopped suddenly, he ran into it head first. The patient was wearing a life preserver vest. Witnesses reported that the patient had loss of consciousness and was pulled into the boat shortly after the accident. It took approximately 2 min for the patient to return to his baseline level of consciousness. On arrival to the ED, the patient was awake and his only complaint was mild headache. He denied any shortness of breath, chest pain, abdominal pain, or extremity injury. Dr. Alden Landry: Did the patient have any significant past medical history? Dr. Buggia: No, this was an otherwise healthy 19-year-old man. Dr. Carrie Tibbles:What did you find on your primary survey of this patient? Dr. Louisa Canham: On presentation, his initial vital signs were: temperature 36.8 C (98.2 F), heart rate 87 beats/min, blood pressure 130/70 mm Hg, respiratory rate 24 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 94% on room air. On primary survey, the patient’s airway was intact, he had equal and clear breath sounds bilaterally, and palpable radial pulses.His score on theGlasgowComaScalewas 15. Dr. Tibbles: What findings were discovered on secondary survey? Dr. Canham: On secondary survey, the only significant finding was a 4-cm laceration to the chin. The patient had a nonfocal neurologic examination and did
Atrial and Ventricular Vulnerability in a Patient with the Wolff‐Parkinson‐White Syndrome

An electrophysiologic study was carried out in a patient with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and a history of spontaneous atrial fibrillation but with no evidence of organic cardiac disease. A single induced premature ventricular depolarization resulted in ventricular tachycardia followed by ventricular fibrillation. Similarly, atrial pacing or premature atrial stimulation resulted in frequent episodes of atrial fibrillation or flutter. The atrial and ventricular effective refractory periods were 180 ms and less than 160 ms, respectively, at a driven cycle length of 480 ms. Intravenous administration of procainamide resulted in lengthening of the refractory periods and failure to induce either atrial or ventricular arrhythmias with pacing. In most patients with enhanced atrioventricular nodal or accessory atrioventricular nodal by-pass, the mechanism of ventricular tachycardia is related to an inordinately rapid ventricular response during supraventricular arrhythmias. In our patient, a unique mechanism was apparent: atrial and ventricular vulnerability to fibrillation was associated with extremely short myocardial effective refractory periods. The relationship of this finding to sudden cardiac death bears further study.
The scs and scs′ Insulator Elements Impart a cis Requirement on Enhancer–Promoter Interactions

Abstract The Xenopus rRNA enhancer activates its cognate promoter when the two elements are placed on opposite rings of dimeric catenanes. Here we show that when scs elements flank either the enhancer or promoter in catenanes, the enhancer cannot activate the promoter on the ring in trans . A series of catenanes containing different permutations of the insulators, enhancer, and promoters shows that when insulators are present, the enhancer is permitted to activate the promoter only when both elements are on the same piece of DNA with no intervening insulator. These results suggest that insulators have the potential to block enhancer–promoter interactions between chromosomes and between independent topological domains within a chromosome.
ADIPOSE TISSUE, A NEGLECTED FACTOR IN ÆTIOLOGY OF BREAST CANCER?

The abundant adipose tissue that intimately invests both the alveolar and the ductal epithelium of the mammary gland may function as a slow-release depot for lipid-soluble carcinogenic agents of both endogenous and exogenous origin taken up from the bloodstream.
Utilisation d’un plug Amplatzer pour traiter une dysphagia lusoria causée par une artère sous-clavière droite aberrante

L’evolution des techniques endovasculaires a etendu l’arsenal therapeutique a disposition dans la prise en charge de l’artere sous-claviere droite aberrante. Nous decrivons ici une technique hybride associant la mise en place d’un plug Amplatzer a la confection d’un pontage carotido-sous-clavier pour le traitement d’un patient atteint de dysphagia lusoria.
Micellar solutions in shear: Viscosity and normal stress

We apply a recent non-equilibrium statistical mechanical theory for nonionic micellar solutions to study their viscoelastic properties. It is shown that shear-induced growth in average micellar size does not lead to the shear-thickening observed experimentally in ionic micellar systems, suggesting that intermicelle electrostatic interactions may be responsible for the viscosity build-up. Instead, we find shear thinning and gradual increase of normal stress throughout the studied range of shear rates.
Comparison of theory with experiment in one-dimensional analytical modeling of directional solidification

Abstract Naumann's one-dimensional (1D) thermal model of directional solidification has been shown to give good agreement with experimental data on the solidification of a complex metal alloy. The model's cold zone temperature was used as a fitting parameter to account for decreased heat transfer in the cold zone presumably due to gap formation between the metal and the crucible.
Hepatic and extrahepatic microsomal electron transport components and mixed-function oxygenases in the marine fish stenotomus versicolor

NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase and aminopyrine demethylase activities in hepatic microsomes from the marine fish scup (Stenotomus versicolor) were characterized according to dependence of Ph, temperature, ionic strength and Mg2+. The kinetic properties of benzo[a] pyrene hydroxylase were variable, depending on protein and substrate concentration, with measured Km values for benzo[a]pyrene between 4 × 10−7 M and 4 × 10−5 M. The Km for aminopyrine was 7 × 10−4 M, and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase had Km values of 2.1 × 10−5 M and 1.3 × 10−5 M for cytochrome c and NADPH. respectively. NADH supported benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylation at 10 per cent of the rate seen with NADPH, and no synergism was observed. Aminopyrine demethylation proceeded at least as well with NADH as with NADPH, and there was synergism when combined. NADPH- and NADH-cytochrome c reductases were detected in “microsomes” from fourteen extrahepatic tissues, including kidney, testis, foregut, gill, heart, red muscle, hindgut, buccal epidermis, pyloric caecum, spleen, brain, lens, ovary and white muscle. Benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase was detected in all but white muscle, while cytochrome P-450 and aminopyrine demethylase were detectable in fewer tissues. Reduced, CO-ligated absorption maxima in the Soret region were 450 nm for all those but liver (occasionally 449 nm) and heart (about 447 nm). The estimated turnover numbers for benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase and aminopyrine demethylase, and the influence of 7,8-benzoflavone in vitro on benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase indicate that the cytochromes P-450 in different fish tissues are not catalytically equivalent.
Assessing Mercury Exposure and Biomarkers in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Salmoides) from a Contaminated River System in California

We evaluated mercury (Hg) exposure and two biomarkers, metallothionein (MT) gene expression and histopathological alterations in a wild fish species, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), collected from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, CA, a region polluted with Hg from historic mining activities. Hg is highly toxic and can disrupt multiple physiological systems in vertebrate species, including the immune system. Total mercury (THg) concentration in muscle tissue ranged from 0.12 to 0.98 ppm (wet weight) and was not related to body condition (r2 = 0.005, p = 0.555). Using linear regression analysis, we found a positive relationship between MT gene expression (as determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction) and copper, zinc, manganese, aluminum, and nickel (decreased to one variable by way of principal component analysis) (r2 = 0.379, p = 0.044), a negative relationship with selenium (r2 = 0.487, p = 0.017), and a weak, negative relationship with THg concentrations (r2 = 0.337, p = 0.061). Juvenile largemouth bass collected from Hg-contaminated areas displayed histopathological features of immunosuppression compared with those collected from less contaminated areas as evidenced by significantly lower macrophage density in kidney and liver tissue (p = 0.018 and 0.020, respectively), greater trematode density in liver tissue (p = 0.014), and a greater number of adult trematodes. Our results suggest that largemouth bass may be experiencing sublethal effects from chronic Hg exposure. Furthermore, our findings illustrate the utility of examining multiple sublethal markers of effect to assess the impacts of contaminant exposure on physiological function in wild species.
Cue-induced resumption of heroin and cocaine seeking in rats using a conflict model of abstinence and relapse.

Most animal research on drug relapse involves the reinstatement model where abstinence is a result of drug removal (extinction). However, abstinence in humans often results from the aversive consequences that accompany drug seeking (conflict situation). This study was aimed at using a conflict-based animal model of abstinence/relapse in rats self-administering heroin or cocaine. Rats were trained to self-administer heroin (0.05 mg kg−1 injection−1) or cocaine (0.5 mg kg−1 injection−1) with each injection paired with a light cue. After stable responding was demonstrated, the floor near the levers was electrified, creating a barrier, in order to model the negative consequences of continued drug seeking. Shock intensities were increased over sessions until no responses occurred for three consecutive sessions. During a relapse test, where shock was maintained,the capacity of noncontingent drug cue presentations to induce active lever pressing was assessed. Ten of ten heroin animals and three of eight cocaine animals exposed to noncontingent cue presentations resumed responding. During the relapse test, for both drug groups, active lever pressing was significantly higher than during abstinence but only in the heroin group was it significantly higher than inactive lever pressing. The implementation of negative consequences for drug seeking can result in its cessation just as they might in human addicts. Similarly, exposure to drug cues can lead to resumption of drug seeking. This model may be useful for studying the mechanisms underlying abstinence and relapse and for developing strategies to prevent relapse.
Colocalization of α-lactalbumin and a major casein in secretory vesicles of rat mammary epithelial cells

Whether both casein and noncasein (serum or whey) proteins of milk are contained within the same secretory vesicles of milk secreting mammary epithelial cells was explored. Antibodies to a major casein and to α-lactalbumin of rat milk were localized in thin sections with colloidal gold-conjugated second antibodies. Antibodies to the casein component bound to an antigen present within lumina of Golgi apparatus cisternae and within secretory vesicles. This antigen was also recognized in structures within secretory vesicles and within alveolar lumina which were ultrastructurally identified as casein micelles. Antigens recognized by antibodies to α-lactalbumin also were present in Golgi apparatus cisternae and within secretory vesicles. Both anti-casein and anti-α-lactalbumin antibodies recognized antigens within the same secretory vesicles. These observations show that one major noncasein protein of rat's milk is present in casein-containing secretory vesicles.
A Heuristic Derivation of the Horwitz Curve

The Horwitz curve is a simple exponential relationship between the relative standard deviation among laboratories to concentration, C, expressed in mass/mass units. Examination of almost 10 000 interlaboratory data sets shows that the curve is more or less independent of analyte, matrix, method, and time of publication, over the range from pure materials, C = 1 (100%), to trace polychlorinated aromatic contaminants (PCCs), C ≈ 10-12. The functional relationship can be derived simply by assuming that the infinitesimal fractional change in standard deviation is proportional to the infinitesimal fractional change in C, by integrating, and by determining the constant of integration from empirical results. Mycotoxin and PCC data show that the limit of measurement in the interlaboratory environment is C ≈ 10-9, where results become uninterpretable because of the appearance of excessive numbers of false positive and false negative values. Lower values are possible only because of the extraordinary specifications...