cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hot-air assisted continuous radio frequency heating for improving drying efficiency and retaining quality of inshell hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L. cv. Barcelona)

Abstract Hot-air assisted continuous radio frequency (HARF) heating was utilized to dry inshell hazelnuts to achieve rapid heating and better retention of nut quality. Effect of electrode gap (14, 15, and 16 cm) and hot-air (HA) temperature (30, 40, and 50 °C) on HARF drying efficiency and heating uniformity was investigated. Electrode gap of 14 cm and HA temperature of 40 °C were identified as optimal HARF conditions to provide acceptable heating rate (4.24 °C/min), heating uniformity (0.16), and heating efficiency (19.18%) along with short drying time (22 min). Compared to HA drying, HARF provided much higher drying rate and effective mass transfer coefficient with lower energy consumption. Besides, HARF dried nuts had higher total phenolic content (0.43 mg GAE/g dry kernel), lower peroxide value (undetectable) and polyphenol oxidase activity (15.42 μkat/L) than that of HA dried ones, indicating HARF being a technology having great potential for drying hazelnuts.
Domain adaptation for object recognition using subspace sampling demons

Manually labeling data for training machine learning models is time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, it is often necessary to apply models built in one domain to a new domain. However, existing approaches do not evaluate the quality of intermediate features that are learned in the process of transferring from the source domain to the target domain, which results in the potential for sub-optimal features. Also, transfer learning models in existing work do not provide optimal results for a new domain. In this paper, we first propose a fast subspace sampling demons (SSD) method to learn intermediate subspace features from two domains and then evaluate the quality of the learned features. To show the applicability of our model, we test our model using a synthetic dataset as well as several benchmark datasets. Extensive experiments demonstrate significant improvements in classification accuracy over the state of the art.
National Trends in the US Public's Likelihood of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine-April 1 to December 8, 2020.

This internet survey study describes trends in respondents saying they were likely to accept vaccination for COVID-19 overall and by age, sex, race, and education between April and December 2020.
Muscle relaxants as adjunctive analgesics in the perioperative setting: A review of the literature.

Patients undergoing surgical procedures are one of the few populations that still require substantial doses of opioid medications to provide analgesia, despite the best efforts of clinicians to int...
Genetic ancestry and racial differences in prostate tumours

A striking disproportionate burden of prostate cancer incidence and mortality exists between men of West African ancestry and men of European ancestry. Identifying distinct tumour genetic biomarkers and immunomodulating signals in patients with diverse genetic ancestry might reduce the disparities in prostate cancer prognosis, treatment outcomes and mortality in high-risk racial groups.
Infectious morbidity of speculum versus digital examinations in preterm prelabor rupture of membranes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To estimate the effect of speculum examination only versus digital cervical examination on maternal infectious morbidity in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes by performing a systemat...
Save Our Sharks: Using International Fisheries Law within Regional Fisheries Management Organizations to Improve Shark Conservation

Introduction 384 I. Background 386 A. Reasons to Protect Sharks 386 B. Shark Characteristics and Conservation Problems 388 1. Overfishing and Bycatch 388 2. Finning 390 3. Habitat Destruction 391 C. Current Domestic Policies 391 1. The United States 391 2. The European Union 393 3. Palau’s Shark Sanctuary 395 II. Why International Law Is Needed to Improve Conservation 395 A. Nature of Conservation Problems 396 B. Relevant Frameworks of International Law— Nonfisheries Agreements 398 1. The Convention on Biological Diversity 399 2. Wildlife Conservation Treaties 400 3. International Trade Law 402 III. International Fisheries Law: Management Strategies 404 A. The International Fisheries Regime 404 1. U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea 405 2. U.N. Fish Stocks Agreement 406 3. U.N. General Assembly Fisheries Resolutions 409 B. A Review of Existing Measures, Problems, and Possibilities Within Selected RFMOs 409 1. The Data Problem 412 2. Management Measures 413
WE-G-204-01: BEST IN PHYSICS (IMAGING): Effect of Image Processing Parameters On Nodule Detectability in Chest Radiography

Purpose: To investigate the effect of varying system image processing parameters on lung nodule detectability in digital radiography. Methods: An anthropomorphic chest phantom was imaged in the posterior-anterior position using a GE Discovery XR656 digital radiography system. To simulate lung nodules, a polystyrene board with 6.35mm diameter PMMA spheres was placed adjacent to the phantom (into the x-ray path). Due to magnification, the projected simulated nodules had a diameter in the radiographs of approximately 7.5 mm. The images were processed using one of GE’s default chest settings (Factory3) and reprocessed by varying the “Edge” and “Tissue Contrast” processing parameters, which were the two user-configurable parameters for a single edge and contrast enhancement algorithm. For each parameter setting, the nodule signals were calculated by subtracting the chest-only image from the image with simulated nodules. Twenty nodule signals were averaged, Gaussian filtered, and radially averaged in order to generate an approximately noiseless signal. For each processing parameter setting, this noise-free signal and 180 background samples from across the lung were used to estimate ideal observer performance in a signal-known-exactly detection task. Performance was estimated using a channelized Hotelling observer with 10 Laguerre-Gauss channel functions. Results: The “Edge” and “Tissue Contrast” parameters each had an effect on the detectability as calculated by the model observer. The CHO-estimated signal detectability ranged from 2.36 to 2.93 and was highest for “Edge” = 4 and “Tissue Contrast” = −0.15. In general, detectability tended to decrease as “Edge” was increased and as “Tissue Contrast” was increased. A human observer study should be performed to validate the relation to human detection performance. Conclusion: Image processing parameters can affect lung nodule detection performance in radiography. While validation with a human observer study is needed, model observer detectability for common tasks could provide a means for optimizing image processing parameters.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase upregulates Notch-1 in mouse cholangiocytes: implications for carcinogenesis

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 5467 Background/ Aims: Inflammatory mediators and cell fate genes, such as the Notch gene family, have both been implicated in carcinogenesis. Although, cholangiocarcinoma arises in a background of inflammation, and expresses the inflammatory mediator inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), expression of Notch genes have not been examined in this context. Thus, our aim was to determine whether iNOS expression alters Notch expression and signaling in cholangiocytes. Methods: Notch receptor and ligand expression in human diseased liver was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The effect of iNOS and NO on Notch-1 expression was examined by immunoblot analysis and real-time PCR in mouse cholangiocytes which are stably transfected with iNOS antisense. To assess the effect of Notch-1 on the malignant phenotype, the consequences of Notch-1 signaling in regards to proliferation, apoptosis, and cell migration were systematically examined. Results: Notch-1, but not other Notch receptors and ligands were upregulated by cholangiocytes in primary sclerosing cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma. Notch-1 expression in mouse cholangiocytes was iNOS-dependent both at protein and mRNA level. iNOS expression also facilitated Notch signaling by inducing nuclear translocation of its intracellular domain and expression of a transcriptional target, Hes-1. Notch-1 induction was blocked by a highly selective JNK1/2 inhibitor. Notch-1 signaling did not significantly alter cholangiocyte growth nor cell migration, but did decrease TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Moreover, the γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT, which blocks Notch signaling, enhanced TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in cholangiocarcinoma cells. Conclusions: These data implicate for the first time a direct link between the inflammatory mediator iNOS and Notch signaling. Notch-1 signaling in this context appears to impart survival signals which can attenuate apoptosis by the death ligand TRAIL. Modulation of the Notch-1 signaling pathway may potentially provide a valuable tool to manipulate to prevent transformation of cholangiocytes, and/or as part of a therapeutic approach for the therapy of advanced cancer. Key word: iNOS, Notch-1, cancer phenotype, apoptosis, γ-secretase
THE SEAGRASS FILTER: PURIFICATION OF ESTUARINE AND COASTAL WATERS

: Seagrasses can provide a “filtering” mechanism in estuarine waters by trapping suspended sediments and taking up dissolved water column nutrients. These two processes are discussed from the perspective of water filtration by seagrasses in an effort to establish the plants1 benefit to the estuarine system. Previous examinations of such processes have stressed environmental influences on seagrass plants, overlooking the impact that seagrasses may have on the environment. Our approach to the concept of seagrass as a filter has been to examine previous work and combine it with results of measurements of suspended sediment and dissolved nutrient removal in culture tank systems with and without seagrasses. In manipulation experiments, suspended sediment removal was measured by the increase in light penetration, and varied according to added sediment type. Nutrient addition and subsequent depletion in the water column of the culture tanks was measured to determine seagrass community uptake rates. These rates were then extrapolated to a somewhat eutrophic coastal environment for evaluation of potential nutrient removal by seagrasses. A synopsis of these filtering experiments and other studies indicates that seagrass communities remove material of natural or human origin from estuarine waters, but excessive loading of nutrients or suspended material upsets the balance of the seagrass ecosystem, promoting degradation of the seagrass beds and loss of the filtering mechanism.
Opting for the British Rule: Or, If Posner and Shavell Can't Remember the Coase Theorem, Who Will?

Consider a hypothetical involving the decision to settle or try a lawsuit. The plaintiff has brought a tort action against the defendant, and the parties have agreed to attempt to settle. Will the legal rules governing the assignment of trial costs affect the likelihood of settlement? In other words, will the parties be any more likely to settle the case if their suit is pending in a jurisdiction operating under the American rule, under which parties must bear their own legal expenses, rather than in one operating under the British rule, under which the losing party must pay the legal expenses of both parties? There is now an immense literature analyzing this question.' In his first foray into this field, Judge Richard Posner concluded that the greater risk associated with the British rule parties can win more or lose more under this rule than under the American rule would lead risk-averse litigants to settle more cases.2 Subsequently, Judge
Aphasia, Alexia, and Agraphia

Aphasia is a general language disorder resulting from brain damage, and alexia and agraphia are specific impairments in reading and writing, respectively. This article describes the symptoms associated with each disorder, the subtypes of each impairment, and the common causes. Assessment and management approaches consistent with the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning (WHO-ICF) are briefly reviewed.
Cryptosporidium: a first step toward tractability

The child-killer and famously recalcitrant parasite Cryptosporidium is the latest organism to yield to the magic of CRISPR/Cas9. The ability to knockout genes and introduce markers promises a new heyday for drug discovery and vaccine development as well as the basic biology of these fascinating parasites.
Liver transplantation for hereditary hemochromatosis

Although hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC) is relatively common, it is an uncommon indication for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The diagnosis of HHC in patients with end-stage liver disease is difficult because many of these patients have elevated serum and tissue iron levels. Of patients undergoing OLT with iron stores in the range typical for HHC, approximately 10% are homozygous for the C282Y mutation. Most studies published to date noted decreased survival in patients who underwent OLT for HHC compared with those who underwent OLT for other indications. Death in patients with HHC was caused by increased infectious and cardiac complications. Decreased post-OLT survival in patients with iron overload appears to be independent of HFE gene status. This suggests that regardless of the cause, iron overload may be detrimental in patients undergoing OLT. Follow-up of patients undergoing OLT for HHC and case reports of the inadvertent transplantation of a liver from a donor with HHC has furthered our understanding of the pathophysiological state of iron overload in HHC.
Further evidence on Orcutt’s hypothesis using Korean–US commodity data

Orcutt’s hypothesis in international economics asserts that trade flows respond to exchange rate changes faster than to changes in relative prices. Previous research has provided mixed support by using trade flows of one country with the rest of the world, an aggregate concept. A second group of studies is now emerging which use prices and trade flows at commodity level. We add to this second group by using data from 10 Standard International Trade Classification single-digit industries that trade between Korea and the United States. The hypothesis was supported in small fraction of industries.
PH-DEPENDENT CONFORMATIONS OF THE AMYLOID BETA (1-28) PEPTIDE FRAGMENT EXPLORED USING MOLECULAR DYNAMICS

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to successfully reproduce the experimentally observed pH-dependent conformational behavior of a monomeric peptide in aqueous solution. Simulations were conducted at 298 K on a peptide corresponding to residues 1-28 of the amyloid beta-peptide [referred to as beta(1-28)], which is the primary component of the plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. beta(1-28) was found to be entirely alpha-helical at low pH. Upon deprotonation of acidic residues at medium pH, helical structure was lost in the N-terminal region. At high pH, some secondary structure was recovered to yield two helices joined by a kink. These results are in good agreement with the NMR solution structure at low pH [Zagorski and Barrow (1992) Biochemistry 31, 5621-5631; Talafous et al. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 7788-7796] and CD and NMR evidence of an alpha-helix to beta-sheet transition at mid-range pH [Barrow et al. (1992) J. Mol. Biol. 225, 1075-1093]. Additional simulations were also able to regenerate folded species from partially unfolded conformers. A mechanism for the pH-dependent structural rearrangements is proposed that involves the creation of a hydrogen-bonded pair between Ser 8 and Glu 11. The evidence for the existence of a multiconformational equilibrium of folded and unfolded species of the peptide is discussed.
The Role of Radiation Therapy and Surgery in the Treatment of Bronchogenic Carcinoma

study of the combined use of preoperative irradiation and surgery in the treatment of bronchogenic carcinoma was initiated A at the University of Maryland in 1956 [2]. All patients have been followed for at least five years. We hypothesized that by combining the curative potential of surgical extirpation with the effectiveness of high-voltage radiation therapy in controlling the primary lesion and local extension, it might be possible to increase the cure rate for carcinoma of the lung by making the therapy more applicable to larger numbers of patients with less selection of cases. The objectives of the hypothesis could be accomplished by rendering operable those tumors previously unresectable due to local extension into the carina, trachea, large vessels, chest wall, mediastinum, or supraclavicular areas. Radiation therapy would, in addition, be responsible for the control of mediastinal, scalene, and supraclavicular node metastases that could not be resected. Furthermore, irradiation producing cellular devitalization in the tumor might be expected to diminish or prevent local seeding and the production of distant metastases caused by surgical manipulation of the tumor. The aims of the study were to determine:
Establishing a Chest MRI Practice and its Clinical Applications: Our Insight and Protocols

Despite its nonionizing technique and exquisite soft tissue characterization, noncardiovascular, and nonmusculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the chest has been considered impractical due to various challenges such as respiratory motion, cardiac motion, vascular pulsatility, air susceptibility, and paucity of signal in the lung. With advances in MRI, it is now possible to perform diagnostically useful and good quality MRIs of the chest, but literature on subspecialized chest MRI practices is limited. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the rationale, nuances, and logistics that went into developing such a practice in the Division of Thoracic Radiology at our institution. The topics addressed include technical and clinical considerations, support at administrative and clinical levels, protocol development, and economic considerations compared with conventional practices. Various MRI techniques are also specifically discussed to facilitate chest MRI at other sites. Although chest MRI is used in a relatively small number of patients at this point, in certain patients, chest MRI can provide additional information to optimize medical management. A few clinical cases illustrate the quality and clinical utility of chest MRI. Given recent advances in MRI techniques, it is now an opportune time to develop a chest MRI practice.
Management of patients with low-stage nonseminomatous germ cell testicular cancer.

Management options for patients with clinical stage (CS) I nonseminomatous germ cell testicular cancer (NSGCT) include surveillance, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), or two cycles of bleomycin-etoposide-cisplatin (BEPx2) chemotherapy. The optimal management of these patients is controversial, as cure rates of 97% or greater are reported with each of these treatment modalities. Patients without evidence of lymphovascular invasion, a predominant component of embryonal carcinoma, or advanced pathologic (p) T stage (pT2 or greater) are at low risk for occult metastases and are optimal candidates for surveillance. Compliance with diagnostic testing and imaging is essential for a successful surveillance strategy to detect and treat metastases at an early stage. For patients who are not candidates for surveillance, RPLND offers several advantages over chemotherapy. RPLND alone is curative in 50% to 80% of CS I patients with pathologic stage (PS) II, and an estimated 75% of CS I patients avoid chemotherapy (as adjuvant therapy or for treatment of relapse). Virtually all patients are cured following two cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy for PS II disease, which is reserved for patients with high-volume (PN2-3) retroperitoneal disease. The poor outcome of patients with late retroperitoneal recurrence from unresected, chemorefractory germ cell testicular cancer indicates that RPLND is a vital component to the long-term cure of patients with NSGCT. Approximately 20% to 30% of patients with PS II disease have retroperitoneal teratoma (which is chemoresistant), and an estimated 5% of PS II patients have chemoresistant viable cancer following BEPx2 as primary therapy. When RPLND is omitted, these patients are at risk for late recurrence with potentially lethal consequences. Patients who relapse after RPLND are “chemotherapy-naive” and cured in virtually all cases with good-risk chemotherapy regimens. When nerve-sparing techniques are employed to preserve ejaculation, RPLND is also associated with a more favorable long-term toxicity profile compared with chemotherapy. In the absence of conclusive evidence from a randomized trial, we believe RPLND is the treatment of choice for patients with CS I NSGCT who are not candidates for surveillance, as it offers the greatest likelihood of longterm cure with considerably less morbidity than primary chemotherapy.
SDF-1α expression during wound healing in the aged is HIF dependent

Background:Age-related impairments in wound healing are associated with decreased neovascularization, a process that is regulated by hypoxia-responsive cytokines, including stromal cell–derived factor (SDF)-1α. Interleukin-1β is an important inflammatory cytokine involved in wound healing and is bel
Partitioning of electronic properties in two‐center, one‐electron coulombic systems

Separability of the Hamiltonian describing a two-center, one-electron Coulombic system in the prolate spherical coordinates allows for a detailed comparison between the partitioning of electronic properties based on Bader's quantum theory of atoms in molecules and the newly developed GAPT partitioning. The one-electron systems can serve as the simplest models of the covalent and ionic bonds. The GAPT partitioning correctly describes the effects associated with the infinite range of Coulombic interactions.
Effect of prostaglandin F2α on endocrine-ovarian function in the domestic cat

Abstract The effect of prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α ) on endocrine and ovarian function during the early luteal phase of the domestic cat was investigated. Queens were induced to ovulate and then injected subcutaneously with 0.5–5.0 mg PGF 2α /kg body weight. The greatest dose was found to approach toxicity. Concentrations of progesterone were similar in cats following treatment with PGF 2α compared to values of controls. Development and regression of corpora lutea as determined by serial laparoscopy were similar in all groups. These data indicate that PGF 2α at the tested dosages, given during the early luteal phase is not luteolytic in this species and suggest that these regimens would be ineffective for the premature termination of pseudopregnancy.
Performance of the Duke Religion Index and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale in Online Samples of Men Who Have Sex with Men

Religiosity is associated with behaviors that reduce the risk of HIV/STI infection among general-population and heterosexual-specific samples. Whether this association is similar to homosexual persons is unknown. Measures of religiosity have not been evaluated psychometrically among men who have sex with men (MSM), a population who, because of stigma, experience religiosity differently than heterosexual persons. We assessed the duke religion index and the spiritual well-being in two samples of MSM. Neither instrument produced adequate model fit. To study the association between religiosity and HIV/STI risk behaviors among MSM, scales are needed that measure the religious and spiritual experiences of MSM.
THE ANALYSIS OF ANGULAR CORRELATION AND ANGULAR DISTRIBUTION DATA

Consideration of a number of problems which arise in the analysis of angular correlation and angular distribution data is given. These include corrections for finite angular resolution. For a source of constant strength the questions of determination of most probable counting rates, their associated errors and the determination of the most probable coefficients in the Legendre representation of the data, as well as the errors in the determination of these coefficients, are examined. A brief discussion of the corrections for a decaying source is also presented.
Optimal timing of tracheostomy after trauma without associated head injury.

Abstract Background Controversy exists over optimal timing of tracheostomy in patients with respiratory failure after blunt trauma. The study aimed to determine whether the timing of tracheostomy affects mortality in this population. Methods The 2008–2011 National Trauma Data Bank was queried to identify blunt trauma patients without concomitant head injury who required tracheostomy for respiratory failure between hospital days 4 and 21. Restricted cubic spline analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between tracheostomy timing and the odds of inhospital mortality. The cohort was stratified based on this analysis. Unadjusted characteristics and outcomes were compared. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of tracheostomy timing on mortality after adjustment for age, gender, race, payor status, level of trauma center, injury severity score, presentation Glasgow coma scale, and thoracic and abdominal abbreviated injury score. Results There were 9662 patients included in the study. Restricted cubic spline analysis demonstrated a nonlinear relationship between timing of tracheostomy and mortality, with higher odds of mortality occurring with tracheostomy placement within 10 d of admission compared with later time points. The cohort was therefore stratified into early and delayed tracheostomy groups relative to this time point. The resulting groups contained 5402 (55.9%) and 4260 (44.1%) patients, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, the delayed tracheostomy group continued to have significantly reduced odds of mortality (Adjusted odds ratio, 0.82, 95% confidence interval, 0.71–0.95, C-statistic, 0.700). Conclusions Among non–head injured blunt trauma patients with prolonged respiratory failure, tracheostomy placement within 10 d of admission may result in increased mortality compared with later time points.
A strategy for radical annulation based on allyl and vinyl stannanes

Abstract E-[(t-butyldimethylsilyl)methylene]cyclopentanes have been prepared by a new [3+2] radical annulation strategy starting from Z-1-t-butyldimethylsilyl-2-trimethylstannyl-4-iodo-1-butene and electron deficient alkenes.
Opiate antagonists in traumatic shock

In experimental animal studies, opiate receptor antagonists (such as naloxone) and physiological opiate antagonists (thyrotropin-releasing hormone [TRH]) have been used with some success to improve outcome and physiological variables following traumatic shock associated with hypovolemia, spinal cord trauma, and head injury. Naloxone at high doses (in the mg/kg range) improves blood pressure and survival following hypovolemic shock in some species subjected to fixed-pressure shock. Similarly, naloxone treatment in the same dose range improves blood pressure and outcome following traumatic spinal shock as well as shock associated with traumatic head injury in selected animal models. The high doses of naloxone required in these studies suggest that the beneficial effects may be due to actions at relatively naloxone-insensitive opiate receptors, such as the κ-receptor. Changes in the putative κ-receptor ligand dynorphin are found after hypovolemic shock and traumatic injury to the brain or spinal cord. Opiate receptor antagonists with increased selectivity for the κ-receptor may be superior to naloxone in the treatment of these conditions. TRH or TRH analogs similarly improve blood pressure and outcome following hypovolemic or spinal shock. Clinical trials of naloxone (at high doses) in human spinal cord injury have begun, and there are plans for clinical trials of naloxone in human head trauma and of TRH in human spinal cord injury.
Radiation therapy for nasal vestibule squamous cell carcinoma: a 40-year experience

We evaluated the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nasal vestibule. Eighty-six patients were treated with radiotherapy (RT) and 13 patients received surgery and RT. The mean follow-up was: 9.7 years (range 4 months–35.9 years). The 5- and 10-year outcomes were: local control (LC), 88 and 82 %; local–regional control (LRC), 78 and 73 %; freedom from distant metastases (FFDM), 96 and 96 %; cause-specific survival (CSS), 91 and 86 %; and overall survival, 75 and 51 %. The 5- and 10-year LC rates for patients treated with RT were 94 and 89 % overall. A multivariate analysis was performed. Tumor size predicted LC, LRC, OS, and CSS. Overall stage predicted LRC. RT cures most patients with T1–T2 and favorable T4 SCCs with acceptable toxicity. RT and surgery result in improved likelihood of cure for patients with advanced T4 lesions.
Asymmetry in energy system uncertainty

A method of analyzing the long-term growth in uncertainty of a complex system over time is described. The method calls for an iterative application of formal statistical analyses of a computer simulation model. The method was used in a recent case study of the electric utility system in the northwestern US. The author examines whether the uncertainty in electricity demand will change in an asymmetric manner over time. Results from the case study are presented, and the sources of asymmetry are explained. The results show unusual differences in asymmetry between the region as a whole and Bonneville's portion of the system. >
In vitro cellular radiosensitivity of human malignant tumors.

Abstract Cells from four human tumors considered to be either clinically curable by radiation therapy (medulloblastoma) or non-radiocurable (osteogenic sarcoma, glioblastoma multiforme) were grown in tissue culture and the in vitro X-ray survival curve parameters determined. These were compared with the survival parameters for normal human diploid skin fibroblasts grown and irradiated under identical conditions. There were no significant differences in response among the tumor cell lines: the D o values ranged from 130 to 144 rads, and n from 1·4 to 1·9 . For normal lcells, D o = 132 rads, and the n = 0·95 . These results suggest that the wide range of clinical radiocurabilities found among various human tumors cannot be explained on the basis of the results of the in vitro survival curve parameters.
A longitudinal assessment of the linkages among the Baldrige criteria using independent reviewers’ scores

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships among the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) criteria using a unique data set: the independent reviewers’ scores. In order to assess the validity of the Baldrige model over time, two time periods were used: 1992–1994 and 2003–2005. Using structural equation modeling, the findings suggest that the Baldrige model is valid and reliable. The Baldrige model is collectively sound and robust with respect to the measurement criteria, and that level of robustness has not changed over time. Consistent with previous studies, leadership is the main driver of the system and has a significant effect on other elements of the model during all periods. The findings indicate that the Baldrige model is less powerful in predicting business results for 2003–2005 data. This suggests that reliance on the Baldrige model may not lead to sustainable competitive advantage over time, and firms need to address new practices in their quality programs in order to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage. This could be attributed to the inability of the Baldrige model to provide a comprehensive and integrative perspective on organizational processes.
Judgments of emotion in words and faces: ERP correlates.

Visual event-related potentials (ERPs) to two types of stimuli (faces and words) were analyzed to determine the effects of the perceived emotional connotations of the stimuli (positive, neutral, or negative) in 10 right-handed normal functioning adult males. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the ERPs reveals 5 factors accounting for over 90% of the ERP waveform variance for both faces and words. In the facial data, two ERP components varied in amplitude according to the perceived emotional connotation of the stimulus. For the P3 component, neutrally rated stimuli produced significantly larger amplitudes than stimuli rated as positive or negative. This effect was lateralized to the left hemisphere. A later positive component, the slow wave (448-616 ms), manifested complementary effects, i.e. faces perceived as positive and negative produced larger amplitudes than those perceived as neutral over the right hemisphere. The verbal stimuli did not result in significant main effects for perceived emotional connotation, but produced subtle connotation-related differences in slow wave topography. Hemispheric asymmetries, unrelated to affective connotation, were evident in the verbal data, manifesting different patterns of lateralization depending on the ERP component. The results suggest that differential processing of emotional connotation affects ERP waveforms and that the effects can be understood in terms of ERP components known to be associated with more general aspects of cognitive processing.
Growth of Astasia longa on Ethanol. I. Effects of Ethanol on Generation Time, Population Density and Biochemical Profile

SYNOPSIS. The colorless flagellate, Astasia longa, grows to high cell densities (5–6.6 × 106 cells/ml) with ethanol instead of acetate as carbon source in a chemically defined medium. The generation time was the same on the two substrates. The dry weight of ethanol-grown Astasia was 23% higher than acetate-grown Astasia, largely due to a higher carbohydrate content which offset a reduced lipid content. Protein, RNA, and DNA contents were comparable in the two cases whereas O2 uptake was 17% higher in the ethanol-grown Astasia. The high population densities on ethanol are examined in terms of these biochemical differences as well as changes in the medium during growth.
Job design and worker satisfaction: a challenge to assumptions*

Some recent job redesign efforts in the United States, introduced to counter worker dissatisfaction and low productivity, represent a shift from more traditional but still prevalent models of worker–employer relations. This paper presents data from a study of blue-collar and white-collar semi-skilled American workers which challenge two basic assumptions of these newer efforts: (a) that small changes in job design (here conceptualized as ‘destructuring’ work roles) are sufficient to affect worker satisfaction; and (b) that matching employees' work orientations (here, their ‘tolerance for structure’) with the nature of their jobs (its degree of ‘structure’) will improve worker satisfaction. The concepts ‘structure’ and ‘tolerance for structure’ are discussed in operational terms. Our findings indicate that modest differences in the structure of jobs are not systematically related to job satisfaction and that there is no interaction between these workers' orientations and the nature of their jobs which influences satisfaction within this range of jobs.
Retinoid X receptor (gamma) is necessary to establish the S-opsin gradient in cone photoreceptors of the developing mouse retina.

PURPOSE The retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are members of the family of ligand-dependent nuclear hormone receptors. One of these genes, RXRgamma, is expressed in highly restricted regions of the developing central nervous system (CNS), including the retina. Although previous studies have localized RXRgamma to developing cone photoreceptors in several species, its function in these cells is unknown. A prior study showed that thyroid hormone receptor beta2 (TRbeta2) is necessary to establish proper cone patterning in mice by activating medium-wavelength (M) cone opsin and suppressing short-wavelength (S) cone opsin. Thyroid hormone receptors often regulate gene transcription as heterodimeric complexes with RXRs. METHODS To determine whether RXRgamma cooperates with TRbeta2 to regulate cone opsin patterning, the developmental expression of RXRgamma was examined, and cone opsin expression in RXRgamma-null mice was analyzed. RESULTS RXRgamma was expressed in postmitotic cones and was transiently downregulated at the time of S-opsin onset in both mouse and human cones. RXRgamma-null mice expressed S-opsin in all cones, similar to the TRbeta2-null mice. Unlike TRbeta2-null mice, which did not express M-opsin, RXRgamma-null mice had a normal pattern of M-opsin expression. CONCLUSIONS RXRgamma is essential (along with TRbeta2) for suppressing S-opsin in all immature cones and in dorsal cones in the mature retina, but it is not necessary for M-opsin regulation. These results demonstrate a critical role for RXRs in regulating cell differentiation in the CNS and highlight a remarkable conservation of opsin regulation from Drosophila to mammals.
Total syntheses and cytotoxicity of kealiiquinone, 2-deoxy-2-aminokealiiquinone and analogs

Concise syntheses of two Leucetta-derived naphthimidazole alkaloids, kealiiquinone and 2-deoxy-2-aminokealiiquinone, are described based on a biosynthetic-guided hypothesis. Advanced intermediates containing the full naphthimidazole framework are constructed through Friedel-Crafts chemistry followed by oxidation of the electron rich C-ring with hydrogen peroxide. The cytotoxicity of these alkaloids in a breast cancer cell line along with several closely related marine-derived natural products kealiinines A-C and analogs are reported.
Amidoacetone enolate anions: alkylation and Michael reaction

Abstract The lithium enolate derived from benzamidoacetone ( 1 ) can be regiospecifically alkylated at C(1) and stereospecifically added in conjugate fashion to cyclohexenone without resorting to protection of the free NH. Comparison is made with alkylations of methyl hippurate.
Link protein can retard the degradation of hyaluronan in proteoglycan aggregates.

Summary Objective Loss of articular cartilage and intervertebral disc function in arthritis or disc degeneration is associated with degradation of the proteoglycan (PG) aggregates by either proteolysis of aggrecan or hyaluronan (HA) degradation. The aim of this work was to determine whether degradation of HA in PG aggregate degradation is influenced by link protein (LP) stabilization of the PG aggregates. Methods Aggrecan and LP were prepared from fetal bovine epiphyseal cartilage, and PG aggregates were formed in the presence or absence of LP. The PG aggregates were exposed to hyaluronidase or free radicals to promote HA degradation. Degradation of HA, aggrecan and LP were assessed by gel filtration chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results High concentrations of hyaluronidase cleaved both PG aggregates between each aggrecan molecule, whereas low concentrations gave much less cleavage of the LP-stabilized aggregate. High free radical concentrations gave extensive cleavage of all components of both PG aggregates, whereas low concentrations are more selective for HA damage and to a much lesser extent in the LP-stabilized aggregates. Thus the presence of LP caused a diminution in the capacity of both catabolic agents to degrade HA as long as levels of the degradative agents were not excessive. Conclusion In addition to stabilizing the PG aggregates towards dissociation, LP may also help protect the PG aggregates from degradation under conditions where tissue catabolism is promoted.
Visual‐optical characteristics of caged and semifree‐ranging monkeys

Five species of macaques and one species of mangabey comprising a total of 324 monkeys (132 males and 192 females) were given visual examinations which included measures of corneal curvature, depth of the anterior chamber, thickness of the lens, depth of the vitreous chamber, total axial length, total power of the eye and intraocular pressure as well as the refractive error of eye under cycloplegia in the anesthetized monkey. Cercocebus and Macaca mulatta demonstrated the greatest amount of myopia and Macaca fascicularis the least, with M. speciosa, M. fuscata, and M. nemestrina in order between these extremes. The M. nemestrina eye approximates that of the chimpanzee in size and relationship of the components. The findings indicate that males have larger eyes than females, the curvature of the cornea decreases as the axial length increases, and there is a close relationship between the length of the eye and the amount of myopic refractive error. There is some evidence that amount of myopia and the percentage of animals showing a myopic refractive error are related to the visual conditions and the behavior patterns of the different species.
Instrumentation for automatic measurement and real-time evaluation of man's postural equilibrium

An instrumentation system and an improved methodology for the automatic measurement and real-time evaluation of man's postural equilibrium parameters have been developed. The system is based on the principle that the mechanical oscillations of man's physiologic gravicentre† can be translated into electrical signals, which can be recorded and analysed. The apparatus consists of an electronic platform which continuously measures the location of the physiologic gravicentre in a horizontal plane, and a circuit which reduces these measurements to quantitative indices of the postural equilibrium and displays them in numerical form immediately after the test is completed. A utomatic measurements, real-time evaluation of both amplitude and frequency of body oscillations, and operational simplicity are essential features of this instrumentation. The system could be used in various specialized disciplines, such as clinical medicine, otorhinolaryngology, industrial, aerospace and undersea medicine, as well as sports...
Lanthanide chelates as bilayer alignment tools in NMR studies of membrane-associated peptides.

Theequimolar complex, consisting of the lipid-like, amphiphilic chelating agent 1,11-bis[distearylamino]-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA-18) and Tm(3+), is shown by deuterium ((2)H) NMR to be useful in aligning bicelle-like model membranes, consisting of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dihexanoylphosphatidylcholine (DHPC). As shown previously (1996, R. S. Prosser et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 118, 269-270), in the absence of chelate, the lanthanide ions bind loosely with the lipid phosphate groups and confer the membrane with a sufficient positive magnetic anisotropy to result in parallel alignment (i.e., average bilayer normal along the field). Apparently, DTPA-18 sequesters the lanthanide ions and inserts into the phospholipid bilayer in such a manner that bilayer morphology is preserved over a wide temperature range (35-70 degrees C). The inherent paramagnetic shifts and line broadening effects are illustrated by (2)H NMR spectra of the membrane binding peptide, Leu-enkephalin (Lenk-d(2), Tyr-(Gly-d(2))-Gly-Phe-Leu-OH), in the presence of varying concentrations of Tm(3+), and upon addition of DTPA-18. Two conclusions could be drawn from this study: (1) The addition of Tm(3+) to the bicelle system is consistent with a conformational change in the surface associated peptide, and this effect is shown to be reversed by addition of the chelate, and (2) The paramagnetic shifts are shown to be significantly reduced by addition of chelate.
A High Performance Computing Network and System Simulator for the Power Grid: NGNS^2

Designing and planing next generation power grid systems composed of large power distribution networks, monitoring and control networks, autonomous generators and consumers of power requires advanced simulation infrastructures. The objective is to predict and analyze in time the behavior of networks of systems for unexpected events such as loss of connectivity, malicious attacks and power loss scenarios. This ultimately allows one to answer questions such as: “What could happen to the power grid if ...”. We want to be able to answer as many questions as possible in the shortest possible time for the largest possible systems. In this paper we present a new High Performance Computing (HPC) oriented simulation infrastructure named Next Generation Network and System Simulator (NGNS2). NGNS2 allows for the distribution of a single simulation among multiple computing elements by using MPI and OpenMP threads. NGNS2 provides extensive configuration, fault tolerant and load balancing capabilities needed to simulate large and dynamic systems for long periods of time. We show the preliminary results of the simulator running approximately two million simulated entities both on a 64-node commodity Infiniband cluster and a 48-core SMP workstation.
Poverty in Books for Young Children: A Content Analysis.

The study examined how poverty is depicted in books for young children. Ethical considerations warrant that we become aware of the messages found in books about poverty. These messages have the potential for influencing children's belief systems, and may or may not promote democratic values. Eighteen books were coded using a schema comprised of 9 categories (occupation, income, employment, unemployment, race, ethnicity, geographic locale, education, and family structure). Findings revealed that the nine categories appeared in the books. Some findings diverged from demographic trends (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1994), others depicted poverty accurately. The discussion highlights the most meaningful patterns found in the data, and makes suggestions for future research. ∗Work for this paper was supported by a Multidisciplinary Seminars Grant from the Dean of the Faculties Office, Indiana University, Bloomington. Special thanks are due to Mary McMullen for assisting with data analysis and to Marilynne Boyle‐B...
Delayed gravity wave emission from supernovae: application to SN 1987A

A neutrino burst was detected from SN 1987A on 1987 February 24. At the time, no second-generation (low-temperature) resonant-mass gravitational radiation detectors or laser interferometric detectors were operating. Direct limits on the emission of a burst of gravitational waves from SN 1987A will be set by room-temperature resonant-mass detectors; a signal at the noise level of these detectors would require about 10/sup 3/ solar masses to be converted to gravitational radiation, however. In this paper we discuss several possibilities for delayed emission of gravitational radiation from SN 1987A and strategies for detection with second-generation detectors.
Comprehensive force field for multiply-chlorinated hydrocarbons

A force field is presented that has been optimized for chlorinated hyrocarbons containing isolated, vicinal, and geminal secondary chlorines. For carbon—chlorine stretch modes, 74 frequencies in 10 molecules are reproduced with an average error of 4.5 cm−. This force field can therefore serve to study these conformation-dependent modes in multiply-chlorinated hydrocarbons.
A Tunable Dual-Band Miniaturized Monopole Antenna for Compact Wireless Devices

A technique for producing miniaturized tunable planar monopole antennas for wireless communication applications is introduced. Miniaturization is achieved by optimizing the geometry of a pixelated metallic patch surrounding the monopole antenna. Tuning of the antenna is implemented by varying the capacitance of a varactor diode loaded between the pixelated metallic patch and the ground plane. The result is an ultra-compact, dual band, folded monopole antenna that fits into a hemisphere of radius λ 0 /20 at 2.1 GHz. Varying the capacitance of the varactor diode enables the two resonance frequencies to be tuned simultaneously, covering multiple frequency bands for different wireless applications. A prototype antenna has been fabricated and measured, confirming the feasibility of the proposed design.