cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE NATIONALIZATION OF THE GLOBAL INDIAN WOMAN

This article examines various image‐texts of Indian female beauty in Femina, India's most widely circulating English‐language women's magazine. It argues that in Femina, race (calibrated through whiteness, brownness and even Indianness) and gender (calibrated through normative femininity) intervene in certain epistemologies about India, the West and ‘the world’. In order to posit these ‘geographies of beauty,’ the first part of this article shows that Femina maps the Indian woman's body within nation‐space, that is, as definitively ‘Indian’. The second part of the article turns to the re‐articulation of the nation through and against the ‘West’ as a geography that must be designated and disavowed in order to claim the globality of this Indian body. In Femina, ‘beauty’ is more than a physical attribute; it is a telos toward which the female subject, transformed into a consumer subject and also essentially Indian, moves through these decades of globalisation and national chauvinism.
International Training and Development

Abstract While the importance of training and development in international companies is readily acknowledged, little empirical research exists beyond cross-cultural training. This study examines th...
Information Isn't Everything

The Touchstone of Life Molecular Information, Cell Communication, and the Foundations of Life. Werner R. Loewenstein. Oxford University Press, New York, 1999. 384 pp. $30. ISBN 0-19-511828-6. Incorporating strands from information theory, thermodynamics, molecular biology, and cell structure, biophysist Lowenstein weaves an argument for recognizing information flow as the "prime mover of life."
The commons and development: unanswered sociological questions

Do processes of political and economic development hinder or promote the creation of common property institutions (CPIs) to govern common pool resources? Despite the seeming importance of this question, development sociologists have never really tried to answer it. This paper explores the intersection of development processes, the commons, and common property institutions and concludes that development has countervailing influences that both impede and promote the formation of CPIs. Institutional expansion centered around the state facilitates the formation of CPIs while market expansion through globalization and labor migration weakens CPIs. Business cycles have similar influences. Economic booms weaken CPIs while subsequent economic downturns increase the likelihood that resource users will form CPIs.
Phylogeny, biogeography, and recurrent evolution of divergent bill types in the nectar‐stealing flowerpiercers (Thraupini: Diglossa and Diglossopis)

Neotropical tanagers known as flowerpiercers (Diglossa and Diglossopis) have a novel feeding adaptation, comprising a downward curved hook on the maxilla that allows these species to obtain floral nectar without pollination. Using mitochondrial DNA sequences, the phylogenetic relationships of all 18 species of flowerpiercers were studied for the first time. Strong support was found for the monophyly of flowerpiercers and for the monophyly of four superspecies within flowerpiercers. However, previously described species-groups, as well as the genus Diglossopis, are not monophyletic. The biogeographic origin of flowerpiercers was identified as Andean, with a single dispersal event from the northern Andes to Central America and a single dispersal event from the northern Andes to the tepuis. The first principal component, representing a contrast between hook size and bill size, was mapped onto the phylogeny to examine the evolution of relative hook size in the group. Across the phylogeny, a relatively large hook and a relatively small hook evolved multiple times in unrelated lineages, indicating lability in bill morphology. Differences in hook size among sympatric species, together with habitat partitioning and behavioural differences, can explain the coexistence of multiple species of flowerpiercers at the same locality. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 98, 14–28.
Carotene-rich plant foods ingested with minimal dietary fat enhance the total-body vitamin A pool size in Filipino schoolchildren as assessed by stable-isotope-dilution methodology.

BACKGROUND Strategies for improving the vitamin A status of vulnerable populations are needed. OBJECTIVE We studied the influence of the amounts of dietary fat on the effectiveness of carotene-rich plant foods in improving vitamin A status. DESIGN Schoolchildren aged 9-12 y were fed standardized meals 3 times/d, 5 d/wk, for 9 wk. The meals provided 4.2 mg provitamin A carotenoids/d (mainly beta-carotene) from yellow and green leafy vegetables [carrots, pechay (bok choy), squash, and kangkong (swamp cabbage)] and 7, 15, or 29 g fat/d (2.4, 5, or 10 g fat/meal) in groups A, B, and C (n = 39, 39, and 38, respectively). Other self-selected foods eaten were recorded daily. Before and after the intervention, total-body vitamin A pool sizes and liver vitamin A concentrations were measured with the deuterated-retinol-dilution method; serum retinol and carotenoid concentrations were measured by HPLC. RESULTS Similar increases in mean serum beta-carotene (5-fold), alpha-carotene (19-fold), and beta-cryptoxanthin (2-fold) concentrations; total-body vitamin A pool size (2-fold); and liver vitamin A (2-fold) concentrations were observed after 9 wk in the 3 study groups; mean serum retinol concentrations did not change significantly. The total daily beta-carotene intake from study meals plus self-selected foods was similar between the 3 groups and was 14 times the usual intake; total fat intake was 0.9, 1.4, or 2.0 times the usual intake in groups A, B, and C, respectively. The overall prevalence of low liver vitamin A (<0.07 mumol/g) decreased from 35% to 7%. CONCLUSIONS Carotene-rich yellow and green leafy vegetables, when ingested with minimal fat, enhance serum carotenoids and the total-body vitamin A pool size and can restore low liver vitamin A concentrations to normal concentrations.
Prediction and control of part distortion during the hot extrusion of titanium alloys

Abstract When titanium and steel billets are hot extruded using flat dies and glass lubricant, the extrudate distorts. This distortion is even larger for non-symmetrical shapes and complex billet material behavior. The amount of distortion is often a complex interplay between the die design, glass lubrication and extrusion conditions. Many experimental try-outs are often needed to determine the die design and operating conditions for reduced distortion. In order to investigate distortion, a finite element model for the glass lubricated hot extrusion process was developed that included all relevant aspects of the hot extrusion process such as induction heating, billet transfer, glass lubrication and metal flow. A design strategy was developed that permitted modeling the three-dimensional metal flow field of a complex extrusion by a two-dimensional FEM model. This model was then used to study the effect of die design and process parameters in extrusion of a titanium aerospace structural. Die design strategy was used to modify design for reduced distortion. Model predictions were verified by experiments on an industrial 2000 t hydraulic press.
On the covariance between two quadratic forms in a general set up

The covariance of two quadratic forms without the assumption of normality is evaluated, from which the variance of the sample variance is obtained as a corollary.
Implications of a revised fit between Australia and Antarctica for the evolution of the Eastern Indian Ocean

GRIFFITHS1 suggested that the computer fits of Australia and Antarctica2–4 are not supported by geology and that a better fit can be obtained by moving Australia 250 km westwards along the coast of Antarctica in the computer fitted reconstructions. Griffiths's revised fit eliminates the overlap of the South Tasman Rise, now known to be of continental origin5, and the Iselin plateau. Laird et al.6 showed that new geological evidence from Tasmania and East Antarctica favour such a revised reconstruction over the older computer fits. We present a slight modification to the fits given by Griffiths and by Laird et al. that, in addition, allows a good fit of magnetic anomaly lineations and fracture zone trends on the India7 and Antarctic8 plates (Fig. 1). This revised reconstruction thus implies that India and Australia have been parts of the same plate since the time of anomaly 22 (about 50 Myr ago). It also substantially reduces the size of the postulated Greater India9–11 (Fig. 2).
Written Interchanges: A Proposal for Interpersonal Growth

This paper illustrates the pervasive lack of critical feedback among people at large. A number of untoward intraorganizational consequences of this lack are drawn from the work of Chris Argyris, then a glance is given to the relevance of sensitivity training and some of its shortcomings. To help fulfill this need for forthright feedback among fellow workers, the author proposes the interchange of written interpersonal messages. For the sender, motivation comes from (1) the hope of honest feedback from others in their turn, and (2) “courage” from some assurance of anonymity, based on a coordinator using code identifications for senders and interchange groups of at least five persons. Examples are given of how the messages might be structured; preliminary field testing of the process is recounted; voluntariness of all participants is stressed; various coordinator roles are explored; and presumed benefits of written interchanges are compared with probable costs.
A new interpretation of the channel charge control mechanism in GaAs MESFET's

Experimental results are given to illustrate the drawbacks of the classical theory for the channel pinch-off mechanism in GaAs MESFET's. The peak electron concentration in the nearly pinched off MESFET channel is found to vary more slowly than predicted by Shockley's theory and as a result, a drastic decrease in the gate capacitance is observed in the near pinch-off regime. A new theoretical model based on the concept of overall charge neutrality is proposed and is shown to be in excellent agreement with the measured data.
Reflections and Ruminations

This is a timely issue on the contributions of mixed methodology to the contemporary demand for credible evaluative evidence on which to base policy and resource-allocation decisions. The character of evidence—especially evidence on the quality and effectiveness of efforts to improve the life quality or even life chances of many in our societies—requires the best minds from all corners of the evaluation community. The mixed methods voice is needed in the evidence-based conversation. ©Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Polarization Adjacent to an Inhomogeneous Membrane

Abstract The diffusion field over the surface of a membrane has been analyzed in a simplified manner responsive to the microporous nature of the actual membrane. The membrane surface is modeled as having intermittent strips of active sites (ribbons) separated by inactive sites (islands). The two-dimensional representation of the concentration field omits the third (transverse) direction of diffusion and assumes a regular and systematic surface arrangement. The equations of flow and concentration are shown to be reducible to a set of linear equations, solvable by standard methods of finite differencing and algebraic solution. The results show systematic variations of a significant magnitude locally around the ribbons (pores) of membrane. The magnitude, for example, assumes a concentration value 1.15 times the local concentration to occur from the upstream to the downstream side of a given ribbon for 33% surface porosity. Smaller ribbons are expected to produce larger jumps. The effect of the discontinuous ...
Performance characteristics of alternative genetic algorithmic approaches to the traveling salesman problem using path representation: An empirical study

Abstract The potential of Genetic Algorithmic (GA) approaches for solving order-based problems including the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) is recognized in a number of recent studies. By applying various GAs, these studies developed a set of unresolved GA design and configuration issues. The purpose of this study is to resolve the conflicting GA design and configuration issues by (1) concentrating on the classical TSP; and (2) developing, implementing, and testing a complete set of alternative GA configurations, 144 GAs are developed and evaluated by solvinh 5000 TSPs. A carefully designed statistical experimental plan accompanied by rigorous statistical analysis isolate the most promising configurations and identify their effect on solution time and quality. Although, the emphasis is on the TSP, the final results are applicable to other order-based problems that use sequence encoding.
Depressed left ventricular systolic ejection force in hypothyroidism.

Abstract Experimental hypothyroidism is associated with depressed myocardial contractile function, possibly due to alterations in contractile protein isoforms. 1,2 Abnormal systolic performance has been demonstrated in humans with severe, primary hypothyroidism; replacement of thyroid hormone leads to normalization of systolic time intervals in these patients. 3 Recently, a new Doppler method of noninvasively determining left ventricular (LV) ejection force was described. 4 Using Newton's second law of motion, force may be derived from the product of the mass and acceleration of blood ejected out the aortic valve. This study tests the hypothesis that this new noninvasive method can detect subtle changes in LV systolic function in patients with primary hypothyroidism.
Pseudoporphyria: a clinical and biochemical study of 20 patients.

Objective To describe the clinical and laboratory findings in patients with pseudoporphyria. Patients and Methods This retrospective review identified 261 patients with either porphyrin metabolism abnormalities or pseudoporphyria who were seen at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, between 1992 and 1996. All patients with documented porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), noncutaneous porphyrias, or variegate porphyria were excluded. Results Twenty patients had active cutaneous lesions resembling PCT with no diagnostic laboratory abnormalities. The major presenting clinical features were blistering in 19 patients (95%), scarring in 14 (70%), photosensitivity in 13 (65%), skin fragility in 13 (65%), and milia in 8 (40%). Histologically, of 17 patients tested, 12 (71%) had classic findings of subepidermal separation with festooning of dermal papillae. None of the 11 patients tested had hepatitis B or C. In all 20 patients, porphyrin profiles were nondiagnostic. Of 16 patients for whom follow-up was available, 11 reported persistent symptoms for a mean of 2.5 years after evaluation. Five patients were free of symptoms 1 week to 6 months after discontinuation of the presumed offending agent. Conclusion Pseudoporphyria mimics the cutaneous symptoms of PCT in the setting of normal or near-normal porphyrin levels in the serum, urine, or stool. Despite efforts to discontinue an offending medication, symptoms may persist indefinitely.
The Classification of the Finite Simple Groups

The classification of the finite simple groups was completed sometime during the summer of 1980. To the extent that I can reconstruct things, the last piece in the puzzle was filled in by Ronald Solomon of Ohio State University. At the other chronological extreme, the theory of finite groups can be traced back to its beginnings in the early nineteenth century in the work of Abel, Cauchy, and Galois. Hence the problem of classifying the finite simple groups has a history of over a century and a half. The proof of the Classification Theorem is made up of thousands of pages in various mathematical journals with at least another thousand pages still left to appear in print. Many mathematicians have contributed to the proof; some have spent their entire mathematical lives working on the problem. The problem itself is one of the most natural in mathematics: the group is one of the fundamental structures of modern mathematics; the finite groups are a natural subclass of the class of all groups. Moreover, the finite group theorist is quickly led to consider simple groups via the composition series of a group, and if he is optimistic, to the hope that the finite simple groups might be determined explicitly and much of the structure of the arbitrary finite group retrieved from that of its composition factors. Despite all of this, and despite the fact that most mathematicians learn this much group theory before receiving their Ph.D., the average mathematician does not seem to known much about the classification problem or the mathematics developed to solve it. Within the obvious space limitations of this article, I hope to convey some idea of how the finite simple groups are classified and to relate some of the history of the effort. A more complete description appears in [6], while a very detailed two volume account (by Daniel Gorenstein) is in preparation. A preliminary version of the first quarter of Gorenstein's work appears in [19]. The proceedings of two recent conferences on simple groups containing expository articles on the classification will soon appear in [12] and [13]. Finally an article by Walter Feit on the history of finite group theory through 1961 will appear in [14]. I have included a reasonably lengthy bibliography. Still, many important papers are omitted as they are not directly encountered in the brief outline provided. Other fundamental papers have yet to appear. More complete bibliographies are contained in some of the books mentioned above. Section 1. The Finite Simple Groups
Comparison of sea-ice extent and ice-edge location estimates from passive microwave and enhanced-resolution scatterometer data

Passive microwave sea-ice concentration fields provide some of the longest-running and most consistent records of changes in sea ice. Scatterometry-based sea-ice fields are more recently developed data products, but now they provide a record of ice conditions spanning several years. Resolution enhancement techniques applied to scatterometer fields provide much higher effective resolutions (∼10km) than are available from standard scatterometer and passive microwave fields (25-50km). Here we examine ice-extent fields from both sources and find that there is general agreement between scatterometer data and passive microwave fields, though scatterometer estimates yield substantially lower ice extents during winter. Comparisons with ice-edge locations estimated from AVHRR imagery indicate that enhanced scatterometer data can sometimes provide an improved edge location, but there is substantial variation in the results, depending on the local conditions. A blended product, using both scatterometer and passive microwave data, could yield improved results.
Phospine and phosphite mediated difluorocarbene exchange reactions of brom-F-methyl phosphonium salts

Abstract Bromo- F -methyl phosphonium salts undergo facile exchange of the bromo- F -methyl group when treated with tertiary phosphines or trialkyl phosphites. The mechanism of this exchange process, the influence of R′ on the ease of exchange, and comparison of this salt system to other halomethyl phosphonium salts will be discussed.
An Important Role for RNase R in mRNA Decay

Abstract mRNA decay is a major determinant of gene expression. In Escherichia coli , message degradation initiates with an endoribonucleolytic cleavage followed by exoribonuclease digestion to generate 5′-mononucleotides. Although the 3′ to 5′ processive exoribonucleases, PNPase and RNase II, have long been considered to be mediators of this digestion, we show here that another enzyme, RNase R, also participates in the process. RNase R is particularly important for removing mRNA fragments with extensive secondary structure, such as those derived from the many mRNAs that contain REP elements. In the absence of RNase R and PNPase, REP-containing fragments accumulate to high levels. RNase R is unusual among exoribonucleases in that, by itself, it can digest through extensive secondary structure provided that a single-stranded binding region, such as a poly(A) tail, is present. These data demonstrate that RNase R, which is widespread in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, is an important participant in mRNA decay.
Child Characteristics, Parenting Stress, and Parental Involvement: Fathers versus Mothers.

This study examined variations in the relationships among child characteristics, parenting stress, and parental involvement. Participants were 100 two-parent families with preschool-aged children. Self-report and interview data were collected to measure parental involvement, as well as perceptions of child temperament and parental stress. Analyses revealed significant, yet somewhat different, associations between child temperament and parental stress for mothers and fathers. More significant associations were found between perceptions of child temperament and involvement for fathers than for mothers. The associations between child temperament and parental stress and involvement differed on the basis of child and parent gender. Results are discussed in terms of future research on father involvement, as well as programs designed to encourage fathers to assume more active parental roles.
Adoption of customer-centric cargo revenue management: Brief history of cargo revenue management vs passenger revenue management

In this paper, the author sets forth the benefits of adapting an advanced Cargo Revenue Management system that is customer-centric. Such benefits include lowering customer costs, providing shipping alternatives, and tracking network performance. Implementation of a customer-centric system will encourage widespread adoption of RM business practices in the Cargo industry.
An effect in vivo of clomiphene on the rate of conversion of androstenedione-C14 to estrone-C14 and estradiol-C14 by the canine ovary

Abstract In two different ovarian preparations in vivo, androstenedione-C14 was infused via the left ovarian artery of the dog. In such animals, estradiol-C14 and estrone-C14 could be isolated from the venous blood of the infused organ. If clomiphene was infused via the left ovarian artery concomitant with androstenedione-C14, the rate of conversion of androstenedione-C14 to estradiol-C14 and to estrone-C14 increased. Clomiphene, moreover, increased the ovarian production of estradiol from non-radioactive precursors. The data are discussed with regard to possible mechanism of action of clomiphene on endocrine organs.
Two-step hybrid methods for periodic initial value problems

We consider a family of two-step methods for the numerical integration of periodic initial value problems where the required solution has an unknown period. We derive efficient P-stable formulas of orders 4 and 6 which are particularly appropriate for nonlinear systems, as their Newton iteration matrices can be expressed as a perfect square and a perfect cube, respectively.
Intelligent control for autonomous systems

Intelligent control is the discipline in which control algorithms are developed by emulating certain characteristics of intelligent biological systems. It is quickly emerging as a technology that may open avenues for significant advances in many areas. In fact, fueled by advancements in computing technology, it has already achieved some very exciting and promising results. Here, the author argues that a mixture of intelligent and conventional control methods may be the best way to implement autonomous control systems. >
Central serous chorioretinopathy after solid organ transplantation.

Purpose To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) after solid organ transplantation. Design Case series. Participants Fifteen patients who presented to the authors with CSC after solid organ transplantation. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review to identify patient demographics and clinical features of disease, including angiographic changes. Main Outcome Measures Patterns of CSC. These patterns were compared with type of organ received, demographics, and visual outcome. Results We identified 25 eyes of 7 women (46.7%) and 8 men (53.3%) that developed CSC after solid organ transplantation. Patient ages ranged from 27 to 55 years (median, 40). Seven of the 15 patients (46.7%) were Caucasian, including 3 Hispanic patients (20%). Of the 8 remaining patients (53.3%), 2 were African American (13.3%), 2 were Filipino (13.3%), and 4 were Asian (26.7%). The organs received included 13 kidneys (86.7%), 1 liver (6.7%), and 1 heart (6.7%). Systemic hypertension was reported in 14 of 15 patients (93.3%). All patients were receiving systemic immunosuppressive drugs at presentation; 14 of 15 (93.3%) were also receiving systemic corticosteroids. Visual acuity at presentation ranged from 20/20 to counting fingers. Patterns of CSC included (1) geographic or diffuse alterations in the retinal pigment epithelium (5 eyes; 2 bilateral, 1 unilateral), (2) focal CSC (6 eyes, all unilateral), (3) multifocal CSC (6 eyes; 2 bilateral, 2 unilateral), and (4) CSC with bullous retinal detachment (8 eyes, all bilateral). Follow-up, available for 21 affected eyes of 13 patients, ranged from 1 month to 6 years (median, 12 months). Compared with other solid organ transplant recipients at our institutions, renal transplant recipients ( P = 0.003), as well as Hispanic and Asian patients ( P = 0.05), were more prevalent in this cohort. Conclusion Central serous chorioretinopathy after solid organ transplantation varies in presentation and severity. Our observations support a role for choroidal vascular compromise in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Establishment of Compromise Conditions for Multielement Analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometry: A Preliminary Report

As a first step in the establishment of compromise conditions for multielement analysis by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometry, the effects of three critical ICP operating parameters on atomic and ionic emission of elements of interest were investigated in detail. The line/background ratios for both atom and ion lines were found to be very sensitive to (1) the aerosol Ar flow rate, (2) the observation height, and (3) the power, and optimum conditions for ion lines were often quite different from those for atom lines. In addition to assisting in the eventual choice of compromise ICP operating conditions for simultaneous multielement analysis, the results emphasize the importance of precise control of these critical parameters in analytical applications of the ICP.
CHOLESTEROL LOWERING WITH SIMVASTATIN AND EZETIMIBE INHIBITS CHOLESTEROL CRYSTAL FORMATION AND ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATION

Cholesterol crystals (CC) have been noted to be perforating plaques in patients with acute myocardial infarction. This study evaluated effects of simvastatin (SIMVA) and ezetimibe (EZET), alone and in combination (SIMVA/EZET) on CC formation and associated inflammation. Twenty four rabbits were
The Power of Perspective: Teaching Social Policy with Documentary Film

Documentaries can be used as a pedagogical tool to better understand social policy. This medium is especially suited to provide perspectives that often go unheard in policy debates, academic discussions, and textbooks. While many social work educators use documentary films, there is little discussion about this media in the social work literature. Drawing on interdisciplinary film scholarship and the author's classroom experience, this article raises questions about the use of documentary films in the social work policy classroom. What is the role of the educator in choosing films? How can we apply the critical skills of policy analysis to this particular medium? The final section includes recommendations for using documentaries in the social work classroom.
Non-euclidean incidence planes

The paper discusses finite or infinite incidence planes in which an oval plays the role of a metric conic. The points of the oval are used as coordinates, and ordered couples of these coordinates give rise to a coordinatization of the whole plane by means of ternary structures. These ternaries are studied, and a few specializations and their geometric analogues are studied.
Effect of nicotine on the swimming endurance of rats.

Abstract The swimming time of trained rats in a water tub was measured until animals were no longer able to surface after repeated attempts. Administration of nicotine and chlordiazepoxide and diazepam produced deterioration of performance, whereas methylphenidate, (+)-amphetamine and (−)-amphetamine produced performance improvements. The performance-stimulating effect of methylphenidate was completely blocked by nicotine, whereas that of (+)-amphetamine and (−)-amphetamine was only partially antagonized. Nicotine administration increased the impairment of swimming endurance caused by chlordiazepoxide.
The triterpenes of ouricuri wax

Ouricuri was contains lupeyl acetate (3.9%), taraxerone (1.3%), lupenone (1.2%), simiarenol (0.09%), and taraxeryl acetate (0.03%). The triterpenes can be readily isolated from the wax by hexane extraction. Gas liquid chromatographic analysis shows that lupeyl acetate is the principal single component of the wax.
Chemie und Biochemie der Pflanzenstoffe, XXVIII. Synthesen von Flavonoiden und Cumarinen mittels Polyphosphorsäure

Durch Kondensation von Phenolen bzw. Phenolathern mit Zimtsaure in Gegenwart von Polyphosphorsaure mit einem Gehalt von 86% P4O10 erhalt man die Chalkone 1–7, das Flavanon 8 sowie Di-[O-cinnamoyl]-hydrochinon. Entsprechend entstehen mit Benzoylessigsaure bzw. deren Athylester oder mit Phenylpropiolsaure die 4-Phenyl-cumarine 11–13 sowie die Flavone 14–19. Die analogen Umsetzungen mit Malonsaure ergaben die Cumarine 22 und 23 oder Dibenzoylmethan-Derivate. Aus o-Cumarsaure erhalt man mit Anisol 4-[4-Methoxy-phenyl]-3.4-dihydro-cumarin (9), mit Polyphosphorsaure mittels N.N-Dimethylanilin als Katalysator ein Tris-anhydrid C27H21O10P, das bei der alkalischen Spaltung o-Cumarsaure und Orthophosphorsaure ergibt. Chemistry and Biochemistry of Plant Constituents, XXVIII1). Synthesis of Flavonoids and Coumarins by Means of Polyphosphoric Acid By reaction of phenols or phenol ethers with cinnamic acid in presence of polyphosphoric acid containing 86% P4O10 the chalcones 1–7, the flavanone 8 and hydroquinone dicinnamate are synthesized. The condensation with benzoylacetic acid, its ethyl ester or with phenylpropiolic acid gives the 4-phenylcoumarins 11–13 and the flavones 14–19. Analogous reactions with malonic acid yield the coumarins 22, 23 or dibenzoylmethanes. By reaction of o-coumaric acid with anisole, 4-[4-methoxyphenyl]-3.4-dihydrocoumarin (9) is formed; with polyphosphoric acid and dimethylaniline as catalyst, a trisanhydride C27H21O10P is yielded, whose alkaline fission leads to o-coumaric acid and orthophosphoric acid.
Rasburicase: potential role in managing tumor lysis in patients with hematological malignancies

Acute tumor lysis syndrome with hyperuricemia and renal failure usually occurs during the initial period of chemotherapy in patients with aggressive hematological malignancies. Standard therapy for hyperuricemia includes hydration, urine alkalinization and pharmacoreduction of uric acid with allopurinol. In the USA, rasburicase has recently been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the reduction of uric acid. Rasburicase is a recombinant urate oxidase enzyme that converts uric acid to allantoin, which has increased urine solubility. It is administered intravenously once-daily and leads to rapid, dramatic declines in serum uric acid values. The toxicity profile is excellent, with rare incidence of bronchospasm and allergies and a known contraindication for patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. A Phase III trial in high-risk pediatric patients conclusively demonstrated that rasburicase is more effective than allopurinol in controlling uric acid. Ongoing evidence is accumulating suggesting that the drug is also safe and effective in adults with hematological malignancies.
Ultrafast Optical Properties of PbSe Nano-Rods: One Dimensional Excitons

Using Supercontinuum Transient Absorption Spectroscopy we observe new ultrafast exciton dynamics in PbSe Nanorods. We report distinct types of biexcitonic interactions, and propose a model to quantitatively describe the bleach using the predicted electronic structure.
Quantum criticality due to incipient phase separation in the two-dimensional Hubbard model

We investigate the two-dimensional Hubbard model with next-nearest-neighbor hopping, ${t}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, using the dynamical cluster approximation. We confirm the existence of a first-order phase-separation transition terminating at a second-order critical point at filling ${n}_{c}({t}^{\ensuremath{'}})$ and temperature ${T}_{ps}({t}^{\ensuremath{'}})$. We find that as ${t}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ approaches zero, ${T}_{ps}({t}^{\ensuremath{'}})$ vanishes and ${n}_{c}({t}^{\ensuremath{'}})$ approaches the filling associated with the quantum critical point separating the Fermi liquid from the pseudogap phase. We propose that the quantum critical point under the superconducting dome is the zero-temperature limit of the line of second-order critical points.
Detection of the Sexual Identity of Conspecifics through Volatile Chemical Signals in a Territorial Salamander

Territorial red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) have been shown to use nonvolatile chemical signals in both territorial defense and to convey a variety of information to conspecifics. We investigated whether or not red-backed salamanders could determine the sexual identity of conspecifics through volatile chemical signals, and we explored their use in the context of territorial defense. We exposed male and female red-backed salamanders to four experimental treatments (i.e. filter papers that had been scent marked by male or female conspecifics for 1 and 5 d) and two control treatments (i.e. unscented filter papers for 1 and 5 d tests). The focal salamanders were prevented from physically accessing the scent marked filter papers and, presumably, some of the substrate scent marks had volatile components that were detected and interpreted by the focal salamanders. Both male and female red-backed salamanders spent significantly more time in threat displays when they were exposed to volatile chemical signals from same-sex conspecifics than they did toward similar signals from opposite-sex conspecifics. A similar statistical pattern was observed for the amount of chemosensory sampling exhibited by focal red-backed salamanders. From these results, we infer that red-backed salamanders can determine the sexual identity of conspecifics through volatile chemical signals, some of which may be used in territorial defense. Further, such airborne pheromones may influence the spatial organization of salamander territories on the forest floor.
GSTM1/T1 Genotypes and Benzo(A)Pyrene Hemoglobin Adducts in Maternal and Fetal Blood

Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the development of cancer. The capacity to metabolize certain drugs and carcinogens is known to be variable in humans and appears to be of critical importance in determining the risk an individual has of developing cancer when exposed to carcinogens. For many phase I and phase II enzyme systems involved in foreign compound metabolism it is now understood that germ-line genetic variation within the genes encoding these enzymes leads to altered phenotypic expression impacting the metabolic capacity of the individual. This genetic variation is referred to as genetic polymorphism and the study of the association between genetic polymorphism and the resulting phenotypic changes in drug or foreign compound metaboism is referred to as pharmacogenetics. This variation in metabolic capacity is linked to environment–gene interactions on carcinogenesis and has been well demonstrated by enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of carcinogens including several ...
High-efficiency inverted dithienogermole–thienopyrrolodione-based polymer solar cells

Researchers demonstrate a high-efficiency polymer solar cell whose device architecture is compatible with a large-scale roll-to-roll process. Enhanced charge collection in the inverted polymer solar cell design and certified power conversion efficiencies of around 7.4% are reported.
Smoothing of Stokes Discontinuities

When the asymptotics of an analytic function f(z) are given in terms of two asymptotic forms S$\_{1}$(z), S$\_{2}$(z), alternately dominant in alternating sectors of the z-plane, Stokes observed that the coefficients of S$\_{1}$, S$\_{2}$, while constant in any one sector, can change from sector to sector, and that to a first approximation the change appears to be discontinuous. Recently, Berry has given an interesting formal argument which shows in more detail how the change takes place, and the present paper gives a rigorous treatment of Berry's result.
Entropy-Based Algorithm For Reducing Artifacts In Image Restoration

We introduce a simple algorithm to reduce artifacts that often appear in image restoration techniques such as Wiener filtering. The algorithm starts with the inverse filter solution and iteratively calculates the correction term. At each iteration we use an entropy gradient and an analytically calculated step size. The algorithm uses two Fourier transforms per iteration. We show both 1 -D and 2-D examples to illustrate the algorithm.
Rap1GAP inhibits tumor growth in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Rap1, a growth regulatory protein that is strongly expressed in human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is inactivated by rap1GAP. Recent evidence in normal rat cells suggests that rap1GAP regulates proliferation. The objective of the current study was to in-vestigate whether rap1GAP functions as a tumor suppressor in SCC. Using a pull-down assay, active GTP-bound rap1 was up-regulated in SCC compared to normal or immortalized keratinocytes. Because both rap1A and rap1B isoforms of rap1 are expressed in SCC, the rap1GAP inactivation of both rap1 isoforms was verified using cells transfected with EGFP-rap1A or EGFP-rap1B or co-transfected with FLAG-tagged rap1GAP. The results demonstrate that expression of rap1GAP in oropharyngeal SCC down-regulated active rap1, ERK activation, and proliferation. Incubation of stably transfected SCC cells with nocodazole, an inhibitor of mitosis, caused a slower accumulation of rap1GAP-transfected cells in the G2 phase, in comparison to the vector control, indicating that rap1GAP-transfected cells have slower progression through the cell cycle. This was supported by down-regulation of cyclin D1, cdk4, and cdk6 in rap1GAP-transfected SCC cells. Furthermore, SCC cells transfected with rap1GAP produced significantly smaller tumors in nude mice as compared to controls (P < 0.01). These novel findings suggest that rap1GAP acts as a tumor suppressor protein in SCC.
Towards comprehending the superatomic state of matter

Abstract Photoelectron imaging experiments for the negative ions, Pt − and WC − at a photon energy of 2.33 eV, are highlighted. In the Pt − photoelectron angular distribution (PAD), intense signatures from the electron affinity (EA) transition 3 D 3 ← 2 D 5/2 , as well as several features from the excited states of Pt − , 2 D 3/2 and 2 S 1/2 , were observed. Present in the PAD of the valence isoelectronic diatomic molecule WC − , are several transitions originating from the 2 Δ 3/2 ground and higher energy 2 Δ 5/2 and 4 Σ − excited states. Significantly, the spectroscopic transitions arising from WC − exhibit similarities with those in Pt − , providing insight into the reactivity of WC and Pt surfaces. Discussion regarding the photoelectron spectra of several other isoelectronic diatomic-elemental species further reveals quantitative aspects of the superatom concept. The recent surprising findings in this field are opening a new realm of studies pertaining to the behavior of matter governed by its unified atom/superatomic character.
Trends in Hospitalization for Diverticulitis and Diverticular Bleeding in the United States From 2000 to 2010

Background & Aims Most studies of trends in diverticular disease have focused on diverticulitis or on a composite outcome of diverticulitis and bleeding. We aimed to quantify and compare the prevalence of hospitalization for diverticular bleeding and diverticulitis overall and by sex and race. Methods We analyzed data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2000 through 2010. We identified adult patients with a discharge diagnosis of diverticular bleeding or diverticulitis. By using yearly US intercensal data, we calculated age-, sex-, and race-specific rates, as well as age-adjusted prevalence rates. Results The prevalence of hospitalizations per 100,000 persons for diverticular bleeding decreased over the 10-year period from 32.5 to 27.1 (-5.4; 95% confidence interval, -5.1 to -5.7). The prevalence of hospitalizations for diverticulitis peaked in 2008 (74.1/100,000 in 2000, 96.0/100,000 in 2008, and 91.9/100,000 in 2010). The prevalence of diverticulitis was higher in women than in men, whereas women and men had similar rates of diverticular bleeding. The prevalence of diverticular bleeding was highest in blacks (34.4/100,000 in 2010); whereas the prevalence of diverticulitis was highest in whites (75.5/100,000 in 2010). Conclusions Over the past 10 years, the prevalence of hospitalizations for diverticulitis increased and then plateaued, whereas that of diverticular bleeding decreased. The prevalence according to sex and race differed for diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding. These findings indicate different mechanisms of pathogenesis for these disorders.
Endocrinology of the Amphibian Pineal

McCord and Allen (1917) found that extracts of mammalian pineal glands contain a potent contracting agent of larval amphibian melanophores. Lerner and his co-workers determined the chemical structure of this principle and named it melatonin. This agent contracts dermal melanophores at a concentration as low as 10−10 g/ml. Both intact and eyeless larval amphibians blanch when placed in the dark, and the melanophore contraction which causes this lightening response is abolished by pinealectomy. The amphibian pineal contains photoreceptive elements similar to those found in the vertebrate lateral eyes, and these elements are inhibited by light but are stimulated in its absence. There is evidence for the presence of both HIOMT and melatonin the amphibian pineal. It has been proposed that the body-blanching response results from a direct stimulation of the pineal under conditions of darkness leading to a release of melatonin into the general circulation which is then responsible for a direct contracting effect on dermal melanophores. The cytophysiological effects of melatonin mimic those that take place in the body-blanching response. Since no other hormone or pharmacological agent duplicates this response, this is strong evidence that melatonin is a hormone that normally regulates body blanching. Other evidence for the support of this hypothesis is presented. Cytological features of both normal and melatonin-induced lightening indicate that the effects of melatonin are at the effector cell level rather than at either the hypothalamus or the pituitary. An inhibition of MSH-release by melatonin is not involved. Melatonin plays a normal role in young larvae to regulate the lightening response that takes place in darkness (the primary chromatic response). Neither melatonin nor the pineal play a role in the later (secondary stage) adaptive background responses of amphibians. As McCord and Allen first noted, the pineal may contain other substances which may have other physiological roles in amphibians as well as other vertebrates. These have been little studied.
Dosimetric validation for multileaf collimator-based intensity-modulated radiotherapy: a review

The creation of intricate dose distributions produced by intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) depends on complex planning systems and specialized mechanical devices. The many possible sources of inaccuracy and the complexity of the dose maps themselves require that a substantial effort be made to ensure that calculated and delivered dose distributions agree. This review provides an overview of the current status of the validation of dose predictions of IMRT planning systems by comparisons with measurements. Emphasis is placed on multileaf collimator- (MLC) based IMRT. Discrepancies between calculations and measurements may be due to any of 3 causes: errors and uncertainties in the dose calculation algorithm, in measurements, or in beam delivery by the accelerator/MLC combination. Some of the factors affecting dosimetry include: the technique employed for modulating the fluence, the dose calculation algorithm and other aspects of the planning system, mechanical limitations of the MLC hardware, dosimetric characteristics of the MLC, such as MLC leakage and rounded leaf ends, the choice of dosimeter, and the measurement geometry and technique. The advantages and drawbacks of various dosimeters including film, ion chambers, thermoluminescent dosimetry, and electronic portal imaging devices are discussed. The steps involved in validating dosimetrically a planning system are outlined, including the various fields that need to be measured, the phantoms that may be used, and measurement techniques. The achievable accuracy of dosimetry for IMRT is discussed.
Utility of Integrated Computed Tomography—Positron Emission Tomography for Selection of Operable Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Abstract Background Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a primary malignancy characterized by local invasion of the pleura and metastasis. Despite advances in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), accurately staging patients remains challenging. Recent studies have examined the use of integrated CT—positron emission tomography (PET) for staging patients. Materials and Methods Mayo Clinic databases were queried to identify cases with a histologic diagnosis of MPM from 2000 to 2006. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of MPM, an available CT scan, and an initial staging integrated CT-PET scan. A total of 35 patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria. Computed tomography and integrated CT-PET scans were reviewed by experienced radiologists. Laboratory parameters were reviewed. The Mayo Clinic tumor registry and Social Security database were queried for survival data in patients in which no follow-up was available. Results Findings on integrated CT-PET excluded 14 of 35 patients from surgical intervention. Extrapleural pneumonectomies (EPPs) were performed in 8 patients, and partial pleurectomies were performed in 2 patients. Upstaging from integrated CT-PET occurred in 70% of the patients when surgical pathology was available, 2 cases to an inoperable stage. Although not statistically significant, median survival was 20 months for patients undergoing an EPP and 12 months for patients excluded from surgical intervention by integrated CT-PET. Conclusion Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a difficult disease to accurately stage. The most common reason for upstaging in our series was an increase in T (tumor; tumor-node-metastasis staging system) disease. Our data suggest that integrated CT-PET is excellent for detecting nodal and distant metastases. However, the ability of this imaging modality to correctly stage locoregional disease is not superior to the combination of CT and MRI as reported in the literature.