cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conversion of synthesis gas over LaMn1$minus;xCUx03+$lambda; perovskites and related copper catalysts

CO hydrogenation was investigated over perovskites with the composition LaMn1−xCuxO3+λ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 1.0); Cu supported on SiO2, unpromoted and promoted with La2O3; Cu supported on La203 and on MnO2/La2O3; and unsupported Cu metal powder containing traces of sodium (NaOx/Cu). The x = 0 perovskite (LaMnO3.24) was weakly active for CO hydrogenation and produced only hydrocarbons, whereas all other perovskites were more active and displayed >90% selectivity to alcohols (∼80% methanol, ∼10% C2+ alcohols). The C2+ alcohols followed a distribution characteristic of alkali-promoted copper catalysts. CU/SiO2 was >80% selective to hydrocarbons, and ≤5% selective to methanol. Introduction of La2O3 or NaOx into the copper catalyst increased the CO hydrogenation activity and the selectivity to alcohols. The activities and product distributions of the Cu-containing perovskites (x > 0) are similar to those of NaOx/Cu and the La2O3-containing catalysts, suggesting that the active sites in all of the catalysts are similar. It is proposed that hydrocarbon synthesis occurs at Cu0 sites, but that Cu0 and Cu+ sites are required for the formation of methanol and C2+ alcohols. It is also proposed that Cu+ sites are stabilized at the adlineation between metallic copper and lanthana (or soda).
Association between gaseous air pollutants and inflammatory, hemostatic and lipid markers in a cohort of midlife women.

Abstract Background Exposures to ambient gaseous pollutants have been linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but the biological mechanisms remain uncertain. Objectives This study examined the changes in CVD marker levels resulting from elevated exposure to ambient gaseous pollutants in midlife women. Methods Annual repeated measurements of several inflammatory, hemostatic and lipid makers were obtained from 2306 midlife women enrolled in the longitudinal Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) between 1999 and 2004. Ambient carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) data were assigned to each woman based on proximity of the monitoring station to her residential address. Short- and long-term exposures were calculated, and their associations with markers were examined using linear mixed-effects regression models, adjusted for demographic, health and other factors. Results Short-term CO exposure was associated with increased fibrinogen, i.e., every interquartile increase of average prior one-week exposure to CO was associated with 1.3% (95% CI: 0.6%, 2.0%) increase in fibrinogen. Long-term exposures to NO 2 and SO 2 were associated with reduced high-density lipoproteins and apolipoprotein A1, e.g., 4.0% (1.7%, 6.3%) and 4.7% (2.8%, 6.6%) decrease per interquartile increment in prior one-year average NO 2 concentration, respectively. Fine particle (PM 2.5 ) exposure confounded associations between CO/NO 2 and inflammatory/hemostatic markers, while associations with lipoproteins were generally robust to PM 2.5 adjustment. Conclusions Exposures to these gas pollutants at current ambient levels may increase thrombotic potential and disrupt cholesterol metabolism, contributing to greater risk of CVDs in midlife women. Caution should be exercised in evaluating the confounding by PM 2.5 exposure.
“The Four Agreements” Necessary for Resilience

In his masterful work The Four Agreements (Ruiz, The four agreements, San Rafael, CA, 1997), Don Miguel Ruiz artfully conveys the powerful wisdom of the ancient Toltec Mexican culture. The venerated spiritual truths revealed to the sages of Old Mexico are contained in four moral imperatives necessary for the attainment of inner peace. The adherence of four “agreements,” or promises one makes with oneself, will ensure a much more fulfilled, tranquil, and peaceful life. These agreements that we can make with ourselves reinforce the essence of this book and serve as excellent guideposts for a resilient life.
Pathophysiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is multifactorial. It usually involves the function of the lower esophageal sphincter and esophageal peristalsis, as well as mucosal changes that result from the presence of the refluxate and their consequences on pain perception. Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation is the most common event associated with reflux, and esophageal peristalsis is necessary to clear the esophagus from the refluxate. Abnormal permeability of the esophageal mucosa can result from reflux, and this may result in increased mucosal permeability that may lead to esophageal damage and pain sensitization. There are specific pathologic conditions that affect the mechanisms responsible for the prevention of GERD, so it is more common in certain populations.
Anchimerically Activated ProTides as Inhibitors of Cap-Dependent Translation and Inducers of Chemosensitization in Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

The cellular delivery of nucleotides through various pronucleotide strategies has expanded the utility of nucleosides as a therapeutic class. Although highly successful, the highly popular ProTide system relies on a four-step enzymatic and chemical process to liberate the corresponding monophosphate. To broaden the scope and reduce the number of steps required for monophosphate release, we have developed a strategy that depends on initial chemical activation by a sulfur atom of a methylthio-alkyl-protecting group, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis of the resulting phosphoramidate monoester. We have employed this proTide strategy for intracellular delivery of a nucleotide antagonist of eIF4E in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that chemical inhibition of cap-dependent translation results in suppression of c-Myc expression, increased p27 expression, and enhanced chemosensitization to doxorubicin, dexamethasone, and ibrutinib. In addition, the new ProTide strategy was shown to en...
Enhancing Early Childhood Development Through Arts Integration in Economically Disadvantaged Learning Environments

Education in the arts continues to struggle for inclusion in PreK-12 classrooms as public schools face increasing challenges from high stakes testing, Common Core politics, and endless budget cuts. Advocates point to the growing body of research linking art education to academic achievement as justification for arts’ continued inclusion in the curriculum. In its 2005 report, the National Association of State Boards of Education highlighted this research trend and called for stronger emphasis on arts in educational curricula (Meyer in Arts Educ Policy Rev 106(3):35–40, 2005). Yet despite the evidence, school districts across the nation have been slow to include more arts programming within the classroom. This study, however, examines one school district that did. In a collaborative project between a large urban school district and a local arts and science council, an arts integration program called Wolf Trap was implemented in economically disadvantaged pre-Kindergarten and first-grade classrooms at selected schools across the district. Objectives of the program were to: (a) improve school readiness skills among participants; (b) increase capacity of classroom teachers to learn and implement effective arts-based teaching strategies; and (c) increase the capacity of teaching artists to acquire and model effective arts-based teaching strategies. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the program using data from the teaching artists, classroom teachers, and the external evaluators. We discuss the program in detail and explain the methodology used in our evaluation. Finally, we present evidence that indicates the program’s success and we offer recommendations for program stakeholders.
Evaluation of a Congressionally Mandated Wraparound Demonstration

In order to determine whether expenditures for mental health could be reduced and quality improved, Congress mandated that the Department of Defense conduct a demonstration project utilizing a wraparound mental health service system for child and adolescent military dependents. A longitudinal quasiexperimental design was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the demonstration. The results showed that children in the Wraparound Group received more wraparound services than those in the treatment as usual (TAU) Comparison Group. These services included case management, in-home treatment, and other nontraditional services. The Demonstration also provided better continuity of care. Multiple methods were used to investigate the impact of wraparound. Both groups showed some improvement on some measures but there were no differences between the groups in functioning, symptoms, life satisfaction, positive functioning, or sentinel events. Regardless of which statistical model was used to estimate costs, the Demonstration was also more expensive. The higher level of expenditures for the Wraparound group was a result of some expensive traditional care and the addition of nontraditional services. Several possible explanations of these results are provided.
An Algorithmic Embedding of Graphs via Perfect Matchings

Recently Komlos, Sarkozy, and Szemeredi proved a striking result called the blow-up lemma that, loosely speaking, enables one to embed any bounded degree graph H as a spanning subgraph of an Ɛ-regular graph G. The first proof given by Komlos, Sarkozy, and Szemeredi was based on a probabilistic argument [8]. Subsequently, they derandomized their approach to provide an algorithmic embedding in [9]. In this paper we give a different proof of the algorithmic version of the blow-up lemma. Our approach is based on a derandomization of a probabilistic proof of the blow-up lemma given in [13]. The derandomization utilizes the Erdos-Selfridge method of conditional probabilities and the technique of pessimistic estimators.
The urodynamic consequences of posterior urethral valves.

AbstractWe evaluated urodynamically 41 patients with posterior urethral valves because of signs or symptoms of incontinence (35), frequency (3), hydronephrosis (2) and infection (1). Findings included normal urodynamic evaluations in 3 patients, 2 had high voiding pressures secondary to outlet resistance and 1 had incontinence on the basis of external urethral sphincter damage. In the remainder 3 patterns of bladder dysfunction were identified. Myogenic failure with overflow incontinence occurred in 14 patients. In this group clean intermittent catheterization or Valsalva’s voiding was used for emptying. Hyperreflexic bladders were seen in 10 patients. Pharmacological suppression of instability was effective in 5 of 7 patients treated; 1 required bladder augmentation. Eleven children had a small capacity bladder and poor compliance. Post-void residuals were low and these bladders were generally but not always stable. Pharmacological bladder relaxation was successful in 3 patients, 3 underwent augmentation...
Annotations are not “for free”: The Need for Runtime Layer Support in Hypertext Engines

An important application of hypertext is the making and receiving of “annotations”—critical or explanatory notes added to a text. Rather than thinking of annotations as an application of hypertext systems, however, most hypertext system designers believe that hypertext systems are annotation systems; that is, they believe that annotations are “for free” in hypertext. After all, the reasoning runs, a hypertext system is, by definition, a system that allows users to create nodes and links between them; in particular, users can create text nodes and link those text nodes to nodes containing explanatory text; ergo, a hypertext system is an annotation system.
Ocular Explosion after Peribulbar Anesthesia: Case Report and Experimental Study

Purpose: A peribulbar anesthetic injection for cataract surgery produced a 10.5-mm scleral laceration and lens extrusion. This study sought to recreate this unfortunate clinical situation. Methods: Twenty-one human eye bank eyes were ruptured by intraocular injection of saline through Atkinson needles. The hydrostatic pressure required for globe rupture was measured by three different techniques in seven globes. Results: Forty-eight percent of the scleral lacerations were equatorial and 52% were perilimbal. Lens extrusion occurred with three of the perilimbal lacerations. Rupture pressures by each technique averaged 3065, 4972, and 5648 mmHg. Conclusion: Peribulbar injection can produce inadvertent ocular explosion.
Clinical Supervision in Teacher Preparation: Exploring the Practices of University-Affiliated Supervisors

The clinical aspects of teacher preparation are critical to the development of able novice teachers, and university supervisors are well positioned to focus on the learning of teacher candidates wi...
Intelligent Cruise Control of Diesel Powered Vehicles Addressing the Fuel Consumption Versus Emissions Trade-off

Intelligent cruise control with traffic preview introduces a potential to adjust the vehicle velocity and improve fuel consumption and emissions. This paper presents tradeoffs observed during velocity trajectory optimizations when the objective function varies from fuel-based targets to emissions-based. The scenarios studied consider velocity optimization while following a hypothetical leader executing the federal test procedure (FTP) velocity profile with distance constraint, instead of the classical legislated velocity constraint, to enable the flexibility in optimizing the velocity trajectory. The vehicle model including longitudinal dynamics, fuel consumption and tailpipe NOx emissions is developed for a medium-duty truck with a diesel engine and verified over the FTP. Then, dynamic programming is applied on a reduced-order model to solve the constraint trajectory optimization problem and calculate an optimal vehicle velocity profile over the temperature stabilized phase (Bag 2) of the FTP. Results show 59% less tailpipe NOx emissions with an emission-optimized drive cycle but with 17% more fuel consumption compared to a non-optimized baseline. Whereas, a fuel-optimized cycle improves the fuel efficiency by 18% but with doubled tailpipe NOx emissions. Moreover, it is shown that for a diesel powertrain, including the aftertreatment system efficiency associated with the thermal dynamics is crucial to optimize the tailpipe NOx emissions and can not be ignored for problem simplification.
An interpretative phenomenological analysis of 2013 Boston Marathoners’ experience of running a subsequent Boston Marathon

ABSTRACTWhile trauma experiences have been explored in several sport-related research studies, there is a lack of research on athletes’ experiences of a terror attack in sport. The present study ex...
Colonization of the tsetse fly midgut with commensal Kosakonia cowanii Zambiae inhibits trypanosome infection establishment

Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) vector pathogenic trypanosomes (Trypanosoma spp.) in sub-Saharan Africa. These parasites cause human and animal African trypanosomiases, which are debilitating diseases that inflict an enormous socio-economic burden on inhabitants of endemic regions. Current disease control strategies rely primarily on treating infected animals and reducing tsetse population densities. However, relevant programs are costly, labor intensive and difficult to sustain. As such, novel strategies aimed at reducing tsetse vector competence require development. Herein we investigated whether Kosakonia cowanii Zambiae (Kco_Z), which confers Anopheles gambiae with resistance to Plasmodium, is able to colonize tsetse and induce a trypanosome refractory phenotype in the fly. Kco_Z established stable infections in tsetse’s gut and exhibited no adverse effect on the fly’s survival. Flies with established Kco_Z infections in their gut were significantly more refractory to infection with two distinct trypanosome species (T. congolense, 6% infection; T. brucei, 32% infection) than were age-matched flies that did not house the exogenous bacterium (T. congolense, 36% infected; T. brucei, 70% infected). Additionally, 52% of Kco_Z colonized tsetse survived infection with entomopathogenic Serratia marcescens, compared with only 9% of their wild-type counterparts. These parasite and pathogen refractory phenotypes result from the fact that Kco_Z acidifies tsetse’s midgut environment, which inhibits trypanosome and Serratia growth and thus infection establishment. Finally, we determined that Kco_Z infection does not impact the fecundity of male or female tsetse, nor the ability of male flies to compete with their wild-type counterparts for mates. We propose that Kco_Z could be used as one component of an integrated strategy aimed at reducing the ability of tsetse to transmit pathogenic trypanosomes.
Ruled Knowing and the Problem of Evil: Is Free Will Theism Necessary for Defense?

This essay argues that the problem of evil is better answered from a Reformed perspective. The Reformed tradition offers a richer answer to the problem than does the free will defense since it is both more consistent and more orthodox. Therefore, it is contended that the epistemological vision and theological confession of the Reformers provides the substantive foundation needed to defend Christianity against the problem of evil without the use of libertarian free will.
The effects of Tel2 on cardiomyocyte survival

Abstract Aims Overexpression of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), a member of the PIKK (phosphoinositide kinase-related kinase) family, protects cardiomyocytes from cell death induced by pathological stimuli such as ischemia. We previously reported that posttranslational modification of mTOR plays an important role in regulating cardiac mTOR expression. The aim of this study was to see if Tel2 (telomere maintenance 2), a protein that regulates the abundance of PIKKs, confers similar cardioprotective effects as mTOR. Tel2 is not well-characterized in cardiomyocytes, therefore we examined the effects of Tel2 on cardiomyocyte viability under ischemic stress conditions. Materials and methods We overexpressed Tel2 or silenced Tel2 with siRNA in the HL-1 cardiomyocyte cell line to survey the effects of Tel2 overexpression and downregulation on cell survival during hypoxia. Adult mouse cardiomyocytes transfected with Tel2 adenoviruses were used to test whether Tel2 sufficiently prevented cardiomyocyte cell death against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Key findings Overexpressing Tel2 increased mTOR expression with a concomitant increase in mTOR Complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2 activity in HL-1 cells. Tel2 deletion decreased mTOR expression, and mTORC1 and mTORC2 activity accordingly. In both HL-1 cells and adult mouse cardiomyocytes, Tel2 overexpression protected cardiomyocytes under ischemic stress. These effects were mTOR-dependent, as mTOR inhibitors blunted the effects of Tel2. While gene silencing of Tel2 did not affect cell survival under normoxia, Tel2 silencing made cardiomyocytes more vulnerable to cell death under hypoxia. Significance Upregulating Tel2 expression increases mTOR-mediated cardiomyocyte survival and targeting Tel2 could be another therapeutic strategy against ischemic heart disease.
Disaster relief shelter experience during Hurricane Sandy: A preliminary phenomenological inquiry

Abstract There is limited research on the psychological experience of residing in a disaster relief shelter during a natural disaster, especially during Hurricane Sandy. To better understand and improve occupants' and staff members' experiences in disaster relief shelters, preliminary phenomenological research was conducted on the shelter experience. Three former staff members at a disaster relief shelter during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 were interviewed on their experience working in a disaster relief shelter, their perception of shelter occupants' psychological challenges, the beneficial aspects of the shelter, and their recommendations to improve future shelters. Participants discussed their perception of shelter occupants’ intensified feelings of anxiety, depression, and frustration while in the shelter. Participants discussed their view of occupants feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and frustrated. Participants reported occupants and staff experiencing additional health complications in the shelter. While beneficial aspects of the shelter were reported, participants highlighted the importance of future shelters having a wider range of medical resources, more therapeutic services for adolescents, enhanced procedures to transition occupants out of shelters, and stronger psychological support for staff.
Abstract PR07: A systems biology approach to reprogramming drug-resistant breast cancer stem-like cells

Breast cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are hypothesized to be a cause of poor outcome in patients, and are drug-resistant in vitro and in PDX mice. We performed plate-based single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on flow sorted fresh tumor samples. These data were analyzed using our metaVIPER algorithm, which infers protein activity in a manner that is robust to the effects of noise and gene dropout. metaVIPER identified known breast CSC regulators, and analysis with our OncoTreat algorithm predicted several FDA approved drugs that could reprogram the breast CSCs into a state resembling that of differentiated tumor cells. We tested two of these predictions, ivermectin and albendazole, in TNBC PDX mice, and performed scRNA-seq on fresh tumor samples after 14 days of treatment. The results were exciting, as measured by single-cell entropy or lineage marker analysis. Breast CSCs were reprogrammed as predicted, while a tumor treated with a traditional chemotherapeutic (paclitaxel) had a dramatically higher proportion of CSCs. These results suggested a therapy in which cells are cyclically reprogrammed and treated with a conventional cytotoxic drug. This reprogram-kill-repeat therapy is being tested in TNBC PDX mice. We believe that the strategy developed here will prove to be a powerful tool for understanding and manipulating cell-state in heterogeneous populations. Citation Format: Jeremy Worley, Hongxu Ding, Heeju Noh, Evan Paull, Erin Bush, Piero Dalerba, Peter Sims, Fil Dela Cruz, Andrew Kung, Andrea Califano. A systems biology approach to reprogramming drug-resistant breast cancer stem-like cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Tumor Heterogeneity: From Single Cells to Clinical Impact; 2020 Sep 17-18. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(21 Suppl):Abstract nr PR07.
SPEEDING UP LOW-MASS PLANETARY MICROLENSING SIMULATIONS AND MODELING: THE CAUSTIC REGION OF INFLUENCE

Extensive simulations of planetary microlensing are necessary both before and after a survey is conducted: before to design and optimize the survey and after to understand its detection efficiency. The major bottleneck in such computations is the computation of light curves. However, for low-mass planets, most of these computations are wasteful, as most light curves do not contain detectable planetary signatures. In this paper, I develop a parameterization of the binary microlens that is conducive to avoiding light curve computations. I empirically find analytic expressions describing the limits of the parameter space that contain the vast majority of low-mass planet detections. Through a large-scale simulation, I measure the (in)completeness of the parameterization and the speed-up it is possible to achieve. For Earth-mass planets in a wide range of orbits, it is possible to speed up simulations by a factor of ~30-125 (depending on the survey's annual duty-cycle) at the cost of missing ~1% of detections (which is actually a smaller loss than for the arbitrary parameter limits typically applied in microlensing simulations). The benefits of the parameterization probably outweigh the costs for planets below 100 M ⊕. For planets at the sensitivity limit of AFTA-WFIRST, simulation speed-ups of a factor ~1000 or more are possible.
Hungarian “Populism” and Antipopulism Today through the Looking Glass of the Interwar “Populist” Movement

The Hungarian government is currently dominated by two rightist parties, Fidesz and Jobbik, drawing comparisons with Hungary’s interwar period. The term “populism” dominates (neo)liberal media discourse, pointing to the rise of antiestablishment parties, usually on the right (but often providing a critique of neoliberalism) and sometimes on the left. What can we learn by examining what was called populism in the 1930s and today, in Hungary, or more generally? This chapter approaches this question via the Hungarian nepi (folk/populist/popular) movement in the context of global economic crisis following the stock market crash of 1929, and the radical shifts in the organization of territories, peoples, and borders in the making of new nation-states in this region after World War I. A comparison between political questions in Hungary over time gives us valuable insight into how to think about the work of “populism” and antipopulism in the making and unmaking of hegemonic blocks.
Success Despite Socioeconomics: A Case Study of a High-Achieving, High-Poverty School

This case study of a high-achieving, high-poverty school describes the school’s leadership, culture, and programs that contributed to its success. Data were collected from two surveys (the School C...
Use of Methotrexate in Gynecologic and Obstetric Practice: What the Radiologist Needs to Know.

Methotrexate is administered for the management of disorders arising from trophoblastic tissue, specifically ectopic pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic disorders, and a knowledge of the expect...
Sulfur: From Acquisition to Assimilation

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the pathways associated with SO42 - assimilation in Chlamydomonas , the multiplicity of ways in which photosynthesis in eukaryotes can acclimate to limiting S conditions, and the regulatory elements associated with this acclimation process. It also uses Chlamydomonas genomic and experimental information to highlight the similarities and differences of assimilation and acclimation processes between Chlamydomonas and vascular plants. In the case of S deprivation, they are mostly associated with activities that promote scavenging of extracellular S and the recycling of intracellular S. These processes are included with responsive genes. Establishing these links and the specific factors that facilitate this integration would be important for understanding the homeostasis of the cell as it experiences fluctuating environmental conditions. With increased fertilizer purity and decreased occurrence of acid rains, low levels of available S in diverse ecosystems can limit growth and development of plants and microbes. A summary of pathways used in the assimilation of SO42 -, the genes associated with assimilation, and the acclimation of Chlamydomonas to S-limiting conditions, are given in this chapter.
Glucose utilization and ethanolic fermentation by wild type and extrachromosomal mutants of Neurospora crassa.

Logarithmic growth rates, maximal biomass, specific glucose utilization rates, and ethanol accumulation were measured in aerobic cultures of wild type and extrachromosomal mutants of Neurospora crassa. Maximal biomass and ethanol accumulation of wild type and [mi-1] were proportional to the initial glucose concentration in the range of 2 to 10%. The specific rates of glucose utilization by the mutants were 13- to 20-fold greater than those of wild type in young cultures. The specific rates of glucose utilization by wild type, however, were increased threefold by increasing the ammonium ion concentration in the preculture medium. The suppressor gene f+ suppressed the excessive glucose utilization and enhanced the growth rate and maximal biomass of [mi-1]. When the mutants were utilizing glucose at excessive rates, ethanol did not appear in the culture medium. Ethanol accumulation was maximum at stationary phase or thereafter, but there was little difference between the maxima of the mutants and wild type. The molar efficiency of the conversion of glucose to ethanol during the entire culture period of wild type and mutants was about 50% and, in the latter stages of fermentation, approached 100%. Replacement of ammonium ion by nitrate in the culture medium suppressed ethanol accumulation by wild type. The relationship of these results to previous observations on respiratory adaptation are discussed. We suggest that the Pasteur effect, the inhibition of fermentation by respiration, may be operative in N. crassa. Factors such as nitrogen source and concentration and oxygen tension, which may serve primarily to regulate the amount and form of respiration would, therefore, indirectly regulate fermentation. The mutants, although transiently deficient in terminal respiratory activity, do not accumulate more ethanol than wild type and, therefore, apparently do not ferment in excess to obtain additional adenosine 5′-triphosphate. We suggest that the excess activity of the alternate form of respiration of the mutants may be related to their excessive rate of glucose utilization by way of the pentose phosphate pathway and the oxidation of excess reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.
Passive stretch relationships in human uterine muscle.

Abstract The passive length-tension relationship was studied using human myometrium. The strips of muscle were extended by step pulls of 3 mm. per extension and the tension recorded after the first or rapid stage of stress relaxation had occurred. The cross-sectional area was measured at the narrowest point of the muscle and tension was computed as grams per square millimeter. The material from pregnant patients gave curves which were flatter and rose less steeply than those from the nonpregnant. The alteration in the passive length-tension properties due to the pregnant state was also found to be present when 20 mm. strips were compared to 30 mm. strips from nonpregnant patients. This comparison was necessary due to what appeared to be elastic recoil in the excised muscle from pregnant patients. The passive length-tension relationship in the nonpregnant patient material was not altered by age, previous parity, or phase of the menstrual cycle. There were no differences noted in strips taken from various sites in the pregnant uterus. Histologic counts of the relative amounts of muscular and nonmuscular tissue between the pregnant and nonpregnant material could not account for the differences in the passive length-tension curves. The relative amounts of muscle and connective tissue were the same in all categories.
Prognostic Factors for Radioimmunotherapy in Patients with B-Lymphocytic Malignancies

The Ann Arbor staging classification has proven less useful in nonHodgkin's lymphoma, because this malignancy is inherently a multifocal disorder. Since 1985, 57 adult patients with advanced B-lymphocytic malignancies that progressed despite standard therapy entered into one of three different therapy trials using radiolabeled Lym-1 antibody. Tumor regression in 31 (54%) of these patients fulfilled conventional requirements for an oncological response to the therapy. To define the role of radioimmunotherapy in B-lymphocytic malignancies better and to find opportunities for improving its therapeutic efficacy, the records of these patients were reviewed to assess the significance of various parameters as prognostic indicators. Twenty-one pretherapy characteristics were evaluated, including age at diagnosis, age at study entry, sex, Karnofsky performance status, prior chemotherapy and radiation therapy, interval since diagnosis, histology, constitutional B symptoms, extranodal malignancy (excluding marrow), bone marrow malignancy, tumor bulk, and circulating malignant cells; blood tests included lymphocyte, granulocyte, platelet, hematocrit, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), interleukin 2 receptor, and human antimouse antibody levels. In the multivariate analysis, LDH and Karnofsky performance status were the parameters that best predicted survival, complete and partial remission, and time to progression; interleukin 2 receptor and LDH best predicted complete remission. These prognostic factors for radioimmunotherapy outcome are consistent with the pretherapy characteristics observed to be significant for chemotherapy.
The cost of ownership

IBM's semiconductor manufacturing facility in Essex Junction, Vermont, uses a "cost-of-ownership" (COO) program to analyze every operation in its production lines. With a customized COO modeling program, we can determine the cost for each manufacturing operation. Pareto data analyses can highlight key areas where improvements can be most beneficial; the data gives the cost of various items, listed from the highest to lowest cost and the percentage value of each item. This modeling program has been vary helpful and enlightening. It not only identifies the major items significantly increasing costs, but also quantifies the impact each change or improvement will have on individual operations. The methodology of this program has enabled us to drive down the cast of our semiconductor products while maintaining a high degree of quality and reliability. Information obtained from the COO program is being used to select future products for the IBM Microelectronics product menu.
A Review of “Brand Digital: Simple Ways Top Brands Succeed in the Digital World”

The evolution of Web 2.0 is in full swing. Online social networking, the rapid decentralized spread of information, and Internet on-the-go are characteristics of this recent turn in the digital rev...
Ischemic burden, treatment allocation, and outcomes in stable coronary artery disease.

Chronic stable angina is the most common clinical manifestation of ischemic heart disease, affecting as many as 54 million people globally, and more than 10 million people in the United States.1 It is therefore remarkable that after many decades of research, the optimal strategy for management of this common condition remains unclear. In particular, the indications and relative benefits of revascularization have been a source of contention. This is in clear contrast to the situation in patients with unstable coronary syndromes, where the evidence for revascularization is much more clearly defined.2 The results of 2 recent randomized trials for the management of mild-moderate chronic stable angina (COURAGE and BARI-2D) have stimulated vigorous debates regarding the role of revascularization versus a conservative approach of initial optimal medical therapy (MT).3–6 These trials showed that in selected patients who were randomly assigned after angiography, rates of death and myocardial infarction did not differ between revascularization and medical therapy. The efficacy of revascularization for the small minority of patients who have severe symptoms or significant angiographic left main disease is widely accepted, and these cases have been excluded from these studies. However, a major issue that remains unresolved is the applicability of these data to patients seen in daily clinical practice who may not have undergone angiography, and in particular, the role of assessing ischemic burden using stress testing in allocation of treatment. These patients have mild-moderate symptoms and either do not have significant left main disease, or, more commonly, have not had coronary angiography performed. In this patient group, which constitutes the majority of patients with chronic stable angina, most clinicians use an ischemia-based treatment strategy, with those who have more severe ischemia being considered for revascularization. Although this approach is recommended by the guidelines and is widely …
A novel DNA recognition mode by the NF-kappa B p65 homodimer.

The crystal structure of the NF-κB p65 (RelA) homodimer in complex with a DNA target has been determined to 2.4 A resolution. The two p65 subunits are not symmetrically disposed on the DNA target. The homodimer should optimally bind to a pseudo-palindromic nine base pair target with each subunit recognizing a 5′GGAA-3′ half site separated by a central A–T base pair. However, one of the subunits (subunit B) encounters a half site of 5′-GAAA-3′. The single base-pair change from G–C to A–T results in highly unfavorable interactions between this half site and the base contacting protein residues in subunit B, which leads to an 18° rotation of the N-terminal terminal domain from its normal conformation. Remarkably, subunit B retains all the interactions with the sugar phosphate backbone of the DNA target. This mode of interaction allows the NF-κB p65 homodimer to recognize DNA targets containing only one cognate half site. Differences in the sequence of the other half site provide variations in conformation and affinity of the complex.
Rigorous 3D inversion of tensor electrical and magnetic induction well logging data in inhomogeneous media

SUMMARY In this paper we develop a method of 3D inversion of tensor electric and magnetic field data in induction well-logging applications. Our method is based on the integral equation EM field formulation. An efficient Fr´ echet derivative computation is achieved by applying the modified Born approximation. The inversion method is tested on several synthetic models. The results of inversion show that both magnetic and electric tensor components can be used in 3D inversion about a single borehole.
Electromagnetic properties of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-/spl delta// thin-film grain-boundary weak links

The I-V characteristics of thin film microbridges containing 900 basal-plane-faced tilt boundaries (TBs) exhibit pronounced resonant structure. This structure is attributable to the presence of "beating modes" previously studied in high Q DC SQUID structures having substantial shunt capacitance and large inductance. Less pronounced but clear resonant structure is also observable in in-plane c-axis TBs. We discuss a model which accounts for this behavior. >
Inhibitory Effect on Activator Protein-1, Nuclear Factor-KappaB, and Cell Transformation by Extracts of Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.)

The inhibitory effects of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) antioxidant enzymes on tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or ultraviolet-B (UVB) induced activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) were studied. The inhibitory effects of strawberry extracts on the proliferation and transformation of human and mouse cancer cells were also evaluated. Strawberries had high activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. Strawberry extracts inhibited the proliferation of human lung epithelial cancer cell line A549 and decreased TPA-induced neoplastic transformation of JB6 P+ mouse epidermal cells. Pretreatment of JB6 P+ mouse epidermal cells with strawberry extract resulted in the inhibition of both UVB- and TPA-induced AP-1 and NF-kappaB transactivation. Furthermore, strawberry extract also blocked TPA-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and UVB-induced phosphorylation of ERKs and JNK kinase in JB6 P+ mouse epidermal cell culture. These results suggest that the ability of strawberries to block UVB- and TPA-induced AP-1 and NF-kappaB activation may be due to their antioxidant properties and their ability to reduce oxidative stress. The oxidative events that regulate AP-1 and NF-kappaB transactivation can be important molecular targets for cancer prevention. The strawberries may be highly effective as a chemopreventive agent that acts by targeting the down-regulation of AP-1 and NF-kappaB activities, blocking MAPK signaling, and suppressing cancer cell proliferation and transformation.
Structure-property relationships in strontium barium niobate. I: Needle-like nanopolar domains and the metastably-locked incommensurate structure

Abstract Transmission electron microscopy investigations have been performed on SrxBa1-xNb2O6 (SBN x(1 - x)). Bright-field imaging of 〈100〉-oriented SBN 60/40 and 75/25 crystals revealed nanopolar domains with a strong shape anisotropy. The morphology of the nanopolar domains was needle like. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns revealed the existence of 1/x[110] incommensurate modulations. Dark-field imaging of the incommensurate reflections found the existence of nanometre-sized ferroelastic domains. Diffuse scattering was observed in the SAED patterns along the 〈100〉 direction. This diffuse scattering is believed to arise due to strain gradient interactions between the A-site cation distribution and the incommensuration.
Two-Wavelength, Wide-Dynamic Range Fiber Gyroscope

An optical fiber gyroscope configuration which utilizes dual wavelength determination of the Sagnac shift is described. It is shown that this provides a means of extending the unambiguous rotation sensing range, and thus the dynamic range, of the gyroscope. An increase in unambiguous sensing range ~ x 45 is demonstrated using an all-fiber gyroscope, giving an absolute dynamic range of ~ 10 6.© (1987) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tracking and prediction of large-scale organized tropical convection by spectrally focused two-step space–time EOF analysis

An empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis in time and space is applied to extract the coherent signals of convectively coupled equatorial waves, intraseasonal oscillations, and other disturbances from unfiltered satellite outgoing long-wave radiation anomaly data. The algorithm produces a basis of time indices for the coherent signals in selected bands of the zonal wave-number frequency domain and also generates reduced noise versions of wave-number frequency filtered data applicable in real time. Multiple linear regression is applied to forecast the time indices of each wave-number frequency band, and the predicted indices are applied to reconstruct the predicted filtered outgoing long-wave radiation (OLR) fields. A cross-validation analysis demonstrates that the predicted Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) signals exhibit skill to 25 days across the global Tropics, and beyond 30 days across some of the higher latitudes of the Tropics. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Application of Model Reference Adaptive Control System to Instrument Pointing System /IPS/

A Model Reference Adaptive Controller (MRAC) is derived for a Shuttle payload called the Instrument Pointing System (IPS). The unique features of this MRAC design are that total state feedback is not required, that the internal structure of the model is independent of the internal structure of the IPS, and that the model input is of bounded variation and not required a priori. An application of Liapunov's stability theorems is used to synthesize a control signal which assures MRAC asymptotic stability. Exponential observers are used to obtain the necessary state information to implement the control synthesis. Results are presented which show how effectively the MRAC can maneuver the IPS.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being Microscopic.

Microorganisms are often viewed and taught as extremely simple creatures lacking much interest except for pathological or environmental significance. David B. Dusenbery, professor emeritus of biology at Georgia Tech, has undertaken the challenging task of examining physical principles governing microorganisms. The book is divided into five sections: background, physical consequences, consequences for locomotion, consequences for orientation to stimulus gradients, and consequences for interactions between organisms. The Background section consists of two chapters on microscopy and fluids, respectively. These two chapters are crucial not only to provide readers physical background but also to get them used to the author's writing style—one that oscillates between biological background information and physical principles supported by equations and mathematical data.
Spotting Erroneous Rules of Operation by the Individual Consistency Index.

The diagnosis of misconceptions is an important part of teaching. Recently, psychologists and measurement specialists have become increasingly interested in the examination of patterns of responses to test items for the purpose of detecting misconceptions. These attempts are motivated by the belief that response patterns contain much more information than simple right/wrong scores-a belief that has received considerable empirical support from such studies as that by Birenbaum and Tatsuoka (1982). The most promising approaches are methods that concentrate on identifying erroneous algorithms through an analysis of the errors students make in responding to test items.
Electron acceleration using laser-driven photoconductive switching

Abstract We accelerated electrons in a radial transmission line where the voltage was switched by a picosecond YAG laser. A 3-in. GaAs wafer served as the switch as well as one of the electrodes. The calculated radial gain was achieved leading to an accelerating gradient of 44 MV/m at the center of the 0.25 mm gap. Electrons were photoemitted from the gold coating on the wafer surface and resulted in ∼ 0.2 pC electron pulses of 1.7 ps length.
Language Objectives: More Than Just Vocabulary

This article presents results of a study examining the effects of workshops presented to a small group of elementary student teaching interns with English learners mainstreamed in their classes. The focus of the workshops was to provide the interns with training in strategies to support their English learners including instruction on teaching language objectives according to the SIOP model. Results show that the interns' teaching of language objectives was limited to teaching vocabulary by creating context and using visual supports. Discussion suggests that although the teaching of key vocabulary is an important component of the SIOP model, language objectives cannot be limited to teaching word meaning. Teachers who are not trained to think linguistically may not be able to design language objectives beyond vocabulary. In order for teachers to take full advantage of the strategies presented in the SIOP model, they must be trained to think linguistically and to see themselves as experts of the language of their content.
Proteasomal Protein Degradation in Mycobacteria Is Dependent upon a Prokaryotic Ubiquitin-like Protein

The striking identification of an apparent proteasome core in Mycobacteria and allied actinomycetes suggested that additional elements of this otherwise strictly eukaryotic system for regulated protein degradation might be conserved. The genes encoding this prokaryotic proteasome are clustered in an operon with a short open reading frame that encodes a small protein of 64 amino acids resembling ubiquitin with a carboxyl-terminal di-glycine-glutamine motif (herein called Pup for prokaryotic ubiquitin-like protein). Expression of a polyhistidine-tagged Pup followed by pulldown revealed that a broad spectrum of proteins were post-translationally modified by Pup. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis allowed us to conclusively identify two targets of this modification as myoinositol-1-phosphate synthase and superoxide dismutase. Deletion of the penultimate di-glycine motif or the terminal glutamine completely abrogated modification of cellular proteins with Pup. Further mass spectral analysis demonstrated that Pup was attached to a lysine residue on its target protein via the carboxyl-terminal glutamine with deamidation of this residue. Finally, we showed that cell lysates of wild type (but not a proteasome mutant) efficiently degraded Pup-modified proteins. These data therefore establish that, despite differences in both sequence and target linkage, Pup plays an analogous role to ubiquitin in targeting proteins to the proteasome for degradation.