cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Initial boundary value problems for the method of lines

This paper treats the stability of the initial boundary value problem for the method of lines applied to hyperbolic and parabolic partial differential equations in one space dimension. The theory treats the case of variable coefficients and allows for very general boundary conditions. Several examples are given which illustrate the theory. The theory is analogous to that developed by Gustafsson, Kreiss, and Sundstrom for finite-difference methods.
Synthesis of 5,12-Dioxocyclam Nickel (II) Complexes Having Quinoxaline Substituents at the 6 and 13 Positions as Potential DNA Bis-Intercalating and Cleaving Agents

Several dioxocyclams containing quinoxaline moieties, as well as their nickel(II) complexes were synthesized and studied for their ability to bind and oxidatively cleave DNA. Although no evidence for binding by intercalation was found, the ability of the Ni(II) complexes to cleave DNA in the presence of Oxone was strongly dependent on both the nature and the spatial orientation of the quinoxaline moieties, suggesting at least transient association of these complexes with DNA.
Effect of cresol as a co-solvent in coal liquefaction and product analysis

The influence of o-cresol on conversions of Bruceton coal to tetrahydrofuran (THF) extract was determined over the full range of composition for mixtures of o-cresol with either tetralin, phenanthrene, anthracene or pyrene. A maximum was found in both of the plots of coal conversion versus cresol content for mixtures with phenanthrene or pyrene. By comparison, the conversion found in pure tetralin was significantly higher than those found in the polynuclear aromatics and was not increased by addition of o-cresol. The enhancement of conversion by addition of cresol to the polynuclear aromatics was determined to be due to its action during the liquefaction itself, and not due to any influence exerted on post-liquefaction product separation. The relationship of these results to other studies showing the effect of cresol on both liquefaction chemistry and on post-liquefaction product work-up is discussed.
Etiology of metabolic acidosis during saline resuscitation in endotoxemia

We sought to understand the mechanism of metabolic acidosis that results in acute resuscitated endotoxic shock. In six pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs, shock was induced by Escherichia coli endotoxin infusion (1 mg/kg) and was treated with saline infusion to maintain mean arterial pressure > 80 mmHg. Blood gases and strong ions were measured during control conditions and at 15, 45, 90, and 180 min after endotoxin infusion. The mean saline requirement was 1833+/-523 mL over a 3 h period. The total acid load from each source was calculated using the standard base deficit. The mean arterial pH decreased from 7.32 to 7.11 (p < .01); pCO2 and lactate were unchanged. Saline accounted for 42% of the total acid load. However, 52% of the total acid load was unexplained. Although serum Na+ did not change, serum Cl-increased (127.7+/-5.1 mmol/L vs. 137.0+/-6.1 mmol/L; p=.016). We conclude that saline resuscitation alone accounts for more than one-third of the acidosis seen in this canine model of acute endotoxemia, whereas lactate accounts for less than 10%. A large amount of the acid load can be attributed to differential Na+ and Cl- shifts from extravascular to vascular spaces.
Degradation of 5-hydroxylysine in the rat and in the perfused liver.

Abstract The fate of the four stereoisomers of 5-hydroxylysine has been determined by metabolic studies of the 6- 14 C-labeled racemates and d -isomers. Both l -isomers were rapidly degraded to 14 CO 2 via glutaryl-CoA in the intact rat and in isolated perfused liver. Approximately 10%, of the 14 C from hydroxy- d -lysine-6- 14 C and 1% from allohydroxy- d -lysine-6- 14 C was expired as 14 CO 2 in the intact animal. Neither d -isomer was taken up by the perfused liver. Hydroxy- d -lysine was excreted largely unchanged, together with small amounts of 5-hydroxypipecolate tentatively identified as the d -isomer. The 14 C from allo -hydroxy- d -lysine was excreted largely as 5-hydroxypipecolate, presumably the l -isomer. The urine contained no detectable allo -5-hydroxypipecolate. The urinary hydroxypipecolate derived from both hydroxy- and allohydroxy- d -lysine was taken up but not metabolized by perfused liver. 2-Amino-5-hydroxyadipate- 14 C was metabolized to a limited extent by the rat or perfused liver and did not label 2-ketoadipate or glutarate in overloading experiments. No evidence was found for the participation of hydroxypipecolate or 2-amino-5-hydroxyadipate in the metabolism of the l -isomers of hydroxylysine.
Ashby's law of requisite variety: an empirical study

This study examines Ashby's law of requisite variety: its theoretical origin and its relevance to organization and management. This leads to a statement of hypotheses which are tested empirically. The empirical work includes the operationalization of variety and entropy and the collection of data in an insurance organization. The data are statistically analyzed to test their correspondence to Ashby's law.
Reclaiming modernity: Indigenous cosmopolitanism and the coming of the second revolution in Bolivia

In this article I explore the emergence of complicated new forms of indigeneity in Bolivia over the last 15 years. I argue that although what I describe as a second revolution is under way in contemporary Bolivia, there is a danger that this revolution will be misread by scholars, political commentators, and others because of the prevailing tendency to interpret social and moral movements in Bolivia (and elsewhere) in rigidly neopolitical–economic terms. I offer an alternative theoretical framework for understanding current developments in Bolivia, which I describe as “indigenous cosmopolitanism”: the ability of national political leaders, youth rappers in El Alto, rural indigenous activists, and others to bring together apparently disparate discursive frameworks as a way of reimagining categories of belonging in Bolivia, and, by extension, the meanings of modernity itself.
Boldness is influenced by sublethal interactions with predators and is associated with successful harem infiltration in Madagascar hissing cockroaches

One of the contemporary challenges of the behavioral syndromes literature is to identify how individual variation in behavior is determined, and whether this variation impacts ecological success. Although variation in experience is an obvious potential driver of intraspecific behavioral variation, predicting the impact of experience on suites of correlated behavioral traits is less intuitive. Specifically, if experience impacts traits that shape individuals' success in multiple contexts (e.g., foraging and anti-predator behavior), then experience could generate cross-contextual performance trade-offs associated with behavioral spillover. In the present study, we explore how sublethal experience with predators impacts various aspects of male behavioral tendencies in the Madagascar hissing cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa. First, we found that males' activity level and boldness were correlated together in the form of a behavioral syndrome. Second, we found that repeated sublethal interactions with predators shifted male boldness but not activity level, thus suggesting that the syndrome's constituent traits can respond to experience at least semi-independently. Third, we discovered that although predator exposure only influenced boldness, we found that boldness was highly correlated with males' ability to obtain rewarding positions in the harems of rival males. Taken together, our data suggest (but do not yet confirm) that although sublethal exposure to predators influences only a narrow subset of male's behavioral tendencies, these effects could still have nonintuitive consequences for males' success in functionally dissimilar ecological contexts (i.e., social and sexual encounters).
The asymmetric house price dynamics: Evidence from the California market

Abstract This article studies asymmetric patterns in the serial correlation and mean reversion in house prices between periods of falling and rising prices in 26 metro areas in the state of California from 1979:Q1 to 2011:Q4. We document lower serial correlation (downward price rigidity) and greater mean reversion of house prices in periods of falling house prices. The asymmetric sensitivities of the serial correlation of house prices to income changes and population growth help explain the downward price rigidity. We document significant differences in the asymmetric patterns of house prices between the coastal and inland/valley regions of California and pervasive evidence on reduced serial correlation of house prices after the financial crisis.
High-Pressure Synthesis of High-Purity and High-Performance Diamond and cBN Ceramics

High-purity, single-phase polycrystalline diamond and cBN have been successfully synthesized by direct conversion sintering from graphite and hBN, respectively, under static high pressure and high temperature. The high-purity polycrystalline diamond synthesized directly from graphite at ≧15 GPa and 2300-2500 °C has a mixed texture of a homogeneous fine structure (grain size : 10-30 nm, formed in a diffusion process) and a lamellar structure (formed in a martensitic process). The polycrystalline diamond has very high hardness equivalent to or even higher than that of diamond crystal. The high-purity polycrystalline cBN synthesized from high-purity hBN at 7.7 GPa and 2300 °C consists of homogeneous fine-grained particles (
Bacterial Recombineering: Genome Engineering via Phage-Based Homologous Recombination

The ability to specifically modify bacterial genomes in a precise and efficient manner is highly desired in various fields, ranging from molecular genetics to metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. Much has changed from the initial realization that phage-derived genes may be employed for such tasks to today, where recombineering enables complex genetic edits within a genome or a population. Here, we review the major developments leading to recombineering becoming the method of choice for in situ bacterial genome editing while highlighting the various applications of recombineering in pushing the boundaries of synthetic biology. We also present the current understanding of the mechanism of recombineering. Finally, we discuss in detail issues surrounding recombineering efficiency and future directions for recombineering-based genome editing.
Ethyleneglycol-bis(aminoethyl)tetraacetic acid in the amperometric titration of cadmium in the presence of zinc

Abstract Cadmium can be titrated amperometrically with EGTA in the presence of zinc; three modifications of the titration are described. The diffusion current of cadmium may be used to follow the titration at —0.90 or —0.70 V vs , the S.C.E, in ammoniacal or acetate-buffered medium respectively The titration may also be performed in ammoniacal solution at —0.30 V vs . the S.C.E., using copper as the amperometric indicator. The influence of iron, aluminium, magnesium, alkaline earths and lead was studied. Ascorbic acid could be used to mask iron and as an effective remover of oxygen. Under appropriate conditions cadmium could be titrated in the presence of 500-fold amounts of zinc. The titration error is approximately 0.002–0.003 ml of a 0.1 M titrant solution.
Factorial design and covariance in the study of individual educational development

This is the report of the application of the principles of factorial design to an investigation of individual educational development. The specific type of factorial design formulated was a 2 × 3 × 3 × 3 arrangement, that is, the effect of sex, grade location, scholastic standing, and individual order, singly and in all possible combinations was studied in relation to educational development as measured by theIowa Tests of Educational Development. An application of the covariance method was introduced which resulted in increased precision of this type of experimental design by significantly reducing experimental error. The two concomitant measures used to increase the sensitiveness of the experiment were initial status of individual development and mental age. Without these statistical controls all main effects and two first-order interactions would have been accepted as significant. With their use only sex (doubtful), scholastic standing, and individual order demonstrated significant effects. The chief beauty of the analysis of variance and covariance as an integral part of a self-contained experiment is demonstrated in the complete single analysis of the data. The statistical utilization of the experimental results has also been developed for purposes of estimation and prediction. The mathematical statistician is being continuously required to develop and analyze experimental designs of increasing complexity since the introduction of the analysis of variance and covariance. The mathematical formulation and solution of the problem of this investigation is carried out. The methods illustrated and explained in this study, and modifications and extensions of them are capable of very wide application. The general principles can be used to various degrees and in a number of ways.
ADAPTIVE CONTROL REDUCES TRIP-INDUCED FORWARD GAIT INSTABILITY AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract A vital functional plasticity of humans is their ability to adapt to threats to posture stability. The purpose of this study was to investigate adaptation to repeated trips in walking. Sixteen young adults were recruited and exposed to the sudden (electronic–mechanical) release of an obstacle, 11-cm in height, in the path of over ground walking during the mid-to-late left swing phase. Although none of the subjects fell on the first of eight unannounced, consecutive trips, all of them had to rely on compensatory step with a step length significantly longer than their regular to reduce their instability. In the subsequent trials, they were able to rapidly make adaptive adjustments in the control of their center-of-mass (COM) stability both proactively and reactively (i.e., before and after hitting or crossing the obstacle), such that the need for taking compensatory step was substantially diminished. The proactive adaptations included a reduced forward COM velocity that lessened forward instability in mid-to-late stance and an elevated toe clearance that reduced the likelihood of obstacle contact. The reactive adjustments were characterized by improved trunk control (by reducing its forward rotation) and limb support (by increasing hip height), and reduced forward instability (by both the posterior COM shift and the reduction in its forward velocity). These findings suggest that young adults can adapt appropriately to repeated trip perturbations and to reduce trip-induced excessive instability in both proactive and reactive manners.
Mercury in organic chemistry. 27. π-allylpalladium synthesis via organopalladium additions to nonconjugated dienes

Abstract A variety of organomercurials react regioselectively with 1,4-, 1,5- and 1,6-dienes and Li 2 PdCl 4 to form good yields of π-allylpalladium compounds. These reactions apparently proceed by organopalladium addition to one of the diene double bonds and subsequent palladium migration.
Improved synthesis of β-CIT and [11C]β-CIT labeled at nitrogen or oxygen positions

Abstract The important radiotracer precursor 2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-idophenyl)-tropane (β-CIT, RTI-55) was made in 52% overall yield from cocaine. Key steps were improved conjugate Grignard addition to anhydroecgonine methyl ester with >3.5:1 2β: 2α-isomer selectivity, and a mild new direct aromatic iodination with I 2 and silver triflate in CH 2 Cl 2 . The [ 11 C]β-CIT was labeled at either the N or O positions with [ 11 C]methyl triflate; and efficient reversed-phase HPLC was used to preparatively separate [ N - 11 C]β-CIT from N -nor-β-CIT for the first time, and a fast solid-phase extraction (SPE) method was applied to preparatively separate [ O - 11 C]β-CIT from β-CIT-acid precursor.
X-ray diffraction studies oncis-[Ru(bpy)2(PMe3)Cl+][ClO4−] andcis-[Ru(bpy)2{PMe2(o-tol)}Cl+][ClO4−]; two ordered structures in thecis-bis(bipyridyl)chloro(phosphine)-ruthenium(II) series

The complexcis-[Ru(bpy)2(PMe3)Cl+][ClO4 −] crystallizes in space group P21/c andcis-[Ru(bpy)2{PMe2(o-tol)]Cl+][ClO4 −] crystallizes in space group $$P\bar 1$$ ; each is present as a racemate and neither structure suffers from disorder. The Ru−PMe2(o-tol) bond length of 2.324(2)A is slightly longer than the simple Ru−PMe3 bond length of 2.310(2) A.
Differential regulation of c-jun and CREB by acrolein and 4-hydroxynonenal

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), oxidative stress-induced lipid peroxidation leads to accumulation of unsaturated aldehydes including acrolein and 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE) in brain. In this study, we examined the effects of these lipid peroxidation products on apoptotic pathways in cultured neurons. Acrolein and 4HNE increased the levels of active phosphorylated forms of c-jun and CREB, the transcription factors that promote apoptosis and cell survival, respectively. However, they decreased the activity of CREB-dependent BDNF promoter while they increased the activity of promoters responsive to c-jun. We hypothesized that this differential regulation could be due to competition between proapoptotic c-jun and cytoprotective CREB for CBP (CREB-binding protein), a coactivator shared by several transcription factors. In support of this hypothesis, we demonstrate that the decrease of BDNF promoter activity by acrolein and 4HNE could be restored (i) by cotransfection with CBP, (ii) by cotransfection with VP 16-CREB, a constitutively active form of CREB that does not depend on CBP for its activation, or (iii) by inhibiting JNK-mediated c-jun activation. Finally, adenoviral transduction of hippocampal neurons with VP 16-CREB resulted in significant reduction in caspase-3 activation by acrolein and 4HNE. These observations suggest that lipid peroxidation-induced differential regulation of CREB and c-jun might play a role in neurodegeneration in AD.
A boundary integral equation method for radiation and scattering of elastic waves in three dimensions

Etude du rayonnement et de la diffusion d'ondes elastiques par des obstacles de forme arbitraire
Generalized Pure Modules

For right modules M < N over a ring R, consider any system of equations in M of the form ∑{xirij∣i ∈ I} = dj ∈ M, j ∈ J, where rij ∈ R. The usual definition of M as pure in N is that for any such a finite system, if the system is solvable in the bigger module N, then it is already solvable in M. Here the above ordinary concept of purity will be generalized by allowing I and J to be of possibly infinite cardinalities |I| < μ and |J| < ℵ for fixed cardinals μ and ℵ. In this way, generalized (μ< , ℵ< )-pure and absolutely pure concepts are defined in terms of μ and ℵ and studied. Here the number ℵ of relations of a module is simultaneously studied with the more familiar number μ of generators.
Gain saturation studies in LG-750 and LG-770 amplifier glass

Experiments were performed on the 100-J class Optical Sciences Laser (OSL) at LLNL to characterize the saturation fluence and small-signal gain of a solid-state Nd:glass amplifier utilizing LG-750 and LG-770, an amplifier glass developed for the National Ignition Facility (NIF). These high quality measurements of gain saturation at NIF level fluences, i.e., 10-15 J/cm{sup 2}, provide essential parameters for the amplifier performance codes used to design NIF and future high power laser systems. The small-signal gain, saturation fluence and square-pulse distortion were measured as a function of input fluence and pulse length in platinum-free LG-750 and LG-770. The input fluence, output fluence, small-signal gain and passive losses were measured to allow calculation of the saturation fluence. Least square fits of the output vs. input fluence data using a Frantz-Nodvik model was used to obtain an average saturation fluence for each data set. Overall, gain saturation in LG-750 and LG-770 is comparable at long pulse lengths. For shorter pulse length, < 5 ns, LG-770 exhibits a stronger pulse length dependence than LG-750, possibly due to a longer terminal level lifetime. LG-770 also has a higher cross- section, which is reflected by its slightly higher extraction efficiency. 52 refs., 11 figs., 2 tabs.
Evolving uses of hormonal agents for breast cancer therapy

Abstract Background: During the past decade, a number of new hormonal therapies (HTs) have been developed, including the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), aromatase inhibitors (AIs), and estrogen receptor (ER) antagonists. Their uses in breast cancer are continually evolving as new clinical trial results become available. Although tamoxifen, the most widely used HT for breast cancer, was originally approved for and used in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC), its effectiveness as MBC therapy led to its subsequent assessment and use as adjuvant and risk-reduction therapy for breast cancer. However, tamoxifen is not universally effective in these settings and is associated with infrequent known toxicities such as increased risk of thromboembolism and endometrial cancer; therefore, a search for more effective and more tolerable HTs has evolved. Objective: This article reviews the data supporting the use of newer HTs as initial treatment of MBC and their potential use as adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and chemopreventive therapies. Methods: Articles for inclusion in this manuscript were identified through the following searches, limited to English-language publications: MEDLINE (mid 1960s to January 2002), American Society of Oncology abstracts (1997–2001), and San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium abstracts (2001 and 2002). The following search terms were used: breast cancer, breast cancer guidelines, hormonal therapies, tamoxifen, toremifine, letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane, megestrol acetate, fulvestrant, and ICI 182,780. Results: Recent studies have focused on newer agents as initial and subsequent treatment of MBC, adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatments of breast cancer, and chemopreventive agents in both healthy women and women with a history of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Results of clinical trials comparing AIs with tamoxifen as first-line MBC treatment show that AIs are as effective as, or more effective than, tamoxifen and are associated with fewer serious adverse events. Tamoxifen remains the gold standard for adjuvant therapy. However, preliminary results of ongoing clinical trials comparing tamoxifen with anastrozole suggest that anastrozole may be the superior agent. Both tamoxifen and the AIs have been shown to be active in the neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer. Trial results have shown that tamoxifen is effective for breast cancer prevention in patients at high risk of developing breast cancer but who are otherwise healthy, patients with a history of DCIS, and patients with lobular carcinoma in situ. Conclusions: Although tamoxifen has been the gold standard of HT for breast cancer, results of ongoing trials assessing the newer HTs as initial, neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and chemopreventive therapies may substantially change our current clinical practice patterns.
Massage Enhances Recovery From Habituation in Normal Infants

Abstract Research shows that touch stimulation can positively affect physiological, behavioral, and social development among infants. However, empirical evidence of the effects of touch on infants' cognitive performance is lacking. In this study, 56 4-month-olds were given either 8 minutes of massage, play, or no stimulation prior to an audiovisual habituation task. Infants who received message showed response recovery from habituation during test trials, whereas those in the other two conditions did not.
Bifurcation of limit cycles from quadratic isochrones

Abstract For a one parameter family of plane quadratic vector fields X (.,e) depending analytically on a small real parameter e, we determine the number and position of the local families of limit cycles which emerge from the periodic trajectories surrounding an isochronous (or linearizable) center. Techniques are developed for treating the bifurcations of all orders, and these are applied to prove the following results. For the linear isochrone the maximum number of continuous families of limit cycles which can emerge is three. For one class of nonlinear isochrones, at most one continuous family of limit cycles can emerge, whereas for all other nonlinear isochrones at most two continuous families of limit cycles can emerge. Moreover, for each isochrone in one of these classes there are small perturbations such that the indicated maximum number of continuous families of limit cycles can be made to emerge from a corresponding number of arbitrarily prescribed periodic orbits within the period annulus of the isochronous center.
Selective induction of cytochrome P450 isozymes in rat liver by 4-n-alkyl-methylenedioxybenzenes.

Abstract To examine the structural requirements of cytochrome P450 induction by 4- n -alkyl-substituted methylenedioxybenzenes (MDBs), rats were treated in vivo with a series of MDBs that differed in alkyl carbon sidechain length (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8). Expression patterns of specific P450 isozymes were evaluated with Western and Northern blotting, enzymatic assays, and solution hybridization assays. As determined by carbon monoxide difference spectroscopy, maximal hepatic induction of total P450 content occurred when rats were treated with MDB derivatives with alkyl chain lengths of five or six carbons. However, maximum induction of the specific P450s—P450IA1, P450IIB1, and P450IIB2—occurred with n -hexyl-MDB. In contrast to effects observed with phenobarbital, treatment with MDBs resulted in higher levels of P450IIB2 than of P450IIB1 in rat hepatic microsomes. Western blot quantitation of MDB-induced hepatic P450IIB1 and P450IIB2 apoenzymes did not correlate to measured levels of the corresponding P450 mRNAs. In fact, P450IIB1 and P450IIB2 apoenzyme levels were consistently lower than expected based on Northern blot and solution hybridization measures of the respective mRNAs. These data suggest that the n -alkyl-MDBs effect increases in levels of hepatic P450 in a complex manner, producing accumulation of P450 mRNAs concomitant with alterations in processes regulating steady-state levels of P450 apoenzyme.
Androgen receptor coactivator p44/Mep50 in breast cancer growth and invasion

Hormones and their receptors play an important role in the development and progression of breast carcinoma. Although the primary focus has been on oestrogen and oestrogen receptor (ER), androgen, androgen receptor (AR) and its coactivator(s) have been implicated in tumorigenesis of breast carcinoma and warrant further investigation. AR coactivator p44/Mep50 is identified as a subunit of methylosome complex and lately characterized as an AR coactivator that enhances AR mediated transcription activity in a ligand dependent manner. In prostate cancer, p44 is expressed in the nucleus of benign epithelia and translocated into the cytoplasm in cancer cells. Furthermore, nuclear expression of p44 inhibits prostate cancer growth. In this report, we examined the expression and function of p44 in breast cancer. In addition to being an AR coactivator, p44 also functions as an ER coactivator. In contrast to findings in prostate cancer, the expression of p44 shows strong cytoplasmic expression in morphologically normal terminal ductal lobular units, while nuclear p44 is observed in both ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma. Further, overexpression of nuclear-localized p44 stimulates proliferation and invasion in MCF7 breast cancer cells in the presence of oestrogen and the process is ERα dependent. These findings strongly suggest that p44 plays a role in mediating the effects of hormones during tumorigenesis in breast.
Kantian Reasons for Reasons

Rudiger Bittner has recently argued against a Kantian ‘maxims account’ of reasons for action. In this paper I argue – against Bittner – that Kantian maxims are not to be understood as reasons for action, but rather as reasons for reasons. On the interpretation presented here, Kantian maxims are the reasons for an agent’s being motivated by whatever more immediate reasons actually motivate her. This understanding of Kantian maxims suggests a recognizably realist Kantian position in ethics.
Quality initiative: Quantifying and reducing dose in multiphase liver CT: Eliminating the nonenhanced study and using conscientious Z-creep.

The use of computed tomography (CT) for evaluation of liver disease has increased dramatically at our tertiary care center due to increased hepatology referrals. We sought to decrease the radiation dose associated with multiphase liver CT studies while maintaining a high degree of diagnostic accuracy. We found that by eliminating the nonenhanced acquisition and adjusting the imaging field of view to include the liver-containing abdomen only—simply by manipulation of patient-specific imaging parameters—we achieved a 30% reduction in dose.
Rate coefficients for the reactions of chlorine atoms with methanol and acetaldehyde

Rate coefficients have been measured for the reactions of Cl atoms with methanol (k1) and acetaldehyde (k2) using both absolute (laser photolysis with resonance fluorescence) and relative rate methods at 295 ± 2 K. The measured rate coefficients were (units of 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1): absolute method, k1 = (5.1 ± 0.4), k2 = (7.3 ± 0.7); relative method k1 = (5.6 ± 0.6), k2 = (8.4 ± 1.0). Based on a critical evaluation of the literature data, the following rate coefficients are recommended: k1 = (5.4 ± 0.9) × 10−11 and k2 = (7.8 ± 1.3) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 (95% confidence limits). The results significantly improve the confidence in the database for reactions of Cl atoms with these oxygenated organics. Rate coefficients were also measured for the reactions of Cl2 with CH2OH, k5 = (2.9 ± 0.6) × 10−11 and CH3CO, k6 = (4.3 ± 1.5) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, by observing the regeneration of Cl atoms in the absence of O2. Based on these results and those from a previous relative rate study, the rate coefficient for CH3CO + O2 at the high pressure limit is estimated to be (5.7 ± 1.9) × 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 31: 776–784, 1999
Obesity--a critical issue in preventive cardiology: the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Obesity has become a major public health problem in the United States, with a marked upward trend occurring over the past three decades. It plays a critical role in the development of cardiovascular risk factors that mediate the evolution of asymptomatic cardiovascular disease. Longitudinal observations of children, adolescents, and young adults enrolled in the Bogalusa Heart Study show that obesity persists over time and is linked to the clustering of components of metabolic syndrome including hyperinsulinemia/ insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, thereby creating a long-term burden of cardiovascular risk beginning in childhood. This burden is associated with subclinical and adverse structural and functional changes of the cardiovascular system in youth. Ultimately, these changes can result in morbidity from disease, as exemplified in the Framingham Heart Study. Obesity is governed by the interplay of both genetic and environmental factors. Unlike genetic factors, lifestyle behaviors are amenable to modification. Since obesity is so widespread and underlying cardiovascular disease is so prevalent, health education beginning in childhood is suggested as an approach to prevention. (Prev Cardiol. 2005;8:234–241) © 2005 Le Jacq Ltd.
Non nutritional factors affecting the growth of Trichoderma in culture

Abstract Species of Trichoderma typical of cool geographic regions possessed lower temperature optima and maxima than species from warm climatic regions. T. viride Pers. ex S.F. Gray and T. polysporum (Link ex Pers.) Rifai had temperature maxima ranging from 28–31°C and grew much better than other species at 7°C. The temperature maxima of T. koningii Oud. ranged from 32–35°C, T. hamatum (Bon.) Bain. from 30–35°C, T. harzianum Rifai from 30–38°C and T. pseudokoningii Rifai and T. saturnisporum Hammill from 40–41°C. Isolates of Trichoderma varied in their responses to CO 2 -enriched atmospheres and the response was pH dependent. The largest responses were obtained on a medium of pH 7.5 as compared to an acid medium of pH 4.4. As the CO 2 level increased from 2 to 10 per cent, growth was reduced on an acid medium and increased on the alkaline medium as compared to cultures incubated in air. In air the optimum pH for Trichoderma ranged between 3–7 and 4.7. However, as the CO 2 concentration was increased to 10 per cent, growth was nearly as good at pH 7.5 as at pH 4.4. The addition of HCO 3 − to an alkaline medium strongly inhibited Trichoderma while having little effect on fungi isolated from roots or a strongly alkaline habitat. Low moisture content of litter was shown to have a variable effect on Trichoderma species and may be important in the ecology of Trichoderma . Salt (NaCl) concentration is not considered to be an important ecological factor.
Inhibition of synthesis of rat parotid secretory proteoglycan in a gland slice system.

Abstract The chondroitin sulphate contained within the secretory granules of the rat parotid gland and its saliva was shown to be in the form of a proteoglycan by using inhibitors of proteoglycan synthesis in a gland slice system. Gland slices were incubated in either p- nitrophenyl -β- d - xyloside or chlorate in the presence of both [3H]-leucine and [35S]-sulphate. The slices were next homogenized and either the 250 g supernatant fraction (for initial experiments) or secretory granule-containing fractions were isolated. Protein and proteoglycans of these fractions were precipitated in 10% trichloracetic acid (TCA), and glycosaminoglycans in cetylpyridinium chloride. [3H]-leucine and [35S]-sulphate were quantitated in each type of precipitate by scintillation counting. The results showed that 1 mM xyloside had no effect on protein or glycosaminoglycan synthesis but blocked incorporation of radiosulphate into TCA-precipitable material. Sixteen mM chlorate almost totally inhibited incorporation of radiosulphate into glycosaminoglycan and TCA-precipitable material. These findings demonstrate that the rat parotid secretory chondroitin sulphate is indeed a proteoglycan because its synthesis is blocked by the protein-core analogue acceptor, p- nitrophenyl -β- d - xyloside . This system offers opportunities for exploring the functional role of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan in this salivary gland.
Anticoccidial Drugs and Duckling Performance to Four Weeks of Age

Frequently, publications pertaining to waterfowl state that medicated feeds should not be fed to ducklings and goslings. In some localities, producers and hobbyists who raise a small number of ducklings and goslings can purchase only medicated chick, turkey, or gamebird starter and grower feeds. Because of the lack of documented information on this subject and the numerous requests for advice on this matter, anticoccidial drugs, zoalene, sulfaquinoxaline, and amprolium, were mixed in mash feed and fed to Khaki Campbell male ducklings to 4 weeks of age. No significant differences in mean body weight, mortality, and anatomical development were observed among the treatments. Medicated commercial crumble turkey and chick starter feeds produced significantly better feed conversion than the mash medicated or nonmedicated feeds. These differences can be attributed to greater feed spillage with the mash feed. Some ducklings in all treatments showed unsteadiness of gait and shaky legs. These conditions disappeared when the ducklings were moved from the battery brooder to an outside pen. Zoalene, sulfaquinoxaline, and amprolium used at the recommended levels for chickens and turkeys did not cause any leg or anatomical problems in ducklings.
Is a completion axillary dissection indicated for micrometastases in the sentinel lymph node

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine if a completion axillary dissection (CAD) is necessary when microscopic metastasis ( Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 227 consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent SLN mapping (SLNM) between June 1998 and March 2001. These patients underwent intraoperative lymphatic mapping with peritumoral injections of blue dye alone or in combination with technetium-labeled sulfur colloid. The SLN was assessed by touch preparation or frozen section at the time of surgery, and later, by hematoxylin and eosin stain. Patients in whom the SLN showed evidence of metastatic disease on frozen section underwent immediate CAD. Results: One patient was excluded because of inability to identify the SLN. Of the 226 patients in whom SLNM was successful, 67 (27%) had macrometastasis in the SLN, and a completion CAD was performed. Thirty-four of these 67 patients (51%) had additional disease in the axilla. A total of 15 patients (6.7%) was determined to have micrometastasis. In 11 patients, micrometastasis was identified and CAD was performed with no further evidence of disease. The 4 patients diagnosed with micrometastatic disease on permanent staining did not have further surgical intervention. The 15 patients identified with micrometastasis show no evidence of local recurrence to date, with a mean follow-up of 13.5 months (range 1 to 27). Conclusions: This study suggests that CAD may not be necessary for the subset of breast cancer patients with micrometastasis detected upon SLNM. A larger randomized prospective study with long-term follow up is necessary to confirm these data.
Ecological niche modelling of montane mammals in the Great Basin, North America : examining past and present connectivity of species across basins and ranges

Aim The goal of this study was to determine the extent of suitable habitats across the basins and ranges of the Great Basin for 13 montane mammals in the present and during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). For all these mammal species, we test whether: (1) more suitable habitat was available in basin areas during the LGM; (2) suitable habitat shifted upwards in elevation between the LGM and the present; (3) more ranges have suitable habitat than are currently occupied; and (4) these species are currently restricted to suitable habitats at higher-elevation range areas. We also examine whether and how much distributional response varies among these montane mammal species. Location The Great Basin of western North America. Methods We re-examine the past and present distributions of 13 Great Basin montane mammals using ecological niche modelling techniques that utilize now widely available species occurrence data and new, fine-scale past climatological GIS layers in the present and at the LGM. These methods provide an objective, repeatable means for visual comparison of past and present modelled distributions for species examined in previous biogeographical studies. Results Our results indicate greater areal and lower elevational suitable habitat in the LGM than at present for nearly all montane mammals, and that there is more suitable habitat at present than is currently occupied. Our results also show that lowland areas provide suitable dispersal routes between ranges for most of the montane mammals both at the LGM and at present. However, three of the 13 species have little to no predicted suitable habitat in the LGM near currently occupied ranges, in contrast to the pattern for the other 10. For these species, the model results support more recent long-distance colonization. Main conclusions Our finding of suitable lowland dispersal routes in the present for most species supports and greatly extends similar findings from single-species studies. Our results also provide a visually striking confirmation that changes in species distribution and colonization histories of Great Basin montane mammals vary in a fashion related to the tolerances and requirements of each of these species; this has previously been hypothesized but not rigorously tested for multiple montane mammals in the region.
Design Enhancements of the Two-Dimensional, Dual Throat Fluidic Thrust Vectoring Nozzle Concept

A Dual Throat Nozzle fluidic thrust vectoring technique that achieves higher thrust-vectoring efficiencies than other fluidic techniques, without sacrificing thrust efficiency has been developed at NASA Langley Research Center. The nozzle concept was designed with the aid of the structured-grid, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes computational fluidic dynamics code PAB3D. This new concept combines the thrust efficiency of sonic-plane skewing with increased thrust-vectoring efficiencies obtained by maximizing pressure differentials in a separated cavity located downstream of the nozzle throat. By injecting secondary flow asymmetrically at the upstream minimum area, a new aerodynamic minimum area is formed downstream of the geometric minimum and the sonic line is skewed, thus vectoring the exhaust flow. The nozzle was tested in the NASA Langley Research Center Jet Exit Test Facility. Internal nozzle performance characteristics were defined for nozzle pressure ratios up to 10, with a range of secondary injection flow rates up to 10 percent of the primary flow rate. Most of the data included in this paper shows the effect of secondary injection rate at a nozzle pressure ratio of 4. The effects of modifying cavity divergence angle, convergence angle and cavity shape on internal nozzle performance were investigated, as were effects of injection geometry, hole or slot. In agreement with computationally predicted data, experimental data verified that decreasing cavity divergence angle had a negative impact and increasing cavity convergence angle had a positive impact on thrust vector angle and thrust efficiency. A curved cavity apex provided improved thrust ratios at some injection rates. However, overall nozzle performance suffered with no secondary injection. Injection holes were more efficient than the injection slot over the range of injection rates, but the slot generated larger thrust vector angles for injection rates less than 4 percent of the primary flow rate.
Automatic object recognition applied to Where's Waldo

The illustrated series of Wheres Waldo books [1] provide an excellent set of challenge problems for designing and testing hardware/algorithms to approximate human object recognition capability. Developing a process for automatically locating and identifying Waldo in his many varied environments incorporates aspects of pattern recognition, machine learning, and image processing. This paper addresses the development and evaluation of multiple algorithms used separately and in conjunction to find Waldo.
Continuous regional cerebral cortical blood flow monitoring in head-injured patients.

Continuous regional cerebral cortical blood flow (rCoBF) was monitored with thermal diffusion flowmetry in 56 severely head-injured patients. Adequate, reliable data were accumulated from 37 patients (21 acute subdural hematomas, 10 cerebral contusions, 4 epidural hematomas, and 2 intracerebral hematomas). The thermal sensor was placed at the time of either craniotomy or burr hole placement. In 15 patients, monitoring was initiated within 8 hours of injury. One-third of the comatose patients monitored within 8 hours had rCoBF measurements of 18 ml per 100 g per minute or less, consistent with previous reports of significant ischemia in the early postinjury period. Initial rCoBF measurements were similar in the patients with Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 3 to 7 and in those with scores of 8 or greater. In patients with poor outcomes, rCoBF measurements did not change significantly from initial measurements; however, in those patients who had better outcomes, final rCoBF measurements were higher than initial rCoBF measurements. The patients who had better outcomes experienced normalization of rCoBF during the period of monitoring, and patients with poor outcomes had markedly reduced final rCoBF. These changes were statistically significant. When management was based strictly upon the intracranial pressure, examples of inappropriate treatment were found. For example, hyperemia and increased intracranial pressure treated with mannitol caused further rCoBF increase, and elevated intracranial pressure with low cerebral blood flow treated with hyperventilation increased the severity of ischemia. In 3 (5%) of 56 patients, wound infections developed. Continuous rCoBF monitoring in head-injured patients offers new therapeutic and prognostic insights into their management. Language: en
Pion-absorption contribution to the π-d scattering length in a simple dispersion-theoretic approach

The pion-absorption contribution to the ..pi..-d scattering length (a/sub ..pi..//sub d') is calculated in the Hulthen model in a simple dispersion-theoretic approach with Koltun-Reitan input modified through the introduction of the off-shell S-wave range parameter ..cap alpha../sub 0/ with ..cap alpha../sub 0/=500 MeV/c. In this approach one finds the uncrossed result, ..cap alpha../sub ..pi..//sub d'=-2.69 x 10/sup -3/m/sub ..pi..//sup -1/, increased by 1.30 x 10/sup -3/m/sub ..pi..//sup -1/ with the inclusion of crossing. (AIP)
CAPRG: sequence assembling pipeline for next generation sequencing of non-model organisms.

Our goal is to introduce and describe the utility of a new pipeline “Contigs Assembly Pipeline using Reference Genome” (CAPRG), which has been developed to assemble “long sequence reads” for non-model organisms by leveraging a reference genome of a closely related phylogenetic relative. To facilitate this effort, we utilized two avian transcriptomic datasets generated using ROCHE/454 technology as test cases for CAPRG assembly. We compared the results of CAPRG assembly using a reference genome with the results of existing methods that utilize de novo strategies such as VELVET, PAVE, and MIRA by employing parameter space comparisons (intra-assembling comparison). CAPRG performed as well or better than the existing assembly methods based on various benchmarks for “gene-hunting.” Further, CAPRG completed the assemblies in a fraction of the time required by the existing assembly algorithms. Additional advantages of CAPRG included reduced contig inflation resulting in lower computational resources for annotation, and functional identification for contigs that may be categorized as “unknowns” by de novo methods. In addition to providing evaluation of CAPRG performance, we observed that the different assembly (inter-assembly) results could be integrated to enhance the putative gene coverage for any transcriptomics study.
Conversion of caproic acid to acetoacetic acid in the goat.

SummaryCaproate 1-C14 was administered to a goat. The resulting increase of blood acetoacetate is roughly proportional to the rise in radioactivity of this compound. The specific radioactivity per mole of the carboxyl group of the acetoacetate is larger than that of the acetone portion. This is another indication that two-carbon compounds derived from fatty acid do not condense in a random fashion to form acetoacetate.
Effect of blood transfusion on apnea frequency in growing premature infants

D'apres cette etude sur 23 prematures, les transfusions peuvent reduire la frequence des apnees et de la respiration periodique chez eux, et ceci d'autant plus que ces 2 phenomenes sont plus intenses. Problemes du rapport entre apnee et anemie et du risque accru de crises apneiques ulterieures. Mais le benefice est a peser avec les risques d'une transfusion