cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Animal Models of Inflammatory Myopathy

The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) represent a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by mononuclear cell infiltration of muscle and varying degrees of muscle dysfunction. To better understand the pathogenesis of these diseases, investigators have devised a number of infectious, genetic, and antigen-induced animal models that replicate different aspects of muscle involvement. Although the underlying heterogeneity of disorders encompassed by IIM precludes development of a single unifying model, several recently developed experimental systems have provided tremendous insight regarding the contributions of both immune- and non–immune-mediated disease pathways in various subsets of IIM. In turn, by elucidating the pathogenic roles of such disparate factors as endoplasmic reticulum stress and innate immune signaling, these models have established the foundation for more novel, targeted therapeutic intervention.
Asteroid hyalosis in a population: the Beaver Dam eye study.

Abstract PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of asteroid hyalosis and to examine correlates of asteroid hyalosis in a population-based cohort. METHODS: The population of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, that was 43 to 86 years of age was examined from 1988 to 1990 (n = 4926). The population is predominantly white (99.4%) northern European. Asteroid hyalosis was determined from stereoscopic fundus photographs of three standard fields. RESULTS: Fundus photographs were gradable in 4747 subjects. Asteroid hyalosis was present in 1.2% (95% confidence interval, 0.9,1.5%). In subjects in which it was present, asteroid hyalosis was bilateral in 9%. Prevalence increased significantly (P .05) with diastolic blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease history, high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, serum calcium, cigarette smoking, physical activity, intraocular pressure, or refractive error. These relationships were confirmed in a multivariable logistic model. CONCLUSIONS: The current study documents the infrequency of asteroid hyalosis in the population as graded from three photographic fields of the fundus. It does not support previous observations of an association of asteroid hyalosis with diabetes or refractive error. The relevance of the new associations reported (body mass, alcohol) remains to be determined.
Effect of Nonparabolic Band Structure on Longitudinal Magnetoacoustic Phenomena

The effect of nonparabolic band structure on the propagation of ultrasound in a semiconductor such as $n$-type InSb in the presence of longitudinal magnetic fields is discussed using a quantum treatment which is valid at high frequencies and in strong magnetic fields. The absorption coefficient and sound velocity for ultrasound propagating parallel to the magnetic field are found to change with magnetic field. This dependence on magnetic field arises solely from the nonparabolicity of the energy bands and would be in addition to any magnetic field dependence due to a field-dependent relaxation time. A numerical calculation is performed for the case of $n$-type InSb and a comparison is made with the experimental results of Nill and McWhorter.
Micromachined resonators of high Q-factor based on atomic layer deposited alumina

Abstract In this paper, atomic layer deposited (ALD) alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) has been demonstrated as the structural material for a micro-resonator for the first time. An electrostatically actuated micro-bridge made of chromium (Cr) coated ALD Al 2 O 3 was used as a resonator. The resonator was formed by simple wet- and dry-etching processes. The static displacement profile of the micro-resonator under electrostatic load was measured by an optical interferometer. A model of a pinned–pinned beam with axial stress of 250 MPa was used to fit the measured data. Two techniques based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) were developed to characterize the resonant frequencies of different modes and quality factor of the resonator. The measured resonant frequencies match well with the calculated values with residual stress of 258 MPa, providing additional insight into resonator model and ALD alumina material properties. The developed techniques can be applied to further size reduction of devices made with ALD methods.
Generalized Schrieffer-Wolff transformation of the two-impurity Kondo model

We have carried out a generalized Schrieffer-Wolff transformation of an Anderson two-impurity Hamiltonian to study the low-energy spin interactions of the system. The 2nd-order expansion yields the standard Kondo Hamiltonian for two impurities with additional scattering terms. At 4th order, we get the well-known RKKY interaction. In addition, we also find an antiferromagnetic superexchange coupling, and a previously undiscovered correlated Kondo coupling between the two impurities.
Quenching of fluorescent nucleobases by neighboring DNA: the "insulator" concept

Fluorescent nucleosides are widely used as probes of biomolecular structure and mechanism in the context of DNA, but they often exhibit low quantum yields because of quenching by neighboring DNA bases. Here we characterize the quenching by DNA of fluorescent nucleosides that have pyrene (Y), perylene (E), benzopyrene (B), or 2-aminopurine (2AP) as nucleobase replacements, and we investigate the effect of inserting varied nucleosides as potential "insulators" between the fluorescent nucleosides and other nearby DNA bases as a strategy for increasing quantum yields. The data show that the hydrocarbons are quenched by adjacent pyrimidines, with thymine being the strongest quencher. The quantum yield of pyrene is quenched 120-fold by a single adjacent T, that of benzopyrene tenfold, and that of perylene by a factor of 2.5. Quenching of excimer and exciplex dinucleoside labels (Y-Y, Y-E, E-E, etc.) was considerably lessened, but was strongest with neighboring thymine. 2-Aminopurine (2AP) is most strongly quenched (15-fold) by neighboring G. We tested four different insulator candidates for reducing this quenching by measuring the fluorescence of short oligonucleotides containing insulators placed between a fluorescent base and a quenching base. The insulators tested were a C(3) abasic spacer (S), dihydrothymidine nucleoside (DHT), terphenyl nucleoside (TP), and adenine deoxynucleoside (dA). Results showed that the abasic spacer had little effect on quenching, while the other three had substantial effects. DHT and terphenyl enhanced fluorescence of the fluorophores by factors of 5 to 70. Adenine base reduced the quenching of pyrene 40-fold. The results underscore the importance of the nearest neighbors in DNA-quenching mechanisms, and establish simple strategies for enhancing fluorescence in labeled DNAs.
The Aporias of Justice and the Virtue of Un-inheritance

This paper contends that Ananda Abeysekara’s notion of un-inheritance, developed via a Derridean analysis of contemporary Sri Lankan politics and society, can act as a helpful supplement to the concept of justice. What one finds in Abeysekara’s analysis is an interpretation of justice as ultimately aporetic: justice both opens up to the possibility of its ever greater concrete realization and continually defers its completion. This paper begins by examining the aporetic character of justice as articulated by Derrida. It then proceeds to Abeysekara’s account, situated as it is within a largely political consideration of Sri Lanka’s multicultural heritage and the recent conflicts that have arisen there. Abeysekara offers the notion of un-heritance as a way of thinking the possibility of justice precisely when political—and also religious—traditions come to an impasse, thus recognizing the inescapably aporetic structure of justice itself.
On the equivalence of the first and second order equations for gauge theories

We prove that every solution to the SU(2) Yang-Mills equations, invariant under the lifting to the principle bundle of the action of the group, O(3), of rotations about a fixed line in ℝ4, with locally bounded and globally square integrable curvature is either self-dual or anti-self dual. In other words we prove, under the above assumptions, that every critical point of the Yang-Mills functional is a global minimum.
Bridging the Gap Between Academic Gerontology and the Educational Needs of the Aging Network

Colleges and universities have failed to meet the long-recognized, growing need for nonacademic-credit gerontology education. With the explosive growth of the aging network, other organizations have readily responded to the fast-growing market. Results of two needs assessments over a 5-year period demonstrate employers' higher support for noncredit gerontology educational experiences over for-credit academic degree programs. The Professional Development in Gerontology Certificate Program at Kennesaw State University, which has grown substantially over the past 7 years, is a viable model for easy adoption by other colleges and universities who wish to meet community needs for gerontology noncredit education.
How I treat pediatric acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia is a heterogeneous disease that accounts for approximately 20% of acute leukemias in children and adolescents. Despite the lack of targeted therapy for most subtypes and a dearth of new agents, survival rates have reached approximately 60% for children treated on clinical trials in developed countries. Most of the advances have been accomplished by better risk classification, the implementation of excellent supportive care measures, adaptation of therapy on the basis of each patient's response to therapy, and improvements in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, it is unlikely that further gains can be made through these measures alone. In this regard, high-resolution, genome-wide analyses have led to greater understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and the identification of molecular abnormalities that are potential targets of new therapies. The development of molecularly targeted agents, some of which are already in clinical trials, holds great promise for the future.
Affine m-ary gray codes

This paper presents a nontable-lookup technique for generating a class of n-dimensional m-ary Gray codes for every pair (n, m) of integers. It does not seek to exhaust all such codes, but restricts itself to a class characterized by simple encoding and decoding schemes. The simplicity shows up not only in the mathematical description of these codes as affine transforms of the sequence of m-ary numbers, but also in the circuitry required for realizations. For instance, a serial decoder can be built of a single unit delay and a single modular adder.
Strategies for use of a limited influenza vaccine supply

THE DRASTICALLY DECREASED SUPPLY OF INACTIVATED influenza vaccine for the 2004-2005 US influenza season presents a unique challenge for health care institutions. At the core of this challenge is the dual responsibility that health care institutions have to protect patients as well as the health professionals who are integral to the functioning of the institution. Many major hospitals and long-term care facilities have reduced or no supplies of inactivated influenza vaccine and have limited guidance about how to obtain additional vaccine or whether to expect redistribution from the remaining supply. Consequently, issues have arisen ranging from the appropriate allocation of vaccine to the role of the intranasal live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) within a health care institution. These issues pose an interesting juxtaposition of science, public policy, politics, law, and ethics. This article will briefly review available literature that may assist institutions in making the difficult decisions associated with an influenza vaccine shortage.
Discipline, Assault, and Justice: Violent Parents and the Law

This article calls attention to an unacceptable double standard in American law: the lenient treatment of parental violence against children when compared to other forms of physical assault. Parts II and III critique the generous privilege of physical discipline extended to parents and the differential state response to violence when the victim is a child in the assailant's family. Appeals to family privacy and parental autonomy to justify the current double standard are examined and found wanting. Clearer and much stricter limits on corporal punishment are recommended and defended as constitutional. We further recommend that parental violence which falls outside these limits should be treated no differently than other misdemeanor and felony assaults. These two proposals give children the protection against domestic violence to which they are entitled as a matter of right and prudence.
Relative Effects of Surfactants and Humidity on Soil/Air Desorption of Chloroacetanilide and Dinitroaniline Herbicides

Herbicides are typically applied as formulation mixtures in order to ensure uniform application and improve biocide performance, but little is known about the effects of formulated surfactants on h...
Glycogen metabolism in cultured chick hepatocytes: a morphological study.

Ultrastructural and autoradiographic observations of cultured chick hepatocytes under the following conditins are described: Induction of glycogen synthesis with glucose alone and glucose plus insulin, and glucagon-induced glucogen glucogen breakdown. Profiles of hepatocytes cultured in medium containig 10 mM glucose showed typical cellular organelles and occasionally a few glycogen granules. After incubation of hepatocytes with 3H-glucose, silver grains were found over these sparse glycogen granules, indicating a low level of glycogen synthesis by a few cells. After addition of 75 mM glucose for 1 hr about 3% of the profiles of cells showed glycogen, and by 24 hr half of the hepatocytes had glycogen. Addition ofinsulin plus glucose induced glycogen synthesis in 82% of the cells after 6 hr. and by 24 hr almost every cellular profile showed glyocgen particles. Morphologically, glycogen accumulation was similar whether the cells were stimulated by high glucose or by glucose plus insulin: glycogen granules appeared in restricted regions of the cytoplasm, which were rich in smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), and peroxisomes were found close to the newly deposited glycogen particles. At maximum glycogen accumulation the association of SER and peroxisomes with glycogen was less obvious. Glycogenolysis induced by incubation of glycogen-rich hepatocytes with glucagon resulted in proliferation of SER in the glycogen regions of the cells. These observations are compatible with the concept of regions in the hepatocyte cytoplasm specialized for glycogen metabolism. Possible roles for SER and peroxisomes found near glycogen particles and other organelles in hepatic glycogen metabolism are discussed.
The Treatment of Wealth Distribution by High School Economics Textbooks.

This article presents findings from an investigation of the treatment of wealth distribution by high school economics textbooks. The eight leading high school economics texts in the United States were examined.
Antiresonant guiding photonic crystal fibers for distributed temperature gradient measurements

We propose, design, and experimentally demonstrate a novel, simple, distributed refractometric measurement technique based on unique spectral properties of antiresonant-guiding photonic crystal fibers for measuring temperature gradients. We use a simple and accurate analytical model and numerical simulations to guide our experiments. The proposed technique may find applications for monitoring and control of chemical and biological reactions in microfluidic systems.
A theory of the chain melting phase transition of aqueous phospholipid dispersions

A model for the chain melting phase transition in dilute aqueous phospholipid bilayer dispersions is presented. This model includes interactions between head groups, between hydrocarbon chains, and within the chains. The head groups are modeled as hard disks which are constrained to lie on a two-dimensional surface separating the aqueous and hydrocarbon regions. The chain statistics problem is treated in an approximate manner using an approach motivated by scaled particle theory to describe the inter-chain steric repulsions in a mathematically tractable way. In this approach the whole system interacts with any given chain through an average lateral pressure which is proportional to the hard disk pressure. Following Nagle, we assume that the steric repulsions between chains and between head groups and the trans-gauche rotation energies are the dominant interactions in determining the transition and we describe the effect of the other interactions with a mean field approximation. Using the known transition temperature of a series of 1,2-diacyl phosphatidyl cholines to adjust two parameters in the theory, the model gives enthalpy and area changes that are in quite reasonable agreement with experiment. Moreover, the curvature observed in the plot of the transition temperature against acyl chain length is reproduced.
Manpower Flows and the Innovation Process

A model of the causes and impacts of manpower flows in the innovation process is developed in this paper. A review of some of the relevant literature and discussion of several case studies of manpower flows are presented. Some preliminary results are reported and emergent propositions and future research needs are discussed. One promising area of exploration appears to be the relationship between information flows, manpower flows, and importance of the innovation radical vs. incremental under consideration. Some implications for the management of technological change in organizations are discussed.
Doing Time: Everybody's Doing It

Whenever people interact with one another over an extended period of time, they develop a social structure with divisions and strata, informal rules and meanings, and a variety of enterprises (Irwin, 1980). The spe cific social patterns that develop in a prison result from the interactions between the prison's environmental characteristics and those characteriz ing the inmate as well as correctional staff population. The culture of the prison has not been studied much in the past forty years. Not since the time of Clemmer in the 1930's, and Sykes in the 1950's, and several small studies in the 60's and 70's have there been many in-depth studies on what prison life is like, meaning the culture, daily life, and other aspects of prison life. The purpose of the present study was to generate new knowl edge about daily life and the unique cultures that comprise the prison experience as gleaned from the insights of inmates and correctional offi cers at an all-male, medium-security facility in the Southeast. The ...
Innovations and information management in the food industry

This study focuses on the strategic nature of information on new products or innovations, and examines how it is managed (detailed versus non‐detailed) and when it is released (pre‐announcements versus announcements) in the food and food‐related industries. We found that, compared with the pharmaceutical and the computer industries, firms in the food industry more often use pre‐announcements instead of announcements to release information on innovative activities. The calculated χ2 of the hypothesis that there is no difference between the mode of releasing information and the industry group is 7.471 with 2 degrees of freedom and p of 0.0239, while the χ2 with 5 per cent level of significance and 2 df is 5.99. We also found that information released on innovative activities in the food industry is less detailed than that in the other two industries. Furthermore, the press coverage of innovations and new product information in the food industry is significantly smaller compared with the other two industries. Finally, we found that the financial markets (stock prices) do not react significantly to new information on innovations in the food industry.
Effect of various phenol additives on viscosity of SRC blends

Abstract Coal-derived liquids are susceptible to oxidative degradation. Two different weight ratios of SRC-I/SRC-II blends, with or without phenol derivatives, have been subjected to accelerated ageing studies. Viscosity, infrared, elemental analysis, molecular weight determination, and solvent analysis are used to examine the properties of the degradation products. On ageing, there is a large increase in the amount of toluene-insoluble material, decrease in oil components, and a relatively constant amount of asphaltenes. The oxygen content increases in the aged toluene-insoluble and asphaltene fractions, and a new absorption at ≈1700 cm −1 (the C = 0 group) appears in these two fractions only. On the addition of phenol itself and the less hindered phenol derivatives, the original hydrogen-bonding between the acidic and basic fuctional groups in the coal liquids is apparently disrupted because the added phenol can now interact with the proton-accepting species in the liquids, thus leading to a lower viscosity. This does not mean that the unhindered phenols retard the rate of ageing. The original hydrogen-bonding in the coal-derived liquid now gives way to a new hydrogen-bonding, and ageing occurs with the latter. The more hindered phenol derivatives are not as effective as phenol in disrupting the original hydrogen-bonding in the coal-derived liquids.
Sex differences in the causes of self-control: An examination of mediation, moderation, and gendered etiologies

Abstract Sex is one of the most robust predictors of self-control, with a consistent finding that girls score higher on a variety of measures of self-control. In this research, we investigate three possible reasons for why this is true: first, we examine whether current predictors of self-control mediate the effect of sex on self-control, second, we examine whether sex moderates the effect of current predictors on self-control and third, we examine the possibility that the causes of self-control are gendered, necessitating different causal models for boys and girls. Using data from the Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth79, we assess three, related questions: Is the sex effect on self-control mediated by current predictors of self-control? Does sex moderate the effects of current predictors of self-control? Does the causal model predicting self-control differ for boys and girls? We find that the sex effect on self-control is robust; does not moderate the etiology of self-control; and although partially mediated by etiological variables, remains a significant predictor of self-control. We also find that current predictors do a poor job of explaining girls’ acquisition of self-control, suggesting a gendered etiology of self-control.
Zeroing in on SU(3)

Abstract We present an improved numerical method for calculating the density of states for lattice field theories. We use it to study the SU(3) pure gauge theory at both zero and finite temperature. We also compute strong and weak coupling expansions for the density of states and find excellent agreement with our data. Using a specially developed algorithm for solving high-order polynomials, we find the zeroes of the partition function. For lattices with L t = 2, we test the finite-size scaling prediction for the rounding of the transition by following the motion of these zeroes for L s =6, 8, 10, and 12. We find that the correlation length exponent is 1/ v = 3.02 ± 0.05, in excellent agreement with the value d =3 expected for a first-order deconfinement transition.
Quasi-periodic solar radio pulsations at decimetric wavelengths

Observations are reported of radio-pulsations at dm-wavelengths. The pulsations are quasiperiodic with a period of 0.5 s, they have a bandwidth > 300 MHz and show up to a 50% enhancement of the underlying type IV continuum.
Maternal intravenous hydration and amniotic fluid index in patients with preterm ruptured membranes.

OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of an intravenous (i.v.) fluid bolus on the amniotic fluid index (AFI) in patients with preterm ruptured membranes. METHODS Nonlaboring patients at 24-37 weeks' gestation with documented ruptured membranes were randomized to either no hydration or to an i.v. fluid bolus with 1 L of normal saline administered over 30 minutes. All patients had a baseline AFI measured. The same blinded examiner repeated the examination 90 minutes later. RESULTS Six patients were randomized to the hydration group, seven to the control group. The groups were similar in age, gravidity, parity, time since rupture, gestational age, and baseline AFI. In the hydration group, the AFI increased 5.1 cm (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9-7.3) after the fluid bolus. In the no-hydration group, the change was 0.6 cm (95% CI-1.1 to 2.2). The difference in the change in AFI between groups was 4.5 cm (95% CI 1.3-7.7) (P = .008). CONCLUSION The AFI is sensitive to maternal hydration in patients with preterm rupture of membranes and can be increased with an i.v. fluid bolus.
Single-setting bilateral hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Abstract Purpose: To assess the feasibility and safety of single-setting bilateral hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Materials and Methods: Between August 2003 and June 2004, we performed single-setting bilateral laparoscopic partial nephrectomies on three patients. A hand-assisted approach was used, employing the same hand-assistance incision for both sides. Renal hilar clamping was not required, as the depth of penetration of all six tumors was only 0 to 4 mm (mean, 1.8 mm). The tumor diameters ranged from 1.8 to 3.8 cm (mean, 2.4 cm). Results: All operations were performed successfully, with no conversion to open surgery. Excision was performed with bipolar forceps, and final hemostasis was obtained with an argon beam coagulator (Valleylab, Boulder, CO) and Floseal (Baxter, Deerfield, IL), without suturing. The mean estimated blood loss was 208 mL. The mean operative time was 246 minutes, which included repositioning. There were no intraoperative complications, and the postoperative cours...
The role of natural resource amenities in attracting retirees: implications for economic growth policy

Abstract Increasing criticism of resource-extractive and polluting heavy duty industries in urban areas, as well as continuing declines in timbering, farming and mining in rural areas, have created challenges for planners and policy makers seeking sustainable rural economies. Earlier studies have concluded that a “retiree economy” is a viable approach for rural economic sustainability. Using specific measures of natural amenities that are variant over time; this study examined the role that natural amenity resources have played in attracting retirees. Results reveal that the rural and biologically rich counties with substantial land use diversity, water amenities, and other man-modified natural and recreational attractions have great potential for attracting retirees. The findings from this study can be useful for local and regional agencies to identity their latent potential to promote retiree economy, and also to predict the future amenity demands. In addition, we draw other policy implications regarding regional economic growth and ecological concern in rural America.
The Secure Perimeter Awareness Network (SPAN) at John F. Kennedy International Airport

The secure perimeter awareness network (SPAN) at JFK is an integrated system of networked sensors for intrusion detection, assessment, reporting, and video recording. The system includes our airport security display processor (ASDP) system, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, an ASDP graphical user interface (GUI), and a common operational picture (COP). The ASDP system takes raw radar data from the ASDE-3 ground surveillance radar and monitors the airport property and perimeter for any security breaches. The system detects and tracks objects of interest beyond and at the perimeter, and on the air operations area. If a tracked object, such as a car, a boat (JFK borders Jamaica Bay), or a person, breaches the user-defined perimeter, the ASDP system issues an alarm, displays the intruder's position on the GUI, and slews a camera to the location of the intruder and tracks the intruder. The video is displayed on the COP, an integrated geo-registered, situational awareness display of all sensor data. The COP shows not only the video, but also a layered display and interface for radar data and other sensor inputs. Finally, SPAN records all video for review and possible future prosecution.
Centromeric asymmetry and induction of translocations and sister chromatid exchanges in mouse chromosomes

THE mechanisms involved in chromosome rejoining are not understood. We showed that chromosome rejoining in Robertsonian centric fusion can be studied cytologically1 with a staining technique based on the quenching by 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) of the fluorescence of the dye 33258 Hoechst2. When mouse cells were grown for one generation in the presence of BrdU and stained with 33258 Hoechst, there was a brightly fluorescent spot appearing over half of the centromeric region in every autosome3. (This asymmetry presumably reflects the unequal distribution of thymidine (45% compared with 22%) between the two chains of mouse satellite DNA4, the fluorescent spot representing the old thymidine-rich chain of satellite DNA.) The arrangement of fluorescent spots in metacentric chromosomes resulting from Robertsonian fusion suggested that the thymidine-rich chain of satellite DNA in the centromeric region is associated with the same DNA chain (in terms of polarity) in every mouse autosome1. We have used the centromeric asymmetry in mouse chromosomes as a marker for DNA polarity in studies on radiation and drug-induced chromosomal translocation and sister chromatid exchange (SCE).
Student Burnout and Engagement: A Test of the Conservation of Resources Theory

The current study explored predictors of burnout and engagement in 1st-year college students. The theory of conservation of resources was used to create a path model for burnout and engagement. Specifically, the theory suggests that perceptions of demands mediate the relationship between resources and coping strategies. In turn, coping mediates the relationship of demands on the outcomes of burnout and engagement. Results indicate demands partially mediated the relationship between resources and coping strategies. Similarly, coping partially mediated the relationship between demands and burnout and engagement. Results suggest that teaching students adaptive ways of coping and extinguishing maladaptive ways of coping with the academic environment can increase engagement and decrease burnout. Implications for research, theory, and practice are discussed.
Effect of lactide/glycolide ratio on the in vitro release of ganciclovir and its lipophilic prodrug (GCV-monobutyrate) from PLGA microspheres.

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of the lactide/glycolide ratio and prodrug derivatization on the in vitro release of ganciclovir and its lipophilic prodrug (GCV-monobutyrate) from PLGA microspheres for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. Method Two grades of PLGA, a higher lactide content PLGA 6535 [ d , l -lactide:glycolide = 65:35, MW 45,000–75,000 Da] and lower lactide content PLGA 5050 [ d , l -lactide:glycolide = 50:50, MW 45,000–75,000 Da] were employed to prepare GCV loaded microspheres. The effect of lipophilic prodrug derivatization was investigated by converting GCV to GCV-monobutyrate (GCVMB). Microspheres were prepared by the oil-in-oil (O/O) solvent evaporation method and characterized in vitro , by studying their surface/internal morphology, entrapment efficiency, particle size, drug release, true density and glass transition temperature. In vitro release data were analyzed by a model equation to estimate various parameters of the drug release curves. Results The O/O solvent evaporation method generated a high drug payload of up to 91%. Higher entrapment efficiencies were observed in the case of hydrophilic drug (GCV) relative to the lipophilic prodrug (GCVMB). Loosely bound or surface adsorbed drug/prodrug molecules may have resulted in the very short period (about 6 h) of the initial burst phase in all types of microspheres. GCV loaded microspheres utilized more time to release 50% ( T 50 value) of entrapped drug than GCVMB microspheres. T 50 values estimated for GCVMB were shorter than those for GCV from microspheres with similar lactide/glycolide ratios. Lactide content in PLGA did not significantly alter GCVMB release relative to GCV release. The proposed model equation effectively estimated the drug release parameters ( R 2 > 0.98) with all drug/prodrug-PLGA combinations. SEM pictures have revealed that although both GCV and GCVMB microspheres were spherical but internal morphology was different, with former having uniform and dense whereas later have porous structures. Corroborating with internal morphologies, results revealed that true densities of GCV microspheres were relatively greater than corresponding GCVMB microspheres. Conclusion The proposed method of preparation yields higher efficiency of drug entrapment for the hydrophilic drug. Prodrug entrapment into microspheres could result in longer residence time at the site of administration due to multiple processes involved in drug release at infected tissue. These processes include release from microspheres and enzymatic conversion of the prodrug to parent drug.
Two roles of Ca2+ in agonist stimulated Ca2+ oscillations.

We propose a mechanism for agonist-stimulated Ca2+ oscillations that involves two roles for cytosolic Ca2+: (a) inhibition of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) stimulated Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and (b) stimulation of the production of IP3 through its action on phospholipase C (PLC), via a Gq protein related mechanism. Relying on quantitative experiments by Parker, I., and I. Ivorra (1990. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 87:260–264) on the inhibition of Ca2+ release from the ER using caged-IP3, we develop a kinetic model of inhibition that allows us to simulate closely their experiments. The model assumes that the ER IP3 receptor is a tetramer of independent subunits that can bind both Ca2+ and IP3. Upon incorporation of the action of Ca2+ on PLC that leads to production of IP3, we observe in-phase-oscillations of Ca2+ and IP3 at intermediate values of agonist stimulation. The oscillations occur on a time scale of 10–20 s, which is comparable to the time scale for inhibition in Xenopus oocytes. Analysis of the mechanism shows that Ca(2+)-inhibition of IP3-stimulated Ca2+ release from the ER is an essential step in the mechanism. We also find that the effect of Ca2+ on PLC can lead to an indirect increase of cytosolic Ca2+, superficially resembling "Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+)-release." The mechanism that we propose appears to be consistent with recent experiments on REF52 cells by Harootunian, A. T., J. P. Y. Kao, S. Paranjape, and R. Y. Tsien. (1991. Science [Wash. DC]. 251:75–78.) and we propose additional experiments to help test its underlying assumptions.
Comparison of Waveguiding Properties of Plasmonic Voids and Plasmonic Waveguides

Here we compare different nanoscale waveguiding geometries involving plasmonic materials for subdiffractive propagation at optical frequencies. Deriving closed-form analytical formulas to analyze the different structures, we show how the presence of a plasmonic background may produce robust, highly confined guided wave propagation as compared with the dual setups involving plasmonic particles in a transparent background. Advantages and disadvantages of different scenarios for realizing right-handed and left-handed propagation in one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) waveguides are highlighted and discussed.
Spectrophotometric titrations with nitrous acid. I. The estimation of procaine hydrochloride, propoxycaine hydrochloride, and tetracaine hydrochloride.

Spectrophotometric titrations of three aromatic amines with nitrous acid are described. Measurements made during the course of a given titration are dependent on the presence or absence of the nitrous acid spectrum, or on the presence or absence of diazo or nitroso derivative spectra. The point of intersection of straight lines of different slope, occurring prior to and after reaction completion, is a measure of amine equivalency. In particular, measurements of procaine hydrochloride, propoxycaine hydrochloride, tetracaine hydrochloride, and the combination of procaine hydrochloride with tetracaine hydrochloride are discussed.
Multimodality therapy of favorable prognosis non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Abstract Twenty-seven previously untreated patients with favorable prognosis non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated with a combination of total body irradiation followed by cyclophosphamide - vincristine - prednisone (CVP). The dose of total body irradiation was planned. to be 150 rad followed by 6 cycles of chemotherapy. The complete response rate was 59 %; the complete plus partial response rate, 93 %. The 50 % disease-free survival was 8 months. The actuarial projected 5 year survival was 60 % and the disease-free survival at 5 years was 27 %. The program was well tolerated by the majority of patients. It is possible for some patients with favorable non-Hodgkin's lymphomas to achieve prolonged periods of disease-free survival when treated with combinations of irradiation plus chemotherapy.
Isospin fractionation in nuclear multifragmentation

Isotopic distributions for light particles and intermediate mass fragments have been measured for ${}^{112}\mathrm{Sn}{+}^{112}\mathrm{Sn}$, ${}^{112}\mathrm{Sn}{+}^{124}\mathrm{Sn}$, ${}^{124}\mathrm{Sn}{+}^{112}\mathrm{Sn}$, and ${}^{124}\mathrm{Sn}{+}^{124}\mathrm{Sn}$ collisions at $E/A\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}50\mathrm{MeV}$. Isotope, isotone, and isobar yield ratios are utilized to estimate the isotopic composition of the gas phase at freeze-out. Analyses within the equilibrium limit imply that the gas phase is enriched in neutrons relative to the liquid phase represented by bound nuclei. These observations suggest that neutron diffusion is commensurate with or more rapid than fragment production.
Reduced symmetry metallodielectric nanoparticles: Chemical synthesis and plasmonic properties

We report a general chemical strategy for producing reduced-symmetry metallodielectric nanoparticles, nanocups, and nanocaps that combines nanoscale masking techniques and nanoparticle-seeded electroless plating. Using this approach, silica nanoparticles with a gold cup-shaped shell and, alternatively, a gold cap, are obtained. The plasmon response of both nanostructures is a sensitive function of orientation of the nanostructure with respect to the direction and polarization of incident light. This orientation dependence is examined experimentally by studying the extinction spectra of oriented nanocups and nanocaps on transparent substrates, and is also evaluated theoretically using a three-dimensional finite difference time domain (FDTD) method.
The Development of USP Botanical Dietary Supplement Monographs, 1995−2005⊥

The development of USP botanical dietary supplement monographs by the Subcommittee on Natural Products (1995-2000) and the Dietary Supplements-Botanicals Committee of Experts (2000-2005) of the USP is described in this review. Featured details include the USP as an organization, focusing upon its history, mission, and publication of the United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF); the formulation and composition of botanical dietary supplement monographs and related general chapters, as well as appropriate admission criteria; and a summary of the accomplishments of the Committees (1995-2005).
Methodological foundations: enabling the next generation of security

The promise of breakthroughs in computer security - experimental test beds, insider-detection advancements, biometrics, and user interfaces that are robust to human error-will remain empty as long as methodological details trail the hype. A few selected issues - operational definitions, reliability, internal validity, and external validity - serve to illustrate common sources of experimental error that may be brought to one's attention by a written methodology. The first two issues regard valid measurement, and the second two regard valid experimentation. Together, they exemplify the importance of strong methodology in pushing the envelope of security.
Xenogeneic DNA Immunization in Melanoma Models for Minimal Residual Disease

Abstract Introduction. DNA immunization with xenogeneic genes encoding homologous antigens protects mice against tumor challenge with syngeneic melanoma in a lung metastasis model. The effect of xenogeneic human TRP-2 ( hTRP2 ) DNA immunization on disease confined to an orthotopic site, the skin, and in a model of minimal residual disease that is relevant to a setting of adjuvant therapy for micrometastatic cancer is reported. Methods. Immunization and tumor challenge with B16F10LM3 melanoma were performed in C57BL/6 mice and in mice genetically deficient in MHC class I or II molecules. A melanoma variant of B16 with a predilection for lung metastasis was selected and used to challenge C57BL/6 mice. Tumor challenge in the footpad with the B16 variant was followed by local tumor growth and lung metastasis. The tumor-bearing distal extremities were surgically resected and mice were randomized to receive hTRP2 DNA immunization or no treatment. Approximately 3–5 weeks after surgical resection, lungs were harvested and metastases counted. Results. Xenogeneic DNA immunization with hTRP2 prevented tumor growth in the skin by a mechanism requiring CD4 + and CD8 + T cells but did not inhibit the growth of established tumors. Adjuvant immunization with hTRP2 DNA after resection significantly reduced lung metastases and decreased local recurrence rates after surgical resection. Conclusions. Xenogeneic DNA immunization with hTRP2 was effective in protecting mice from intradermal tumor challenge. Immunization prevented local recurrence and the development of metastases in a mouse model of minimal residual disease, supporting a role for DNA immunization against melanosomal antigens as an adjuvant to surgery in high-risk primary melanomas.
An Insight into the High Current ESD Behavior of Drain Extended NMOS (DENMOS) Devices in Nanometer Scale CMOS Technologies

Second breakdown phenomenon (It2) in drain extended NMOS (DENMOS) which is associated with complex triggering of the parasitic BJT is relatively less understood. We present experiments and models to understand the physics of snapback in DENMOS in nanometer scale technologies. Avalanche injection phenomenon at the drain contact has been analyzed for a 90 nm DENMOS transistor under high current stressing
From music making to speaking: Engaging the mirror neuron system in autism

Individuals with autism show impairments in emotional tuning, social interactions and communication. These are functions that have been attributed to the putative human mirror neuron system (MNS), which contains neurons that respond to the actions of self and others. It has been proposed that a dysfunction of that system underlies some of the characteristics of autism. Here, we review behavioral and imaging studies that implicate the MNS (or a brain network with similar functions) in sensory-motor integration and speech representation, and review data supporting the hypothesis that MNS activity could be abnormal in autism. In addition, we propose that an intervention designed to engage brain regions that overlap with the MNS may have significant clinical potential. We argue that this engagement could be achieved through forms of music making. Music making with others (e.g., playing instruments or singing) is a multi-modal activity that has been shown to engage brain regions that largely overlap with the human MNS. Furthermore, many children with autism thoroughly enjoy participating in musical activities. Such activities may enhance their ability to focus and interact with others, thereby fostering the development of communication and social skills. Thus, interventions incorporating methods of music making may offer a promising approach for facilitating expressive language in otherwise nonverbal children with autism.
Hyperlactatemia and Hepatic Abnormalities in 10 Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients Receiving Nucleoside Analogue Combination Regimens

During a 6-and-a-half month period, we identified 10 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who were receiving antiretroviral regimens, including nucleoside analogues, and who developed unexplained reproducible hyperlactatemia in association with either abdominal symptoms or an unaccounted-for elevated alanine aminotransferase level, or both. After careful consideration of the possible etiologies, antiretrovirals were discontinued; lactate levels normalized in all patients. The estimated incidence of this phenomenon in our clinic was 20.9 cases per 1000 person-years of nucleoside analogue treatment. These observations extend the spectrum of the nucleoside analogue-induced lactic acidosis/hepatic steatosis syndrome by the identification of a subtle and perhaps earlier form, which has characteristic symptoms and laboratory abnormalities, and a favorable prognosis on discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy.
The identification of design experts

Architectural designers, engineering designers, and instructional designers engage in the design process when developing new products. In the area of design, an accomplished designer must possess a high degree of expertise in order to design and produce quality products. Previous research has demonstrated that much of the empirical research in design not only ignores expertise but has actually been carried out by studying novice designers. An expert designer is someone recognised to be a reliable source of knowledge who has demonstrated proven abilities, skills, and judgment in a given discipline or field. Understanding these characteristics is the key to opening the door to new knowledge in the design process. This study examines criteria that elevate a designer to a level of expertise and offers a model to assist in the identification of a design expert.
Distant patriarchs or expressive dads? The discourse and practice of fathering in conservative protestant families

Despite the burgeoning research literature on paternal involvement, the relationship between religion and fatherhood has received remarkably little attention from empirical researchers. Our investi...
The Politics of Homemaking: Black Feminist Transformations of a Cityscape

For black women activists Amina Baraka, like Frederica Bey and Fayemi Shakur, the Central Ward of Newark represents a home that is worth staying and fighting for.1 In spite of generations of dein-dustrialization, social upheaval, chronic African-American underemployment, and the troublesome impact of gentrification, Newark represents a symbolic space that can be transformed. Newark is a beloved intimate space to be reclaimed, reworked, and reimagined as a homeplace—a symbolic space that nurtures the life-chances of young black people. In this chapter, I develop a political theory of homemaking that attempts to make sense of how space, place, and identity shape black women’s political activism. I examine and retell the spatial stories that black women shared with me in order to clarify how gendered racialization impact black women’s conceptions and practice of contemporary grassroots politics.2