cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of tissue engineering based repair of calvarial defects using adipose stem cells from normal and osteoporotic rats

Repairing large bone defects presents a significant challenge, especially in those people who have a limited regenerative capacity such as in osteoporotic (OP) patients. The aim of this study was to compare adipose stem cells (ASCs) from both normal (NORM) and ovariectomized (OVX) rats in osteogenic potential using both in vitro and in vivo models. After successful establishment of a rat OP model, we found that ASCs from OVX rats exhibited a comparable proliferation capacity to those from NORM rats but had significantly higher adipogenic and relatively lower osteogenic potential. Thirty-two weeks post-implantation with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) alone or PLGA seeded with osteogenic-induced ASCs for critical-size calvarial defects, the data from Herovici's collagen staining and micro-computed tomography suggested that the implantation of ASC-PLGA constructs exhibited a higher bone volume density compared to the PLGA alone group, especially in the NORM rat group. Intriguingly, the defects from OVX rats exhibited a higher bone volume density compared to NORM rats, especially for implantation of the PLGA alone group. Our results indicated that ASC based tissue constructs are more beneficial for the repair of calvarial defects in NORM rats while implantation of PLGA scaffold contributed to defect regeneration in OVX rats.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Lp-PLA2 Activity and Mass in the Framingham Heart Study

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) is an emerging risk factor and therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease. The activity and mass of this enzyme are heritable traits, but major genetic determinants have not been explored in a systematic, genome-wide fashion. We carried out a genome-wide association study of Lp-PLA(2) activity and mass in 6,668 Caucasian subjects from the population-based Framingham Heart Study. Clinical data and genotypes from the Affymetrix 550K SNP array were obtained from the open-access Framingham SHARe project. Each polymorphism that passed quality control was tested for associations with Lp-PLA(2) activity and mass using linear mixed models implemented in the R statistical package, accounting for familial correlations, and controlling for age, sex, smoking, lipid-lowering-medication use, and cohort. For Lp-PLA(2) activity, polymorphisms at four independent loci reached genome-wide significance, including the APOE/APOC1 region on chromosome 19 (p = 6 x 10(-24)); CELSR2/PSRC1 on chromosome 1 (p = 3 x 10(-15)); SCARB1 on chromosome 12 (p = 1x10(-8)) and ZNF259/BUD13 in the APOA5/APOA1 gene region on chromosome 11 (p = 4 x 10(-8)). All of these remained significant after accounting for associations with LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, or triglycerides. For Lp-PLA(2) mass, 12 SNPs achieved genome-wide significance, all clustering in a region on chromosome 6p12.3 near the PLA2G7 gene. Our analyses demonstrate that genetic polymorphisms may contribute to inter-individual variation in Lp-PLA(2) activity and mass.
A privacy protection technique for publishing data mining models and research data

Data mining techniques have been widely used in many research disciplines such as medicine, life sciences, and social sciences to extract useful knowledge (such as mining models) from research data. Research data often needs to be published along with the data mining model for verification or reanalysis. However, the privacy of the published data needs to be protected because otherwise the published data is subject to misuse such as linking attacks. Therefore, employing various privacy protection methods becomes necessary. However, these methods only consider privacy protection and do not guarantee that the same mining models can be built from sanitized data. Thus the published models cannot be verified using the sanitized data. This article proposes a technique that not only protects privacy, but also guarantees that the same model, in the form of decision trees or regression trees, can be built from the sanitized data. We have also experimentally shown that other mining techniques can be used to reanalyze the sanitized data. This technique can be used to promote sharing of research data.
Overcoming the financial difficulties of hosting a national conference in Nigeria: the Nalise 2002 experience

This paper reports the financial aspect of the 2002 National Association of Library and Information Science Educators (NALISE) – Nigerian library and information science educators’ umbrella body. Conference financial difficulties encountered by the hosting department and how these difficulties were tackled are highlighted.
Acylureas: A new class of barbiturate-like bacterial cytochrome P-450 inducers

Abstract The soluble, cytochrome P -450-dependent fatty acid monooxygenase of Bacillus megaterium ATCC 14581 is induced by phenobarbital and at least twelve other barbiturates (Kim, B.-H. and Fulco, A.J. 91983) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 116, 843–850). We have since found that the inducer potency of phenobarbital and of six other of these barbiturates was enhanced by adding them to growth medium prior to sterilization by autoclaving. A similar ‘activation’ was effected simply by autoclaving these barbiturates in distilled water at pH 8.0. When the hydrolytic products resulting from such treatment of phenobarbital were identified and screened for inducer activity, the major product, 2-phenulbutyrylurea, was found to be 3–5-times more potent than phenobarbital itself. The racemic mixture, (±-)-2-phenylbutyryluera was somewhat more active as an inducer than was either of the enantiomers (±) or (−) tested singly. Of the other hydrolytic products of phenobarbital, only 2-phenylbutyramide had significant inducer activity (about the same as phenobarbital). Among other ureides tested, tow monosubstituted acetylureas (phenylacetylurea and dodecanoylurea) were inactive as inducers, but six of seven disubstituted acetylureas were better inducers than 2-phenylbutyrylurea.
System Building at the Margin: The Problem of Public Choice in the Telephone Industry

This article considers whether natural monopoly conditions or AT'T's market power was responsible for the formation of a single, standardized network in the United States telephone industry. It shows that AT&T was able to move the industry towards a single system under its management through a strategy of competition and compromise with competitors. The article also examines the impact of AT's actions on state regulators, concluding that public officials, lacking necessary knowledge and authority to set policy, ended up supporting AT's position in the industry.
Biliary Complications After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Currently, primary graft nonfunction and technical complications are responsible for a greater proportion of graft loss than rejection after orthotopic liver transplantation. Although the incidence of biliary complications after whole-organ transplantation has decreased, these complications remain responsible for significant morbidity, graft loss, and death. Split and living-related liver transplantation are associated with a higher incidence of biliary complications that differ in nature from those associated with whole-organ transplantation. The aims of management of biliary complications are early diagnosis and effective treatment so that their impact on final outcome is minimized. It is only by having a clear understanding of their etiology, pathogenesis, and presentation that these goals can be achieved. This report reviews the etiology and pathogenesis of biliary tract complications after liver transplantation from a cellular level to clinical presentation and management.
Predictors of invasion in patients with core‐needle biopsy‐diagnosed ductal carcinoma in situ and recommendations for a selective approach to sentinel lymph node biopsy in ductal carcinoma in situ

BACKGROUND Among patients with core-needle biopsy (CNB)-diagnosed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the guidelines for the selection of patients to undergo sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy are not well defined, and many patients with no invasion undergo an unnecessary SLN biopsy. The objective of this study was to identify the predictors of invasion in patients with CNB-diagnosed DCIS and, thus, to help determine the most appropriate candidates for SLN biopsy. METHODS The authors retrospectively evaluated 200 consecutive patients with CNB-diagnosed DCIS who underwent final excision at their institution between May 1, 2002 and June 30, 2005. Demographic data, the size and type of lesion on imaging studies, histologic features of DCIS on CNB, the number of cores taken, and the number of cores involved by DCIS were correlated with invasion on excision and SLN biopsy outcome. RESULTS Forty-one of 200 patients (21%) had invasive carcinoma diagnosed on final excision. Parameters that correlated with invasion were a mass lesion, lesion size >1.5 cm, high nuclear grade, and the presence of lobular cancerization on CNB. A multivariate logistic regression model was developed to predict invasion. At the time of breast surgery, 103 of 200 patients (52%) underwent SLN biopsy, and 34 had invasion diagnosed on final excision. Three patients had 1 positive SLN each. CONCLUSIONS A mass lesion, lesion size >1.5 cm, and the presence of lobular cancerization on CNB were significant, independent predictors of invasion in patients with DCIS. The authors recommended the inclusion of these predictors in the guidelines for selecting patients for SLN biopsy to reduce the number of unnecessary procedures. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Source Specific Station Corrections for Regional Phases at Fennoscandian Stations

The IASPEI91 global travel-time curves are used as the default for event location at the Prototype International Data Center (PIDC). In order to improve event location, a 1-D Baltic travel-time model was implemented at the PIDC in 1997 for locating events using regional phases from Fennoscandian stations. Where a single model is insufficient for characterizing the regional geology, path-dependent corrections, or Source Specific Station Corrections (SSSCs), are more appropriate for event locations. We have developed SSSCs for regional phases at the Fennoscandian stations by interpolating travel times through different 1-D models. SSSCs for stations NRIS and SPITS are also derived, given the fact that paths from both stations to high latitude events are within the Fennoscandia regionalization as Baltic.
Sex-Based Differences in Vascular Repair With Bone Marrow Cell Therapy: Relevance of Regulatory and Th2-type Cytokines

Abstract Objectives There are differences in symptoms, risk stratification, and efficacy of pharmacological treatments between men and women with coronary artery disease (CAD). The results of clinical studies of cell therapy in CAD patients are mixed. The relevance of sex to response to cell therapy is unknown. We investigated sex-based differences in response to bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) in atherosclerotic apoliproprotein E-knockout (ApoE −/− ) mice. Methods Twenty-three male and 27 female ApoE −/− mice fed on a high-fat diet received four intravenous BM-MNC injections (C57BL6/J mice) starting at 14 weeks of age; male or female BM-MNCs were administered. Thirteen male and 20 female atherosclerotic ApoE −/− mice received vehicle. Aortic plaque burden (%), recipient bone marrow progenitor cell profiles (FACS-LSR II, FlowJo) and 22 circulating cytokine panel (LINCOplex) were quantified and analyzed statistically (SSPS, P ≤ .05). Results Quantitative and semiquantitative results are presented. Increased G-CSF levels correlated with plaque reduction ( r = −.86, P = .0004). G-CSF was clustered with IL-15. Conclusions Female but not male BM-MNCs exhibited atheroprotection in male atherosclerotic ApoE −/− mice. Plaque lesions did not attenuate atherosclerosis in female ApoE −/− mice with BM-MNCs of either donor sex. An increase in regulatory and in Th2-type response may be required for atheroprotection. Sex-based differences in vascular repair have implications for cell therapy trials in CAD.
Energy-efficient task scheduling algorithms on heterogeneous computers with continuous and discrete speeds

Abstract A large number of computing servers and personal electronic devices waste a tremendous amount of energy and emit a considerable amount of carbon dioxide, which is the major contribution to the greenhouse effect. Thus, it is necessary to significantly reduce pollution and substantially lower energy usage. Green computing techniques are utilized in a myriad of applications in energy conservation and environment improvement. New green task scheduling algorithms for heterogeneous computers with changeable continuous speeds and changeable discrete speeds are developed to reduce energy consumption as much as possible and finish all tasks before a deadline. A newly proven theorem can determine the optimal speed for tasks assigned to a computer with continuous speeds. This project seeks to develop innovative green task scheduling algorithms that have two main steps: heuristically assigning tasks to computers, and setting optimal or near-optimal speeds for all tasks assigned to each computer. Sufficient simulation results indicate that the algorithm with the best task schedule varied. Thus, two hybrid algorithms for continuous and discrete speeds are created separately to obtain the best task schedule among candidate task schedules. Potential research applications include incorporating energy-efficient software into mobile devices, sensor networks, data centers, and cloud computing systems.
Serum Complement Values (C3 and C4) to Differentiate between Systemic Lupus Activity and Pre-Eclampsia

It is often difficult to differentiate between an exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and intercurrent pre-eclampsia in a patient with SLE since the manifestations of both entities include proteinuria and hypertension. This study was undertaken to determine wether serum C3 and C4 values can help distinguish SLE activity from pre-eclampsia. In 21 nonpregnant women of child-bearing age, the mean C3 level was 124 +/- 5 mg/dl and the mean C4 was 31 +/- 1 mg/dl. In 24 normal women in the third trimester of pregnancy, the C3 and C4 levels were elevated (165 +/- 4 mg/dl, p less than 0.001 versus nonpregnant control women; 37 +/- 2 mg/dl, p less than 0.01 versus nonpregnant control women, respectively). In 17 women in the third trimester of pregnancy with documented pre-eclampsia, the mean C3 level was 162 +/- 4 mg/dl, no different from that in normal pregnant women (p less than 0.001 versus nonpregnant control women; p = NS versus normal pregnant women), and the mean C4 was 29 +/- 3 mg/dl, lower than that found in normal pregnant women (p less than 0.02 versus normal pregnant women). Antinuclear antibody was absent at titers of less than 1:20 in all of these pre-eclamptic patients. In contrast, pregnant women with SLE has significantly lower C3 (103 +/- 13 mg/dl) and C4 (15.3 +/- 3.6 mg/dl) values during the third trimester of pregnancy than either normal pregnant women (p less than 0.001 for C3 and C4) or women with pre-eclampsia (p less than 0.001 for C3 and p less than 0.004 for C4) during the third trimester of pregnancy. Of the eight women with SLE in whom serial complement values were determined, three had falling C3 or C4 levels, and in each, there was a flare of SLE activity either during or immediately after pregnancy. None of the five patients with a rising C3 concentration had a flare of disease activity; however, pre-eclampsia developed in one of these patients, characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. Thus, measurement of serum C3 and C4 can help differentiate between SLE activity and pre-eclampsia, since both C3 and C4 are significantly lower in women with SLE than women with pre-eclampsia, and serum C3 and C4 concentrations rise during uncomplicated or pre-eclamptic pregnancy in women with SLE.
An Analytical Method for the Analysis of Tulathromycin, an Equilibrating Triamilide, in Bovine and Porcine Plasma and Lung

Tulathromycin is a novel member of the triamilide class of antibiotics that was developed as a safe and effective single-dose treatment of bovine and porcine respiratory disease. An accurate and precise analytical method was developed for the extraction and measurement of tulathromycin in livestock plasma and lung homogenates. Analytes were solid-phase extracted onto a weak cation exchanger after aqueous dilution of samples and addition of heptadeutero-tulathromycin as an internal standard. Following HPLC with a narrow bore C8 column, quantitative detection of tulathromycin was accomplished by monitoring the transition of a doubly charged precursor ion to a singly charged product ion by tandem mass spectrometry using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Procedures were validated for a dynamic range of 0.1 to 25 ng on column. Observed accuracies were between 90 and 110% of nominal and precision (RSD) varying 7% or less. Response and stability experiments showed that deuterated tulathromycin did not parallel the chemical behavior of tulathromycin. Applicability of the method to livestock studies was tested with plasma and lung samples from cattle and swine dosed with tulathromycin at multiple doses. The results demonstrated that the analytical method performed well in a range of sample concentrations spanning over 3 orders of magnitude and provided dose-exposure relationships for cattle and swine.
The synthesis of N-[4-dimethylamino-1-butyl(1-13C)-N-nitrosobenzamide], an inhibitor of tryspin; Cyanide does not exchange with acetonitrile

The synthesis of N-[4-dimethylamino-1-butyl(1-13C)-N-nitrosobenzamide], a powerful active-site-directed inhibitor of trypsin, is reported. An efficient use of 13C-cyanide ion was achieved in the reaction with 1-chloro-3-dimethylaminopropane, the first step of the synthesis. Acetonitrile was used as a co-solvent with water in that step; no evidence was found for cyanide ion exchange with acetonitrile. The earlier report of such an exchange appears to be in error; the formation of hydrocyanic acid under the reaction conditions can account for the observations.
Evaluation of airborne microbial densities and assemblages following extended impaction onto a modified collection surface

To account for the heterogeneous distribution of airborne microbes, we tested a modified impaction sampling protocol to facilitate repeated samplings throughout an extended sampling duration and flexibility in downstream analyses. Tests of the ability of four buffered agars showed that peptone-phosphate agar most effectively supported bacteria viability for multiple days. A novel, periodic sampling protocol (10 min h−1 for 6 h) was developed and included placing a nitrocellulose membrane onto the buffered agar prior to the sampling, which was processed for bacteria enumeration (cell extraction and dilution plating) and assemblage analyses (deoxyribonucleic acid extraction, polymerase chain reaction, and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis (DGGE)). Among three indoor locations, a significantly greater density of bacteria was detected following periodic sampling (81 CFU m−3) than traditional, continuous sampling onto tryptic soy agar (54 CFU m−3; p = 0.037). The temporal dynamics of bacteria densities were assessed and showed that densities ranged from 34 to 86 CFU m−3 air and varied significantly throughout the three corridor locations (p = 0.0006) and through time (p < 0.05). DGGE fingerprinting revealed that periodic and continuous samplings resulted in an average of 30 and 19 bands per fingerprint, respectively (p < 0.040), indicating that periodic sampling revealed a greater portion of the overall airborne bacteria assemblage than continuous sampling. Overall, compared with traditional sampling, modifications to the impaction protocol allowed detection of a significantly greater number of bacteria, as well as the potential for simultaneous culture-dependent and culture-independent analyses.
Kinematic state estimation and motion planning for stochastic nonholonomic systems using the exponential map

A nonholonomic system subjected to external noise from the environment, or internal noise in its own actuators, will evolve in a stochastic manner described by an ensemble of trajectories. This ensemble of trajectories is equivalent to the solution of a Fokker–Planck equation that typically evolves on a Lie group. If the most likely state of such a system is to be estimated, and plans for subsequent motions from the current state are to be made so as to move the system to a desired state with high probability, then modeling how the probability density of the system evolves is critical. Methods for solving Fokker-Planck equations that evolve on Lie groups then become important. Such equations can be solved using the operational properties of group Fourier transforms in which irreducible unitary representation (IUR) matrices play a critical role. Therefore, we develop a simple approach for the numerical approximation of all the IUR matrices for two of the groups of most interest in robotics: the rotation group in three-dimensional space, SO(3), and the Euclidean motion group of the plane, SE(2). This approach uses the exponential mapping from the Lie algebras of these groups, and takes advantage of the sparse nature of the Lie algebra representation matrices. Other techniques for density estimation on groups are also explored. The computed densities are applied in the context of probabilistic path planning for kinematic cart in the plane and flexible needle steering in three-dimensional space. In these examples the injection of artificial noise into the computational models (rather than noise in the actual physical systems) serves as a tool to search the configuration spaces and plan paths. Finally, we illustrate how density estimation problems arise in the characterization of physical noise in orientational sensors such as gyroscopes.
Eastern Dakota Clans: The Solution of a Problem'

Although some anthropologists have categorically stated that the Eastern Dakota had patrilineal clans, the evidence is tenuous enough that the situation has been termed “puzzling.” I demonstrate here that the attribution of clans is based on an uncritical use of 18th and 19th century sources, none of which presents valid evidence for the existence of clans, and conclude the clans never actually existed.
Developing the Institutional Capacity to Implement Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects

Implementation of new large-scale infrastructure projects and systems continues to be elusive. Using a case study approach, this article suggests that leaders who acted strategically, mobilized resources and assets that provided outcomes that were then linked to payment by users in a business plan, and satisfied multiple objectives were successful. To realize this success, new institutional designs or “rules of the game” are developed for the organizations involved in implementing the project. Implementation is possible when leaders are willing to change how they approached solving problems.
The organization of the gamma-delta-beta gene complex in normal and thalassemia cells.

Restriction enzyme digestion analysis and direct human globin gene cloning have permitted analysis of the physical arrangement of nucleotide sequences within and surrounding the human globin genes. With these methods it has been shown that the linear arrangement 5′ to 3′ of the globin genes is Gγ-Aγ-δ-β. The Gγ and Aγ genes are separated by about 3.5 kilobases (kb), while the Aγ and δ genes are 15 kb apart, and the δ and β 6.5 kb apart. Each of these genes contains a large intervening sequence (IVS) of approximately l kb in precisely the same position between codons 104 and 105. In addition, each of these genes has a small IVS between codons 30 and 31.
Cytoctirome oxidase subunit II gene of rice has an insertion sequence within the intron

Abstract We have isolated and sequenced the cytochrome oxidase subunit II gene from rice (Oryza sativa L. var Labelle). The overall structural organization of this gene is very similar to that of the maize gene. This gene contains an intron in a position identical to the intron in the maize gene. However, the intron in the rice gene is longer than that of the maize gene largely due to a 461 bp insertion sequence, which has inverted repeats at its termini and is flanked by direct repeats, characteristic of transposable elements. Apart from this insertion sequence, the remainder of the intron sequence is strikingly homologous to that of maize (98.6% homology), suggesting a possible functional or structural role. The coding regions of the two genes exhibit 99.5% nucleotide sequence homology and their deduced amino acid sequences are identical. Similarly, the 3'-noncoding regions, except for several small insertions and deletions, show complete sequence homology. On the contrary, no sequence homology is detected in the 5'-noncoding regions.
An Evaluation of an Enhanced Sisters Informing Sisters about Topics on AIDS (SISTA) HIV Prevention Curriculum: The Role of Drug Education

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Sisters Informing Sisters about Topics on AIDS (SISTA) curriculum against an enhanced SISTA curriculum that included additional information about the relationship between drug use and HIV risk. The intervention aimed to reduce and prevent alcohol- and drug-related behaviors that negatively impact sexual decision making, such as having unprotected sex. It was hypothesized that the enhanced SISTA curriculum would lead to greater awareness of HIV risk and subsequently more consistent condom use. Participants were 260 young adult African American females, who identified as heterosexual. Measures of HIV knowledge and condom use were collected at pretest, posttest, and/or 3-month follow-up. The enhanced SISTA intervention demonstrated greater effectiveness than did the standard SISTA intervention in promoting HIV knowledge at posttest and subsequent condom use at 3-month follow-up. Implications for including drug education in HIV prevention efforts are disc...
What's Your Type? Using the Myers–Briggs Personality Inventory to Improve Team Performance

Objective: This activity is designed to improve team performance by giving students a better understanding of their own and their peers’ personality traits. Consequently, the exercise is intended to: (1) improve communication between team members; (2) increase understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of personality traits; and (3) reduce the misunderstandings and frustrations that often impede successful teamwork. Courses: This exercise can be used for any high school, undergraduate, or graduate course that requires students to work in a team setting for an extended period of time.
Characteristics of Catholic, Jewish and Protestant hospitals.

Abstract Studies of health beliefs, perceptions of illness, and health behavior have frequently utilized the patient's race, ethnicity or religion as primary variables. Studies of hospitals, however, have generally treated “hospitals” as a generic group, devoid of explicit or implicit ethnoreligious identity. The present exploratory study , utilizing “precollected” quantitative data and the structural-comparative approach, questions the generic orientation in the study of hospitals and seeks to establish the existence of concrete, operational differences between Catholic, Jewish and Protestant short-term, general, voluntary hospitals in New York City ( N = 59). Hypotheses are based primarily on cultural differences between the sponsor groups. Hospitals are identified as Catholic, Jewish, Protestant or “Other” (no ethnoreligious identity), and a pre-existing externally formulated classification, Blue Cross reimbursement group, is utilized as a simultaneous control for size, teaching status and case-mix. The dependent variables examined are general statistical, organizational and financial characteristics of the hospitals. The results indicate that significant differences are found between groups of hospitals with ethnoreligious identity as the sole independent variable, and that these differences persist or are reinforced when additional salient variables are controlled.
Parameter-independent model reduction of transient groundwater flow models: Application to inverse problems

Abstract A new methodology is proposed for the development of parameter-independent reduced models for transient groundwater flow models. The model reduction technique is based on Galerkin projection of a highly discretized model onto a subspace spanned by a small number of optimally chosen basis functions. We propose two greedy algorithms that iteratively select optimal parameter sets and snapshot times between the parameter space and the time domain in order to generate snapshots. The snapshots are used to build the Galerkin projection matrix, which covers the entire parameter space in the full model. We then apply the reduced subspace model to solve two inverse problems: a deterministic inverse problem and a Bayesian inverse problem with a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. The proposed methodology is validated with a conceptual one-dimensional groundwater flow model. We then apply the methodology to a basin-scale, conceptual aquifer in the Oristano plain of Sardinia, Italy. Using the methodology, the full model governed by 29,197 ordinary differential equations is reduced by two to three orders of magnitude, resulting in a drastic reduction in computational requirements.
Millimeter wave monolithic schottky diode imaging arrays

Planar Schottky diodes are integrated with bow-tie antennas to form a one-dimensional array. The energy is focused onto the antennas through a silicon lens placed on the back of the gallium-arsenide substrate. A polystyrene cap on the silicon lens reduces the reflection loss. A self-aligning process with proton isolation has been developed to make the planar Schottky diodes with a 1.1-THz zero-bias cutoff frequency. The antenna coupling efficiency and imaging properties of the system are studied by video detection measurements at 94 GHz. As a heterodyne receiver, a double-sideband mixer conversion loss of 11.2 dB and noise temperature of 3770°K have been achieved at a local oscillator frequency of 91 GHz. Of this loss, 6.2 dB is attributed to the optical system and the antenna.
Estrogen actions in the cardiovascular system

This brief review summarizes the current state of the field for estrogen receptor actions in the cardiovascular system and the cardiovascular effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It is organized into three parts: a short Introduction and overview of the current view of how estrogen works on blood vessels; a summary of the current status of clinical information regarding HRT and cardiovascular effects; and an update on state-of-the-art mouse models of estrogen action using estrogen receptor knockout mice.
HSV-TK/GCV cancer suicide gene therapy by a designed recombinant multifunctional vector

Abstract The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of a recombinant nonviral vector for targeted delivery of a thymidine kinase (TK) suicide gene to xenograft SKOV-3 tumors. The vector was genetically engineered and used to condense the TK gene into particles of less than 100 nm. The nanoparticles were used to transfect and kill SKOV-3 cancer cells in combination with ganciclovir (GCV) in vitro. The results demonstrated that the vector could effectively kill up to 80% of the SKOV-3 cancer cells. In the next step, the ability of the vector to deliver the TK suicide gene to xenograft tumors of SKOV-3 was studied. The results demonstrated that the vector could transfect tumors and result in significant tumor size reduction during the period that GCV was administered. Administration of GCV for at least 3 weeks post transfection was of paramount importance. These results illustrate the therapeutic efficacy and application of a designed recombinant nonviral vector in cancer gene therapy. From the Clinical Editor A recombinant nonviral vector is used to deliver a suicide thymidine kinase gene under gancylovir control in vitro to SKOV-3 cancer cells with 70% efficiency. Follow on testing in a xenograft tumor demonstrated tumor reduction persisting for three weeks.
Comment on ``Hausdorff Dimension of Critical Fluctuations in Abelian Gauge Theories"

A Comment on the Letter by J. Hove, S. Mo, and A. Sudb\o{} . The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
Effects of sentence context on recognition of words through lipreading by deaf children.

Twenty monosyllabic nouns (10 animate, 10 inanimate) were presented in isolation and in three different positions in sentences to 15 profoundly deaf children to determine the effect of context on w...
Algorithms for computing the distributions of sums of discrete random variables

We present algorithms for computing the probablity density function of the sum of two independent discrete random variables, along with an implementation of the algorithm in a computer algebra system. Some examples illustrate the utility of this algorithm.
Inositol phospholipid-specific phospholipase C: interaction of the γ isoform with tyrosine kinase

Abstract The generation of second messengers from inositol phospholipids is catalysed by enzymes from the phospholipase C family. Activation of phospholipase C-γ 1 through tyrosine phosphorylation provides a link between mitogenic and inositol phospholipid signaling.
Accurate Computation of Mathieu Functions

This lecture presents a modern approach for the computation of Mathieu functions. These functions find application in boundary value analysis such as electromagnetic scattering from elliptic cylinders and flat strips, as well as the analogous acoustic and optical problems, and many other applications in science and engineering. The authors review the traditional approach used for these functions, show its limitations, and provide an alternative "tuned" approach enabling improved accuracy and convergence. The performance of this approach is investigated for a wide range of parameters and machine precision. Examples from electromagnetic scattering are provided for illustration and to show the convergence of the typical series that employ Mathieu functions for boundary value analysis.
Androgens selectively modulate C-fos messenger RNA induction in the rat hippocampus following novelty.

Abstract We have previously shown that androgen receptors are found in high concentrations in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells. To begin to explore the possible roles for androgen receptors in this area of the brain, we studied the effects of endogenous and exogenous androgen on the behaviourally induced expression of cellular immediate early gene messenger RNAs. Adult male Fischer 344 rats were either gonadectomized, gonadectomized and given two Silastic capsules of dihydrotestosterone propionate at the time of surgery, or left intact. Three weeks later, animals were placed into a novel open field for 20 min. This behavioural paradigm caused region- and gene-specific increases of c- fos , jun -B, c- jun and zif268 messenger RNA in the hippocampus as determined by semi-quantitative in situ hybridization histochemistry. The removal of circulating androgen by gonadectomy potentiated, whereas dihydrotestosterone treatment of castrates attenuated, the behaviourally induced expression of c- fos messenger RNA in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. No changes in c- fos messenger RNA expression were detected in the CA3 or dentate gyrus regions where androgen receptor levels are low. Androgen status did not affect either the basal or stimulated expression of Jun -B, c- Jun or zif268 messenger RNA in any of the three cellular regions of the hippocampus examined. These results implicate androgen receptors in modulating the active response of hippocampal neurons to a behaviourally relevant stimulus. Since the products of cellular immediate genes can function to alter an array of downstream genes, the modulation of these genes in the hippocampus by gonadal hormones may have important ramifications for hippocampal function.
Intensity-Dependent Features in Hydrogen-Buffered Cesium Spectra

We report the observation of a spectral feature, namely a dip (peak) in transmission (fluorescence) excitation spectra of a room temperature cesium cell with addition of 20 Torr of H2 appearing between Doppler-broadened Fg=3 - Fe=2,3,4 and Fg=4 - Fe =3,4,5 hyperfine transition groups of CsD2 line when laser radiation intensity exceeds 10 mW/cm2. In the experiment we have implemented frequency modulation of the diode laser radiation with lock-in detection of the transmission and fluorescence signals. Spectra taken at different intensities are presented and compared with the spectra without the buffer gas. Possible physical mechanisms responsible for the observed distinction are discussed.
Alkoxyresorufin Metabolism in White-Footed Mice at Relevant Environmental Concentrations of Aroclor 1254

Recent investigations have detected polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) body burdens in wild white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) captured at hazardous waste sites. Insufficient information is currently available to interpret the toxicological significance of these body burdens. In an effort to provide this information, we investigated hepatic changes and PCB body burdens in white-footed mice following a 21-day dietary exposure to a PCB mixture, Aroclor 1254. Dietary concentrations tested were 0, 2.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg Aroclor 1254/kg diet (reported as ppm). Liver weights were significantly increased at all concentrations except 2.5 ppm. Ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylase (EROD) activity, an aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase-type substrate, was significantly increased at all PCB concentrations, but the dose-response tended to plateau above 25 ppm. Pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase (PROD) activity, a putative phenobarbital-type substrate, was significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner at 25 ppm PCB and above, with no plateau response. Pentobarbital sleep time was significantly decreased at 25 ppm, but not at 2.5 ppm. Results indicate white-footed mice undergo a mixed-type induction pattern following exposure to Aroclor 1254, with EROD the most sensitive indicator of PCB exposure. This investigation identified a no observed effect concentration for liver weights and PROD activity at 2.5 ppm in the diet which is equivalent to a body burden of 2.0 mg Aroclor 1254/kg wet wt of mice; the no observed effect concentration for EROD is below these levels. These results support the use of EROD, PROD, and liver weight as biomarkers of PCB exposure in field-captured rodents.
The effect of blood viscoelasticity on pulsatile flow in stationary and axially moving tubes

An analytical solution for pulsatile flow of a generalized Maxwell fluid in straight rigid tubes, with and without axial vessel motion, has been used to calculate the effect of blood viscoelasticity on velocity profiles and shear stress in flows representative of those in the large arteries. Measured bulk flow rate Q waveforms were used as starting points in the calculations for the aorta and femoral arteries, from which axial pressure gradient delta P waves were derived that would reproduce the starting Q waves for viscoelastic flow. The delta P waves were then used to calculate velocity profiles for both viscoelastic and purely viscous flow. For the coronary artery, published delta P and axial vessel acceleration waveforms were used in a similar procedure to determine the separate and combined influences of viscoelasticity and vessel motion. Differences in local velocities, comparing viscous flow to viscoelastic flow, were in all cases less than about 2% of the peak local velocity. Differences in peak wall shear stress were less than about 3%. In the coronary artery, wall shear stress differences between viscous and viscoelastic flow were small, regardless of whether axial vessel motion was included. The shape of the wall shear stress waveform and its difference, however, changed dramatically between the stationary and moving vessel cases. The peaks in wall shear stress difference corresponded with large temporal gradients in the combined driving force for the flow.
Occurrence of Volatile Organic Compounds in Aquifers of the United States1

Samples of ambient ground water were collected during 1985-2002 from 3,498 wells in 98 aquifer studies throughout the United States. None of the sampled wells were selected because of prior knowledge of nearby contamination. Most of these samples were analyzed for 55 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to charac- terize their national occurrence. Volatile organic compounds were found in samples collected from 90 of the 98 aquifer studies. Occurrence frequencies of one or more VOCs for the 98 aquifer studies ranged from 0 to about 77% at an assessment level of 0.2 microgram per liter (lg ⁄l). The aquifer studies with the largest occurrence fre- quencies were in southern Florida, southern New York, southern California, New Jersey, and Nevada. Trihalo- methanes and solvents were the most frequently occurring VOC groups. Of the 55 VOCs included in this assessment, 42 occurred in at least one sample at an assessment level of 0.2 lg ⁄l. Chloroform, perchloroethene, and methyl tert-butyl ether were the most frequently occurring VOCs. Many factors, such as the hydrogeology of the aquifer, use of VOCs, land use, and the transport and fate properties of VOCs, affect the occurrence of VOCs in ground water. (KEY TERMS: volatile organic compounds; aquifers; ground water; transport and fate; ground water manage- ment.)
Designing a voice-based employment exchange for rural India

We present observations from various user studies that have helped to guide the design and deployment of a voice-based employment platform. Specifically, we present findings as a function of demographics, considering employers and candidates across two regions of Karnataka. Our results are of use to those building interfaces to address rural unemployment in particular, and those looking to understand the employment landscape of rural India in general. Our main contributions are motivating the need for such a platform in this context, and offering insight into the engineering of job matches.
Gamma knife surgery for brain metastases from lung cancer.

Object. The authors conducted a study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of gamma knife surgery (GKS) for the treatment of brain metastases from lung cancer. Methods. Between February 1993 and May 2003 191 patients underwent treatment for 424 brain metastases from non—small (171 cases) and small cell lung carcinoma (20 cases). Imaging and clinical status were monitored every 3 months following the treatment. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, Cox proportional hazards regression for risk factor analysis, and nonparametric methods for evaluating tumor response were used. There was no difference in median survival following combined whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) and gamma knife surgery (14 months) and GKS alone (15 months). There was also no difference between the median survival rates for either tumor type. In the multivariate analysis, age less than 65 years, Karnofsky Performance Scale score greater than 70, normal neurological status, multiple GKS treatments, and pre-GKS craniotomy were related to lon...
Operation of One-Cycle Controlled Three-Phase Active Power Filter With Unbalanced Source and Load

The power quality of the ac electric system has become a great concern due to the rapidly increasing numbers of electronic equipment being connected to the grid. In order to reduce harmonic contamination in power lines and to improve its transmission efficiency, the research on active power filters (APF) has become a hot topic. Many control methods for APF were proposed in recent years. Among them, one-cycle control (OCC) has shown great promise featuring excellent harmonic suppression, simple circuitry, robust performance, and low cost for the control of three-phase APFs. Theory and experiments in previous papers have demonstrated the validity of OCC-controlled APFs working with balanced line voltages and balanced nonlinear loads. However, in reality, neither three-phase grid voltages nor three-phase nonlinear loads are balanced at all times; therefore, it is vital for an APF to be able to handle unbalanced sources and/or loads. In this paper, the OCC-controlled three-phase APF working with unbalanced three-phase line voltages and unbalanced loads are studied, respectively. Theoretical analyses and experimental results indicate that with OCC control, sinusoidal input currents can be realized, whether the input voltages and/or the nonlinear loads are balanced or unbalanced
The CLARION Competition and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

Advocates of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) argue that teaching and learning must be student-centered, experiential, collaborative, and interprofessional. Researchers must collect ...
High frequency electromagnetic analysis - A historical perspective

The author has been involved in applied high frequency numerical electromagnetic analysis since the beginning of the field. Inspired by work on some of the first GaAs integrated circuits at GE Electronics Laboratory, Syracuse, NY, he learned electromagnetics with the intention of reducing and eliminating the multiple re-designs then required. This is the story, from the author’s personal perspective of how electromagnetic analysis has developed and matured from the very beginning until today, when it is now a required part of the microwave design process.
THROMBOPOIETIN: UNDERSTANDING AND MANIPULATING PLATELET PRODUCTION

▪ Abstract Until recently, platelet production was the least understood aspect of blood cell development. This gap in our understanding resulted from the scarcity of megakaryocytes, the marrow precursor of blood platelets, and from confusion surrounding the cytokines and hormones that support their development. The recent cloning and characterization of thrombopoietin (TPO) has profoundly changed our udnerstanding of platelet production. Using in vitro assay systems, several groups have shown that TPO supports the proliferation of megakaryocytic progenitor cells and their differentiation into mature platelet-producing cells. Moreover, and somewhat surprisingly, TPO also acts in synergy with other pluripotent cytokines on the hematopoietic stem cell to augment development of erythroid and myeloid progenitors. These in vitro effects correlate well with the in vivo biology of the hormone. When administered to normal animals, TPO expands the numbers of hematopoietic progenitors of all lineages and greatly acc...