cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Levels of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2 in some biological fluids as measured by radioimmunoassay.

Abstract Antibodies directed toward 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α were prepared in rabbits. The C-15 keto group of the metabolite is immunodominant. The antibodies recognize, although to a lesser extent, the reduced 13,14-double bond, the C-9 hydroxyl group and the C-11 hydroxyl group of the metabolite. With previously described antibodies to 15-keto-PGF2α the C-15 keto group and the 13,14-double bond of the homologous metabolite were equally immunodominant. Therefore, assay of biological samples with both antisera permits identification and quantitation of either metabolite. The levels of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α in human peripheral venous sera and the levels of cross reacting metabolites in urine have been determined.
Adaptive responses to total intravenous feeding.

Abstract This study concerns the effects of one week of total intravenous feeding on rats. Two age groups were examined. Such parenteral feeding resulted in reduction of the mass of the small and large intestine. The villi of the ileum were thinner and packed closer together but the active transport of 14C valine per villus was the same in the orally and in the intravenously fed rats. The younger animals showed significant enlargement of the adrenal glands and also enlargement of heart and kidneys suggesting work hypertrophy of these organs.
A Monte Carlo Study of Precision, Bias, Inconsistency, and Non-Gaussian Distributions in Nonlinear Least Squares

The analysis of unbiased, normally distributed (Gaussian) data by linear least-squares yields unbiased, normally distributed parameter estimates, whose standard errors are known exactly if the error structure of the data is known. By contrast, nonlinear models generally yield nonnormal, biased parameter estimates, for which the standard errors depend on the parameter values, hence vary among statistically equivalent data sets. These properties of least squares are examined through Monte Carlo calculations on three important models: the straight-line linear relationship, the rectangular hyperbola of relevance to the analysis of equilibrium binding constant and Michaelis−Menten kinetics data, and the declining exponential. Parameter distributions are precisely characterized by processing 105 equivalent data sets in a typical Monte Carlo run. The main conclusions are as follows. (1) “Exact” parameter errors can be obtained easily from the variance−covariance matrix for a perfectly fitting data set having kn...
The equivalence of second-order impedance control and proportional gain explicit force control

This article discusses the essential equivalence of second-order impedance control with force feedback and proportional gain explicit force control with force feedforward. This is first done analytically by reviewing each control method and showing how they mathematically correspond for constrained manipula tor control. For stiff environments the correspondence is exact. However, even for softer environments, a similar response of the system is indicated. Next, the results of an implementation of these control schemes on the CMU DD Arm II are pre sented, confirming the predictions of the analysis. These results experimentally demonstrate that proportional gain force control and impedance control, with and without dynamics compensa tion, have equivalent response to commanded force trajectories.
Single- and Few-Chain Polystyrene Particles by Electrospray†

An electrospray method is used for the conversion of isolated molecules of atactic polystyrene of high molar mass in solution to solid, single-molecule particles. With this process it is possible to produce not only single molecules but also clusters of several molecules. Particle size and shape distributions were characterized using scanning force and scanning electron microscopy. The size of the clusters of more than one molecule can be tailored to ones needs by controlling the spray conditions.
Treatment of Acne with Orally Administered Estrogens1

In a previous paper (1) we proposed the thesis that acne is caused by a disturbance of the normal balance between androgens and estrogens. When the imbalance becomes such that there is a preponderance of the androgens the acnegenic action of the androgens which Hamilton (2) has demonstrated, is exerted. Iu support of this thesis we reported (1) the re suits of assays of androgens and estrogens in 33 female patients with acne. The results of the assays indicated significant androgen preponderance as compared to normal standards. No assay of urine from males was reported, for we were unable to obtain dependable estrone equivalent values from males. If this thesis concerning the cause of acne is correct, it should be possible to bring about the disappearance of the eruption by administering sufficient estrogen to restore the androgen-estrogen balance to normal, and males as well as females should respond to the treatment.
ADOLESCENT SATANIST: A SENSIBLE LAW ENFORCEMENT APPROACH

A considerable amount of attention has been given by the media to the perceived increase in the amount of juvenile Satanic involvement. However, there is very little evidence of a national epidemic of this type of criminal activity. This article discusses the types of actual adolescent involvement seen in the United States as well as the various points of view on this topic. It is hoped that this information will assist law enforcement in their understanding of this phenomenon and better prepare them to handle it.
Common Leafspot of Alfalfa: Ascospore Discharge and Plant Infection in the Field

Peak daily discharge of Pseudopeziza medicaginis ascospores in the field occurred after sunrise with attendant rises in temperature, wind, speed, and. dissipation of moisture. Protracted discharge over many days rose with initial development of robust, uncrowded apothecia and fell as these became spent and were joined by less productive, small, crowded ones. In the laboratory, detached field-infected leaves discharged ascospores at 5°C to 32.5°C and at relative humidities as low as 90% when fresh, and at 94% or higher when wilted or dried. Pathogen-free alfalfa plants placed overnight in a diseased affalfa plot were inoculated but uninfeeted more frequently in July than they were inoculated and infected. Artificially-inoculated plants placed at the same time in a nearby sugar beet plot became infected every overnight. From early September through early October artificially inoculated plants placed in a plot of sugar beets or a plot of nearly disease-free alfalfa for 24 h periods, became infected in 18 and 19 of 29 such periods. Light rain, fog and dew were frequent during these periods and early morning temperatures fell between - 3 °C and 5 °C- in one-half of the overnights. Dormant ascospores on foliage remained fully infective in the greenhouse for at least 10 days.
Transcription and metabolism of RNA from the Drosophila melanogaster heat shock puff site 93D.

Characteristics of the major heat shock puff site 93 D and the RNA transcribed from it have been investigated by hybridization to polytene chromosome preparations and to recombinant DNA. By saturation in situ hybridization, the length of the transcribed region at 93 D is twice that of the mRNA coding region at the heat shock puff site 87 A. From the known length of the heat shock mRNA sequence at 87 A, we calculate that the minimum length of the transcribed region at 93 D is 9.6 kb (kb = kilobase, i.e., 1,000 nucleotides). — The metabolism of RNA transcribed from 93 D has been compared with that of RNA coding for the major heat shock protein hsp70 in cells incubated for one hour at 35° C. Hsp70 mRNA sequences, assayed by hybridization to a specific recombinant DNA probe and by in situ hybridization to 87 A, were found in both poly(A)+ and poly(A)− cytoplasmic RNA and were more concentrated in cytoplasmic RNA than in nuclear RNA. In contrast, sequences complementary to 93 D, assayed by in situ hybridization, were more concentrated in nuclear than in cytoplasmic RNA. This implies that sequences from 93 D exit from the nucleus at a lower rate and/or are turned over in the cytoplasm at a higher rate, than sequences from 87 A. Site 93 D is also unusual in that its transcribed region is represented in both poly (A)+ and poly (A)− nuclear RNA, even though 93 D-complementary RNA in the cytoplasm is predominantly poly (A)−. Finally, only 28–58% of the length of DNA transcribed at 93 D is represented in cytoplasmic RNA, indicating that only a portion of the sequences transcribed from 93 D are exported from the nucleus. The transcripts from two heat shock loci, 93 D and 87 A, thus appear to be metabolized in significantly different ways.
Technetium-99m-labeled Arg-Gly-Asp-conjugated alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone hybrid peptides for human melanoma imaging☆

Introduction The purpose of this study was to examine whether 99mTc-labeled Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-conjugated alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) hybrid peptide targeting both melanocortin-1 (MC1) and αvβ3 integrin receptors was superior in melanoma targeting to 99mTc-labeled α-MSH or RGD peptide targeting only the MC1 or αvβ3 integrin receptor.
DNA SYNTHESIS IN RELATION TO CHROMOSOME REPRODUCTION AND THE REUNION OF BREAKS.

A model of DNA by Taylor is discussed. The chromosome is visualized as a tandem-linked series of replicons, segments of DNA which replicate as units, coupled by 3'R and 5'R linkers (replicon linkers) in such a way that there is a reversal in polarity in each chain at the junctions. During the condensed stages of division in large chromosomes the long strand is assumed to be coiled, folded and stabilized by H linkers that may give the chromatids a temporary doubleness during division stages. The model described serves as a basis for discussion of results on breakage, reunion, and repair processes in relation to DNA synthesis. Since there is at present no way to test the model directly, its usefulness in predicting and interpreting results on breakage, reunion and genetic recombination may serve to indicate its reality or to suggest necessary modifications. (auth)
PACS databases and enrichment of the folder manager concept.

Current challenges facing picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) center around database design and functionality. Workflow issues and folder manager concepts such as autorouting, prefetching, hanging protocols, and hierarchical storage management are driven by a properly designed database that ultimately directly impacts the clinical utility of a PACS. The key issues in PACS database design that enable radiologist-friendly, cost-effective, and datasecure systems will be discussed, including database difficulties of the DICOM standard, HIS/RIS/PACS (hospital information system/radiology information system) connectivity, and database issues in data acquisition, data dissemination, and data display.
Evaluation of ultrasound technique for solid-propellant burning-rate response measurements

The development of an ultrasound technique for precisely measuring the instantaneous regression rate of a solid-rocket propellant under transient conditions is reviewed. The technique is used to measure the burning-rate response of several solid propellants to an oscillatory chamber pressure with a frequency of up to 300 Hz. This measurement is known as the propellant's pressure-coupled response function and is used as an input into rocket stability prediction models. The ultrasound waveforms are analyzed using cross-correlation and other digital signal processing techniques to determine burning rate. Digital methods are less prone to bias and offer greater flexibility than other techniques previously used. The resulting data are corrected for compression effects. The effects of a changing thermal profile on the measurement are discussed. Other phenomena that may corrupt the measurement, such as surface roughness, are also covered. Results of the experiments are compared to data from two other measurement techniques: a T-burner and a magnetic flowmeter.
Asymmetrical Cognitive Deterioration in Demented and Parkinson Patients

Abstract Patients with Parkinson's disease and patients with dementia showed greater deterioration on functions attributed to the right cerebral hemisphere, than on functions attributed to the left. Relative to matched controls, Parkinson patients were significantly impaired on right hemisphere tests, but did not differ on left hemisphere tests. Demented patients were significantly deficient on all tests, but right decline was greater than left. Ninety-six patients were tested: 32 diagnosed as senile or presenile dementia, 32 Parkinson patients, and 32 non-neurological patients matched for age, sex and education. Functional performance was assessed by a battery of validated tests for left and right hemisphere cognitive functions. Patients were defined with two scores based on the results of the test: Cognitive Laterality Quotient (CLQ) reflecting the averaged performance on the left hemisphere tests, subtracted from the average performance on right hemisphere tests, and Cognitive Performance Quotient (CPQ), reflecting the total level of performance of both hemispheres. These measures defined a characteristic cognitive profile for each group.
The Brookwood Disaster and Electrical Requirements for Hazardous (Classified) Locations

Thirteen miners died as a result of 2 explosions in the Jim Walter Resources No. 5 mine near Brookwood AL in September 2001. Both explosions were ignited in intake air entries, and both were probably ignited by electrical equipment. With few exceptions, permissible equipment is not required in intake air entries of US underground coal mines. Researchers with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, studied the electrical equipment ignition sources for the Brookwood and other disasters to develop recommendations for preventing similar disasters. Adherence to National Electrical Codereg requirements for flexible cords installed in hazardous (classified) locations may have prevented the second massive Brookwood explosion. The 30 CFR Part 7 requirements for battery assemblies should be reevaluated, taking into consideration United Mine Workers of America recommendations and the Zone 1 "increased safety" standard requirements for battery assemblies. Class I Division 2 or Zone 2 explosion protection techniques are recommended for intake air equipment so that they do not present a methane- air ignition source under normal operation, before mine power is shut down during emergencies. Battery powered circuits in intake air that are likely to remain energized during emergencies should be protected by more stringent protection techniques, to protect rescue/recovery personnel.
Double mutant studies identify electrostatic interactions that are important for docking cytochrome c2 onto the bacterial reaction center.

Cytochrome c2 (cyt) is the mobile electron donor to the reaction center (RC) in photosynthetic bacteria. The electrostatic interactions involved in the dynamics of docking of cyt onto the RC were examined by double mutant studies of the rates of electron transfer between six modified Rhodobacter sphaeroides RCs in which negatively charged acid residues were replaced with Lys and five modified Rhodobacter capsulatus Cyt c2 molecules in which positively charged Lys residues were replaced with Glu. We measured the second-order rate constant, k2, for electron transfer from the reduced cyt to the oxidized primary donor on the RC, which reflects the energy of the transition state for the formation of the active electron transfer complex. Strong interactions were found between Lys C99 and Asp M184/Glu M95, and between Lys C54 and Asp L261/Asp L257. The interacting residues were found to be located close to each other in the recently determined crystal structure of the cyt−RC complex [Axelrod, H., et al. (2002) J...
Interior Gradient Estimates for Nonuniformly Parabolic Equations II

We prove interior gradient estimates for a large class of parabolic equations in divergence form. Using some simple ideas, we prove these estimates for several types of equations that are not amenable to previous methods. In particular, we have no restrictions on the maximum eigenvalue of the coefficient matrix and we obtain interior gradient estimates for so-called false mean curvature equation.
A description of next-step switching versus augmentation practices for outpatients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder enrolled in an academic specialty clinic.

Background. There is a paucity of naturalistic studies from depression specialty clinics describing the next-step (augmentation versus switching) practices of clinicians for outpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD) resistant to an antidepressant trial of adequate dose and duration.Methods. Eighty-five MDD outpatients enrolled in one of two specialty clinics, who had not achieved remission after a first adequate prospective antidepressant trial conducted at the clinic underwent either augmentation (n = 36) or switching (n=49) of their antidepressant regimen. Outcome was defined with the use of the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) Scale.Results. Nonresponders (CGI-I>3) following the first antidepressant trial were more likely to have their treatment switched than patients who experienced incomplete response (CGI-I 1) (67.2% versus 28.5%, p = 0.001). Incomplete responders during the first trial who went on to receive augmentation had higher remission rates (60.0% versus 0%, p=0.01), lower e...
Nuclear factor-κB maintains TRAIL resistance in human pancreatic cancer cells

Although it displays promising activity in other tumor models, the effects of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) on human pancreatic cancer cells have not been comprehensively explored. We report that a majority of human pancreatic cancer cell lines (seven of nine) underwent apoptosis when they were exposed to recombinant human TRAIL in vitro. Characterization of surface TRAIL receptors by fluorescence-activated cell sorting showed that TRAIL-resistant cells (Panc-1 and HS766T) expressed lower levels of DR4 and DR5 than did TRAIL-sensitive cells. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (PS-341, Velcade) further increased TRAIL responsiveness in the TRAIL-sensitive cells and synergized with TRAIL to reverse resistance in Panc-1 and HS776T cells. The effects of bortezomib were mimicked by transfection with a small interfering RNA construct specific for the p65 subunit of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) or exposure to a selective chemical inhibitor of IKK (PS-1145). Silencing IkappaBalpha prevented TRAIL sensitization by PS-1145, confirming that IkappaBalpha mediated the effects of PS-1145. NF-kappaB inhibition resulted in down-regulation of BCL-XL and XIAP, and silencing either restored TRAIL sensitivity in TRAIL-resistant cells. Finally, therapy with TRAIL plus PS-1145 reversed TRAIL resistance in vivo to produce synergistic growth inhibition in orthotopic Panc-1 tumors. Together, our results show that NF-kappaB inhibits TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cells and suggest that combination therapy with TRAIL and NF-kappaB inhibitors, such as bortezomib, PS-1145, or curcumin, should be considered as a possible treatment strategy in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Biophysical Support for Functionally Distinct Cell Types in the Frontal Eye Field

Numerous studies have described different functional cell types in the frontal eye field (FEF), but the reliability of the distinction between these types has been uncertain. Studies in other brain areas have described specific differences in the width of action potentials recorded from different cell types. To substantiate the functionally defined cell types encountered in FEF, we measured the width of spikes of visual, movement, and visuomovement types of FEF neurons in macaque monkeys. We show that visuomovement neurons had the thinnest spikes, consistent with a role in local processing. Movement neurons had the widest spikes, consistent with their role in sending eye movement commands to subcortical structures such as the superior colliculus. Visual neurons had wider spikes than visuomovement neurons, consistent with their role in receiving projections from occipital and parietal cortex. These results show how structure and function of FEF can be linked to guide inferences about neuronal architecture.
Pretense and Perception in the Spanish Match, or History in a Fake Beard

The relationship between England and Spain in the post-Reformation period has long been portrayed as one between mutually exclusive, largely monolithic opposites. The manifold evidentiary and conceptual shortcomings of Glyn Redworth's heretofore well-received book, The Prince and the Infanta, only highlight the problems inherent in this view. Contra Redworth, the ongoing negotiations for an Anglo-Spanish match were for more than two decades the diplomatic centerpiece of a complex interchange in which cultural, political, intellectual, and commercial elements mixed and influenced one another to a surprising degree.
Effect of off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with chronic kidney disease

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been largely excluded from clinical trials of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). We sought to determine if the pump status affected outcomes in patients with CKD.
Understanding the perceptual world of horses

Abstract From the viewpoint of experimental psychology, there are two problems with our current knowledge of equine perception. The first is that the behavioral and neurophysiological research in this area has enormous gaps, reflecting that this animal is not a convenient laboratory subject. The second is that the horse, having been a close companion to humans for many millennia, entrenched anecdotal wisdom is often hard to separate from scientific fact. Therefore, any summary at present of equine perception has to be provisional. The horse appears to have developed a visual system particularly sensitive to dim light and movement, it may or may not have a weak form of color vision in part of the retina, it has little binocular overlap, and its best acuity is limited to a restricted horizontal band which is aimed primarily by head/neck movements. However, the total field of view is very large. Overall, as would be expected for a prey animal, horse vision appears to have evolved more for detection of predator approach from any angle than for accurate visual identification of stationary objects, especially those seen at a distance. It is likely that, as for most mammals except the primates, horses rely more heavily on their other senses for forming a view of their world. Equine high-frequency hearing extends far above that of humans, but horses may be less able to localize the point of origin of brief sounds. The horse’s capacity for chemoreception and its reliance on chemical information for identification may more closely resemble that of the dog than of the human. Its tactile sensitivity is high, and the ability of its brain and body to regulate pain perception appears to be similar to that found in other mammals. There is room for a great deal of future research in both the area of equine perception and sensory-based cognition, but for the present time persons interacting with this animal should be made aware of the importance of the sounds they make, the movements of their bodies, the way they touch the animal, and the odors they emit or carry on their clothing.
The structure of the testis and movement of sperms in chortophaga viridifasciata as demonstrated by intravitam technique

By means of the ‘intravitam technic’ developed by Baumgartner and Payne (1931), the mature or maturing sperm of Chortophaga viridifasciata have been traced from the follicle of the testes in the male to the locus of fertilization in the female. The sperm aggregated into bundles, and held tight by a hyaline cytoplasmic cap, spiral up the follicle, turn and spiral back to the vas deferens by means of a periodic lashing and writhing of the sperm tails. The genital tract is described briefly. In the vasa deferentia and storage tubules, the sperm bundles are usually in a quiescent state, having been inactivated most probably by secretions from the tubules. Peristalsis and currents in the fluid contents of the tubules move the inactivated sperm from the vesicles of the male to the seminal receptacle of the female, where the cytoplasmic caps gradually disintegrate. This permits individual sperm to pass down the seminal duct and fertilize the ovum just before oviposition. Single photomicrographs and a series of photomicrographs show the sperm in various parts of the genital system and making actual progress up a follicle. A stained preparation was used for only one of the photos. The other nineteen are from living unstained tissue. The intravitam observations are, most probably, more ‘vital’ than any heretofore recorded.
Influence of best management practices on water quality in the appoquinimink watershed

Abstract Surface and ground‐water quality were monitored in the Appoquinimink Watershed as part of the Appoquinimink Rural Clean Water Project (RCW)). Surface water was monitored for seven years and ground water was monitored for three years. As part of the RCWP plan, conservation tillage, fertilizer management and pesticide management were the most widely used best management practices. Best management practices decreased total phosphorus and total suspended solids concentrations in surface water. The unfiltered ortho phosphorus as a percentage of total phosphorus increased. Nitrogen concentrations did not change over the seven year monitoring period. The BOD concentrations increased because of increased residues left on the surface from conservation tillage. Atrazine was detected in the shallow ground water at concentrations ranging from 1 to 45 μg/L. Aldicarb was only detected in one monitoring well. Nitrate concentrations were above 10 mg/L in some areas of the watershed.
KAVIAR: an accessible system for testing SNV novelty

Summary: With the rapidly expanding availability of data from personal genomes, exomes and transcriptomes, medical researchers will frequently need to test whether observed genomic variants are novel or known. This task requires downloading and handling large and diverse datasets from a variety of sources, and processing them with bioinformatics tools and pipelines. Alternatively, researchers can upload data to online tools, which may conflict with privacy requirements. We present here Kaviar, a tool that greatly simplifies the assessment of novel variants. Kaviar includes: (i) an integrated and growing database of genomic variation from diverse sources, including over 55 million variants from personal genomes, family genomes, transcriptomes, SNV databases and population surveys; and (ii) software for querying the database efficiently. Availability: Kaviar is programmed in Perl and offered free of charge as Open Source Software. Kaviar may be used online as a programmatic web service or downloaded for local use from http://db.systemsbiology.net/kaviar. The database is also provided.
Histogenesis of malignant melanomas of the uvea. Occurrence of nevus-like structures in experimental choroidal tumors.

Nevus-like structures were observed at the base of experimental choroidal tumors. These neoplasms were obtained by injecting Greene transmissible hamster melanoma cells into the choroid of Syrian hamsters and murine neuroblastoma cells into the choroid of A/J strain mice. Cells from both tumors, when injected intraocularly or systemically, give rise to lesions composed predominantly of epithelioid or round cells. The choroidal tumors in both species, however, generally showed a zone of flattened cells adjacent to the sclera, composed of relatively benign-appearing, smaller, and more delicate cells—and in the case of the melanoma, usually more densely pigmented cells—than the main portion of the tumor. The cells in this area appeared similar to the "nevus cells" that have long been described beneath and adjacent to primary malignant melanomas of the uvea.
Dynamic, state-dependent thresholds for the perception of single-element apparent motion: Bistability from local cooperativity

Previous studies have indicated that the formation of coherent patterns for multielement motion displays depends onglobal cooperative interactions among large ensembles of spatially distributed motion detectors. These interactions enhance certain motion directions and suppress others. It is reported here that perceiving one element moving between two nearby locations likewise is subject to cooperative influences (possibly facilitating and inhibiting interactions within alocal ensemble of overlapping detectors). Thresholds depending on luminance contrast were measured for a generalized singleelement apparent-motion stimulus, and evidence for spontaneous switching and hysteresis effects indicated that motion perception near the 50% threshold was bistable. That is, for conditions in which motion and nonmotion were perceived half the time, the two percepts were distinct; when one was perceived, it clearly was discriminable from the other. These results indicated that (1) single-element apparent-motion thresholds depended on the immediately preceding state of the ensemble of motion detectors responding to the stimulus, and (2) the stimulus activation of individual motion detectors always might be influenced by recurrent, cooperative interactions resulting from the detectors’ being embedded within interconnected ensembles.
Research Performance in Undergraduates Receiving Face to Face versus Online Library Instruction: A Citation Analysis

ABSTRACT In 2008, Rogers State University's Stratton Taylor Library launched an embedded librarian service for the university's online classes. While looking for a method to assess the effectiveness of the library instruction program, it was discovered that there has been very little quantitative research into the research activities of students who received embedded librarian services, compared with face-to-face students receiving traditional library instruction. A citation analysis was performed on the term papers of three sections of an upper-division management information systems class, and the results are discussed. The authors argue this methodology is useful both for individual libraries hoping to assess their embedded librarian programs, and researchers interested in exploring the overall effectiveness of this new mode of information literacy instruction.
Metabolic Tumor Volume Predicts for Recurrence and Death in Head and Neck Cancer

Purpose To evaluate the prognostic value of metabolic tumor volume measured on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging and other clinical factors in patients treated for locally advanced head-and-neck cancer (HNC) at a single institution. Materials and Methods Between March 2003 and August 2007, 85 patients received positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography–guided chemoradiotherapy for HNC. Metabolically active tumor regions were delineated on pretreatment PET scans semiautomatically using custom software. We evaluated the relationship of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) and total metabolic tumor volume (MTV) with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results Mean follow-up for surviving patients was 20.4 months. The estimated 2-year locoregional control, DFS, and OS for the group were 88.0%, 69.5%, and 78.4%, respectively. The median time to first failure was 9.8 months among the 16 patients with relapse. An increase in MTV of 17.4 mL (difference between the 75th and 25th percentiles) was significantly associated with an increased hazard of first event (recurrence or death) (1.9-fold, p p = 0.001), and of death (2.1-fold, p Conclusions Metabolic tumor volume is an adverse prognostic factor for disease recurrence and death in HNC. MTV retained significance after controlling for KPS, the only other significant adverse prognostic factor found in this cohort. MTV is a direct measure of tumor burden and is a potentially valuable tool for risk stratification and guiding treatment in future studies.
Admission control for multi-layer management of high-speed packet-switched networks under observation noise

A study is made of admission control as a congestion avoidance mechanism in the management of high-speed packet-switched networks under imperfect information. A multi-layer model which can be used for the analysis of ISDN-and B-ISDN-type networks is presented. In this model, traffic requirements at the lower layers result in constraints on the admission policies at the call layer. Using such a model, an examination is made of the effects of noisy estimates on the performance of networks managed via fixed threshold call admission policies. The standard deviation of the collected information concerning the network status serves as a key parameter in representing the complexity, coverage, extensiveness, and cost of the implemented network management and information collecting procedure. For a single-domain network, the effects of Gaussian noise on call blocking, call throughput, packet throughput, and the probability of excess calls are examined in detail. The throughput capacity trajectory is described for fixed packet blocking, packet delay, and probability of excess call constraints. >
Pheromonal influences on human sexual behaviour: an experimental search

An experiment was designed to test the effect of a synthetic hypothetical human female pheromone on sexual behaviour. Sixty-two married couples participated for 3 menstrual months. No effect was found.
Nanoparticle production by UV irradiation of combustion generated soot particles

Laser ablation of surfaces normally produce high temperature plasmas that are difficult to control. By irradiating small particles in the gas phase, we can better control the size and concentration of the resulting particles when different materials are photofragmented. Here, we irradiate soot with 193 nm light from an ArF excimer laser. Irradiating the original agglomerated particles at fluences ranging from 0.07 to 0.26 J/cm2 with repetition rates of 20 and 100 Hz produces a large number of small, unagglomerated particles, and a smaller number of spherical agglomerated particles. Mean particle diameters from 20 to 50 nm are produced from soot originally having a mean electric mobility diameter of 265 nm. We use a non-dimensional parameter, called the photon–atom ratio (PAR), to aid in understanding the photofragmentation process. This parameter is the ratio of the number of photons striking the soot particles to the number of the carbon atoms contained in the soot particles, and is a better metric than the laser fluence for analyzing laser–particle interactions. These results suggest that UV photofragmentation can be effective in controlling particle size and morphology, and can be a useful diagnostic for studying elements of the laser ablation process.
Why Diagnostic Errors Don’t Get Any Respect—And What Can Be Done About Them

The first decade of the patient safety movement achieved some real gains, focused as it was on adverse events amenable to systemwide solutions, such as infections associated with health care and medication errors. However, diagnostic errors, although common and often serious, have not received comparable attention. They are challenging to measure and less amenable to systemwide solutions. Furthermore, it is difficult to hold hospitals accountable, since diagnostic errors usually result from cognitive mistakes on the part of one or more members of the medical staff. Health information technology, better training, and increasing acknowledgment of the problem hold some promise. As approaches to measuring, preventing, and mitigating harm from diagnostic errors are proven to work, it will be important to integrate these approaches into policy initiatives to improve patient safety.
Pituitary homeobox 2, a novel member of the bicoid-related family of homeobox genes, is a potential regulator of anterior structure formation

Genetic analysis of mouse mutants has demonstrated the importance of the homeobox genes Rpx, Lhx3 and Pit1 for anterior pituitary gland development. Pit1 mutations have also been identified in several human families with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies. To identify additional homeobox regulators of pituitary development, we screened an adult pituitary gland cDNA library for homeobox sequences. Here, we report the identification of a novel bicoid-related homeodomain gene expressing two alternatively spliced mRNA products, which encode proteins of 271 and 317 amino acids, respectively. The proteins have been named Ptx2a and Ptx2b since they are highly related to Ptx1/P-OTX. Ptx2 is expressed in both developing and adult pituitary gland, eye and brain tissues, suggesting an important role in development and maintenance of anterior structures. Ptx2 was mapped close to Egf on mouse chromosome 3, in a region having extensive synteny homology with HSA 4q. These data make the human Ptx2 homologue a candidate gene for Rieger syndrome, an autosomal-dominant disorder with variable craniofacial, dental, eye and pituitary anomalies.
Novel approaches to allogeneic stem cell therapy.

Traditionally, allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) has involved administration of myeloablative doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation that may cure many patients with haematologic diseases. The high morbidity and mortality associated with the intensive conditioning regimen limits allogeneic SCT to younger and healthier patients. However, it is now known that successful allogeneic SCT is dependent, at least in part, on the antitumour properties of the donor graft independent of the conditioning regimen. This potent ‘graft versus tumour’ (GVT) effect can now be exploited for clinical benefit. The best evidence of a direct GVT reaction comes from the use of donor leukocyte infusions (DLI). For many patients with relapsed leukaemia after allogeneic SCT, DLI re-establishes complete and durable remissions. This has suggested a novel approach to allogeneic cell therapy (ACT) using non-myeloablative, but immunosuppressive conditioning regimens to permit engraftment of allogeneic stem cells ...
Catecholaminergic regulation of venous function in the rainbow trout

The significance of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in regulating peripheral vascular resistance and cardiac function in fish has been well established, whereas its effect on venous function i...
Some Design Considerations for Oxidation Ponds

Factors which influence operation of oxidation ponds; design should be based upon proposed effiuent usage, BOD load, climatic characteristics and geographical location; uniform inlet and flow through distribution systems, bank stabilization and elimination of mosquito breeding places are of prime importance; BOD loadings up to 200 lb/Ac/D are possible.
Synthesis, electrochemical characterization, and photophysical studies of structurally tuned aryl-substituted terpyridyl ruthenium(II) complexes.

Synthesis, electrochemical potentials, static emission, and temperature-dependent excited-state lifetimes of several 4′-aryl-substituted terpyridyl complexes of ruthenium(II) are reported. Synthetic tuning is explored within three conceptual series of complexes. The first series explores the impact of introducing a strong σ-donating 4,4′,4″-tri-tert-butyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (tbtpy) opposite to an arylated terpyridine ligand 4′-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (ttpy). It is found that 3MLCT (triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer state) stabilization concomitant with 3MC (triplet metal-centered state) destabilization in the heteroleptic parent complex [Ru(ttpy)(tbtpy)]2+ leads to an extended excited-state lifetime relative to the structurally related bis-homoleptic species [Ru(ttpy)2]2+. The second series explores the impact of introducing a carboxylic acid or a methyl ester moiety at the para-position of the arylterpyridyl ligand (R1 = R2 = H) within heteroleptic complexes as a platform for fu...
Fetal hemoglobin induction with butyric acid: efficacy and toxicity

Butyric acid induces fetal hemoglobin (HbF), a property of potential therapeutic advantage in patients with disorders of globin chain synthesis. We performed dose escalation studies of this compound in baboons to assess whether clinically significant increases in HbF are achievable, and to define the associated toxicities. Additionally, the effect of butyrate in combination with erythropoietin on HbF induction was assessed. HbF induction in response to butyrate was dependent on the dose and duration of treatment. Doses of butyrate less than 4 g/kg/d were associated with minimal toxicity (hypokalemia) and significant HbF induction in these nonanemic animals, with 1 g/kg/d producing an increase in HbF-containing reticulocytes (F reticulocytes) from 0.9% to 8.7% and an increase in HbF from 0.8% to 1.4%. A dose of 2 g/kg/d resulted in an increase in F reticulocytes from 2.1% to 27.8% and an increase in HbF from 0.7% to 2.2%. Doses of 4 g/kg/d in another animal produced an increase in F reticulocytes from 1% to 21.6% and in HbF from 1.9% to 5.3%. Infusions in excess of 4 g/kg/d were complicated (after a variable amount of time) by a decreased level of alertness (caused by hyperosmolality or butyrate itself) and hematologic toxicity (with declines in reticulocyte, white blood cell, and platelet counts). Prolonged infusions of high doses of butyrate (8 to 10 g/kg/d) were associated with peak F reticulocyte percentages reaching 38% to 64.5% and HbF reaching levels in excess of 20%. These high doses (8 to 10 g/kg/d) were complicated in two animals with a striking and unique neuropathologic picture and, in one animal, multiorgan system failure. Erythropoietin in combination with butyrate, induced F reticulocytosis in an additive manner. We conclude that butyric acid is a strong inducer of HbF, particularly when administered in combination with erythropoietin. As chronic toxicities remain undefined, patients in future clinical trials of this and similar compounds should be monitored closely for evidence of neurologic toxicity.
Analysis of Encephalitis B Epidemic in Guangzhou City from 2003 to 2006

Objective To analyze the occurrence of epidemic encephalitis B in Guangzhou city from 2003 to 2006,and to provide the evidence for the prevention and control of epidemic encephalitis B. Methods Serum samples from 545 suspected encephalitis B cases were collected,and IgM were detected with ELISA method. Results 28 cases were positive for encephalitis B IgM. Positive samples were mainly collected from the regions between the city and the county areas,in which 7 cases (25%) in Zencheng district,6 cases (21.43%) in Tianhe district,5 cases (17.86%) in Panyu district,3 cases (10.71%) in Huadu district,2 cases (7.14%) in Huangpu district,2 cases (7.14%) in Baiyun district,2 cases (7.14%) in Conghua district,and 1 cases (3.57%) in Fangchun district. 92.86% of the positive samples were obtained from patients under 15 years old. Conclusion Preventive measures should be implemented to reduce the incidence of encephalitis B. These include the establishment of a surveillance system,strengthening of the laboratory diagnosis,and vaccination of children under age 15.
Proposed procedure in designing and planning stratified random selection investigation of urban vegetation

Systematic design and planning of investigation processes is the fundamental guarantee of successful vegetation survey and scientific data analysis.Urban plants are under intense disturbance by human activities,and the resulted urban style of vegetation structure and open space composition makes the detailed planning of vegetation investigation become undoubtedly necessary.However,for such an important issue,few studies have been reported.As a most commonly used method of urban vegetation investigation,stratified random selection investigation is the topic of this paper.Based on enormous publications and practical experiences,the authors proposed the systematic processes of investigation planning,with the details and points of attention for field work of urban vegetation survey introduced.The main body of urban vegetation investigation was divided into three parts,i.e.,sampling design,plots design,and field work details.Sampling design was mainly concerned with the boundary and size of research area,stratification rules,and distribution principles for sampling efforts;plot design involved the determination of sampling unit and plot size;and field work details mainly involve a list of specific items to be investigated,processes to be conducted,apparatus to be prepared,staffs to be coordinated,and other details to ensure the accuracy and precision of the data and the smooth going of the investigation.
Odd chromosome movement and inaccurate chromosome distribution in mitosis and meiosis after treatment with protein kinase inhibitors

Errors in chromosome orientation in mitosis and meiosis are inevitable, but normally they are quickly corrected. We find that such errors usually are not corrected in cells treated with protein kinase inhibitors. Highly inaccurate chromosome distribution is the result. When grasshopper spermatocytes were treated with the kinase inhibitor 6-dimethylaminopurine (DMAP), 84% of maloriented chromosomes failed to reorient; in anaphase, both partner chromosomes were distributed to the same daughter cell. These chromosomes were observed for a total of over 60 h, and not a single reorientation was seen. In contrast, in untreated cells, maloriented chromosomes invariably reoriented, and quickly: in 10 min, on average. A second protein kinase inhibitor, genistein, had exactly the same effect as DMAP. DMAP affected PtK1 cells in mitosis as it did spermatocytes in meiosis: improper chromosome orientations persisted, leading to frequent errors in distribution. We micromanipulated chromosomes in spermatocytes treated with DMAP to learn why maloriented chromosomes often fail to reorient. Reorientation requires the loss of improper microtubule attachments and the acquisition of new, properly directed kinetochore microtubules. Micromanipulation experiments disclose that neither the loss of old nor the acquisition of new microtubules is sufficiently affected by DMAP to account for the indefinite persistence of malorientations. Drug treatment causes a novel form of chromosome movement in which one kinetochore moves toward another kinetochore. Two kinetochores in the same chromosome or in different chromosomes can participate, producing varied, dance-like movements executed by one or two chromosomes. These kinetochore-kinetochore interactions evidently are at the expense of kinetochore-spindle interactions. We propose that malorientations persist in treated cells because the kinetochores have numerous, short microtubules with a free end that can be captured by a second kinetochore. Kinetochores capture each other's kinetochore microtubules, leaving too few sites available for the efficient capture of spindle microtubules. Since the efficient capture of spindle microtubules is essential for the correction of errors, failure of capture allows malorientations to persist. Whether the effects of DMAP actually are due to protein kinase inhibition remains to be seen. In any case, DMAP reveals interactions of one kinetochore with another, which, though ordinarily suppressed, have implications for normal mitosis.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy : therapeutic approaches against microvascular injury, and role of neutrophils, PAF, and free radicals

The asphyxiated newborn undergoes progressive brain damage even after resuscitation. This article reviews the microvascular events that contribute to evolving brain injury. The role of neutrophils, platelet-activating factor (PAF), and free radicals is stressed as pivotal mechanisms of injury and opportunities for therapeutic intervention.