cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abscopal tumor regression effects of high-dose spatially fractionated GRID radiation

5704 This study evaluates and compares the tumor regressing effects of low energy high-dose spatially fractionated GRID radiation (SFGRT) with conventional ionizing radiation therapy (IRT) in Human Lung adenocarcinoma cells, A549, model tumor system. Tumors were developed in both right (RT) and left (LT) flanks of the nude mice (86 in number), which were randomly assigned to following treatment regimen: Group I: No treatments for LT and RT; Group II: LT treated with 15 Gy SFGRT as a single dose and RT remained untreated; Group III: LT treated with 15 Gy SFGRT plus five fractions of 2 Gy IRT and RT tumor was left untreated; Group IV: LT treated with 15 Gy SFGRT as a single dose and RT was exposed to five fractions of 2 Gy IRT; Group V: LT was treated with 7.5 Gy IRT as a single and RT was left untreated; Group VI: LT treated with 7.5 Gy IRT plus five fractions of 2 Gy IRT and RT remained untreated; Group VII: LT treated with a single dose 7.5 Gy IRT and RT was exposed to five fractions of 2 Gy IRT. Tumor size was monitored semi-weekly for 90 days. Two mice from each group were euthanized at 3 hours after high-dose and 24 hours after the end of treatment for the tumor tissue harvest. Apoptosis of tumor cells was assessed by TUNEL. Expression kinetics of mRNA and protein for Egr-1, TNF-α, TRAIL, TRAIL receptor, bax, bcl-2, p65, phospho-IkB and cytochrome C release were assessed using real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot / immunoflourescence respectively. Volumetric analysis of tumor size revealed that in Group II the regression of both left and right tumors was less pronounced when compared to Group VI. However, in Group II both left and right tumor showed a very stable and sustained tumor growth delay when compared to Group V. No significant differences in terms of tumor regression and tumor delay (in both RT and LT tumors) was observed between Group III and Group VI. RT and LT tumors in Group IV regressed significantly with a prolonged and sustained tumor growth delay. This effect was not observed in corresponding Group VII where the tumor growth delay was very short. Pro-apoptotic proteins such as Egr-1 and Bax were induced in Group II and IV associated with no changes in Bcl-2 protein expression. Tumor regression was observed in all treated groups when compared to control group I. Increased regression of the untreated RT tumor in the animals in which the LT tumor was exposed to SFGRT suggests that the high-dose SFGRT may released tumoricidal factors such as cytokines (TNF-α or TRAIL) systemically in the mice which may cause an abscopal tumor regression response with increased apoptosis.
Body appreciation and intuitive eating in eating disorder recovery

Objective Eating disorder recovery research has emphasized the absence of symptoms over the presence of adaptive aspects like positive body image and healthy eating attitudes. The current study examined how body appreciation and intuitive eating related to eating disorder recovery using a comprehensive recovery definition (physical, behavioral, and cognitive recovery). Method Data were collected from 66 women with an eating disorder history and 31 controls with no history of eating pathology. Participants completed an online survey followed by a phone interview. Results The fully recovered group did not differ from controls on body appreciation, with both groups endorsing significantly higher levels of body appreciation than the partially recovered and current eating disorder groups. Similarly, the fully recovered group did not differ from controls on overall intuitive eating, with both groups endorsing significantly higher levels of overall intuitive eating than the partially recovered and current eating disorder groups. Discussion Positive psychological constructs such as body appreciation and intuitive eating relate to eating disorder recovery status. Understanding recovery within a strengths-based framework may inform intervention and relapse prevention.
Improving Robustness of Deep Learning Based Monaural Speech Enhancement Against Processing Artifacts

In voice telecommunication, the intelligibility and quality of speech signals can be severely degraded by background noise if the speaker at the transmitting end talks in a noisy environment. Therefore, a speech enhancement system is typically integrated into the transmitter device or the receiver device. Without the knowledge of whether the other end is equipped with a speech enhancer, the transmitter and receiver devices can both process a speech signal with their speech enhancers. In this study, we find that enhancing a speech signal twice can dramatically degrade the enhancement performance. This is because the downstream speech enhancer is sensitive to the processing artifacts introduced by the upstream enhancer. We analyze this problem and propose a new training scheme for the downstream deep learning based speech enhancement model. Our experimental results show that the proposed training strategy substantially elevate the robustness of speech enhancers against artifacts induced by another speech enhancer.
157 Violence victimization and negative health conditions among sexual minorities, U.S. adults, 2010–2012

Statement of Purpose The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) showed that U.S. adult victims of violence were more likely to report negative health conditions. In addition, sexual minorities—who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual—were more likely to experience violence than their heterosexual peers. We examine whether sexual identity (SI) influenced the association between violence victimization and health conditions. Methods NISVS is a cross-sectional telephone survey on health and violence victimization. The survey sample was designed to represent the non-institutionalized English- and Spanish-speaking U.S. adult population. Analyses were based on data (n=41,174) collected from 50 states and the District of Columbia from 2010 to 2012. Measurement of sexual identity was based on individuals’ self-identification. Multivariable models, adjusted for age and educational attainment level, were evaluated to ascertain the effect of SI. Results Sexual identity did not moderate the association between various forms of violence victimization and health conditions. However, sexual minorities had significantly higher victimization prevalence and odds of experiencing several health conditions. Sexual minority women had higher odds of reporting diagnosis of asthma and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), experiencing frequent headaches, chronic pain, difficulty sleeping, activity limitations, and poor mental health, whereas sexual minority men were more likely to report diagnosis of IBS, experiencing frequent headaches, difficulty sleeping, and activity limitations, compared with heterosexual women and men, respectively. Conclusions While SI did not influence the relationship between victimization and health, it was associated with several negative health conditions and victimization. Significance and Contributions to Injury and Violence Prevention Science Using nationally representative data, this study reveals a disparate share of negative health conditions and victimization among U.S. sexual minorities. These findings can help further raise awareness of the injury burden, strengthen culturally sensitive violence prevention programs, and promote health equity across SI groups.
LATERAL ELBOW OVERUSE INJURIES IN PEDIATRIC FEMALE GYMNASTS: A COMPARISON OF RADIAL HEAD STRESS FRACTURES AND CAPITELLAR OCD:

Objectives:Radial head stress fractures (RHSF) and capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) are rare and may be seen in pediatric gymnasts. Clinical and radiographic factors correlating with thes...
Monitoring the Changes of the Arctic Environment with the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Sounding Data Products

The latest Arctic Report Card indicated that the Arctic ecosystems and communities are increasingly at risk due to continued warming and declining sea ice [1]. With the high spatial, spectral resolution, and the high temporal resolution over the Arctic regions, the data products derived from Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) provide very useful information to monitor the rapid changes of the Arctic Environment. The applications of using the JPSS imaging and sounding data products for Arctic monitoring, such as the status and the changes of the temperature, moisture, trace gases, snow and ice, as well as the outgoing longwave radiation budget will be introduced in this paper.
Multivariate Fuzzy-Random Perturbed Neural Network Approximations

In this chapter we study the rate of multivariate pointwise and uniform convergences in the q-mean to the Fuzzy-Random unit operator of perturbed multivariate normalized Fuzzy-Random neural network operators of Stancu, Kantorovich and Quadrature types.
Molecular assessment of ulva spp. (ulvophyceae, chlorophyta) in the hawaiian islands

Sequences of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region and the chloroplast rbcL gene were obtained from 86 specimens of Ulva (including “Enteromorpha”) from five of the main Hawaiian Islands. These 86 specimens were divided into 11 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on analyses of primary sequence data and comparisons of ITS1 secondary structure. Of the 11 OTUs, six have not previously been reported from anywhere in the world. Only three represented exact sequence matches to named species (Ulva lactuca L., syn. U. fasciata Delile; U. ohnoi Hiraoka et Shimada); two others represented exact sequence matches to unnamed species from Japan and New Zealand. Of the 12 species names currently in use for Hawaiian Ulva, only one, U. lactuca (as U. fasciata), was substantiated. General morphology of the specimens did not always correspond with molecular OTUs; for example, reticulate thallus morphology, previously considered diagnostic for the species U. reticulata Forssk., was expressed in thalli assigned to U. ohnoi and to one of the novel OTUs. This finding confirms a number of recent studies and provides further support for a molecular species concept for Ulva. These results suggest that Ulva populations in tropical and subtropical regions consist of species that are largely unique to these areas, for which the application of names based on types from temperate and boreal European and North American waters is inappropriate. Ulva ohnoi, a “green tide” species, is reported from Hawaii for the first time.
Myth and reality: Using the OCLC/AMIGOS collection analysis CD to measure collections against peer collections and against institutional priorities

Abstract Faculty and administrators are quick to measure their institution's library collections against Association of Research Libraries (ARL) statistics and/or the collections of other academic libraries. Both faculty and administrators often choose unrealistic peers for comparison. Such comparisons bring the unrealistic expectation that the library will build collections at the level of better funded libraries without receiving equivalent funding. This paper describes the use of the OCLC/AMIGOS Collection Analysis CD in documenting the gap between myth and reality and in providing information that will be useful in the development of a rational system for allocating resources. The paper compares the actual acquisitions of a third quartile ARL library (the State University of New York at Stony Brook) during a 10-year period (1980–1990) with those of a “mythical” peer group named by the University President (15 university libraries with ARL rankings considerably higher than that of Stony Brook) and a more realistic peer group (the 29 ARL libraries ranked directly above and below Stony Brook in the 1990–1991 indexed rankings). Stony Brook acquired only 68% of the titles acquired by the mythical peer group, but 90% of those acquired by the average “realistic” peer. A more detailed subject by subject comparison against the two peer lists provides information useful in dealing with deans, department heads, and faculty. A comparison by subject revealed a discrepancy between the Library's collecting patterns and the goals and priorities of the University. Third priority programs were being supported at a higher level than first and second priority programs.
Nanopores with a spark for single-molecule detection.

Progress continues in exploiting ionic conductance of a membrane channel for single-molecule DNA sequence detection.
Model observers for assessment of image quality

Image quality should be defined and assessed in terms of specific tasks and observers. For classification tasks, the observers can be humans, computer algorithms, or a theoretical construct called the Ideal Observer. In this talk, we review the current state of knowledge regarding computational methods for predicting the performance of human observers and estimating the performance of the Ideal Observer.
Differential Inhibitory Effects of Actinomycin D Among Strains of Poliovirus

Schaffer, Frederick L. (University of California, Berkeley), and Marjorie Gordon. Differential inhibitory effects of actinomycin D among strains of poliovirus. J. Bacteriol. 91: 2309–2316. 1966.—Actinomycin D exerted a differential effect on the ability of strains of poliovirus to replicate in HeLa cells. LSc-2ab was studied as an example of a strain markedly inhibited by actinomycin; MEF 1 served as a control strain with minimal inhibition. The effect was noted at an actinomycin concentration of 0.1 μg/ml, but 2.5 μg/ml was used for most studies. Variability in the effect was attributed, in part, to physiological factors. Actinomycin was effective when present during the first 2 hr of LSc infection, but had little effect if present at later times. It did not block adsorption or initiation of ecilpse. It did block synthesis of ribonucleic acid in LSc-infected cells. Several possible modes of action are discussed, the most attractive being that actinomycin blocks synthesis of some cell component, the concentration of which is more critical for replication of some poliovirus strains than others.
Idel Stream Algebra

We provide some mathematical properties of behaviours of systems, where the individual elements of a behaviour are modeled by ideals, ie. downward closed directed subsets of a suitable partial order. It is well-known that the associated ideal completion provides a simple way of constructing algebraic cpos. An ideal can be viewed as a set of consistent finite or compact approximations of an object which itself may be infinite. A special case is the domain of streams where the finite approximations are the finite prefixes of a stream.We introduce a special way of characterising behaviours through sets of relevant approximations. This is a generalisation of the technique we have used earlier for the case of streams. Given a set P ? M of a partial order (M,?), we define ide P:= {Q? : Q ? P directedg}, where Q?:= {x ? M : ? y ? Q : x ? y} is the downward closure of Q. So ide P is the set of all ideals "spanned" by directed subsets of P. We prove a number of distributivity and monotonicity laws for ide and related operators. They are the basis for correct refinement of specifications into implementations. Various small examples illustrate that the operators lead to very concise while quite clear specifications.Finally, we give a characterisation of safety and liveness and generalise the Alpern/Schneider decomposition lemma to arbitrary domains.An extended example concerns the specification and transformational development of an asynchronous bounded queue.
Pulse laser deposition fabricated InP/Al-ZnO heterojunction solar cells with efficiency enhanced by an i-ZnO interlayer

Indium phosphide (InP) has long since been seen as the ideal material choice for single-junction solar cells given its optimal band gap and high absorption coefficient. We report on the performance of heterojunction solar cells formed by depositing aluminum-doped ZnO (AZO), using pulsed laser deposition for the first time, onto p-type InP substrates. It is also found that a ZnO insulator layer (i-ZnO) between an InP base and AZO emitter can yield higher solar conversion efficiency and quantum efficiency over a baseline AZO/InP device. This 10-nm-thick intrinsic ultra-thin buffer enhanced collection probability but decreased surface recombination rate, which in turn shoot short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, and fill factor to 17.4 mA/cm2, 0.58 V, and 72.9 %, respectively. A maximum power conversion efficiency of 7.3 % was realized by intergrading i-ZnO, which is ~20 % higher than baseline AZO/InP device of 6.1 %. This is also the record for this type of cell structure, using AZO as the emitter.
Análisis bioquímico de mioglobinuria asociada con rabdomiolisis

La destruccion del musculo esqueletico en la condicion patologica conocida como rabdomiolisis resulta en la liberacion al torrente sanguineo de elevadas concentraciones de la proteina mioglobina de 17 kDa, la cual filtra libremente a traves del glomerulo sobrepasando frecuentemente la capacidad de reabsorcion del tubulo proximal. Por lo tanto, la identificacion de mioglobina en orina es una herramienta esencial que complementa otros parametros bioquimicos en el diagnostico de la enfermedad. En el presente trabajo, mediante la combinacion de electroforesis en geles de agarosa e inmunofijacion empleando anticuerpos especificos, se provee evidencia directa de la presencia de mioglobina intacta en la orina de un paciente con insuficiencia renal aguda asociada a rabdomiolisis desencadenada por efecto secundario de una terapia reductora de lipidos. Los datos electroforeticos e inmunoquimicos fueron corroborados mediante secuencia N-terminal de aminoacidos, immunoblot y espectrometria de masa. La simple combinacion de electroforesis e inmunofijacion provee una estrategia flexible que puede extenderse a la identificacion de diversas proteinas involucradas en proteinurias de sobrecarga
Tri‐o‐Tolylphosphine

[6163-58-2] C21H21P (MW 304.37) InChI = 1S/C21H21P/c1-16-10-4-7-13-19(16)22(20-14-8-5-11-17(20)2)21-15-9-6-12-18(21)3/h4-15H,1-3H3 InChIKey = COIOYMYWGDAQPM-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent used as a ligand in transition metal catalyzed reactions) Physical Data: mp 125 °C. Solubility: insol in H2O; sol in alcohol, benzene, chloroform; v sol in ether. Form Supplied in: white crystals; widely available. Purification: crystallize from hexane, methanol, or 95 % ethanol. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: it is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Triarylphosphines are relatively air stable, but air oxidation nonetheless occurs to an appreciable extent, particularly in solution. The toxicological effects of this chemical have not been thoroughly tested and therefore unknown health risks may exist. Standard good laboratory practices should be used when working with this reagent.
Summer algal communities and primary productivity in fish ponds

The paper presents data on primary productivity and phytoplankton communities in new experimental ponds which received the following treatments; ammonium nitrate and triplesuperphosphate, triplesuperphosphate, cracked corn (10% crude protein) and Auburn No. 3 fish feed (36% crude protein). Comparative data on algal communities were also obtained from production ponds which received feeds or fertilizers. Basic ecological data on macro-algae are also presented.
Methodology on regional planning of personal health services. A case study: Sweden.

The methods used by health planners in Sweden to regionalize personal health services are presented. In the first part, the methodology used to estimate future demand is described, and special mention is made of the consumption unit index, by which health planners estimate the effect of demographic development upon demand for personal health services. The resources required to meet this demand for each regional level are also defined, as well as the methods by which that functional distribution is reached. In the second part, the methods used to determine the size of a region as well as the geographic distribution of resources is presented. These methods, which take into account the national and local demographic and socioeconomic development, consider accessibility to the regional center as the determinant variable to decide among different place alternatives for these centers. According to a cost-efficiency approach, measuring efficiency in terms of accessibility, the chosen alternative is the one which minimizes aggregate traveling times and costs.
An investigation of the influence of trans-axial ligation on metalmetal bond formation in copper(II) acetate complexes with 4-substituted pyridine N-oxides

Abstract A series of 4-substituted pyridine N-oxides (4-ZPyNO) have been found to react with copper(II) acetate to form the dimeric complexes [Cu(CH 3 COO) 2 · 4ZPyNO] 2 , where Z is CH 3 O, CH 3 , H, Cl or NO 2 . The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, electronic and infrared spectra and magnetic measurements. The magnetic data, electronic spectra and the infrared spectra are all consistent with the δ-bond model. Several correlations of these data are found and discussed. It is concluded that pyridine N-oxides with relatively low basicities and high π-acceptor abililities enhance coppercopper bonding. In this respect high π-acceptor ability seems to be significantly more effective than weak σ-donation in promoting coppercopper bonding for pyridine N-oxides as well as other ligands capable of π-back bonding.
Pharm.D.-only Investigators Are Critical to the Profession: Let’s Preserve the Fellowship as an Equally Important Way to Prepare Future Clinical Pharmaceutical Scientists: Or the Case Against the “All-Ph.D.”

Let us begin with truth in advertising: neither of us has completed a research fellowship or a Ph.D. So, despite (or because of) our “career-development shortcomings,” we felt compelled to comment on the current state of affairs and the direction that leaders in clinical pharmacy have chosen in recommending the preferred method of preparing the clinical pharmaceutical scientists of the future. There appears to be a sheep-like momentum here, as two national groups of Pharm.D.s (no less) have warmly embraced the Ph.D. route as the preferred method: first, an American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) task force,1 and now, somewhat surprisingly, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP).2 Having served as presidents of ACCP in our younger days, we would not have predicted this turn of events when ACCP was founded. We will attempt to convince at least some of the readers of Pharmacotherapy to resist these recommendations and preserve the Pharm.D./fellowship route — on at least equal footing with the Pharm.D./Ph.D. route. If we can convince at least some of the more accomplished Pharm.D. investigators to oppose the Pharm.D./Ph.D. direction, perhaps they will serve as role models for some of our smarter students to follow.
CT Angiography of the Aorta and Aortic Diseases

CT angiography (CTA) is a well established first line imaging modality used to assess diseases of the vasculature. In recent years new technologies, such as cardiac-gating, dual energy, high-pitch helical scanning, and iterative reconstruction have offered new and innovative means of imaging diseases of the thoracic aorta. In addition, recent research has further deepened our understanding of many of these well known diseases. A brief review of new CT technologies, our new knowledge of aortic diseases, and how to utilize modern CTA techniques to evaluate diseases of the aorta is presented herein.
2D SEDFLUX 1.0C:: an advanced process-response numerical model for the fill of marine sedimentary basins☆

Abstract Numerical simulators of the dynamics of strata formation of continental margins fuse information from the atmosphere, ocean and regional geology. Such models can provide information for areas and times for which actual measurements are not available, or for when purely statistical estimates are not adequate by themselves. SEDFLUX is such a basin-fill model, written in ANSI-standard C, able to simulate the delivery of sediment and their accumulation over time scales of tens of thousands of years. SEDFLUX includes the effects of sea-level fluctuations, river floods, ocean storms, and other relevant environmental factors (climate trends, random catastrophic events), at a time step (daily to yearly) that is sensitive to short-term variations of the seafloor. SEDFLUX combines individual process-response models into one fully interactive model, delivering a multi-sized sediment load onto and across a continental margin, including sediment redistribution by (1) river mouth dynamics, (2) buoyant surface plumes, (3) hyperpycnal flows, (4) ocean storms, (5) slope instabilities, (6) turbidity currents, and (7) debris flows. The model allows for the deposit to compact, to undergo tectonic processes (faults, uplift) and isostatic subsidence from the sediment load. The modeled architecture has a typical vertical resolution of 1–25 cm, and a typical horizontal resolution of between 1 and 100 m.
Steroid dose sparing: Pharmacodynamic responses to single versus divided doses of methylprednisolone in man

Inhibitory drug interactions affecting the metabolism of methylprednisolone (MP) may produce either steroid sparing or adverse effects partly by increasing the exposure time to the steroid. This phenomenon can be mimicked by administering MP in divided doses. Two types of responses were compared after a single MP dose (40 mg bolus) and a divided regimen (20 mg bolus and a 5 mg bolus 8 hours later) in six healthy male volunteers. The suppression of basophils measured as whole blood histamine and plasma cortisol concentrations was assessed during 32 hours. The 37.5% reduction in dose produced a 23% overall decreased blood histamine response. A pharmacodynamic model for basophil cell distribution to and from an extravascular compartment describes the effects of MP after both regimens. A slower initial decline in blood histamine after the divided regimen may be related to incomplete suppression of basophil cell return to blood. The 50% inhibitory concentrations of MP of about 5 ng/ml were similar for both regimens. The decline and return of cortisol concentrations were similar between MP treatments with suppression continuing for 24 hours. The 50% inhibitory concentrations of MP values for adrenal suppression were about 1 ng/ml. Pharmacodynamic modeling is useful in quantitating corticosteroid responses and generally predicted the "dose-sparing" effects that were achieved by prolonging MP plasma concentrations. This study supports previous clinical observations that patients may require morning through evening exposure to MP to optimize efficacy while adrenal suppression is being minimized.
Experimental evaluation of energy savings of virtual machines in the implementation of cloud computing

Host virtualization has become of great interest as it is a technology that can enable the implementation of cloud computing. For this, it can offer several benefits, such as high levels of sharing of computing resources, ubiquitous availability, and savings on hardware investment. Although it has been claimed that host virtualization can also offer the benefit of energy savings, the levels of savings are unknown. In this paper, we present experimental evaluations of energy expenditure of virtual machines used for computation processes. We measure the energy spent by a number of virtual machines and compare it to the energy spent by a single and multiple (real) Linux hosts. The results show that the virtual machines deliver similar performance to processes run in real machines for small loads, and achieve significant energy savings for a modest number of users. Therefore, it is then expected that there is a number of VMs for what energy savings is optimal. The values also indicate that workstations optimized for virtualization can offer significant benefits.
Intraocular grafts of fetal rat spinal cord: a Golgi study of neuronal morphology and organization.

Abstract A modified Golgi staining technique was used to study the neuronal morphology and organization of the fetal rat spinal cord which had developed in the anterior eye chamber of adult rat hosts. Individual neurons in spinal cord grafts displayed profiles which were strikingly similar to previously descibed spinal cord neurons stained in situ . Further, for the population of 464 graft neurons studied, the distributions of average cell body diameters and numbers of primary dendrites were comparable to those of previously published in situ studies. An internal organization of graft neurons was also observed. Similar-shaped neurons were grouped together, which made it possible to identify different regions within a graft, such that a comparison could be made with normal spinal cord morphology. These observations provide further evidence that the intraocular spinal cord graft is a suitable model for studying spinal cord growth, development, and plasticity and indicate that the Golgi stain may be useful for the quantitative study of concomitant changes in neuronal morphology.
Identification of a Chloroplast Coenzyme A-Binding Protein Related to the Peroxisomal Thiolases

A 30-kD coenzyme A (CoA)-binding protein was isolated from spinach (Spinacea oleracea) chloroplast soluble extracts using affinity chromatography under conditions in which 95% of the total protein was excluded. The 30-kD protein contains an eight-amino-acid sequence, DVRLYYGA, that is identical to a region in a 36-kD protein of unknown function that is encoded by a kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) cDNA. Southern blotting also detected a spinach gene that is related to the kiwifruit cDNA. The kiwifruit 36-kD protein that was synthesized in Escherichia coli was imported into chloroplasts and cleaved to a 30-kD form; it was processed to the same size in an organelle-free assay. Furthermore, the kiwifruit protein specifically bound to CoA. The kiwifruit protein contains a single cysteine within a domain that is related to the peroxisomal beta-ketoacyl-CoA thiolases, which catalyze the CoA-dependent degradative step of fatty acid beta-oxidation. Within 50 amino acids surrounding the cysteine, considered to be part of the thiolase active site, the kiwifruit protein shows approximately 26% sequence identity with the mango, cucumber, and rat peroxisomal thiolases. N-terminal alignment with these enzymes, relative to the cysteine, indicates that the 36-kD protein is cleaved after serine-58 during import, agreeing with the estimated size (approximately 6 kD) of a transit peptide. The 30-kD protein is also related to the E. coli and mitochondrial thiolases, as well as to the acetoacetyl-CoA thiolases of prokaryotes. Features distinguish it from members of the thiolase family, suggesting that it carries out a related but novel function. The protein is more distantly related to chloroplast beta-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase III, the initial condensing enzyme of fatty acid synthetase that utilizes acetyl-CoA.
Comparison of benzo(a)pyrene metabolism and sister chromatid exchange induction in mice

Genetic differences in the inducible arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase (EC 1.14.14.2) (AHH) system, which is involved in the multi-step metabolism of hydrocarbons, are known to exist in both humans and mice1–6. However, the predictive value of AHH activity in human or murine tissues, assayed as benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylation, as an index of individual susceptibility to mutagens and carcinogens, remains unclear5–8 because of apparent inconsistencies between results obtained from different in vitro and in vivo systems. This situation may in part reflect the complexity of the pathways involved in drug metabolism, which combine both activation and detoxification. To determine the relationship of metabolic potential to an easily quantified, short-term in vivo end point of genetic damage, we compared the ability of AHH inducible and uninducible mice to metabolize a procarcinogen, benzo(a)pyrene (BP), with the in vivo induction by BP of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs). SCE induction has been shown to correlate with mutagensis9,10. We report here that although BP did cause an increase in SCEs in test animals, the extent of this increase did not differ between the inducible C57BL/6 mice and the uninducible DBA/2 mice. Moreover, prior exposure to an AHH inducer, 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC), did not increase the number of BP-induced SCEs in C57BL/6 mice. This lack of correlation between benzo(a) pyrene hydroxylase (BP-OH) inducibility and SCE response reinforces the idea that other metabolic steps, such as detoxification or DNA repair, may influence the overall genetic impact of a drug.
Thermal properties and phase transitions in blends of Nylon-6 with silk fibroin

The thermal and structural properties of binary blends of Nylon-6 (N6) and a chemically related biopolymer, Bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF), are reported in this work. Homopolymers and blends, in composition ratios of N6/SF ranging from 95/05 to 70/30, were investigated by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). Silk fibroin typically degrades at temperatures just above 210°C, which occurs within the melting endotherm of N6. In TG studies, the measured mass remaining was slightly greater than expected, indicating the blends had improved thermal stability. No beta sheet crystals of SF were detected by FTIR analysis of the Amide I region.
New particle formation and growth from methanesulfonic acid, trimethylamine and water

New particle formation from gas-to-particle conversion represents a dominant source of atmospheric particles and affects radiative forcing, climate and human health. The species involved in new particle formation and the underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. Although sulfuric acid is commonly recognized as driving new particle formation, increasing evidence suggests the involvement of other species. Here we study particle formation and growth from methanesulfonic acid, trimethylamine and water at reaction times from 2.3 to 32 s where particles are 2-10 nm in diameter using a newly designed and tested flow system. The flow system has multiple inlets to facilitate changing the mixing sequence of gaseous precursors. The relative humidity and precursor concentrations, as well as the mixing sequence, are varied to explore their effects on particle formation and growth in order to provide insight into the important mechanistic steps. We show that water is involved in the formation of initial clusters, greatly enhancing their formation as well as growth into detectable size ranges. A kinetics box model is developed that quantitatively reproduces the experimental data under various conditions. Although the proposed scheme is not definitive, it suggests that incorporating such mechanisms into atmospheric models may be feasible in the near future.
Nous et les Autres: The Politics of Tzvetan Todorov's ‘Critical Humanism’

Emigre Bulgarian, Tzvetan Todorov, is one of France's leading public intellectuals. Once known only as literary critic, over the past 15 years, Todorov produced a considerable oeuvre of political work. These aim essentially to enhance the legitimacy of French liberalism by promoting its ‘humanist’ reorientation and ‘critical’ redefinition. While Todorov expressly eschews a direct role in politics, his oeuvre engages contemporary policy issues from the politically nuanced and often contrarian perspective of a traditional French moralist. This review essay surveys major points in Todorov's attempts to deal with the moral dilemmas of the colonial heritage, with the grounds of ethnocentrism and recism, with the rise of the extreme right within the European Union, and the ironies of justice in Vichy France, and in the death camps of Nazi-controlled Europe and the Soviet Union.
Repair of abdominal wall hernia through the abdominoplasty approach

The traditional approach to abdominal hernias is through a midline vertical incision. We approach the recurrent abdominal wall hernia and certain primary hernias through an abdominoplasty incision. The external oblique and internal oblique muscles are separated to provide a double-layered closure. If this is not possible, mesh is used. The advantages to this approach are it provides access to all components of the abdominal wall, identifies previously undetected hernias, and provides a more aesthetic postoperative appearance.
Thermal expansion of TiAl + TiB 2 alloys and model calculations of stresses and expansion of continuous fiber composites

Thermal expansion values for three TiAl alloys with different additions of TiB2 can be represented using a third-order equation at temperatures between 20 and 800°C. Expansion values were obtained on both heating and cooling temperature cycles. The total expansion at 800°C is between 0.917 and 0.931% for three different samples. The expansivity increases from about 10×10−6°C−1 at 80°C to 14×10−6°C−1 at 750°C. A five-coaxial cylinder elastic model for multizone-coated continuous fiber composites is developed for predicting stresses and thermal expansion of composites. Either isotropic or transversely isotropic material properties can be assigned to the various cylinder zones.
Real time heart rate and breathing detection using commercial motion sensors

In this demo, we present a contactless breathing and heart rate sensing system that continuously and unobtrusively tracks physiological signals using commercial off-the-shelf radar modules. Our system provides a single sensor solution to track physical and physiological variables including coarse body movements as well as subtle and fine-grained chest movements due to breathing and heartbeat. Continuous tracking of these physiological variables especially, throughout the night can be used for sleep stage mining.
Optimal time-varying flows on congested networks

This paper develops a well-behaved convex programming model for least-cost flows on a general congested network on which flows vary over time, as for example during peak/off-peak demand cycles. The model differs from static network models and from most work on multiperiod network models because it treats the time taken to traverse each arc as varying with the flow rate on the arc. We develop extensions of the model to handle multiple destinations and multiple commodities, though not all of these extensions yield convex programs. As part of its solution, the model yields a set of nonnegative time-varying optimal flow controls for each arc. We determine and discuss sufficient conditions under which some or all of these optimal flow controls will be zero-valued. These conditions are consistent with computational experience. Finally, we indicate directions for further research.
A Josquin substitution

The Benedictus of Josquin's famous Missa L'homme arme super voces musicales consists of three duos for bassus, altus and superius voices, respectively ('Benedictus/Qui venit/In nomine Domini'). But in the copy of the mass preserved in a manuscript in the Frankfurt Stadt- und Universitatsbibliothek, Josquin's Benedictus has been replaced by a four-voice setting that uses a modified version of Josquin's cantus firmus. This peculiar 'substitution', rare in music of this period, forms part of the prehistory of the German Josquin Renaissance.
Effects of Various Gait Speeds on the Latissimus Dorsi and Gluteus Maximus Muscles Associated with the Posterior Oblique Sling System

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of different gait speeds on the muscle activities of the latissimus dorsi and gluteus maximus muscles in relation to the posterior oblique sling system. [Subjects] We recruited 14 young adult males. [Methods] We measured the left latissimus dorsi muscle activity and right gluteus maximus muscle activity of all subjects while they walked on a treadmill at speeds of 1.5 km/h, 3.5 km/h and 5.5 km/h. [Results] There was a significant increase in latissimus dorsi muscle activity with a treadmill speed of 5.5 km/h compared with 1.5 km/h and 3.5 km/h. The gluteus maximus muscle activity significantly increased in the order of 1.5 km/h < 3.5 km/h < 5.5 km/h. [Conclusion] The present results indicate that arm swing connected to increasing gait speed influences the muscle activity of the lower limbs through the posterior oblique sling system.
Esters of 5-carboxyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide: a family of spin traps for superoxide.

Apparent rate constants, at acidic pH and neutral pH for the reaction of a family of ester-containing 5-carboxyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxides with superoxide (O2•-) were estimated, using ferricyto...
Anatomy of a stimulus domain: The relation between multidimensional and unidimensional scaling of noise bands

Theoretically, there are many possible relationships between multidimensional scaling and unidimensional scalings of the same stimulus domain. In particular, it is uncertain what will happen if the number of psychological “dimensions” exceeds the number of physical variables. The multidimensional scaling of noise bands, unidimensionally a relatively well-understood domain, was done to explore these problems. In correspondence with the number of physical variables, a two-dimensional configuration was found to give a satisfactory account of the judgments of magnitude of stimulus difference. Axes of loudness, volume, and density were found to fit the configuration with a high degree of precision, lending support to the metric value of numbers produced in magnitude estimation. Pitch, or frequency, also had a simple relationship to the configuration, but was not an axis or dimension. Therefore, the usual conceptualization of judgments of overall similarity as the result of combining difference on separate dimensions is questioned. It is suggested that multidimensional configurations may sometimes correspond to internal representations of general importance.
Pharmacokinetic assessment of a polymersome-based molecular beacon by in vivo fluorescence monitoring

Indocyanine Green (ICG) is currently the only FDA-approved contrast agent suitable for imaging tumor vascularity and performing permeability measurements. However, it is non-specific; clearance (wash-out) by the liver is very rapid, and tumor to normal tissue contrast is not optimal for medical imaging applications. Therefore, new ICG derivatives are being developed with improved affinity tumor cell affinity, and prolonged circulation times. 1 Furthermore, several new contrast agents (molecular beacons) with specific tumor targeting have been reported. Tumor cells over-express certain receptors which results in an increased uptake of ligands specific to those receptors. Chemical conjugation of molecular beacons to such ligands allows for accumulation of the agents specifically at tumor cites. For example, Weissleder et al . 2 have developed protease-activated molecular beacons that achieved a 12-fold tumor to normal tissue contrast. New molecular beacons might have direct impact on therapy monitoring: with higher sensitivity and specificity, one can noninvasively monitor and therapeutically intervene tumors in their early stages, which should lead to better survival rates.
Use of anticoagulants in replantation and elective microsurgery.

Clinical and experimental data support the adjunctive use of anticoagulant medication following microvascular anastomosis. Local irrigating solutions, oral and intravenous anticoagulants, thrombolytic agents, plasma expanders, vasodilators, and antiplatelet medications are currently used in patients undergoing microsurgery, but for some time there has been considerable controversy over the agent or combination of agents that should be used and the optimal time when administration should begin and end. Over the past 15 years, however, experience with microsurgery for replantation and elective reconstruction has increased dramatically. With this greater experience and refined operative technique, the indications for varying anticoagulant regimens have changed so that it is now possible to make specific recommendations for antithrombotic therapy in traumatic and elective situations.
Nanoscale design of snake skin for reptation locomotions via friction anisotropy

Abstract Multi-mode scanning probe microscopy is employed to investigate the nanostructure of dermal samples from three types of snakes. Sophisticated friction modifying nanostructures are described. These include an ordered microfibrillar array that can function to achieve mission adaptable friction characteristics. Significant reduction of adhesive forces in the contact areas caused by the ‘double-ridge’ nanoscale microfibrillar geometry provides ideal conditions for sliding in forward direction with minimum adhesive forces and friction. Low surface adhesion in these local contact points may reduce local wear and skin contamination by environmental debris. The highly asymmetric, ‘pawl-like’ profile of the microfibrillar ends with radius of curvature 20–40 nm induces friction anisotropy in forward–backward motions and serves as an effective stopper for backward motion preserving low friction for forward motion. The system of continuous micropores penetrating through the snake skin may serve as a delivery system for lubrication/anti-adhesive lipid mixture that provides for boundary lubrication of snake skins.
Elementary school-aged stutterers' disfluencies during oral reading and spontaneous speech

Abstract This study assessed the effect of increasing the difficulty of reading material on the frequency and type of disfluency in elementary school stutterers, and determined the relationship between the amount and type of disfluencies exhibited during oral reading and spontaneous speech. Forty children participated: 10 children each from grades three, four, five, and six read five 200-word reading passages, corresponding to one grade level below school placement, the grade equivalent to school placement, and one, two, and three grades above school placement. Two-hundred-word spontaneous speech samples were also elicited and analyzed. Results indicated a significant increase in total molar disfluencies, total molecular behaviors, and seven out of the eight specific disfluency patterns examined, as the difficulty of the reading material increased. Reading levels I and II best predicted disfluencies during spontaneous speech. Results are discussed with respect to theoretical and clinical implications.
Rapid emplacement of the Oman ophiolite: Thermal and geochronologic constraints

In understanding of ophiolite emplacement requires knowledge of the elapsed time between igneous crystallization and intraoceanic thrusting, and the rate and duration of that thrusting. Hornblende 4oAr/39Ar ages demonstrate that the igneous oceanic crust in Oman crystallized and cooled to -825 K in 1-2 m.y. Hornblende ages from metamorphic rocks and from cross-cutting dikes require that the basal metamorphic thrust fault beneath the ophiolite also cooled below -825 K in 1-2 m.y. Motion along the sole thrust accounted for 200 km of displacement at a rate of 100-200 mm/yr. On the basis of age relationships and thermal considerations, we favor a two- stage model for the initial stages of Samall ophiolite emplacement: intraoceanic thrusting over < 2-m.y.-old lithosphere at 150 km/m.y. parallel to a spreading ridge for 1-2 m.y., followed by equally rapid and brief thrusting over cold and old lithosphere. Preservation of the Samail ophiolite is a direct result of its young age and positive buoyancy at the time of ocean closure, and we propose that all ophiolites that originated near spreading centers and were emplaced onto continents were young at the time of intraoceanic thrusting.