cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sleep Apnea Determines Soluble TNF-α Receptor 2 Response to Massive Weight Loss

Background The effects of surgical weight loss (WL) on inflammatory biomarkers associated with sleep apnea remain unknown. We sought to determine if any biomarkers can predict amelioration of sleep apnea achieved by bariatric surgery. We hypothesized that surgical WL would substantially reduce severity of sleep apnea and levels of proinflammatory cytokines.
Influence of classification levels of ram sexual activity on spring breeding ewes

Ram lambs (7-8 months old) and mature rams (19-20 months old) were used to evaluate the effect of classification levels of male sexual performance on reproductive performance of ewes during spring breeding. In Exp. 1, sexually active ram lambs with high (1.8+/-0.3; n=5) and low (0.9+/-0.2; n=5) sexual performance scores (HP and LP; mean+/-S.E.M.) were used in single sire breeding pens. Ewes (n=305) were stratified by age and assigned to 10 pens for 34 days starting in late March. For Exps. 2 and 3, two replicates were conducted for 2 years with sexually active mature rams in a single sire mating scheme. For Exp. 2, HP rams (n=5) averaged 3.6+/-0.2 ejaculations and LP rams (n=7) 1.8+/-0.2 ejaculations for sexual performance scores based on nine, 30 min serving capacity tests (SCT). Polypay ewes (n=152 to 153 per year) were stratified by age and assigned to pens each year for 34-38 days starting in late March for years 1 and 2. For Exp. 3, HP rams (n=6) averaged 3.7+/-0.1 ejaculations and LP rams (n=10) 2.3+/-0.1 ejaculations for sexual performance scores based on 18, 30 min SCT. Polypay ewes (n=229 in year 3 and n=244 in year 4) were stratified by age and assigned to pens each year for 34 days starting in late March. In Exp. 1, lambing rates for ewes bred to HP versus LP ram lambs did not differ (65.8 versus 53.0; P=0.20). Prolificacy tended (P=0.06) to be increased by 0.1 lambs in ewes bred by LP ram lambs. Total number of lambs born per ewe present at lambing, and lambing distribution were not altered by HP and LP ram lambs. In Exp. 2, lambing rates for fall-lambing ewes bred to mature HP or LP rams did not differ (58.1 versus 60.1; P=0.78). In Exp. 3, lambing rates for fall-lambing ewes bred to mature HP or LP rams did not differ (74.3 versus 69.0; P=0.35). There was no difference (P>0.10) between years for Exp. 2 or Exp. 3, and mature HP and LP rams did not affect the other reproductive variables monitored. Analyses of the combined data for Exps. 2 and 3 indicated only a year difference (P<0.001) in lambing rates and total lambs born. Present studies indicate that different sexual performance classifications for ram lambs and mature rams did not alter lambing rates or distribution of lambing of Polypays bred in late March to April. These results indicate that HP and LP, sexually active, Polypay rams and ram lambs with average to high quality semen can provide a source of rams for spring breeding Polypays in ambient conditions and that there was no advantage to using HP over sexually active LP ram lambs or rams.
He II REIONIZATION AND ITS EFFECT ON THE INTERGALACTIC MEDIUM

Observations of the intergalactic medium (IGM) suggest that quasars reionize He?II in the IGM at z 3. We have run a set of 190 and 430 comoving Mpc simulations of He?II being reionized by quasars to develop an understanding of the nature of He?II reionization and its potential impact on observables. We find that He?II reionization heats regions in the IGM by as much as 25, 000 K above the temperature that is expected otherwise, with the volume-averaged temperature increasing by ~12, 000 K and with large temperature fluctuations on ~50 Mpc scales. Much of this heating occurs far from quasars by photons with long mean free path. We find a temperature-density equation of state of ? ? 1 0.3 during He?II reionization, but with a wide dispersion in this relation having ? T ~ 104 K. He?II reionization by the observed population of quasars cannot produce an inverted relation (? ? 1 < 0). Our simulations are consistent with the observed evolution in the mean transmission of the He?II Ly? forest. We argue that the heat input from He?II reionization is unable to cause the observed depression at z 3.2 in the H?I Ly? forest opacity as has been suggested. We investigate how uncertainties in the properties of QSOs and of He?II Lyman limit systems influence our predictions.
Photochemical oxidation and reduction reactions catalyzed by flavin nucleotides.

Abstract 1. 1. Under anaerobic conditions, FMN and riboflavin were rapidly reduced upon illumination, while FAD evidenced no change. Addition of versene markedly stimulated the photoreduction rates of riboflavin and FMN, and allowed a photoreduction of FAD to proceed. 2. 2. The rate of anaerobic FMN photoreduction was stimulated to an equal extent by addition of DPNH. In this reaction there was a concurrent oxidation of DPNH. 3. 3. In the presence of air, FMN at low concns. reacted catalytically to produce DPNH photooxidation. 4. 4. Under anaerobic conditions, FMN was capable of catalyzing a photoreduction of cytochrome c. This photoreduction was also stimulated by the addition of versene or DPNH, and in the case of DPNH, a coupled oxidation of DPNH was obtained. With DPNH and cytochrome c, MN at io −6 M was capable of acting catalytically, producing a photooxidation of DPNH and a photoreduction of cytochrome c. A turnover number of 4 moles of cytochrome c reduced/min/mole of FMN was obtained, placing the rate of the reaction considerably below that of DPNH-cytochrome c reductase. 5. 5. Illumination of the enzymes diaphorase, d -amino acid oxidase and DPNH-cytochrome c reductase under anaerobic conditions with versene resulted in a slow photoreduction of cytochrome c. 6. 6. Hydrogen peroxide was detected as a product of FMN photoreduction, indicating that an oxidation of water accompanied FMN photoreduction. A proposed mechanism for the reaction is given, and the possible relationship of these reactions to photoreactions involving living tissue is discussed.
Changes in respiration mediate changes in fear of bodily sensations in panic disorder

The purpose of the study was to examine whether changes in pCO2 mediate changes in fear of bodily sensation (as indexed by anxiety sensitivity) in a bio-behavioral treatment for panic disorder that targets changes in end-tidal pCO2. Thirty-five panic patients underwent 4 weeks of capnometry-assisted breathing training targeting respiratory dysregulation. Longitudinal mediation analyses of the changes in fear of bodily symptoms over time demonstrated that pCO2, but not respiration rate, was a partial mediator of the changes in anxiety sensitivity. Results were supported by cross lag panel analyses, which indicated that earlier pCO2 levels predicted later levels of anxiety sensitivity, but not vice versa. PCO2 changes also led to changes in respiration rate, questioning the importance of respiration rate in breathing training. The results provide little support for changes in fear of bodily sensations leading to changes in respiration, but rather suggest that breathing training targeting pCO2 reduced fear of bodily sensations in panic disorder.
Dendritic cell fusion vaccines for cancer immunotherapy

The use of tumour vaccines is being explored as a means of generating effective antitumour immune responses in patients with cancer. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells that are essential for initiating primary immune responses. As such, DCs are being studied as a platform for the design of cancer vaccines. DCs loaded with tumour antigens or whole tumour cell derivatives stimulate tumour-specific immunity. A promising vaccine strategy involves the fusion of DCs with whole tumour cells. DC/tumour fusions express a broad array of tumour antigens, including those yet to be identified, in the context of DC-mediated costimulation. Animal models have demonstrated that vaccination with fusion cells is protective against tumour challenge and results in the regression of established metastatic disease. In vitro human studies have demonstrated that DC/tumour fusions potently stimulate antitumour immunity and lysis of autologous tumour cells. Vaccination of cancer patients with DC/tumour fusions is being studied in Phase I/II clinical trials. Preliminary results demonstrate that generation of a vaccine is feasible and that vaccination is associated with minimal toxicity. Immunological and clinical responses have been found in a subset of patients.
Production and life history of a deposit-feeding polychaete in an atypical environment

Abstract The deposit-feeding opheliid polychaete Euzonus mucronata (Treadwell) is abundant in an environment atypical of deposit feeders, a high-energy sand beach. Its annual production was estimated from a life-history study of an Oregon, U.S.A. study population. Recruitment occurred over 1–2 months in early summer and varied greatly between years, leading to substantial interannual variations in productivity. Although adults were restricted to a sharply delineated, narrow band in the upper intertidal, juveniles settled both within and below this band. Juveniles settling below the band grew slower than those within the band and were absent by three months after recruitment. Individuals lived for up to two years and spawned in their first and second years. There is some evidence of increased mortality of adults just before the arrival of recruits, possibly due to reproductive stress. Few two-year-old individuals remained after spawning. Production estimates (ash-free dry weight) of 21·3, 47·4 and 7·8 g m −1 year −1 were obtained for 0–1 year old individuals and 35·8 and 58·3 g m −1 year −1 for 1–2 year old individuals, respectively. Ratios of production to biomass were higher for 0–1 year old individuals than for 1–2 year old individuals. Total annual production was comparable to that of deposit-feeding macrofauna in fine sediment. Over a 2 yr period, the population ratio of annual production to mean biomass was 1·73. If this ratio is typical of E. mucronata , the production of this species can be similar to the production of filter feeders, the normally dominant macrofauna of other high-energy sand beaches.
A novel approach to teaching phased array antenna systems

We describe a simple, yet elegant method to provide a full sensory experience that describes the operation of a phased array antenna system. Our method is based on using an audio source that feeds an array of speakers appropriately spaced apart such that when a listener walks around the array, they experience the null points as well as the primary lobe and minor lobes. It is extremely profound for the student to experience a relatively loud tone, and then when moving just a few inches perceives the complete absence of the tone. The apparatus is economical and relatively easy to implement and test as compared to an RF antenna phased array. The ideas presented are applicable to other courses in electrical and mechanical engineering that cover signal processing and acoustics. Student assessment has shown that the proposed method greatly enhances understanding of phased array systems.
KERMA ratios in pediatric CT dosimetry

Patient organ doses may be estimated from CTDI values. More accurate estimates may be obtained by measuring KERMA (Kinetic Energy Released in Matter) in anthropomorphic phantoms and referencing these values to free-in-air X-ray intensity. To measure KERMA ratios (RK) in pediatric phantoms at CT. CT scans produce an air KERMA K in a phantom and an air KERMA KCT at isocenter. KERMA ratios (RK) are defined as (K/KCT), measured using TLD chips in phantoms representing newborns to 10-year-olds. RK in the newborn is approximately constant. For the other phantoms, there is a peak RK value in the neck. The median RK values for the GE scanner at 120 kV were 0.92, 0.83, 0.77 and 0.76 for newborns, 1-year-olds, 5-year-olds and 10-year-olds, respectively. Organ RK values were 0.91 ± 0.04, 0.84 ± 0.07, 0.74 ± 0.09 and 0.72 ± 0.10 in newborns, 1-year-olds, 5-year-olds and 10-year-olds, respectively. At 120 kV, a Siemens Sensation 16 scanner had RK values 5% higher than those of the GE LightSpeed Ultra. KERMA ratios may be combined with air KERMA measurements at the isocenter to estimate organ doses in pediatric CT patients.
Race, Class, and Support for the Welfare State*

Two competing approaches to the study of African Americans—the race and class perspectives—have dominated attempts to explain their views on contemporary issues. To examine the race versus class debate, this study uses African Americans' views on government spending for five social welfare concerns: (1) improving and protecting the nation's health, (2) solving the problems of big cities, (3) halting rising crime rates, (4) dealing with drug addiction, and (5) improving the nation's education system. Data from the 1972–1990 General Social Surveys are used to compare middle-class blacks with both working-class blacks and whites and middle-class whites in terms of their support for government spending for those five social welfare issues. Examining group means, we found no significant difference between the two black classes but a significant difference between the black middle class and the white middle class on support for government spending in all areas except halting the rising crime rates (where there were no significant differences among the four groups). Similarly, using logistic regression analysis we found that race continued to have a significant effect on support for spending even after controlling for class, year, age, gender, education, income, and occupational prestige. In respect to social welfare spending, the results indicate support for the race, as opposed to the class, perspective; that is, race is better than class for predicting African American attitudes on government spending.
Characterization of Self-Assembled Monolayers for Biosensor Applications

Mixed monolayers of thiol-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and thioacetyl GM1 glycolipid on Au(111) were examined utilizing atomic force microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction to determine the composition, structure, and morphology and to characterize the specific and nonspecific interactions with protein. These monolayer architectures are robust and are readily controlled to provide a network of receptor GM1 in the PEG-terminated matrix. However, we also find significant levels of nonspecific and nonnative protein binding that render this simplistic model system unsuitable for highly sensitive biosensor device applications.
Review of multi-robot taxonomy, trends, and applications for defense and space

Multi-robot systems may be capable of performing a wide variety of distributed, hazardous, and complex tasks that are difficult or impossible for independent robots. Despite significant research accomplishments and potential benefits for defense, space, and other application areas, much of the technology is still in early development. This paper reviews influential taxonomy and trends in multi-robotics. A condensed model of multi-robot interaction is presented. Potential near-term defense and space applications are categorized into two mission types: distributed and complex. Conclusions are drawn concerning research opportunities toward multi-robot systems for the defense and space domains.
X-ray-absorption studies of organodisulfide redox polymeric electrodes.

We have measured the near-edge x-ray-absorption fine-structure (NEXAFS) spectra of the {ital K} edge of sulfur in organodisulfide redox polymeric electrodes in both charged and discharged states. The formation and scission of S-S bonding during the charge-discharge cycle were observed through NEXAFS spectroscopy.
The presence of VEGF receptors on the luminal surface of endothelial cells affects VEGF distribution and VEGF signaling.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent cytokine that binds to specific receptors on the endothelial cells lining blood vessels. The signaling cascade triggered eventually leads to the formation of new capillaries, a process called angiogenesis. Distributions of VEGF receptors and VEGF ligands are therefore crucial determinants of angiogenic events and, to our knowledge, no quantification of abluminal vs. luminal receptors has been performed. We formulate a molecular-based compartment model to investigate the VEGF distribution in blood and tissue in humans and show that such quantification would lead to new insights on angiogenesis and VEGF-dependent diseases. Our multiscale model includes two major isoforms of VEGF (VEGF121 and VEGF165), as well as their receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) and the non-signaling co-receptor neuropilin-1 (NRP1). VEGF can be transported between tissue and blood via transendothelial permeability and the lymphatics. VEGF receptors are located on both the luminal and abluminal sides of the endothelial cells. In this study, we analyze the effects of the VEGF receptor localization on the endothelial cells as well as of the lymphatic transport. We show that the VEGF distribution is affected by the luminal receptor density. We predict that the receptor signaling occurs mostly on the abluminal endothelial surface, assuming that VEGF is secreted by parenchymal cells. However, for a low abluminal but high luminal receptor density, VEGF binds predominantly to VEGFR1 on the abluminal surface and VEGFR2 on the luminal surface. Such findings would be pertinent to pathological conditions and therapies related to VEGF receptor imbalance and overexpression on the endothelial cells and will hopefully encourage experimental receptor quantification for both luminal and abluminal surfaces on endothelial cells.
Optimizing material strength constants numerically extracted from Taylor impact data

Advanced design requirements have dictated a need for the mechanical properties of materials at high strain rates. Mechanical testing for these data poses a significant problem for experimentalists. High-speed testing machines have a limited capability at rates approaching 102/s. The split Hopkinson pressure bar is the most reliable alternative for rates approaching 104/s. Plate impact experiments are capable of generating strain rates of 108/s and higher. The Taylor impact test occupies a place of particular importance by providing data at strain rates on the order of 104/s–105/s. The issue at present is extracting the data. This paper provides a method for obtaining dynamic strength model material constants from a single Taylor impact test. A polynomial response surface is used to describe the volume difference (error) between the deformed specimen from the Taylor test and the results of a computer simulation. The volume difference can be minimized using an optimizer, with the result being an optimum set of material constants. This method was applied to the modified Johnson-Cook model for OFHC copper. Starting from a nominal set of material constants, the iterative process improved the relative volume difference from 23.1 percent to 4.5 percent. Other starting points were used that yielded similar results. The material constants were validated by comparing numerical results with Taylor tests of cylinders having varying aspect ratios, calibers and impact velocities.
The past, present and future of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for brain tumors: the Pittsburgh experience

Since Lars Leksell conceived of the Gamma Knife in the mid-20th century, it has become a fundamental strategy for managing intracranial tumors. The Gamma Knife harnesses around 200 focused beams of ionizing radiation that are directed stereotactically onto an intracranial target, destroying or inactivating it, all while sparing surrounding tissues. Today, a patient can have numerous intracranial tumors treated by radiosurgery in a minimally invasive fashion, during a single outpatient encounter, and return to usual activities the next day. Gamma Knife radiosurgery has found applications for nearly all intracranial tumors, either as a primary strategy or adjunctive therapy. In no area has Gamma Knife radiosurgery had a larger impact than in the treatment of brain metastases. In this article, we review the evolution of Gamma Knife radiosurgery, discuss current indications for the treatment of intracranial tumors and highlight how the future treatment of metastatic brain cancer may change.
Positive-Ion Trapping in Electron Beams

Residual gas within the envelope of an electron tube forms positive ions by electron collision. Ordinarily these ions are quickly lost to the cathode; however, if they can be held within the beam space, the spreading due to the space charge of the beam might be considerably reduced. A "trapping" electrode, with an appropriate positive potential, placed at the cathode end of the drift tube was believed sufficient to affect trapping. Since this simple method was first proposed, attempts to make the scheme work yielded inexplicable results. A detailed study of the phenomenon reveals that the trapping process is more complex than was originally believed. A qualitative theory is advanced which is consistent with experiment and leads to suggestions for an improved performance. By a proper design of the trapping electrode, transmission through a drift space was improved from twelve per cent to eighty per cent.
Episode Type, Attachment Orientation, and Frame Salience: Evidence for a Theory of Relational Framing

Relational framing theory asserts that dominance-submission and affiliation-disaffiliation tend to displace each other as frames for processing social interaction; involvement is argued to be a content-free intensifier variable that contributes to judgments of dominance or affiliation as a function of the salient relational frame. The present study seeks to replicate and extend previous tests of these claims by evaluating three hypotheses: (a) The differential salience of dominance-submission and affiliation-disaffiliation frames as a function of the type of social episode is robust across same-sex and cross-sex friendship dyads; (b) the magnitude of the association between involvement and dominance and affiliation varies as a function of frame salience instantiated by the type of episode; and (c) attachment anxiety is positively correlated with the perceived relevance of both dominance-submission and affiliation-disaffiliation to social episodes. Results are consistent with all three of the hypotheses, but relational framing is unrelated to subscales operationalizing the comfort with closeness dimension of attachment orientation.
Expression of Neuronal Proteins in Cells from Normal Adult Rat Brain Propagated in Serial Culture

: Cells have been cultured from the brains of 60-day-old rats and propagated through 12 passages. The cells contain the high and middle, but not low, molecular weight neurofilament subunits and neuron-specific enolase, demonstrated by immunoblotting and immunocyto-chemistry with redundant antibodies. The cells did not have the morphology of neurons when cultured in medium containing fetal calf serum and growth factors. In low serum medium containing the same growth factors with the addition of dibutyryl cyclic AMP, the cells became smaller and developed long processes. Three clonal lines derived from these cultures had the same properties. These observations are in agreement with recent observations using mouse and human brain tissue and demonstrate that proteins normally associated with neurons can be found in dividing cells cultured from the brains of young adult rats.
The five challenges of managing global networks

The challenges facing corporations attempting to reach rapidly expanding global markets are discussed. It is argued that to meet those challenges, corporations must address five major areas of networking: technical knowledge, network design and planning, country-by-country service requirements, network management operations, and network management interoperability. Each area is described, and the ways in which corporations currently achieve a certain level of network management support as a basic element of their long-distance service are reviewed. >
The Political Economy of Immigration and the Emergence of Transnationalism

Recent literature on immigration and immigrants reveals a shift in language, concepts, and theories that reflect the growing influence of global capitalism on transnational migrants. Largely deriving from an imperialism or world systems theory framework, the literature varies widely in its scope of concern, assessment of the current and future impact of globalization, and policy implications. The prior notion of the immigrant as unidirectional sojourner is being replaced by a focus on the political and economic context that creates migration flows. Transnational theories also emphasize the importance of collective identities, activities, and social spaces formed by transnational migrants and explore their functions for these groups. The literature review concludes with a summary of the significance and contributions of transnational theories focusing on transmigration and the transnational migrant and a concept map describing analytical trajectories in the literature.
The N Extra Element Theorem

The N Extra Element Theorem (NEET) is an alternative means of analysis for any transfer function of any linear system model, not restricted to electrical systems. Its principal distinction from conventional loop or node analysis is that a simpler reference system model in the absence of N designated "extra" elements is solved first, and the N extra elements are then restored via a correction factor. Parameters in the correction factor are various single injection and null double injection driving point immittances seen by the extra elements, and are all calculated upon the reference model. Thus, no calculation is performed upon a model containing any of the designated extra elements, and the final result is obtained by assembly of sequentially obtained results in a "divide and conquer" approach that is potentially easier, shorter, and which produces lower entropy forms than does the conventional approach. The NEET correction factor is a simultaneous bilinear representation of the extra elements, which can be immittances or dependent generators in any combination, and thus exposes explicitly the contribution of each extra element. An especially useful implementation of the NEET is to designate all the reactances as extra elements. The frequency response of the transfer function is then contained entirely in the NEET correction factor, which emerges directly as a ratio of polynomials in complex frequency s. The zeros as well as the poles can thus be obtained directly from the driving point resistances seen by the reactances, and it can also be determined whether any of the zeros or poles are exactly factorable. The approach throughout is to show how the NEET theorem can be useful in practical Design-Oriented Analysis, and emphasis is on the criteria by which the designer-analyst can take maximum advantage of the numerous choices of which elements to designate as "extra" and which of the many versions of the theorem to adopt.
An evaluation of randomization models for nested species subsets analysis.

Randomization models, often termed “null” models, have been widely used since the 1970s in studies of species community and biogeographic patterns. More recently they have been used to test for nested species subset patterns (or nestedness) among assemblages of species occupying spatially subdivided habitats, such as island archipelagoes and terrestrial habitat patches. Nestedness occurs when the species occupying small or species-poor sites have a strong tendency to form proper subsets of richer species assemblages. In this paper, we examine the ability of several published simulation models to detect, in an unbiased way, nested subset patterns from a simple matrix of site-by-species presence-absence data. Each approach attempts to build in biological realism by following the assumption that the ecological processes that generated the patterns observed in nature would, if they could be repeated many times over using the same species and landscape configuration, produce islands with the same number of species and species present on the same number of islands as observed. In mathematical terms, the mean marginal totals (column and row sums) of many simulated matrices would match those of the observed matrix. Results of model simulations suggest that the true probability of a species occupying any given site cannot be estimated unambiguously. Nearly all of the models tested were shown to bias simulation matrices toward low levels of nestedness, increasing the probability of a Type I statistical error. Further, desired marginal totals could be obtained only through ad-hoc manipulation of the calculated probabilities. Paradoxically, when such results are achieved, the model is shown to have little statistical power to detect nestedness. This is because nestedness is determined largely by the marginal totals of the matrix themselves, as suggested earlier by Wright and Reeves. We conclude that at the present time, the best null model for nested subset patterns may be one based on equal probabilities of occurrence for all species. Examples of such models are readily available in the literature.
A Comparison of Microstructural Effects on Fatigue-Crack Initiation and Propagation in Ti-6Al-4V.

Abstract : Fatigue-crack initiation and propagation studies were conducted on commercial purity (0.20 weight percent interstitial oxygen) Ti-6Al-4V rolled plate, heat treated to produce three differing microstructures. The three heat treatments were an as-received mill anneal (MA), a recrystallization anneal (RA), and a beta anneal (BA). The fatigue-crack propagation results show a distinct ordering of crack growth rate (da/dN) versus stress-intensity range (delta K) curves on the basis of microstructure. The coarse-grained Widmanstatten BA material exhibits the greatest resistance to crack propagation, and the finer-grained MA material offers the least crack propagation resistance. For fatigue-crack initiation, results obtained from blunt-notch WOL-type fracture mechanics specimens reveal a different ordering in relation to microstructure. The MA and RA materials are indistinguishable in their resistance to crack initiation; moreover, their crack initiation resistance is moderately superior to that of the BA material in the low-cycle regime (i.e., less than 100000 cycles to crack initiation). However, at approximately 1000000 cycles to crack initiation, the fatigue resistance of the BA material appears equivalent to that of the MA and RA materials. In the crack initiation specimens, a theoretical stress concentration factor (K(t)) of 4.1 was used. This corresponds to Kt values determined for titanium alloy jet engine components. The influence of surface roughness in the crack initiation region of blunt-notch specimens was examined; no difference in cycles-to-initiation behavior was observed for 16 and 72 micron-in. finishes, regardless of microstructure.
Effects of commercial preparations of pangamic acid (B15) on exercised rats.

Abstract Exercise endurance and metabolic patterns were determined in rats that had been administered commercial preparations of “pangamic acid,” dimethylglycine, or diisopropylamine subcutaneously. None of these substances affected (a) the time required to reach exhaustion by treadmill running, (b) the specific activities of succinate dehydrogenase of liver and muscle, (c) the capacity of liver mitochondria for oxidative N -demethylation, (d) the content of mitochondria in liver, (e) the ratios of soluble to membranous protein of the liver mitochondria, or (f) the level of urinary excretion of creatinine. The concentrations of glycogen in muscle and liver were not increased. These results do not substantiate previous reports by Russian investigators on whose work many athletes base their practice of consuming pangamate to improve performance.
Preliminary effects of real-world factors on the recovery and exploitation of forensic impurity profiles of a nerve-agent simulant from office media.

Abstract Dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) was used as a chemical threat agent (CTA) simulant for a first look at the effects of real-world factors on the recovery and exploitation of a CTA's impurity profile for source matching. Four stocks of DMMP having different impurity profiles were disseminated as aerosols onto cotton, painted wall board, and nylon coupons according to a thorough experimental design. The DMMP-exposed coupons were then solvent extracted and analyzed for DMMP impurities by comprehensive 2D gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC × GC/MS). The similarities between the coupon DMMP impurity profiles and the known (reference) DMMP profiles were measured by dot products of the coupon profiles and known profiles and by score values obtained from principal component analysis. One stock, with a high impurity-profile selectivity value of 0.9 out of 1, had 100% of its respective coupons correctly classified and no false positives from other coupons. Coupons from the other three stocks with low selectivity values (0.0073, 0.012, and 0.018) could not be sufficiently distinguished from one another for reliable matching to their respective stocks. The results from this work support that: (1) extraction solvents, if not appropriately selected, can have some of the same impurities present in a CTA reducing a CTA's useable impurity profile, (2) low selectivity among a CTA's known impurity profiles will likely make definitive source matching impossible in some real-world conditions, (3) no detrimental chemical–matrix interference was encountered during the analysis of actual office media, (4) a short elapsed time between release and sample storage is advantageous for the recovery of the impurity profile because it minimizes volatilization of forensic impurities, and (5) forensic impurity profiles weighted toward higher volatility impurities are more likely to be altered by volatilization following CTA exposure.
EFFECT OF PENTOBARBITAL THERAPY IN OUTCOME OF NEARLY DROWNED, FLACCID COMATOSE CHILDREN

The effect of pentobarbital therapy was studied prospectively in 31 nearly-drowned, severely comatose children in a flaccid state of coma who were randomized into two treatment groups. Group A: 16 children who received hypothermia (H) and i.v. pentobarbital (P) achieving serum levels 25 mcg/cc within 48 hours from admission. Group B: 15 children who received hypothermia but pentobarbital was completely excluded. All patients received “conventional therapy” (i.e., PaCO 20-25 torr, PaO 100 torr, fluid restriction pancuronium bromide, furosemide or mannitol). Analysis of variance failed to detect difference for age, estimated time of submersion, arterial pH, core temperature (T°), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and mean intracranial pressure (ICP) among the patients prior to entering pentobarbital therapy. In Group A, 6 patients (37%) had complete recovery (CR) and were neurologically intact, 6 patients (37%) had severe brain damage (BD) and 4 (25%) expired. In Group B, 6 children (40%) had CR, 6 (40%) survived with BD and 3 (20%) expired. Mortality rate, survival with BD and CR were not statistically different between the two groups (P > 0.05 by Chi square analysis). The resull.s of this study support our previous claim that neurological outcome in nearly-drowned, flaccid comatose children is not influenced by pentobarbital therapy, and therefore, current practice of barbiturate therapy in this group of patients may not be justified. In addition, better outcome reported in the literature with pentobarbital combined with hypothermia regimen, may be attributed to the effect of hypothermia alone.
Will mTOR inhibitors make it as cancer drugs

I thank Ingo Mellinghoff and George Thomas for helpful discussions. Work in my lab is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, National Cancer Institute, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Department of Defense, CaPCURE, and Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure.
Meteorological research applications of MM-wave radar

MM-wave radar has now been developed well beyond that of simply providing qualitative information about the presence or location of clouds. Uncertainty about cloud properties leading to gross errors in climate model results has provided the impetus to develop mm-wave radars into reliable, quantitative tools for studying clouds. Besides depicting the small-scale (a few tens of meters) features of tenuous cirrus and low level stratus clouds, the 3 mm and 8 mm wavelength radars described here can examine the physical structure, dynamics and small-scale turbulence of clouds when used alone. Polarization capability of these radars is now generating new information about the deformity of cloud particles needed for calculations of radiation budgets of clouds. When used with other sensors such as lidar or radiometers, additional cloud microphysical information can be retrieved. We discuss here two different ways to calculate ice mass content profiles from radar/lidar data and from radar/IR radiometer data. Mm-wave radar is most suited for these calculations because of complications introduced by 1) Bragg (refractivity) scatter, 2) the lower resolution, and 3) ground clutter effects at longer wavelengths. Combining radar and microwave radiometer data is shown to provide liquid water profiles in warm marine stratus clouds. The small size and weight of mm-wave radars make them particularly suitable for use on aircraft and satellite platforms and we show recent results from an airborne system to make that point. The technology has now advanced to the point where unattended, vertically-pointing, Doppler mm-wave radars will soon be commonly used in research applications.
Intermittent small bowel obstruction with retained endoscopic capsule: MDCT and plain radiographic appearance

Originally described by Iddan in 2000 [1], capsule endoscopy (CE) is a technique that evaluates inaccessible portions of the bowel that may elude evaluation during push enteroscopy. The use of CE is increasing as clinical roles are being defined [2–4]. In particular, CE has proven significant incremental diagnostic sensitivity compared with small bowel follow-through in cases of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding [2, 5]. Capsule retention may occur in the presence of small bowel narrowing. With increasing use of the capsule, recognition of the distinctive radiographic and computed tomography (CT) appearance should be made by the radiologist. The plain radiograph and multidetector CT (MDCT) appearance of the PillcamTM (previously known as M2ATM) endoscopic video capsule (GIVEN® Imaging, Yoqneam, Israel) are presented in a patient with small bowel obstruction.
Insulin-dependent suppression in glutamyl hydrolase activity and elevated cellular methotrexate polyglutamates

Abstract Folates and antifolates are converted to polyglutamates, which are better retained in cells and may also bind more tightly to cellular proteins than the parent compounds. The regulation of the process of polyglutamate formation and breakdown is not fully clarified yet and is being studied by a number of approaches. An early observation concerning the potential regulation of polyglutamate formation was that insulin caused a marked increase in the rate and accumulation of polyglutamates of methotrexate (MTX) in rat hepatoma cells. The present study demonstrated that insulin caused a decrease in the activity of γ-glutamyl hydrolase (GH), the enzyme that degrades polyglutamates, that was inversely commensurate with the increase in the synthesis of MTX polyglutamates. The effects of insulin on GH activity with regard to concentration, time of onset, and the effect of N6, O2′ dibutyryl cAMP and theophylline were consistent with the reduction in GH being responsible for the increase in cellular MTX polyglutamate accumulation. Insulin addition also led to an increase in folate polyglutamates. The insulin effects were also seen with H35D cells, a subline with enhanced glutamyl hydrolase activity as a result of having been made resistant to 5, 10-dideazatetrahydrofolic acid. When H35 cells with insulin were compared with H35D cells lacking insulin, there was an 8-fold increase in GH and a 44-fold decrease in the number of γ-glutamate residues added to MTX.
Loss of vision during the retinal stabilization of letters

Upper- and lower-case letters of the alphabet were stabilized until loss of vision occurred. Loss of straight-line visibility was the most frequently reported perceptual event. Occasionally, features of letters separated spatially before their loss of visibility. In both instances, loss of visibility often resulted in the perception of a less complex letter. Confidence ratings for each loss of letter visibility indicated that participants were quite certain about perceived fragmentations. In a control experiment, participants were asked to guess how letters would fragment during stabilization. Again, loss of line visibility was the most frequently reported event. However, spatial separation of features was rarely predicted and complex letters were not predicted to fragment into simpler letter forms. Furthermore, the confidence in predicted fragmentation was quite low. These results are consistent with the view that losses of visibility during retinal stabilization constitute a distinct perceptual experience. Fragmentations appear to be determined by the availability of less complex letter forms and by the loss of subletter information, consisting of letter features and information specifying spatial configurations.
Abstract 5260: Bortezomib and HDAC inhibitor PCI-24781 combination therapy for neuroblastoma

Background: Neuroblastoma is an aggressive solid tumor with poor prognosis. Novel therapies are needed to help increase the survival and quality of life for affected children. It has been previously shown that bortezomib results in apoptosis in neuroblastoma both in vitro and in vivo. PCI-24781 is a novel pan-HDAC inhibitor which has been shown to be synergistic with bortezomib in lymphoma models. We hypothesize the combination of bortezomib with PCI-24781 would increase cytotoxicity to neuroblastoma. Methods: Several established neuroblastoma cell lines as well as patient-derived primary neuroblastoma cultures were grown in 96-well plates and treated with bortezomib and PCI-24781, both separately and in combination for 48 hours. Cell viability was assessed by calcein AM assays and IC509s and drug synergy was determined at each cell line tested. mRNA was collected from drug treated cell lines and effects on cell signaling was evaluated using U133 mRNA expression arrays and Ingenuity analysis. Cell lysates prepared from drug treated cells were evaluated by western blot for caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. Nude mice were injected with 107 SMS-KCNR cells subcutaneously in the left flank. Mice were treated with daily doses of either 0.5 mg/kg bortezomib, 12.5 mg/kg PCI-24781, or the combination. Mice tumors were imaged using the IVIS lumina imager twice per week and caliper measurements were also obtained weekly until tumor max was reached. Results: All neuroblastoma cell lines and patient cells tested showed sensitivity to bortezomib and PCI-24781 treatment in calcien AM cell viability assays with IC509s for bortezomib less than 50nM and IC509s for PCI-24781 less than 500nM. The combination of bortezomib and PCI-24781 was more cytotoxic than either drug alone. Cells treated with combined treatment showed an increase in caspase-3 and PARP activity confirming apoptosis. Expression analysis showed differential expression in the Notch and Wnt pathways between drug treated and vehicle treated cells. The xenograft models showed a significant decrease in tumor volume in mice treated with both bortezomib and PCI-24781 when compared to the single agent treatment groups or to the control group. Conclusions: Bortezomib and PCI-24781 inhibit neuroblastoma growth both in vitro and in vivo to a greater extent than either drug alone. The mechanism of action is currently being investigated further but certainly involves caspase-3 mediated apoptosis. This combination therapy appears to be effective and well tolerated in the mouse model and would be a novel therapy for neuroblastoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5260.
A Two-Level Optimization Method for Geostatistical Integration of Production Data on Non-Uniform Grids

Fine scale heterogeneities can have significant effects on flow performances in subsurface formations. Highly detailed geostatistical realizations are needed to capture the quantitative effects of these heterogeneities on flow simulation results based on high resolution well-log and medium resolution seismic data. These realizations in many cases require number of grid cells on the order of 10 6 -10 7 , hence making it too demanding CPU wise to directly history match geostatistical models. Non-uniformly gridding these models for emphasizing the heterogeneities does not necessarily present a solution since the practice of geostatistics on nonuniform grids is inefficient. In this paper we provide an entirely new approach to these problems by proposing a solution which is geostatistics based yet having the flexibility to work on non-uniformly gridded models. Hence coupling geostatistics with non-uniformly upscaled models results in an effective history matching technique incorporating all information at their scales. With the proposed approach we mainly target three advantages. Well and seismic data will still be effectively incorporated in the realizations. Flow simulations will be performed on nonuniformly upscaled models hence will be relatively fast. Finally the resulting field which is history matched will include the geology and will be on a non-uniformly gridded model for emphasizing heterogeneities or desired specifications, hence future predictions can be made fast, no posterior upscaling is required. The latter will avoid upscaling errors. This new approach is based on making a fast non-uniform upscaling technique a part of the history matching process instead of performing upscaling first and then downscaling again. Two levels of optimization are introduced in this technique; one level for history matching (outer loop) and the other for optimizing the non-uniform grids based on the results of a fast but realistic flow response (inner loop). In this paper we show how we benefit from a pre-optimized solution in conditioning reservoir models to production data.
Quantitation of lysolipids, fatty acids, and phospholipase A2 activity and correlation with membrane polarity.

Acrylodan-labeled rat-intestinal fatty acid binding protein, ADIFAB, binds both of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC) and FA. Binding displaces Acrylodan and its fluorescence peak shifts from 432 to 505 nm. A fluorescence assay that relies on this shift is presented for quantitating LPC, FA, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in phospholipid bilayers in absolute units of μM/min/mg of enzyme. This is a development over an earlier assay that took into account only FA binding. Activities of bee venom PLA2 on dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dioleylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) bilayers were measured. Standard pH-Stat assays validated the present assay. Products increase linearly with time for about one minute in DOPC and five minutes in DPPC corresponding to completion of 5 to 8% hydrolysis in DOPC and 20% in DPPC. Membrane polarity and microviscosity measured using electron spin resonance (ESR) exhibited discontinuities at compositions that mimicked similar percentages of hydrolysis products in the respective bilayers. The observed hydrolysis rate decrease following the initial linear period thus correlates to changes in membrane polarity. The ability of the assay to yield actual product concentrations, reveal structure in the reaction progress curves, and interpretation in light of the ESR data bring insight into the shape of the reaction curve.