cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of reduced-oil corn distillers dried grains with solubles composition on digestible and metabolizable energy value and prediction in growing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to determine the DE and ME content of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (corn-DDGS) containing variable ether extract (EE) concentrations and to develop DE and ME prediction equations based on chemical composition. Ether extract content of corn-DDGS ranged from 4.88 to 10.88% (DM basis) among 4 corn-DDGS samples in Exp. 1 and from 8.56 to 13.23% (DM basis) among 11 corn-DDGS samples in Exp. 2. The difference in concentration of total dietary fiber (TDF) and NDF among the 4 corn-DDGS sources was 2.25 and 3.40 percentage units, respectively, in Exp. 1 but was greater among the 11 corn-DDGS sources evaluated in Exp. 2, where they differed by 6.46 and 15.18 percentage units, respectively. The range in CP and ash were from 28.97 to 31.19% and 5.37 to 6.14%, respectively, in Exp. 1 and from 27.69 to 32.93% and 4.32 to 5.31%, respectively, in Exp. 2. Gross energy content among corn-DDGS samples varied from 4,780 to 5,113 kcal/kg DM in Exp. 1 and from 4,897 to 5,167 kcal/kg DM in Exp. 2. In Exp. 1, the range in DE content was from 3,500 to 3,870 kcal/kg DM and ME content varied from 3,266 to 3,696 kcal/kg DM. There were no differences in ME:DE content among the 4 corn-DDGS sources in Exp. 1, but ME:GE content differed (P = 0.04) among sources (66.82 to 74.56%). In Exp. 2, the range in DE content among the 11 corn-DDGS sources was from 3,474 to 3,807 kcal/kg DM and ME content varied from 3,277 to 3,603 kcal/kg DM. However, there were no differences in DE:GE, ME:DE, or ME:GE among sources in Exp. 2. In Exp. 1, no ingredient physical or chemical measurement [bulk density (BD), particle size, GE, CP, starch, TDF, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, EE, or ash)] was statistically significant at P ≤ 0.15 to predict DE or ME content in corn-DDGS. In Exp. 2, the best fit DE equation was DE (kcal/kg DM) = 1,601 - (54.48 × % TDF) + (0.69 × % GE) + (731.5 × BD) [R(2) = 0.91, SE = 41.25]. The best fit ME equation was ME (kcal/kg DM) = 4,558 + (52.26 × % EE) - (50.08 × % TDF) [R(2) = 0.85, SE = 48.74]. Apparent total tract digestibility of several nutritional components such as ADF, EE, and N were quite variable among corn-DDGS sources in both experiments. These results indicate that although EE may be a good predictor of GE content in corn-DDGS, it is not a primary factor for predicting DE or ME content. Measures of dietary fiber, such as ADF or TDF, are more important than EE in determining the DE or ME content of corn-DDGS for growing pigs.
Experimental measurement of noise-removal techniques for Compton backscatter imaging systems as applied to the detection of landmines

The measurement and removal of noise from images created using lateral migration backscatter radiography (LMBR) a form of Compton backscatter imaging (CBI) is applied to the detection and identification of landmines. The photons that interact with the landmine produce the signal component of interest. The signal is corrupted by both quantum and structured noise. The structured noise is due to photon interaction with non-mine material. Due to the strong response of all detectors to soil surface features and other buried objects, image enhancement methods are essential for landmine identification. A four detector system is used to generate the LMBR/CB images. The inner two detectors are uncollimated and positioned to optimally detect first scattered photons. The outer detectors are collimated to detect photons that have had two or more scatterings. The difference between the collimated and uncollimated detector responses to the different types of landmine image masking phenomena, form the basis of the image enhancement and landmine identification procedures. The surface feature information is obtained by the uncollimated detectors. The collimated detector signal contains information about the surface features as well as the buried objects. Using images from these two sets of detectors the surface objects can be analyzed for possible landmines and then removed. The buried objects can then be resolved. The measurements and image enhancements demonstrate that it is possible to detect 12' plastic landmines at a buried of 3' under simulated battlefield conditions.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Chronic administration of ethanol leads to an increased incidence of hepatocellular adenoma by promoting H-ras-mutated cells

This study used tissue samples from male B6C3F1 mice treated with ethanol in drinking water (0%, 2.5%, or 5%) for 4 or 104 weeks. We tested whether chronic alcohol drinking promotes oxidative stress in the liver and characterized the mutation profile of spontaneous and ethanol-induced tumors. We show that ethanol does not cause detectable oxidative stress in the liver at any time point and acts by promoting H-ras mutated cells.
Models of information security trend analysis

This paper discusses a framework for conduct of information security trend analyses. While several organizations are performing such analyses, there is wide disparity between the level of the analyses, the applicability of results, and the assumptions involved in properly interpreting the results. The framework offers a common ground in which these issues may be resolved. An example analysis process is presented in the paper. The paper includes a discussion of cautionary factors in the application of this framework.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Inhaled cyclosporine--a breath of fresh air?

During the past two decades, lung transplantation has evolved from a new investigational intervention performed in fewer than 20 patients per year at one institution to an accepted, albeit complex, therapy for a wide variety of end-stage lung diseases that is performed in more than 1700 patients annually at nearly 150 centers worldwide.1 Early graft failures and deaths of patients were attributable to an amalgam of technical complications, opportunistic infections, and acute rejection. Refinements in surgical technique, enhanced graft preservation, and the routine use of contemporary monitoring and prophylactic and preemptive regimens for opportunistic viruses, fungi, and protozoan organisms have . . .
Estimating the Time Required to Produce Computer-Based Instructional Lessons: Descriptive Analyses of the Production Data of Novice Instructional Developers.

This article reports descriptive analyses of production data gathered from novice instructional designers and novice authors who used a commercial authoring system to produce a five-lesson unit on educational leadership models. Reported data include production ratios for various types of lessons and distribution of development times among the various development activities. Analyses of the data suggest ways to use these production data as bases for estimating both the length of lessons to be created and the number of hours of total production time that will be required to create computer-based instructional lessons.
Changing Patterns of Spontaneous Bursting Activity of On and Off Retinal Ganglion Cells during Development

Abstract In adult ferrets, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) responsive to increased (On) or decreased (Off) illumination convey information to different cellular layers of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN). These dLGN sublaminae emerge during development when RGCs are found to undergo correlated spontaneous bursting activity. Using Ca 2+ imaging and intracellular dye-filling techniques, we demonstrate here that in ferret neonates, morphologically identified On and Off β RGCs have similar burst frequencies prior to the segregation of their inputs in the dLGN, but during the segregation period, they develop distinct burst frequencies. Although the bursts of On cells and Off cells occur synchronously, On cells burst only 25%–35% of the time that Off cells do. This change in the temporal bursting patterns of On and Off RGCs may underlie the segregation of their inputs on dLGN neurons.
Elevation of Plasma Concentrations of Arginine Vasopressin Following Perinatal Asphyxia

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a major cause of mortality in neonates. Studies in experimental subjects have shown differing responses of plasma arginine vasopressin to hypoxia. Plasma arginine vasopressin levels, serum osmolality, urine osmolality and fluid intakes were measured in thirteen asphyxiated and nineteen control newborn infants during the first seventy-two hours of life. In the asphyxiated infants plasma arginine vasopressin was found to be elevated as compared to control infants on days one (p less than 0.001) and two (p less than 0.007) but not on day three of life. Urine osmolality was also elevated in the study patients on days one (p less than 0.01) and two (p less than 0.001) but not on day three, in spite of equal intakes of fluid on day one in both groups and significantly diminished fluid intake on days two and three in the study patients. Serum osmolality was not different between the two groups on any day studied, and was felt to be on the basis of diminished intake in the study infants. The data presented in this study support the concept that arginine vasopressin release occurs following perinatal asphyxia in term newborn infants.
Towards intra-operative computerized planning of prostate cryosurgery

Background As part of ongoing efforts to develop computerized planning tools for cryosurgery, the current study provides a comparison between two recently developed methods for planning, known as bubble packing and force-field analogy. Methods For the purpose of comparison, four 3D prostate models were reconstructed from ultrasound imaging. The quality of planning for each method was evaluated based on bioheat transfer simulations. Results Both methods are shown to be robust planning tools in 3D. Typical results show at least 75% of the target region volume having temperatures below a target temperature isotherm for planning. While the force-field analogy method yields superior planning results, it comes at the expense of an order of magnitude longer run time, with only moderate improvement. Conclusions Due to time constraints in a clinical setup, bubble packing alone may be considered adequate for computerized planning. Furthermore, only bubble packing is demonstrated to be adequate for intra-operative planning.
Effect of Topical Apraclonidine on the Frequency of Intraocular Pressure Elevations after Combined Extracapsular Cataract Extraction and Trabeculectomy

Purpose: A trabeculectomy is frequently combined with extracapsular cataract surgery to minimize the risks of further optic nerve damage associated with intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations after cataract surgery in eyes with glaucoma. Acute IOP elevations still occur after this combined surgery. The author evaluated the efficacy of 1 topical apraclonidine, a relatively selective α 2 agonist, in minimizing this complication. Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-masked study compared topical 1 apraclonidine with placebo. All eyes underwent otherwise uncomplicated combined trabeculectomy and extracapsular cataract surgery. They received the appropriate study drug before, immediately after, and 12 hours after surgery. Intraocular pressures were measured 24 hours and 1, 2, and 4 weeks after surgery. Results: One hundred nine eyes (of 109 patients) underwent combined surgery. Fifty-nine received placebo. Preoperative mean IOPs were 22.5 + 4.2 mmHg for eyes treated with placebo and 24.0 ± 7.7 mmHg for eyes treated with apraclonidine. Twentyfour hours after surgery, mean IOPs were 23.1 ± 17.4 mmHg for placebo-treated eyes and 11.6 ± 11.3 mmHg for apraclonidine-treated eyes ( P P Conclusions: Apraclonidine effectively decreased large IOP elevations in glaucomatous eyes undergoing trabeculectomy combined with extracapsular cataract surgery.
Susceptibility of various strains of chicken to the oncogenicity of Yaba virus.

Le virusYaba, pox virus oncogene pour les primates, a produit des microtumeurs sur la membrane chorioallantoIque des embryons de poulet de quelques varietes et de differents âges. La sensibilite a pu Etre transferee d'une variete a l'autre par l'inoculation de. liquide allantoIque.
Blade size and weight effects in shovel design.

Abstract The shovel is a basic tool that has undergone only nominal systematic design changes. Although previous studies found shovel-weight and blade-size effects of shovelling, the exact trade-off between the two has not been quantified. Energy expenditure, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion and shovelling performance were measured on five subjects using five shovels with varying blade sizes and weights to move sand. Energy expenditure, normalised to subject weight and load handled, varied quadratically with the blade-size/shovel-weight (B/W) ratio. Minimum energy cost was at B/W = 0·0676 m 2 / kg , which for an average subject and average load would require an acceptable 5·16 kcal/min of energy expenditure. Subjects, throough the ratings of perceived exertion, also strongly preferred the lighter shovels without regard to blade size. Too large a blade or too heavy a shovel increased energy expenditure beyond acceptable levels, while too small a blade reduced efficiency of the shovelling.
Quantitative structure–activity relationships on 5-substituted terbenzimidazoles as topoisomerase I poisons and antitumor agents

Abstract Several 5-substituted terbenzimidazoles were synthesized and evaluated as mammalian topoisomerase I poisons and for cytotoxicity against a human lymphoblastoma cell line, RPMI-8402. No correlation was observed between topoisomerase I poisoning activity and the Hansch π value or the σmeta and σpara values associated with each substituent. These data suggest that electronic effects and relative lipophilicity of substituents at the 5-position of these terbenzimidazoles do not have a significant effect upon intrinsic topoisomerase I poisoning activity. There was, however, a good correlation between the relative π values for the various subtituents evaluated and cytotoxic activity. Experimentally determined log P values did not correlate well with either cytotoxicity or π values. Capacity factors (log k′) as determined by high pressure liquid chromatography did correlate well with the π values of varied substituents and cytotoxicity. These data indicate that the relative lipophilic activity of substituents at the 5-position of these terbenzimidazoles can strongly influence relative cytotoxic activity.
Computer-Assisted Bar-Coding System Significantly Reduces Clinical Laboratory Specimen Identification Errors in a Pediatric Oncology Hospital

Objective To assess the ability of a bar code-based electronic positive patient and specimen identification (EPPID) system to reduce identification errors in a pediatric hospital's clinical laboratory. Study design An EPPID system was implemented at a pediatric oncology hospital to reduce errors in patient and laboratory specimen identification. The EPPID system included bar-code identifiers and handheld personal digital assistants supporting real-time order verification. System efficacy was measured in 3 consecutive 12–month time frames, corresponding to periods before, during, and immediately after full EPPID implementation. Results A significant reduction in the median percentage of mislabeled specimens was observed in the 3-year study period. A decline from 0.03% to 0.005% ( P Conclusions EPPID decreased the rate of misidentification of clinical laboratory samples. The diminution of errors observed in this study provides support for the development of national guidelines for the use of bar coding for laboratory specimens, paralleling recent recommendations for medication administration.
On a general class of semiparametric hazards regression models

A general class of semiparametric hazards regression models for survival data is proposed and studied. This general class includes some popular classes of models as subclasses, such as Cox's proportional hazards model, the accelerated failure time model and a recently proposed class of models called the accelerated hazards model. In the general class of models, a covariate's effect is identified as having two separate components, namely a time-scale change on hazard progression and a relative hazards ratio. The new model is flexible in modelling survival data and may yield more accurate prediction of an individual's survival process. By way of the nested structure that includes the proportional hazards model, the accelerated failure time model and the accelerated hazards model, the general class of models may provide a numerical tool for determining which of them is more appropriate for a given dataset.
Effect of injected field statistics on transient dynamics of an injection seeded laser

Abstract A recent experiment demonstrated a means of detecting very weak optical signals by measuring the initiation times of an injection seeded, Q -switched laser. Digital simulations and analytic expressions for transient dynamics of an injection seeded laser were subsequently reported and were in excellent agreement with experimental results. All previous works have assumed the injected signal to be a pure coherent signal. In this paper we report on the effect of statistical fluctuations on the injected signal on the transient dynamics of an injection seeded laser. A numerical model is developed for accurately simulating statistical fluctuations in the injected laser field. These fluctuations are shown to have a dramatic effect on the initiation time of the injection seeded laser.
Binding of Zinc to Apple Fiber, Wheat Bran, and Fiber Components

Zinc ion binding to commercial brans, fiber, and fiber components was studied by equilibrium dialysis. Maximum initial concentration of zinc bound by 50 ma of apple fiber (AF) and wheat bran (WB) at pH 7.2 was 220 μg. AF and WB binding capacities were significantly lower for soluble fractions than for unfractionated materials. The water-soluble fraction's binding capacity was 90% lower for AF than for WB. Hemicellulase and phytase slightly increased AF binding capacity but reduced WB capacity. Pectinase increased both AF and WB capacity slightly. Binding capacities of commercially available individual fiber components decreased in the order: lignin > polypectin > pectin > gum > cellulose. Zinc-binding capacities of various dietary fiber types differ, accounting for different zinc bioavailabilties of some foods.
Observation of structural relaxation during exciton self-trapping via excited-state resonant impulsive stimulated Raman spectroscopy.

We detect the change in vibrational frequency associated with the transition from a delocalized to a localized electronic state using femtosecond vibrational wavepacket techniques. The experiments are carried out in the mixed-valence linear chain material [Pt(en)2][Pt(en)2Cl2]⋅(ClO4)4 (en = ethylenediamine, C2H8N2), a quasi-one-dimensional system with strong electron-phonon coupling. Vibrational spectroscopy of the equilibrated self-trapped exciton is carried out using a multiple pulse excitation technique: an initial pump pulse creates a population of delocalized excitons that self-trap and equilibrate, and a time-delayed second pump pulse tuned to the red-shifted absorption band of the self-trapped exciton impulsively excites vibrational wavepacket oscillations at the characteristic vibrational frequencies of the equilibrated self-trapped exciton state by the resonant impulsive stimulated Raman mechanism, acting on the excited state. The measurements yield oscillations at a frequency of 160 cm−1 corresponding to a Raman-active mode of the equilibrated self-trapped exciton with Pt-Cl stretching character. The 160 cm−1 frequency is shifted from the previously observed wavepacket frequency of 185 cm−1 associated with the initially generated exciton and from the 312 cm−1 Raman-active symmetric stretching mode of the ground electronic state. We relate the frequency shifts to the changes in charge distribution and local structure that create the potential that stabilizes the self-trapped state.
Vasopressin metabolite neuropeptide facilitates simultaneous temporal processing.

Abstract Rats were trained on a peak-interval timing procedure in which auditory, tactile, and visual stimuli signalled 3 different fixed-interval schedules (15, 30, and 60 s) that were presented simultaneously in a hierarchical fashion. Administration of vasopressin metabolite neuropeptide [pGlu-Asn-Cys(Cys)-Pro-Arg-Gly-NH 2 , 0.3 μg/kg i.p.] had two main effects on performance. (1) With repeated exposure the temporal criterion for each of the intervals shifted leftward on the time scale in a proportional manner, and (2) the probability of attention to each of the intervals increased proportionally. The conclusion is that vasopressin metabolite neuropeptide facilitates simultaneous temporal processing by increasing the speed of mental processes involved in memory storage and divided attention. These results indicate that a major metabolite of arginine vasopressin that is devoid of endocrine and pressor activity can produce facilitation of cognitive processes in animals.
Relationships between dissatisfaction with specific body characteristics and the Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire-3 and Objectified Body Consciousness Scale

Body dissatisfaction was studied in 123 predominately European-American college women. Desired changes in body characteristics were associated with scores on the Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ-3) and the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS). All SATAQ-3 measures were associated with desired changes in bust size and height, but were not related to desired upper body size. In contrast, the OBCS Surveillance and Body Shame Scales were related to desired upper body size, but were not related to desired bust size or height. As hypothesized, the SATAQ-3 Pressure and Internalization-General Scales and the OBCS Surveillance and Body Shame Scales were related to desired weight and lower body size. Results indicate body dissatisfaction is a complex construct and different aspects of this construct are related to different dispositional measures. Results also indicate that the OBCS is a more narrowly focused measure than the SATAQ-3.
MEMBERSHIP IN A COMPOUND FUZZY SUBSET

Abstract We first provide a new formulation for a fuzzy subset as a joint relation of the variables, the element and the membership grade of the element. This relationship is developed by appreciating the fact that a fuzzy subset, as is any set, is a union of the elements which constitute it. With a compound fuzzy subset of X defined as a fuzzy subset defined over a base set whose elements are fuzzy subsets of X we suggest a method for obtaining the membership grade of the elements of X in this compound fuzzy subset. This method uses the formulation suggested at the beginning.
Research note on the equivalence of isotropic damage mechanics and plasticity

Abstract It is shown that certain isotropic damage mechanics models are mathematically equivalent to plasticity-based ones. From the equivalence, a macroscopic physical interpretation of damage evolution and restrictions on the partial stresses are derived.
Development and Preliminary Validation of the Child Activity Limitations Questionnaire: Flexible and Efficient Assessment of Pain-Related Functional Disability

Abstract The Child Activity Limitations Interview (CALI) was designed to assess functional impairment secondary to chronic and recurrent pain in school-aged children and adolescents. The availability of a written version offers several benefits to the instrument as a clinical measure. The purpose of the current study was to develop and provide initial validation data for a paper-and-pencil version, the Child Activity Limitations Questionnaire (CALQ). Participants included 60 children and adolescents (8–18 years; M 14.0, SD 2.7) presenting to a multidisciplinary pain clinic and their parents ( N = 62; 82.7% mothers). Measures included child reports of recent pain, and child and parent reports on the Functional Disability Inventory, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17. CALQ and CALI scores were similarly related to all validation measures. Both instruments demonstrated reliability, construct validity, and discriminant validity. The CALQ showed strong internal consistency (child report: α = .91; parent report: α = 0.91) and moderate parent-child consistency ( r = .65). Construct validity was demonstrated by significant relationships between CALQ scores and all measures of pain, and physical and psychosocial functioning, including quality of life. These preliminary data suggest that the CALQ is a reliable and valid alternative version of the CALI. Perspective This study demonstrates the reliability and validity of a written version of an interview tool designed to measure functional disability in pediatric chronic pain patients. The data suggest that the benefits of the CALI may be realized with this new paper-and-pencil version.
Effects of Spacing Repetitions on Children's Memory.

Abstract Two experiments examined the effect of spacing repetitions within a word list on the free recall performance of elementary school children. In the first experiment, spacing repetitions facilitated recall, and the function relating recall of repeated items to the spacing between repetitions was the same throughout the age range investigated (first, third, and sixth graders). But, the function for these elementary school children reached asymptote at a much shorter spacing than the function typically reported for adults. The second experiment was designed to test an encoding variability explanation of spaced-repetition effects in elementary school children. Results for both third- and sixth-grade children were consistent with the hypothesis that differential encoding of repetitions facilitates performance and that spaced repetitions are remembered better because they are more likely to be differentially encoded. A theoretical framework was discussed that may be able to encompass both these results and another finding in the literature which indicates that differential encoding can sometimes impair rather than facilitate children's memory performance.
Virtue and the scientist: using virtue ethics to examine science's ethical and moral challenges.

As science has grown in size and scope, it has also presented a number of ethical and moral challenges. Approaching these challenges from an ethical framework can provide guidance when engaging with them. In this article, I place science within a virtue ethics framework, as discussed by Aristotle. By framing science within virtue ethics, I discuss what virtue ethics entails for the practicing scientist. Virtue ethics holds that each person should work towards her conception of flourishing where the virtues enable her to realize that conception. The virtues must become part of the scientist’s character, undergirding her intentions and motivations, as well as the resulting decisions and actions. The virtue of phronesis, or practical wisdom, is critical for cultivating virtue, enabling the moral agent to discern the appropriate actions for a particular situation. In exercising phronesis, the scientist considers the situation from multiple perspectives for an in-depth and nuanced understanding of the situation, discerns the relevant factors, and settles upon an appropriate decision. I examine goods internal to a practice, which are constitutive of science practiced well and discuss the role of phronesis when grappling with science’s ethical and moral features and how the scientist might exercise it. Although phronesis is important for producing scientific knowledge, it is equally critical for working through the moral and ethical questions science poses.
The inductive iris double discontinuity

The reflection coefficient of a double discontinuity consisting of two closely spaced inductive irises in a rectangular waveguide is found. Standard transmission line techniques are no longer valid when the irises lie close together. Instead, the solution must include effects of interaction of the higher order modes excited by each iris. A variational expression for the reflection coefficient including the effects of the higher order modes is derived in terms of integrals of the induced current on one of the irises. The solution shows how more higher order mode terms become significant in determining the reflection coefficient as the iris spacing decreases. A numerical example is presented using only a few of the higher order mode factors. The results follow measured values of the reflection coefficient with spacings as close as 1/32 of a waveguide wavelength. More terms in the solution are required for closer spacings. The numerical example correctly predicts the spacing (3/16 of a waveguide wavelength) at which the higher order mode interaction becomes significant and the transmission line solution deteriorates.
Oligomers and Polymers Containing Phenylethynyl Groups

In the pursuit of resins that offer a unique combination of properties primarily for high-performance, high-temperature electronic and aerospace applications, oligomers and polymers containing phen...
Phase shifts and scattering cross-sections for constant potentials wells or barriers

Applying the commonly used partial wave method in the quantum theory of collisions, the scattering cross-sections of the two- and three-dimensional attractive and repulsive potentials are expressed as sums of phase shifts. With the help of the Maple software program, the phase shifts and cross-sections are plotted as functions of the kinetic energy and potential height, and it is demonstrated that the systematic convergence of the cross-sections as higher angular-momentum phase shifts are included in the summations. It is found that the cross-sections of the attractive potential oscillate with both the kinetic energy and the potential strength, even though the phase shifts are monotonic. It is also shown that in the case of the repulsive potential, both the phase shifts and cross-sections change profoundly when the kinetic energy of the incident particle is lower than the potential height.
The eosinophil-mediated antitumor activity of interleukin-4

Within the last several years in vivo assays have been developed to assess the biologic activities of individual cytokine gene products as antitumor agents. One such assay, termed the tumor-cytokine transplantation assay, 1' 2 was developed to determine whether individual cytokines, when expressed locally, could incite immune and/or inflammatory cells capable of cytotoxic action against transplanted tumor cells. The assay involves the engineering of cytokine genes into expression vectors that are introduced into tumor cell lines; these modified cells are then transplanted into recipient hosts. The inhibition of growth of the cytokine-secreting tumor cells compared with mock-transfected tumor cells constitute the basis for identifying the cytokine as a potential antitumor effector. This assay has several advantages for studying the biology of cytokine-induced antitumor activity. First, it assesses the localized action of a cytokine in vivo, and therefore it recapitulates to a somewhat greater extent the normal delivery of cytokines compared with their systemic administration. Further, cytokines that can be shown to have no effect on the growth of tumor cells in vitro but that do inhibit tumor growth in vivo likely require the involvement of host effector cells in the tumoricidal effect observed. This is the case, for example, with the antitumor effect of interleukin (IL)-4? Histologic analysis involving routine staining methods and immunohistochemical methods can thereby provide clues to the host effector cells important in the observed antitumor response. The ability to mix tumor cells secreting cytokine with nonproducing tumor cells in a "mixed tumor transplantation assay" also allows one to assess whether the secreted cytokine is acting in a non-cell-autonomous fashion, as has been shown for a number of
Use of glyphosate for managing invasive cattail (Typha spp.) to disperse blackbird (Icteridae) roosts

Hybrid cattail (Typhaglauca Godr.) has become the dominant emergent vegetation in many wetlands of central North America's Prairie Pothole Region (PPR). Hybrid cattail, an invasive species, can outcompete native emergents and form a dense canopy that alters the original physiognomy and ecological processes of the wetland. Blackbirds (Icteridae), which number in the millions in late summer in the PPR, use cattails for reproduction, loafing and roosting. Ripening crops, especially sunflower, planted near wetland roost sites can sustain considerable economic damage from blackbirds. Producers of sunflower in North Dakota and South Dakota can obtain assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services unit to prevent blackbird damage. Beginning in 1991, Wildlife Services began aerially spraying cattails with glyphosate herbicide to reduce roosting substrate and lessen the severity of localized sunflower damage. As the program enters its 20th year, we review published research aimed at assessing the ecological effects and efficacy of glyphosate use in wetlands. Addition- ally, we incorporate unpublished data gathered to enhance the program's environmental safety and efficacy.
Preisach modeling of hysteresis and tracking control of a Thunder actuator system

This paper presents the classical Preisach modeling of the hysteresis and tracking control of a Thunder actuator system. The numerical expressions of the classical Preisach model were presented in details for different input variations. It was found that the saturation output values in these numerical expressions could be cancelled out. A series of tests were conducted to study the hysteresis properties of the Thunder actuator system. The classical Preisach model was then applied to simulate the static hysteresis behavior of the system. Higher-order hysteresis reversal curves predicted by the classical Preisach model were verified experimentally. The good agreement found between the measured and predicted curves showed that the classical Preisach model is an effective mean for modeling the hysteresis of the Thunder actuator system. Subsequently, the inverse classical Preisach model was established and applied to the real time microposition tracking control of the Thunder actuator system. Real time tracking control was achieved by combining a lead-lag feedback controller and the inverse model. On a moving range of 0-0.1mm, the tracking error with hysteresis compensation was less than 2.5%, compared to an error of up to 10% without hysteresis compensation. Experimental results showed that control accuracy with hysteresis compensation is greatly improved compared to that without hysteresis compensation.
Correlation of 3.5 kHz acoustic penetration and deposition/erosion in the Argentine Basin: a note

Abstract 3.5 kHz Profiles show that sediments in the Argentine Basin have acoustic penetrations ranging from 0 to > 300 ms. The acoustically opaque sand- and silt-rich sediments on the proximal abyssal plain seaward of the Rio de la Plata appear to be winnowed by the Antarctic Bottom Water as it flows north. The northern and eastern parts of this gyre, however, appear to be depositional, explaining the acoustically transparent sediments on the southern slopes of the Rio Grande Rise and the Ewing-Argyro-Zapiola Drifts.
Hepatitis C genotypes in liver transplant recipients: Distribution and 1-year follow-up

Chronic hepatitis C infection (CH-C) accounts for a significant number of patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Recently, hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype-dependent differences in disease outcome and therapeutic responses have been suggested. The objectives of our study were to determine (1) the recurrence of HCV infection after OLT; (2) distribution of HCV genotypes in patients with CH-C who required liver transplantation compared with those who did not; and (3) the 1-year transplantation outcome in patients infected with different hepatitis C genotypes. RNA was extracted from sera of 20 patients who underwent OLT for end-stage liver disease secondary to CH-C (group I) and 52 patients with CH-C who did not require OLT (group II). For viral RNA detection, reverse transcriptase and polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) of 5′U region was performed on all OLT patients both before and after OLT. For genotyping, RT-PCR of the NS 5 region was performed, followed by automated sequencing of the amplification products. Nineteen OLT patients had viral RNA detected by PCR both before and after OLT. One patient had no RNA detected before OLT but became viremic after OLT. The prevalence of HCV genotype 1b was significantly higher in group I patients compared with group II (53% v 23% respectively, P = 01). Examination of outcome at 1 year after OLT showed that 9 of 10 patients with HCV genotype 1b had histological evidence of hepatitis compared with 4 of 9 patients with other genotypes (non-1b) (P = 0.06). However, the number of patients who had one or more episodes of rejection, underwent retransplantation, or died at 1 year after OLT were similar. Recurrence of HCV infection after OLT was shown in all studied patients. Hepatitis C genotype 1b is more prevalent in our patients who underwent transplantation compared with a group with chronic hepatitis C who did not require transplantation (P = 0.01). Patients infected with HCV genotype 1b may have a higher risk of histological hepatitis after transplantation.
C3 glomerulonephritis associated with monoclonal gammopathy: a case series.

Background C3 glomerulonephritis (GN) is a proliferative GN resulting from glomerular deposition of complement factors due to dysregulation of the alternative pathway of complement. Dysregulation of the alternative pathway of complement may occur as a result of mutations or functional inhibition of complement-regulating proteins. Functional inhibition of the complement-regulating proteins may result from a monoclonal gammopathy. Study Design Case series. Setting & Participants 32 Mayo Clinic patients with C3 GN, 10 (31%) of whom had evidence of a monoclonal immunoglobulin in serum. Outcomes Clinical features, hematologic and bone marrow biopsy findings, kidney biopsy findings, kidney measures, complement pathway abnormalities, treatment, and follow-up of patients with C3 GN that was associated with a monoclonal gammopathy. Results Mean age of patients with C3 GN associated with monoclonal gammopathy was 54.5 years. Bone marrow biopsy done in 9 patients revealed monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance in 5 patients, small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia in one patient, and no abnormal clones in the other 3 patients. Kidney biopsy showed membranoproliferative GN with bright capillary wall C3 staining in all 10 patients. Evaluation of the alternative pathway of complement showed abnormalities in 7 of 9 patients tested. No mutation in complement-regulating proteins was detected in any patient. As an index case, one patient with C3 GN and chronic lymphocytic leukemia was treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone, and one patient with C3 GN and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance was treated with dexamethasone and bortezomib. Both patients showed significant decreases in hematuria and proteinuria and stabilization of kidney function. Limitations Studies to show evidence of direct activation of the alternative pathway by monoclonal immunoglobulin were not done. Conclusions The study highlights the association of C3 GN and monoclonal gammopathy, in particular in the older population, and the importance of targeting the underlying hematologic malignancy as an approach to treating C3 GN.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 105

The available nuclear structure information for all nuclei with mass number A = 105 is presented. Various decay and reaction data are evaluated and compared. Adopted data, levels, and spin and parity assignments are given.
Possible approaches to establishing interlaboratory comparability of measurements of polychlorinated biphenyls in human serum

Abstract The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, with the assistance of the Centers for Disease Control, conducted a study to determine the prevalence of elevated levels (> 30 ng ml −1 ) of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in serum taken from residents of the greater New Bedford area in Massachusetts. The criteria and procedures used to establish interlaboratory comparability for measurements for PCBs in human serum, the establishment and performance of the quality control system and the comparability of results on human serum samples from the New Bedford study are described. Aspects of interlaboratory comparability addressed include the establishment of common extraction and analytical methods, joint analyses of bovine serum pools (both in vitro-spiked pools and in vivo pools from a cow that was fed PCBs), establishment of quality control charts and rules for acceptability of analytical runs and joint analyses of a subset ( n = 207) of the human serum samples from the New Bedford study. The 207 jointly analyzed samples had PCB levels that ranged from 1 to 214 ng ml −1 and had an interlaboratory correlation coefficient of 0.96.
Implementation of the PR&PP methodology: the role of formal expert elicitations

A Generation IV International Forum (GIF) Working Group has developed a methodology with which to evaluate the proliferation resistance and physical protection (PR&PP) robustness of nuclear energy systems. For such nuclear systems, there is a need to evaluate designs that are not fully developed, technology issues from fuels to fuel cycles that are not yet determined, and safeguards, security, and other measures that are not yet decided. To that end, this paper proposes use of formal expert elicitation in conjunction with the PR&PP methodology. This combination would provide a systematic and transparent qualitative analysis of proliferation resistance and physical protection and also would contribute to the development of credible input for quantitative analyses. The outcome would be valuable for internal planning purposes for nuclear designers, safeguards experts, and technical and policy stakeholders involved in the development of Generation IV nuclear energy systems.
Ars Perfecta: toward perfection in musical performance?

Is there such a thing as the perfect performance of a musical work? It is the thesis of this paper that there is not. The thesis is advanced as the implication or concomitant of an already developed view of musical performance in the Western tradition, outlined in my book, Authenticities (1995).
Analysis of Cell Binding and Internalization of Multivalent PEG-Based Gene Delivery Vehicles

RGD peptides have been incorporated into several gene delivery vehicles to enhance specific interactions of nonviral vehicles with the cell surface. However, there are contradictory results regarding the effect of linear RGD peptides on specific cell surface binding of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated gene delivery vehicles. This study sought to understand how coupling RGD peptides to PEG vehicles affects cell binding and internalization using a novel four arm PEG backbone. Coupling multiple RGD peptides to the PEG backbone increased the affinity of the vehicle for the cell surface, and that the PEG backbone did not reduce the affinity of RGD peptides for integrin receptors in both kinetic and equilibrium studies. Kinetic studies suggest that cellular internalization of PEG-based vehicles is not regulated by the RGD peptides on the vehicle, but rather by nonspecific interactions with heparan sulfate proteoglycans either alone or in combination with integrins. These results suggest that while increasing the number of RGD peptides per vehicle increases cell binding, but it does not contribute to increased internalization or transfection efficiency.
Super resolution hybrid analog-digital optical beam profiler using digital micromirror device

Demonstrated for the first time is a hybrid analog-digital laser beam profiler based on analog fine motion of a digital micromirror device (DMD) and within-chip digital micromirror controls. The profiler can operate with high-power watt-level laser beams, providing both submicron-level high resolution and wide area profiling coverage. The demonstrated profiler tested over a 600-/spl mu/m zone using a 1550-nm Gaussian beam shows a 2-/spl mu/m profiling edge movement resolution limited by the analog motion mechanics.
Penile implants in the treatment of organic impotence.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the reliability and safety of penile implants in the treatment of organic impotence at the Saudi Aramco - Dhahran Health Center. METHODS A series of 108 cases of organic impotence that underwent 125 penile implantation procedures between 1988 and 1997 was reviewed. The follow-up period ranged between 6 months and 10 years. The mean age was 57.9 years (range 26-76). The prostheses used were AMS (American Medical System) inflatable (92 cases) and malleable (16 cases). RESULTS There were no complications in 86 patients, (80%) who had functioning prostheses all through the follow-up period. Revision of the implants was required in 13 patients (14%). The causes of revision were severe infection, intolerable pain from an oversized malleable prosthesis, and dysfunction of the inflatable prostheses. Removal of the implant was necessary in severe infection, intolerable pain, and extrusion of the prosthesis. All 9 patients (8%) had inflatable prostheses and refused a second implant. There was no single mortality among our series. The overall procedure complications involved 26 out of 125 procedures (21%). It was shown that malleable penile prostheses have significantly lower procedure complications than the inflatable ones (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Penile implants are reliable and safe modality of treatment for organic impotence with acceptable morbidity.
Novel Synthesis of Nitride Powders by Microwave-assisted Combustion

A novel and simple microwave-assisted combustion procedure for the synthesis of a number of technologically important metal nitrides was demonstrated. The method involves the combustion reaction of a porous metal powder compact with N2 gas in the microwave field and provides phase-pure metal nitride products (consisting of fine particles, fibers, and whiskers) within minutes. The ignition and combustion temperatures of the reaction were found to vary as a function of compaction pressure. The microwave-prepared nitrides were characterized using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. The present microwave-assisted hybrid-heating procedure allows the preparation of nitrides with good crystallinity, structural uniformity, and phase purity, and appears to have general applicability for the preparation of metal nitrides (using the respective metals or even their oxides).
Clinical Trials: Past, Present, and Future

Carotid stenting has been in evolution for the past 15 years. Initially limited by a lack of dedicated equipment, pivotal trials using both dedicated stent technology and embolic protection filters in patients at high risk for surgical endarterectomy have been largely completed, and results have compared favorably to both direct and historical surgical controls. While this has led to Food and Drug Administration approval of at least six carotid stent systems in the US, European randomized trials in standard surgical risk patients have had mixed results and confused the perception of the place of this technology in the care of patients with carotid stenosis. Current US trials are in progress, one nearing completion, and they will further contribute an understanding as to the place of stent therapy in the standard surgical risk patient, regardless of symptomatic status.