cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The U.S. capability framework for public relations and communication management: Results of a national three-stage study

Abstract Using a novel-capability approach to explore the full potential of the profession, this study utilized a three-stage, mixed-methods design to develop the first U.S. capability framework for public relations. This research also investigated which newly defined capabilities public relations academics and practitioners perceived as the most important for the profession as a whole and for them as professionals. Finally, the research investigated what impediments professionals in the USA face to achieve these capabilities.
A Genetic Algorithm for Beam Placement in High-Throughput Satellite Constellations

The new era of satellite communications is approaching as the next generation of constellations is set to launch during the next few years. Digital payloads, steerable beams, and larger constellations will allow operators to serve better and more demand than ever before. However, better service comes at the cost of operational complexity. Manual distribution of satellite resources becomes unfeasible and automatic tools have to be developed to deal with the additional variables.From all the different sub-problems that constitute the resource allocation problem in satellite communications, this paper focuses on analyzing the beam placement problem in high-dimensional scenarios using graph theory, and, driven by the shown NP-hardness, solving it using a genetic algorithm (GA). To optimize the problem from a system perspective, we develop novel problem-specific metrics (number of beams and number of frequency slots per beam) that intend to reflect a trade-off in the general resource allocation problem.The results show a fast convergence towards the Pareto-Front that allows us to solve a new-era constellation with thousands of users in around 50 generations. The full system-level analysis proves that the problem-specific metrics developed in this work represent a system-level trade-off independently from allocation algorithms chosen for the other satellite resources. On top of that, when we compare our approach with a previously published heuristic, we show that we reduce both power usage, by between 20% and 40%, and unmet demand, by between 50% and 100%.
Real Estate Portfolio Management of Defaulted Mortgage Debt

Portfolios of defaulted first and second lien mortgages are regularly sold to private equity and hedge funds for the purpose of resolution—ranging from traditional workouts to lump-sum or annuity p...
China’s Power of Resistance

I am very glad to be here tonight to celebrate Founder’s Day in honor of Andrew Carnegie, who did so much for peace in the world. This beautiful Carnegie Institute has always devoted itself to the founder’s ideals of a common brotherhood and the establishment of the peace and security of all men.
Improving social corporate responsibility: the case of bullying behavior

This article highlights moral harassment at the workplace as a form of corruption in organizations. This form of corruption has cost organizations billions of dollars each year. A theoretical model is presented in this paper, which explains the main factors that affect bullying processes impact on organizations. Suggestions are provided in this paper, as tools to eliminate bullying within the workplace.
Noise optimized eigenfilter design of time-domain equalizers for DMT systems

The design of time-domain equalizers or TEQs for discrete multitone modulation (DMT) systems has recently received much attention. In this paper, we present a generalization of one such design method which takes into account the noise observed in a DMT channel. Furthermore, we show how this generalization can be used for the design of fractionally spaced equalizers or FSEs. Experimental results are presented showing that our design method performs better than other known techniques.
An upper bound on the order of locally testable deterministic finite automata

A locally testable language is a language with the property that for some nonnegative integer k, called the order of locality, whether or not a word w is in the language depends on (1) the prefix and suffix of w of length k, and (2) the set of intermediate substrings of w of length k + 1, without regard to the order in which these substrings occur. The local testability problem is, given a deterministic finite automaton, to decide whether it accepts a locally testable language or not. Recently, we introduced the first polynomial time algorithm for the local testability problem based on a simple characterization of locally testable deterministic automata. This paper investigates the upper bound on the order of locally testable automata. It shows that the order of a locally testable deterministic automaton is at most n4 + 1, where n is the number of states of the automaton.
Ethanolysis and base promoted elimination reaction of bridgehead α-amino sulfides : 3-thioethoxy-4-azahomoadamantanes

Abstract Solvolysis of N-methyl-3-thioethoxy-4-azahomoadamantane ( 4c ) in ethanolic sodium ethoxide followed first order kinetics. Reaction presumably proceeds via an S N 1 mechanism with resonance stabilization of the bridgehead carbonium ion by the electrons on adjacent nitrogen. Addition of ethoxide to the bridgehead carbonium ion yields N-methyl-3-ethoxy-4-azahomoadamantane ( 4c ). Solvolysis of N-protio compound ( 4b ) under similar conditions was much more rapid, and followed first order kinetics for both substrate and base. The mechanism apparently involves an elimination-addition pathway in which ethoxide promoted elimination of ethyl mercaptan is followed by net addition of ethanol across the bridgehead imine to form ether 4d .
Precision Editing of Large Animal Genomes

Transgenic animals are an important source of protein and nutrition for most humans and will play key roles in satisfying the increasing demand for food in an ever-increasing world population. The past decade has experienced a revolution in the development of methods that permit the introduction of specific alterations to complex genomes. This precision will enhance genome-based improvement of farm animals for food production. Precision genetics also will enhance the development of therapeutic biomaterials and models of human disease as resources for the development of advanced patient therapies.
NMDA-induced burst discharge in guinea pig trigeminal motoneurons in vitro

1. The responses of guinea pig trigeminal motoneurons (TMNs) to N-methyl-D,L-aspartate (NMA) were studied using brain stem slice preparations and whole cell patch-clamp (n = 89) or conventional microelectrode (n = 22) recording techniques. The primary goals of this study were to determine whether N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation would produce spontaneous bursting activity in TMNs and, if so, the underlying mechanisms responsible for the generation of these bursts. 2. Bath-applied NMA (100-300 microM, n = 80) in standard perfusion medium elicited depolarization, increase in apparent input resistance (Rinp), and rhythmic burst discharges (1-90 s in duration) from TMNs. These effects were blocked by the NMDA receptor antagonist DL-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5, 30 microM, n = 6), but not by the non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX, 5-10 microM, n = 10). Furthermore, the burst-inducing effect of NMA was not mimicked by the non-NMDA receptor agonists kainate (KA, 5-10 microM, n = 6) and (+/-)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA, 5-10 microM, n = 5). 3. In tetrodotoxin (TTX) treatment conditions (n = 13), NMA elicited depolarization, an increase in apparent Rinp, and rhythmic membrane potential oscillations without action potential bursts (i.e., plateau potentials), suggesting that the effects of NMA observed in the TTX-free condition resulted from activation of postsynaptic NMDA receptors. 4. Graded depolarization of neurons (n = 20) by intracellular direct current injection generally led to a graded increase in frequency and duration of the NMA-induced bursts and plateau potentials until these rhythmic events eventually became transformed into continuous spike discharge and maintained depolarization, respectively. Removal of Mg2+ from the perfusion medium (n = 11) also turned the bursts and plateau potentials into continuous spike discharge and maintained depolarization, respectively. 5. The effects of NMA on the current-voltage (I-V) curve after a depolarizing ramp voltage-clamp command (15-20 mV/s) were examined (n = 40). Under NMA (100-300 microM) conditions, the I-V relationship exhibited a region of negative slope conductance (NSC) between -60 and -35 mV, thus making the I-V relationship N-shaped. The NSC was abolished by AP5 (30 microM, n = 8), but not by CNQX (5-10 microM, n = 6). The I-V relationship in AMPA (3-10 microM, n = 5) or KA (3-10 microM, n = 5) was almost linear between -80 and -30 mV.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Using Relational Databases for Improved Sequence Similarity Searching and Large‐Scale Genomic Analyses

Relational databases are designed to integrate diverse types of information and manage large sets of search results, greatly simplifying genome-scale analyses. Relational databases are essential for management and analysis of large-scale sequence analyses, and can also be used to improve the statistical significance of similarity searches by focusing on subsets of sequence libraries most likely to contain homologs. This unit describes using relational databases to improve the efficiency of sequence similarity searching and to demonstrate various large-scale genomic analyses of homology-related data. This unit describes the installation and use of a simple protein sequence database, seqdb_demo, which is used as a basis for the other protocols. These include basic use of the database to generate a novel sequence library subset, how to extend and use seqdb_demo for the storage of sequence similarity search results and making use of various kinds of stored search results to address aspects of comparative genomic analysis. Keywords: relational database; sequence similarity; comparative genomic analysis; homology
pH-Responsive, TiO2-Attached Porphyrin for Singlet Oxygen Production in an Aqueous Solution

A pH-responsive, TiO2-attached sensitizer was prepared based on the adsorption of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP) onto TiO2 nanoparticles. This colloidally dispersed TiO2-attached TCPP behaves as a single-phase colloidal sensitizer at pH 1.0−3.3 with quantum yields of singlet oxygen production (ΦΔ) between 0.20 and 0.25, as a heterogeneous particle sensitizer at pH 3.5−6.0 with ΦΔ between 0.25 and 0.50, and as homogeneous free TCPP molecules in alkaline solutions with ΦΔ = 0.53. The changes in ΦΔ are fully consistent with pH-dependent adsorption of TCPP onto the TiO2 surface. Recovery yields of 99.8% for TCPP and 98.8% for TiO2 were obtained from 1.4 mM TiO2-attached TCPP. We attribute its photosensitization ability to retaining TCPP solubility on the TiO2 surface and, hence, activity. This novel system shows a potential to bridge the gap between easily recoverable and highly efficient sensitizers.
Optoelectronic properties of strained wurtzite GaN quantum-well lasers

Fundamental optical properties of strained wurtzite GaN quantum-well laser are calculated and evaluated near the threshold condition. The formalism is based on a self-consistent methodology that couples an envelope-function Hamiltonian for band structures with photon-carrier rate equations. Details of energy band structure, optical gain, and modulation response are studied comprehensively under the effects of strain-induced piezoelectric fields, bandgap renormalization, and the carrier capture processes. Comparisons between different approximations show that self-consistency is essential to accurately simulate pseudomorphically strained wurtzite GaN quantum-well lasers.
Low molecular weight heparin bridging for atrial fibrillation: is VTE thromboprophylaxis the major benefit?

Paucity of data has led to a lack of consensus regarding indications for, and risk-benefit ratio of, low molecular weight heparin 'bridging' for cardioembolic prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) until their INR levels are in therapeutic range. Using a hospital database, we compared AF patients ≥65 years who were bridged (n = 265) with patients who were not bridged (n = 4532) after hospital discharge. Patients who failed to achieve a therapeutic INR within 30 days were excluded. CHADS₂ scores (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75, diabetes, stroke), bleeding risk and co-morbidity scores were assessed. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios for outcome events (death, stroke, hemorrhage and venous thromboembolism (VTE) within 30 days of discharge were compared. Bridged patients, as compared to those not bridged, were younger (74.7 ± 6.6 vs. 78.5 ± 7.7 years), less likely to be white (36 vs. 51%), and less likely to have CHADS₂ scores ≥2 (67 vs. 84%), all P 0.80). Although we found insufficient evidence of either lower stroke or greater bleeding risk with bridging, our data suggest the possibility that LMWH bridging in patients with AF is associated with lower risks of VTE and death within 30 days of discharge.
MARKET REACTION TO SHORT-TERM EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN ADOPTION*

Abstract Our evidence on the stock price reaction to the announcement of short-term executive compensation plan adoption indicates that: (1) significantly positive abnormal returns occur in the month of announcement and in the four months before the bonus plan adoption, and (2) significantly positive abnormal returns occur 10 months after the adoption announcement, returns that are associated with positive unexpected earnings. This result conflicts with semi-strong market efficiency and indicates the existence of a trading rule based on the news of bonus plan adoption.
Influence of hydrogel mechanical properties and mesh size on vocal fold fibroblast extracellular matrix production and phenotype

Current clinical management of vocal fold (VF) scarring produces inconsistent and often suboptimal results. Researchers are investigating a number of alternative treatments for VF lamina propria (LP) scarring, including designer implant materials for functional LP regeneration. In the present study, we investigate the effects of the initial scaffold elastic modulus and mesh size on encapsulated VF fibroblast (VFF) extracellular matrix (ECM) production toward rational scaffold design. Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels were selected for this study since their material properties, including mechanical properties, mesh size, degradation rate and bioactivity, can be tightly controlled and systematically modified. Porcine VFF were encapsulated in four PEGDA hydrogels with degradation half lives of approximately 25 days, but with initial elastic compressive moduli and mesh sizes ranging from approximately 30 to 100kPa and from approximately 9 to 27nm, respectively. After 30 days of static culture, VFF ECM production and phenotype in each formulation was assessed biochemically and histologically. Sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis increased in similar degree with both increasing initial modulus and decreasing initial mesh size. In contrast, elastin production decreased with increasing initial modulus but increased with decreasing initial mesh size. Both collagen deposition and the induction of a myofibroblastic phenotype depended strongly on initial mesh size but appeared largely unaffected by variations in initial modulus. The present results indicate that scaffold mesh size warrants further investigation as a critical regulator of VFF ECM synthesis. Furthermore, this study validates a systematic and controlled approach for analyzing VFF response to scaffold properties, which should aid in rational scaffold selection/design.
A solution of Wilson's loop equation in lattice QCD2

Abstract The equation for Wilson's loop average recently presented by Makeenko and Migdal is solved in the large N limit for the lattice version of QCD2. The results are consistent with the solution of the same model found by Gross and Written by saddle point methods.
Rock Wedge Stability Analysis Using System Reliability Methods

We present a system reliability approach to rock wedge stability analysis. Different failure modes are considered, and a disjoint cut-set formulation is employed – with each cut-set corresponding to a different failure mode – to explore the system aspects of the problem, so that the reliability of the system is assessed by computing the probability of failure of the slope under each failure mode. An example case is used to demonstrate different approaches to compute the reliability of the slope design. Our results show that an approximation to the “exact” probability of failure – given by Monte Carlo simulation results – may be obtained using a first order approximation to the failure domain, and that linear programming techniques may be used to obtain bounds of the probability of failure. Furthermore, we identify the most likely failure mode, and we explore the sensitivity of the computed probabilities to changes in the random variables considered. The results indicate that the reliability results are quite sensitive to the geometry of the wedge. Changes in water conditions are also found to have a significant impact on the computed probabilities, while changes in unit weight of the rock have a considerably smaller effect on the reliability.
Simulation of high-speed (orbital) releases of electron attachment materials in the ionosphere

The dynamics of ionospheric plasma irregularities produced by the release of electron attachment materials at orbital velocities across the geomagnetic field is studied. A two-dimensional electrostatic fluid model which includes electron attachment and mutual neutralization chemistry, self-consistent electric fields, and three-species transport is developed. Numerical simulations are performed to study the behavior at early and at late times after the release. At early times, of the order of or less than the attachment material neutral collision time, the negative ion cloud produced by the release may structure owing to the shear in the E x B velocity within the cloud. At high altitudes the cloud may bifurcate and form vortices on the back. At lower altitudes where ion-neutral collisional effects dominate, this structuring is suppressed. At late times, after a plasma depletion has formed due to neutralization chemistry, the cloud structures by the E x B interchange instability. Depending on the release altitude, the depletion structures by the collisional or inertial limit of this instability.
Racial disparities in the use of and indications for colorectal procedures in Medicare beneficiaries

Background African Americans are diagnosed more frequently with colorectal carcinoma at a later stage compared with Caucasians. One potential reason for the disparity is a lower rate of screening examinations. Methods Using Outpatient and Physician-Supplier claims for all Medicare beneficiaries age > or = 65 years in 1999, indications for fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and barium enema were divided into diagnostic, surveillance, or screening categories. Annualized rates were calculated based on the number of eligible fee-for-service months. Results Rates of FOBT (18.24% vs. 11.86%; P Conclusions Racial disparities exist not only in the use of colorectal procedures but also in the indications for such testing, with African Americans less likely to undergo screening tests. The differences are consistent with delay in diagnosis until symptoms or signs develop and may contribute to disparities in cancer mortality.
Crystallization: how social media facilitates social construction of reality

We propose Crystallization as a framework for understanding how reality is socially constructed in the age of social media by incorporating network attributes to agenda-setting theory. Reflecting the affordances of contemporary technology and the psychological underpinnings of social influence, Crystallization suggests that social media facilitates information produced or relayed by the members of our social networks, who become neo agenda setters. People's perceptions of reality will develop through their social networks and everyone will perceive that the information their social network produces reflects reality, but at the macro level, we will see an ever-diverging cacophony of socially constructed realities.
Reflective optics for microdiffraction

Abstract Nondispersive optics are essential for emerging microdiffraction and nanobeam research. Here we describe extensions to traditional Kirkpatrick–Baez optics required to develop nondispersive microdiffraction and nanoprobe optics with 1–10 nm spatial resolution.
Erratum to “Use of interleukin 15 to enhance interferon-γ production by antigen-specific stimulated lymphocytes from rhesus macaques” [J. Immunol. Methods (279) (2003) 55–67]

Erratum to “Use of interleukin 15 to enhance interferon-γ production by antigen-specific stimulated lymphocytes from rhesus macaques” [J. Immunol. Methods (279) (2003) 55–67] Sandra A. Calarota , Miguel Otero , Keith Hermanstyne , Mark Lewis , Margherita Rosati , Barbara K. Felber , George N. Pavlakis , Jean D. Boyer , David B. Weiner a,⁎ a Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 422 Curie Boulevard, 505 Stellar-Chance Building, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6100, USA b Southern Research Institute, Frederick, MD 21791, USA c Basic Research Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 21702, USA
Über die Einkristallzüchtung von Vanadinpentoxid aus der Schmelze

Es wurden Zuchtungsversuche von Vanadinpentoxid aus der Schmelze mit Hilfe einer Apparatur nach Bridgman und Stockbarger sowie nach dem Zonenschmelzverfahren unter Sauerstoff durchgefuhrt. Die Qualitat der gewonnenen Einkristalle wurde mit der Atzmethode und mit einer rontgentopographischen Methode untersucht. Es zeigte sich, das die Einkristalle, die nach dem Zonenschmelzverfahren unter Sauerstoff hergestellt worden waren, weniger fehlerhaft gebaut sind als jene, die nach Bridgman-Stockbarger gezogen wurden. Growth experiments of V2O5 were performed by Bridgman-Stockbarger technique and by zone-melting under oxygen. Perfection of crystals was proved by etching and by means of X-ray topografy. Single crystals grown by zone-melting under oxygen were less defective, than those grown according to Bridgman and Stockbarger.
Ultraviolet emitting (Y1-xGdx)2O3-δ thin films deposited by radio frequency magnetron sputtering: Combinatorial modeling, synthesis, and rapid characterization

Abstract Gadolinium-doped, yttrium oxide thin films have been deposited on silicon (001) substrates by radio-frequency (RF) magnetron reactive sputtering that exhibit cathodoluminescence (CL) at ultraviolet frequencies. The maximum CL brightness occurred at λ ∼314–315 nm characteristic of the 6 P 3 / 2 → 8 S ( λ = 314 nm) transition observed in Gd-doped, yttrium oxide powders. The radiative recombination takes place at the rare earth activator Gd 3+ site embedded in the Y 2 O 3− δ host; the optical transition resides within the band gap of the Y 2 O 3− δ host and the transition observed is characteristic of atomic gadolinium. A combinatorial approach to sputtering was used to deposit a film of variable composition from 1 to 23 at.% Gd in Y 2 O 3− δ in order to rapidly discern the composition node of optimal CL brightness. A simulation was created for the purpose of predicting the film combinatorial composition for binary and ternary alloys prior to sputtering experiments in order to facilitate our combinatorial thin film synthesis technique. The model prediction varied from the real experimental composition profile by only 2.2 at.% Gd ± 1.6 at.% proving the predictor as a useful aide to complement combinatorial thin film experiments. A film of composition Y 1.56 Gd 0.44 O 3.25 (8.3 at.% Gd) yielded the maximum CL brightness. CL brightness increased continuously up to the 8.3 at.% Gd composition due to the increased number of activators present in the host. Beyond this composition the brightness drastically decreased. The oxygen composition in the combinatorial film was strongly dependent on the Gd composition; films were sub-stoichiometric δ > 0 below ∼6 at.% Gd and was over-stoichiometric δ
Field experiments on the effectiveness of various insecticides for control of climbing cutworms on grapes.

Field trials were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of various insecticides against climbing cutworms in vineyards in southwestern Michigan. Amathes c-nigrum (L.), Agrotis badinodis (Grote), and Euxoa messoria (Harris) were the predominate species. In established vineyards, damage to developing buds was evaluated; in nonproducing vineyards, mortality and survival of cutworms were measured. In trials during 1978 and 1979, fenvalerate, and permethrin provided significantly less bud damage. All materials tested provided some control of the cutworms, but the 1979 test found that permethrin, fenvalerate, chlorpyrifos, and the high rate of fenamiphos were best.
Target detection, classification, and tracking using a maximum average correlation height and polynomial distance classification correlation filter combination

Simultaneous detection and classification of single/multiple identical and dissimilar targets is very important in automatic target recognition applications. A new approach is proposed for this purpose using a combination of maximum average correlation height (MACH) filter and polynomial distance classifier correlation filter (PDCCF). In this technique, full-resolution MACH filters are applied to the input scene, and the regions of interest (ROIs) containing the probable targets are selected from the input scene based on the ROIs with higher-correlation peak values in the correlation output. Then a multiclass PDCCF is applied to these ROIs to identify target types and reject clutters and/or backgrounds. To increase the robustness of the proposed technique, multiple filters are formulated for multiple ranges of target size and/or orientation variations. The simulation results using real-life imagery indicate the effectiveness of the proposed technique for target detection and classification in the presence of distortion, clutter, and other artifacts.
School-Based Health Center Providers' Treatment of Overweight Children

This descriptive study was to determine self-reported treatment practices of school-based health center (SBHC) providers when caring for overweight/obese children. Providers ( N =33) from SBHCs in 6 states (AZ, CO, NM, MI, NY, and NC) completed a baseline survey before being trained on obesity recommendations. SBHC providers reported patient/parent barriers to be more significant to treatment than clinician/setting barriers ( p
TH‐C‐BRA‐06: Measurement Based Source Model for On‐Board Imager Monte Carlo Dosimetry Simulations

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate and develop a systematic approach to quantify the dose impact of the radiographic and cone‐beam computed tomography(CBCT) modes of operation of the onboard imager (OBI) on radiotherapy treatment machines, independent of manufacturer's data specifications. Methods: In order to facilitate dose calculations using Monte Carlo(MC) methods, we have developed an equivalent source model for OBI systems consisting of an equivalent spectrum module incorporative of intrinsic filtration and an equivalent filter module characterizing the added bowtie filter. The equivalent spectrum was generated by iteratively updating the source spectrum estimate until the calculated beam behavior matched the measured half‐value layer and quarter‐value layer values. The equivalent filter was established by obtaining a series of exposure readings along the bowtie profile and calculating the equivalent path lengths of a particular filter material. The equivalent spectrum module was validated by assessing the consistency of the estimation results obtained from half‐ and full‐ bowtie measurements. The end‐to‐end system was validated by comparing dose distributions from MC simulations based on an equivalent spectrum and an equivalent filter with dose distributions from film measurements for both the full‐ and half‐bowtie scenario. Results: Results were generated using a 95 kVp beam. Agreement was observed between the equivalent source spectrums derived from measurements using either full‐ or half‐ bowtie filters. This consistency indirectly validates the consistency and accuracy of the equivalent source approach, as the experimental data are mutually independent, with source and internal filtration being the intrinsic common factor. A root‐mean‐square error of approximately 3% was observed between the MC and film measurement dose distributions for both bowtie filters. Conclusions: We have developed a source model that generates valid input for OBI MCdosimetry simulations. The method uses relatively simple measurement data, instead of manufacturer's specifications.
An Optimization Technique Adapted to USDAHL-74 Revised Model of Watershed Hydrology

. A direct search optimization routine has been added to USDAHL-74 Revised Model of Watershed Hydrology. It provides an objective method to determine values of selected parameters to give the optimum match between observed and computed hydrologic data. Examination of intermediate results also gives information on the sensitivity of the model to changes in the parameter being optimized.
596 FLOW MICROFLUOROMETRY ANALYSIS OF DNA IN HUMAN NEUROBLASTOMA CELLS

More effective treatment for neuroblastoma is needed, and new therapies are being developed and tested. A rapid method for measuring cell cycle distribution of tumor cells might provide valuable information for selection and timing of therapeutic agents. Therefore, we developed flow microfluorometry (FMF) for measuring DNA content of neuroblastoma cells. Seven established human neuroblastoma cell lines were utilized. Neuroblastoma cells frequently grow in clumps, and these were dispersed with sonication. DNA content was determined after fixation of cells in ethanol, treatment with RNAse, and staining with propidium iodide (PI). The percentage of cells in G1, S, and G2+M was determined by computerized curve fitting analysis of the DNA distribution. For example, LA-N-1 cells in the logarhythmic growth phase consisted of 64% G1, 25.6% S, and 10.4 G2+M cells. FMF analysis of DNA in tumor cells growing in vivo can be complicated by normal cells present in the tumor. Therefore, we developed a tumor cell identification system using rabbit antiserum against neuroblastoma cell surface antigens and fluoresceinated goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulin. Neuroblastoma cells treated with these reagents, and then ethanol and PI were successfully analyzed for DNA content with FMF. This new method should allow analysis of neuroblastoma cells in primary tumors and various metastatic sites and may provide new information of therapeutic value.
Musgrave’s vision of the public sector: the complex relationship between individual, society and state in public good theory

Richard Musgrave introduced the notion of a public good after reading an obscure publication by Lindahl in German in 1910. His great contribution to knowledge was to provide a clear and comprehensive structure for thinking about the process of achieving an “optimal” allocation of resources across public and private goods based individual preferences and the role of government in that process. A number of ambiguities and issues in Musgrave’s vision remain only partially resolved including the need to incorporate “higher laws” or community values into the allocation process.
Treatment of bacteria-biofilm graft infection by in situ replacement in normal and immune-deficient states

Abstract Purpose: Complications of grafts infected with coagulase-negative staphylococci can be eradicated by antibiotic administration, tissue debridement, and in situ graft replacement, but successful treatment may be diminished in a setting of altered immune function. Methods: In a canine model of an established aortic graft infection from Staphylococcus epidermidis , outcomes after in situ replacement were compared between normal dogs and animals made immune-deficient by administration of azathioprine (50 mg/day) and prednisone (10 mg/day). In situ replacement of an infected infrarenal aortic graft with either antibiotic-bonded (silver-ciprofloxacin; Ag-cipro) or conventional polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts was performed in 17 control and 18 immune-deficient animals. Results: Four weeks after implantation of a Dacron graft colonized with a biofilm of S. epidermidis , all study animals demonstrated a bacterial biofilm infection with perigraft inflammation or abscess, and in immune-suppressed dogs the incidence of perianastomotic aortitis was increased ( p S. epidermidis recovery was observed in immune-suppressed animals that underwent in situ replacement of a standard (five of seven) versus antibiotic-bonded (one of 11) PTFE graft ( p S. epidermidis recovery (two of 19 Ag-cipro graft biofilm with positive culture results versus nine of 16 conventional graft biofilm with positive culture results; ( p Conclusions: This study supports the efficacy of in situ replacement for low-grade graft infections caused by S. epidermidis in normal hosts and demonstrates superiority of antibiotic-bonded grafts in immune-deficient hosts. (J VASC SURG 1993;18:398-406.)
French Films: Pre‐Texts for Teaching Syntax

Many language professors agree that we have to find a radically different way to teach grammar if it is to be taught at all. This paper presents and comments on an experiment that was started at Gettysburg College in 1989. Using a proficiency based approach, this course uses films as texts, that provide a cultural, visual and linguistic context in which the class functions. Various activities are organized around two films every semester, before the viewing, during and afterwards. This article also explains the articulation and purpose of such an organization by themes and units where the students' personal experiences meet French culture from within. Challenged in this way, students enjoy the creative experience of learning while they do not always notice the skill they are acquiring in French grammar.
Contraceptive choices for women with endocrine complications

Previous confusion regarding the interference by oral contraceptives in measurements of endocrine function have been largely eliminated by the advent of improved, more sensitive assays. There are few if any contraindications to oral contraceptive use in patients with thyroid disease. Patients with prolactinoma can be treated with bromocriptine to restore fertility and prevent mineral loss. However, as a less expensive alternative, oral contraceptives can be prescribed to correct mineral loss, because there is no convincing evidence of an adverse effect on prolactinomas by the steroidal content of the pill. Oral contraceptives comprise a near ideal treatment modality for women with polycystic ovary disease because, among other effects, oral contraceptives reduce synthesis of androgen by inhibiting pituitary gonadotropin secretion.
Polyurethane Elastomers as Maxillofacial Prosthetic Materials

A series of polyurethane elastomers based on an aliphatic diisocyanate and a polyether macroglycol was polymerized with various crosslink densities and OH/NCO ratios. Stoichiometries yielding between 8,600 and 12,900 gm/ mole/crosslink and an OH/NCO ratio of 1.1 resulted in polymers with the low modulus, yet high strength and elongation necessary for maxillofacial applications.
Elevated small GTPase activation influences the cell proliferation signaling control in Niemann-Pick type C fibroblasts.

Abstract Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) disease is characterized at the cellular level by the intracellular accumulation of free cholesterol. We have previously identified a similar phenotype in cystic fibrosis (CF) cell models that results in the activation of the small GTPase RhoA. The hypothesis of this study was that NPC cells would also exhibit an increase in small GTPase activation. An examination of the active, GTP-bound form of GTPases revealed a basal increase in the content of the active-form Ras and RhoA small GTPases in NPC fibroblasts compared to wt controls. To assess whether this increase in GTP-bound Ras and RhoA manifests a functional outcome, the expression of the proliferation control proteins p21/waf1 and cyclin D were examined. Consistent with increased GTPase signaling, p21/waf1 expression is reduced and cyclin D expression is elevated in NPC fibroblasts. Interestingly, cell growth rate is not altered in NPC fibroblasts compared to wt cells. However, NPC sensitivity to statin treatment is reversed by addition of the isoprenoid geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), a modifier of RhoA. It is concluded that Ras and RhoA basal activation is elevated in NPC fibroblasts and has an impact on cell survival pathways.
Applying genetic algorithms to the state assignment problem: a case study

Finding the best state assignment for implementing a synchronous sequential circuit is important for reducing silicon area or chip count in many digital designs. This State Assignment Problem (SAP) belongs to a broader class of combinatorial optimization problems than the well studied traveling salesman problem, which can be formulated as a special case of SAP. The search for a good solution is considerably more involved for the SAP than it is for the traveling salesman problem due to a much larger number of equivalent solutions, and no effective heuristic has been found so far to cater to all types of circuits. In this paper, a matrix representation is used as the genotype for a Generic Algorithm (GA) approach to this problem. A novel selection mechanism is introduced, and suitable genetic operators for crossover and mutation, are constructed. The properties of each of these elements of the GA are discussed and an analysis of parameters that influence the algorithm is given. A canonical form for a solution is defined to significantly reduce the search space and number of local minima. Simulation results for scalable examples show that the GA approach yields results that are comparable to those obtained using competing heuristics. Although a GA does not seem to be the tool of choice for use in a sequential Von-Neumann machine, the results obtained are good enough to encourage further research on distributed processing GA machines that can exploit its intrinsic parallelism.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Possible Involvement of Altered Gibberellin Metabolism in the Induction of Tomato Irregular Ripening in Dwarf Cherry Tomato by Silverleaf Whitefly

External and internal tomato irregular ripening (TIR) symptoms were associated with the feeding of silverleaf whitefly (SLW), Bemisia argentifolii Bellows and Perring. Four experiments consisting of various soil drench applications of GA3 (100 ppm) and cycocel (CCC, an inhibitor of GA biosynthesis; 1,000 and 2,000 ppm) were applied to dwarf cherry tomato cv. Florida Petite in the presence and absence of SLW in an attempt to mimic the disorders induced by the SLW. The application of GA3 induced external and internal TIR symptoms similar to the SLW-induced disorder. Minimal TIR-like symptoms also occurred in the control and CCC treatments. Internal TIR symptoms in GA3, GA3 plus SLW, and GA3 plus CCC treatments ranged from 66% to 97% throughout the experiments. The incidence of external TIR symptoms was highest in the GA3 plus SLW treatment compared with the other treatments. CCC reduced the incidence of external TIR symptoms induced by GA3 or GA3 plus SLW treatments. However, CCC-treated plants also attracted more oviposition and higher populations of SLW and consequently induced a greater incidence of TIR symptoms than SLW treatment alone. Furthermore, although low SLW populations may be associated with low external TIR symptoms, internal TIR symptoms almost always remained high in infested plants. The results suggest that the TIR disorder in dwarf cherry tomato which is induced by the SLW may be a gibberellin-regulated disorder.
Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationships for Organophosphates Binding to Trypsin and Chymotrypsin

Organophosphate (OP) nerve agents such as sarin, soman, tabun, and O-ethyl S-[2-(diisopropylamino) ethyl] methylphosphonothioate (VX) do not react solely with acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Evidence suggests that cholinergic-independent pathways over a wide range are also targeted, including serine proteases. These proteases comprise nearly one-third of all known proteases and play major roles in synaptic plasticity, learning, memory, neuroprotection, wound healing, cell signaling, inflammation, blood coagulation, and protein processing. Inhibition of these proteases by OP was found to exert a wide range of noncholinergic effects depending on the type of OP, the dose, and the duration of exposure. Consequently, in order to understand these differences, in silico biologically based dose-response and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) methodologies need to be integrated. Here, QSAR were used to predict OP bimolecular rate constants for trypsin and α-chymotrypsin. A heuristic regression of over 500 topological/constitutional, geometric, thermodynamic, electrostatic, and quantum mechanical descriptors, using the software Ampac 8.0 and Codessa 2.51 (SemiChem, Inc., Shawnee, KS), was developed to obtain statistically verified equations for the models. General models, using all data subsets, resulted in R(2) values of .94 and .92 and leave-one-out Q(2) values of 0.9 and 0.87 for trypsin and α-chymotrypsin. To validate the general model, training sets were split into independent subsets for test set evaluation. A y-randomization procedure, used to estimate chance correlation, was performed 10,000 times, resulting in mean R(2) values of .24 and .3 for trypsin and α-chymotrypsin. The results show that these models are highly predictive and capable of delineating the complex mechanism of action between OP and serine proteases, and ultimately, by applying this approach to other OP enzyme reactions such as AChE, facilitate the development of biologically based dose-response models.
Overlooked in Academe: What Do We Know about Immigrant Students in Adult and Higher Education?

Immigration continues to be a powerful force shaping this country's demographic landscape. The majority of today's immigrants are not drawn from Europe but from the nations of the third world. This ethnic shift creates urgency for higher and adult education to transform culture and pedagogy to meet the educational needs of these newer minorities. The purpose of this paper is to make visible some of the sociocultural contexts of migration and how they influence learning among immigrant adults. It explores the concept of transnational migration as it relates to today's new comers and examines the role of cultural models in shaping the learning experiences of immigrant adults.
Fusobacterium liver abscess

Fusobacterium is well characterized as an oropharyngeal pathogen that may induce a septic thrombophlebitis by direct extension of abscess into an adjacent neck vessel (Lemierre's syndrome); its potential for visceral abscess formation, however, remains under-recognized. A 65-year-old man with a recent history of multiple rim-enhancing liver lesions presented to the emergency room with fever and abdominal pain. Based on interval increase in the size of the lesions, abscess was suspected. A liver biopsy was performed, and although no organism could be identified on routine microscopy, Warthin-Starry stain revealed Gram-negative bacilli consistent with an anaerobic Fusobacterium species as the underlying etiology of liver abscess formation. Subsequent anaerobic culture results confirmed the diagnosis. This case highlights the importance of consideration for Fusobacterium infection in the setting of liver abscess if anaerobic organisms have not yet been excluded on initial culture evaluation.
Two object subliminal priming

Examples of priming stimuli Equipment The experiment was run on a 1.83 GHz Intel Core duo Mac Mini computer running OS10.5.8. It was programmed and run in Superlab 4.0.7. The display appeared on a Mitsubishi DPlus74SB CRT monitor, 75Hz, 1152x864 dpi. Research Question Previous research has investigated the extent to which visual images of objects that are not consciously perceived are encoded and prime. Bar and Biederman (1998), for example, using a subliminal priming paradigm, found that sub-threshold presentations of single objects do indeed affect performance on subsequent tasks. We asked whether subliminal presentations of two visual images would both be able to prime subsequent responses, something that has not been demonstrated previously. This question bears on the issue of how much and to what extent information is processed and encoded outside of awareness. We hypothesized that subjects’ responses to a speeded same/different decision task would be quicker if one of the two visual test objects previously had been presented subliminally.
Differences in HIV-related hospitalization among white, black, and Hispanic men and women of Florida.

ABSTRACT Patients hospitalized for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease among the multi-ethnic population of Florida have been incompletely characterized to date. The objectives of the present study were to determine the race/ethnic (whites, blacks, Hispanics) differences in characteristics of patients by gender and the correlates of HIV-related mortality among them. A retrospective analysis of 9,113 discharge records (January to December 2001) with primary diagnosis of HIV disease was performed. Characteristics of patients in six sex-race/ethnic groups were compared using the χ2 tests and multiple regression models. A multiple logistic regression modeling was used to evaluate the odds of HIV-related death associated with these characteristics. Approximately 64%, 23%, and 13% of records were for blacks, whites, and Hispanics, respectively. The adjusted length of stay (LOS) and hospital charges significantly differed only between black men and women. The insurance status, LOS, and age were significan...
Price differentiation and transparency in the global pharmaceutical marketplace.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers have increased the availability of their products and sometimes increased their own financial returns by charging lower prices outside of the US and by discounting to lower-income patients in the US. Examples include discounted HIV-AIDS drugs in developing countries and pharmaceutical manufacturers’ discount cards in the US. Representatives of some international organisations argue that the price reductions are insufficient to make the medications widely available to lower-income patients.
Exercise, cardiovascular disease, and chronic heart failure

Abstract In addition to patients with coronary artery disease, high-risk patients with severe congestive heart failure can benefit from rehabilitation. Traditionally, such patients were excluded from rehabilitation, but resistive exercise, higher-intensity programs, and interval training have now been safely conducted. Emerging data indicate that exercise training results in a number of improved physiologic and psychologic indices, including neural control, quality of life, exercise tolerance, ventricular function, skeletal muscle physiology, peripheral blood flow, and endothelial function. This review explores these beneficial outcomes through an assessment of therapeutic approaches, with special emphasis on the unique clinical characteristics of patients with congestive heart failure. Overall Article Objective: To describe the benefits and the evolving role of cardiac rehabilitation for patients with congestive heart failure.