cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Micellization temperature and pressure for polystyrene-block-polyisoprene in subcritical and supercritical propane

Polystyrene-block-polyisoprene forms micelles in supercritical and subcritical propane upon cooling and decompression. These micelles decompose upon heating and compression. At constant polymer concentration, the micellization points, both isobaric and isothermal, fall around a decreasing boundary curve in pressure−temperature coordinates. This micellization boundary curve lies above the copolymer cloud-point curve and below the free-polystyrene cloud-point curve. At the onset of micellization, a trace of free polystyrene can cause a characteristic scattering peak as it precipitates upon cooling or decompression or both.
Noninvasive approaches to deglutitive aspiration.

Etiologies for aspiration are described. Non-invasive procedures to eliminate aspiration are outlined including postural techniques, variations in bolus volume, viscosity, taste and temperature, methods to enhance oral sensation, swallow maneuvers and exercise programs to improve neuromotor control for swallow. Specific disorders for which each procedure is appropriate are defined.
Transient protection for high speed data communication applications

This paper is concerned with the protection of high speed data lines from damage caused by ESD and EOS (electrical overstress) transients. When a data communications network is implemented with an electrical physical layer there is a possibility of transient damage to the electronic systems. This can happen when the network is configured, through mechanisms such as ESD and cable charging, and during operation by induced transients and power supply disturbances. The problem of protecting such systems is becoming increasingly difficult as greater levels of circuit integration make the cable interface electronics more susceptible to transients and higher frequencies of operation make the system more sensitive to the electrical loading introduced by protection networks. In this paper, examples are given based on the author's practical experience with computer disk file subsystem development, although the basic principles are relevant to many other data communication standards and applications. The growth of this sector in such areas as computer networking and data storage has focused attentions on how such systems can be protected from electrical transients.
Flexible Ab initio boundary conditions: simulating isolated dislocations in bcc Mo and Ta

We report the first ab initio density-functional study of the strain field and Peierls stress of isolated screw dislocations in bcc Mo and Ta. The local dislocation strain field is self-consistently coupled to the long-range elastic field using a flexible boundary condition method. This reduces the mesoscopic atomistic calculation to one involving only degrees of freedom near the dislocation core. The predicted equilibrium core for Mo is significantly different from previous atomistic results and the Peierls stress shows significant non-Schmid behavior as expected for the bcc metals.
Image reconstruction and system modeling techniques for virtual-pinhole PET insert systems

Virtual-pinhole PET (VP-PET) imaging is a new technology in which one or more high-resolution detector modules are integrated into a conventional PET scanner with lower resolution detectors. It can locally enhance the spatial resolution and contrast recovery near the add-on detectors, and depending on the configuration, may also increase the sensitivity of the system. This novel scanner geometry makes the reconstruction problem more challenging compared to the reconstruction of data from a stand-alone PET scanner, as new techniques are needed to model and account for the non-standard acquisition. In this paper, we present a general framework for fully 3D modeling of an arbitrary VP-PET insert system. The model components are incorporated into a statistical reconstruction algorithm to estimate an image from the multi-resolution data. For validation, we apply the proposed model and reconstruction approach to one of our custom-built VP-PET systems-a half-ring insert device integrated into a clinical PET/CT scanner. Details regarding the most important implementation issues are provided. We show that the proposed data model is consistent with the measured data, and that our approach can lead to reconstructions with improved spatial resolution and lesion detectability.
Endothelial–cardiomyocyte crosstalk enhances pharmacological cardioprotection

Endothelial cells (EC) serve a paracrine function to enhance signaling in cardiomyocytes (CM), and conversely, CM secrete factors that impact EC function. Understanding how EC interact with CM may be critically important in the context of ischemia–reperfusion injury, where EC might promote CM survival. We used isoflurane as a pharmacological stimulus to enhance EC protection of CM against hypoxia and reoxygenation injury. Triggering of intracellular signal transduction pathways culminating in the enhanced production of nitric oxide (NO) appears to be a central component of pharmacologically induced cardioprotection. Although the endothelium is well recognized as a regulator for vascular tone, little attention has been given to its potential importance in mediating cardioprotection. In the current investigation, EC–CM in co-culture were used to test the hypothesis that EC contribute to isoflurane-enhanced protection of CM against hypoxia and reoxygenation injury and that this protection depends on hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF1α) and NO. CM were protected against cell injury [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release] to a greater extent in the presence vs. absence of isoflurane-stimulated EC (1.7 ± 0.2 vs. 4.58 ± 0.8 fold change LDH release), and this protection was NO-dependent. Isoflurane enhanced release of NO in EC (1103 ± 58 vs. 702 ± 92 pmol/mg protein) and EC–CM in co-culture sustained NO release during reoxygenation. In contrast, lentiviral mediated HIF1α knockdown in EC decreased basal and isoflurane stimulated NO release in an eNOS dependent manner (517 ± 32 vs. 493 ± 38 pmol/mg protein) and prevented the sustained increase in NO during reoxygenation when co-cultured. Opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), an index of mitochondrial integrity, was delayed in the presence vs. absence of EC (141 ± 2 vs. 128 ± 2.5 arbitrary mPTP opening time). Isoflurane stimulated an increase in HIF1α in EC but not in CM under normal oxygen tension (3.5 ± 0.1 vs. 0.79 ± 0.15 fold change density) and this action was blocked by pretreatment with the Mitogen-activated Protein/Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase inhibitor U0126. Expression and nuclear translocation of HIF1α were confirmed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Taken together, these data support the concept that EC are stimulated by isoflurane to produce important cardioprotective factors that may contribute to protection of myocardium during ischemia and reperfusion injury.
Intimate Partner Violence in Interracial Couples: A Comparison to White and Ethnic Minority Monoracial Couples

The number of interracial couples in the U.S. is growing, but they often receive little support. Although previous studies have explored the relationship between low social support and decreased relationship satisfaction in interracial couples, there are few studies on intimate partner violence (IPV) in these couples. To better understand IPV in interracial couples compared to monoracial couples, all police-reported IPV events across a municipality were examined. Odds ratios showed differences between interracial and ethnic minority monoracial couples. Interracial couples were more likely to have a history of prior IPV (OR = 2.60), engage in mutual assault (OR = 2.36), and result in perpetrator arrest (OR = 1.71) than ethnic minority monoracial couples. Victims of IPV in interracial couples were also more likely to be injured (OR = 1.37). There were no significant differences between the couples in terms of substance use or children present during the IPV event. Differences between IPV in interracial and White couples also emerged. Interracial couples were more likely to have children present (OR = 1.84), to have a prior report (OR = 1.98), to result in victim injury (OR = 1.73), and to result in perpetrator arrest than White couples (OR = 2.18). Interracial couples were more likely to engage in mutual assault than White couples (OR = 2.94). However, interracial couples were about 50% less likely than White couples to use drugs or alcohol before or during the IPV event. Research is needed to better understand the unique challenges and needs faced by interracial couples to help them sustain healthy partnerships.
Embryonic and adult stem cell therapy

There are many types of stem cells. All share the characteristics of being able to self-renew and to give rise to differentiated progeny. Over the last decades, great excitement has been generated by the prospect of being able to exploit these properties for the repair, improvement, and/or replacement of damaged organs. However, many hurdles, both scientific and ethical, remain in the path of using human embryonic stem cells for tissue-engineering purposes. In this report we review current strategies for isolating, enriching, and, most recently, inducing the development of human pluripotent stem cells. In so doing, we discuss the scientific and ethical issues associated with this endeavor. Finally, progress in the use of stem cells as therapies for type 1 diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and various neurologic and immunohematologic disorders, and as vehicles for the delivery of gene therapy, is briefly discussed.
Distribution of transitory corpus callosum axons projecting to developing cat visual cortex revealed by DiI

Functional studies of the development of the corpus callosum in the cat have shown that an intact callosum during postnatal month 1 is necessary for normal visual development. In vivo tracing techniques have not provided enough information on corpus callosum connectivity to fully evaluate the evidence for a morphological mechanism for the functional effects of neonatal callosum section. However, lipophilic in vitro membrane tracers permit a more detailed search for such evidence because the entire limit of many cells can be labeled simultaneously. To investigate the morphological basis for the observed functional results in cats, the corpus callosum was labeled in vitro with the carbocyanine dye, DiI. Crystals of DiI were placed in the midsagittal callosum in tissue from 2 to 277-day-old cats. Tissue was coronally sectioned 3-22 months later. Sections were photographed and reconstructed to show the overall distribution of corpus callosum projections, as well as the locations of individual corpus callosum axons and their presumed terminals. The distribution of corpus callosum projections, examined in cortical areas 17-19, 7, and posterior medial lateral suprasylvian cortex, changes significantly during development. During postnatal week 1, callosal axons extend throughout these cortical areas to layer I. Numerous varicosities on callosal axons are located en passant and at axon terminals in layer I. During postnatal week 2, the density of callosal projections is reduced in all cortical areas, although many axons still extend to layer I. By postnatal month 2, the callosal axons extending to layer I are predominantly near the border with adjacent cortical areas; in the nonborder regions of these areas, many axons extend to layer VI while a much smaller number of axons extend to layers II-V. By postnatal month 3, the callosal projections to supragranular layers are almost exclusively restricted to cytoarchitectonic border regions; in the remaining regions, including medial area 17, there are occasional axons extending to the supragranular layers and only a moderate number of axons extending to infragranular layers. Thus, a substantial number of elaborately formed transitory corpus callosum axons, distributed throughout visual cortex, exist for several weeks during postnatal development; in area 17, these axons are found in central through peripheral visual field representations. The transitory callosal axons appear to have axon terminals in layer I as well as en passant terminals while extending through layers II-VI. If some of these terminals were to form synapses, there would be extensive opportunities for the corpus callosum to provide input to layers I-VI throughout visual cortex during the period of development in which cortical microcircuitry is being established.
Effect of anisotropy of tin on thermomechanical behavior of solder joints

Properties of body centered tetragonal tin are highly anisotropic. As a consequence large stresses can develop at the tin grain boundaries due to coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch during temperature excursions. A modeling approach to evaluate the 3D stress states that develop at grain boundaries during thermomechanical fatigue in tin-based solder is presented. Development of significant amounts of stresses in the plane of the grain boundary can cause grain-boundary sliding and surface-relief effects, while those normal to the grain boundary can cause grain-boundary decohesion and cracking.
Identification and estimation of the proportion of limiting cell types involved in the phytohemagglutinin response by limiting cell dose-response analysis

Abstract The limiting cell dose-response relationship was analyzed as an alternative to limiting dilution analysis for determination of the relative proportion of limiting cell types involved in an immune response. Limiting cell types interacting in the response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were first identified by slope analysis of dose-response curves, then their relative proportion was estimated by measuring the activity of a single low cell dose in the presence of excess IL-2 or macrophages. The results indicate that (a) the T responder cells, T helper cells, and macrophages are the three responsive cell types existing in the proportion of T responder cells > T helper cells > macrophages, (b) only T responder cells are required to undergo proliferation in response to PHA stimulation, and (c) the PHA response is reflective of a sequential reaction of events.
Worst-case distribution analysis of stochastic programs

We show that for even quasi-concave objective functions the worst-case distribution, with respect to a family of unimodal distributions, of a stochastic programming problem is a uniform distribution. This extends the so-called ``Uniformity Principle'' of Barmish and Lagoa (1997) where the objective function is the indicator function of a convex symmetric set.
Intermolecular Forces in Liquids

The volume energy of liquids, ${E}_{v}$, is formulated, as in the Born and Land\'e theory of the lattice energy of crystals, in terms of attractive and repulsive forces varying with inverse powers of the distance, or volume, giving ${E}_{v}=\frac{\ensuremath{-}a}{{V}^{m}}\left[1\ensuremath{-}\frac{n}{m}{\left(\frac{{V}_{0}}{V}\right)}^{{n}^{\ensuremath{-}}m}\right],$ where $m$ and $n$ are, respectively, the exponents of attraction and repulsion, $a$ the attraction constant and $V$ the volume and ${V}_{0}$ the volume at absolute zero, or when the external pressure just balances the thermal pressure, $T{(\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}P}{\ensuremath{\partial}T})}_{v}$. The theory is tested by the use of values of ${(\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}E}{\ensuremath{\partial}V})}_{T}$ calculated by the aid of the thermodynamic equation of state from experimental values of ${(\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}P}{\ensuremath{\partial}T})}_{v}$, also by use of the energy of vaporization. It is found, (1) that values of ${V}_{0}$ derived from highly compressed ether and mercury agree well with those derived from density at low temperatures; (2) that $m$ varies from 1 for non-polar molecules, $m=1$ corresponding to the attraction between quadrupoles, to much less than 1 as polarity increases, $m=\frac{1}{3}$ corresponding to dipole attraction; (3) that at ordinary temperatures and pressures the repulsive term is small for the liquids studied, except mercury, indicating a large value of $n$ and that the attractive pressure is balanced by the thermal pressure; (4) that taking $a={3180.10}^{4}$, $m=1$, $n=9$ and ${V}_{0}=79$ it is possible to calculate ${(\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}E}{\ensuremath{\partial}V})}_{T}$ for ether from a molal volume of 79 cc, in the liquid at 12,000 atmospheres, to a volume of 4000 cc in the vapor. It is suggested that the thermal pressure should be introduced into the calculation of lattice energies by the methods of Born and Land\'e and Pauling.
Assessment of the aerosol optics component of the coupled WRF-CMAQ model using CARES field campaign data and a single column model

Abstract The Carbonaceous Aerosols and Radiative Effects Study (CARES), a field campaign held in central California in June 2010, provides a unique opportunity to assess the aerosol optics modeling component of the two-way coupled Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) – Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. This campaign included comprehensive measurements of aerosol composition and optical properties at two ground sites and aloft from instrumentation on-board two aircraft. A single column model (SCM) was developed to evaluate the accuracy and consistency of the coupled model using both observation and model information. Two cases (June 14 and 24, 2010) are examined in this study. The results show that though the coupled WRF–CMAQ estimates of aerosol extinction were underestimated relative to these measurements, when measured concentrations and characteristics of ambient aerosols were used as input to constrain the SCM calculations, the estimated extinction profiles agreed well with aircraft observations. One of the possible causes of the WRF–CMAQ extinction errors is that the simulated sea-salt (SS) in the accumulation mode in WRF–CMAQ is very low in both cases while the observations indicate a considerable amount of SS. Also, a significant amount of organic carbon (OC) is present in the measurement. However, in the current WRF–CMAQ model all OC is considered to be insoluble whereas most secondary organic aerosol is water soluble. In addition, the model does not consider external mixing and hygroscopic effects of water soluble OC which can impact the extinction calculations. In conclusion, the constrained SCM results indicate that the scattering portion of the aerosol optics calculations is working well, although the absorption calculation could not be effectively evaluated. However, a few factors such as greatly underestimated accumulation mode SS, misrepresentation of water soluble OC, and incomplete mixing state representation in the full coupled model simulation are possible causes of the underestimated extinction. Improved SS emission modeling and revisions to more fully account for OC in the optical calculations are being pursued. More sensitivity tests related to the factors mentioned previously are needed for future optical properties development.
Lateralization and motor stereotype of song production in the brown-headed cowbird

Song production in adult brown-headed cowbirds(Molothrus ater ater) is lateralized, with a slight right syringeal dominance. The left size of the syrinx produces low-frequency (200–2000 Hz) notes within the introductory note clusters, while the right side produces the higher-frequency (1500–6000 Hz) introductory notes, the interphrase unit (10–12 kHz), and the final high-frequency whistle (5–13 kHz). Cross-correlation analyses reveal that individual cowbirds produce each of their four to seven song types with a distinct stereotyped motor pattern–as judged by the patterns of syringeal airflow and subsyringeal pressure. The acoustic differences across song types are reflected in the differences in the bronchial airflow and air sac pressure patterns associated with song production. These motor differences are particularly striking within the second and third introductory note clusters where there is a rapid switching back and forth between the two sides of the syrinx in the production of notes. These motor skills may be especially important in producing behaviorally effective song. 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Expanding the roles of chromatin insulators in nuclear architecture, chromatin organization and genome function

Of the numerous classes of elements involved in modulating eukaryotic chromosome structure and function, chromatin insulators arguably remain the most poorly understood in their contribution to these processes in vivo. Indeed, our view of chromatin insulators has evolved dramatically since their chromatin boundary and enhancer blocking properties were elucidated roughly a quarter of a century ago as a result of recent genome-wide, high-throughput methods better suited to probing the role of these elements in their native genomic contexts. The overall theme that has emerged from these studies is that chromatin insulators function as general facilitators of higher-order chromatin loop structures that exert both physical and functional constraints on the genome. In this review, we summarize the result of recent work that supports this idea as well as a number of other studies linking these elements to a diverse array of nuclear processes, suggesting that chromatin insulators exert master control over genome organization and behavior.
Dynamic response of a submerged prolate spheroidal shell to a longitudinal shock wave

Abstract The dynamic response of a submerged prolate spheroidal shell to a plane rectangular shock wave moving parallel to the major axis is studied. Using a coordinate transformation which converts an infinite acoustic medium into a finite rectangular one, an “exact” solution is obtained by finite differences. Approximate structural responses, based on both plane wave and doubly asymptotic fluid behavior on the wet surface, are then compared with the exact results. It is found that the doubly asymptotic approximation is significantly better than the plane wave approximation for all shell eccentricities and shock durations considered. In all cases, it was found that best results were obtained when first order equations of structural motion were used in conjunction with a translating local frame to measure displacements. In order to use the doubly asymptotic approximation, a “model” form of the virtual mass matrix is constructed for prolate spheroidal geometry.
Revisiting the concept of identifiable neurons.

Although eutely in nematodes was known, giant neurons in several taxa and unique motor neurons to leg muscles in decapod crustaceans, the idea that many animals have many identifiable neurons with rel
Terms of inquiry

Teaching and learning continues to be driven by a version of professionalism that construes practice to be a form of applied science. This paper challenges that paradigm. In particular, subjecting and assimilating practical activity to a technical mode of rationality is challenged as not being the most appropriate way to approach teaching, learning, and the process that drives both of these phenomena, inquiry. Middle school science classrooms provide the contexts to explore the situated consequences of embracing the terms of inquiry. Placing inquiry at the core of the thinking and experiences of middle school science educators as a philosophical/theoretical/practical educative process to be worked with, and concomitantly, working as dynamic practice, yields working notions to be necessarily embedded, cultivating, sustaining, and nurturing inquiry in teachers’ practices. As teachers experimented directly with the working notions of seeing, relational knowing, mindful embodiment, and assessment as interrela...
Relationships among three general approaches to personality description.

Abstract The present study was designed to investigate relationships among three basic models used in research on personality description: Wiggins's (1979) Circumplex, Goldberg's (1992) Big-Five, and Mehrabian's (1978, 1980) PAD Temperament models. Wiggins's Nurturance and Dominance scales were highly reliable and nearly independent, as were Mehrabian's Trait Pleasure, Trait Arousability, and Trait Dominance scales. The Big-Five scales exhibited lower reliabilities and an average interscale correlation of .21 for the Opaque and .39 for the Transparent scales. Regression and factor analyses showed that basic factors of pleasantness (Goldberg's Agreeableness, Wiggins's Nurturance, and Mehrabian's Trait Pleasure), dominance (Wiggins's Dominance and Mehrabian's Trait Dominance), and arousability (Mehrabian's Trait Arousability) provided a sufficient and reasonably parsimonious description of the variance in all the scales investigated.
Impedance spectroscopy of thin films of emeraldine base polyaniline and its implications for chemical sensing

The conductivity of an emeraldine base polyaniline thin film on an interdigitated electrode in hydrochloric acid solutions of various pHs between 2.25 and 6 was investigated by impedance spectroscopy. In general, protonation induces an emeraldine base (EB) to emeraldine salt (ES) transformation and an associated increase in conductivity only when the pH of the protonating bath is less than 4. However, impedance spectroscopy detects changes in the conductivity behavior that occur prior to the onset of this increase in total conductivity change. These changes can also be measured with AC impedance measurements at a single frequency, which expands the pH range over which emeraldine base polyaniline can be used as a sensor.
Polarization induced doping in graded AlGaN films

Here, we report on initial experiments to use the space charge of the changing internal polarization field from graded AlGaN films in a simple p-n junction device. Our devices are fabricated from films which are graded from GaN to AlGaN then reverse graded back to GaN without the intentional addition of impurity dopants. Structural characterization of the films is reported through X-Ray diffraction, reciprocal space maps, and temperature dependent I-V measurements are used to demonstrate the rectifying behaviour of the device (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Reversibility of Caspase Activation and Its Role during Glycochenodeoxycholate-induced Hepatocyte Apoptosis

Abstract The accumulation of glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC) induced hepatocyte apoptosis in cholestasis. However, many hepatocytes still survived GCDC-induced apoptosis. The molecular mechanism for the survival of hepatocytes remains unclear. In the present study, isolated rat hepatocytes were cultured in William's E medium and treated with 50 μm GCDC. DNA, RNA, cell lysate, and nuclear proteins were collected at different intervals for DNA fragmentation assay, reverse transcription PCR, Western blotting, and gel mobility shift assay, respectively. GCDC-induced active caspases were detected as early as 2 h by Western blotting and kinetic caspase assay, whereas hepatocyte apoptosis was found at 4 h by DNA fragmentation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUPT nick-end labeling assay. When GCDC was removed, the increased caspases as well as NF-κB could be restored to control level. A1/Bfl-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were up-regulated in 2 h of GCDC stimulation. After GCDC was removed, hepatocytes decreased expression of A1/Bfl-1, but not iNOS, to the control level. NF-κB activation coincided with the change of A1/Bfl-1. Survivin, cIAP1, cIAP2, XIAP, and A1/Bfl-1, but not iNOS, were down-regulated by pan-caspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-VAD-fluoromethyl ketone. In addition, benzyloxycarbonyl-VAD-fluoromethyl ketone inhibited release of cytochrome c and suppressed NF-κB activation. Our data suggested that caspase pathway is an important regulatory factor during hepatocyte apoptosis. GCDC-induced caspase response is reversible, which may activate anti-apoptotic genes to protect hepatocytes from apoptosis.
Problem Solving by Novice Macintosh Users: The Effects of Animated, Self-Paced Written, and No Instruction:

The effect of type and amount of instruction on the problem solving behavior of novice Macintosh users were examined. Forty-eight naive users participated in one of four conditions; no instruction,...
Toxicity, excretion and tissue distribution of ionium (Th230) in rats.

The excretion, tissue distribution, and toxicity of ionium (Th/sup 230/ were studied following its intravenous administration in the rat. In addition, separate groups of animals were injected with ionium for histopalhologic and radioautographic tissue studies. The results are summarized. (auth)
Cost-effectiveness and lung cancer clinical trials

BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., with an estimated annual economic burden of $5 billion. Clinical trials offer innovative therapeutic options with potentially better outcomes, but their effects on health care costs are disputed. METHODS The authors analyzed the 1-year facility-based treatment cost and survival of 336 newly diagnosed nonsmall cell lung cancer patients who were deemed eligible for clinical trials between 1994 and 1998 at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of clinical trial treatments with adjustment for confounders was calculated along with its 95% confidence interval (CI) using the bootstrap resampling method. RESULTS Of the 336 patients, 76 (22.6%) were treated on clinical trials. Trial participation was associated significantly with race (P < 0.01), gender (P = 0.01), age (P = 0.02), and insurance type (P = 0.02). The average 1-year cost for trial enrollees was $41,734 with a median survival of 1.3 years, whereas the average 1-year cost for nonenrollees was $34,191 with a median survival period of 0.9 years. Differences in survival and 1-year cost between enrollees and nonenrollees were significant when controlling for age, race, gender, insurance, stage, performance status, and comorbidities. The ICER for trial participation after adjustment for confounders was $9741 per life year saved (95% CI, $3089–$19,149). CONCLUSIONS Enrollment in lung cancer clinical trials was found to be associated with improved survival at a moderate incremental cost. Cancer 2003;98:1491–6. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11659
Prospects for new antibacterials: can we do better?

Bacterial resistance to antibacterial drugs has been increasing relentlessly over the past two decades. This includes common residents of the human body: Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin resistan...
Determination of the enaminone DM5, an anti-epileptic agent, in mouse plasma and brain tissue by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection.

Abstract Enaminone derivatives of the 4-carbomethoxy-5-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione series represent a new and potentially active series of compounds for the treatment of Epilepsy. Enaminone esters have been previously evaluated as compounds with potent oral anticonvulsant activity similar to class 1 anticonvulsants phenytoin, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine. DM5, a member of this class with –Cl in the para-substituted position, has been assessed to have the most potent pharmacological activity (ED50) in both the mouse and rat. A selective and specific high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed to quantitate DM5 in plasma and brain tissue in mice. Reverse phase chromatography with ultraviolet (λ=307 nm) detection was utilized to quantitate eluate. A C18 analytical column was used and the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 0.05 M NaH2PO4 buffer (60:40; v/v). Liquid–liquid extraction with ether was used to extract the DM5 from plasma or brain homogenates. DM5 and carbamazepine (internal standard) eluted at ∼6.0 and 9.0 min without any interfering peaks. The calibration curves were found to be linear (r≥0.9999) in the range of 0.1–5.0 μg/ml or μg/g. Intra-run precision’s were in all in the range of 90%. The absolute recovery of the analyte in brain and plasma samples was ≤90%. The valid method accurately quantified DM5 in plasma and brain tissue samples collected from a pharmacokinetic study consisting of an intravenous bolus in the tail vein of wild type and genetically altered mice.
Metastases to the craniovertebral junction.

OBJECTIVE: This study reviews the relevant literature regarding the management of craniovertebral junction (CVJ) metastases. These rare tumors present significant diagnostic and treatment challenges. METHODS: A PubMed search of cervical spine, cervical spine metastasis, craniovertebral junction, atlantoaxial spine, and metastasis radiation was conducted to define the epidemiology, imaging, and treatment protocols in the management of metastatic CVJ tumors. RESULTS: CVJ tumors represent less than 1% of spinal metastases, and the literature is limited to small case series. CVJ tumors present with flexion, extension, and rotational pain, often associated with occipital neuralgia. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive imaging modality for the detection of spinal metastases, but plain x-rays, computed tomography, and [ 18 F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose play a role in diagnosis and management. Conventional external beam radiation therapy or stereotactic radiosurgery effectively treat the majority of patients with normal spinal alignment or minimal fracture subluxations. Surgery should be considered in patients with fracture subluxations greater than 5 mm, or 3.5 mm subluxation with 11-degree angulation. The palliative goals for surgery favor posterior approaches only including laminectomy for decompression, without the need for anterior approaches with the associated morbidity. Occipitocervical instrumentation using screw-rod systems are effective for irreducible subluxations, but posterior strategies using C1-C2 or C1-C3 can be used for patients with reducible subluxations. CONCLUSION: Effective management of CVJ tumors using radiation and/or surgery results in significant pain and functional improvement in properly selected patients. Advanced surgical techniques and stereotactic radiation may improve outcomes with less morbidity.
Two-dimensional imaging and three-dimensional reconstruction of low reflectivity surfaces by using the range-gating upconversion second-harmonic method.

Three-dimensional images of objects with very low reflectivity are obtained through a nonlinear upconversion gating with amplified femtosecond laser pulses. The current sensitivity of 10−10 of the incident pulse intensity can be improved by use of better nonlinear crystals and higher-intensity gating pulses. The intensity rejection ratio between two coherent pulses with a delay of a few millimeters between them is better than 2 orders of magnitude. The depth resolution is ∼15 μm. The transverse resolution of 300 μm is mainly limited by the two-dimensional detector that was used.
Limitations of assessing attitudinal change among students of criminal justice

Establishing causal relationships is an elusive process for criminal justice researchers. Elimination of rival causal factors tends to be the most problematic area. This practice note first describes the methodology of a recent study conducted by the authors and then elaborates on the methodological problems inherent in the search to establish a causal relationship between course work and attitudinal change among students enrolled in introductory criminal justice classes.
Interleukin 6 mediates selected effects of Notch in chondrocytes.

Summary Objective Notch receptors determine cell fate by regulating transcription, an event mediated by the Notch intracellular domain (NICD), which is generated by proteolysis brought about by Notch–ligand interactions. Since Notch activation or exposure to interleukin (Il)6 have similar effects in chondrocytes, we explored whether interleukin 6 (Il6) contributes to the mechanisms of Notch action in these cells. Method NICD was overexpressed in primary chondrocytes from Rosa Notch mice, where the Rosa26 promoter precedes a loxP -flanked STOP cassette followed by the NICD coding sequence. Cells were infected with adenoviral vectors expressing Cre to induce NICD or green fluorescent protein (GFP) as control. Gene expression was determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Il6 protein concentration in the culture media was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To test the mechanisms of Notch action on Il6 expression, cells were transfected with a fragment of the Il6 promoter or control vector pGL3, or transcriptionally arrested with 5,6-dichloro-1-β-d-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole. Il6 was inhibited with a neutralizing antibody, whereas a normal immunoglobulin G (IgG) was used as control. Results NICD induced Il6 mRNA and protein, and transactivated the Il6 promoter without affecting Il6 mRNA stability. Il6 neutralization had no impact on gene expression under basal conditions, and did not modify the effects of NICD on sex determining region-Y-related high mobility group-box gene ( Sox )9, collagen type II α1 ( Col2a1 ) and collagen type X α1 ( Col10a1 ) expression. Conversely, Il6 neutralization opposed aggrecan ( Acan ) suppression and prevented matrix metalloprotease ( Mmp ) 13 induction by NICD. Conclusion Il6 mediates suppression of Acan and induction of Mmp13 expression by Notch in chondrocytes.
PRIMITIVE ERYTHROPOIESIS IN EARLY CHICK EMBRYOGENESIS I. Cell Cycle Kinetics and the Control of Cell Division

The primitive line of embryonic chick blood cells develop as a relatively homogeneous cohort of cells. Using an analysis based on the continuous uptake of thymidine-3H, we have established the generation time, G1, S, and G2 for progressively more mature generations of these immature erythroblasts. The data indicate that after the initiation of hemoglobin synthesis, the average cell will yield six generations of hemoglobin producing erythroblasts. The older generations of erythroblasts exhibit a longer generation time, G1, S, and G2 than the earlier generations of erythroblasts. Other methods of analysis corroborated these findings. One of these methods, an estimate of total erythrocyte productivity from the primitive stem cells (hematocytoblasts), led to the conclusion that the erythroblast cell lineage might be initiated as early as the sixth or seventh division following fertilization. In addition, primitive erythroblasts characterized by one set of cell cycle parameters, when grown in serum associated with erythroblasts of different parameters, showed no alteration in mitotic behavior. These results suggest the presence of programmed cell division not immediately cued by extracellular influence.
General framework for predicting environmental effects on signatures and sensor performance in complex environments

The performance and utility of battlefield and homeland security sensors depends on many complicated environmental and mission-related factors. This paper describes a general software design for predicting performance of such sensors. It is intended for application to a wide range of sensing modalities and based on an object-oriented framework that can be incorporated into Army command and control (C2) systems, decision support tools (DSTs), and force-on-force simulations. The approach breaks down sensor performance prediction into the following steps: (1) information gathering and construction of the tactical and environmental scenario, (2) translation of the scenario information, (3) target and noise signature prediction models, (4) prediction of sensor performance metrics, and (5) display of and interaction with the information. The main components for Steps 3 and 4 involve operations on signature features , which are described statistically by signal-model objects. These are the units of information needed by the sensor pla tforms for producing inferences such as the presence or location of a target. The features are generated by emitter platforms , propagated through the environment by feature transmitters (which use scenario translators , Step 2, to convert the atmospheric and terrain descriptions to the necessary model parameters), and then processed by the sensor platforms . To avoid generation and transmission of unneeded data, the architecture is based on a data "pull" (request) from the sensor platforms rather than the more commonly used approach in DSTs of data "push" from the emitter platforms.
A BAC-based physical map of the apple genome.

Abstract Genome-wide physical mapping is an essential step toward investigating the genetic basis of complex traits as well as pursuing genomics research of virtually all plant and animal species. We have constructed a physical map of the apple genome from a total of 74,281 BAC clones representing ∼ 10.5× haploid genome equivalents. The physical map consists of 2702 contigs, and it is estimated to span ∼ 927 Mb in physical length. The reliability of contig assembly was evaluated by several methods, including assembling contigs using variable stringencies, assembling contigs using fingerprints from individual libraries, checking consensus maps of contigs, and using DNA markers. Altogether, the results demonstrated that the contigs were properly assembled. The apple genome-wide BAC-based physical map represents the first draft genome sequence not only for any member of the large Rosaceae family, but also for all tree species. This map will play a critical role in advanced genomics research for apple and other tree species, including marker development in targeted chromosome regions, fine-mapping and isolation of genes/QTL, conducting comparative genomics analyses of plant chromosomes, and large-scale genomics sequencing.
Progressive losses of renal mass and the renal and hepatic disposition of administered inorganic mercury

Abstract The present study was designed to evaluate, in rats, the effect of progressive losses of renal mass, from a state where renal function is not compromised significantly to a state where the early stages of renal failure are detectable, on the disposition of administered inorganic mercury. As part of this evaluation, the intrarenal, hepatic, and hematological disposition of mercury and the urinary and fecal excretion of mercury were studied and characterized in control, uninephrectomized (NPX), and 75% nephrectomized (75% NPX) rats 1, 2, and 7 days after the intravenous injection of a nontoxic 0.5 μmol/kg dose of mercuric chloride. Clearance data showed that concentration of creatinine in the plasma was increased, whole animal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was decreased, and the fractional excretion of sodium and potassium was increased in 75% NPX rats but not in NPX rats by the 12th day after surgery. These findings confirm that 75% nephrectomy in the rat causes changes that begin to compromise renal function significantly. Renal accumulation of mercury and the intrarenal distribution of mercury were significantly different between 75% NPX rats and NPX rats, presumably because of the differences in GFR and the renal clearance of mercury between the two groups of rats. Interestingly, the contents of mercury in the blood and liver were significantly greater in 75% NPX rats than in NPX or control rats. In addition, 75% NPX rats excreted significantly more mercury in the feces over the 7 days of study than did the other two groups of rats, indicating the hepato-biliary clearance of mercury was significantly greater in 75% NPX rats. Urinary excretion of mercury was also significantly greater in 75% NPX rats than in control rats or NPX rats. This enhanced urinary excretion of mercury may be related to polyuria that occurs in 75% NPX rats. In summary, the findings from the present study clearly indicate that the renal and hepatic handling of administered inorganic mercury in rats changes significantly when renal mass is reduced from about 50% to only about 25% of the original, total renal mass. Further studies are needed to better characterize the effects of 75% nephrectomy on both the disposition and the toxicity of inorganic mercury in renal and hepatic tissues and to determine the mechanisms responsible for the effects seen in this study.
New Palaeogene primate basicrania and the definition of the order Primates

The anatomy of the posterior basicranium has been repeatedly invoked in systematic definitions of Primates. One widely cited definition of the order claims that 'all undoubted primates' are distinguished from other mammals by two basicranial specializations: (1) absence of a major vascular foramen on the medial side of the auditory region, and (2) development of the auditory bulla from the petrosal bone. As we show here, specialization (1) does not apply to the paromomyid Ignacius, and is of uncertain incidence in other unquestioned members of suborder Plesiadapiformes (archaic primates from the early Cenozoic of Europe and North America). Specialization (2) cannot be demonstrated without ontogenetic evidence, and all relevant plesiadapiform fossils are adult. In fact, the only plesiadapiform with an arterial pattern remotely resembling that of early primates of modern aspect (or 'euprimates') is the microsyopid Cynodontomys, but it is often regarded as non-primate because it lacks a petrosal bulla. Although plesiadapiforms resemble euprimates in traits of the cheek teeth and postcranium, some other (presumably non-primate) groups possess these traits as well. Since the order Primates is not clearly definable by unique specializations, the best grounds for regarding plesiadapiforms as euprimate antecedents are stratigraphic and phenetic. This fact may be best expressed by systematic arrangements that emphasize adaptive grades rather than unsubstantiated clades.
A survey of the latest developments in delayed coincidence measurements

Abstract A survey of the techniques for measurement of sub-milli-mircosecond nuclear lifetimes by the delayed coincidence method is presented. The time response and limitations of photomultiplier, plastic scintillator and associated electronics are discussed. Illustrative examples of the use of the method are presented.
Stablility of helium-vacancy clusters during irradiation

Abstract One of the major uncertainties in understanding cavity nucleation and growth is the degree of stability of Helium-Vacancy Clusters (HVCs) in an irradiation field. Such stability is a complex function of irradiation variables (damage rates, helium production rates, and fluence), as well as material parameters (sink density, temperature, and defect parameters). The goal of investigating the stability of HVCs is to understand and consequently to model cavity size distributions. The present research first investigates helium-vacancy binding energies, which are then used in analysing the stability of HVCs under irradiation. The stability studies establish the critical HVC size, i.e. the Helium/Vacancy (He/V) ratio that ensures growth under specified irradiation conditions. Using these models it is possible to understand the cavity size distribution of various simmulation facilities. The fine cavity size distribution seen in many High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) experiments can be explained by the favorable irradiation conditions, which lead to “spontaneous” nucleation of HVCs. In Experimental Breeder Reactor (EBR)-II experiments, on the other hand, the conditions for spontaneous nucleation of HVCs are not met, and nucleation is “delayed”, and occurs by stochastic fluctuations.