cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental characterization of magnetic surface plasmons on metamaterials with negative permeability

We study the surface plasmons (SPs) that exist at the interface between air and a metamaterial constructed of split ring resonators (SRRs). The SRR metamaterial possesses a frequency band in the microwave regime $(12.5--14\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GHz})$ over which the permeability is negative. We apply an attenuated total reflection technique in the Otto configuration in which a beam of microwaves is reflected from a higher dielectric (polycarbonate) prism to excite and probe the surface plasmons. The resulting evanescent microwave fields on the transmission side of the prism couple to SPs on the metamaterial and are indicated by a dip in the reflected power. The experimental data are compared with analytic solutions in which the metamaterial slab is approximated as an infinite half space, for which the frequency-dependent permeability (and permittivity) is derived from finite-element simulations on an SRR structure with the same parameters as those measured.
Failure of P-(di-n-propylsulfamyl)-Benzoic Acid (“Benemid”) to Influence P-Aminosalicylic Acid Blood Levels

1) P-(di-n-propylsulfamyl)-benzoic acid (“Benemid”—Sharp & Dohme) was administered orally to 10 patients in conjunction with sodium p-aminosalicylate, and PAS blood levels were determined at specified intervals for 24 hours. 2) No significant enhancement of PAS blood levels was noted. 3) It is concluded that no advantage is to be derived from the concomitant administration of “Benemid” with sodium p-aminosalicylate in the treatment of tuberculosis.
Natural variants of the sabin type 1 vaccine strain of poliovirus and correlation with a poliovirus neutralization site

Abstract Independent substitution mutations have been detected in capsid polypeptide VP1 thetype 1 oral poliovirus vaccine isolated from normal infant vaccine recipients. These mutations map at amino acid residues 142 and 147 of VP1, a region only minimally hydrophilic. A synthetic peptide, corresponding to residues 141 to 147 of VP1 was synthesized, conjugated to a carrier polypeptide of bovine serum albumin. The conjugate was found to elicit a weak poliovirus neutralizing antibody response. It was also capable of priming the immune system for the production of IgG-type antibodies able to neutralize >99.999% of infectious type 1 virus. It is suggested that region 141 to 147 of VP1 may be involved in neutralization of the virus and that the mutants may have accumulated by antibody selection.
Microdialysis—Theory and application

Article de synthese sur la technique de microdialyse permettant de determiner en continu et in vivo les concentrations des substances interstitielles dans l'encephale. Theorie et applications pratiques
Direct and Indirect Roles of Cytochrome b in the Mediation of Superoxide Generation and NO Catabolism by Mitochondrial Succinate-Cytochrome c Reductase

Mitochondrial superoxide (O2*-) production is an important mediator of oxidative cellular injury. Succinate-cytochrome c reductase (SCR) of the electron transport chain has been implicated as an essential part of the mediation of O2*- generation and an alternative target of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of mitochondrial respiration. The Q cycle mechanism plays a central role in controlling both events. In the present work, O2*- generation by SCR was measured with the EPR spin-trapping technique using DEPMPO (5-diethoxylphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide) as the spin trap. In the presence of succinate, O2*- generation from SCR was detected as the spin adduct DEPMPO/*OOH. Inhibitors of the Q(o*-) site only marginally reduced (20-30%) this O2*- production, suggesting a secondary role of Q(o*-) in the mediation of O2*- generation. Addition of cyanide significantly decreased (approximately 70%) O2*- production, indicating the involvement of the heme component. UV-visible spectral analysis revealed that oxidation of ferrocytochrome b was accompanied by cytochrome c(1) reduction, and the reaction was mediated by the formation of an O2*- intermediate, indicating a direct role for cytochrome b in O2*- generation. In the presence of NO, DEPMPO/*OOH production was progressively diminished, implying that NO interacted with SCR or trapped the O2*-. The consumption of NO by SCR was investigated by electrochemical detection using an NO electrode. In the presence of succinate, SCR-mediated NO consumption was observed and inhibited by the addition of superoxide dismutase, suggesting the involvement of O2*-. Under the conditions of argon saturation, the NO consumption rate was not enhanced by succinate, suggesting a direct role for O2*- in the mediation of NO consumption. In the presence of succinate, oxidation of the ferrocytochrome b moiety of SCR was accelerated by the addition of NO, and was inhibited by argon saturation, indicating an indirect role for cytochrome b in the mediation of NO consumption.
Evaluating the Impact of Clinical Psychology Training Programs: Process and Outcome Issues

These comments identify key issues that need to be resolved to evaluate the impact or achievement of graduate training programs in clinical psychology. Three questions ought to be addressed to evaluate impact empirically: (1) What is a given training program trying to accomplish; that is, what are the goals? (2) What features of the program are designed to contribute to these goals; that is, what are the means? and (3) How can the goals and the means be assessed to elaborate their connections? Evaluating training programs is not fundamentally different from other research and begins with a careful analysis of the constructs of interest (e.g., program goals), identification of measures of the goals and the means, and considering, ruling out, or making implausible the influence of other factors (e.g., student selection, faculty selection, curriculum) that, if not conceived of as part of training, could serve as confounds.
Recent electronic improvements to the Oak Ridge 25URC accelerator

A new chopper-buncher system has been installed in the 25URC accelerator injection line. The buncher is similar to the one used previously, but incorporates several significant improvements. The chopper is a new device to provide beam pulses for time-of-flight experiments. The accelerator charging system has been modified to increase reliability and improve chain monitoring. A display unit for beam profile monitors (BPM) is being developed. The display will allow the operator to observe four BPM traces simultaneously.
Comparative study on diagnostic and prognostic value of FT4-level, TRH-test and TSH receptor binding assay in Graves disease (GD)

Comparative study on diagnostic and prognostic value of FT4-level, TRH-test and TSH receptor binding assay in Graves disease (GD)
The use of cloned repetitive sequences as hybridization competitors to detect single copy sequences.

Abstract To suppress background hybridization due to repetitive sequence elements, competitor Alu containing clones were isolated from a subclone library of human cosmid clone hP3.1. Pre-annealing of the probe with this competitor increased the signal well above background. In comparison, the addition of the competitor directly to both the prehybridization and hybridization solution was more effective in reducing background. This dramatically increased the signal to noise ratio of the specific hybridization event. Application to fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) is readily apparent.
Single-Tryptophan Phosphorescence of Human Serum Albumin Embedded in Sugar Matrices: Protein Dynamics on the Millisecond to Second Timescale

Long-term stability of amorphous biomolecules is often improved via the inclusion of small-molecule excipients. The effect on slow protein dynamics caused by substitution of a protein’s surface water molecules with small sugar molecules is unclear. To explore this question, we have conducted a series of luminescence studies on human serum albumin (HSA) in the dry amorphous solid state. Tryptophan phosphorescence is an ideal approach, as the long-lived triplet state is sensitive to the long timescale molecular motions of the protein in the dry state. The experiments provide evidence that slow protein dynamics are coupled to those of the embedding sugar matrix. HSA also binds small molecular probes which may report a variety of information at a site on the protein’s surface. The water-sensitive charge-transfer probe 8-hydroxypyrene 1,3,6-trisulfonate (pyranine) was bound to HSA and its fluorescence spectra were measured to extract information on the amount of the water in the protein’s hydration shell. Dry films from sugars doped with both magnesium ion and glycerol were also made to explore the effect of osmolyte and plasticizer. Magnesium sequestered water from the protein’s hydration shell and drastically slowed protein dynamics. Glycerol, which is known to have a rigidifying effect on the ps timescale, acts as a plasticizer of protein dynamics on the ms to s timescale.
Approximate analytical solution for non-convective heat or mass transfer in composites of spherical particles

THE TRANSIENT, non-convective conduction of heat or diffusion of solute in composite media is important in several applications. In thermal storage in packed beds, for example, stratification in the non-flow mode deteriorates with time, i.e. the temperature gradient dissipates [l, 21. Diffusion in arrested-flow chromatography also involves transient behavior as the stationary band of solute spreads in either direction in the column [3]. Other composite materials, e.g. cement with embedded gravel, are in the category studied here. For isotropic composite media with different conductivity properties in the continuous and particle phases, relaxation to the quasi-steady state cannot be described by the simple effective conductivity equation, which for one-dimensional transport is
Computerized detection of pulmonary nodules in chest radiographs: Reduction of false positives based on symmetry between left and right lungs

We have developed a novel method called local contralateral subtraction for reduction of false positives reported by a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) scheme for detection of lung nodules in chest radiographs. Our method is based on the removal of normal structures in the regions of interest (ROIs), based on symmetry between the left and right lungs. In our method, two ROIs were extracted, one from the position where a candidate of a nodule is located, and the other from the anatomically corresponding location in the opposite lung, which contains similar normal structures. We employed a wavelet-based multiresolution image registration method to match the two ROIs, and subtraction was performed. A signal- to-noise ratio (SNR) between a central region and the adjacent background region was calculated for quantification of the remaining structures in the subtracted ROI. The SNR was then used for distinction between nodules and false positives. In an analysis of 550 ROIs consisting of 51 nodules and 499 false positives reported as detected nodules by our current CAD scheme, we were able to eliminate 44% of false positives with loss of only one nodule with this new method. This result indicates that our new method is effective in reducing false positives due to normal anatomic structures, and thus can improve the performance of our CAD scheme for detection of pulmonary nodules in chest radiographs.
The Roles of the Red Clover Necrotic Mosaic Virus Capsid and Cell-to-Cell Movement Proteins in Systemic Infection

The red clover necrotic mosaic dianthovirus (RCNMV) genome is split between two single-stranded RNA species termed RNA-1 and RNA-2. RNA-2 is required for infection of whole plants but is dispensable for infection and virion formation in protoplasts. We have used full-length cDNA clones of RNA-1 and -2 from which infectious in vitro transcripts can be derived to construct a number of mutations in the RNA-1 encoded capsid protein and the RNA-2 encoded cell-to-cell movement protein genes. The capsid protein and the RNA sequence encoding the capsid protein were dispensable for infection of the inoculated leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana and N. clevelandii at both 15 and 25 degrees. In addition, capsid protein was not necessary for systemic infection of N. benthamiana at 15 degrees. As many as 39 amino acid residues could be deleted from the carboxyl-terminus of the RNA-2 encoded 35-kDa cell-to-cell movement protein without loss of or reduction in the rate of cell-to-cell movement or systemic infection. However, larger deletions within the cell-to-cell movement protein gene prevented cell-to-cell movement and systemic infection of N. benthamiana. These data suggest that the spread of RCNMV in a systemic host is a combination of two distinct events: cell-to-cell movement and long distance transport. We conclude that the RCNMV 35-kDa movement protein is required for cell-to-cell movement, whereas the capsid protein is not necessary for cell-to-cell movement and, depending on host genotype and environmental factors, may or may not be required for long distance transport.
Non-standard categorical syllogisms: four that leibniz forgot

In his Mathesis rationis Leibniz discounted out of hand four categorical propositions that would have considerably broadened the resultant syllogistic logic. He did this despite the facts both that he had devised a suitable manner for expressing the latent quantification over terms, and that he had reasoned adequately to determine which of the syllogisms in the resulting broadened logic were valid. Leibniz's reasons for discounting these non-standard propositions are shown to be inadequate, and the resultant syllogistic logic is outlined.
Insulin as a key autoantigen in the development of type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease against pancreatic beta cells. T cells target various antigens such as insulin, chromogranin A, glutamic acid decarboxylase and islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit-related protein. Elimination of insulin dramatically prevents diabetes in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model and response to insulin occurs prior to that to other antigens. These findings suggest that insulin is a target antigen at the early stage of the disease and is likely to be essential to cause anti-islet autoimmunity in NOD mice. In this review, we discuss whether insulin is truly essential and is only the single essential autoantigen for NOD mice and potentially for man. Although the ultimate principle is still being addressed, it is certain that T-cell response to insulin is a major check point to develop type 1 diabetes in NOD mice. Given multiple similarities between diabetes of NOD mice and man, targeting insulin and insulin-reactive T cells may provide opportunities to develop robust immunotherapies.
Connecting restorative justice with gender-responsive programming

This article reports on the development and use of restorative circles for delinquent girls. Our study focused on a program unique in its goal of blending restorative justice with gender-responsive philosophies and practices. The Amicus Girls Restorative Justice program involved two populations: serious or chronically offending girls at a residential treatment facility and girls on probation or in juvenile detention. Using participant observation and interviews, we demonstrate that restorative gender-responsive programming is still in its infancy, as major elements of restorative justice were absent from one of these sites. The program still serves as an instructive example of a recent innovation, demonstrating that when the vision of restorative gender-responsive programming is most fully actualized, it provides tremendous benefits to girls involved in the justice system.
Increased MCP-1 and microglia in various regions of the human alcoholic brain.

Cytokines and microglia have been implicated in anxiety, depression, neurodegeneration as well as the regulation of alcohol drinking and other consumatory behaviors, all of which are associated with alcoholism. Studies using animal models of alcoholism suggest that microglia and proinflammatory cytokines contribute to alcoholic pathologies (Crews et al., 2006). In the current study, human postmortem brains from moderate drinking controls and alcoholics obtained from the New South Wales Tissue Resource Center were used to study the cytokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1,CCL2) and microglia markers in various brain regions. Since MCP-1 is a key proinflammatory cytokine induced by chronic alcohol treatment of mice, and known to regulate drinking behavior in mice, MCP-1 protein levels from human brain homogenate were measured using ELISA, and indicated increased MCP-1 concentration in ventral tegmental area (VTA), substantia nigra (SN), hippocampus and amygdala of alcoholic brains as compared with controls. Immunohistochemistry was further performed to visualize human microglia using ionized calcium binding adaptor protein-1 (Iba-1), and Glucose transporter-5 (GluT5). Alcoholics were found to have brain region-specific increases in microglial markers. In cingulate cortex, both Iba-1 and GluT5 were increased in alcoholic brains relative to controls. Alternatively, no detectable change was found in amygdala nuclei. In VTA and midbrain, only GluT5, but not Iba-1 was increased in alcoholic brains. These data suggest that the enhanced expression of MCP-1 and microglia activities in alcoholic brains could contribute to ethanol-induced pathogenesis.
Gender Differences in Distributive Justice Preferences: The Impact of Domain.

Past research has found that distributive justice preferences vary markedly both as a function of gender of allocator and the domain in which outcomes or rewards are allocated (e.g., relationships vs. work contexts). This study examined the interaction of these two factors in determining distributive justice preferences. Subjects were asked to fill out two scales designed to assess the degree to which their general distributive preferences in work contexts and in relationships were benevolent (prefer inputs to exceed outcomes), equity sensitive (prefer outcome/input ratios to be equal), or entitled (prefer outcomes to exceed inputs). Results revealed that women's preferences were significantly more benevolent (or less entitled) than men's in work domains, but that men's and women's distributive preferences did not differ significantly in relationships. In addition, both sexes indicated significantly more entitled preferences in work domains than in relationships, but the difference between domains was much greater for men than for women. These results suggest that, when considering issues of justice, men make a greater distinction between domains than do women, and that previously observed gender differences in distributive justice preferences may be specific to the work domain.
A comparative analysis of detection metrics for covert timing channels

Methods to detect covert timing channels (CTCs) can be categorized into three broad classes: shape tests which include the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test, entropy tests which include first order entropy test, corrected conditional entropy (CCE) test, and Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence test, and regularity tests. This paper contributes towards understanding and advancing the state-of-the-art of CTC detection methods. First, we present a detailed analysis of the performance of the well-known tests that are used to detect three main types of CTCs, namely, JitterBug, model-based CTC (MB-CTC) and time-replay CTC (TR-CTC). The performance analysis is carried out in an enterprise-like setting, employing large traffic traces. The detection methods are compared with respect to their applicability, computational complexity, and the classification rates for the three types of CTCs. In addition to evaluating the existing methods, we propose a new shape test based on the Welch's t-test and compare its performance with existing detection methods. We show that the classification rate of Welch's t-test is at least at par with other existing detection methods while having a relatively lower computational cost. The results also show that the Welch's t-test outperforms the CCE test in detecting JitterBug, while the CCE test has a better performance in detecting the TR-CTC. Furthermore, both tests perform comparably on the MB-CTC. Finally, we study the feasibility of using a multi-feature SVM classifier to increase the classification rate. We show that by combining the Welch's t-test we are able to increase the classification rate of MB-CTCs from 0.67 (using a single regularity measure) to 0.94.
Using Goldratt's Game to Introduce Simulation in the Introductory Operations Management Course

Simulation is a key tool in operations research OR; however, it is often difficult to introduce and motivate simulation within the introductory operations management OM course. Time, software, and student constraints often require simulation to be relegated to an appendix/special topic exercise left for the diligent student or to eliminate its coverage entirely. This paper describes the use of “Goldratt's Game” to provide an Excel-based introduction to the topic of simulation within the normal flow of the introductory OM course. While this coverage is far from complete, it provides students with sufficient preparation---in terms of understanding the motivation for and applicability of simulation---for more advanced, elective OM courses that employ simulation.
Aneuploidy and inbreeding depression in random mating and self-fertilizing autotetraploid populations

Almost all autotetraploids produce aneuploid progeny because of irregularities at meiosis. Aneuploid plants produce high frequencies of aneuploids. If it were not for selection against aneuploid gametes and sporophytes the amount of aneuploidy would increase every generation. Most experimental and theoretical studies on population genetics and heterosis in autotetraploids have neglected aneuploidy as a factor. To take aneuploidy into account experimentally requires the cytological identification of all chromosomes and to consider it theoretically requires a huge amount of computations. Consequently, microcomputer programs have been devised to show the effects of random mating and self-fertilization in autotetraploid populations. According to the model aneuploidy rapidly increases in randomly mated and self-fertilized autotetraploid populations until they achieve an equilibrium where the amount of aneuploidy introduced into the population is balanced by the amount of aneuploidy removed from the population by selection. The model suggests that self-fertilized populations have greater frequencies of aneuploid gametes and zygotes than do randomly mated populations and therefore aneuploidy may be a significant cause of the great inbreeding depressions found in autotetraploids.
Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest and Other Methods of Cerebral Protection During Operations on the Thoracic Aorta

Current surgical techniques in operations on the thoracic aorta frequently require exclusion of the cerebral circulation for varying periods. During these periods, hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA), selective cerebral perfusion (SCP), and retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) can be used for cerebral protection. Hypothermia is the principle component of these methods of protection. The main protective effect of hypothermia is based on reduction of cerebral energy expenditures and largely depends on adequate suppression of cerebral function. It is most effective at deep hypothermic levels (13 degrees C to 15 degrees C). Measures that preserve autoregulation of cerebral blood flow help increase the margin of safety with all methods of protection. There is solid experimental and clinical data indicating the safe limits and outcome following HCA. Current applications of SCP and RCP are fairly recent developments and do not have comparable supporting data. SCP can be used without deep hypothermia and allows prolonged periods of cerebral protection, but is complex in application. RCP is simpler, but always requires deep hypothermia. Present clinical data do not allow separation of its protective effect from that of HCA alone. Recent modifications in the application of HCA include monitoring of cerebral O2 extraction, and selective use of supplemental SCP to limit arrest times to less than 50 minutes, or RCP to prevent embolic strokes, as indicated. These changes appear to have reduced the overall mortality, the severity of embolic strokes, and stroke-related mortality.
Post-9/11 Backlash in the Workplace: Employer Liability for Discrimination against Arab- and Muslim- Americans Based on Religion or National Origin

In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, discrimination and violence directed toward American immigrants in general, and Arab- and Muslim-Americans in particular, increased markedly. Yet, despite a November, 2001 joint initiative undertaken by the EEOC, the Justice Department, and the Labor Department to increase sensitivity to and combat instances of potential discrimination or harassment against individuals who are—or are perceived to be—Muslim, Arab, Afghani, Middle Eastern, or South Asian, EEOC charge statistics for workplace discrimination claims involving religion, ethnicity, national origin, and citizenship indicate that the reported incidence of such conduct has continued to increase. This paper examines recent federal court cases that involve employment discrimination claims by Arab- and Muslim-Americans at both the trial court and appellate court levels to identify problematic fact patterns that may give rise to employer liability and to better understand judicial treatment of the legal issues when such cases are taken up on appeal. Management guidance for reducing potential liability when such situations arise in the workplace is developed based on recent findings in the case law. Analogous international implications are also discussed.
Biosynthesis of epilachnene, a macrocyclic defensive alkaloid of the Mexican bean beetle

Abstract The carbon skeleton of the azamacrolide epilachnene, the principal defensive alkaloid of Epilachna varivestis pupae, can be derived from oleic acid and serine. Analytical evidence from three experiments in which insects were fed [2H35]octadecanoic acid, (Z)-9-[11,11,12,12,13,13,14,14,15,15,16,16,17,17,18,18,18-2H17]octadecenoic acid and (Z)-9-[11,11,12,12,13,13,14,14,16,16,17,17,18,18,18-2H15]octadecenoic acid, indicates that only the C-15 methylene group of oleic acid is involved in the mechanism leading to carbon-nitrogen bond formation in epilachnene. Support for this scheme is provided by the observation of an unusual ion at m z 170 in the electron-ionization mass spectrum of epilachnene, rationalized as CH2CHCOOCH2CH2NH+CHCH2CH2CH3.
Privacy-preserving management of transactions' receipts for mobile environments

Users increasingly use their mobile devices for electronic transactions to store related information, such as digital receipts. However, such information can be target of several attacks. There are some security issues related to M-commerce: the loss or theft of mobile devices results in a exposure of transaction information; transaction receipts that are send over WI-FI or 3G networks can be easily intercepted; transaction receipts can also be captured via Bluetooth connections without the user's consent; and mobile viruses, worms and Trojan horses can access the transaction information stored on mobile devices if this information is not protected by passwords or PIN numbers. Therefore, assuring privacy and security of transactions' information, as well as of any sensitive information stored on mobile devices is crucial. In this paper, we propose a privacy-preserving approach to manage electronic transaction receipts on mobile devices. The approach is based on the notion of transaction receipts issued by service providers upon a successful transaction and combines Pedersen commitment and Zero Knowledge Proof of Knowledge (ZKPK) techniques and Oblivious Commitment-Based Envelope (OCBE) protocols. We have developed a version of such protocol for Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled cellular phones.
A Case of Cutaneous Plasmablastic Lymphoma in HIV/AIDS with Disseminated Cryptococcus

We present a case of a patient with HIV/AIDS who presented with a tender left lower extremity cutaneous mass over a site of previous cryptococcal infection and was found to have plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL). The incidence of PBL is estimated to account for less than 5% of all cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in HIV-positive individuals. In fact, there were only two reports of extraoral PBL at the time of a 2003 review. PBL in HIV-positive individuals is an aggressive malignancy that tends to occur in middle-aged males with low CD4 counts, high viral loads, and chronic HIV infection. The definitive diagnosis can be made with biopsy which typically shows malignant lymphoid cells that stain positive for plasma cell markers and negative for B-cell markers. The most common treatment is chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) or CHOP-like regimens, but the overall survival rate is poor despite its relative responsiveness to chemotherapy. This case highlights the challenges that remain in improving clinical outcomes, the importance of antiretroviral therapy and HIV disease control, and a potential association between a chronic inflammatory state caused by disseminated Cryptococcus and tumorigenesis in individuals with PBL.
Separation and Characterization of a Porcine-specific Thermostable Muscle Protein from Cooked Pork

This study was undertaken to separate and characterize the porcine-specific thermostable muscle protein (psTSMP) recognized by monoclonal antibody, MAb 5H9, which was previously raised against crude porcine thermostable muscle proteins for detection of pork in cooked meats. The 24 kD antigenic components isolated from cooked pork by immunoaffinity chromatography consisted of a basic protein (pI = 9.4) and a group of isoelectric variants (pI ranging from 5.4 to 7.2). The basic protein was further isolated by methyl hydrophobic interaction and sulfonate ion-exchange chromatography. Immunoblot suggested the presence of this antigenic psTSMP in the troponin fraction. Based on its molecular weight, pI, thermostability, and immunoreactivity, the psTSMP was tentatively identified as troponin I. L'anticorps monoclonal MAb 5H9 etait auparavant utilise pour la detection du porc dans des viandes cuites. Cette etude est entreprise pour separer et caracteriser la proteine musculaire thermostable specifique porcine reconnue par l'anticorps MAb 5H9. Les composes antigeniques 24kD isoles de la viande de porc consistent en une proteine basique (pI=9,4) et en un groupe de variants isoelectriques (pI entre 5,4 et 7,2). La methode d'immunoblotting suggere la presence de cette proteine thermostable antigene specifique dans la fraction troponine. En se basant sur son poids moleculaire, son pI, sa thermostabilite et son immunoreactivite, la proteine pourrait etre identifiee comme la troponine I.
Impact of language barrier on quality of patient care, resident stress, and teaching

Background: 1990 U.S. Census data reveal that nearly 14 million people in the United States have poor to no English language skills, limiting their access to health care. Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of language barriers on quality of patient care, a resident's ability to learn and teach, and also the effect on length of workday and daily stress. Methods: Data were collected from a 25‐item standardized questionnaire. We used a 5‐point Likert scale ranging from 1 (very significant) to 5 (no influence). Data were cross‐tabulated with biographical attributes of residents and were tested for significance. Results: Language barriers had significant negative impact on quality of patient care, lengthened resident workday (average 52 min), and increased daily stress. With bedside teaching encounters, residents reported compensating by shifting the focus to issues not requiring patient participation. Language barriers had significant negative influence on the resident's ability to role model (i.e., dem...
Thymoma: An immunologic and electron microscopic study

Ultrastructural features, surface morphology and immunologic surface markers were examined on the cells of three human thymomas. The vast majority of the lymphocytes from the thymomas formed spontaneous rosettes with unsensitized sheep erythrocytes in both cell suspension and frozen tissue section and were, therefore, T cells. In addition to the lymphocytes, epithelial cells and macrophages were observed within the thymomas by transmission electron microscopy. When examined by scanning electron microscopy, most lymphocytes had virtually smooth surfaces, whereas cells believed to be epithelial in origin had surface projections.
Plasma sputtered Mo impurity transport experiment in PISCES-B Mod; assessment of atomic process rate coefficients and redeposition characteristics

Abstract In this experiment, a molybdenum marker embedded at the center of a graphite substrate is used to study the transport of Mo over the surface under redeposition conditions. The sputtered Mo atoms undergo a number of events (excitation, ionization, de-excitation) in front of the sample before being redeposited. These events can be linked to observable quantities measured by plasma diagnostics. Plasma density and electron temperature are measured by Langmuir probes. Optical emission spectroscopy is used to obtain neutral and ionized Mo and Ar emission profiles in the plasma column. New techniques are introduced to evaluate both excitation and ionization rate coefficients from the measured Mo I line intensity profiles. The measured coefficients are compared to theoretical calculations and a good agreement is found. After plasma exposure, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) is used to measure the Mo impurity concentration on the graphite surface. These concentrations are then compared to simulated redeposition flux obtained by the WBC code.
Utilitarian killing, replacement, and rights.

The ethical theory underlying much of our treatment of animals in agriculture and research is the moral agency view. It is assumed that only moral agents, or persons, are worthy of maximal moral significance, and that farm and laboratory animals are not moral agents. However, this view also excludes human non-persons from the moral community. Utilitarianism, which bids us maximize the amount of good (utility) in the world, is an alternative ethical theory. Although it has many merits, including impartiality and the extension of moral concern to all sentient beings, it also appears to have many morally unacceptable implications. In particular, it appears to sanction the killing of innocents when utility would be maximized, including cases in which we would deliberately kill and replace a being, as we typically do to animals on farms and in laboratories. I consider a number of ingenious recent attempts by utilitarians to defeat the killing and replaceability arguments, including the attempt to make a place for genuine moral rights within a utilitarian framework. I conclude that utilitarians cannot escape the killing and replaceability objections. Those who reject the restrictive moral agency view and find they cannot accept utilitarianism's unsavory implications must look to a different ethical theory to guide their treatment of humans and non-humans.
Retiming for Synchronous Data Flow Graphs

In this paper we present a new algorithm for retiming synchronous dataflow (SDF) graphs. The retiming aims at minimizing the cycle length of an SDF. The algorithm is provably optimal and its execution time is improved compared to previous approaches.
‘Someday it will be the norm’: physician perspectives on the utility of genome sequencing for patient care in the MedSeq Project

Aim: To describe practicing physicians’ perceived clinical utility of genome sequencing. Materials & methods: We conducted a mixed-methods analysis of data from 18 primary care physicians and cardiologists in a study of the clinical integration of whole-genome sequencing. Physicians underwent brief genomics continuing medical education before completing surveys and semi-structured interviews. Results: Physicians described sequencing as currently lacking clinical utility because of its uncertain interpretation and limited impact on clinical decision-making, but they expressed the idea that its clinical integration was inevitable. Potential clinical uses for sequencing included complementing other clinical information, risk stratification, motivating patient behavior change and pharmacogenetics. Conclusion: Physicians given genomics continuing medical education use the language of both evidencebased and personalized medicine in describing the utility of genome-wide testing in patient care.
Organic Superconductors: Designing Materials for the Future

Superconductivity was first observed in molecular based systems about twenty years ago. These (TMTSF)2X [TMTSF = tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene] superconductors have a quasi-one-dimensional stacked structure (see Figure 1), superconducting transition temperatures (T c) below 2 K, and with the exception of (TMTSF)2C1O4, require pressure to stabilize the superconducting state.[1] Today, most molecular superconductors utilize the BEDT-TTF [BEDT-TTF, hereafter further abbreviated as ET, is bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene] electron-donor building block.[2, 3] These ET based superconductors possess two-dimensional layered structures and T cs as high as 13 K. About ten years ago, superconductivity was discovered in A 3C60 materials. These salts have a three-dimensional structure and T cs as high as 33 K.[4] Just recently, T cs as high as 52 K have been reported for C60 which has been hole doped through the use of a field effect transistor configuration.[5]
Preventing web application injections with complementary character coding

Web application injection attacks, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) are major threats to the security of the Internet. Several recent research efforts have investigated the use of dynamic tainting to mitigate these threats. This paper presents complementary character coding, a new approach to character level dynamic tainting which allows efficient and precise taint propagation across the boundaries of server components, and also between servers and clients over HTTP. In this approach, each character has two encodings, which can be used to distinguish trusted and untrusted data. Small modifications to the lexical analyzers in components, such as the application code interpreter, the database management system, and (optionally) the web browser, allow them to become complement aware components, capable of using this alternative character coding scheme to enforce security policies aimed at preventing injection attacks, while continuing to function normally in other respects. This approach overcomes some weaknesses of previous dynamic tainting approaches. Notably, it offers a precise protection against persistent cross-site scripting attacks, as taint information is maintained when data is passed to a database and later retrieved by the application program. A prototype implementation with LAMP and Firefox is described. An empirical evaluation shows that the technique is effective on a group of vulnerable benchmarks and has low overhead.
Ab initio base-pairing energies of an oxidized thymine product, 5-formyluracil, with standard DNA bases at the BSSE-free DFT and MP2 theory levels.

Oxidation of the thymine methyl group produces two stable products, non-mutagenic 5-hydroxymethyluracil and highly mutagenic 5-formyluracil. We have calculated the interaction energy of base-pair formation involving 5-formyluracil bound to the natural DNA bases adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T), and discuss the effects of the 5-formyl group with respect to similar base-pairs containing uracil, 5-hydroxyuracil, thymine (5-methyluracil), and 5-hydroxycytosine. The interaction geometries and energies were calculated four ways: (a) using density functional theory (DFT) without basis set super-position error (BSSE) corrections, (b) using DFT with BSSE correction of geometries and energies, (c) using Moller–Plesset second order perturbation theory (MP2) without BSSE correction, and (d) using MP2 with BSSE geometry and energy correction. All calculations used the 6-311G(d,p) basis set. Notably, we find that the A:5-formyluracil base-pair is more stable than the precursor A:T base-pair. The relative order of base-pair stabilities is A:5-Fo-U > G:5-Fo-U > C:5-Fo-U > T:5-Fo-U.
Reprogramming specific gene expression pathways in B-cell lymphomas.

The BCL6 transcriptional repressor is normally expressed during the germinal center phase of B-cell differentiation. Germinal center B-cells typically undergo rapid proliferation in spite of accumulating DNA damage caused by class switch recombination and somatic hypermutation. BCL6 is required to license B-cells for the germinal center reaction and its down regulation appears to be important for cells to exit this stage and undergo further differentiation. BCL6 appears to mediate these biological effects by recruiting corepressor complexes to silence critical cell cycle checkpoint and differentiation related genes. Based on our data and recent publications, we propose that these gene pathways are regulated through distinct transcriptional mechanisms, which can be specifically targeted to reprogram B-cells preferentially for either growth suppression and apoptosis, or differentiation. As BCL6 plays a central role in the pathogenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, we predict that targeting BCL6 transcri...
Bexarotene Is Effective and Safe for Treatment of Refractory Advanced-Stage Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Multinational Phase II-III Trial Results

PURPOSE: Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are malignancies of T cells appearing as skin lesions and are responsive to retinoid therapy. Safety and efficacy of a novel RXR-selective retinoid (rexinoid) bexarotene (Targretin, LGD1069; Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc, San Diego, CA) was evaluated as a single-agent oral therapy administered once daily in an open-label study in patients with refractory advanced-stage CTCL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-four patients with biopsy-confirmed CTCL in advanced stages (IIB-IVB) were enrolled at 26 centers. Fifty-six patients received an initial dose of 300 mg/m2/d oral bexarotene and 38 started at more than 300 mg/m2/d. RESULTS: Clinical complete and partial responses were reported by Primary End point Classification for the study in 45% (25 of 56) of patients enrolled at 300 mg/m2/d dosing. At more than 300 mg/m2/d, 55% (21 of 38) of patients responded, including 13% (five of 38) clinical complete. For the 300 mg/m2/d initial dose group, the rate of relapse after respons...
Validation of models for air cooled plane fin heat sinks used in computer cooling

Plane fin heat sinks, on which a small fan is mounted, are typically used for cooling the CPU in computers. The two most common air-flow configurations are parallel (or duct) flow and impinging flow. A number of analytic, numerical, and semi-empirical models have been published to predict heat sink performance. Most models assume uniform airflow (duct or impinging) at the heat sink inlet. The present work reviews some of the recent and representative models for the two flow configurations. A simple model based on developing laminar flow in rectangular channels is proposed. Experiments were conducted to measure hydraulic and thermal performance of two representative plane fin aluminum heat sinks, one for each flow configuration. The test data are compared with the proposed model for parallel flow and a selected model for impinging flow. A comparison of the proposed duct flow model predictions shows good agreement with the pressure drop and heat transfer data. Similarly good validation of the impinging flow model is established.
Topical Testosterone for Breast Cancer Patients with Vaginal Atrophy Related to Aromatase Inhibitors: A Phase I/II Study

Purpose. Controversy exists about whether vaginal estrogens interfere with the efficacy of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in breast cancer patients. With the greater incidence of vaginal atrophy in patients on AIs, a safe and effective nonestrogen therapy is necessary. We hypothesized that vaginal testosterone cream could safely treat vaginal atrophy in women on AIs. Methods. Twenty-one postmenopausal breast cancer
Effect of epidural analgesia on postoperative complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of epidural analgesia use on postoperative complications in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods This retrospective cohort study used the 2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy were grouped on the basis of whether they received epidural analgesia. The effect of epidural use on the composite end point of major complications including death was investigated using a generalized linear model. Results Overall, 8,610 cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy occurred within the United States in 2009, and 11.0% of these patients received epidural analgesia. After controlling for various potential confounders, results of the multivariate regression indicated that epidural analgesia use was associated with lower odds of composite complications including death (odds ratio, .61; 95% confidence interval, .37–.99; P = .044). Conclusions In patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, epidural analgesia was associated with significantly lower postoperative composite complications.
A comparison of injection techniques using botulinum toxin injection for treatment of the spasmodic dysphonias

Summary The benefit duration and side effects following effective treatment of spasmodic dysphonia or voice tremor using botulinum toxin injection were studied following 477 open trial unilateral or bilateral injections provided to 178 patients. A comparison of unilateral and bilateral injections in male and female patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia demonstrated an increased benefit duration following unilateral injections in women, longer periods of breathiness in men than in women following bilateral or unilateral injections, and a trend for reduced benefit durations following repeated treatments using bilateral injections. Outcomes were similar in the adductor spasmodic dysphonia and vocal tremor groups following thyroarytenoid injection while benefit durations were reduced and side effects lasted longer in patients with abductor spasmodic dysphonia following cricothyroid injections. Long-term benefit > 1 year occurred in 12.3% of patients following injection.
Phenotypic, genetic, and genome-wide structure in the metabolic syndrome

Insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure characterize the metabolic syndrome. In an effort to explore the utility of different multivariate methods of data reduction to better understand the genetic influences on the aggregation of metabolic syndrome phenotypes, we calculated phenotypic, genetic, and genome-wide LOD score correlation matrices using five traits (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, and body mass index) from the Framingham Heart Study data set prepared for the Genetic Analysis Workshop 13, clinic visits 10 and 1 for the original and offspring cohorts, respectively. We next applied factor analysis to summarize the relationship between these phenotypes. Factors generated from the genetic correlation matrix explained the most variation. Factors extracted using the other matrices followed a different pattern and suggest distinct effects. Given these results, different methods of multivariate data reduction may provide unique clues on the clustering of this complex syndrome.