cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shock tube study of ethanol pyrolysis I: Multi-species time-history measurements

Abstract Time-histories of the concentration of major products of ethanol pyrolysis at 1 atm and 10 atm in the temperature range of 1200–1600 K were measured behind reflected shock waves using fixed-wavelength laser absorption spectroscopy. Measurement of absorbance at nine wavelengths enabled the determination of the evolution of CH4, C2H4, C2H5OH, CO, CH2O and CH3CHO during the pyrolysis of 2% C2H5OH/Argon mixtures. These measurements enabled almost complete tracking of oxygen and carbon during pyrolysis. The performance of five recently developed kinetic models was evaluated against the measurements. It was found that none of these models could reconcile all the measured time-histories simultaneously. Sensitivity and Rate-of-production analysis revealed that the thermal decomposition and H-abstraction reactions of ethanol are the key reactions that have a controlling influence on the species time-histories. Additional experiments were designed and conducted to infer the rate constants of these reactions. The details of these experiments, the rate constant determination methodology, and the implications of the updated rate constants on the model performance are discussed in the companion paper [1] . To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first detailed study of ethanol pyrolysis involving simultaneous measurement of multiple species in a shock tube using laser absorption spectroscopy.
Targeting novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with phytoconstituents of Momordica charantia.

Background Infections by the SARS-CoV-2 virus causing COVID-19 are presently a global emergency. The current vaccination effort may reduce the infection rate, but strain variants are emerging under selection pressure. Thus, there is an urgent need to find drugs that treat COVID-19 and save human lives. Hence, in this study, we identified phytoconstituents of an edible vegetable, Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), that affect the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Methods Components of Momordica charantia were tested to identify the compounds that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. An MTiOpenScreen web-server was used to perform docking studies. The Lipinski rule was utilized to evaluate potential interactions between the drug and other target molecules. PyMol and Schrodinger software were used to identify the hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was employed to assess the interaction between an extract component (erythrodiol) and the spike protein. Results Our in-silico evaluations showed that phytoconstituents of Momordica charantia have a low binding energy range, -5.82 to -5.97 kcal/mol. A docking study revealed two sets of phytoconstituents that bind at the S1 and S2 domains of SARS-CoV-2. SPR showed that erythrodiol has a strong binding affinity (KD = 1.15 μM) with the S2 spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Overall, docking, ADME properties, and SPR displayed strong interactions between phytoconstituents and the active site of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Conclusion This study reveals that phytoconstituents from bitter melon are potential agents to treat SARS-CoV-2 viral infections due to their binding to spike proteins S1 and S2.
Experimental Microwave Gain Measurements on a Recirculating Planar Crossed-Field Amplifier

The Recirculating Planar Crossed-Field Amplifier (RPCFA) is a high-power microwave amplifier adapted from the Recirculating Planar Magnetron developed at the University of Michigan.1 The RPCF A was designed in simulation using ANSYS HFSS and the particle-in-cell code MAGIC.2 The pulsed power for the RPCF A is provided by the Michigan Electron Long Beam Accelerator with Ceramic insulator stack (MELBA-C). In simulation, the RPCFA showed amplification of a 1.3 MW injected signal to 29 MW while retaining zero drive stability.
3 Ms in the Life of β Ceti: Sustained Flare Activity on a Clump Giant Detected by the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer

A 34 day Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) pointing on the "clump" giant β Ceti (HD 4128; K0 III) recorded a series of striking coronal flare events, reminiscent of a singular outburst seen previously from μ Velorum (HD 93497; G6 III + dF). The recent flaring episode contrasts with a more placid behavior in a 6 day EUVE observation of β Cet 6 years earlier. The average 70-180 A Deep Survey count rate in the new observation is twice as high, and the 75-150 A spectrum displays a distinct hardening. The discovery of sustained flare activity on β Cet raises the possibility that such episodes are more common than suspected among the core helium-burning giants and sharpens the puzzle of the survival of magnetic activity beyond helium flash.
Noise and cross talk of a 4-element serial fiber laser sensor array

Summary form only given. We report measurements of the noise and cross talk of a wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) erbium fiber Bragg grating laser (EFBGL) sensor array of four elements in series using collinear pumping by a diode laser at 980 nm and a single read-out interferometer. Potentially, a single pump laser can be used to provide optical pump power to a EFBGL sensor array of 32 channels by using the full 32-nm gain bandwidth of the erbium fiber and 1-nm channel separation.
Insomnia in Psychiatric Disorders

Management of insomnia without a basic understanding of the possible underlying psychiatric disorders might result in an inadequate, if not hazardous outcome. Insomnia is listed in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) as a symptom of several psychiatric disorders.
Formación y desarrollo de expertos: estrategias para el diseño de sistemas de aprendizaje y apoyo al desempeño / Expert training and development: strategies for learning systems design and performance support

Este articulo hace una revision de la literatura existente sobre el desarrollo de la experticia humana, especialmente aplicada a la pedagogia universitaria y su relacion con la teoria sociocognitiva del aprendizaje como fuente de estrategias para el diseno de sistemas de aprendizajes y apoyo al desempeno. Las estrategias identificadas pueden adaptarse a cualquier disciplina siempre y cuando se considere el contexto social y cultural especifico en el que se realiza la practica profesional o actividad, la naturaleza de la misma y la comprension de la etapa actual de formacion y desarrollo en el que se encuentra la persona. Abstract This article reviews the existing literature on the development of human expertise, especially applied to university pedagogy and its relationship to the sociocognitive learning theory as a source of strategies for designing learning and performance support systems. This identified strategies can be adapted to any discipline as long as the specific social and cultural context, in which professional practice or activity is performed, is considered, the nature of it, and understanding of the current stage of training and development in which the person is.
Recombinational DNA Repair in Bacteria: Postreplication

Recombinational DNA repair represents the primary function for homologous DNA recombination in bacteria. Most of this repair occurs at replication forks that are stalled at sites of DNA damage. Keywords: RecA protein; DNA damage; SOS response; reactivation of stalled replication forks
Can community health workers improve adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy in the USA? A review of the literature.

Objectives Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has transformed HIV infection into a manageable chronic illness, yet AIDS mortality among ethnic minorities persists in the USA. HAART nonadherence is associated with increased HIV viral load, low CD4 cell count and racial disparities in HIV outcomes. While there is no universal consensus on how to improve medical adherence in HIV-positive populations, the community health worker (CHW) model is emerging as an effective strategy to overcome barriers to HAART adherence. Although utilized in international settings, there is little evidence regarding the effects of CHWs on HIV outcomes in the USA. Methods We performed a comprehensive search from May 2010 to November 2010 to identify studies carried out in the USA that utilized CHWs to improve HAART adherence and measured HIV viral loads and CD4 cell counts to assess intervention effects. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed for this article. All studies reported clinical HIV outcomes. Results Interventions that lasted at least 24 weeks, provided frequent contact with participants, and focused on medication management were associated with improved HAART adherence, as indicated by reduced HIV viral load and increased CD4 cell count. Conclusions Compared with current standards of care, CHW programmes may offer a practical and cost-effective alternative to improve HAART adherence, which may lead to reduced HIV viral load and increased CD4 cell counts among HIV-positive populations in the USA.
Constructing sovereign selves in special education

The history of special education is also a philosophical history of conceptions of the self. Inspired by the genealogical works of Foucault, this essay will explore the philosophical history of special education as a constitutive force in shaping special education students. While this article focuses on the United States, the analysis of conceptions of autonomy is relevant to special education in the Western World. In conclusion, this paper proposes a return to the constructivist roots of special education to broaden the appreciation and valorization of the aesthetic and ethical connections that sustain a meaningful life.
A complete solution to the equichordal point problem of Fujiwara, Blaschke, Rothe and Weizenböck

The Equichordal Point Problem can be formulated in simple geometric terms. If $C$ is a Jordan curve on the plane and $P, Q\in C$ then the segment $\overline{PQ}$ is called a chord of the curve $C$ . A point inside the curve is called equichordal if every two chords through this point have the same length. The question was whether there exists a curve with two distinct equichordal points $O_1$ and $O_2$ . The problem was posed by Fujiwara in 1916 and independently by Blaschke, Rothe and Weizenbock in 1917, and since then it has been attacked by many mathematicians. In the current paper we prove that if $O_1$ and $O_2$ are two distinct points on the plane and $C$ is a Jordan curve such that the bounded region $D$ cut out by $C$ is star-shaped with respect to both $O_1$ and $O_2$ then $C$ is not equichordal. The original question was posed for convex $C$ , and thus we have solved the Equichordal Point Problem completely. Our method is based on the observation that $C$ would be an invariant curve for an algebraic map of the plane. It would also form a heteroclinic connection. We complexify the map and obtain a multivalued algebraic map of ${\Bbb C}^2$ . We develop criteria for the existence of heteroclinic connections for such maps.
SU‐E‐T‐432: Dosimetric Computation of Cyberknife SBRT Plans for Treatment of Kidney and Adrenal Gland

Purpose: It is well‐accepted that Monte Carlo algorithm (MCA) methods are superior to Ray‐Tracing algorithm (RTA), i.e., effective path length (EPL), methods for computing radiation dose, especially for structures with heterogeneous tissue compositions. In this study, the differences of dose distribution in target volumes (kidneys and adrenal glands) and adjacent organs at risk (OARs) were evaluated while the treatment plans were computed using MCA and RTA for Cyberknife™ stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Methods: A total of 14 renal tumor (10 kidney and 4 adrenal gland) patients who had prescriptions in the range of 24Gy–48Gy (mean=42Gy) were selected. Treatment plans were computed using RTA and MCA in Cyberknife MultiPlan™ (version‐3.5.2). First, dose was calculated using RTA and then was recomputed using MCA, keeping total MU the same. Liver, heart, stomach, spleen, bowel, and contralateral kidney were considered as OARs. Dosimetric parameters considered for the target and OARs were minimum dose, mean dose, and maximum point dose. Additionally, dose delivered to 95% and 5% of the target volumes were evaluated. Dose computed with two algorithms were compared and statistically analyzed using two‐tailed t‐tests. Results: This study revealed that differences (average) in mean dose (0.79Gy), maximum dose (2.02Gy), 95% (0.76Gy) and 5% (0.83Gy) of target coverage dose were not statistically significant (p‐value>0.05). Differences in minimum dose (average=0.04–3.75Gy) to OARs exhibited significance (p‐value 0.05). Conclusion: Although Monte‐Carlo is more accurate compared to Ray‐Tracing for dosimetric computation, especially tumors in heterogeneous tissue composition, dose computation and delivery using MCA are quite involved due to additional computational time and associated patient‐specific quality assurance. This study indicated that both RTA and MCA are almost equally effective as dosimetric computation methods for renal tumors, and RTA can be used without compromising dosimetric accuracy.
Should women be offered cholesterol lowering drugs to prevent cardiovascular disease? No.

Women in western countries are more likely to die from heart disease than from cancer. Scott M Grundy argues that the risks make preventive treatment essential, but Malcolm Kendrick believes the evidence of benefit is not strong enough
Critical role of CDK2 for melanoma growth linked to its melanocyte-specific transcriptional regulation by MITF

The genomic organization of the CDK2 gene, which overlaps the melanocyte-specific gene SILV/PMEL17, poses an interesting regulatory challenge. We show that, despite its ubiquitous expression, CDK2 exhibits tissue-specific regulation by the essential melanocyte lineage transcription factor MITF. In addition, functional studies revealed this regulation to be critical for maintaining CDK2 kinase activity and growth of melanoma cells. Expression levels of MITF and CDK2 are tightly correlated in primary melanoma specimens and predict susceptibility to the CDK2 inhibitor roscovitine. CDK2 depletion suppressed growth and cell cycle progression in melanoma, but not other cancers, corroborating previous results. Collectively, these data indicate that CDK2 activity in melanoma is largely maintained at the transcriptional level by MITF, and unlike other malignancies, it may be a suitable drug target in melanoma.
The Crystal Structure and Phase Transition of Hf2Pt3

The structure of Hf2Pt3 has been re-investigated using transmission electron microscopy and Rietveld refinement of neutron powder diffraction data at temperatures up to 1500 °C. This compound does not belong to the MoSi2 structure type as previously reported, but instead is isostructural with Ti2Pd3 and the low-temperature form of Ti2Ni3. The crystal structure is orthorhombic (pseudo-tetragonal), Cmcm, Z = 4, with a = 14.653(1) A, b = 4.8741(3) A, and c = 4.8671(3) A at room temperature. The b/c ratio decreases from 1.0014(2) at room temperature to 1.0005(3) at 1500 °C, but the material does not transform to the high-temperature form of Ti2Ni3 (I4/mmm) under the conditions studied. The electron diffraction data indicate multiple stacking faults as well as short-range order. On heating above 1630 °C there is a phase transition to a B2-related structure with a ≈ 3.315(1) A at 1659 °C.
Absolute cross sections for the quenching of excited Ca(4s4p 1P1) by several molecules

Abstract Cross sections for the quenching of excited Ca(4s4p 1 P 1 ) by several gases, determined directly by pulsed laser technique, are compared with those of the analogous 1 P 1 states of other group IIa and IIb metal atoms.
Accuracy estimates for the boundary element method

Abstract An a posteriori error estimation strategy for the boundary element solution of two-dimensional heat conduction problems is presented. The error estimate formulation is based on the boundary element equations and employs a least-squares fit of the solutions obtained from these equations. A local error estimate is evaluated for the unknown quantity for each element. The global error estimates are found from local (element) quantities. The range and accuracy of the proposed strategy is very good as demonstrated by problems containing smooth and non-smooth solutions.
Stock differences in the susceptibility of rats to learned helplessness training.

Learned helplessness (LH) consists of shock escape deficits evidenced by animals previously exposed to inescapable shock. This phenomenon has shown promise as a behavioral screen for new antidepressant drugs. Unfortunately, some stocks of rats evidence low susceptibility to LH training. Accordingly, male rats from 8 different stocks were tested for susceptibility to LH training. The outbred stocks consisted of Harlan SD, Sasco Holtzman, and Charles River Holtzman. The inbred stocks (i.e. strains) tested were Lewis, Wistar Kyoto, Brown Norway, Fischer F-344, and Buffalo. The Lewis, Brown Norway, Fischer and Sasco Holtzman rats were found to be virtually non-susceptible to LH training. Harlan SD and Buffalo rats evidenced intermediate susceptibilities of 28% and 33%, respectively. Kyoto and Charles River Holtzman rats were the most susceptible at 53% and 55%, respectively. No stock differences between control animals were observed. These results indicate that wide differences in susceptibility to LH training exist in rats from different stocks or suppliers and researchers should be careful to choose subjects from a susceptible stock. Charles River Holtzman and Wistar Kyoto rats appear to be very susceptible to LH training.
Human milk cortisol is associated with infant temperament

The implications of the biologically active elements in milk for the mammalian infant are largely unknown. Animal models demonstrate that transmission of glucocorticoids through milk influences behavior and modifies brain development in offspring. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between human milk cortisol levels and temperament of the breastfed infant. Fifty-two mother and infant pairs participated when the infants were three-months old. Milk cortisol levels were assessed and each mother completed the Infant Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ), a widely used parent-report measure of infant temperament. Analyses revealed a positive association between milk cortisol and the negative affectivity dimension of the IBQ (partial r=.37, p<.01). No correlation was found between elevated cortisol levels and the surgency/extraversion or the orienting/regulation dimensions. Further, the positive association between increased maternal milk cortisol and negative affectivity was present among girls (β=.59, p<.01), but not among boys. (Although, the sex by milk cortisol interaction term was not statistically significant, suggesting that these results require replication.) Environmental factors such as maternal demographics and negative maternal affect (depression and perceived stress) at the time of assessment did not account for the positive association. The findings support the proposal that exposure to elevated levels of cortisol in human milk influences infant temperament. The findings further suggest that mothers have the ability to shape offspring phenotype through the transmission of biologically active components in milk.
Optimization and Modeling of Apple Juice Cross-flow Microfiltration with a Ceramic Membrane

The performance of a 0.2 μm ceramic membrane for clarification of depectinized apple juice was studied. The results showed that the flux was higher at high feed velocities (14.6 m/seC) and high temperatures (50°C), and the transmembrane pressure was a positive factor only at high temperatures. The juice flux at optimal conditions was between 400–500 kg/hr.m2. Filtration of juice with pectin resulted in flux decreases of 40–50% compared to deoectinized juice. Periodic back-flushing during processing at optimal conditions, i.e., high temperature, high feed velocity and low pressure, did not significantly increase the juice flux.
Rulers over randomness: stroma cells guide lymphocyte migration in lymph nodes.

How is the amoeboid movement of lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid organs orchestrated? In this issue of Immunity, Bajenoff et al. (2006) demonstrate that stromal cell networks serve as guidance structures that direct and limit the migration of B and T cells in lymph nodes.
Process-Dependent Circuit Modeling and Simulation of SOI JFETs: Digital VLSI Applications

Accurate circuit modeling and simulation of Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) enhancement and depletion Junction Field-Effect transis tors (JFETs) is presented. The nonuniformity in FET device parameters along the channel depth (due to fabrication processes), is taken into account. This is typical in SOI and other thin-film struc tures. Since SOI fabrication processes parameters are represented, in our model, by a closed form mobility variation, improved model accuracy is guaranteed. Simulation results are found to be within less than 3% of actual measurements. Small-signal circuit-model parameters are determined for SOI FJETs and then evaluated for further logic applications. Inverters with a channel Enhancenient-JFET (E-JFET) drivers and n- channel depletion-JFET loads (E/D invert ers) are also considered with different supply voltage values, device parameters and digital applications.
Conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine in an adult amphibian, Bufo marinus

Adult toads (Bufo marinus) were injected with T4 (50 μg/day for 5 days) to assess possible conversion of T4 to T3. Plasma T3 was undetectable (<12.5 ng/dl) before injection of T4; the mean corrected plasma level of T3 after injection was 259 ± 83 (SD) ng/dl, indicating in vivo conversion of T4 to T3 in an adult amphibian. Although as yet of uncertain physiologic significance, this conversion may be important in the action of thyroid hormone in adult amphibia.
Synthesis of bicyclogermacrene and lepidozene

Abstract Bicyclogermacrene (1) and lepidozene (2) have been synthesized by short routes starting from geranylacetone. Titanium-induced cyclizations of cis- and trans-2,2- dimethyl-3-(3-methyl-7-oxo-3E-octenyl)cyclopropane-carbaldehyde were used as the key steps.
3-D Shafting Calculations for Marine Installations: Static and Dynamic

Due to the particular geometry of the crankshaft of two-stroke diesel engines and the rotational degree of freedom torsional vibrations may be calculated with a 1-D mathematical model, but all other kinds of vibrations have to be calculated with a 3-D model. This concerns also static problems. In this paper the influence of coupled vibrations on ship vibration is explained and illustrated with an example for axial vibrations and an example for external vertical forces and moments. Another example for the use of the 3-D model is the calculation of crank deflection and jack load. It can be shown that such calculations are suitable for daily work.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Incorporating patient-reported outcomes into hepatitis C virus treatment studies.

The FDA’s definition of a Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) as “any report of the status of a patient’s health condition that comes directly from the patient, without interpretation of the patient’s response by a clinician or anyone else” is now widely accepted by investigators1. “PRO” has become an umbrella term that includes any outcome directly reported by patients that captures their subjective experience of phenomena that cannot be captured through other means. The most commonly reported PROs are health-related quality of life (HrQOL), physical and mental symptoms and side effects, and functional status related to a disease, procedure or treatment. However, PROs are also any other patient-reported data not easily captured via clinician-report or objective marker and can include other psychosocial experiences (e.g., perceived stigma, motivation for treatment), access to and satisfaction with care, perceived treatment benefits or harms, adverse events, behaviors, and treatment adherence2.
Gender and Demand-Based Pricing: Differences in Perceived (Un)Fairness and Repatronage Intentions

ABSTRACT Revenue management practices by hotel firms are increasingly coming under scrutiny, partly because of perceived unfairness stemming from variable or demand-based pricing. Under the umbrell...
The brasilenols, rearranged sesquiterpene alcohols isolated from the marine opisthobranch aplysia brasiliana

Abstract Two nonisoprenoid sesquiterpene alcohols, brasilenol and epibrasilenol, have been isolated, along with brasilenol acetate, from the digestive glands of the marine opisthobranch Aplysia brasiliana . The structures of these unusual sesquiterpenoids were determined by extensive spectral and chemical analysis and by their mutual conversion to the corresponding α,β-unsaturated ketone, brasilenone. The brasilenols are likely to have a dietary origin, since these compounds have also been observed as natural products of the red seaweed Laurencia obtusa.
Autoantibodies associated with volatile anesthetic hepatitis found in the sera of a large cohort of pediatric anesthesiologists.

UNLABELLED Anesthetic-induced hepatitis is thought to have an immune-mediated basis, in part because many patients who develop hepatitis have serum autoantibodies that react with specific hepatic proteins. The present study shows that pediatric anesthesiologists also have these serum autoantibodies. Moreover, levels of these autoantibodies are higher than those of general anesthesiologists. We collected sera from 105 pediatric and 53 general anesthesiologists (including 3 nurse anesthetists), 20 halothane hepatitis patients, and 20 control individuals who were never exposed to inhaled anesthetics. Serum cytochrome P450 2E1 (P450 2E1) and 58-kd hepatic endoplasmic reticulum protein (ERp58) autoantibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Positive values were 2 SD above median control values. Two multiple regression models were constructed. Pediatric anesthesiologists, like halothane hepatitis patients, had higher serum autoantibody levels of ERp58 and P450 2E1 than general anesthesiologists and controls, which was possibly because of their increased occupational exposures to anesthetics. Female anesthesiologists had higher levels of ERp58 autoantibodies than male anesthesiologists, whereas female pediatric anesthesiologists had higher levels of P450 2E1 autoantibodies than all other anesthesiologists. One female pediatric anesthesiologist had symptoms of hepatic injury. Because most anesthesiologists do not develop volatile anesthetic-induced hepatic injury, the findings suggest that pathogenic ERp58 and P450 2E1 autoantibodies may not directly cause volatile anesthetic hepatitis. Female anesthesiologists have high levels of these autoantibodies; however, the majority of these individuals do not develop hepatitis, suggesting that autoantibodies may not have a pathological role in volatile anesthetic-induced hepatitis. IMPLICATIONS Environmental exposure of anesthesiology personnel to certain inhaled anesthetics can induce the formation of autoantibodies that have been associated with anesthetic hepatitis. Female anesthesiologists have high levels of these autoantibodies; however, the majority of these individuals do not develop hepatitis, suggesting that autoantibodies may not have a pathological role in volatile anesthetic-induced hepatitis.
The effects of nutrition on survival and fecundity in Florida mosquitoes. Part 3. Utilization of blood and sugar for fecundity.

Unfed 2- to 5-day-old starved females and 12-day-old sugar-fed females of various species of Florida mosquitoes were fed ad lib. a meal of chicken blood to repletion and analyzed for the amount of blood ingested, egg maturation and production, and energy reserves in spent females and in eggs laid. Sugar-fed females of these species, with the exception of Aedes asgypti and Anopheles quadrimaculatus , attained considerably greater wet weight (1.2 to 1.6 times) and dry weight (1.4 to 2.1 times) and ingested considerably smaller quantities of blood (wet weight—0.5 to 0.9 times, dry weight—0.6 to 0.8 times, and calories—0.6 to 0.8 times) than starved females of the same species. In all species, except Aedes sollicitans , the number oocytes matured and the number of eggs laid in sugar-fed females were considerably higher than in starved females. In general, starved females retained more matured oocytes after completion of egg laying than sugar-fed females. Two to 3 times more blood per 100 eggs laid per female had to be ingested by starved females as compared with sugar-fed females. In all species investigated, sugar-fed females had considerably more glycogen and triglyceride reserves remaining after laying a batch of eggs than starved females, which indicated that sugar-fed females could live much longer after oviposition than starved females. No distinct differences in energy reserves were observed in eggs laid by starved and sugar-fed female Ae. sollicitans and Psorophora confinnis . Eggs from starved Ae. aegypti females sugar-fed Aedes taeniorhynchus females had much more energy reserves than their corresponding groups. These studies clearly demonstrate the importance of sugar-feeding in addition to blood-feeding for longevity and fecundity of mosquitoes.
Does Cigarette Smoking Paradoxically Increase Survival in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy?: The Washington, D.C. Dilated cardiomyopathy study

Recent studies have suggested that patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) who smoke have an improved prognosis as compared with nonsmokers. We examined this paradoxical finding using d
Chemotherapy and Total Parenteral Nutrition for Advanced Ovarian Cancer with Bowel Obstruction

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 21 patients with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma treated with intravenous chemotherapy in an attempt to restore intestinal function following small-bowel obstruction. All patients had a drainage gastrostomy tube placed for palliation of vomiting, and 11 patients received concomitant total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Eight (38%) patients were treated with single-agent paclitaxel, 7 (33%) received platinum-based regimens, and 6 (29%) received other second-line chemotherapy. The median survival for all patients post-gastrostomy tube placement was 84 days. The median survival for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who received salvage chemotherapy and TPN was 89 days, longer than for patients who received salvage chemotherapy alone (71 days) (P = 0.031). Two of three patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer and concomitant bowel obstruction had sufficient temporary response from chemotherapy with resolution of obstruction and removal of the gastrostomy tube. Chemotherapy was ineffective in restoring bowel function in heavily pretreated patients with recurrent disease.
Octuplet transformation properties of weak interactions

Abstract We discuss transformation properties of the weak interaction Lagrangian under the group SU(3). Selection rules (statements about the representation of the symmetry group according to which the Lagrangian transforms) and conservation laws (statements about members of the symmetry group which leave the Lagrangian invariant) are considered for leptonic and nonleptonic weak interactions.
New hexanuclear and octanuclear iron(III) oxide clusters: octahedral [Fe6O2](14+) species and core isomerism in [Fe8O4](16+) complexes

Abstract The synthesis, X-ray crystal structures and magnetic properties of two new classes of hexanuclear and octanuclear iron(III) clusters are reported. The reaction of hmpH (2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine) with [Fe 3 O(O 2 CR) 6 (H 2 O) 3 ](NO 3 ) (R=Bu t , Ph) gives [Fe 6 O 2 (O 2 CR) 6 (hmp) 6 ](NO 3 ) 2 containing a Fe III 6 octahedron with two opposite faces bridged by μ 3 -O 2− ions. Similar reactions employing FeCl 3 /NaO 2 CR (R=Me, Ph) give [Fe 8 O 4 (O 2 CPh) 11 (hmp) 5 ] and [Fe 8 O 4 (O 2 CMe) 12 (hmp) 4 ]. Both contain a similar [Fe 8 (μ 3 -O) 4 ] core that can be described as four triangular [Fe 3 O] units joined together by edge or vertex sharing or, alternatively, as two [Fe 3 O] units bridged by a [Fe 2 O 2 ] rhombus; however, the dispositions of the [Fe 3 O] units about the [Fe 2 O 2 ] central unit differ in the two complexes and can be described as syn and anti core isomers. The Fe 6 and Fe 8 complexes have been found to have S =0 ground states when studied by variable-temperature, solid-state magnetic susceptibility measurements, consistent with the expected antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the Fe(III) ions.
Porous hydroxyapatite as a bone graft substitute in maxillary augmentation

Summary A porous HA matrix, which is available for clinical use, was compared with split rib autografts after maxillary contour augmentation in 17 dogs. Specimens were retrieved at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 months and undecalcified sections were prepared for microscopy and histometry. The implant and graft cross sectional areas did not change with time, although mechanical trauma caused early changes in implant area in some specimens. In all implants, union with the maxillary cortex occurred along with substantial bone ingrowth. An area under the periosteum contained soft tissue ingrowth. In all grafts, except one, union also occurred. However, bone ingrowth into the cancellous spaces was not apparent, or minimal. The implant specimens were composed of 34.7% HA matrix, 23.9% bone and 41.3% soft tissue. The bone ingrowth remained permanent for the study duration. A 6.5% decrease in HA matrix occurred between the 24 and 48 month time invervals, suggesting the presence of microporous surface resorption. The graft specimens were composed of 55.8% bone and 44.2% non-mineralized tissue, without change over time. The similarity in mineralized tissue composition of the implants (58.6%) and grafts (55.8%) supported the thesis that a porous HA matrix can function as a bone graft substitute.
24-h uric acid excretion and the risk of kidney stones

There is uncertainty about the relation between 24-h urinary uric acid excretion and the risk of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. In addition, the risk associated with different levels of other urinary factors needs clarification. We performed a cross-sectional study of 24-h urine excretion and the risk of kidney stone formation in 3350 men and women, of whom 2237 had a history of nephrolithiasis. After adjusting for other urinary factors, urinary uric acid had a significant inverse association with stone formation in men, a marginal inverse association with risk in younger women, and no association in older women. The risk of stone formation in men and women significantly rose with increasing urine calcium and oxalate, and significantly decreased with increasing citrate and urine volume, with the change in risk beginning below the traditional normal thresholds. Other urinary factors were also associated with risk, but this varied by age and gender. Our study does not support the prevailing belief that higher urine uric acid excretion increases the risk for calcium oxalate stone formation. In addition, the current definitions of normal levels for urinary factors need to be re-evaluated.
Language outcome in autism: Randomized comparison of joint attention and play interventions.

This study reports results of a randomized controlled trial aimed at joint attention (JA) and symbolic play (SP) in preschool children with autism, with prediction to language outcome 12 months later. Participants were 58 children (46 boys) with autism between 3 and 4 years of age. Children were randomized to a JA intervention, an SP intervention, or control group. Interventions were conducted 30 min daily for 5-6 weeks. Assessments of JA skills, SP skills, mother-child interactions, and language development were collected at 4 time points: pre- and postintervention and 6 and 12 months postintervention by independent testers. Results indicate that expressive language gains were greater for both treatment groups compared with the control group, and results could not be explained by differences in other interventions in which children participated. For children beginning treatment with the lowest language levels, the JA intervention improved language outcome significantly more than did the SP or control interventions. These findings suggest clinically significant benefits of actively treating JA and SP skills in young children with autism.
Microstructural effects on the cleavage fracture stress of fully pearlitic eutectoid steel

The microstructural parameter(s) controlling the critical cleavage fracture stress, σF, of fully pearlitic eutectoid steel have been investigated. Independent variation of the pearlite interlamellar spacing,Sp, and the prior austenite grain size were accomplished through heat treatment. Critical cleavage fracture stresses were measured on bluntly-notched bend specimens tested over the temperature range -125 °C to 23 °C. The cleavage fracture stress increased with decreasingSp, and was independent of prior austenite grain size. Fine pearlitic microstructures exhibited temperature, strain-rate, and notched-bar geometry independent values for σF, consistent with propagation-controlled cleavage fracture. Coarse pearlitic specimens exhibited temperature-dependent values for σF over a similar temperature range. Inclusion-initiated fractures were generally located at or beyond the location of the peak normal stress in the bend bar, while cracking associated with pearlite colonies was observed to be closer to the notch than the predicted peak stress location. The calculated values for σF were independent of both the type and location of initiation site(e. g., inclusion, pearlite colony). Thus, although inclusions may provide potent fracture initiation sites, their presence or absence does not necessarily change σF in fully pearlitic microstructures.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the prevention of experimental diabetic glomerulopathy

Continuous therapy with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor has been shown to have a glomerular vasodepressor effect in the newly diabetic rat and to largely prevent the subsequent development of a severe, sclerosing glomerular injury. Preliminary studies in humans with established diabetic glomerular injury (DGI) reveal that ACE inhibitor therapy has an antiproteinuric effect and may also slow the decline in glomerular filtration rate that usually attends this disorder. Although promising, the human studies are inconclusive because of short duration and other limitations in experimental technique and study design. Additional trials are needed to confirm a specific effect of ACE inhibitor therapy to ameliorate human diabetic glomerular injury.
Polymer chemotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Objectives To study a new method of delivery of chemotherapy for the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the head and neck, to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of four anticancer agents (cisplatin, fluorouracil [5-FU], methotrexate [MTX], and paclitaxel) loaded into the biodegradable polymer, polyanhydride polymer poly(FAD:SA), and to evaluate the effectiveness and toxicity of the drug-polymer combination against human SCCs, both in vitro and in vivo. Study Design Poly(FAD:SA) was loaded with different chemotherapeutic drugs and its in vitro and in vivo drug release and tissue penetration characteristics were studied. The biocompatibility and toxicity of the polymer-drug combination were determined. The effectiveness of the drug-polymer was evaluated against three different human SCCs (larynx O11, pharynx FADU, and floor of mouth UM- SCC1) cultured in vitro and in nude mice carrying human SCC xenografts. Methods The in vitro drug release pharmacokinetics of the drugs were performed using atomic absorption spectrometry for cisplatin and high-pressure liquid chromatography for the 5-FU, MTX, and paclitaxel studies. In vitro tumor cytotoxicity was assessed by growth assay. In vivo cytotoxicity was assessed by growth rate inhibition in a nude mouse model. Results All four chemotherapy drugs demonstrated a continuous release that followed first-order kinetics from the polymer. More than 95% of the MTX and 5-FU, 70% of the cisplatin, and 20% of the paclitaxel was released within the 10 days of the assay. Tumor cytotoxicity revealed that the polymer was very effective against the human SCCs O11, FADU, and UM- SCC1 in vitro. When a small amount of polymer (1–2 g) was added to the cell culture and left for 7 days, 96.6% of the UM-SCC1 cells, 86.9% of the FADU cells, and 94.6% of the O11 cells were killed. When the culture medium was then changed every 2 days to remove the effect of nutrient depletion or chemicals released by the degrading polymer, 74% of the UM-SCC1 cells, 94.5% of the FADU cells, and 66.1% of the O11 cells were killed at 7 days. The tumor animal model was the nude mouse carrying human floor of mouth SCC xenografts. Different amounts of cisplatin were incorporated into the polymers (5% and 7% drug/polymer at a weight/weight [wt/wt] load). Thirty-five days after implantation of the polymer in nude mice, the mean treated tumor size was 65.5% of controls in the 5% group and 31.8% in the 7% group. Seventy days after implantation the mean treated tumor size was 41.4% of controls in the 5% group and 38.1% in the 7% group, indicating a statistically significant delay of tumor growth compared with controls or with intraperitoneally injected cisplatin. The blank polymer was well tolerated by the mouse and had no effect on tumor growth. Conclusions The study results indicate that polymer chemotherapy is effective against a variety of SCCs of the head and neck, both in vitro and in vivo, and may become a useful therapeutic option for head and neck cancer.
International monetary flows and stability in foreign exchange markets

(1988). International monetary flows and stability in foreign exchange markets. Applied Economics: Vol. 20, No. 5, pp. 611-622.
Computer-aided ergonomics: a case study of incorporating ergonomics analyses into workplace design.

Abstract One of the primary goals of computer-aided ergonomics is to develop software tools that allow ergonomics information to be accessed at the earliest stages of design. This case study discusses a PC-based software program that allows a designer to quantify a worker's biomechanical risk for injury based on a proposed workplace design. The program couples an established software tool for biomechanical analysis, the Three-Dimensional Static Strength Prediction Program (3DSSPP), with a widely used computer-aided design software package, AutoCAD. The use of this “3DSSPP/AutoCAD interface” in the proactive analysis of an automotive assembly task is described and the results compared with an independent assessment using observations of workers performing the same task. Both studies yield similar conclusions, suggesting that proactive use of software such as the 3DSSPP/AutoCAD interface may be a valid tool in evaluating proposed workplace designs. In this context, issues in the analysis of workplace designs regarding the use of supporting ergonomic tools, assumptions, and posture selection are discussed.
Thinking about Feelings: Emotion Focus in the Parenting of Children with Early Developmental Risk.

Background Children with developmental delays exhibit more difficulty with certain emotional processes than their typically developing peers, which seems to partially account for the increased risk for the development of social problems in this population. Despite considerable study with typically developing populations, research on parental emotion socialisation in families of children with delays is scarce.This study examined the degree to which parents of children with early delays prioritised emotion relative to other important areas of child development and the degree to which they focused on emotion during relevant interactions with their children. Method Families of 8-year-old children with (n = 42) and without (n = 89) early developmental delays completed questionnaires and interviews, and participated in a parent‐child emotion discourse task. Results As predicted, parents of children with developmental delays reported lower prioritisation of emotion and focused less on emotion during discourse than did parents of typically developing children. A model was supported in which a pathway existed from developmental status through prioritisation to emotion focus. Emotion focus, in turn, predicted children’s social skills as reported on by multiple informants. Conclusions Parents of children with early developmental delays may focus upon emotion less in their parenting than parents of typically developing children, and related behaviours show associations with children’s social skill outcomes. Findings are discussed as an initial step in thinking about the role of emotion socialisation in the families of children with delays.
Compliant walking in primates

It is now well recognized that terrestrial mammals can maintain equivalent bone stresses despite dramatic differences in body size through the adoption of extended limb positions during locomotion. However, this dynamic solution is not available to all mammals. Medium- and large-bodied arboreal mammals, such as anthropoid primates, must maintain relatively gracile and mobile limbs in order to manoeuvre in a discontinuous arboreal environment. But they must also use flexed (i.e. crouched) limb positions in order to maintain balance on arboreal substrates, thus subjecting their gracile limbs to relatively high loads. To determine how primates resolve this conflict between their kinematics and their morphology, five species of Old World monkeys were videotaped with lateral, frontal, and overhead cameras while they walked at a range of natural speeds along a runway and raised horizontal poles instrumented with a force platform. Kinematic and kinetic data on the forelimb show that during arboreal quadrupedalism, Old World monkeys do crouch when travelling on arboreal supports compared to the ground. Simultaneously, they lower vertical peak reaction forces and thereby reduce and reorient the peak resultant substrate reaction force, so that moment arms and moments are roughly equivalent on poles and the ground. This is accomplished through the adoption of a compliant walking gait characterized by high degrees of forelimb protraction, substantial elbow yield, low vertical oscillations of the body, and long contact times. The use of a compliant walking gait appears to be extremely rare among mammals and is most likely related to an initial primate adaptation to quadrupedal locomotion on terminal branches. This gait represents a previously unrecognized dynamic postural mechanism for maintenance of similar bone stresses and safety factors in both arboreal and terrestrial environments.
Catalytic Nanoceria Are Preferentially Retained in the Rat Retina and Are Not Cytotoxic after Intravitreal Injection

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) possess catalytic and regenerative radical scavenging activities. The ability of nanoceria to maintain cellular redox balance makes them ideal candidates for treatment of retinal diseases whose development is tightly associated with oxidative damage. We have demonstrated that our stable water-dispersed nanoceria delay photoreceptor cell degeneration in rodent models and prevent pathological retinal neovascularization in vldlr mutant mice. The objectives of the current study were to determine the temporal and spatial distributions of nanoceria after a single intravitreal injection, and to determine if nanoceria had any toxic effects in healthy rat retinas. Using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), we discovered that nanoceria were rapidly taken up by the retina and were preferentially retained in this tissue even after 120 days. We also did not observe any acute or long-term negative effects of nanoceria on retinal function or cytoarchitecture even after this long-term exposure. Because nanoceria are effective at low dosages, nontoxic and are retained in the retina for extended periods, we conclude that nanoceria are promising ophthalmic therapeutics for treating retinal diseases known to involve oxidative stress in their pathogeneses.