cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
French experience in achieving nuclear power self-reliance and possible benefits for international cooperation

The success of France's nuclear power program can be attributed to two main factors: The necessity for France to increase its energy independence. Nuclear energy was the only viable choice, but French industry had to master all the phases of such a program. A will to pursue the objectives set, which has remained steadfast for over 20 years. Today, two-thirds of French electricity comes from nuclear power, and the French program is continuing its regular progression. Several times already, in particular in this Pacific basin region, French industry has cooperated in nuclear power projects abroad. It is convinced that even greater international cooperation can only be beneficial for all, and is ready, for its part, to bring to bear on this effort all of its experience and resources.
Genetics and childhood cancer. Commentary on: inherited cancer in children: practical/ethical problems and challenges.

As convincingly presented in Drs. Tischkowitz and Rosser s comprehensive Review [1], identification and clinical management of children and families with inherited cancer syndromes can assist in early detection and, possibly, prevention. However, some complicating issues exist. First, as the authors note, some of these malignancies lack sensitive screening methods. Imaging strategies for Wilms , neuroblastoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma are controversial [2], making it unclear what to recommend for children at high risk. Further, because the familial component of these malignancies often comprises only a very small proportion of those affected (as Tischokowitz and Rosser note, only 1% of neuroblastoma is estimated to be familial), the benefit of widespread screening of siblings is not established. Finally, in addition to the ethical and family dynamic issues surrounding presymptomatic testing in childhood, are its implications for health insurance. Without universal coverage, as is the case in the United States, genetic testing of families raises questions about possible denial of health insurance, or at least, denial of treatment for pre-existing conditions [3]. Despite these issues, the discovery of familial cancer syndromes has been extraordinarily informative in defining general mechanisms of paediatric tumorigenesis and in identifying the responsible genes. A promising future endeavour may be the on-going follow-up of families of children with cancer. Most children who develop cancer are members of young families that have yet to be characterised by a syndrome. Adult
Right ventricular volume determinations in children. Normal values and observations with volume or pressure overload.

Right ventricular (RV) volumes were calculated from biplane cineangiocardiograms in 46 patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Validation of methodology was performed by comparison of known and calculated volumes of postmortem RV casts as well as by comparison of cineangiocardiographic RV and left ventricular (LV) stroke volumes of patients without shunts or valvular insufficiency. Seven infants, <1 year of age, with normal right hearts as compared with older children showed smaller RV end-diastolic volumes (39 ± 8 vs 70 ± 13 ml/m2, P < 0.001) as well as decreased RV systolic indices (SI) (3.71 ± 0.68 vs 4.66 ± 1.10 liters/min/m2, P < 0.05). There were no differences between normal infants and older children for RV ejection fraction (EF), RVEDV/LVEDV = 1.01, RVSI/LVSI = 0.99, and RVEF/LVEF = 1.04 vs 0.99. In 13 patients with isolated pulmonary stenosis, RVEDV, RVEF, RVSI, RVEDV/LVEDV, and RVSI/LVSI were not different from normal, but RVEF/LVEF averaged 1.13 vs 0.99 in normal infants, P < 0...
Association between smokefree laws and voluntary smokefree-home rules.

Background More states and localities are passing restrictions on smoking in public places and workplaces. Purpose To determine what, if any, association exists between enactment of strong laws making public places or workplaces smokefree on adoption of voluntary smokefree-home policies, particularly whether such laws are associated with increased smoking at home. Methods Logistic regressions were used to estimate the OR of a person living with a 100% smokefree-home rule as a function of individual characteristics, household composition, and whether or not the residential region is covered by clean indoor air laws. The data came from successive waves of the Tobacco Use Supplement to Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) for the years 1992–2007, and the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation database of state and local government clean indoor air laws. Analysis was conducted in 2010 and 2011. Results Living in a county fully covered by a 100% clean indoor air law in workplaces or restaurants or bars is associated with an increased likelihood of having a voluntary 100% smokefree-home rule both for people living with smokers (OR=7.76, 95% CI=5.27, 11.43) and not living with smokers (OR=4.12, 95% CI=3.28, 5.16). Conclusions Strong clean indoor air laws are associated with large increases in voluntary smokefree-home policies both in the homes with and without smokers. These results support the hypothesis of norm spreading of clean indoor air laws.
Numerical Study of the Flow Past a Turbine Blade Tip: Effect of Relative Motion Between Blade and Shroud

Turbine blade tips are often the most susceptible to material failure due to the high-speed leakage flow and associated large thermal loadings. In this paper, the effect of the blade rotation and relative motion between the blade tip and shroud is studied numerically. Three different simulations have been undertaken: (1) a static case where the blade and the shroud are stationary (used as the reference case) (2) a linearly moving blade (or shroud) and (3) a rotating blade. Comparisons between cases 1 and 2 identify the effects of relative motion, while comparison between cases 2 and 3 delineate the effects of rotational Coriolis and centrifugal forces. Geometric effects were also studied through different combinations of tip gaps and squealer depths with the relative motion and rotational effects included. The calculations were done using a commercial flow solver, Fluent, using a block body-fitted mesh, Reynolds-averaged transport equations and a turbulence model. Results confirm the significant effects of the relative motion between the blade tip and shroud, and indicate that the assumption of pressure-driven leakage flows for blade tips is inappropriate. While rotational forces also play a role, the magnitude of their effects are relatively small compared to the relative motion effects. Geometric effects are also important with the lower tip clearance reducing leakage flow and allowing the tip coolant to migrate towards the SS with relative motion.
The tryptic digestion of spin-labelled heavy meromyosin.

Abstract The S 1 thiol groups of heavy meromyosin (HMM) have been selectively spin labeled with a paramagnetic analog of iodoacetamide (10) and the effects of tryptic digestion on the ESR spectrum and ATPase activity have been studied. The loss of ATPase activity on tryptic digestion occurs at the same rate with spin-labeled or unlabeled HMM suggesting that spin labeling produces no major change in the conformation of HMM. ESR spectra indicate that spin labels bound to S 1 groups of HMM are strongly immobilized; spectra of subfragment-1 isolated from tryptic digests of spin-labeled HMM are the same as those of labeled HMM. ESR spectra of S 1 -spin-labeled peptides produced by tryptic digestion of HMM indicate essentially no immobilization of labels, the spectra being similar to that of a solution of free labels. The ESR spectrum of an unfractionated digest of HMM exhibits a peak attributable to strongly immobilized labels on HMM and subfragment-1 and a peak attributable to weakly immobilized labels bound to peptides. The rate at which spin-labeled peptides are released on tryptic digestion can be measured on the unfractionated digest by the decrease in the ESR peak corresponding to HMM and subfragment-1. The appearance of peptides containing spin-labeled S 1 groups parallels the loss of ATPase activity. No evidence has been found for the existence of an enzymatically active subfragment-1 lacking S 1 thiol groups.
Micro-electromechanical spatial light modulators with integrated electronics

This paper describes design and development of a microelectromechanical, micromachined spatial light modulator ((mu) SLM) integrated with complementary metal- oxide semiconductor (CMOS) electronics, for control of optical phase in phase-only optical correlators. The (mu) SLM will consist of a large array of piston-motion MEMS mirror segments (pixels) each of which capable of altering the phase of reflected light by up to one wavelength for infrared (1.5 micrometers ) illumination. Results of a proof-of- concept study are presented along with an electromechanical model and details of the fabrication process for the (mu) SLM.
Low-speed impacts between rubble piles modeled as collections of polyhedra, 2

Abstract We present results of modeling rubble piles as collections of polyhedra. The use of polyhedra allows more realistic (irregular) shapes and interactions (e.g. collisions), particularly for objects of different sizes. Rotational degrees of freedom are included in the modeling, which may be important components of the motion. We solved the equations of rigid-body dynamics, including frictional/inelastic collisions, for collections of up to several hundred elements. As a demonstration of the methods and to compare with previous work by other researchers, we simulated low-speed collisions between km-scale bodies with the same general parameters as those simulated by Leinhardt et al. [Leinhardt, Z.M., Richardson, D.C., Quinn, T., 2000. Icarus 146, 133–151]. High-speed collisions appropriate to present-day asteroid encounters require additional treatment of shock effects and fragmentation and are the subject of future work; here we study regimes appropriate to planetesimal accretion and re-accretion in the aftermath of catastrophic events. Collisions between equal-mass objects at low speeds ( 10 3 cm s −1 ) were simulated for both head-on and off-center collisions between rubble piles made of a power-law mass spectrum of sub-elements. Very low-speed head-on collisions produce single objects from the coalescence of the impactors. For slightly higher speeds, extensive disruption occurs, but re-accretion produces a single object with most of the total mass. For increasingly higher speeds, the re-accreted object has smaller mass, finally resulting in complete catastrophic disruption with all sub-elements on escape trajectories and only small amounts of mass in re-accreted bodies. Off-center collisions at moderately low speeds produce two re-accreted objects of approximately equal mass, separating at greater than escape speed. At high speed, complete disruption occurs as with the high-speed head-on collisions. Head-on collisions at low to moderate speeds result in objects of mostly oblate shape, while higher speed collisions produce mostly prolate objects, as do off-center collisions at moderate and high speeds. Collisions carried out with the same dissipative coefficients (coefficient of restitution ϵ n = 0.8 , zero friction) as used by Leinhardt et al. [Leinhardt, Z.M., Richardson, D.C., Quinn, T., 2000. Icarus 146, 133–151] result in a value for specific energy for disruption Q D ∗ ≈ 1.4 J / kg , somewhat lower than the value of 2 J/kg found by them, while collisions with a lower coefficient of restitution and friction [ ϵ n = 0.5 , ϵ t = 0 , μ = 0.5 , similar to those used by Michel, et al. [Michel, P., Benz, W., Richardson, D.C., 2004. Planet. Space Sci. 52, 1109–1117] for SPH + N-body calculations] yield Q D ∗ ≈ 4.5 J / kg .
Ascorbic acid biosyntheses after phenobarbital in male and female rats.

SummaryMale and female rats were treated for 5 days with phenobarbital and the four hepatic enzymes in the ascorbic acid pathway were assayed. In males, gulonate NADP-oxidoreductase were found to have decreased enzyme activity while glucuronolactone hydrolase activity remained unchanged. In females, gulonolactone hydrolase and gulonolactone-O2-oxidoreductase had decreased enzyme activity, gulonate-NADP-oxidoreductase remained unchanged while glucuronolactone hydrolase was found to have increased twofold in activity.
Visual illiteracy: implications in the development of scientific visualization software

Visual illiteracy occurs whenever there is insufficient understanding in the purpose of a visual presentation. Close collaboration between the designers and end users of biomedical analysis software will alleviate visual illiteracy problems. Two case histories illustrating this approach are presented.
Preparation of novel hetero polyfunctional disiloxanes by Lewis/Brønsted acid catalyzed equilibration of sym-tetramethyldisiloxane or sym-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane with polychlorosilanes

Abstract 1,1-Dichloro-1,3,3-trimethyldisiloxane, 1,1-dichloro-3,3-dimethyl-1-phenyl- disiloxane, 1,1-dichloro-3,3-dimethyl-3-vinyldisiloxane, 1-chloro-3,3-dimethyl-3-vinyl- disiloxane, and 1,1-dichloro-3,3-dimethyldisiloxane have been prepared by Lewis/Bronsted acid catalyzed equilibration reactions.
Lek behaviour of Drosophila cnecopleura in Hawaii

. 1 Male spacing, aggression, and female visitation are described for a lek of Drosophila cnecopleura Hardy within a Hawaiian rainforest. The lek was located at a single tree of Pisonia umbellifera, and the males present defended individual leaves as mating territories. Observations were made in October 1986 and April 1987. 2 Approximately twice as many males were present at the lek in October than in April. At both times, males generally perched on the lowest leaves in the lek. Individuals did not remain on particular leaves for long periods of time but frequently moved among different territories. 3 Males engaged in two types of aggressive encounters, face-offs and chases, and in all encounters the resident displaced the intruder. 4 Females were sighted at the lek 0.69 times/h in October and 0.23 times/h in April. Most of the leaves visited by females were among the lowest in the lek.
A dynamic system model of an off-road cyclist.

To optimize the performance of off-road bicycle suspension systems, a dynamic model of the bicycle/rider system would be useful. This paper takes a major step toward this goal by developing a dynamic system model of the cyclist. To develop the cyclist model, a series of four vibrational tests utilizing random inputs was conducted on seven experienced off-road cyclists. This allowed the transfer functions for the arms and legs to be determined. To reproduce the essential features (i.e., resonance peaks) of the experimental transfer functions, the system model included elements representing the visceral mass along with the arms and legs. Through simulations, the frequency responses of the system model of the rider in each of the four tests were computed. Optimal stiffness and damping parameter values for each subject were determined by minimizing the difference between the experimental and simulation results. Good agreement between experimental and simulation results indicates that modeling the rider as a lumped parameter system with linear springs and dampers is possible.
Proactieve benadering van migraine

Smelt AFH, Blom JW, Dekker F, Van den Akker ME, Knuistingh Neven A,Zitman FG, Ferrari MD, Assendelft WJJ. Proactieve benadering van migraine.Huisarts Wet 2012;55(8):336-40.
Tamoxifen improves endothelial function and reduces carotid intima-media thickness in postmenopausal women

Abstract Background Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen-receptor modulator shown to improve several cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. In animal studies tamoxifen inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis. Although the presence of a history with tamoxifen treatment is related to a lower intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery, data from controlled follow-up studies are lacking to support this observation. Methods We examined 14 postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer with indication for tamoxifen treatment (20 mg/d) and 13 healthy postmenopausal women. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery, combined carotid IMT, and aortic pulse wave were measured before and 6 months after treatment in the tamoxifen group and at the same times in the control group. Results FMD and IMT were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in the treatment group compared to the control group (FMD: +2.2% ± 0.9% vs +0.085% ± 1%, P = .012; IMT: −0.088 ± 0.03 mm vs +0.04 ± 0.03 mm, P = .018, mean ± standard error of the mean, treatment vs control group). These differences remained significant even when adjusted for age, duration of menopause, and cardiovascular risk factors. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was also significantly reduced after tamoxifen treatment. Conclusions Tamoxifen treatment slows the progression of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women with breast cancer as assessed by changes in carotid IMT. An improvement in endothelial function and blood lipid profile may be the reason for this beneficial effect.
Physiology and morphology of the lamina I spinomesencephalic projection.

We have examined the physiological and morphological characteristics of spinal dorsal horn lamina I neurons with projections to the midbrain in the cat by combining physiological recording of neurons with the intracellular injection of HRP. Lamina I spinomesencephalic neurons were antidromically activated from the region that included the cuneiform nucleus and lateral periaqueductal gray at the intercollicular level. The majority of mesencephalic projection neurons (50 of 55) responded exclusively to noxious stimulation (nociceptive-specific) of their peripheral receptive fields. Lamina I spinomesencephalic neurons were activated from both the ipsilateral and contralateral midbrain and had slow antidromic conduction velocities (1 to 18 m/second). We identified eight cells with projections to both the midbrain and the thalamus and eight cells that were antidromically activated only from the thalamus. Intracellular injection of HRP revealed that lamina I spinomesencephalic neurons were of diverse morphological types, but generally had extensive, rostrocaudally oriented, dendritic arbors confined to lamina I and the overlying white matter. Axons were observed on nine of the HRP-filled spinomesencephalic neurons; five of the axons issued collateral branches. The morphological characteristics of these neurons did not appear to correlate with functional categories (i.e., wide-dynamic-range- or nociceptive-specific-type neurons). The large number of nociceptive-specific neurons with projections to the midbrain and the interconnections of these midbrain sites with hypothalamic and limbic structures suggest that the lamina I spinomesencephalic pathway plays an important role in the autonomic and affective responses to pain.
Infection of macaques with a molecular clone, SHIVSF33A2, provides evidence for tissue specific variants.

Infection of rhesus macaques with chimeric simian-human immunodeficiency viruses (SHIV) is an established model to study acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pathogenesis. Such a controlled system allows for detailedanalysis of the molecular determinants of viral pathogenesis in addition to studying host-specific immune responses that modulate disease progression. Furthermore, the use of a pathogenic molecular clone affords the opportunity to study both viral evolution within a host and to examine the generation of tissue specific variants. In this report we describe viral diversification within tissues of two rhesus macaques infected intravenously with the CXCR4-specific molecular clone SHIV S F 3 3 A 2 . Heteroduplex tracking analysis (HTA) was used to determine the complexity of viral DNA within distinct lymphoid tissues. Not surprising, heterogeneity of the proviral quasispecies in tissues obtained during the acute infection was limited. However, tissues obtained at necropsy harbored a more diverse and often different population of env variants. As the inoculating virus is a molecular clone, the variants generated are likely due to the presence of tissue specific selective forces rather than a founder's effect.
Relationship between choice and quality of life among residents in long-term-care facilities.

Objective This study tested the association between perceptions of personal control and quality of life among older persons. Method Two self-report instruments. The Quality of Life Rating (QOLR) and the Duncan Choice Index (DCI), were administered to 21 residents in a long-term-care facility. The DCI was developed for this study to measure the amount of choice available in 29 self-care and leisure activities. Results A significant positive correlation (r = .54; p = .01) between the amount of choice residents perceive they have and their quality of life was found. The DCI was shown to be reliable with preliminary evidence of construct validity. Conclusion Enhancing personal control in everyday life may be associated with improved quality of life. Occupational therapy strategies to empower residents through increasing choice and control include increasing community in the facility emphasizing personal responsibility, and enabling choices in everyday tasks.
Determination of Carbon by dc Arc Optical Emission Spectroscopy

Quantitative application of optical emission spectroscopy (OES) to analysis of thin films as a process control tool for integrated circuit manufacturing has been reported previously.
Testing the null of cointegration in the presence of a structural break

Abstract We propose a test that examines the null of cointegration while allowing for a structural break in the level and trend. Separate test statistics are developed for the case where the break point is known a priori and where it is not.
Looking Back at Romanticism, Nationalism and the Revolt Against Theory

This essay asks whether or how we have moved on from the “theory wars” that contextualized this 1993 book. Have its findings been superseded by more recent work? Has Romantic historicist scholarship assimilated what it wants of theory but left aside things it might conceivably still explore? In particular, has it avoided the task of a fuller hermeneutic self-consciousness in order to preserve its sense of the pastness of the past? How comprehensively has the end of the Soviet empire in 1989 continued to impact the ways in which we view the revolutionary associations of Romanticism?
The Effect of Production Level on Feed Intake, Milk Yield, and Endocrine Responses to Two Fatty Acid Supplements in Lactating Cows

Animal responses to dietary treatment may interact with metabolic state, which differs for cows across a wide range of milk yield. Responses to dietary saturated vs. unsaturated fatty acid (FA) supplement was evaluated using 32 multiparous Holstein cows arranged in a crossover design with 14-d periods. Treatments were 2.5% FA from unsaturated FA (calcium salts of palm FA) or saturated FA (prilled, hydrogenated free FA). Unsaturated FA treatments decreased dry matter intake (0.8 kg/d) and time spent ruminating (25 min/d) compared with saturated FA treatment. Treatments did not differ in milk or 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield. Intake and milk yield responses were not related to milk yield across cows. Saturated FA treatment increased milk protein and lactose concentrations, but treatment did not affect yield of milk components. Saturated FA treatment increased insulin over 25% and decreased nonesterified FA nearly 20% with no effect on plasma somatotropin, glucose, or β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. Milk protein concentration and yield responses to treatment were positively correlated with pretrial fat-corrected milk yield. Milk protein response was not related to insulin response, supporting the importance of insulin sensitivity in control of milk protein synthesis. Unsaturated FA treatment decreased dry matter intake and rumination time compared with saturated FA treatment, consistent with reports of unsaturated fat increasing satiety and decreasing gut motility. Decreased milk protein synthesis by fat supplementation may be related to FA saturation and milk yield of cows.
Abstract 861: Analysis of predictive genes in triple negative breast cancer in response to a gamma-secretase inhibitor.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Defined by the lack of estrogen and progesterone receptors and amplification of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2), triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a devastating disease with no approved, targeted therapy to date. Characterized by aggressive behavior which includes high rates of metastasis and very poor prognosis, TNBC is presently treated with DNA-damaging agents such as cisplatin or carboplatin. The overall survival outcomes for women with TNBC is dismal and consequently TNBC research requires identification of biomarkers that specifically mediate signaling pathways that lead to disease progression and metastasis. Notch receptors which are necessary for self-renewal and survival of breast cancer stem cells are excellent candidate biomarkers to investigate in various subtypes of TNBC. Based on the critical need to identify predictive biomarkers, we hypothesized that inhibition of the Notch pathway via γ-secretase inhibition (GSI) will provide an effective blockade of TNBC growth in specific subtypes where predictive Notch gene expression profiles are significantly up or downregulated. A panel of three TNBC cell lines were used in this study: MDA-MB-231 (mesenchymal stem-like), MDA-MB-468 (basal-like 1), and BT549 (luminal). Using real-time PCR, Notch pathway-associated genes were measured which include Notch-1 and Notch-4 receptors, Notch target genes (i.e. Deltex-1, Hes-1, Hes-5, and Hey-1), and genes such as IL-8 and MMP-9 which are associated with aggressive tumor behavior. Both anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth assays were measured in response to MRK-003 GSI, carboplatin, and the combination. We have identified for the first time a TNBC line (MDA-MB-468) that expressed the highest level of Hes-1, a Notch gene target, and is the most sensitive to single agent MRK-003 GSI treatment. We also identified that this cell line with the highest sensitivity to MRK-003 GSI upregulates Notch-4 and IL-8 in response to the GSI to a greater extent than either of the two other TNBC lines. Furthermore, the addition of carboplatin at its IC50 concentration significantly increased the sensitivity of MRK-003 GSI in otherwise insensitive TNBC lines. These results suggest for the first time that: 1) Hes-1 could potentially be a valuable predictive biomarker of Notch activity in TBNC; 2) induction of Notch-4 and/or IL-8 could predict response to MRK-003 GSI; and 3) carboplatin might provide a means to increase sensitivity to MRK-003 GSI in resistant TNBC. Citation Format: Roma Olsauskas-Kuprys, Clodia Osipo. Analysis of predictive genes in triple negative breast cancer in response to a gamma-secretase inhibitor. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 861. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-861
Providing adequate instruction to data processing students spread over a wide geographical area

Students are spread out over approximately 20 European U.S. military installations.The objective of the course of study is the Data Processing Core and Advanced Certificates awarded after 12 and 24 semester hours of course work, respectively.Instruction is provided by U.S. military and civilian personnel qualified in data processing and the language being taught.Purpose: To give students the fundamentals of programming in several of the most common programming languages in use today. They are not expected to become full fledged programmers. In the introductory courses, an important objective is to provide a general appreciation of data processing and how it is affecting the lives of everyone. In addition, it is hoped that students will apply this understanding so that data processing is seen as a tool to make jobs more meaningful—as opposed to the threat people feel as their job is “automated.”
Pion-deuteron scattering at 330 MeV

Pion-deuteron scattering at 330 MeV has been studied in the 15 in. hydrogen bubble chamber at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory. The total cross-section was measured to be (55.5±2.97) mb, of which (13.3±1.17) mb is charged elastic, (33.9±2.60) mb is charged inelastic, and (8.3±0.85) mb is scattering into an all-neutral final state. The differential cross-section for elastic scattering is appreciably smaller than values obtained by straightforward application of the impulse approximation, suggesting that higher-order multiple scattering effects are important at this energy.
Preclinical toxicity and pharmacology of liposome-entrapped cis-bis-neodecanoato-trans-R,R-1,2-diaminocyclohexane platinum(II).

Liposome-entrapped cis-bis-neodecanoate-trans-R,R-1,2-diaminocylohexane platinum(II) (L-NDDP) is a new lipophilic cisplatin derivative formulated in a liposomal carrier currently in phase I clinical trials. The preclinical toxicity and pharmacology of L-NDDP were studied in mice and dogs. At the LD50 dose (i.v. bolus) in mice (60.5 mg/kg or 181.5 mg/m2), a tenfold decrease in the granulocyte and platelet counts was observed in the absence of renal toxic effects. In dogs, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of L-NDDP given i.v. over a period of 45–60 min was 150 mg/m2. This dose produced significant vomiting (6–18 episodes), minimal renal dysfunction, a maximal decrease in granulocyte and platelet counts of from 30% to 70%, and acute and transient elevation of liver enzymes. Higher doses (225 and 300 mg/m2) resulted in severe gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity in one animal and the death of two others within 48 h. Autopsy results showed multifocal hemorrhages in the lungs, GI tract, kidney, and liver. Three dogs were treated monthly with the MTD up to a cumulative dose of 637.5–712.5 mg/m2 with excellent tolerance. No cumulative myelosuppression or liver dysfunction was observed, whereas a slight increase in the creatinine baseline level was detected in all three animals. Autopsy results at the end of the study showed mild changes limited to the liver, kidney, and GI tract. Pharmacologic studies showed that the drug was cleared, fitting a two-compartment model with a mean t1/2α of 7.1 min and a t1/2β of 87.8 h. These studies show that L-NDDP can safely be given at therapeutic doses to animals and that the dose-limiting toxic effects consists of myelosuppression in mice and a multiorgan hemorrhagic syndrome related to vascular injury in dogs.
A precision CTD microprofiler

This paper describes a conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) system designed for precise fine scale measurements of salinity and temperature in the deep ocean. The conductivity sensor is a miniature (8 mm long, 2 mm I.D.) four electrode cell. Temperature is sensed with a combination of a miniature fast thermistor (30 ms) and a platinum resistance thermometer. The combined outputs of the thermistor and the platinum thermometer, with their respective interface circuits, have the excellent long term stability and linearity of the platinum thermometer and the speed of the thermistor but are unaffected by thermistor calibration drift. Pressure is measured using a strain gage bridge transducer. All three sensors with their respective interface circuits and the 16 bit digitizer are excited with 10 KHz sine waves. The D/A converter in the digitizer is an electronically switched binary ratio transformer having negligible errors. The digitizer uses successive approximation to measure the 10 KHz sensor output to input voltage ratio. Digitization time is 10 milliseconds, thus, a complete scan of all three sensors is made in 30 milliseconds. The digital output of each scan is transmitted via armoured cable to the shipboard unit in "TELETYPE" format using frequency-shift-key (FSK) modulation. The shipboard unit demodulates the FSK signal from the sensor unit and provides both serial and parallel digital outputs to a shipboard computer. Digital displays and analog outputs are also provided by the deck unit.
Measuring Sub-Cellular Rheology in Zebrafish Embryos

Cells are more than just bags of chemicals. The cell's mechanical properties, in addition to its chemical properties, play a large role in determining its motility, shape, differentiation, adhesion, and growth. Our goal is to measure these mechanical properties of the cell, specifically the frequency-dependent viscoelasticity of the cytoplasm at the sub-cellular level. Measurements on this scale allow us to link cytoskeletal rearrangements that occur during development with cellular viscoelastic evolution. Accordingly, we used particle tracking microrheology in the large (∼500-micron-diameter) one-cell zebrafish embryo to accurately measure these parameters on a sub-cellular scale. In particle tracking microrheology, the Brownian motion of injected beads is tracked to determine both the viscous and elastic moduli of the cytoplasm. We injected fluorescent beads into the one-cell stage of the zebrafish embryo (see Figure) and assigned the beads to separate domains based on their radial, axial, and temporal positions within the cell. Viscoelastic values measured in each domain were compared with fluorescent data of the embryo's cytoskeleton to assess the current models of how cytoskeletal variations affect cellular rheology.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Kinetic study of emulsion copolymerization of ethyl methacrylate/lauryl methacrylate in propylene glycol, stabilized with poly(ethylene oxide)–block–polystyrene–block–poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer

The kinetics of emulsion copolymerization of ethyl methacrylate (EMA)/lauryl methacrylate (LMA) in propylene glycol is very similar to the emulsion copolymerizations of water-soluble monomers in water because of the high solubility of EMA/LMA in propylene glycol. The initial rate of polymerization depends only on initiator concentration and is not affected by either monomer concentration or stabilizer concentration. The overall rate of polymerization is only slightly dependent on monomer concentration and stabilizer concentration and is independent of initiator concentration. The final particle number density increases with increasing amount of stabilizer and decreases with increasing monomer concentration. The total surface area increases with stabilizer concentration and is not governed by either initiator concentration or monomer concentration. Homogeneous nucleation is the dominant mechanism of particle nucleation, as shown by the kinetic data on seeded polymerization and monomer partition behavior. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 1691–1704, 2001
Toward a source coding theory for sets

The problem of communicating (unordered) sets, rather than (ordered) sequences is formulated. Elementary results in all major branches of source coding theory, including lossless coding, high-rate and low-rate quantization, and rate distortion theory are presented. In certain scenarios, rate savings of log n! bits for sets of size n are obtained. Asymptotically in the set size, the entropy rate is zero and for sources with an ordered parent alphabet, the (0,0) point is the rate distortion function.
Reverse Engineering of Design Patterns from Java Source Code

Recovering design patterns can enhance existing source code analysis tools by bringing program understanding to the design level. This paper presents a new, fully automated pattern detection approach. The new approach is based on our reclassification of the GoF patterns by their pattern intent. We argue that the GoF pattern catalog classifies design patterns in the forward-engineering sense; our reclassification is better suited for reverse engineering. Our approach uses lightweight static program analysis techniques to capture program intent. This paper also describes our tool, PINOT, that implements this new approach. PINOT detects all the GoF patterns that have concrete definitions driven by code structure or system behavior. Our tool is faster, more accurate, and targets more patterns than existing pattern detection tools. PINOT has been used successfully in detecting patterns in Java AWT, JHotDraw, Swing, Apache Ant, and many other programs and packages.
The Production of Complex Molecules in Dense Interstellar Clouds

The synthesis of gas phase molecules in dense interstellar clouds is discussed. Detailed models that utilize gas phase reactions to both produce and deplete smaller molecules are explained. Problems in extending gas phase, ion-molecule synthetic pathways to complex molecules are clarified and the role of radiative association processes is emphasized. Reaction pathways for gas phase complex molecule production that include radiative association reactions are depicted, especially for hydrocarbons and cyanoacetylenes. Recent models of the gas phase chemistry of dense clouds that contain complex molecular species are examined. Finally, avenues for future investigation are explored.
A new offset measurement and cancellation technique for dynamic latches

This paper introduces a new technique that uses a differential amplifier in closed-loop negative feedback configuration to measure the offset of a dynamic latch. This offset can then be stored and canceled using standard techniques, thus allowing gain reduction in the preamplifier stages in high-resolution comparators. A CMOS comparator was designed based on the proposed technique. The output of the comparator drives a 1 pF load capacitance and is held valid for at least 75% of the cycle. The performance of the comparator was simulated using HSPICE with the worst-case combination of differences as large as 10 mV between the thresholds of nominally identical transistors, where it achieved an offset of 400 /spl mu/V at a 40 MHz clock rate in 0.6 /spl mu/m CMOS technology while dissipating 1 mW from a 3.3 V power supply.
Extrusion parameters and consumer acceptability of a peanut‐based meat analogue

Summary Despite its high protein content and low cost, defatted peanut flour (DPF) remains underutilised in human foods. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the best extrusion parameters for a peanut-based textured meat analogue (TMA); (2) develop new TMA products from DPF and (3) evaluate their consumer acceptability. Preliminary runs using a wide range of extrusion parameters were conducted. A central composite RSM design was used to determine the optimal extrusion conditions within the best ranges revealed by the preliminary runs. Three levels of moisture, screw-speed and barrel temperature were used in 31 runs. Expansion ratio, bulk density, texture profile, water absorption/solubility indexes of the extrudates were determined and used as indicators of product quality. Peanut-based TMAs produced at optimal extrusion conditions were flavoured with beef flavour and evaluated by a 60-member sensory panel for flavour, texture, and overall liking, using a 9-point hedonic scale. Optimisation studies revealed that the most important extrusion conditions are in descending order: protein content, temperature, moisture and screw-speed. Extrusion conditions that produced the best TMA were 60–65% protein, 50–55% moisture, 160–165 °C and 80–90 r.p.m. Sensory acceptability of snacks incorporating peanut-based TMAs was similar or better than those containing soya-based TMAs in terms of flavour, texture, off-flavour and overall liking. TMA produced from inexpensive DPF has the potential to compete with commercial meat analogues, thereby adding value to the peanut industry.
Correlates of biological soil crust abundance across a continuum of spatial scales: support for a hierarchical conceptual model

Summary 1. Desertification negatively impacts a large proportion of the global human population and > 30% of the terrestrial land surface. Better methods are needed to detect areas that are at risk of desertification and to ameliorate desertified areas. Biological soil crusts are an important soil lichen-moss-microbial community that can be used toward these goals, as (i) bioindicators of desertification damage and (ii) promoters of soil stability and fertility. 2. We identified environmental factors that correlate with soil crust occurrence on the landscape and might be manipulated to assist recovery of soil crusts in degraded areas. We conducted three studies on the Colorado Plateau, USA, to investigate the hypotheses that soil fertility [particularly phosphorus (P), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn)] and/or moisture limit soil crust lichens and mosses at four spatial scales. 3. In support of the soil fertility hypothesis, we found that lichen‐moss crusts were positively correlated with several nutrients [Mn, Zn, potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) were most consistent] at three of four spatial scales ranging from 3·5 cm 2 in area to c. 800 km 2 . In contrast, P was negatively correlated with lichen‐moss crusts at three scales. 4. Community composition varied with micro-aspect on ridges in the soil crust. Three micro-aspects [north-north-west (NNW), east-north-east (ENE) and TOP] supported greater lichen and moss cover than the warmer, windward and more xeric micro-aspects [west-south-west (WSW) and south-south-east (SSE)]. This pattern was poorly related to soil fertility; rather, it was consistent with the moisture limitation hypothesis. 5. Synthesis and application. Use of crusts as desertification bioindicators requires knowledge of a site’s potential for crust cover in the absence of desertification. We present a multi-scale model of crust potential as a function of site properties. Future quantitative studies can use this model to guide sampling efforts. Also, our results suggest new directions in restoration research: enhancement of moisture residence time and fertilization with key nutrients (Mn, Zn, K and Mg). Re-establishment of soil crusts in desertified lands will help regain lost soil stability and fertility, and facilitate plant re-establishment.
Fluorocarbon stationary phases for liquid chromatography applications

This article presents an overview on fluorocarbon stationary phases for liquid chromatography (LC) applications. Fluorocarbons developed as alternative reverse phases have revealed previously unknown separation mechanisms and special utilities. Solvophobicity and fluorophilicity of the fluorinated phases provide enhanced selectivity for organofluorine compounds. The dual normal- and reverse-phase characteristics make fluorinated phases suitable for analysis of polar pharmaceutical and biological samples such as proteins, peptides, nucleotides, steroids, and alkaloids. Fluorinated phases for other applications including supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), micellar electrokinetic liquid chromatography (MEKC), ion chromatography (IC), open tubular electrochromatography (OTEC), and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) are also highlighted.
Polytopic model estimation using Dirichlet prior

A polytopic model (PM) structure is often used in the areas of automatic control and fault detection as an alternative multiple model approach that explicitly allows for interpolation among local models. The model that is valid, usually unknown, is represented by a weighed combination of models in a given model set. Proposed is a novel approach to PM estimation by modeling the set of PM weights as a random vector with the Dirichlet distribution (DD). A new approximate PM estimator, referred to as a Quasi-Bayesian (QB) Adaptive Kalman Filter (QBAKF) is derived and implemented. State and parameter estimation in the QBAKF is performed adaptively by a QB estimator for the weights and a single KF for the PM with the estimated weights. Since the PM estimation problem is nonlinear and non-Gaussian, a DD marginalized particle filter (DDMPF) is also developed and implemented. Simulation results are presented illustrating that the proposed algorithms have better estimation accuracy, design simplicity, and computational requirements for PM estimation than several other popular estimators.
Hypocalcemia-induced seizure: demystifying the calcium paradox.

Calcium is essential for both neurotransmitter release and muscle contraction. Given these important physiological processes, it seems reasonable to assume that hypocalcemia may lead to reduced neuromuscular excitability. Counterintuitively, however, clinical observation has frequently documented hypocalcemia’s role in induction of seizures and general excitability processes such as tetany, Chvostek’s sign, and bronchospasm. The mechanism of this calcium paradox remains elusive, and very few pathophysiological studies have addressed this conundrum. Nevertheless, several studies primarily addressing other biophysical issues have provided some clues. In this review, we analyze the data of these studies and propose an integrative model to explain this hypocalcemic paradox.
Strategic power infrastructure defense (SPID): a wide area protection and control system

This is a summary of a wide area strategic power infrastructure defense system for the panel session, "Wide Area Measurements in Power Systems." A wide area power infrastructure defense system includes sensing, information, failure analysis, vulnerability assessment and self-healing controls. The proposed methodology is based on an adaptive multi-agent system with its agents organized into deliberative, reactive and coordination layers.
Reactive conversion of polycrystalline SnO2 into single-crystal nanofiber arrays at low oxygen partial pressure

Single-crystal SnO2 nanofibers have been formed from SnO2 polycrystals via reaction at low oxygen partial pressures. Polycrystalline SnO2 disks coated with Au nanoparticles were exposed to humid H2/N2 at 700 to 800 °C. Single-crystal SnO2 nanofibers formed beneath Au nanoparticles, with the nanofiber length oriented parallel to the [100] crystallographic direction of SnO2. Because this simple process does not require either a separate source of a Sn–O-bearing vapor species located upstream of the substrate or a temperature gradient, single-crystal nanofibers may be formed on large area SnO2-bearing substrates.
Terrible Triad of the Elbow

The terrible triad of the elbow is a difficult injury with historically poor outcomes. Improved experience, techniques, and implants have advanced to the point where restoration of elbow stability can be expected. Careful attention to each destabilizing element of the injury pattern is essential and places high demands on the surgeon's mastery of the anatomic complexity of the elbow. Technically, the surgeon must bring every skill to bear, as soft tissue techniques, fracture repair, and joint arthroplasty are routinely required to adequately treat these complex constellations of injury.
Axisymmetric solid elements by a rational hybrid stress method

Four-node axisymmetric solid elements are derived by a new version of hybrid method for which the assumed stresses are expressed in complete polynomials in natural coordinates. The stress equilibrium conditions are introduced through the use of additional displacements as Lagrange multipliers. A rational procedure is to choose the displacement terms such that the resulting strains are also of complete polynomials of the same order. Example problems all indicate that elements obtained by this procedure lead to better results in displacements and stresses than that by other finite elements.