cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal modelling and experimental evaluation of laser-assisted dressing of superabrasive grinding wheels

AbstractLaser-assisted dressing (LAD) has been proposed to prepare efficiently superabrasive grinding wheels by significantly reducing dressing forces and dresser wear. In this paper, a transient, three-dimensional heat transfer model is presented for LAD of superabrasive grinding wheels, where the effective thermophysical properties of the porous heterogeneous wheel are calculated and applied to the thermal model. Temperature measurements are conducted with an infrared camera and the excellent agreement between the measured and predicted temperatures show the validation of the present model for LAD of grinding wheels or, generally, laser-assisted machining of composite materials. To evaluate the influence of LAD on superabrasive wheels, grinding tests were carried out using a CBN wheel prepared by conventional and laser-assisted dressing respectively. The grinding tests show that LAD under proper conditions could improve the performance of CBN wheels.
Contribution to the linkage theory of autopolyploids.

In the first part of this paper, hereinafter referred to as I, a general segregation, distribution was introduced for autopolyploids (2s-ploids) withm, loci, andr alleles. Random mating, chromosome segragation, distinct generations, and equal segregation distributions for males and females were assumed. In this second part, using this segregation distribution as a basis, a recurrence formula is established which enables us to compute the distribution of gametes for any generation, if this distribution is known for an initial generation. This initial distribution of gametes is derived from the initial distribution of genotypes. The limit behavior of these distributions is completely described in a general limit theorem which contains as particular cases the limit theorems for diploids withm loci, and for 2s-ploids with one locus (Geiringer, 1944, 1945, 1948).
Associations Between Perceptions and Involvement in Neighborhood Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among Urban, African American Men

Violence disproportionately affects African American men and their communities. Research is needed to inform programming efforts to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in violence exposure, involvement, and victimization. The current study examined involvement in and perceptions of neighborhood violence and relation to perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) among a sample of urban, African American men. Participants of this cross-sectional study were sexually active African American men (n = 703) between the ages of 18 and 65 years, recruited from urban community health centers. Age-adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess associations between neighborhood violence variables and perpetration of IPV. In age-adjusted logistic regression models, involvement with street violence in the previous 6 months (Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.0; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.9–4.6), ever being involved with gangs (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.3–3.2), and perceptions/beliefs that violence occurs in one’s neighborhood (ORs = 2.0–3.1) were found to be significantly associated with IPV perpetration. Findings demonstrate that involvement in neighborhood violence as well as perceptions/beliefs that violence occurs in one’s neighborhood are associated with increased likelihood of IPV perpetration among urban, African American men. While socioeconomics and substance use contribute to high rates of these forms of violence, the relation between these forms of violence and perpetration of IPV was significant beyond the influences of these factors. Findings suggest that future violence prevention and treatment efforts will be most successful by addressing multiple forms of violence.
Optimal solutions for a model of tumor anti-angiogenesis with a penalty on the cost of treatment

The scheduling of angiogenic inhibitors to control a vascularized tumor is analyzed as an optimal control problem for a mathematical model that was developed and biologically validated by Hahnfeldt et al. [16]. Two formulations of the problem are considered. In the first one the primary tumor volume is minimized for a given amount of angiogenic inhibitors to be administered while a balance between tumor reduction and the total amount of angiogenic inhibitors given is minimized in the second formulation. The optimal solutions to both problems are presented and compared.
EAE: pitfalls outweigh virtues of screening potential treatments for multiple sclerosis.

I very much enjoyed the November, 2005 TI special issue ‘Disease models of autoimmunity’, which contained stimulating articles providing informed and useful scientific dialog. In the spirit of the Editor's introduction [1], suggesting that the contributions could provide a ‘forum for debate’, I wish to address some issues raised by Steinman and Zamvil's article that discussed the use of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) for the development of therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) [2].
ATP analogues as initiation and elongation nucleotides for bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase

Abstract Characterization of initiation and elongation nucleotide binding sites using ATP analogues of compounds such as tubercidin (TuTP), formycin (FTP), 8-amino-adenosine triphosphate, and 7-deazanebularin (DNTP) has been done in the following d(A-T) n -directed reactions: 1. (A) initiation ( 32 PP i exchange): pppA + pppU ag pppA-U + PP i ; rifampicin challenge for formation of initiation ternary complex 2. (B) single-step addition ( 32 PP i exchange): A-U + pppA ag A-U-A + PP i 3. (C) polymerization ([ 3 H]UMP incorporation): nATP + nUTP ag r(A-U) n + PP i The relative ability of the analogues to replace ATP in these reactions was: 1. (A) TuTP > ATP ⪢ DNTP > 8 AmATP > FTP 2. (B) ATP > FTP > 8 AmATP ⩾ DNTP ⩾ TuTP 3. (C) ATP > FTP > TuTP > DNTP > 8 AmATP The data indicate that while tubercidin triphosphate can efficiently function as an initiating nucleotide it is a relatively poor substrate for phoshodiester bond formation. Formycin triphosphate shows a response opposite to that seen with tubercidin triphosphate. 7-deazanebularin and the 8-amino-ATP are poorly incorporated into polynucleotide form although they participate in the single step addition reaction. These results suggest that the elongation site will accommodate a certain degree of conformational variation in the nucleoside triphosphate while the initiation site shows a distinct bias for purine nucleotides in the anti conformation. Although phosphodiester bond formation can be accomplished by nucleotides in either the syn or anti conformation only those analogues which prefer or can adopt anti conformation will allow continued polymerization.
On the assessment of muscle fatigue rate via various EMG frequency spectral parameters

Abstract A research study was undertaken to investigate the fatigue process of quadriceps muscle during sustained isometric contraction at several work load levels using root-mean-squared (RMS) voltage and frequency parameters of EMG frequency spectral distribution. Its objective was to evaluate the possibility of using those parameters to indicate muscle fatigue rate. Twelve male subjects participated in an experiment which required them to exert and maintain isometric knee extension forces at 25%, 40%, 55%, and 70% of their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force levels. The results showed that both initial mean power frequency (MPF) and median power frequency (MF) (as determined from MPF and MF versus time curves) were not significantly influenced by muscle contraction level (p > 0.1). RMS voltage, MPF, and MF linear slopes, on the other hand, were significantly correlated to muscle contraction level ( p ) which suggested that they could be used to represent muscle fatigue rate. The exponential relationship found in this study showed that quadriceps fatigued at an increasing rate as the work load increased. Further, an improvement in the coefficient of correlation between their linear slopes and muscle work load was found when expressing muscle work load in terms of the ratio of force to body weight. This finding indicated the possibility of using body weight as a basis of determining work load level which could help to improve the quality of quantitative assessment of muscle fatigue.
A Passive Neutron Counter for Determination of Transuranics in High Gamma Activity Samples

The measure of transuranic content in nuclear waste is complicated by the fact that transuranics include a broad spectrum of radioactive decays without any features in common. This paper describes a very sensitive neutron counting instruments which can determine the presence of small quantities of transuranic materials in samples emitting extremely high levels of gamma radiation and which can also determine the isotopic content. The detector is modular to facilitate disassembly for maintenance or decontamination and consists of a neutron counter with internal and external radiation shields. The external shield, designed to minimize the ambient neutron background, is an annular tank containing a saturated aqueous solution of boric acid. The counter module is an annular array of 80 BF/sub 3/ proportional counting tubes arranged in two concentric rows of 40 tubes surrounded by a polyethyene moderator. The internal shield, a lead annulus 10 cm thick, separates the sample chamber from the detector array. The sample chamber accepts a five-gallonbucket sized sample. Gamma radiation levels of greater than 100,000 R/hr can be tolerated without affecting the neutron count rate. Each tube is fitted with a preamplifier/discriminator so that the entire array can operate in the same gamma environment as a singlemore » tube. The electronics permits measurements in a coincidence mode, for isotopic composition measurement, and a spatial mode, for determining the physical distribution of transuranics in the sample.« less
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is Associated with Improved Survival in Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Although sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) has become a standard for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), the impact on survival is unclear. To better define the staging and therapeutic value of SNB, we compared SNB with nodal observation. Patients with clinical stage I and II MCC in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry undergoing surgery between 2003 and 2009 were identified and divided into two groups—SNB and observation. A total of 1,193 patients met the inclusion criteria (SNB 474 and Observation 719). The median age was 78 years, and the majority were White (95.3 %), male (58.8 %), received radiation therapy (52.9 %) and had T1 tumors (65.3 %). Twenty-four percent had a positive SNB. SNB patients were younger (73 vs. 81 years; p < 0.0001), had T1 tumors (69.6 vs. 62.5 %; p = 0.04) and received radiotherapy (57.8 vs. 40 %; p < 0.0001). Among biopsy patients, a negative SNB was associated with improved 5-year MCC-specific survival (84.5 vs. 64.6 %; p < 0.0001). Univariate analysis demonstrated an increased 5-year MCC-specific survival for the SNB group versus the Observation group (79.2 vs. 73.8 %; p = 0.004), female gender (83.2 vs. 70.4 %; p = 0.0004), and lower T stage (p < 0.0001). On Cox regression, diminished survival was noted for the Observation group (risk ratio [RR] 1.43; p = 0.04), male gender (RR 2.06; p < 0.0001), and a higher T stage. SNB for MCC provides prognostic information and is associated with a significant survival advantage.
The Use of Contrast Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of an Unusual Cause of Congestive Heart Failure: Achalasia

Extrinsic compression of the left atrium is a potentially life-threatening but unusual cause of congestive heart failure. Achalasia is a motility disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and dilation of the distal two-thirds of the esophagus. We report only the third known case in the world literature of massive left atrial compression by a dilated esophagus in a patient with achalasia. The use of contrast echocardiography with perflutren protein-type A microspheres allowed for differentiation between a compressive vascular structure and the esophagus. This resulted in prompt treatment leading to hemodynamic stability after nasogastric decompression and Botulinum toxin injection at the gastroesophageal junction. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, February 2004) achalasia, contrast, echocardiography, left atrium, compression An 81-year-old female with a past medical history significant for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and Parkinson’s disease was admitted to a community hospital for complaints of substernal chest pain and dysphagia. She also complained of progressive shortness of breath and was subsequently intubated for respiratory failure. Physical exam revealed hypotension (blood pressure 85/55 mmHg), regular pulse at 90 to 100 beats per minute, bilateral jugular venous distension, and pulmonary r ˆ ales. Chest X ray revealed a tubular structure in the upper mediastinum with an air-fluid level, pulmonary vascular congestion, and a right pleural effusion. Congestive heart failure was the working diagnosis. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed an echogenic tubular mass extrinsically compressing the left atrium with the major and minor diameters of 58 and 52 mm, respectively. The remaining left atrial cavity was crescentic in shape. It covered a surface area of approximately 30 mm 2 in the apical 4-chamber view at
The portrayal of negative emotions during mother‐child pretend play

Spontaneous mother-child pretend play in the home is considered as a context for children's emerging understanding of emotions.
Automatic detection of artifacts in heart period data.

Abstract A major consideration before analyzing heart period data or RR intervals is the removal of artifact. Automatic artifact rejection becomes critical when analyzing huge data sets where manual inspection is impossible. This study developed an efficient, automatic algorithm which uses both a [plusmn]20% criteria and the median of 25 surrounding RRs to set the boundary for a normal RR interval. The newly developed algorithm is compared with 5 previously developed artifact detection algorithms. Thirty minutes of simultaneous electrocardiogram and RR interval data from 10 infants of the Collaborative Home Infant Monitoring Evaluation (CHIME) study group are used to test the performance. Both real artifacts in the infant RR interval and fake artifacts are used to assess the performance of the algorithms. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy are used to quantify the performance. The newly developed algorithm performs better than other algorithms for detecting real artifacts in infant RR interval data, providing the best balance between sensitivity and specificity (73.46% and 99.17%, respectively), greatly improving specificity with only a slight loss in sensitivity. It works extremely well for detecting missing and extra beats (100% and 97.44% sensitivity, respectively) even on very noisy data. In terms of detecting fake missing beats and extra beats, high sensitivity is achieved in most situations, and there is not much difference in specificity among the algorithms.
The experience of drugs: Utopian imagination and virtual community in 'The Rose Seller'

This article explores the hallucinations and the utopian desire in The Rose Seller (1998), a movie by the Colombian director Victor Gaviria. On the one hand, the film shows the death of the street children of Medellin-Colombia and that the surrounding world of drugs is extremely violent; thus the audience can watch how these children live in very precarious conditions and how they are forced to face death on a daily basis. On the other hand, drugs lead these children to an imaginary space where they experience their affective world intensely. I suggest that this imaginary space constitute their utopian desire, which helps the children to make their world livable again and to remain alive. The importance of the utopian desire lies in how it makes the imagination of a different kind of collective experience possible and generates solidarity with those who live in dangerous and difficult conditions.
Synthesis and pharmacology of conformationally restricted raloxifene analogues: highly potent selective estrogen receptor modulators.

The 2-arylbenzothiophene raloxifene, 1, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) which is currently under clinical evaluation for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. In vivo structure−activity relationships and molecular modeling studies have indicated that the orientation of the basic amine-containing side chain of 1, relative to the stilbene plane, is an important discriminating factor for the maintenance of tissue selectivity. We have constructed a series of analogues of 1 in which this side chain is held in an orientation which is orthogonal to the stilbene plane, similar to the low-energy conformation predicted for raloxifene. Herein, we report on the synthesis of these compounds and on their activity in a series of in vitro and in vivo biological assays reflective of the SERM profile. In particular, we describe their ability to (1) bind the estrogen receptor, (2) antagonize estrogen-stimulated proliferation of MCF-7 cells in vitro, (3) stimulate TGF-β3 gene expressi...
Designing pay-per-mile auto insurance regulatory incentives

By converting fixed insurance costs to per-mile charges, pay-as-you-drive-and-you-save (PAYDAYS) insurance would encourage voluntary reductions in driving with concomitant decreases in congestion, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, crashes, and insurance claims. Public policies have at time been deployed to require or reward environmental performance in the sale of transportation-related products in the marketplace. For example, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued both proposed and final fuel economy rules intended to maximize net benefits through the use of marginal cost-benefit analysis. This paper explores how an analogous benefit-maximizing rule could be structured to encourage adoption of PAYDAYS insurance. The key to designing such a benefit-maximizing rule is to: estimate the net benefits of every mile not driven; estimate the reduction in mileage that would result from PAYDAYS insurance; and, apply these estimates to the calculation of net benefits of every PAYDAYS-insured mile. A mechanism by which the industry itself funds the incentive payments is described, as are alternatives.
PROGNOSTIC SCORING IN EARLY ONSET NEOHATAL GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL SEPSIS

Early onset group B streptococcal sepsis (EOGBS) of the neonate is associated with high mortality. In a review of our recent experience with blood culture proven EOGBS (29 neonates 1200/mm3 and neutropenia (absolute total neutrophils < 1000/mm3). Overall mortality was 34% (10/29) and was similar for boys (8/20) and girls (2/9) and for Black (1/4) and non-Black (9/25) infants. Mortality associated with each factor is shown in the table. Rupture of fetal membranes (ROM) within 1 hr. of delivery waa associated with neutropenia (6/9) and 60% mortality (6/10); mortality with longer duration of ROM waa 22% (4/18) (p<0.05). Twenty-six (of 29) infants had complete blood counts and differentials. A prognostic score for each of these 26 infants waa obtained by assigning 1 point for the presence of each prognostic factor. Sixteen infants had prognostic scores of 0 or 1; their mortality was 6% (1/16). Mortality was 80% (8/10) in those infants with prognostic scores of 3 or 4. Prognostic scoring may allow the identification of high risk infants who are candidates for more aggressive, less conventional forms of therapy.
Characterizing Piezoelectric Cantilevers for Vibration Energy Harvesting under Ambient Conditions

We report on measurement and modeling of dynamic energy harvesters based on oscillating piezoelectric cantilevers, along with careful calibration of energy conversion properties of such devices in their dynamic responses. We employ thin-film lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-based cantilevers fabricated by laser micromachining, with efficient proof masses enabled by a heavy alloy with a low melting temperature (65°C) for tuning frequency and damping. By measuring devices with different circuit parameters, and analyzing the energy conversion in time-domain oscillations, we show a model that quantitatively reveals the effects of the loading circuit for energy harvesting. We also show the effects of device dimensions on their vibrations and converted voltage output waveforms. In harvesting vibrational energy through cycles of oscillations (in 80Hz-1kHz devices), energy conversion efficiency as high as 25% has been attained.
Ovarian cancer p53 mutation is associated with tumor microvessel density

Abstract Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between microvessel density, as measured by CD31 staining, and histopathologic factors as well as p53 tumor suppressor gene mutation in ovarian cancer. Methods. Ovarian cancers ( n = 77) were analyzed for p53 gene mutations and CD31 immunohistochemical expression. Histopathologic and mutational data were related to CD31 staining utilizing the Mantel correlation statistic. The microvessel density was scored by averaging counts from three high-power (200×) fields. Survival was based upon maximizing the hazard ratio. Results. The mean microvessel density counts based on CD31 staining (vessels/HPF) for each FIGO stage and mutation type are as follows: Stage I (10.2), Stage II (10.7), Stage III (13.8), Stage IV (22.0), wild-type p53 (9.3), missense p53 mutation (14.4), and null p53 mutation (23.1). There was a significant correlation between microvessel density count and FIGO stage ( P = 0.026), grade ( P = 0.04), and p53 mutation type ( P = 0.02). Median survival was more than doubled (6.4 vs 2.9 years; P = 0.009) for tumors with microvessel density counts less than or equal to 14 vessels/HPF. Conclusions. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that ovarian cancer p53 mutation functions to directly influence angiogenesis, which in turn compromises disease-specific survival. It also suggests validity to targeting p53 alterations with gene replacement as well as the use of antiangiogenesis agents as novel molecular-based therapeutics for ovarian cancer.
Optical remote sensing of waters with vertical structure

Optical remote sensing of ocean color is a well-established technique that is used to produce maps of marine constituents on a routine basis. Retrieval algorithms used to infer pigment concentrations from measurements of ocean color are usually based on the assumption that the upper ocean column is vertically homogeneous. However, stable stratification of the water column is often encountered in coastal waters and in fjords. This stratification is decisive for the initiation, maintainance, and species composition of phytoplankton blooms. Here we present an optical remote-sensing algorithm with the ability to resolve such a vertical structure of oceanic waters. The vertical structure is assumed to consist of two homogeneous layers with different concentrations of chlorophyll a. The algorithm is designed to determine the chlorophyll-a concentrations of the two layers as well as the thickness of the upper layer. These three parameters influence the ocean color and are simultaneously retrieved through an inverse-modeling technique. This technique consists of using radiative-transfer computations for a coupled atmosphere–ocean system to simulate radiances received in various bands of the satellite sensor and to compare these simulated results with measured radiances. The sum of absolute values of differences between simulated and measured radiances is minimized by use of an optimization algorithm, and the retrieved parameters are those that yield the minimum sum of differences between measured and simulated data. The optimization algorithm that we used in our study is the simulated annealing method, which is an extension of the downhill simplex algorithm. In this study the algorithm was tested on synthetic data generated by the forward model. The results indicate that it should be possible to retrieve vertical variations in the pigment concentration. The synthetic data were generated for spectral bands that coincide with those of the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer sensor, which will be a part of the instrument package of the upcoming Environmental Satellite.
STIMULATIVE EFFECTS OF X-RAYS ON PLANT GROWTH.

used for clinical diagnosis and therapy. The practical applications of x-rays in medicine and surgery make it necessary to know the effect which x-rays produce upon the living organism. Many investigators have suggested on the basis of general observations that small doses of x-rays may stimulate cellular activity and growth, but convincing proof of such action has been wanting. In more recent years such claims have been discounted in favor of the belief that x-rays are always more or less destructive in action, and tend to retard growth. It is not the purpose of this preliminary report to survey the literature dealing with the effects of x-ray treatments upon plants. It has been found that every part of the plant body can be profoundly modified by appropriate treatments. Cytological and histological examination of treated cells and tissues reveals striking changes in the organization of the protoplasm and of organs derived from the treated meristems. Most frequently the results described are of a destructive nature. The protoplasm is partially disorganized; chromosomes are vacuolated or fragmented; the cell division mechanism functions imperfectly, showing unequal distribution of chromosomes, non-disjunctions, translocation of pieces of chromosomes from one to some other non-homologous chromosome, etc. Gene changes may be produced, often injurious in character, with resulting lethal effects and tendency to sterility. The results obtained by McKay and Goodspeed (5) on cotton are typical. Many mutations have been induced in maize and barley (7, 8), and tobacco (1), but it has been questioned whether there are any progressive evolutionary changes induced by x-ray treatments. All vegetative parts are subject to injury by x-rays. Root tips may become bulbous and swollen, with tumor-like enlargements in which giant cells may occur. Stems become fasciated under strong treatments. Leaves are injured readily ; they become asymmetric and crumpled in appearance, develop deep sinuosities, and often show irregular development of chlorophyll. The sunflower shows these injuries in typical fashion, the leaves becoming pocked and marked as though they were suffering from a mosaic 1 This investigation was aided in part by a grant to the University of Chicago from the Eockefeller Foundation.
Pamina, portraits, and the feminine in Mozart and Schikaneder's Die Zauberflöte

Abstract The major body of critical work on Mozart and Schikaneder's Die Zauberflote is concerned with the articulation and conceptualization of universal principles, including most prominently the allegorical confrontation between Light and Darkness. In so far as the fundamental dichotomy that governs and gives meaning to Die Zauberflote, Light / Darkness, is symbolized by Sarastro / the Queen of the Night and made analogous to Man / Woman, the allegorical confrontation of the symbolic universale is played out in gendered terms. Traditional scholarship has generally claimed that the gender hierarchies maintained by the symbolic structure are resolved in Pamina's union with Tamino and her initiation into the realm of Light. While the conclusion of the opera denotes a physical existence of a woman in Sarastro's realm, however, it does not represent an ontological presence of woman within the moral system operating in the opera. Pamina's ‘rise to glory’ does not signify the inclusion of a feminine identity ...
Closed-form onset threshold analysis of defect-driven surface and bulk laser damage

Surface and bulk laser damage probability distribution functions are derived for a Gaussian beam and a power-law defect ensemble. Closed-form solutions are derived and plotted for six and three values of the defect ensemble parameter p respectively in the surface and bulk damage distribution functions. The derived degenerate (p 1) and non-degenerate (p 0) bulk damage equations are least-squares fitted to measured laser damage statistics in PMMA. The results show that the power law defect ensemble is a reasonable description of the defects in the damage-tested PMMA and that the ensemble is more degenerate in character than uniform. I.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Incidence and Outcomes of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor: Results from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare but highly fatal malignancy. Due to the rarity of this neoplasm, no large population based studies exist. Procedure. This is a retrospective cohort analysis. Incidence rates were calculated based on sex and ethnicity and compared statistically. Gender-, ethnicity-, and treatment- based survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results. A total of 192 cases of DSRCT were identified. Peak incidence age was between 20 and 24 years. Age-adjusted incidence rate for blacks was 0.5 cases/million and for whites was 0.2 cases/million ( ). There was no statistically significant difference in survival based on gender or ethnicity. When adjusted for age, there was no statistically significant difference in survival amongst patients who received radiation therapy compared to those who did not (HRadj = 0.73; 95% CI 0.49, 1.11). There was a statistically significant survival advantage for patients who received radiation after surgery compared to those who did not (HR 0.49; 95% CI 0.30, 0.79). Conclusion. DSRCT is more common in males and in people of African-American descent. Although overall survival remains poor, radiation therapy following surgery seems to improve outcome in these patients.
Experimentelle Beiträge zur Innervation der Blase

1. Die oberen drei Viertel des Detrusors sind rein parasympathisch innerviert, denn Pilocarpin lost am isolierten Streifen eine Kontraktion aus, Adrenalin ist wirkungslos.
Computation in History: Styles and Methods

Recent advances in interactive computing and file management systems help the historian fulfill his traditional function as a collector, critic, and interpreter of documents.
STRETCHED EXCITATIONS AS A MEANS TO STUDY THE SPIN MODES OF THE NUCLEUS WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC AND HADRONIC PROBES

Excitation of spin transitions using electromagnetic and hadronic probes is discussed. Spectroscopic strengths are deduced from studies of (e,e'), (p,p'), (π,π') and (p,n) for selected states. The missing isovector and isoscalar strengths imply the existence of other important quenching mechanisms since the Δ-N-1 mechanism does not contribute to high spin excitations or to isoscalar transitions. The stretched states are used as benchmarks to test the nucleon-nucleon tensor force in proton scattering and the pion-nucleon spin orbit force in pion scattering. The results are in striking agreement with predictions of the DWIA model.
Protein Adsorption on Alkanethiolate Self-Assembled Monolayers: Nanoscale Surface Structural and Chemical Effects

We report a study of protein adsorption on controlled surfaces. Hydrophilic (carboxylic acid-terminated) and hydrophobic (methyl-terminated) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au(111) surfaces were prepared at different solution temperatures and characterized by low-current scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Protein adsorption on these SAMs was investigated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors and tapping-mode atomic force microscopy (TM-AFM). Results show that both nanoscale surface chemical and structural properties of SAMs affect protein adsorption. Specifically, carboxylic acid-terminated SAMs formed at higher temperatures have more compact structures and generally promote protein adsorption, whereas the adsorbed amount of protein is similar on methyl-terminated SAMs regardless of solution temperatures at which SAMs are formed.
Ordering and decomposition in the high-temperature superconducting compound YBa2Cu3Ox.

The method of concentration waves is applied to structural transformations in superconducting Y-Ba-Cu oxide. The method predicts an ordering reaction that results in a tetragonal-to-orthorhombic phase transformation, and also yields the correct structure of the Y${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ orthorhombic ordered phase. The results suggest that at low temperature the off-stoichiometric orthorhombic phase is thermodynamically unstable with respect to secondary decomposition into a mixture of ordered orthorhombic and disordered tetragonal phases, whose microstructure can be anticipated.
Intranasal administration of an Escherichia coli-expressed codon-optimized rotavirus VP6 protein induces protection in mice

Abstract We are developing rotavirus vaccines based on the VP6 protein of the human G1P [J. Virol. 73 (1999) 7574] CJN strain of rotavirus. One prototype candidate consisting of MBP::VP6::His6, a chimeric protein of maltose-binding protein, VP6 and hexahistidine, was expressed mainly as truncated polypeptides in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) cells. A possible reason for this extensive truncation is the high frequencies of rare bacterial codons within the rotavirus VP6 gene. Expression of truncated recombinant VP6 was found to be reduced, and expression of complete VP6 protein was simultaneously increased, when the protein was expressed in Rosetta(DE3)pLacI E. coli cells that contain increased amounts of transfer RNAs for a selection of rare codons. The same observation was made when a synthetic codon-optimized CJN-VP6 gene was expressed in E. coli BL21 or Rosetta cells. To increase protein recovery, recombinant E. coli cells were treated with 8 M urea. Denatured, full-length MBP::VP6::His6 protein was then purified and used for intranasal vaccination of BALB/c mice (2 doses administered with E. coli heat-labile toxin LT(R192G) as adjuvant). Following oral challenge with the G3P [J. Virol. 76 (2002) 560] EDIM strain of murine rotavirus, protection levels against fecal rotavirus shedding were comparable (P > 0.05) between groups of mice immunized with denatured codon-optimized or native (not codon-optimized) immunogen with values ranging from 87 to 99%. These protection levels were also comparable to those found after immunization with non-denatured CJN VP6. Thus, expression of complete rotavirus VP6 protein was greatly enhanced by codon optimization, and the protection elicited was not affected by denaturation of recombinant VP6.
Increased accumulation of cAMP in cerebral microvessels in Alzheimer's disease

The objective of this study was to compare the adenylyl cyclase-cAMP second messenger system in cerebral microvessels isolated from Alzheimer's patients to that in microvessels from nondemented elderly controls. To evaluate the role of aging separate from the effects of dementia, microvessels from young and aged rodents were also examined. The results of this study indicated that microvessels isolated from autopsy material can be used to evaluate adenylyl cyclase activity. The data showed that cAMP levels, as an index of adenylyl cyclase activity, are significantly (p < 0.02) elevated in microvessels from Alzheimer's disease compared to nondemented elderly controls. Stimulation of adenylyl cyclase by forskolin was comparable in both groups of microvessels. A comparison of unstimulated microvessels from young and aged rodents yielded no significant difference in cAMP levels. These results indicate an increased level of cAMP in the microvessels of Alzheimer's patients with no age-related change demonstrable in rat microvessels.
The concept of two intellects: A Footnote to the History of Platonism

"Haecine est anima docta illa quam dicitis, immortalis perfecta divina, post deum principem rerum et post mentes geminas locum optinens quartum et afluens ex crateribus vivis?" "Is this that 'educated' soul that you talk about, immortal, perfect and divine, occupying the fourth rank, after God the first principle of the Universe and the two intellects, and flowing out from the living mixingbowls?"
Invitation to a dialogue between researchers and clinicians about evidence-based behavioral medicine.

Background: Evidence-based behavioral medicine (EBBM) aims to improve the process through which best scientific research evidence can be obtained and translated into best clinical decisions regarding behavioral treatments to improve health.Purpose: The objective was to examine some legitimate concerns raised by both clinicians and researchers about the evidence-based movement.Methods: This article begins with a discussion of clinicians’ fears that EBBM devalues clinical judgment and the therapist-patient relationship, will be used to restrict practice, is unnecessary, and is based on research that is irrelevant to clinical decision making. Next we consider researchers’ worries that EBBM neglects evidence not based on randomized controlled trials and ignores causal mechanisms.Results: We find that these fears, although understandable, largely reflect misinterpretations of the evidence-based movement. Further, it is suggested that behavioral medicine is in a unique position to enhance the evidence-based movement by encouraging increased attention to treatment mechanisms and to knowledge translation.Conclusions: Clinicians, researchers, and, importantly, the public will benefit from the evidence-based movement by having a health care system that is built on solid grounds of evidence in determining which treatments should constitute the standard of care. A full partnership between clinicians and researchers is called for to generate the practical, rigorous evidence base needed to take behavioral health treatments to the next level of scientific support and implementation.
Do Girls Change More Than Boys? Gender Differences and Similarities in the Impact of New Relationships on Identities and Behaviors

Prompted by research suggesting females' self-concepts are more interpersonally rooted than males', I compare girls' identity changes in reaction to relationships in new social contexts with boys', testing whether identity change processes are the same for each sex. I use survey responses from 320 summer program students about five activity areas: (1) science & technology; (2) computers; (3) athletics & recreation; (4) beliefs & interests; and (5) arts & literature. While girls become more attached to and involved with others, their identity processes are equivalent to those of boys. Girls change more, but their change is rooted in greater sociability, not higher reactivity to new relationships. Findings vary by relationship and activity types, indicating sex differences may reflect gender role expectations.
Genetic Haploinsufficiency as a Phenotypic Determinant of a Deletion 13q Syndrome

Two cases of newborns with deletion 13q syndrome were identified and studied using electron microscopy and histologic, immunohistochemical, and special stained sections. We reviewed the published literature on genes that are haploinsufficient in the deletion 13q syndrome. The complexity of the deletion 13q syndrome phenotype is due at least in part to the haploinsufficiency of dosage-sensitive genes. Future studies need to be performed to identify their precise role in the cellular function and the development of the deletion 13q syndrome phenotype.
Divergent adaptive and innate immunological responses are observed in humans following blunt trauma

The immune response to trauma has traditionally been modeled to consist of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) followed by the compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome (CARS). We investigated these responses in a homogenous cohort of male, severe blunt trauma patients admitted to a University Hospital surgical intensive care unit (SICU). After obtaining consent, peripheral blood was drawn up to 96 hours following injury. The enumeration and functionality of both myeloid and lymphocyte cell populations were determined. Neutrophil numbers were observed to be elevated in trauma patients as compared to healthy controls. Further, neutrophils isolated from trauma patients had increased raft formation and phospho-Akt. Consistent with this, the neutrophils had increased oxidative burst compared to healthy controls. In direct contrast, blood from trauma patients contained decreased naive T cell numbers. Upon activation with a T cell specific mitogen, trauma patient T cells produced less IFN-gamma as compared to those from healthy controls. Consistent with these results, upon activation, trauma patient T cells were observed to have decreased T cell receptor mediated signaling. These results suggest that following trauma, there are concurrent and divergent immunological responses. These consist of a hyper-inflammatory response by the innate arm of the immune system concurrent with a hypo-inflammatory response by the adaptive arm.
Anisotropy and strain localization in steel foam

Abstract Steel foam fabricated by a powder metallurgical process was tested in uniaxial compression. The closed-cell foam samples exhibited anisotropy in compression, a phenomenon that was caused primarily by the ellipsoidal cell shapes within the foam. Yield strengths were 3× higher in the transverse direction than in the longitudinal direction. Yield strength also showed a power-law dependence on relative density ( n ≅1.8). Compressive strain was highly localized and occurred in discrete bands that extended transverse to the loading direction. The deformation bands were comprised of collapsed cells, and deformation occurred in a sequential manner with repeating cycles of yield, collapse and densification of cells. Foam densification commenced when all of the foam was converted into deformation bands.
Path Dependence and Value-Driven Issues: The Comparative Politics of Stem Cell Research

The politics of stem cell research poses a puzzle: the explanation of different national responses to the same scientific breakthroughs. Policy struggles across the major scientific powers have revolved around similar values—the protection of human life and solidarity with the sick—but generated very different regulatory outcomes. Bringing in historical and institutional legacies can shed light on those differences. The article develops an analytical framework around the path-dependent effects of state institutions on value-driven issues and applies it to the politics of stem cell research in the United Kingdom and Germany. Historical institutionalism, it argues, can be extended beyond the study of political economy and the welfare state to issues marked by sharp value conflict.
Space-system reliability: a historical perspective

The NASA Strategic Plan is the backbone of its new strategic management system, an important aspect of which is risk management. Coincident with a decreasing NASA budget is the new working environment that demands a better, faster, cheaper way to conduct business. In such an environment where risk is considered a knowledge-based resource, mission assurance is important in understanding risk. Through the years, much of mission assurance has been aimed at increasing independent systems engineering and further refining basic design approaches. Now the time has come to direct NASA's attention to managing the risks that come from system interactions during a mission. To understand such risks, all engineering techniques are important. Mission-assurance engineers are entering the era of interaction in which engineering and system engineering must work closely to achieve better performance on time and within cost. A structured risk-management approach is critical to a successful project-this is nothing new. A risk policy must be integral to the program as part of a concurrent engineering process, and risk and risk drivers must be monitored throughout. Risk can also be managed as a resource: the new way of managing better, faster, cheaper programs encompasses upfront, knowledge-based risk assessment. The safety and mission assurance community can provide valuable support as risk management consultants.
T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors can cause anaphylaxis in humans

T cells can be redirected to overcome tolerance to cancer by engineering with integrating vectors to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In preclinical models, we have previously shown that transfection of T cells with mRNA coding for a CAR is an alternative strategy that has antitumor efficacy and the potential to evaluate theon-targetoff-tumortoxicityofnewCARtargetssafelyduetotransientmRNACARexpression.Here,wereport the safety observed in four patients treated with autologous T cells that had been electroporated with mRNA coding for a CAR derived from a murine antibody to human mesothelin. Because of the transient nature of CAR expression on the T cells, subjects in the clinical study were given repeated infusions of the CAR-T cells to assess their safety. One subject developed anaphylaxis and cardiac arrest within minutes of completing the third infusion. Although human anti-mouse immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies have been known to develop with CARtransduced T cells, they have been thought to have no adverse clinical consequences. This is the first description of clinical anaphylaxis resulting from CAR-modified T cells, most likely through IgE antibodies specifi ct o the CAR. These results indicate that the potential immunogenicity of CARs derived from murine antibodies may be a safety issue for mRNA CARs, especially when administered using an intermittent dosing schedule. Cancer Immunol Res; 1(1); 26–31. � 2013 AACR.
Mass-Optimal Design Methodology for DC-DC Converters in Low-Power Portable Fuel Cell Applications

Fuel cell systems have not significantly penetrated the low-power ( W) portable energy source market, largely due to complexity of control and the balance-of-plant systems required. Even though the fuel cell and fuel container may scale down well, the pumps, blowers, and power converters required may dominate the system mass. This paper focuses on the tradeoff between efficiency and converter mass, and achieving the design objective of minimum mass of both converter and fuel. The effect of desired run-time, or mission duration, on the optimal dc-dc converter design was explored in detail. The effort focused on boost converters; however, the methodology can be applied to any converter topology. In an example case, at a mission length of 100 h, the optimized converter saved 91 g of system mass when compared to an off-the-shelf dc-dc converter.