cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A randomized comparison of misonidazole sensitized radiotherapy plus BCNU and radiotherapy plus BCNU for treatment of malignant glioma after surgery: final report of an RTOG study.

A randomized prospective study was performed to evaluate misonidazole radiosensitized radiation therapy in the treatment of malignant glioma. The control arm, Group A, consisted of conventional radiation therapy (6000 cGy/6-7 weeks) to the whole brain plus BCNU (80 mg/m2 on day 3, 4, 5, and then repeated q 8 weeks for 2 years). The BCNU schedule was identical in both arms. In the experimental arm, Group B, misonidazole 2.5 gm/m2 was given once a week for six weeks, to a total dose of 15 gm/m2. It was given orally four hours prior to 400 cGy on Mondays. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 150 cGy was delivered to a total of 5100 cGy/6 weeks. An additional 900 cGy/5F/1 week was given without misonidazole. Patients were stratified according to the prognostic factors of age, performance status, and histology. Distribution of these characteristics among the treatment groups was comparable. As of March 1, 1982, 245 patients were randomized with follow-up information available on 202 patients. The median follow-up is 12 months (range 3-39 months). There is no significant difference in the survival of the two groups. The median survival for Group A was 12.6, and for Group B, 10.7 months. Misonidazole toxicity included an 11% peripheral neuropathy and a 3% central nervous system toxicity. BCNU toxicity included severe hematologic toxicity in 25%, including one death, and significant pulmonary toxicity in 6 out of 55 patients who received a minimum total dose of 960 mg/m2 of BCNU.
An Analysis of the Turbine Endwall Boundary Layer and Aerodynamic Losses

A momentum-integral analysis of the three-dimensional flow on the turbine endwall is presented. The formulation is for a compressible turbulent boundary layer with a constant streamwise shape factor. The effect of compressibility enters through a coordinate transformation and an assumed energy equation. An aerodynamic loss model is derived using inner and outer expansions. The losses decompose into frictional losses on the annulus and a vortex loss. Results are predicted for four cascade tests. In addition, previously observed trends of loss versus inlet boundary layer thickness, blade height, and blade chord are predicted. To illustrate a possible application, a parametric study is presented showing the effect on losses and heat transfer of various inlet boundary layer thickness distributions, which simulates different secondary flow configurations.Copyright © 1975 by ASME
Citation for Robert N. Saveland 2012 Recipient of the George J. Miller Award for Distinguished Service

This year’s recipient of the George J. Miller Award began his teaching career as a seventh and tenth grade teacher of geography in the junior/senior high school in Kirkwood, Missouri, following Wor...
Conceptualizing the Contribution of Career-Oriented Schooling to Self-Determination:

Transition from school-to-work and self-determination are two important themes driving research and practice related to secondary education for students with disabilities. Although the value of career education, specific vocational experiences, and self-determination development is widely recognized, there is a need for research on the interplay of individuals' self-determination and new forms of career-oriented schooling introduced through general education in the last decade. In this paper, I discuss conceptual models and previous research that illuminate the complex and promising relationship between career-oriented schooling and self-determination for all students.
From farmers and shepherds to shopkeepers and hoteliers: constituency-differentiated experiences of endogenous tourism in the Greek Island of Zakynthos

The effects exerted by endogenous tourism investment on the developing Greek island of Zakynthos are examined, focusing in particular on whether the experiences among residents, tourist enterprises and local government are homogeneous, or whether they reflect varied attitudes related to sociodemographic, destination, development-process and tourist characteristics. Multivariate analysis shows that the main factors contributing to the variance in locals' experiences of and reactions to tourism development are the endogenous nature associated with the early 'development' phase of the evolution cycle, inhabitant constituency, carrying capacity and tourist nationality. In addition, the protection and conservation of natural and sociocultural resources are revealed as serious concerns of the island's local government. Management strategies for visitor-impact alleviation should focus on community-based planning where the hosts' collective wisdom is incorporated into the overall development process and tourism policies are compatible with the physical and human components of the local society.
Gender and culture of empire: Toward a feminist ethnography of the cinema

(1991). Gender and culture of empire: Toward a feminist ethnography of the cinema. Quarterly Review of Film and Video: Vol. 13, No. 1-3, pp. 45-84.
Reversible diffusion-influenced reactions: comparison of theory and simulation for a simple model

Computer simulations of a simple model of a reversible diffusion-influenced reaction are used to test various approximate theoretical treatments. The model is a random walk in continuous time ofN particles on a one-dimensional lattice. The particles can be trapped reversibly at the origin. They move independently, except that only one particle at a time can occupy the origin. The theory is formulated in general terms using master equations for the probability distribution of occupancy numbers of different lattice sites. The general theoretical problem is not solved, although some exact consequences are presented. Several approximation schemes are described and tested by comparison with the simulations.
Spray-on anti-soiling coatings that exhibit high transparency and mechanical durability

A superhydrophobic (SH) surface has many characteristics, one of which is its self-cleaning, anti-soiling functionality, that are desirable across various industries. A transparent, self-cleaning surface utilizes the right combination of surface chemistry and roughness that force water droplets to form high water contact angles (CA). This in turn allows droplets to easily roll off and pick up dirt and debris across the surface. In theory this is simple but in practice this can be very difficult as superhydrophobicity and optical transparency are competitive. We have developed a simple, spray-on coating based on functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles that can easily be applied to surfaces whose application requires high transparency including, but not limited to, optical sensors, photovoltaics, sights, and lenses. In addition, these coatings exhibit practical mechanical and environmental durability that allow prolonged use of the coatings in harsh environments.
Team Cognition in Intelligence Analysis

While intelligence analysis has become the focus of much recent research, there has been a shortage of research in team cognition for analytical tasks and effective training strategies for analysis. This study investigates the effectiveness of teams of analysts in a training exercise. In order to capture the dynamics and nuances of multiple large teams of practitioners concurrently struggling with a realistic scenario, we used a unique adaptation of established ethnographic methods. The goal of this qualitative research was to determine persistent analytical strategies and study the interplay between the critical support functions of macrocognition for teams of novice analysts. Findings from this study suggest strategies for improving performance and training for intelligence analysts.
Second harmonic generation in transparent barium borate glass-ceramics

s-BaB2O4 (BBO) has been considered to be an excellent non-linear optical material in single crystal form; however, BaO·B2O3 can also form a glass. BaO·B2O3 glass has a density of about 3.9 g/cm3, a glass transition around 525°C, an onset of crystallization around 560°C, a maximum crystallization at 585°C and a refractive index of 1.59. Optically transparent BaO·B2O3 glass-ceramics have been successfully prepared by controlled crystallization. Formation of submicrometer, spherical crystallites of s-BaB2O4 within the glass was verified by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. These glass-ceramics exhibit a UV cutoff at 220 nm, a refractive index of 1.61 and second harmonic generation efficiency 0.01–0.12 times that of urea.
Gastrostomies in Older Patients: The 1990 National Hospital Discharge Survey

Background: Although many published case series have described patients9 experiences after gastrostomy placement, generalizing from the results of case series can present problems. The purpose of this study was to examine gastrostomy placement among hospitalized older patients in a nationally representative sample. Methods: Using the 1990 National Hospital Discharge Survey, age, sex, race, primary and secondary diagnoses, and mortality were described for hospitalized patients aged 65 years and older having gastrostomies. Age-specific placement rates were calculated using mid-199O Census Bureau population estimates. Results: In 1990 an estimated 85,400 patients aged 65 years and older were discharged from hospitals with gastrostomies. Frequent primary diagnoses included cerebrovascular disease (19 percent), pneumonia with or without aspiration (12 percent), neoplasm (11 percent), and fluid and electrolyte disorders (9 percent). The in-hospital mortality rate was 16 percent Age-specific rates for gastrostomy increased from 1.2 per 1000 for those aged 65 to 74 years to 10.8 per 1000 for those aged 85 years and older. Conclusions: In 1990 older hospitalized patients had gastrostomies with surprising frequency, and their in-hospital mortality rate was substantial. An estimated 1 percent of the US population aged 85 years and older was discharged from a hospital in 1990 with a gastrostomy.
Improving the Nation's Resilience to Disasters

A recent report by the U.S. National Research Council (NRC) [2012] argues that increasing the nation's resilience to hazards and disasters is a “national imperative.” Escalating disaster losses and the increasing frequency of billion-dollar loss events such as Hurricane Sandy portend an unsustainable future—one that the nation can ill afford. Disaster losses are occurring at a time of record unemployment, national debt, increasing disparities between the rich and poor, and major population shifts to coastal and other hazardous environments. Environmental degradation of many of the natural defenses against floods, storm surge, and wildfires continues unabated. The result is that routine events begin to have extreme consequences, and climate change may cause such events to become more intense, with even greater impacts and graver consequences than we have seen up to now [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2012].
Optoporation and Genetic Manipulation of Cells Using Femtosecond Laser Pulses

Femtosecond laser optoporation is a powerful technique to introduce membrane-impermeable molecules, such as DNA plasmids, into targeted cells in culture, yet only a narrow range of laser regimes have been explored. In addition, the dynamics of the laser-produced membrane pores and the effect of pore behavior on cell viability and transfection efficiency remain poorly elucidated. We studied optoporation in cultured cells using tightly focused femtosecond laser pulses in two irradiation regimes: millions of low-energy pulses and two higher-energy pulses. We quantified the pore radius and resealing time as a function of incident laser energy and determined cell viability and transfection efficiency for both irradiation regimes. These data showed that pore size was the governing factor in cell viability, independently of the laser irradiation regime. For viable cells, larger pores resealed more quickly than smaller pores, ruling out a passive resealing mechanism. Based on the pore size and resealing time, we predict that few DNA plasmids enter the cell via diffusion, suggesting an alternative mechanism for cell transfection. Indeed, we observed fluorescently labeled DNA plasmid adhering to the irradiated patch of the cell membrane, suggesting that plasmids may enter the cell by adhering to the membrane and then being translocated.
A phase transition on partial orders

Abstract A model, suggested by Dhar, of a lattice gas whose states are partial orders is examined. By counting partial orders, the entropy is computed for a certain energy range. The system is shown to have a phase transition within that range. The nature of the states involved are discussed.
Immunoneutralization of endogenous inhibin modifies hormone secretion and ovulation rate in the rat

Abstract Studies were conducted to determine the effects of inhibin immunoneutralization on gonadotropins and sex steroids secretion, as well as ovulation rate and the outcome of pregnancy in the rat. These changes were compared to the normal pattern of hormone release during the estrous cycle, as well as to the ovulatory and gestational history of control animals. Measurement of plasma inhibin levels with antibodies raised against the N-terminus part of the α-chain of the molecule indicated an increase in immunoreactive inhibin-α release during the afternoon of proestrus, followed by a marked decline after the primary gonadotropin surge. Removal of endogenous inhibin by the iv injection of anti-inhibin serum on diestrus-1 caused the expected rise in plasma FSH, but not LH values. FSH secretion remained elevated for approximately 28 h, then returned to baseline. While not altering vaginal cytology, the injection of the antiserum during diestrus-1 or -2, and to a lesser degree, during estrus, caused a mark...
A Closer Look at Kith and Kin Care: Exploring Variability of Quality within Family, Friend and Neighbor Care.

Abstract This exploratory study focused on the interactional dimensions of kith and kin care, and involved childcare providers living in low-income urban communities in Los Angeles (80% African American; 20% Latina). The focus of the present study was to examine: 1) The range and variability of each index of quality — providers' professional development background, provider–child engagement, provider sensitivity and environmental quality; 2) ethnic differences for each of these constructs; and 3) whether these various dimensions of quality were interrelated. Results indicated that there are distinct patterns of provider–child engagement practices, and providers' professional education experiences were related to those practices. Provider–child relationship quality was associated with providers' ethnicity and professional background. Environmental quality was also associated with professional education and provider sensitivity. Findings from this study add to a growing base of evidence that it is important to examine the variability in the quality of care by informal kith and kin childcare providers.
Colchicine and wound healing

Abstract Rats with incised and sutured wounds and having subcutaneously implanted polyvinyl alcohol sponges were treated with various doses of colchicine. Breaking strength of wound tissue and biochemical analysis of sponge-induced granuloma tissue were compared with similar measurements in pair-fed controls. Colchicine reduced breaking strength of wound scar tissue significantly while lysyl oxidase activity in sponge tissue was not affected. Synthesis of collagenous and noncollagenous protein was stimulated by colchicine but accelerated collagen synthesis did not result in increased deposition of collagen in sponge tissue. The increased urinary excretion of hydroxyproline in colchicine-treated rats was paralleled by loss of body weight. Colchicine-induced cytotoxicity was also identified in fibroblasts from sponge granuloma tissue examined by transmission electron microscopy. We conclude that some reduction of total collagen deposition and breaking strength of wound tissue in colchicine-treated animals may have been the result of general toxicity of the drug. A specific effect of colchicine on collagen metabolism cannot be ruled out.
T cells and macrophages responding to oxidative damage cooperate in pathogenesis of a mouse model of age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major disease affecting central vision, but the pathogenic mechanisms are not fully understood. Using a mouse model, we examined the relationship of two factors implicated in AMD development: oxidative stress and the immune system. Carboxyethylpyrrole (CEP) is a lipid peroxidation product associated with AMD in humans and AMD-like pathology in mice. Previously, we demonstrated that CEP immunization leads to retinal infiltration of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages before overt retinal degeneration. Here, we provide direct and indirect mechanisms for the effect of CEP on macrophages, and show for the first time that antigen-specific T cells play a leading role in AMD pathogenesis. In vitro, CEP directly induced M1 macrophage polarization and production of M1-related factors by retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. In vivo, CEP eye injections in mice induced acute pro-inflammatory gene expression in the retina and human AMD eyes showed distinctively diffuse CEP immunolabeling within RPE cells. Importantly, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing CEP-specific T cells were identified ex vivo after CEP immunization and promoted M1 polarization in co-culture experiments. Finally, T cell immunosuppressive therapy inhibited CEP-mediated pathology. These data indicate that T cells and M1 macrophages activated by oxidative damage cooperate in AMD pathogenesis.
Detection of poultry spoilage markers from headspace analysis with cryoadsorption on a short alumina PLOT column

A rapid and simple diagnostic tool for the early detection of meat spoilage would be invaluable to ensure meat quality during production, distribution, and retail. Recently, we developed an improved purge and trap method for sampling low volatility, as well as volatile, compounds by applying low temperature collection on short alumina-coated porous layer open tubular (PLOT) columns. This method was applied to the analysis of both fresh and spoiled poultry to identify marker compounds that could be used as indicators for poultry spoilage. Samples of chicken breast were crimp-sealed in individual autosampler vials and maintained at 25 °C for either a day or 2 weeks. Two weeks were sufficient to ensure severe spoilage. The headspace was sampled by cryoadsorption for 10, 20, or 30 min; and the analytes were then separated, identified, and quantified with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Six potential markers for poultry spoilage were identified in the headspace of spoiled chicken: dimethyl disulphide; dimethyl trisulphide; phenyl sulphide; methyl thiolacetate; allyl methyl sulphide; and 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine. Additionally, isophorone was detected in the headspace of both the fresh and the spoiled chicken; its origin is unknown but is suspected to come from the packaging. The applicability of this method to detect chicken spoilage in a commercial setting was tested by sampling the air above spoiled chicken breast that was maintained in its original retail packaging, as obtained direct from a commercial vendor, for 2 weeks at 25 °C. Sampling was done via a modified, room-temperature approach with an activated PLOT column and a motorised pipette filler/dispenser. Five of the above compounds were also identified with this approach: dimethyl disulphide; dimethyl trisulphide; phenyl sulphide; 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine; and isophorone.
Stuck between Health and Immigration Reform — Care for Undocumented Immigrants

Despite a flurry of political activity, health care for the approximately 11 million to 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States remains a patchwork with gaping holes, and that reality is unlikely to change much over the coming decade.
Abundance, Age Structure, and Voltinism of Light Brown Apple Moth Populations in California

The light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker), is native to Australia and first was detected in California in 2006. In this study, we regularly sampled populations on Leptospermum laevigatum (Gaertn.) F.Muell. at two sites in San Francisco and on Arctostaphylos densiflora M.S. Baker at two sites in Santa Cruz over a 2-yr period to monitor the abundance, age structure, and voltinism of this potential pest in relation to degree-days. Our results showed that larval abundance declined at two sites, cycled with peaks in midsummer at one site, and remained steady at one site. Generations overlapped at all four sites with the full range of larval instars being present for most of the year, although populations during the winter were predominantly mid to late instars. Accumulated degree-days predict an average of 3.27 and 4.58 generations per year in San Francisco and Santa Cruz, respectively, which matched our observed peaks of late-instar larvae in the field remarkably well. This new information on light brown apple moth phenology in coastal California will be invaluable for the development of effective monitoring and management strategies for this new invader in the studied region.
Role of Cooperative Extension in Congregate Nutrition Programs for the Elderly

We explored the nature of programming between the Cooperative Extension Service and the Congregate Nutrition Services Program at the national level. Our findings indicate that home economics extension staff carry out many diverse roles with respect to congregate nutrition programs and that topics covered in instruction by extension staff cover a wide range of areas. Only about 20% of respondents viewed programming for congregate nutrition programs as a priority area in their states, but 66% viewed it as important. The discussion focuses on the value of interagency coordination and the development of a comprehensive program package as ways of enhancing extension's role in congregate nutrition service programs.
Get Hip to the Data Acquisition Scene: Principles of Digital Signal Recording

Use of the term “digital” has become ubiquitous. But what does it mean for a device to be “digital”? Computers process information by manipulating numbers (digits), and are therefore often referred...
In vitro response of Blastocystis hominis to antiprotozoal drugs.

Ten antiprotozoal drugs were tested in vitro against four axenic strains of the intestinal parasite Blastocystis hominis. Inhibitory drugs in order of effectiveness were emetine, metronidazole, furazolidone, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, 5-chloro-8-hydroxy-7-iodo-quinoline (Entero-Vioform), and pentamidine. Moderately inhibitory were two quinolines other than iodochlorhydroxquin. These were chloroquine and 5, 7-diiodo-8-hydroxy-quinoline(Floraquin). Diloxanide furoate was not inhibitory. Paromomycin and other antibiotics were not inhibitory. Entero-Vioform and metronidazole have been effective in human and higher primate diarrhea caused by B. hominis.
Minimum energy in information transmission

It is shown that the minimum energy required to transmit a natural unit of information (nat) over a noisy channel is kT, where T is the effective noise temperature which depends on the interaction between the information career and the environment. The result follows from the entropy defect principle and general laws of quantum dynamics without any specific assumptions.
Performance degradation of grid-tied photovoltaic modules in a hot-dry climatic condition

The crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules under open circuit conditions typically degrade at a rate of about 0.5% per year. However, it is suspected that the modules in an array level may degrade, depending on equipment/frame grounding and array grounding, at higher rates because of higher string voltage and increased module mismatch over the years of operation in the field. This paper compares and analyzes the degradation rates of grid-tied photovoltaic modules operating over 10-17 years in a desert climatic condition of Arizona. The nameplate open-circuit voltages of the arrays ranged between 400 and 450 V. Six different types/models of crystalline silicon modules with glass/glass and glass/polymer constructions were evaluated. About 1865 modules were inspected using an extended visual inspection checklist and infrared (IR) scanning. The visual inspection checklist included encapsulant discoloration, cell/interconnect cracks, delamination and corrosion. Based on the visual inspection and IR studies, a large fraction of these modules were identified as allegedly healthy and unhealthy modules and they were electrically isolated from the system for currentvoltage (I-V) measurements of individual modules. The annual degradation rate for each module type is determined based on the I-V measurements.
Pseudoarthrosis rates in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background context Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a commonly performed procedure for patients presenting with cervical radiculopathy, myelopathy, or deformity. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of pseudoarthrosis rates associated with ACDF with plate fixation have not been previously performed. Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify all prospective studies reporting pseudoarthrosis rates for ACDF with plate fixation. Study design/setting This study is based on a systematic review and meta-analysis. Patient sample Studies reporting pseudoarthrosis rates in patients who received one-, two-, or three-level ACDF surgeries were included. Outcome measures Outcomes of interest included reported pseudoarthrosis events after ACDF with plate fixation. Methods We conducted a MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and EMBASE search for studies reporting complications for ACDF with plate fixation. We recorded pseudoarthrosis events from all included studies. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate effect summary mean values, 95% confidence intervals (CIs), Q statistics, and I 2 values. Forest plots were constructed for each analysis group. Results Of the 7,130 retrieved articles, 17 met the inclusion criteria. The overall pseudoarthrosis rate was 2.6% (95% CI: 1.3–3.9). Use of autograft fusion (0.9%, 95% CI: –0.4 to 2.1) resulted in a reduced pseudoarthrosis rate compared with allograft fusion procedures (4.8%, 95% CI: 1.7–7.9). Studies were separated based on the length of follow-up: 12 to 24 and greater than 24 months. These groups reported rates of 3.1% (95% CI: 1.2–5.0) and 2.3% (95% CI: 0.1–4.4), respectively. Studies performing single-level ACDF yielded a rate of 3.7% (95% CI: 1.6–5.7). Additionally, there was a large difference in the rate of pseudoarthrosis in randomized controlled trials (4.8%, 95% CI: 2.6–7.0) versus prospective cohort studies (0.2%, 95% CI: –0.1 to 0.5), indicating that the extent of follow-up criteria affects the rate of pseudoarthrosis. Conclusions This review represents a comprehensive estimation of the actual incidence of pseudoarthrosis across a heterogeneous group of surgeons, patients, and ACDF techniques. The definition of pseudoarthrosis varied significantly within the literature. To ensure its diagnosis and prevent sequelae, standardized criteria need to be established. This investigation sets the framework for surgeons to understand the impact of surgical techniques on the rate of pseudoarthrosis.
From Comparative Public Policy to Political Economy: Putting Political Institutions in their Place and Taking Interests Seriously

The historical institutionalist tradition in comparative politics commonly assigns analytical primacy to political institutions. Whereas this polity-centeredness may be quite justifiable for purposes of comparative public policy, students of comparative political economy should pay systematic attention not only to economic institutions but also to a range of economic-structural variables that lie beyond the conventional confines of institutional analysis. Providing the basis for an analysis of collective actors and their interests, such an approach is needed to account for institutional change and policy realignments within stable institutions.
Operating Characteristics and Applications of Multiwire Proportional Counters

Multiwire proportional counters have proved to be very useful for a wide variety of experiments at all energies. Properties of these detectors essential in planning an experiment, e.g. their efficiency as a function of position and their output timing, have been measured. Integrated circuit amplifier-discriminators have been developed for use with multiwire arrays and operated in the typical large accelerator environment. An experiment on the scattering of pions and protons by complex nuclei has been performed with 8-inch square arrays of proportional counters used for x, y hodoscopes.
A combined vector potential-scalar potential method for FE computation of 3D magnetic fields in electrical devices with iron cores

A method of combined use of magnetic vector potential based finite-element (FE) formulations and magnetic scalar potential (MSP) based formulations for computation of three-dimensional magnetostatic fields is introduced. In this method, the curl-component of the magnetic field intensity is computed by a reduced magnetic vector potential. This field intensity forms the basis of a forcing function for a global magnetic scalar potential solution over the entire volume of the region. This method allows one to include iron portions sandwiched in between conductors within partitioned current-carrying subregions. The method is most suited to large-scale global-type 3D magnetostatic field computations in electrical devices, and in particular rotating electric machinery. >
Oil and tastant concentrations affect saltiness and bitterness perception of oil‐in‐water emulsions

Summary Saltiness of NaCl and KCl and bitterness of KCl and caffeine were evaluated in emulsions prepared with varying oil (20/40/60%) and tastant [NaCl (0.50/0.75/1.00%), KCl (0.50/1.00/1.50%) or caffeine (0.05/0.10/0.15%)] concentrations. A panel (N = 16) evaluated saltiness and bitterness intensities of emulsions using the modified short-version Spectrum™ descriptive analysis. Viscosity and pH of emulsions were measured. The type of tastant (NaCl/KCl/caffeine) and its concentration had significant effects on saltiness and/or bitterness intensities. At a given tastant concentration, NaCl had higher saltiness intensity compared to KCl in emulsions. Increasing oil concentration increased saltiness of both NaCl and KCl, while it slightly increased bitterness of KCl, but did not significantly affect bitterness of caffeine in emulsions. RSM plots indicated that saltiness enhancement of NaCl and KCl imparted by oil was more pronounced between 20% and 40% oil. Viscosity was the discriminating property among emulsions and possibly contributed to changes in salty and bitter perception.
Fibulin‐1 is required during cardiac ventricular morphogenesis for versican cleavage, suppression of ErbB2 and Erk1/2 activation, and to attenuate trabecular cardiomyocyte proliferation

Background: Trabeculation is an integral component of cardiac ventricular morphogenesis and is dependent on the matrix metalloproteinase, ADAMTS1. A substrate of ADAMTS1 is the proteoglycan versican which is expressed in the developing ventricle and which has been implicated in trabeculation. Fibulin-1 is a versican and ADAMTS1-binding extracellular matrix protein required for ventricular morphogenesis. Here we investigated the involvement of fibulin-1 in ADAMTS1-mediated cleavage of versican in vitro, and the involvement of fibulin-1 in versican cleavage in ventricular morphogenesis. Results: We show that fibulin-1 is a cofactor for ADAMTS1-dependent in vitro cleavage of versican V1, yielding a 70-kDa amino-terminal fragment. Furthermore, fibulin-1-deficiency in mice was found to cause a significant reduction (>90%) in ventricular levels of the 70-kDa versican V1 cleavage product and a 2-fold increase in trabecular cardiomyocyte proliferation. Decreased versican V1 cleavage and augmented trabecular cardiomyocyte proliferation in fibulin-1 null hearts is accompanied by increased ventricular activation of ErbB2 and Erk1/2. By contrast, versican deficiency was found to lead to decreased cardiomyocyte proliferation and reduced ventricular trabeculation. Conclusion: We conclude that fibulin-1 regulates versican-dependent events in ventricular morphogenesis by promoting ADAMTS1 cleavage of versican leading to suppression of trabecular cardiomyocyte proliferation mediated by the ErbB2-Map kinase pathway. Developmental Dynamics 241:303–314, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Have genome-wide association studies or knockout mice more reflected the true nature of inflammatory bowel disease?

Since the finding of the first gene, NOD2 (also known as IBD1 or CARD15) associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in 2001,1,2 great progress has been made in recognizing more susceptible genes, especially after the introduction of the genome wide association study (GWAS) in recent years. A recent meta-analysis of 15 GWAS on IBD has revealed 163 loci associated with IBD,3 which has been far more than reported for any other complex disease and thus has been served as a splendid example for the great achievements in genetic analysis of complex disease. However, there seems a big discrepancy between the results of the GWAS and the knockout mice. For instance, the finding of the NOD2 gene in 2001 has been celebrated as a big …
Embedding ultrametrics into low-dimensional spaces

We study the problem of minimum-distortion embedding of ultrametrics into the plane and higher dimensional spaces. Ultrametrics are a natural class of metrics that frequently occur in applications involving hierarchical clustering. Low-distortion embeddings of ultrametrics into the plane help visualizing complex structures they often represent.Given an ultrametric, a natural question is whether we can efficiently find an optimal-distortion embedding of this ultrametric into the plane, and if not, whether we can design an efficient algorithm that produces embeddings with near-optimal distortion. We show that the problem of finding minimum-distortion embedding of ultrametrics into the plane is NP-hard, and thus approximation algorithms are called for. Given an input ultrametric M, let c denote the minimum distortion achievable by any embedding of M into the plane. Our main result is a linear-time algorithm that produces an O(c3)-distortion embedding. This result can be generalized to embedding ultrametrics into Rd, for any d≥2, with distortion cO(d), where c is the minimum distortion achievable for embedding the input ultrametric into Rd.Additionally, we show that any ultrametric can be embedded into the plane with distortion O(√n), and in general, into Rd with distortion dO(1) n1/d. Combining the two results together, we obtain an O(n1/3)-approximation algorithm for the problem of minimum-distortion embedding of ultrametrics into the plane.
On the Form of Forgetting

Almost everyone would agree that the course of forgetting is some curvilinear function of time. The purpose of the research described herein was to identify the nature of that function. Three experiments are reported, two involving human subjects and one involving pigeons. The human experiments investigated this issue using recall of words and recognition of faces, whereas the pigeon experiment employed the standard delayed matching-to-sample task. In all cases, the course of forgetting was best described by a simple power function of time relative to five other reasonable alternatives (linear, exponential, exponential-power, hyperbolic, and logarithmic). Furthermore, a reanalysis of Ebbinghaus's (1885) classic savings function showed that it, too, declines as a power function of time. These findings suggest that the form of forgetting is a relatively robust property of memory performance and that its mathematical description, perhaps only coincidentally, matches that of the psychophysical function.
The treatment relationship in peer-based and regular case management for clients with severe mental illness.

Objective This study compared the quality of treatment relationships and engagement in peer-based and regular case management. It also assessed the value of positive relationship qualities in predicting motivation for and use of community-based services for persons with severe mental illness. Methods One hundred thirty-seven adults with severe mental illness participated in a 2x2 prospective longitudinal randomized clinical trial with two levels of case management intervention (peer and regular) and two interviews (six and 12 months). Self-report questionnaires assessed treatment relationships, motivation, and service use, and providers rated participants' initial engagement and monthly attendance in treatment. Results Participants perceived higher positive regard, understanding, and acceptance from peer providers rather than from regular providers at six months only, with initially unengaged clients showing more contacts with case managers in the peer condition and decreasing contacts in the regular condition. Six-month positive regard and understanding positively predicted 12-month treatment motivation for psychiatric, alcohol, and drug use problems and attendance at Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous meetings. Conclusions Early in treatment, peer providers may possess distinctive skills in communicating positive regard, understanding, and acceptance to clients and a facility for increasing treatment participation among the most disengaged, leading to greater motivation for further treatment and use of peer-based community services. Findings strongly suggest that peer providers serve a valued role in quickly forging therapeutic connections with persons typically considered to be among the most alienated from the health care service system.
New methodology for identifying hierarchical relationships among performance measures: Concepts and demonstration in parkinson’s disease

Many different tests that address aspects of human performance have been reported. Yet, critical issues remain. The hierarchical organization of tests, the degree of involvement of different human subsystems, and the relationship between measures are often unclear. General Systems Performance Theory provides the basis for a novel analytic method, termed Nonlinear Causal Resource Analysis, to determine task demands (i.e., analyze tasks) and predict performance in complex tasks using only measures of lower level subsystem performance capacities. Recently, we realized new insights and discovery of a new application of these concepts to address the issues noted. A quasi-objective methodology is presented to identify hierarchical relationships among performance measures. The method is applied to seven different performance measures in a study of Parkinson’s Disease subjects (n = 3D197) exhibiting a wide range of disease severity. Resource economic interpretations of experimental data using performance theory concepts were used to define relationships between performance measures and to organize them hierarchically. This method is anticipated to have broad utility for identifying relationships between performance measures.
Further Studies on the Radioimmunoassay of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone: Effect of Radioiodination, Antiserum and Unextracted Serum on Levels of Immunoreactivity in Serum1

Studies were undertaken to determine the effect of method of radioiodination, antisera and sera on levels of endogenous gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH)-like activity in serum as quantified by radioimmunoassay. GnRH was radioiodinated by the chloramine T or lactoperoxidase procedure and purified on columns of Sephadex G-25 (0.8 × 20 cm, eluted with 0.0lN acetic acid) or on columns of QAE Sephadex G-25-120, an anion exchange resin (0.6 × 25 cm, eluted with 0.1M borate buffer, pH 9.2, containing 0.1% gelatin). Unlabeled GnRH, monoiodo-GnRH and diiodo-GnRH were separated on the QAE Sephadex columns. Levels of immunoassayable GnRH-like activity in sera of ewes were lower (P < 0.05) when antiserum R-42 (high affinity) was used for quantification than when antiserum R-31 (low affinity) was used. Furthermore, levels of immunoassayable GnRH-like activity in sera were lower when monoiodo-GnRH from the lactoperoxidase radioiodination was used for quantification than when other radioiodinated preparations were u...
Multiple functions for NGF receptor in developing, aging and injured rat teeth are suggested by epithelial, mesenchymal and neural immunoreactivity

We have used immunocytochemistry to analyse expression of nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) in developing, aging and injured molar teeth of rats. The patterns of NGFR immunoreactivity (IR) in developing epithelia and mesenchyme matched the location of NGFR mRNA assayed by in situ hybridization with a complementary S35-labeled RNA probe. The following categories of NGFR expression were found. (1) There was NGFR-IR in the dental lamina epithelium and in adjacent mesenchyme during early stages of third molar formation. (2) NGFR-IR nerve fibers were posterior and close to the bud epithelium. (3) During crown morphogenesis NGFR expression was prominent in internal enamel epithelium and preodontoblasts; it faded as preameloblasts elongated and as odontoblasts began to make predentin matrix; and it was weak or absent from outer enamel epithelium, the cervical loop, and differentiated ameloblasts and odontoblasts. (4) When NGFR-IR nerve fibers entered the molars late in the bell stage, they innervated the most mature peripheral pulp and dentin in an asymmetric pattern which correlated more with asymmetric enamel synthesis than with mesenchymal NGFR-IR distribution. (5) The mesenchymal pulp cells continued to have intense NGFR expression in adult teeth, especially near coronal tubular dentin. (6) The pulpal NGFR-IR decreased in very old rats or subjacent to reparative dentin (naturally occurring or experimentally induced). (7) During root formation, the preodontoblasts had NGFR-IR but most root mesenchymal cells and Hertwig's epithelial root sheath did not. This work suggests that there are important epithelial and mesenchymal targets of NGF regulation during molar morphogenesis that differ for crown and root development and that do not correlate with neural development. The continuing expression of NGFR-IR by pulpal mesenchymal cells in adult rats was most intense near coronal odontoblasts making tubular dentin; and it was lost during aging, or subjacent to sites of dentin injury that caused a phenotypic change in the odontoblast layer.
Improvement of Processing Speed in Executive Function Immediately following an Increase in Cardiovascular Activity

This study aims to identify the acute effects of physical exercise on specific cognitive functions immediately following an increase in cardiovascular activity. Stair-climbing exercise is used to increase the cardiovascular output of human subjects. The color-naming Stroop Test was used to identify the cognitive improvements in executive function with respect to processing speed and error rate. The study compared the Stroop results before and immediately after exercise and before and after nonexercise, as a control. The results show that there is a significant increase in processing speed and a reduction in errors immediately after less than 30 min of aerobic exercise. The improvements are greater for the incongruent than for the congruent color tests. This suggests that physical exercise induces a better performance in a task that requires resolving conflict (or interference) than a task that does not. There is no significant improvement for the nonexercise control trials. This demonstrates that an increase in cardiovascular activity has significant acute effects on improving the executive function that requires conflict resolution (for the incongruent color tests) immediately following aerobic exercise more than similar executive functions that do not require conflict resolution or involve the attention-inhibition process (for the congruent color tests).
Linearization of the temperature dependence of the silicon's resistivity for its use as a thermistor

An alternative method of processing silicon in order to linearize its resistivity-vs.-temperature characteristics is described. The method is based on the use of both shallow-level and deep-level acceptor impurities. Amphoteric impurities, such as gold and silicon, can be added to make minor adjustments of the sensitivities and the sample resistivity. This way of processing silicon can result in regions of 100 to 300 degrees C wide, where the nonlinearity can be reduced to about +or-0.1%, with a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR). This linearity is significantly better than those of commercially available semiconductor-based thermistors and is comparable to those of metal-based sensors. The thermal sensitivity of these devices can be set between 1000 and 2000 p.p.m./ degrees C by controlling the impurities' concentration. A linear regression analysis of the resistivity-vs.-temperature characteristics indicates that the R/sup 2/ factor may be as high as 0.999988. The corresponding device nonlinearities are maintained below +or-0.25%, over a temperature range of 280 degrees C. >
In vitro Efficacy of Meropenem, Colistin and Tigecycline Against the Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Gram Negative Bacilli.

OBJECTIVE To compare the in vitro efficacy of meropenem, colistin and tigecycline against extended spectrum Betalactamase producing Gram negative bacilli by minimal inhibitory concentration. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Department of Microbiology, Army Medical College, National University of Sciences and Technology, Rawalpindi, from June to December 2010. METHODOLOGY Routine clinical specimens were subjected to standard microbiological procedures and the isolates were identified to species level. Extended spectrum β-lactamase producing Gram negative bacilli were detected by Jarlier disc synergy method and confirmed by ceftazidime and ceftazidime-clavulanate Etest. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC(90)) of meropenem, colistin and tigecycline was determined by Etest (AB BIOMERIUX) and the results were interpreted according to the manufacturer's instructions and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines and Food and Drug Authority recommendations. Results were analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20. RESULTS A total of 52 non-duplicate extended spectrum Beta-lactamase-producing Gram negative bacilli were included in the study. The MIC(90) of tigecycline (0.75 µg/ml) was lowest as compared to the meropenem (2 µg/ml) and colistin (3 µg/ml). CONCLUSION Tigecycline is superior in efficacy against the extended spectrum Beta-lactamase producing Gram negative bacilli as compared to colistin and meropenem.
The Possible Neurodevelopmental Significance of Structural Imaging Findings in Schizophrenia

The notion that brain abnormalities may underlie cognitive impairment and other “deficit” symptoms of schizophrenia was emphasized in early formulations of the disorder. Kraepelin (1919) viewed these deficits as reflecting a deteriorating brain disease of early adult onset, as indicated by his use of term dementia praecox. Pneumoencephalographic studies carried out in the middle part of this century tended to support this view. The most common finding was subtle cerebral pathology, as evidenced by enlargement of the hollow, fluid-filled spaces in the brain, particularly in the region of the third ventricle, or diencephalon, and particularly in those patients with intellectual and emotional deficits (e.g., Haug, 1962; Huber, 1957; Storey, 1966). These studies were limited by several methodological weaknesses, however, including the questionable reliability of pneumoencephalography, inadequate or unspecified diagnostic criteria and procedures, and inadequate controls (Weinberger et al., 1983).