cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Prototype Rule-Based Front End System for Integrity Enforcement in Relational Databases: An Application to the Naval Aircraft Flight Records Database

An important goal of any database system is to model the real world accurately in a manner consistent with the user's perception of the data. One way to accomplish the accuracy of information in relational databases is through the enforcement of integrity constraints that represent rules pertaining to the organization. Unfortunately most DBMS today do not provide adequate integrity features to ensure the accuracy of data in their databases. This paper discusses the design and implementation of a prototype rule-based front end system for integrity enforcement for the Naval Aircraft Flight Record relational database. The system includes a set of rules that define 1) the update operation that triggers the testing of an integrity rule, 2) a specification of the condition to be tested, and 3) the action to be taken in case of attempted violation. These rules are stored in a knowledge base, which the inference engine of the system uses to enforce database integrity.
The effect of ABO blood group on the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease

In order to firmly establish a normal range for von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag), we determined plasma vWF:Ag concentrations in 1,117 volunteer blood donors by quantitative immunoelectrophoresis. The presence of the ABO blood group has a significant influence on vWF:Ag values; individuals with blood group O had the lowest mean vWF:Ag level (74.8 U/dL), followed by group A (105.9 U/dL), then group B (116.9 U/dL), and finally group AB (123.3 U/dL). Multiple regression analysis revealed that age significantly correlated with vWF:Ag levels in each blood group. We then performed reverse ABO typing on stored plasma from 142 patients with the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (vWd). Of 114 patients with type I vWd, blood group O was found in 88 (77%), group A in 21 (18%), group B in 5 (4%), and group AB in none (0%), whereas the frequency of these blood groups in the normal population is significantly different (45%, 45%, 7% and 3%, respectively) (P less than .001). Patients with type II or III vWd had ABO blood group frequencies that were not different from the expected distribution. There may be a subset of symptomatic vWd patients with decreased concentrations of structurally normal vWf (vWd, type I) on the basis of blood group O. Some individuals of blood group AB with a genetic defect of vWF may have the diagnosis overlooked because vWF levels are elevated due to blood type.
Chapter 7 Mammalian Alkaloids

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the mammalian alkaloids including their biochemical aspects of the physiological Pictet–Spengler cyclization, chemical considerations, analytical separation and detection of mammalian alkaloids, production of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines (TIQ) in vitro, tetrahydroisoquinolines in human and animal models, mammalian β-carboline (TBC) formation, alternative modes of mammalian alkaloid formation, metabolic studies of mammalian alkaloids, effects of mammalian alkaloids on biochemical processes, and physiological and behavioral effects of mammalian alkaloids. Analytical chemical reports show that TIQ and TBC alkaloid derivatives of dopamine, tryptamine, and serotonin are endogenous constituents in mammals 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carbolines. Histamine/aldehyde condensation products also appear to be alkaloidal constituents in animals. The endogenous alkaloids need to be isolated for optical rotation determination and certain standards, particularly the 1-carboxy derivatives, are required in optically pure form. While, several avenues of investigation are reviewed, one possibility that remains completely unexplored is that the mammalian TIQs or TBCs have their own neuronal receptors.
Glial cell-induced endothelial morphogenesis is inhibited by interfering with extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling.

Purpose: Tumor vasculature provides the infrastructure by which malignant tissue can be nourished; therefore, targeting angiogenesis may be an effective means of treating cancer. We showed previously that SNB19 glioblastoma cells modulate bovine retinal endothelial cells in cocultures to form capillary-like network structures, that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression is critical for endothelial morphogenesis, and that MMP-9 expression in glioblastoma cells is regulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (ERK-1). In the present study, we investigated whether interfering with the activation of this mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase would repress MMP-9 synthesis and inhibit capillary formation. Experimental Design: Cocultures of bovine retinal endothelial and SNB19 cells were analyzed for MMP-9 secretion, and phospho- and total ERK levels. These cocultures were treated with PD98059, a specific inhibitor of MAP/ERK kinase 1, or transfected with dominant-negative ERK-1 mutant containing expression vector. Alterations in capillary-like structure formation, and actin cytoskeleton and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 were determined by immunofluorescence, gelatin zymography, and Western blotting. Results: We found that inhibition of the ERK-1/2 pathway with PD98059 abrogated glial cell-mediated capillary formation by the endothelial cells and reduced the levels of MMP-9 in the coculture. Strikingly, the abrogation of MAP kinase signaling by a dominant-negative ERK-1 mutant inhibited glial-induced capillary network formation by reducing VEGF levels and MMP-9 activity and increasing the levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1. Inhibition of ERK activity also disrupted the formation of the actin cytoskeleton, a prerequisite for endothelial cell migration. Conclusion: The mechanism underlying activation of ERK is involved in reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, and induction of VEGF and MMP-9, thereby stimulating endothelial cell morphogenesis. These studies clearly provide experimental evidence that ERK inhibition diminishes glial-induced endothelial-cell morphogenesis; therefore, interfering with ERK signaling may be a viable approach to target angiogenesis.
Strategic alliances: a hospitality industry perspective

Abstract The article focuses on strategic alliance theory as it applies to the hospitality industry. Citing research as well as real-world examples, the authors integrate a variety of concepts and develop four propositions about the growing use of strategic alliances in the hospitality industry. These propositions include the following: P1: Hospitality alliances will evolve from equity joint ventures to collaborative joint ventures (non-equity) as competitor alliances will emerge. P2: Contractual agreements will evolve from simple franchise and management contracts to more complex resource-sharing, non-equity agreements. P3: Complex resource sharing between allying partners will help incumbent firms build relationships with partner firms that will lead to the development of competitor alliances. P4: Technology will help in the development of competitor alliances, which will also help to increase incumbent firms’ productivity and profitability.
Caregiver perceptions of seizure severity in pediatric epilepsy.

Summary Purpose: Seizure severity has been investigated using multiple tools over the years, and its defining features continue to be debated. Severity ratings are necessary for medical, psychological, and epidemiologic investigations. Adults with epilepsy have been evaluated more than youth with epilepsy. Methods: Seizure severity was evaluated as part of a larger study that included youth and caregiver self-report measures of the emotional and social variables that occur in epilepsy. Results: The results indicate that a longer recovery time from the last seizure and a longer duration of seizure influence how severe a caregiver judges seizures. The usual elements such as type of epilepsy, frequency of seizures, and most recent seizure were not significantly related to severity rating. Behavior ratings were also not related to severity rating. Discussion: Clinicians often rely heavily on caregiver information during clinic visits to help inform treatment decisions; therefore, a standard measure of seizure severity from the caregivers’ perception has clinical utility. Rather than assuming what makes a seizure severe to a parent, more research should be conducted on what elements contribute to severity, as judged by both the parent and youth.
Association of CD14 -260 (-159) C>T and asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Asthma is a phenotypically diverse disease with genetic susceptibility. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the CD14 gene at position -260 (also known as -159) C>T has been inconsistently associated with asthma. The aim of this study was to estimate the combined likelihood of developing asthma given the CD14 -260C>T genotype.
Specimen preparative methods for electron crystallography of soluble proteins.

Abstract Technical factors which influence the choice of specimen preparation methodfor electron crystallographic study of thin crystals of soluble proteins are discussed. Ice embedding appears to be the most desirable choice of preparation method. However, in terms of the yield of major structural information, we conclude that negative stain remains a useful method for low resolution and glucose embedding for high resolution.
Quantum probes of spacetime singularities.

It is shown that there are static spacetimes with timelike curvature singularities which appear completely nonsingular when probed with quantum test particles. Examples include exteme dilatonic black holes and the fundamental string solution. In these spacetimes, the dynamics of quantum particles is well defined and uniquely determined.
Taiwan and ROC: A critical analysis of President Chen Shui-bien's construction of Taiwan identity in national speeches

Names used to address Taiwan – such as taiwan and zhonghuamingguo (Republic of China [ROC]) – are symbols defining Taiwan's political realities, each with their own unique historical significance. Since his election in 2000, Taiwan's president Chen Shui-bien has had to alternate between taiwan and ROC to strike a balance among conflicting ideas about Taiwan's national identity. The act is grounded in complex political discourse dictating that Taiwan must not be seen as separate from the sinic world and simultaneously to respond to steadily rising Taiwanese consciousness. Facing intercessions by the United States and China, as well as ever-present domestic clashes, rhetorical exigency requires the president to fashion unique political discourse concerning what Taiwan is and ought to be. This study explores how these names and related expressions are used in Chen's public addresses to the nation during his two-term tenure from 2000 to 2008, and how their development reflects the struggle over Taiwan's natio...
THE IMPACT OF A LETTER OF MAP AMENDMENT ON FLOODPLAIN PROPERTY VALUE

Substantial empirical evidence indicates properties across the United States that are located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) sell at a discount compared to similar properties otherwise located. This result is also true in our sample. Researchers have suggested the price discount equals a combination of the present value of the required flood insurance premiums and the value of uninsurable costs. To identify the portion of the discount applicable to each component, analysts have been required to estimate applicable insurance premiums and to assume a discount rate. The present paper presents a methodology that does not require these prerequisites, but still enables separation of the discount into the two components. in the united states, the federal emergency management agency sometimes issues a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), which exempts a property from the requirement that it be insured against flood damage as a prerequisite to the owner obtaining a federally-related mortgage loan. Therefore, any price difference between non-LOMA SFHA properties and similar properties outside the SFHA should continue to equal the sum of the two components and any significant price difference between SFHA properties with a LOMA and similar properties located outside the SFHA should equal the present value of the uninsurable costs only. Hedonic regression is used to test this proposal by comparing the selling prices of single-family house transactions for properties located within and outside the SFHA in Kettering, Ohio. In our sample, no significant uninsurable costs were detected.
Computer control of the fragment mass analyzer at ATLAS

Abstract A control system for the Fragment Mass Analyzer is described, running on a Macintosh computer and using CAMAC hardware interfaces. The computer is used inside a feedback loop for control of the magnetic fields, with field strengths measured by Hall probes. High-voltage conditioning of the electric dipoles is done under computer control. Targets and detectors are positioned using stepping motors controlled by the computer, and vacuum conditions are also monitored.
Normal raman scattering from pyridine adsorbed on the low-index faces of silver

Abstract We find no enhancement of the Raman scattering cross section for pyridine adsorbed at 120 K on the (100), (110) and (111) faces of silver in ultrahigh vacuum. The frequencies we observe are essentially unshifted from those of liquid pyridine, intensity ratios are similar to the liquid, the signal intensity is linear in coverage from submonolayer to multilayer, and the depolarization ratio is low. Since these observations are in marked contrast to those associated with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), we conclude that our spectra result from normal Raman scattering. Our results support the hypothesis that special adsorption sites are responsible for a substantial fraction of the total enhancement of the Raman cross section for the pyridine - silver system.
Surface acoustic wave (SAW) microsensor array for measuring VOCs in drinking water

Exposure to volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) in drinking water has been linked to a number of adverse health effects including cancer, liver, and kidney damage. However, the large number of potential contaminants and the cost and complexity of existing analytical methods limits the extent to which water quality is routinely characterized. This project focused on the laboratory development and evaluation of an instrument for field analysis of VOCs in drinking water. The instrument is based on an array of six polymer-coated surface-acoustic-wave microsensors. A test-set consisting of dichloromethane, chloroform, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, perchloroethylene, and m-xylene was used in a series of experiments designed to optimize the purge–trap preconcentration system, calibrate the instrument over the concentration range of 0.2–2 times the USEPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), and compare results to those of a reference laboratory. The primary goal was to develop a cost-effective alternative for on-site evaluation of VOCs in water. Calibration and evaluation test results for spiked water samples demonstrate adequate sensitivity for 19 of the 21 regulated VOCs considered using a ten minute sampling and analysis cycle. Monte Carlo simulations characterized the performance of trained artificial neural networks (ANNs) which had correct classification rates of 99%, 90%, and 80% for the five individual test-set vapors and their binary and ternary mixtures, respectively. These results demonstrate the excellent potential of this technology for addressing the need for improved VOC field-screening methods for water supplies.
Photochemistry of monochloro complexes of copper(II) in methanol probed by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy

Ultrafast transient absorption spectra in the deep to near UV range (212-384 nm) were measured for the [Cu(II)(MeOH)(5)Cl](+) complexes in methanol following 255-nm excitation of the complex into the ligand-to-metal charge-transfer excited state. The electronically excited complex undergoes sub-200 fs radiationless decay, predominantly via back electron transfer, to the hot electronic ground state followed by fast vibrational relaxation on a 0.4-4 ps time scale. A minor photochemical channel is Cu-Cl bond dissociation, leading to the reduction of copper(II) to copper(I) and the formation of MeOH·Cl charge-transfer complexes. The depletion of ground-state [Cu(II)(MeOH)(5)Cl](+) perturbs the equilibrium between several forms of copper(II) complexes present in solution. Complete re-equilibration between [Cu(II)(MeOH)(5)Cl](+) and [Cu(II)(MeOH)(4)Cl(2)] is established on a 10-500 ps time scale, slower than methanol diffusion, suggesting that the involved ligand exchange mechanism is dissociative.
The effects of ethanol on exploration in DBA/2 and C57B1/6 mice

Abstract The effect of ethanol (0.8, 1.6, and 2.4 g/kg) was assessed on the behavior of DBA/2 and C57B1/6 mice in a holeboard test. Ethanol caused a dose-related decrease in the locomotor activity of the C57B1/ mice, and the highest dose also significantly decreased exploratory head-dipping. In contrast ethanol significantly increased the locomotor activity of DBA/2 mice. Only the lowest dose, however, significantly increased exploratory head-dipping, and the highest dose caused a marked decrease in exploration. These results emphasize the importance of distinguishing between the effects of ethanol on locomotor and exploratory activities.
gamma Aminobutyric acid content and glutamic decarboxylase activity in developing mouse brain.

SummaryBrain weights, content of γ−aminobutyric acid, and the activity of glutamic acid decarboxylase were determined in brains of mice at various stages of postpartum development. All of the quantities studied increased greatly during postnatal development, attaining their maximal levels at 90 days. The increase in decarboxylase activity was slower during the first two weeks than that of the weight and the γ−aminobutyric acid. A cytological study revealed that the period of greatest increase in glutamic acid decarboxylase activity is correlated with the period of greatest increment in features which are related to maturation of the central nervous system. Examination of selected samples of nervous tissues of the cat, dog, and rabbit showed that the glutamic decarboxylase-γ−aminobutyric acid system is present chiefly in the gray matter of the central nervous system. The results of the present study were correlated with relevant data from the literature.
The role of zinc-xanthate precipitation in sphalerite flotation

Abstract Flotation of sphalerite with ethyl, propyl, butyl, amyl, and hexyl xanthate is presented as a function of pH and concentration. Surface species have been identified with infrared spectroscopy and correlated with flotation and electrophoretic results. Flotation is postulated to be controlled by the formation and adsorption of bulk precipitated zinc xanthate on the alkyl chains of chemisorbed collector species.
Corporate Strategy and Executive Action: Transition Stages and Linkage Dimensions

The metamorphosis of corporate strategy into operating decisions and actions has been analyzed in the policy, planning, and control literature. In this article, I integrate these perspectives into a framework that defines the stages in the transition from strategy to action as (1) business strategy, (2) action planning, (3) budgeting, and (4) executive action, for the single-business organization. For the multibusiness organization, there is an additional stage, corporate strategy, which precedes the other four. These transition stages are linked by structure, process, and content.
Evidence for Dimerization of Dimers in K+ Channel Assembly

Voltage-gated K+ channels are tetrameric, but how the four subunits assemble is not known. We analyzed inactivation kinetics and peak current levels elicited for a variety of wild-type and mutant Kv1.3 subunits, expressed singly, in combination, and as tandem constructs, to show that 1) the dominant pathway involves a dimerization of dimers, and 2) dimer-dimer interaction may involve interaction sites that differ from those involved in monomer-monomer association. Moreover, using nondenaturing gel electrophoresis, we detected dimers and tetramers, but not trimers, in the translation reaction of Kv1.3 monomers.
Attributions, Deadlines, and Children's Intrinsic Motivation

Abstract This study assessed the effects of attribution statements and temporal deadlines on preschoolers' intrinsic interest in puzzles. During a training phase, 39 Ss completed puzzles under either the presence or absence of deadlines (instructions “to beat the timer”). They also heard E make either relevant attributions (“I'll bet you like puzzles”) or irrelevant attributions after they solved each puzzle. The two major findings of this study run counter to attribution theory expectations. First, given the presence of deadlines, relevant attributions resulted in less subsequent intrinsic interest as compared to irrelevant attributions. Second, in the presence of irrelevant attributions, deadlines resulted in greater task interest when compared with no deadlines. It appears that, like rewards, deadlines may enhance task interest if they serve to engender self-perceptions of competence. Alternatively, it is conceivable that deadlines can enhance interest by their endogeneity to a task, or by providing pr...
Evidence for oxidative stress in Pick disease and corticobasal degeneration

Oxidative stress is increasingly implicated in a number of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by abnormal filament accumulation in affected neurons, including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. To further evaluate the role of oxidative stress in the neurodegenerative process and the accumulation of abnormal filaments, we examined the pathologic lesions in Pick disease and of corticobasal degeneration with immunocytochemistry by using antisera to heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) - a putative marker of oxidative injury. Immunoreactivity to HO-1 was demonstrated in ballooned neurons, Pick bodies, neuropil threads, and glial inclusions (the latter two in a case of corticobasal degeneration). By immunoelectron microscopy, HO-1 immunolabelling of Pick bodies was closely associated with the abnormal filaments comprising the inclusion. Apparently unaffected neurons in all cases showed only background levels of HO-1 immunoreactivity. These data suggest that oxidative stress is important in the formation of the lesions characteristic of Pick disease and corticobasal degeneration. Moreover, taken together with our previous demonstration that HO-1 immunoreactivity is associated with the neurofibrillary pathology of Alzheimer disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, it appears that oxidative stress specifically targets the cytoskeleton in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by abnormal filament accumulation.
Comparison of echocardiographic and necropsy measurements of left ventricular wall thickness in patients with coronary artery disease

Abstract The necropsy and echocardiographic (echo) measurements of left ventricular (LV) wall thickness differ from each other. To investigate the reasons for this disparity, the diastolic and systolic LV thicknesses were correlated by echo and necropsy measurements in 41 patients. The diastolic LV wall thickness (12.7 ± 2.8 mm) was significantly less than the systolic LV wall thickness by echo (16.7 ±3.1 mm; p
The effect of androgens and estrogens on induced prostatic tumor in the hamster

The human adenovirus type 12 and the chemical DMBA inoculated into the prostate of adult hamsters show tumorogenic affects only in the presence of exogenous administration of estradiol or testosterone. The type of tumor observed was prostatic sarcoma, half of which were differentiated to fibrosarcoma. Castration did not change the incidence of the lesions. The pattern of hormonal influence was related to exogenous estrogen rather than androgen dependency when virus or DMBA were administered. Androgen dependency was found only in the presence of DMBA. Both stimuli together showed no potentiating effect in increasing prostatic tumor incidence.
Microstructural optimization of a functionally graded transversely isotropic layer

Abstract Motivated by current problems in coating technology, this paper addresses the microstructural optimization of a layer which is free of tractions, transversely isotropic, infinite and subjected to a prescribed thermal gradient. The layer's microstructure is characterized as a bi-constituent composite in the form of a continuous matrix perfectly bonded to embedded spheroidal short fibers. Both constituents are assumed to be isotropic in both mechanical and thermal properties. The microstructural parameters are taken to be the volume fraction, aspect ratio, and orientation distribution of the fibers. The composite layer is made functionally graded by assuming that the microstructural parameters vary through the thickness of the layer. The effective properties of the bi-constituent composite are given by the Mori–Tanaka, Hatta–Taya and Rosen–Hashin homogenization theories. The compositional and microstructural properties are determined such that an objective function defined in terms of strain energy and curvature is minimized. Specific results are presented for an aluminum (Al) layer reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC). Comparisons are made to conventional coating technology.
Quality of care and quality of training: a shared vision for internal medicine?

Two papers in this issue indicate the dramatic and important movement of outcomes-based thinking into the world of medical education and training.
Dynamic diversity in drug discovery: Putting small-molecule evolution to work.

Abstract From oligonucleotides to orangutans, nature has found darwinian evolution to be the most efficient means of optimizing populations of organisms – or molecules. Recently, several research groups have begun adapting darwinian evolution to the identification of small molecules with specific properties. Although still at an early stage, this new field of ‘dynamic diversity’ shows promise as a method for the identification of high-affinity ligands for biomolecules.
Endless forms most beautiful.

Genetics, Speciation and the Founder Principle. By L. V. Giddings, K. Y. Keneshiro and W. W. Anderson. Oxford University Press: 1989. Pp.373. £54, $65.
Template-Free Synthesis of Ellipsoidal Silica Nanoparticles

For a sol-gel process occurring in a water/oil (w/o) system, the self-assembly of silica nuclei can be controlled by close control of synthesis conditions. We have synthesized ellipsoidal or spherical silica particles by a template-free scheme that involves controlling surface tension on silica nuclei through via use of different volume ratios of a w/o micellar system.
Simultaneous Quantification of Metabolites Involved in Central Carbon and Energy Metabolism Using Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography−Mass Spectrometry and in Vitro 13C Labeling

Comprehensive analysis of intracellular metabolites is a critical component of elucidating cellular processes. Although the resolution and flexibility of reversed-phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (RPLC-MS) makes it one of the most powerful analytical tools for metabolite analysis, the structural diversity of even the simplest metabolome provides a formidable analytical challenge. Here we describe a robust RPLC-MS method for identification and quantification of a diverse group of metabolites ranging from sugars, phosphosugars, and carboxylic acids to phosphocarboxylics acids, nucleotides, and coenzymes. This method is based on in vitro derivatization with a (13)C-labeled tag that allows internal standard based quantification and enables separation of structural isomer pairs like glucose 6-phosphate and fructose 6-phosphate in a single chromatographic run. Calibration curves for individual metabolites showed linearity ranging over more than 2 orders of magnitude with correlation coefficients of R(2) > 0.9975. The detection limits at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 were below 1.0 microM (20 pmol) for most compounds. Thirty common metabolites involved in glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and tricarboxylic acid cycle were identified and quantified from yeast lysate with a relative standard deviation of less than 10%.
Compiling circular attribute grammars into Prolog

This paper describes an algorithm for compiling attribute grammars into Prolog. The attribute grammars may include inherited and synthesized attributes and contain recursive (circular) definitions. The semantics of the recursive definitions is defined in terms of a fixed-point finding function. The generated Prolog code stands in direct relation to its attribute grammar, where logical variables play the role of synthesized or inherited attributes. Thus an effective method for the execution of recursive attribute grammars has been defined and applied.
Hospital-based directly observed therapy for HIV-infected children and adolescents to assess adherence to antiretroviral medications.

Background The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy for HIV led to significant declines in HIV-associated morbidity and mortality in children. Nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy is the leading cause of treatment failure in HIV-infected patients. The ability to recognize nonadherence is suboptimal, and differentiating it from other causes of inadequate viral suppression may be difficult. Objectives The purpose of this work was to examine the efficacy of hospital-based directly observed therapy in assessing adherence to antiretroviral medications in HIV-infected children and adolescents suspected of nonadherence and failing other interventions. Methods The medical charts of all HIV-infected patients admitted to the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital for directly observed therapy from July 2004 to June 2006 were reviewed. Patients were hospitalized for 7 days. Data collected included demographics, clinical and immune class category, previous and current antiretroviral medications, viral resistance tests, HIV-1 RNA viral load, and CD4+ T-cell number and percentage before and after directly observed therapy. Results There were 9 perinatally infected patients with a total of 13 admissions. The median age was 13 years, and 8 had been treated with multiple antiretroviral regimens. Three common patterns of changes in the viral load over time were observed. In the first, the viral load dropped at the end of the directly observed therapy period and stayed low thereafter. In the second, the drop in the viral load seen at the end of the period was not sustained. In the third, there was no change in the viral load during or after the directly observed therapy period. Compared with the viral load at admission, the viral load at the end of directly observed therapy was lower in 8 patients with a mean +/- SD decrease of 0.8 +/- 0.55 log10 copies per mL. Conclusions Short, hospital-based directly observed therapy was helpful in confirming nonadherence to antiretroviral medications, therefore impacting future therapeutic decisions in HIV-infected children and adolescents. Short, hospital-based directly observed therapy should be considered in patients with poor virological control for whom outpatient interventions have failed.
Depletion of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells Altered the Expression of Genes in Key Regulatory Pathways of Cancer

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor that is best known for its role in mediating the toxic responses elicited by poly aromatic hydrocarbons as well as many other environmental factors; is also involved in breast cancer progression. We previously reported that stable knockdown of AhR decreased the tumorigenic properties of the highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line; whereas ectopic overexpression of AhR was sufficient to transform immortalized human mammary epithelial cells to exhibit malignant phenotypes. In the present study we investigated the genes that are differentially regulated by AhR and are controlling cellular processes linked to breast cancer. We used Affymetrix Human GeneChip 1.0-ST whole transcriptome arrays to analyze alterations of gene expression resulting from stable AhR knockdown in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. The expression of 144 genes was significantly altered with a ≥2.0-fold change and a multiple test corrected p-value ≤0.05, as a result of AhR knockdown. We demonstrate that AhR knockdown alters the expression of several genes known to be linked to cancer. These genes include those involved in tryptophan metabolism (KYNU), cell growth (MUC1 and IL8), cell survival (BIRC3 and BCL3), cell migration and invasion (S100A4 and ABI3), multi-drug resistance (ABCC3) and angiogenesis (VEGFA and CCL2). The identification of the genes and pathways affected by AhR depletion provides new insight into possible molecular events that could explain the reported phenotypic changes. In conclusion AhR knockdown alters the expression of genes known to enhance or inhibit cancer progression; tipping the balance towards a state that counteracts tumor progression.
Reference Interviews: Getting Things Right

Few would disagree that successful communication between librarian and patron is critical to success in the reference process. Based on Atul Gawande's book, The Checklist Manifesto, the authors indicate how a well-executed reference interview reflects the structure of a checklist and how the deeper qualities found in a well-constructed checklist can positively influence the outcome of a complicated interaction.
Insulin receptor antiserum and plant lectins mimic the direct effects of insulin on nuclear envelope phosphorylation

Insulin directly inhibits protein phosphorylation in isolated rat liver nuclear envelopes. In the present studies, an antiserum to insulin receptor as well as the plant lectins concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin mimicked insulin action in isolated nuclear envelopes. These studies suggest that insulin and agents that mimic it may directly regulate nuclear functions.
Pancreatic lipase–related protein 2 digests fats in human milk and formula in concert with gastric lipase and carboxyl ester lipase

Pancreatic lipase–related protein 2 digests fats in human milk and formula in concert with gastric lipase and carboxyl ester lipase
Heat shock proteins in human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle.

Human endometrium, in response to steroid hormones, undergoes characteristic cycles of proliferation, secretory changes, and tissue shedding. Human endometrium expresses a molecular repertoire which includes the heat shock proteins (Hsps) Hsp27, Hsp60, Hsp70, Hsp90, and alpha crystallin B chain. The expression of Hsp27, Hsp60, and the constitutive form of Hsp70 (Hsc70) shows a sharp increase in human endometrium after ovulation. The maximal expression of the molecular chaperone, alpha crystallin B chain, occurs during the secretory phase. In view of known functions of the Hsps, it is likely that these proteins are involved in protection of the endometrial proteins against factors with the potential to lead to protein denaturation. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytotoxic cytokine that is produced in progressive amounts during the secretory phase. The function of the Hsps may be to protect cells against the cytotoxic damage of TNF-alpha, particularly during the critical period of "implantation window."
Angular Distributions of Electrons Ejected from Helium by Proton Impact

Angular distributions of electrons ejected from helium by proton impact are calculated in the plane-wave Born approximation using bound and continuum electron wave functions obtained from a Hartree-Fock potential. The results of this calculation are compared with experimental data and good agreement is found when the relative electron-proton velocity is larger than the proton velocity. The good agreement observed for large angles of the ejected electron is to be contrasted with previous calculations, which fell lower than the large-angle-scattering experimental data.
Alzheimer disease subjects with psychosis have increased schizotypal symptoms before dementia onset.

Background Recent findings have demonstrated the familiality of psychotic symptoms occurring during Alzheimer disease (AD with psychosis, AD+P), particularly for subjects with multiple psychotic symptoms. We have proposed a model in which genes that confer a small risk for psychosis interact with neurodegenerative illness to yield manifest psychotic symptoms during AD. One prediction of this model would be that AD+P subjects would have evidence of increased degrees of subsyndromal psychosis before AD onset. Methods We used the psychosis (positive symptoms) and psychotic personality disorder sections (paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal) of the Family Interview for Genetic Studies (FIGS) to interview the primary caregivers of AD subjects. Caregivers were specifically instructed to answer questions with regard to the subject’s behavior before AD onset. Interviewers were blind to presence of psychosis during AD. Subjects were grouped by whether they had at least one or had multiple psychotic symptoms during AD. Results Scores on the FIGS subscales were generally low, reflecting a low frequency of endorsement of psychotic symptoms before AD. There was a trend for the schizotypal scores to be elevated in the AD+P group, which was highly significant in the AD+P group with multiple psychotic symptoms. There was no significant association of paranoid or schizoid scores with either group. Conclusions Although limited by small sample size and retrospective design, these data are novel in that they indicate an association of subsyndromal psychotic symptoms before AD onset with psychosis in AD. Subsyndromal psychosis might be useful for classifying AD+P families for genetic mapping studies. Prospective confirmation is required.
Atypical frontal lobe activity during verbal working memory in youth with a family history of alcoholism

Abstract Background Abnormal brain functioning during verbal working memory (VWM) tasks has been shown in individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Since adolescents with a familial history of alcoholism (FHP) are at high risk for developing an AUD, it is important to consider whether atypical brain activity during VWM may help to explain FHP vulnerability toward developing alcoholism. Methods To that end, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined brain response during a VWM 2-back task in 19 FHP adolescents and 16 age and gender-matched family history negative (FHN) controls. Results Despite no group differences in task accuracy, FHP youth had significantly slower average reaction time when making correct responses during the 2-back condition than FHN youth. In contrast to a vigilance control condition, while covarying for reaction time, FHP adolescents showed less activation during VWM than FHN youth in multiple areas of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) – a brain region crucial to intact working memory skills. Conclusions These results suggest that even prior to heavy alcohol use, FHP adolescents show atypical executive brain functioning during VWM, and that these differences are independent of slower working memory reaction time in FHP youth. Given the importance of working memory in numerous areas of day-to-day functioning, such as adaptive decision-making, these abnormalities may contribute to FHP youth vulnerability toward developing AUDs.
Design and operation of a batch distillation column with a middle vessel

Abstract The paper examines a new type of a batch distillation column which is built up from two separation sections and a vessel in between. The behavior of the column is analyzed using the infinite separation and the minimum reflux models. A comparison of a batch rectifier, a batch stripper and a column with a middle vessel showed that the latter always performs better than conventional design. Using the minimum reflux model it is shown that operation at the steady state is the optimal control policy for the column with a middle vessel in the case of a binary separation.
Low- and high-voltage-activated calcium currents: Their relationship to the site of neurotransmitter release in an identified neuron of helisoma

Abstract In this study we have characterized two types of Ca 2+ currents in identified neuron B5 of Helisoma and have examined the relationship between these currents and neurotransmitter release. Neuron 05 contains low-voltage-activated (LVA) and high-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca 2+ currents. These currents have distinct electrophysiological and pharmacological properties. To gain access to the site of neurotransmitter release, we used a model system in which somata that do not extend neurites assume the role of neurotransmitter release. Before somata gain the ability to release neurotransmitter, they contain LVA and HVA Ca 2+ currents. After 3 days of culture, when spherical somata have gained the secretory capacity, only the HVA Ca 2+ current is present. Experiments were also performed when neurite extension was permitted. These data indicate that neurons with processes have a differential distribution of Ca 2+ currents. The soma, which does not release neurotransmitter, contains both LVA and HVA Ca 2+ currents, while distal secretory processes contain only HVA current.
Traumatic aortic injury: an imaging review

Traumatic aortic injury (TAI) is a major cause of fatality in high speed deceleration injuries. It accounts for 10–20% of fatalities in blunt chest trauma. These injuries are usually related to high-speed motor vehicle and motorcycle collisions, pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions, and falls. Only 10–20% of patients who suffer TAI survive the initial injury and reach the emergency department. If left untreated, 30% die within 6 h, 40–50% die within 24 h, and 90% die within 4 months. A chronic pseudoaneurysm will develop in 2–5% of patients whose injury is not diagnosed. It is imperative, therefore, that these injuries are detected promptly and accurately. Symptoms and physical examination findings are nonspecific. External evidence of chest wall injury is present in 7–90% of cases, so that in up to 30% of the cases no apparent chest injury is identified on physical examination. Chest radiographs are very sensitive in detecting mediastinal hemorrhage, but have a low positive predictive value for aortic injury. The positive predictive value for chest radiography ranges between 5% and 20% for TAI. Aortography has been considered the gold standard for many years in the evaluation of TAI, but is time-consuming, labor- and resource-intensive, and invasive. Because of the shortcomings of physical examination and these more traditional imaging examinations, computed tomography (CT) has become increasingly utilized as a screening and diagnostic tool. Recent investigations have documented its high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of TAI. This article reviews the recent investigations of imaging evaluation of TAI, with a focus on helical CT.
On Abel's Identity, Part I: Non-linear Differential Equations

Abstract An extension of Abel's Identity to non-linear differential equations is given in this paper. The extension is shown to represent a first integral for a wide class of non-conservative systems. These integrals have a very unconventional form, and a method for extracting the more conventional first integral is given for autonomous, non-conservative systems.
Efficiency and Oil Recovery Mechanisms of Steam Injection into Low Permeability, Hydraulically Fractured Reservoirs

Abstract Steam injection into heavy oils has been well characterized over the last 40 years, and while steam has been injected into light oils almost as long, the mechanisms and effectiveness of this process are much less understood. When this lack of understanding is coupled with the complexities of flow in low permeability fractured reservoirs, even less is known. This study examines thermal recovery in low permeability, fractured reservoirs using thermal compositional simulation. A diatomaceous reservoir provided input for the rock model. The oil phase is represented by three pseudo-components that characterize a relatively light crude oil. Both the areal and vertical recovery efficiencies are improved for steam injection compared to water injection. The incremental recovery depends on the distribution of permeability and is greatest for homogeneous distributions. In regard to recovery mechanisms, thermal expansion of the hydrocarbon fluids accounts for over half of the incremental recovery early in th...
Densification and mechanical properties of shock-treated alumina and its composites

The effects of shock treatment and consolidation method on densification behaviour and mechanical properties of Al2O3, Al2O3-ZrO2, Al2O3-SiC (whisker), and Al2O3-ZrO2-SiC (whisker) have been studied. It was established that shock treatment does not improve the sintering kinetics of alumina or alumina-based composites. On the other hand, partial shock compaction followed by sintering provided higher densities compared to sintering alone. Unshocked and pressureless sintered materials possessed better mechanical properties than shock-treated materials, in general. No significant difference was noted in the mechanical properties of hot-pressed Al2O3-ZrO2 composites with regard to shock treatment. Improved mechanical properties were occasionally found in shock-treated and hot-pressed whisker-reinforced alumina, although a direct relationship with shock pressure was not observed. The improvement was attributed to decreased whisker aspect ratios upon shock treatment, leading to enhanced microstructural uniformity.
An introduction to chaos theory in CFD

The popular subject 'chaos theory' has captured the imagination of a wide variety of scientists and engineers. CFD has always been faced with nonlinear systems and it is natural to assume that nonlinear dynamics will play a role at sometime in such work. This paper will attempt to introduce some of the concepts and analysis procedures associated with nonlinear dynamics theory. In particular, results from computations of an airfoil at high angle of attack which exhibits a sequence of bifurcations for single frequency unsteady shedding through period doublings cascading into low dimensional chaos are used to present and demonstrate various aspects of nonlinear dynamics in CFD.
3D level set esophagus segmentation in thoracic CT images using spatial, appearance and shape models

We propose a 3D segmentation algorithm to locate the esophagus in thoracic CT scans using a learning based approach. To ease the training data requirement and allow maximum inter-subject flexibility, we built a simple algorithm based on normalization to anatomical reference points to match a training set of thoracic CTs instead of a full statistical registration based on neighboring structures. We use spatial and appearance models to locate the centerline. We build a shape model by subtracting the centerline and applying PCA to the training data sets. The shape model includes a mean shape plus the weighted combination of modes. To locate the esophageal wall, we optimize a cost function including terms for appearance, shape model, smoothness constraints and air/contrast model using a 3D level set framework.
A Hybrid Micromachined High -Q Cavity Resonator at 5.8 GHz

A novel hybrid micromachined resonator with high quality factor and small size at 5.8GHz is presented. The design of the resonator is based on a micromachined cavity filled with a high dielectric constant material. Energy is coupled into the cavity from input and output microstrip lines via slots. It is shown experimentally that the limiting factor in achieving a higher Q with the given dielectric materials is the dielectric loss. This resonator provides a low cost, minimum size and compact solution for the fabrication of planar, narrow-band filters and diplexers in modern wireless communication systems.