cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin II type 1 receptor polymorphisms and susceptibility to hypertension: A HuGE review

The angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1) plays an integral role in blood pressure control, and is implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Polymorphisms within this gene have been extensively studied in association with hypertension; however, findings are conflicting. To clarify these data, we conducted a systematic review of association studies of AGTR1 polymorphisms and hypertension, and performed a meta-analysis of the rs5186 variant. Results show that the currently available literature is too heterogeneous to draw meaningful conclusions. The definition of hypertension and gender composition of individual studies helps to explain this heterogeneity. Although the structure and splicing pattern of AGTR1 would suggest a likely effect of polymorphisms within the promoter region on gene function, few studies have been conducted thus far. In conclusion, there is insufficient evidence that polymorphisms in the AGTR1 gene are risk factors for hypertension. However, most studies are inadequately powered, and larger well-designed studies of haplotypes are warranted.
Ca2+ activated and pH sensitive cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase in the nervous system of the mollusc Pleurobranchaea.

Abstract Regulation of cyclic AMP through its synthesis is known to be important in modulating the activity of molluscan neurons; however, no data exists regarding the regulation of cyclic AMP degradation. We find that cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity in homogenates of the nervous system of the molluscPleurobranchea is significantly stimulated by calcium ion. Ca2+ stimulation is suppressed by the calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine (TFP), indicating resemblance to the Ca2+-calmodulin PDEs of mammalian neurons. Ca2+ also accentuates the pH sensitivity of PDE. The qualities of Ca2+ and pH sensitivity of PDE are fitted into a model for cAMP regulation of neuronal activity in an identified feeding command neuron; the postulated role of PDE is consistent with effects of cAMP, TFP, and pH on the neuron's activity.
Race, Class, and Values in Post-New Deal Presidential Politics: Inverted Class Loyalties as a Trend in Presidential Elections, 2000–2012

This article analyzes the role of race, class, and values as a determinant of voting behavior in recent presidential elections. Over the past decade the What's the Matter with Kansas? thesis has been cited to argue that the culture wars over social issues (civil rights, homosexual rights, feminism, gun control) have inverted the class determinant of partisan choice to the point where lower-income white voters favor the Republican Party while professionals have shifted toward the Democratic Party. The article concludes that there is significant evidence that the class loyalties as determinants of partisan identity established by the New Deal have been superseded by values-driven imperatives, which are themselves trumped by racial identities. As a result, traditionally Democratic pre-materialist white blue-collar constituencies have moved toward the Republican Party, while the opposite has occurred in traditionally Republican post-materialist suburban constituencies.
Synthesis of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-6-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-d-galactopyranose and o-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-6-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-α-d-galactopyranoside

Acetalation of o-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranoside with p-methoxybenzaldehyde-zinc chloride complex afforded the 4,6-O-(p-methoxybenzylidene) derivative (1). Acetylation of 1 with pyridine-acetic anhydride gave the crystalline monoacetate (2), the acetal group of which was cleaved by brief treatment with hot, 80% aqueous acetic acid to furnish the diol (3). The 1H-n.m.r. spectra of both 2 and 3 supported their overall structures. Glycosylation of 3 with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl bromide (5) in 1:1 nitromethane-benzene, in the presence of mercuric cyanide, afforded the disaccharide derivative (6). O-Deacetylation of 6 in methanolic sodium methoxide gave the title disaccharide (8). A similar glycosylation of benzyl 2-acetamido-3-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranoside with bromide 5, followed by O-deacetylation of the resulting intermediate, produced disaccharide 9. The structures of 8 and 9 were confirmed by 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy. Hydrogenolysis of the benzyl aglycon of 9 gave the free disaccharide 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-6-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-D-galactopyranose (13). The 13C-n.m.r. spectrum of 13 is recorded, and discussed in conjunction with those of the beta-(1----3)- and the beta-(1----4)-linked isomers.
A conceptual look at the strategic resource dynamics of public affairs

The goal of this paper is to build an understanding of core public affairs resources, their development and their relationship to competitive advantage. The perspective employed is that of the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm and the resources associated with public affairs are viewed in strategic terms. Public affairs is conceptualized as a dynamic capability whose function is to ‘catalyse’ latent socio-political resources into operational ones that can be used in pursuit of sustainable competitive advantage. The types and development of public affairs resources are described. A model of the dynamics of resource development and exploitation is offered, along with simple typologies of the major operational resource categories of access and legitimacy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From hypocalcemia to hypercalcemia-an unusual clinical presentation of a patient with permanent postsurgical hypoparathyroidism.

Context: Hypercalcemia associated with lymphomas can be secondary to increased calcitriol [1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3], PTHrP, or osteolytic metastases. Objective: A case of calcitriol-mediated hypercalcemia secondary to non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a patient with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism is presented. Design and Setting: Single patient managed at a tertiary health care facility in the United States. Patient: A 55-year-old white woman had a total thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation for a 3.5-cm follicular carcinoma. Surgery was complicated by permanent hypoparathyroidism treated with calcium, calcitriol, and cholecalciferol. For over 16 years she had no evidence of either residual thyroid tissue in the neck or metastasis. Her corrected serum calcium levels were appropriately maintained in the low-normal range. During a routine clinic visit, she had mild hypercalcemia; calcium and cholecalciferol were reduced by 50%, while calcitriol was continued. Two weeks later, she presented with nausea, abdominal pain,...
Integrated simulation environment for unmanned autonomous systems: towards a conceptual framework

The paper initiates a comprehensive conceptual framework for an integrated simulation environment for unmanned autonomous systems (UAS) that is capable of supporting the design, analysis, testing, and evaluation from a "system of systems" perspective. The paper also investigates the current state of the art of modeling and performance assessment of UAS and their components and identifies directions for future developments. All the components of a comprehensive simulation environment focused on the testing and evaluation of UAS are identified and defined through detailed analysis of current and future required capabilities and performance. The generality and completeness of the simulation environment is ensured by including all operational domains, types of agents, external systems, missions, and interactions between components. The conceptual framework for the simulation environment is formulated with flexibility, modularity, generality, and portability as key objectives. The development of the conceptual framework for the UAS simulation reveals important aspects related to the mechanisms and interactions that determine specific UAS characteristics including complexity, adaptability, synergy, and high impact of artificial and human intelligence on system performance and effectiveness.
Unpowered antenna sensor for crack detection and measurement

This paper presents an unpowered wireless sensor for crack detection and monitoring. The sensor is based on the principle of microstrip patch antenna, which is essentially an electromagnetic cavity that radiates at certain resonant frequencies. These resonant frequencies are sensitive to the dimensions of the antenna patch as well as the electrical properties of its ground plane. If a metallic structure serves as the ground plane of the patch antenna, crack development in the metallic structure will cause the resonant frequencies of the patch antenna to shift. Therefore, by measuring the resonant frequencies of the antenna, crack presence in a metallic structure can be quantitatively characterized. Remote interrogation of the antenna sensor using a microwave radar system is explained. Fabrication and characterization of the antenna sensor for crack monitoring is presented.
Determination and delineation of nodal target volumes for head-and-neck cancer based on patterns of failure in patients receiving definitive and postoperative IMRT.

Abstract Purpose: We present the guidelines for target volume determination and delineation of head-and-neck lymph nodes based on the analysis of the patterns of nodal failure in patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods and Materials: Data pertaining to the natural course of nodal metastasis for each head-and-neck cancer subsite were reviewed. A system was established to provide guidance for nodal target volume determination and delineation. Following these guidelines, 126 patients (52 definitive, 74 postoperative) were treated between February 1997 and December 2000 with IMRT for head-and-neck cancer. The median follow-up was 26 months (range 12–55), and the patterns of nodal failure were analyzed. Results: These guidelines define the nodal target volume based on the location of the primary tumor and the probability of microscopic metastasis to the ipsilateral and contralateral (Level I–V) nodal regions. Following these guidelines, persistent or recurrent nodal disease was found in 6 (12%) of 52 patients receiving definitive IMRT, and 7 (9%) of 74 patients receiving postoperative IMRT had failure in the nodal region. Conclusion: On the basis of our clinical experience in implementing inverse-planning IMRT for head-and-neck cancer, we present guidelines using a simplified, but clinically relevant, method for nodal target volume determination and delineation. The intention was to provide a foundation that enables different institutions to exchange clinical experiences in head-and-neck IMRT. These guidelines will be subject to future refinement when the clinical experience in head-and-neck IMRT advances.
Development and Evolution of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Depressed Adolescents

Since the 1980’s cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been developed and tested with adolescents experiencing depression. Early studies demonstrated that CBT was more effective than no intervention for young people with depressive symptoms. Beginning in the 1990’s CBT has been proven to be efficacious for adolescents with diagnosed depressive disorders, specifically Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). A series of increasingly challenging and methodologically rigorous trials showed that CBT was an effective intervention for mild to moderate MDD, and enhanced the benefits of anti-depressant medication, even for those adolescents who had already failed to respond to an initial medication. Simultaneously, some limitations of CBT were suggested by these studies. Results of CBT alone were not encouraging with severely depressed adolescents, and the combination of CBT plus medication was not uniformly supported. As CBT investigators worked with more challenging, complex clinical cases, such as depressed adolescents who were abusing substances or engaging in suicidal or self-harm behaviors, standard components of CBT were augmented by increased emphasis placed on emotion regulation, safety planning, and by more intensive outpatient treatment models. Newer developments include “third wave” models, which have shown initial promise.
Constrained optimization by radial basis function interpolation for high-dimensional expensive black-box problems with infeasible initial points

This article develops two new algorithms for constrained expensive black-box optimization that use radial basis function surrogates for the objective and constraint functions. These algorithms are called COBRA and Extended ConstrLMSRBF and, unlike previous surrogate-based approaches, they can be used for high-dimensional problems where all initial points are infeasible. They both follow a two-phase approach where the first phase finds a feasible point while the second phase improves this feasible point. COBRA and Extended ConstrLMSRBF are compared with alternative methods on 20 test problems and on the MOPTA08 benchmark automotive problem (D.R. Jones, Presented at MOPTA 2008), which has 124 decision variables and 68 black-box inequality constraints. The alternatives include a sequential penalty derivative-free algorithm, a direct search method with kriging surrogates, and two multistart methods. Numerical results show that COBRA algorithms are competitive with Extended ConstrLMSRBF and they generally outp...
Colored monopole and strong CP

Abstract A systematic application of the collective coordinate method to quantization of spontaneously broken gauge theories with fermions, such as GUTs, in the monopole sector is presented. Usual and unusual charge properties of the ground state GUT monopole induced by CP violation, and in particular by the fact that θ QCD ≠ θ EM , are studied. In the presence of axions, semiclassically the ground state of GUT monopole is an actual realization of a spherical color-capacitor with the capacitance controlled by the magnitude of the Peccei-Quinn symmetry breaking scale. The “vacuum” around it is characterized by strongly enhanced (strong) CP violation and extends considerably far outside the monopole core. The effect of light fermions is studied in some detail. The possibility that even in the presence of axions (i.e. θ QCD =0) there might be a non-vanishing and, in general, order-one color electric charge on the monopole ground state is pointed out.
Patchy deletion of Bmpr1a potentiates proximal pulmonary artery remodeling in mice exposed to chronic hypoxia

Reduced vascular expression of bone morphogenetic protein type IA receptor (Bmpr1a) has been found in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Our previous studies in mice with patchy deletion of Bmpr1a in vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiac myocytes showed decreased distal vascular remodeling despite a similar severity of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH). We speculate increased stiffness from ectopic deposition of collagen in proximal pulmonary arteries might account for HPH. Pulsatile pressure-flow relationships were measured in isolated, ventilated, perfused lungs of SM22α;TRE-Cre;R26R;Bmpr1a(flox/flox) (KO) mice and wild-type littermates, following 21 days (hypoxia) and 0 days (control) of chronic hypoxia. Pulmonary vascular impedance, which yields insight into proximal and distal arterial remodeling, was calculated. Reduced Bmpr1a expression had no effect on input impedance Z(0) (P = 0.52) or characteristic impedance Z(C) (P = 0.18) under control conditions; it also had no effect on the decrease in Z(0) via acute rho kinase inhibition. However, following chronic hypoxia, reduced Bmpr1a expression increased Z(C) (P < 0.001) without affecting Z(0) (P = 0.72). These results demonstrate that Bmpr1a deficiency does not significantly alter the hemodynamic function of the distal vasculature or its response to chronic hypoxia but larger, more proximal arteries are affected. In particular, reduced Bmpr1a expression likely decreased dilatation and increased stiffening in response to hypoxia, probably by collagen accumulation. Increased PA stiffness can have a significant impact on right ventricular function. This study illustrates for the first time how proximal pulmonary artery changes in the absence of distal pulmonary artery changes contribute to pulmonary arterial hypertension.
A Mule Cloned from Fetal Cells by Nuclear Transfer

Nuclear transfer was used to produce a cloned mule, a sterile hybrid equine species. Mules result from breeding a male donkey ( Equus asinus , 62 chromosomes) with a female horse ( Equus caballus , 64 chromosomes), producing an animal with 63 chromosomes. Equine cloning has been hampered by a lack
Hollywood and radio: competition and partnership in the 1930s

(1984). Hollywood and radio: competition and partnership in the 1930s. Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 125-141.
Low-temperature deposition of carbon nitride films from a molecular azide, (C3N3)(N3)3

Abstract We report the lowest-temperature chemical vapor deposition process for the growth of amorphous carbon nitride (CN x ) films. The precursor, triazidotriazine or (C 3 N 3 )(N 3 ) 3 , contains only CN or NN bonds, and evaporates and decomposes to carbon nitride films by 250 °C. Infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) show that the amorphous films have primarily sp 2 -bonded structures with some retention of the precursor aromatic triazine ring (C 3 N 3 ) character. Auger and XPS results show that the film composition is near CN 1.5 (C 3 N 4.5 ). Electron microscopy demonstrates that the CN x films have small particle domains near 50 nm and some porosity. The films exhibit strong UV absorption and weak photoluminescent emission below 500 nm.
Targeting therapy with central venous access devices.

Central venous access devices Zero in on your in managing these common I.V. catheters so you can protect your patient from complications.
Learning from hints in neural networks

Abstract Learning from examples is the process of taking input-output examples of an unknown function ƒ and infering an implementation of ƒ. Learning from hints allows for general information about ƒ to be used instead of just input-output examples. We introduce a method for incorporating any invariance hint about ƒ in any descent method for learning from examples. We also show that learning in a neural network remains NP-complete with a certain, biologically plausible, hint about the network. We discuss the information value and the complexity value of hibts.
BIOTIN DEFICIENCY AND THE SPARING EFFECT OF NORDIHYDROGUAIARETIC ACID IN NEUROSPORA CRASSA

The requirement of wild-type Neurospora crassa for biotin in growth and survival was examined. Extensional growth rates during biotin depletion were measured. With egg-white avidin to sequester trace biotin contamination in purified medium, the requirement was absolute. The presence of the free radical scavenger, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), enhanced growth rate during either moderate or severe biotin limitation. Conidia did not undergo biotinless death, even in the presence of avidin. Apparently, endogenous biotin concentration was sufficient for survival. Since biotin is a cofactor for fatty acid synthesis and biotin deficiency depletes the cellular lipid content, the results of these experiments are consistent with the hypothesis that nutritional deficiencies in lipid and membrane synthesis leading to synthesis of abnormal membranes promote excessive lipid peroxidation and free radical damage and, consequently, cellular senescence. Inhibition of these processes by NDGA therefore enhances the cellular growth rate with limiting biotin.
Delta sleep inducing peptide (DSIP) stimulates the release of LH but not FSH via a hypothalamic site of action in the rat

Long term ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraventricularly (3rd ventricle) with 5 μg (2 μl) of DSIP. This caused a significant elevation (p=0.01) of LH levels within 30 min. The values remained elevated for 2 hr; however, FSH levels remained unchanged. The minimal effective dose of DSIP to evoke this effect was 1 μg. If plasma LH was lowered by pretreatment of the animals with estradiol, the 5 μg dose evoked an even greater effect to elevate LH significantly at 30 and 60 min following its intraventricular injection. To determine the site of action of DSIP, dispersed, overnight cultured pituitary cells from OVX rats were incubated with varying concentrations (10−7 to 10−12 M) of DSIP in an in vitro system. There was no response to DSIP from the cells in the above system. To evaluate its possible action on the hypothalamus, median eminence (ME) fragments from male rats were incubated in vitro with DSIP in varying concentrations from 10−7 to 10−10 M. There was a significant (p<0.001) increase in LHRH released from the ME at a concentration of DSIP of 10−7 M. A sleep-related increase in LH release is seen during puberty in man. It is possible that DSIP released within the hypothalamus may play a physiological role in sleep-related LH release.
Pectin degradation in ripening and wounded fruits

Pectin depolymerization during fruit ripening has been shown to be largely due to pectinolytic enzymes, including polygalacturonases (E.C. 3.2.1.15) and pectinmethylesterases (E.C. 3.2.1.11). Studies have shown that these enzymes are not the primary determinants of softening, although participation in texture changes during the late stages of ripening seems evident. Pectin depolymerization differs significantly between various fruit types, notably avocado and tomato, even though levels of extractable PG activity in these fruits are similar. Collective evidence indicates that the activities of some cell wall enzymes are restricted in vivo, with maximum hydrolytic potential expressed only in response to tissue disruption or wounding. In contrast, other enzymes reported to participate in pectin degradation, notably b-galactosidases/exo-galactanases, exhibit in vitro activity far below that anticipated to be required for the loss of cell wall galactosyl residues during ripening. Factors controlling in vivo hydrolysis have not been fully explored but might include apoplastic pH, cell wall inorganic ion levels, non-enzymic proteins including the noncatalytic b-subunit and expansins, wall porosity, and steric hindrances. Recent studies of cell wall metabolism during ripening have demonstrated an orderly process involving, in the early stages, cell wall relaxation and hemicellulose degradation followed, in the later stages, by pectin depolymerization. A limited number of studies have indicated that radical oxygen species generated either enzymically or non-enzymically might participate in scission of pectins and other polysaccharides during ripening and other developmental processes. Similar mechanisms might also occur in response to wounding, an event typically followed by an oxidative burst. Cell wall degradation as influenced by physical wounding could be of particular relevance to the deterioration of lightly processed fruits.
iPSC Reprogramming from Human Peripheral Blood Using Sendai Virus Mediated Gene Transfer

This protocol allows efficient generation of integration-free iPS cells from a small amount of peripheral blood (<1 ml). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are cultured to expand the erythroblast (EB) population. They are then used to derive iPS cells using four recombinant Sendai viral vectors (CytotuneTM, Life Technologies), expressing the four reprogramming factors Oct4, Sox2, Kfl4 and c-Myc.
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC ASSESSMENT OF PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY in CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE (CRF)

Peripheral nerve function is frequently altered in CRF although clinical manifestations in children are rare. For assessment of uremic neuropathy the measurement of motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) has widely been used. In an earlier study we failed to find a correlation between MNCV and severity of CRF. In the present study a more sensitive neurographic parameter has been applied: the relative refractory period as estimated by neuromuscular reaction to paired stimuli (NMRPS). This method was tested in 24 children with CRF on conservative treatment(CT), 11 pts immediately before and after a haemodialysis(HD) session and 13 pts after transplantation(TP). In CT a correlation was found between some parameters of NMRPS and serum creatinine(SCR). The changes of NMRPS correlated even better with those of SCR during a HD session. After TP a significant improvement of MNCV was observed whereas NMRPS was unchanged. These data suggest that 1) NMRPS is a sensitive parameter of uremic neuropathy which might be used to control adequacy of therapy, 2) short term improvement of neuroaxonal function occurs by HD, 3) long-term improvement of myelin sheeth function is induced after TP.
Cyclical serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations paralleling sunshine exposure in exclusively breast-fed infants

D'apres les dosages sanguins effectues a 1, 3, 6 et 12 mois chez 25 enfants dont 13 sont nes en ete et 12 en hiver, qui tous ont ete nourris exclusivement au sein jusqu'a 6 mois, des differences saisonnieres importantes des taux seriques de 25 OHD sont observees en coincidence avec les differences d'ensoleillement. La supplementation en vitamine D des enfants blancs nourris au sein ne serait pas necessaire si l'ensoleillement est suffisant
Mutational analysis of leucine 47 in human epidermal growth factor.

Seven site-specific mutants (including changes to other hydrophobic, charged, and heterocyclic amino acids) of leucine 47 of human epidermal growth factor (EGF) were generated by protein engineering and characterized for their activity in three assays: radioreceptor competition binding in membrane fractions, the stimulation of the EGF receptor's tyrosine kinase activity, and the stimulation of thymidine uptake in tissue culture cells. K½ (concentration required for half maximum response) values for each of the mutants are reported in the three assays. The results show that the native leucine residue is quite important for EGF activity. Substitutions are tolerated to different degrees, depending upon hydrophobicity and size of the side chain. Substitution with ionic residues led to the most drastic reduction in activity. One-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, at physiological pH, of several of the mutants did not detect any major structural perturbations which would account for the loss of activity. The results suggest that the side chain of leucine 47, because of its charge neutrality, size, and hydrophobicity, is highly important, although not absolutely essential for the interaction of EGF with its receptor. A striking finding was the lower (compared with wild type) Vmax values of the mutants in the tyrosine kinase reaction, but these low Vmax mutants, in cell culture experiments, were able to stimulate at high concentrations a growth response equivalent to wild type EGF.
Barriers to ‘US Style’ lean retailing: the case of Wal-Mart's failure in Germany

Wal-Mart’s exit from the German market in 2006 after 10 years of attempting to achieve sustainable competitive advantage contributes an interesting case to the small but expanding literature on ‘failure’ in international investment. The work on the disinvest decision in all its forms has been critical to a re-conceptualization of the international investment process as dynamic rather than static, linear and inexorable. An important segment of the work on investment and disinvestment as dynamic processes focuses on the environment in which investment and disinvestment decisions evolve. While the environment of the host country market has begun to be examined, the market environment of the country in which the retail transnational corporation (TNC) originates also affects the international disinvestment process. To explore this ‘home country effect’, I examine the resources Wal-Mart brought into the German market and their ability to use those resources in the German context. WalMart’s resources were shaped by the market governance regime in which the firm evolved, and not insignificantly, over which it had and has influence. Within this theoretical frame, Wal-Mart’s reliance on the resources of network dominance and autonomous action that made for its success in the USA contributed to unsuccessful strategies in the German retailing market.
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-depolymerase from Pseudomonas lemoignei: catalysis of esterifications in organic media.

Lipase catalysis in nonaqueous media is recognized as a powerful tool in organic and more recently polymer synthesis. Even though none of the currently known polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) depolymerases have lipase activity, they do have a catalytic center that resembles that of lipases. Motivated by the above, the potential of using the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), PHB, depolymerase from Psuedomonas lemoignei in organic media to catalyze ester-forming reactions was investigated. The effect of different organic solvents (benzene-d6, cyclohexane-d12, and acetonitrile-d3) on the activity of the PHB-depolymerase toward propylation of l-lactide was studied. A significant difference in the catalytic rate was observed as a function of solvent polarity. The selectivity of the PHB-depolymerase (P. lemoignei) to catalyze the propylation of a series of different lactones including e-caprolactone, δ-butyrolactone, γ-butyrolactone, and d, l, meso, and racemic lactides has been studied with the PHB-depolymerase (P. lemoignei)...
High‐performance PET fibers via liquid isothermal bath high‐speed spinning: Fiber properties and structure resulting from threadline modification and posttreatment

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers with improved mechanical properties and dimensional stability were spun via controlled threadline dynamics by a liquid isothermal bath (LIB) spinning process, followed by postdrawing and annealing. Control fibers were made by unperturbed spinning and posttreatment similar to a traditional spin—draw process. The two sets of as-spun fibers were spun at take-up speed in the range of 2000–5000 m/min. Fiber properties of the as-spun fibers and posttreated fibers of each process were compared. Two commercial tire cords, i.e., conventional tire cord and low shrinkage tire cord, were also included. Unlike unperturbed spinning, the LIB as-spun fibers show unique structural properties of high amorphous orientation, low crystallinity, high strength, and high initial modulus. Moreover, noncrystalline chains are further extended during posttreatment. The posttreated LIB fibers exhibit mechanical properties with tenacity higher than approximately 9 g/d, initial modulus higher than 120 g/d, and ultimate elongation less than approximately 10%. They also demonstrate superior dimensional stability with thermal shrinkage less than 6% and LASE-5 higher than 5 g/d. The overall properties are not obtainable by either the traditional spin—draw process or any modified process that produces low shrinkage tire cord. Unlike the case for unperturbed fibers, the mechanical properties of the posttreated LIB fibers demonstrate a strong/dependency on the birefringence of their respective as-spun fibers. There are at least three significant pieces of evidence that strongly indicate the existence of a third phase, referred to as the taut—tie noncrystalline phase (TTNC), in addition to the traditional two-phase model, i.e., crystalline and random amorphous phases. A unique feature involving a high fraction of taut—tie noncrystalline phase (TTNC %) in the LIB as-spun and the posttreated fibers is also found and which is, in fact, achieved neither by the traditional spin—draw nor the commercial tire cord processes. Further, different from the posttreated unperturbed fibers, the posttreated LIB fibers have an enhanced fraction of taut—tie noncrystalline chains with shorter length, which is believed to be one of the important factors leading to the superior mechanical properties and excellent dimensional stability achieved. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 66: 2441–2455, 1997
Too Many Excuses for Not Teaching in the Operating Room and One Simple Solution: Faculty Feedback

Surgical residentsareperforming feweroperations.1Bothsurgical trainees2 and program directors3 are concerned about graduating residents’ readiness to enter practice andability to perform procedures independently after completing residency. As a result, the importance of effective intraoperative teaching is coming into greater focus. While declining resident duty hours are frequently cited as the etiologyof these concerns, this explanation alone is too simplistic. Thereareother significantobstacles thatdisrupt intraoperative resident education. The unstructured operative experience; intoleranceof errors; the realities of the financial landscape; and the everpresent push for greater efficiency all have a significant negative impact on education. Finally, there has also been a fundamental disruption in the sequence of resident training, with assignments frequently based on coverage needs rather than the educational benefit to the trainee. As a result, junior residents are frequently assigned to complexoperations forwhich they are illprepared and fromwhich they reap little educational benefit. While these obstacles are real, they do not relieve the faculty of their educational obligation. The focus of this article by Anderson et al4 on improving faculty performance is an important contribution to the literature. The current educational model requires faculty surgeons with little formal training in the art of teaching to assume the bulk of responsibility for surgical education. Focusing on the perioperative briefing and debriefing periods, the most important finding was that simply providing feedback data to faculty without any other intervention resulted in a 250% improvement. In the era of limited resources, this approach could be easily applied to all types of clinical training at essentially no cost. The final phase of this study, which required the residents to actively seek feedback, proves that creating an educational culture is achievable; a follow-up study to confirm the sustainability of these findings would strengthen this assertion.
The project must count: Fostering positive attitudes toward the conduct of research

Recent years have witnessed increasing concern on the part of the psychological community regarding the effects of research practices on subjects. Although considerable research has been directed at the impact of debriefing on eliminating harmful effects, little attention has been given to factors that influence subjects’ perceptions of the conduct of research. Subjects (n = 406) in the present study read descriptions of six actual experiments which involved deception and stress. Subject status (volunteer vs. nonvolunteer) and scientific value of the research (widespread vs. limited use of results) dimensions were manipulated. Subjects rated each described experiment as ethical or nonethical. Analyses of these ratings indicated that potential subjects had a significant concern over the scientific value of the research, especially in cases where stress or discomfort were involved. Experimenters interested in fostering positive attitudes toward the conduct of research would be wise to take this factor into consideration in dealing with subjects.
Africa Shifts Focus from Infrastructure to Interconnection

Implementing the Internet across multiple countries in Africa is a complex process that requires participation, training, and collaboration at the local, national, and international level from governments, individual users, and IT providers. The authors report on some of the work happening that's allowing people to interconnect on many levels.
3D shortcuts to gene regulation

Recent technologies have allowed high-resolution genome-wide binding profiles of numerous transcription factors and other proteins. A widespread observation has emerged from studies in diverse mammalian systems: most binding events are located at great distances from gene promoters. It is becoming apparent that the traditional one-dimensional view of gene regulation via the proximal cis regulatory elements is over-simplified. True proximity and functional relevance can be revealed by studying the three-dimensional structure of the genome packaged inside the nucleus. Thus the spatial architecture of the genome has attracted a lot of interest and has intensified its significance in modern cell biology. Here we discuss current methods, concepts, and controversies in this rapidly evolving field.
Investigating cognitive abilities in animals: unrealized potential

Cognitive abilities related to learning ability and intelligence involve 8 levels of fundamental processes. Any and all of such cognitive abilities reduce to these 8 levels or to combinations of them. The 8 levels are hierarchical because lower levels, generally, are prerequisites for higher levels. An animal's general cognitive ability is determined by how many of the fundamental processes it can use. Although the processes are hierarchical, an animal will use all processes available to it in serial or in parallel as the situation requires. A perusal of contemporary journals' contents will show that behavioral neuroscientists, including behavioral pharmacologists, rarely study cognitive abilities that require the use of processes at the highest 4 levels. Yet, all vertebrates may be capable of using level-5 processes, and several avian and mammalian species have been shown to use level-6 processes. The use of level-7 processes has been shown in non-human primates and likely can be shown in non-primate species, too. The present article provides an overview of the basic cognitive processes as well as types of tasks that might be used to investigate the neural correlates or substrates of higher cognitive processes in animals. Unless and until better measures of cognitive ability are used, a vast potential for research will be unrealized.
Kin selection and gorilla reproduction

Surveys on captive gorillas indicate that males at the blackback (subadult) age are capable of reproducing, and often do. Such information further suggests that male reproductive success decreases dramatically after reaching adulthood at approximately 13 years of age. Field data support the present hypothesis that this early breeding behavior is not idiosyncratic, but a reproductive strategy based on kin selection. The dominant male permits subadult and subordinate males to remain in the troop, breed with receptive females and assist in infant defens. Infanticide is practiced by adult males during aggressive intertroop encounters to hasten the female's return to receptivity, and thereby facilitate her transfer to their troop. The proposed hypothesis and a review of current field data are used to develop criteria for a captive breeding plan.
Curving cross joints and the lithospheric stress field in eastern North America

Cross joints are late-formed nonsystematic fractures that extend across intervals between systematic joints. Traces of such cross joints are seen on bedding-plane surfaces of Devonian Catskill clastic sedimentary rocks of the Appalachian Plateau of western New York State, where the maximum horizontal principal stress (S H ) is oriented ∼N65°E, as indicated by in situ stress measurements. Between pairs of closely spaced systematic joints, traces of cross joints are commonly planar and orthogonal to the preexisting joints. However, in the mid-region between some widely spaced systematic joints in western New York, cross joints strike parallel to the S H of the present lithospheric stress field, but then curve to abut the preexisting joints at right angles. A curving trace reflects a local perturbation of the regional stress field in the vicinity of preexisting joints, and the perpendicular termination indicates that the preexisting joints were open. Depending on their age, the strike of the mid-region of curving cross joints denotes the orientation of either the neotectonic stress field or its Tertiary predecessor in the North American lithosphere.
Postoperative radiotherapy for insecure or positive surgical margins in head and neck cancer.

Abstract Purpose: Our goal was to determine dose adequacy in postoperative irradiation for insecure or positive resection margins in patients with head and neck cancer. Methods: A retrospective medical chart review was performed in 36 consecutive patients with “close” or “positive” surgical margins who were treated with radiation after definitive surgery for cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract during a 20-year period. Results: The 5-year estimated overall and disease-free survival rates were 25%. The overall locoregional failure rate was 15%. The failure rate in the primary tumor bed and upper neck was 25% with an administered total dose of less than 60 Gy and 8% with 60 Gy or more; the relapse rate in the lower neck was 3%. Of several factors examined as predictors for locoregional recurrence, none proved to be of significance. Conclusion: The observations from this study warrant data from prospective randomized trials before a definitive recommendation of postoperative radiotherapy dose escalation in cases of insecure or positive surgical margins is made. © 2003 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 61:425-429, 2003
Activity profiles of carcinogenicity data: application in hazard identification and risk assessment.

Abstract Animal cancer data play a primary role in human risk assessment due to the limited epidemiological data. The current database of test results from the NCI/NTP rodent bioassays provide valuable information concerning the carcinogenic potential of hundreds of environmental agents. An approach is presented to reduce and graphically display these data as activity profiles to allow visualization and assessment of tumor response trends across multiple parameters, e.g. species, sex, target site, and route of exposure. Spreadsheet graphics are used to construct the profiles organized on the multiple parameters of carcinogenicity in a format that enables comparative analysis among chemicals. Several example applications are described to illustrate the value of activity profiles in hazard identification and risk assessment. The NCI/NTP data used in developing this concept are from the Carcinogen Potency Database (CPDB) compiled by Gold et al. (Environ. Health Perspect. 103 (Suppl. 8) (1995) 3–122). Computer links to the underlying details in the CPDB are maintained such that specific histopathologies at individual tumor sites, duration of the study, dose–response data, and notes related to diet, survival, treatments, and the authors evaluation are available to aid in the assessment process. The profiles display carcinogen potency based on the tumorigenic dose rate 50 (TD 50 ), i.e. the chronic dose rate that would induce tumors in half of the test animals at the end of their standard lifespan adjusting for spontaneous tumors. The TD 50 values provide an index for establishing a relative potency ranking of the chemicals for any specific parameter, such as species or target site. An example ranking of hepatocarcinogens is presented to illustrate relative potencies for chemical analogs. The rank order indicates that the degree and type of halogenation of alkanes has a direct bearing on the carcinogenic potency of these compounds.
Specifying the security properties of communications systems

The purpose of this paper is to stimulate discussion of techniques for specifying the security related services offered at a protocol layer interface. While some "strawman" specifications are presented, the main intent is to convince the reader that this is an interesting area for further investigation.
On the thermodynamic potential expressed as a trace over scattering phases and occupation numbers

Abstract A formula is presented which expresses the thermodynamic potential as a trace over the product of occupation numbers and a phase operator referring to the transitions among the “excitations” associated with the absorbtive parts of the many body single particle propagators. The entropy and the statistical average of each conserved, non-spontaneously violated, charge are given simply by appropriately differentiating the occupation numbers appearing in the trace. The formula is a generalization to arbitrary temperature and density of a previously discussed formula (Ref. [2]) relating the thermodynamic potential in the regime of weak degeneracy to a trace involving the logarithm of the elementary particle S -matrix. How this latter formula arises from summing up the graphs of finite temperature field theory is also discussed.
Uncertainty analysis of hygrometer-obtained water activity measurements of saturated salt slurries and food materials.

Abstract Water activity is a critical food stability parameter. Thus, assessment of the uncertainty associated with the instruments and measurement procedures used to obtain a w data is critical and can be accomplished using uncertainty analysis. Uncertainty analysis was applied to a w data obtained for two saturated salt slurries (potassium acetate and potassium chloride) and two food materials (corn flakes and grape jam) at 25 °C using a commercially available dew point hygrometer, the AquaLab 3TE. Sources of uncertainty investigated included sample and dew point temperatures, sample lot, cup volume, and sample preparation (“as is” or ground), and day to day changes. Uncertainty analysis revealed that the magnitude of the different sources of uncertainty depended on material type, but that the dew point hygrometer instrument uncertainty was always significantly smaller than each of the other sources of uncertainty investigated, except for jam cup volume, which was exceeding small. Uncertainty analysis also revealed that dew point hygrometer accuracy was better than the ±0.003 a w value reported by the manufacturer. Measurement procedures were identified that could be implemented to reduce a w measurement uncertainty for corn flake and jam food materials. The uncertainty analysis used herein can also be applied to investigate other food materials and/or instruments.
6.5.1 Information System Security Protection Levels—Enabler for a Secure Millennium National Air‐Space System

Critical infrastructures, such as the National Airspace System (NAS), offer a challenging set of information security and systems engineering problems. In 1997, the President's Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection made protecting critical infrastructures in cyberspace a part of the national agendai. Post 9/11, the flying public expects the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to apply the right level of focus to ensure safe air travel. Besides understanding the changing threat environment and managing wide-ranging vulnerabilities, progress depends on improving systems engineering approaches that unify cyber security in mammoth infrastructures such as the NAS. An important ingredient to the FAA's success lies not only in the technology, but also in the agility of corporate infrastructures that protect the NAS. Corporate security applies to the people and the processes that work behind the scenes to integrate appropriate technology and processes to obtain adequate and timely levels of security. As well, corporate security seeks sufficient funding to support the overarching goals for FAA “Information System Security (ISS) Protection Levels,” described here. The ISS Levels offer a strategy for achieving agile and survivable cyber protection for complex systems of systems.