cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changing the Way MBA Programs Do Business—Lead or Languish

Abstract The same drivers of change that affect corporate America are forcing MBA programs to re-evaluate their curriculums, course delivery methods, and internal and external relationships. Determining if, how, and when to keep up with the speed of business is becoming more important as business schools face increased competition and an ever-changing corporate climate. In this article, the author examines the needs of students and the corporate world that challenge business schools. She reviews research findings on improving business education. The article outlines considerations and strategies for facilitating changes in MBA education.
Nonlinear systems equivalent to controllable bilinear systems

Given a nonlinear analytic control system with an equilibrium point sufficient conditions are given for the existence of a one-to-one transformation to coordinates in which the system becomes bilinear, and an explicit construction is given.
A study of the effects of phosphorus on the kinetics of recrystallization and mechanical properties of Ni2Cr alloy

The recrystallization process of 50% cold-rolled Ni2Cr alloy, with phosphorus (P) contents of 0.002, 0.0017 and 0.078 wt% was investigated, in specimens annealed at temperatures from 600 to 100° C, for times ranging from 10 to 60 min, as functions of surface hardness and microstructure change. It was found that annealing at temperatures below 700° C for times less than 30 min resulted in an increase in hardness from about 430 to 50 KH, depending on the phosphorus content. This increase was thought to be due to interactions between dislocations and the strain fields of impurity atoms such as phosphorus. It was also found that phosphorus increases the activation energy of the recovery and recrystallization process, from about 23 to 27 kcal mol−1 for low and medium phosphorus material to 43 kcal mol−1 for high phosphorus material. The effects of thermomechanical treatment and order transformation on the mechanical properties of Ni2Cr alloy with 0.002 and 0.078 wt% P were also studied. It was found that 50% cold-working increases the yield stress of 0.002 and 0.078 wt% P materials by 190% and 145%, respectively, compared to the solution-annealed materials. Similarly, an increase in yield stress of 106% and 85%, respectively, was observed for 0.002 and 0.078 wt% material, which was transformed to the long-range ordered condition.
Undertreatment of Hypertension in Older Mexican Americans

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of hypertension and factors associated with nontreatment and poor control of hypertension in Mexican Americans aged 65 years and older. DESIGN: A population-based survey of older Mexican Americans conducted in 1993–1994. SETTING: Subjects residing in five Southwestern states: Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and California. PARTICIPANTS: An area probability sample of 3050 non-institutionalized Mexican American men and women aged 65 and older took part in a 90-minute in-home interview, which included review of all medications taken and two sitting blood pressure measurements. OUTCOME MEASURES: Measured were previous diagnoses of hypertension, current medication for hypertension, and current blood pressure. RESULTS: Sixty-one percent of older Mexican-Americans were hypertensive, and 51% of those with hypertension were taking antihypertensive medications. Only 25% of hypertensive subjects (18% of males and 30% of females) were in good blood pressure control (i.e., systolic blood pressure <140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg). In multivariate analyses, factors associated with increased likelihood of treatment included female gender (OR = 1.9), history of heart disease (OR = 2.4), possessing a regular source of health care (OR = 2.7), and having seen a physician two or more times in the previous year (OR = 3.8). These were also independent predictors of good blood pressure control. CONCLUSION: Nontreatment of hypertension is still a major public health concern in older Mexican Americans. We estimate that adequate blood pressure control in this population would prevent approximately 30,000 adverse cardiovascular events over 10 years, affecting approximately 6% of the entire Mexican American older population.
Temperature-sensitive liposome-mediated delivery of thrombolytic agents

AbstractBackground: Clinical efficacy of thrombolytic drugs is limited by lack of specific delivery and requires large therapeutic doses which increase toxicity. Encapsulating these drugs in temperature-sensitive liposomes and applying hyperthermia to deliver thrombolytic agents locally to thrombus might theoretically favourably alter the therapeutic window. The objectives of this study were to formulate liposomes encapsulating thrombolytics and assess thrombolytic activity following hyperthermia. Methods: Three liposome formulations were investigated: temperature-sensitive liposome (TSL, DPPC:DSPE-PEG2000 (mol% 95:5)), low temperature-sensitive liposome (LTSL, DPPC:MSPC:DSPE-PEG2000 (mol% 85.3:9.7:5)), and traditional temperature-sensitive liposome (TTSL, DPPC:HSPC:Chol:DSPE-PEG2000 (mol% 55:25:15:5)). To characterise temperature-dependent release of high molecular weight cargo from each formulation, fluorescein-conjugated dextrans (70 kDa) were loaded and release was quantified via spectrophotometry. St...
Pioneer Venus Orbiter Neutral Gas Mass Spectrometer Experiment

The Pioneer Venus Orbiter Neutral Mass Spectrometer (ONMS) is designed to measure the vertical and horizontal density variations of the major neutral constituents in the upper atmosphere of Venus. The mass spectrometer sensor includes a retarding potential ion source, hyperbolic quadrupole rod analyzer, and electron multiplier detector. The supporting electronic system consists of hybrid integrated circuits to reduce weight and power. The ONMS instrument was launched aboard the Pioneer Venus Orbiter on May 20, 1978, and turned on in orbit around Venus on December 4, 1978. It has operated flawlessly for over a Venus year (243 earth days) and has returned data of the composition of the major constituents in the Venus atmosphere between the altitudes of 150 and 350 km.
Performance comparison of Transmission Network Expansion Planning under deterministic and uncertain conditions

Transmission Network Expansion plans determined considering deterministic or uncertain conditions are evaluated under demand and cost scenarios different from the original design scenarios. Performance is measured in terms of minimization of the total expected cost and the range of the operational costs over the new set of assumed scenarios. A test problem for a real network in Brazil is presented to assess the robustness of the expansion plans. It is found that transmission plans considering uncertainty performed better than plans under deterministic conditions both in terms of minimization of the total expected cost and the range of operational costs.
Assembly of an MCP receptor, CheW, and kinase CheA complex in the bacterial chemotaxis signal transduction pathway

Abstract We examined the binding interactions of the methylation-dependent chemotaxis receptors Tsr and Tar with the chemotaxis-specific protein kinase CheA and the coupling factor CheW. Receptor directly bound CheW, but receptor-CheA binding was dependent upon the presence of CheW. These observations in combination with our previous identification of a CheW-CheA complex suggest that CheW physically links the kinase to the receptor. The ternary complex of receptor, CheW, and CheA is both kinetically and thermodynamically stable at physiological concentrations. Stability is not significantly altered by changes associated with attractant or repellent binding to the receptor. Such binding greatly modulates the kinase activity of CheA. Our results demonstrate that modulation of the kinase activity does not require association—dissociation of the ternary complex. This suggests that the receptor signal is transduced through conformational changes in the ternary complex rather than through changes in the association of the kinase CheA with receptor and/or CheW.
The Human Mammary Gland as a Target for Isoflavones: How Does the Relation Vary in Individuals with Different Ethnicity?

Based on observational studies, it appears that soy food consumption provides protection against breast cancer primarily in Asian but not in Western populations. Given the problems in examining the effects of isoflavones directly in the human mammary gland, this review describes epidemiologic studies that investigated the association with biomarkers reflecting hormonal activity of isoflavones, in particular sex steroid levels, mammographic densities, nipple aspirate fluid, and tissue specimens from biopsies or surgeries. Three possible mechanisms that may be responsible for ethnic-specific health effects from these compounds are discussed: genetic variation in metabolic enzymes, timing of exposure, and intestinal metabolism by microbiota. Only a limited number of comparative studies and even fewer nutritional interventions have examined effects and addressed differences in biomarkers between Asian and Western populations. Investigations that looked at estrogens and mammographic densities as endpoints observed some associations in Asian women that were not seen in Caucasians. On the other hand, the low rate of nipple aspirate fluid production and a lack of breast tissue studies make it impossible to evaluate effects of isoflavones on these biomarkers in Asian women. Based on the current evidence, it appears likely that the timing of exposure is the most important determinant of beneficial health effects from soy foods. This may be the result of gut microbiota, which colonize the intestine during childhood and facilitates the hydrolysis of glycosides and the formation of equol from dadzein, a pathway that may result in beneficial health effects. The current evidence is insufficient to answer the question whether women of diverse ethnic groups experience distinct effects from soy isoflavones in breast tissue, but as knowledge about the role of early life nutrition and the development of gut microbiota increases, the potential for diverse metabolic pathways of isoflavones in individuals with different ethnic backgrounds and dietary exposures may be clarified.
Trimuon and Like-Sign—Dimuon Production in Neutrino Scattering

Model calculation based on associated production of charmed (and new) hadrons is presented for the characteristics of trimuon and like-sign---dimuon production in neutrino scattering. They are in general agreement with the qualitative features of the data. Discussions are given with emphasis on comparing the present model with the model based on sequential decays of heavy leptons.
The role of the egg jelly coat in protecting Hyla regilla and Bufo canorus embryos from Ultraviolet B radiation during development

Background Previous studies have suggested that Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation may play a role in amphibian population declines. Some of these studies also indicate that egg hatching success is unaltered in some species of anurans as a result of UVB exposure. It has been proposed that the egg mass jelly provides photoprotection to the developing embryos.
Malfunctions of Implantable Cardiac Devices in Patients Receiving Proton Beam Therapy: Incidence and Predictors

Purpose Photon therapy has been reported to induce resets of implanted cardiac devices, but the clinical sequelae of treating patients with such devices with proton beam therapy (PBT) are not well known. We reviewed the incidence of device malfunctions among patients undergoing PBT. Methods and Materials From March 2009 through July 2012, 42 patients with implanted cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED; 28 pacemakers and 14 cardioverter-defibrillators) underwent 42 courses of PBT for thoracic (23, 55%), prostate (15, 36%), liver (3, 7%), or base of skull (1, 2%) tumors at a single institution. The median prescribed dose was 74 Gy (relative biological effectiveness; range 46.8-87.5 Gy), and the median distance from the treatment field to the CIED was 10 cm (range 0.8-40 cm). Maximum proton and neutron doses were estimated for each treatment course. All CIEDs were checked before radiation delivery and monitored throughout treatment. Results Median estimated peak proton and neutron doses to the CIED in all patients were 0.8 Gy (range 0.13-21 Gy) and 346 Sv (range 11-1100 mSv). Six CIED malfunctions occurred in 5 patients (2 pacemakers and 3 defibrillators). Five of these malfunctions were CIED resets, and 1 patient with a defibrillator (in a patient with a liver tumor) had an elective replacement indicator after therapy that was not influenced by radiation. The mean distance from the proton beam to the CIED among devices that reset was 7.0 cm (range 0.9-8 cm), and the mean maximum neutron dose was 655 mSv (range 330-1100 mSv). All resets occurred in patients receiving thoracic PBT and were corrected without clinical incident. The generator for the defibrillator with the elective replacement indicator message was replaced uneventfully after treatment. Conclusions The incidence of CIED resets was about 20% among patients receiving PBT to the thorax. We recommend that PBT be avoided in pacing-dependent patients and that patients with any type of CIED receiving thoracic PBT be followed closely.
D2-like dopamine receptor activation excites rat dorsal raphe 5-HT neurons in vitro

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dopamine (DA) on the excitability of dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurons using the patch-clamp technique in brain slices. Bath application of DA (1-300 microM) produced a concentration-dependent membrane depolarization in all 5-HT neurons examined. This effect persisted in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX; 1 microM) and low extracellular calcium. Moreover, blockade of ionotropic glutamate receptors with 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) and 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5) did not prevent DA-induced depolarization, indicating that it was mediated by a direct effect of DA on 5-HT neurons. The DA-induced depolarization was not antagonized by selective alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonists, prazosin and WB 4101, but by a nonselective DA receptor antagonist, haloperidol. In addition, the selective D2-like receptor agonist quinpirole and antagonist sulpiride mimicked and blocked DA-induced depolarization, respectively. These results indicate that DA-induced membrane depolarization in DRN 5-HT neurons is mediated by the activation of D2-like DA receptors. The DA-induced membrane depolarization and inward current were associated with an increase in membrane conductance. Examination of the current-voltage (I-V) relationship for the DA-induced inward current revealed that the amplitude of the current increased with membrane hyperpolarization and reversed polarity at a potential near -15 mV. These data suggest that DA-induced depolarization in DRN 5-HT neurons is not mediated by a decrease in potassium conductance, but most likely by the activation of a nonselective cation current.
A comparison of immunotherapy schedules for injection treatment of ragweed pollen hay fever.

Abstract In 44 patients highly sensitive to ragweed, we compared weekly injections of single doses of ragweed extract (RW-Wk, 15 patients) with clustered doses of ragweed extract at 3-wk intervals (RW-Cl, 18 patients) and with placebo (11 patients) for effects on ragweed hay fever symptom-medication scores and immunologic variates. Patients were matched and randomly assigned to treatment groups. Ragweed doses were advanced to the highest tolerated dose. Doses and number of visits were lower in the RW-Cl group than in the RW-Wk group. Despite lower doses, systemic reactions were not reduced and antiragweed IgE levels increased significantly more in the RW-Cl group than those in the RW-Wk group. Both the RW-Cl and RW-Wk groups had significant increases in antiragweed IgG levels, decreases in seasonal rise in antiragweed IgE levels, and lower symptom-medication scores (p
Proton-decoupled phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the evaluation of native and well-functioning transplanted kidneys

Rationale and Objectives. To evaluate whether decoupling improved signal-to-noise ratio and frequency resolution of in vivo kidney spectra, and to compare native and well-functioning transplant kidneys. Methods. Proton decoupling in conjunction with three-dimensional chemical shift imaging (3D-CSI) in phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy was used with a spatial resolution of 64 cm3 and 17-minute acquisition time to compare native (n = 10) and well-functioning transplant (n = 9) kidneys. Results. Proton decoupling improved peak amplitudes by almost 30%, as well as chemical shift resolution of in vivo kidney spectra. No statistically significant differences in phosphometabolite ratios and renal spectra were observed between healthy volunteers and patients with nonrejecting transplants. The phosphodiester-phosphomonoester ration was 3.02 ± 0.88, phosphomonoester-inorganic phosphate ratio was 1.07 ± 0.44, and inorganic phosphate-adenosine triphosphate ratio was 0.58 ± 0.22 after correction for saturation effects. Conclusion. Improved spectra of native and transplant kidneys can be obtained in vivo with MR spectroscopy by using a short acquisition time.
On the Filamentary Nature of Solar Magnetic Fields

A method is presented for obtaining information about the unresolved filamentary structure of solar magnetic fields. A comparison is made of pairs of Mount Wilson magnetograph recordings made in the two spectral lines Fei 5250 A and Fei 5233 A obtained on 26 different days. Due to line weakenings and saturation in the magnetic filaments, the apparent field strengths measured in the 5250 A line are too low, while the 5233 A line is expected to give essentially correct results. From a comparison between the apparent field strengths and fluxes and their center to limb variations, we draw the following tentative conclusions: (a) More than 90 % of the total flux seen with a 17 by 17 arc sec magnetograph aperture is channeled through narrow filaments with very high field strengths in plages and at the boundaries of supergranular cells. (b) An upper limit for the interfilamentary field strength integrated over the same aperture seems to be about 3 G. (c) The field lines in a filament are confined in a very small region in the photosphere but spread out very rapidly higher up in the atmosphere. (d) All earlier Mount Wilson magnetograph data should be multiplied by a factor that is about 1.8 at the center of the disk and decreased toward the limb in order to give the correct value of the longitudinal magnetic field averaged over the scanning aperture.
Further studies on the interaction of loperamide with capacitative calcium entry in Leukemic HL‐60 cells

Loperamide at 3–10 µM has augmentative effects on calcium levels elevated by capacitative calcium entry (CCE) in leukemic HL-60 cells after release of intracellular calcium by ATP or thapsigargin (Harper et al. [1997] Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 94:14912–14917). The effect of loperamide on calcium levels was absent at a pH value of 6.8, a pH at which CCE is not active in HL-60 cells. Further investigations of HL-60 cells in recent years revealed a great reduction in the magnitude of the loperamide response. However, when preceded by a CCE blocker, namely N-methylnitrendipine (MRS 1844) or N-propargylnitrendipine (MRS 1845), loperamide caused a significant reversal of the blockade. Six structural analogs of loperamide were synthesized, but only two showed loperamide-like activity. Drug Dev. Res. 67:842–851, 2006. Published 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A parameter optimization approach for the optimal control of large-scale musculoskeletal systems.

This paper describes a computational method for solving optimal control problems involving large-scale, nonlinear, dynamical systems. Central to the approach is the idea that any optimal control problem can be converted into a standard nonlinear programming problem by parameterizing each control history using a set of nodal points, which then become the variables in the resulting parameter optimization problem. A key feature of the method is that it dispenses with the need to solve the two-point, boundary-value problem derived from the necessary conditions of optimal control theory. Gradient-based methods for solving such problems do not always converge due to computational errors introduced by the highly nonlinear characteristics of the costate variables. Instead, by converting the optimal control problem into a parameter optimization problem, any number of well-developed and proven nonlinear programming algorithms can be used to compute the near-optimal control trajectories. The utility of the parameter optimization approach for solving general optimal control problems for human movement is demonstrated by applying it to a detailed optimal control model for maximum-height human jumping. The validity of the near-optimal control solution is established by comparing it to a solution of the two-point, boundary-value problem derived on the basis of a bang-bang optimal control algorithm. Quantitative comparisons between model and experiment further show that the parameter optimization solution reproduces the major features of a maximum-height, countermovement jump (i.e., trajectories of body-segmental displacements, vertical and fore-aft ground reaction forces, displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the whole-body center of mass, pattern of lower-extremity muscular activity, jump height, and total ground contact time).
The effect of stitch type on flap tip blood flow.

Abstract Background: The 3-point corner stitch is generally used for apposition of skin flap tips to recipient wound corners. This stitch theoretically provides better blood flow, leading to improved flap tip survival, than alternative suture techniques. However, this assumption is not based on human experimental data. Objective: We tested in patients whether certain stitch types influence flap tip blood flow and necrosis. Methods: Flap tips were closed with either a 3-point corner stitch, a vertical loop stitch at the tip, or two vertical loop stitches adjacent to the tip. Blood flow was indirectly measured by means of the laser Doppler imager, and flap tips were observed for subsequent necrosis. Results: The 3-point corner stitch resulted in a higher overall mean percent flux ratio implying greater blood flow than the other stitch types used. However, none of the stitch types resulted in a large number of necrotic flap tips. Conclusion: The 3-point corner stitch provides increased blood flow to flap tips that may be critical when flap tip survival is problematic. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;44:265-72.)
After Rapture and Recapture: Transformations in the Drafts of Nabokov's Stories

Nabokov's dedicated biographer, Brian Boyd, articulated a paradoxical discrepancyparadoxical unless we remind ourselves that in Nabokov's world "commonsense" has been "shot dead"-between Nabokov's dismissive statements on the use of manuscripts by scholars, and the scrupulousness with which the writer and his intimates have preserved his archival treasures. In the preface to his annotated translation of Eugene Onegui, Nabokov preached that "rough drafts, false scents, half-explored trails, dead ends of inspiration, are of little intrinsic importance." And he continued, echoing vintage W. K. Wimsatt and Monroe C. Beardsley: "An artist should ruthlessly destroy his manuscripts after publication, lest they mislead academic mediocrities into thinking that it is possible to unravel the mysteries of genius by studying canceled readings. In art, purpose and plan are nothing; only the result counts."2 How does it feel to be treading the forbidden ledges and corridors of Nabokov's manuscripts in the company of other scholars and in spite of the master's verdict?
Comparison of the Effect of Different Platelet GPIIb/IIIa Antagonists on the Dynamics of Platelet/Fibrin-Mediated Clot Strength Induced Using Thromboelastography

Abstract The effect of various platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) antagonists on the dynamics of platelet–fibrin clot formation and strength induced by various stimuli was measured by thromboelastography (TEG). GPIIb/IIIa antagonists with high affinity for resting and activated platelets and with slow rates of dissociation from GPIIb/IIIa (Class I antagonists) demonstrated potent and comparable inhibition of platelet aggregation and tissue factor (TF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Factor Xa, and thrombin-induced clot strength, in contrast to antagonists that dissociate rapidly from GPIIb/IIIa (Class II antagonists). For example, the Class I antagonist XV459 (the free acid form of roxifiban) inhibited TF, endotoxin, Factor Xa, and thrombin-induced maximal clot strength and platelet aggregation with an IC50=30–70 nM, whereas the IC50 of the Class II antagonist YZ211 (the free acid form of sibrafiban) for altering clot formation and strength was 0.3–4.7 μM. Moreover, the IC50's of sibrafiban, and another Class II antagonist, orbofiban, for inhibiting platelet–fibrin clot formation and strength were substantially greater than their clinically achievable concentrations. Further, although aspirin treatment improved the efficacy of all GPIIb/IIIa antagonists, it did not alter the differences between Classes I and II antagonists. Thus, these data indicate that there are differences in the efficacy of various GPIIb/IIIa antagonists in inhibiting platelet–fibrin clot formation and strength. They also suggest that inhibiting platelet aggregation may not be the sole determinant for the in vivo efficacy of various GPIIb/IIIa antagonists.
The Effects of Extended Pre-Quit Varenicline Treatment on Smoking Behavior and Short-Term Abstinence: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Preclinical research and learning theory suggest that a longer duration of varenicline treatment prior to the target quit date (TQD) would reduce smoking rates before cessation and improve abstinence outcomes. A double-blind randomized controlled trial tested this hypothesis in 60 smokers randomized to either an Extended run-in group (4 weeks of pre-TQD varenicline) or a Standard run-in group (3 weeks of placebo, 1 week of pre-TQD varenicline); all the participants received 11 weeks of post-TQD varenicline and brief counseling. During the pre-quit run-in, the reduction in smoking rates was greater in the Extended run-in group than in the Standard run-in group (42% vs. 24%, P < 0.01), and this effect was greater in women than in men (57% vs. 26%, P = 0.001). The rate of continuous abstinence during the final 4 weeks of treatment was higher among women in the Extended group compared to women in the Standard run-in group (67% vs. 35%). Although these data suggest that extension of varenicline treatment reduces smoking during the pre-quit period and may further enhance cessation rates, confirmatory evidence is needed from phase III clinical trials.
PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING AFTER STEREOTACTIC BODY RADIOTHERAPY TO THE LUNG

Purpose Surgical resection remains the standard of care for operable early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, some patients are not fit for surgery because of comorbidites such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other medical conditions. We aimed to evaluate pulmonary function and tumor volume before and after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for patients with and without COPD in early-stage lung cancer. Methods and Materials A review of prospectively collected data of Stage I and II lung cancers, all treated with SBRT, was performed. The total SBRT treatment was 60 Gy administered in three 20 Gy fractions. The patients were analyzed based on their COPD status, using their pretreatment pulmonary function test cutoffs as established by the American Thoracic Society guidelines (forced expiratory volume [FEV]% ≤50% predicted, FEV%/forced vital capacity [FVC]% ≤70%). Changes in tumor volume were also assessed by computed tomography. Results Of a total of 30 patients with Stage I and II lung cancer, there were 7 patients in the COPD group (4 men, 3 women), and 23 in t he No-COPD group (9 men, 14 women). At a mean follow-up time of 4 months, for the COPD and No-COPD patients, pretreatment and posttreatment FEV% was similar: 39 ± 5 vs. 40 ± 9 ( p = 0.4) and 77 ± 0.5 vs. 73 ± 24 ( p = 0.9), respectively. The diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DL CO ) did significantly increase for the No-COPD group after SBRT treatment: 60 ± 24 vs. 69 ± 22 ( p = 0.022); however, DL CO was unchanged for the COPD group: 49 ± 13 vs. 50 ± 14 ( p = 0.8). Although pretreatment tumor volume was comparable for both groups, tumor volume significantly shrank in the No-COPD group from 19 ± 24 to 9 ± 16 ( p p = 0.06). Conclusion SBRT did not seem to have an effect on FEV 1 and FVC, but it shrank tumor volume and improved DL CO for patients without COPD.
A multistep flux-corrected transport scheme

A multistep flux-corrected transport (MFCT) scheme is developed to achieve conservative and monotonic tracer transports for multistep dynamical cores. MFCT extends Zalesak two-time level scheme to any multistep time-differencing schemes by including multiple high-order fluxes in the antidiffusive flux, while computing the two-time level low-order monotone solution. The multistep time-differencing scheme used in this study is the third-order Adams-Bashforth (AB3) scheme implemented in a finite-volume icosahedral shallow-water model. The accuracy of AB3 MFCT is quantified by the shape-preserving advection experiments in non-divergent flow, as well as a cosine bell whose shape changes during advection in shear flow. AB3 MFCT has been shown to be insensitive to time step size. This make AB3 MFCT an attractive transport scheme for explicit high resolution model applications with small time step. MFCT is tested in shallow-water model simulations to demonstrate that the use of MFCT maintains positive-definite tracer transport, while at the same time conserving both fluid mass and tracer mass within round-off errors in the AB3 dynamic core.
EMULSION CAPACITY AND TIMED EMULSIFICATION OF CHICKEN BREAST MUSCLE MYOSIN

Methods are described for the study of the role of muscle proteins in meat emulsion formation. Chicken myosin was used to optimize emulsifying capacity (E.C.) and timed emulsification conditions for a Sorvall Omni-mixer equipped with 50 ml polycarbonate tubes. Optimal conditions for E.C. were a 0.9–1.2 ml sample volume, 6,000 rpm mixing rate and 0.25 ml oil/set addition rate. The oil (colored with 0.3g Oil Red 0/liter oil) was kept below 6°C, and the E.C. test was done in an ice bath. Emulsifying capacity was fairly constant over the 0.3–1.0M NaCl range, decreasing when salt concentration fell to 0.10M. Optimal conditions for timed emulsification were 3 ml sample:6 ml oil, and a 6,000 rpm mixing rate for up to 5 min. Creaming of the emulsions was accomplished by centrifugation at 30,000 XG for 15 min. The aqueous phase was then analyzed via the Lowry method and by SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) gel electrophoresis. Myosin exhibited four bands, namely the heavy chain and the three light chains, which could be monitored by using both 6% and 12% SDS gels and an actin internal standard. Densitometric areas were converted to mole: mole ratios using a dye-binding factor of 1.0.
Activation of guide RNA-directed editing of a cytochrome b mRNA.

The coding sequence of several mitochondrial mRNAs of the kinetoplastid protozoa is created only after the addition or deletion of specific uridines. Although in vitro systems have been valuable in characterizing the editing mechanism, only a limited number of mRNAs are accurately editedin vitro. We demonstrate here that in vitroediting of cytochrome b mRNA is inhibited by an A-U sequence present on both the 5′-untranslated sequence and on a cytochrome b guide RNA. Mutation of the sequence on the guide RNA stimulates directed editing and results in the loss of binding to at least one component within the editing extract. Mutation of the sequence on the mRNA increases the accuracy of the editing. Evidence is provided that suggests the A-U sequence interacts with the editing machinery both in vitro and in vivo.
Sexual Rights: Meanings, Controversies, and Sexual Health Promotion

For nearly two decades the term sexual rights has been increasingly used in multiple disciplines, including family planning, public health, and sexology, as well as in advocacy campaigns for groups...
Minimally invasive incisional herniorrhaphy: a review of 208 cases.

Background: Minimally invasive incisional herniorrhaphy has become an accepted approach for incisional hernia. However, the ideal technique for this procedure is not known. The authors present their technique and personal experience with minimally invasive incisional herniorrhaphy.
Critical radius and critical number of gas atoms for cavities containing a van der waals gas

Abstract The effect of gas on void nucleation and growth is particularly important for structural materials in fusion reactors because of the high production of helium by neutron-induced transmutation reactions. Gas reduces the critical radius for bias driven growth and there is a critical number of gas atoms, n★g, at which the critical radius is reduced essentially to zero. The significance of this is that the time interval to the accumulation of n★g gas atoms may determine the time to the onset of bias driven swelling where n★g is large. In previous papers these critical quantities were given for an ideal gas. Recently, we presented the results for a Van der Waals gas. Here the derivation of these relations is presented and further results of calculations are given. At low temperatures (high pressures) the results depart from those of the ideal gas, with the critical number affected more strongly than the critical radius. Comparisons are made with earlier calculations.
Contractility and Dissipation in Active Actin Bundles and Networks

Actomyosin machinery is a fundamental engine generating mechanical forces required for biological processes of non-muscle cells such as cell migration, cytokinesis, and morphogenesis. The net force generation is determined by the buildup and dissipation of forces in bundles and networks consisting of actin filaments, molecular motors, and passive cross-linkers. Although the molecular and physical properties of key elements in the actomyosin machinery have been characterized well, it still remains unclear how macroscopic force buildup and dissipation depend on the microscopic properties of individual cytoskeletal components and their local interactions.To bridge such a gap between macroscopic and microscopic scales, we have developed a three-dimensional computational model of actomyosin bundles and networks with minimal components: actin filaments, passive cross-linkers, and active motors. Our model accounts for several key features neglected by previous studies despite their significance for force generation. Especially, the motors comprise a backbone structure with numerous heads attached as myosin thick filaments and mini-filaments, and kinetics of the individual heads is governed by mechanochemical rates for faithfully capturing behaviors of myosin II heads.Using the model, we systematically studied how a net force in bundles and networks is determined via interplay between actin filaments, motors, and cross-linkers. We found the maximal force buildup is affected mainly by the total number and stall force of heads and how stably motors walk on actin filaments. We showed further that passive cross-linkers can help force buildup by increasing connectivity but can also act as dampers by dissipating the forces via reversible binding to actin filaments. We also investigated effects of the density, length, and dynamics of actin filaments on the net force generation.
Urine and fecal sample collection on filter paper for ovarian hormone evaluations.

A practical method for collecting, storing, and transporting liquid biological samples in a dry state for subsequent hormone metabolite analyses is presented. This method employs the use of ordinary filter paper strips that imbibe liquid samples. Samples taken up by the filter paper were allowed to dry and were retained at ambient conditions in capped vials for up to 5 years prior to analysis. Examples presented in the present report include urine samples from human and nonhuman primates as well as solubilized fecal samples from nonhuman primates. Hormone metabolite analysis of the paper-stored samples provided data that were comparable to the results obtained from analyses of the original liquid samples. One year of storage had no effect on hormone concentration. Five years of storage resulted in concentrations that were quantitatively less but qualitatively similar to the concentrations obtained by direct analysis of the initial samples. These data demonstrate the versatility and reliability of paper as a matrix for biological samples that may provide a more convenient approach for collecting and transporting samples collected in the field. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Strategies for target cell recognition by natural killer cells

Stimulation of natural killer (NK) cells is regulated by a complex balance of inhibitory and stimulatory receptors expressed by NK cells. However, the interaction of stimulatory receptors and their ligands is poorly understood. One stimulatory receptor, NKG2D, is expressed by all NK cells, stimulated CD8+ T cells, gammadelta T cells and macrophages. Recently, progress has been made in defining cellular ligands for NKG2D. Four different families of ligands have been identified in mice and humans, all of which are distantly related to MHC class I molecules. Some of the ligands are upregulated in transformed and infected cells, provoking an attack by the innate and adaptive immune systems. It appears that these "induced-self" ligands recognized by the NKG2D receptor may be a precedent for a new strategy of target cell recognition by the immune system.
Existence of Inertial Manifolds for Partly Dissipative Reaction Diffusion Systems in Higher Space Dimensions

Abstract In this paper, we prove the existence of inertial manifolds for a partly dissipative reaction diffusion system of the form[formula]whereΩis a rectangular domain in R 2or a cubic domain in R 3. The proof is based on an Abstract Invariant Manifold Theorem for semiflows in a Hilbert space, which is proved by using the graph transform method. The Principle of Spatial Averaging also plays an important role in the proof.
A rat brain slice preparation for characterizing both thalamostriatal and corticostriatal afferents

The striatum, the primary input nucleus of the basal ganglia, is crucially involved in motor and cognitive function and receives significant glutamate input from the cortex and thalamus. Increasing evidence suggests fundamental differences between these afferents, yet direct comparisons have been lacking. We describe a slice preparation that allows for direct comparison of the pharmacology and biophysics of these two pathways. Visualization of slices from animals previously injected with BDA into the parafascicular nucleus revealed the presence of axons of thalamic origin in the slice. These axons were especially well-preserved after traversing the reticular nucleus, the location chosen for stimulation of thalamostriatal afferents. Initial characterization of the two pathways revealed both non-NMDA and NMDA receptor-mediated currents at synapses from both afferents and convergence of the afferents in 51% of striatal efferent neurons. Annihilation of action potentials was not observed in collision experiments, nor was current spread from the site of stimulation to striatum found. Differences in short-term plasticity suggest that the probability of release differs for the two inputs. The present work thus provides a novel rat brain slice preparation in which the effects of selective stimulation of cortical versus thalamic afferents to striatum can be studied in the same preparation.
Effect of preadsorbed oxygen on the adsorption of CO on Ir(110)

Abstract We report measurements of the initial adsorption probability S 0 as well as its coverage dependence S ( θ co ) of CO on clean and oxygen-precovered Ir(110) for adsorption temperatures T s below the onset of CO 2 formation. The impact energy (1.3 E 0 − ), the oxygen precoverage θ o , and the surface temperature (85 T s E 0 , and is independent of T s . The shape of the S ( θ co , E 0 ) curves points to non-activated precursor-mediated adsorption kinetics for low impact energies; for E 0 ≥ 20 kcal mol −1 , direct adsorption events also contribute to the overall adsorption probability. For high impact energies ( E 0 > 3 kcal mol −1 ), S 0 ( θ o ) decreases almost linearly with increasing oxygen precoverage. However, for low impact energies ( E 0 −1 ), S 0 ( θ o ) remains constant at 0.92 ± 0.03 independent of θ o . The results suggest a physical site blocking mechanism. No significant temperature dependence of S 0 ( θ o ) was observed below the onset of CO oxidation.
Microcomputers in education: cognitive and social design principles

The successful use of microcomputers in education depends critically on the cognitive and motivational processes in learning and the social structure of the educational setting. A number of different groups concerned with these issues have recently tried to specify explicit design principles for using computers successfully in different educational environments. This report summarizes a workshop that brought together people from some of these groups to describe the current state of their groups' efforts and to work toward integrating these efforts into a larger scale statement.
Neuronal angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression is increased by converting enzyme inhibitors (CEI)

Exposure to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors has been associated with increased ACE activity in vivo and in vitro. In the current study, we examined the effects of ACE inhibitors on ACE gene expression and activity in brain and primary neuronal cultures prepared from brains of neonatal spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) controls. ACE mRNA levels were increased in brain and neuronal cultures following ACE inhibitor exposure. A concomitant increase in ACE activity was evident in brain, but ACE activity was decreased in neuronal cultures following ACE inhibitor exposure. Since ACE has been localized to several cell types in the brain, including endothelial cells and glia, as well as neurons, the differences in ACE activity between whole brain and neuronal cultures following exposure to ACE inhibitors may be related to differential regulation of the ACE gene in these cell types. These findings and the observation that ACE mRNA levels are >20-fold higher in cultured neurons from neonatal SHR than in those from WKY support the conclusions that the activity of the brain renin angiotensin system is enhanced in SHR and that blockade of this system by chronic ACE inhibitor treatment contributes to the sustained antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors in this model.
Photoacoustic spectrometer for measuring light absorption by aerosol: instrument description

Abstract A photoacoustic spectrometer has been developed to measure in situ light absorption by aerosol. The measured quantity is the sound pressure produced in an acoustic resonator caused by light absorption. The current lower detection limit for light absorption is 0.4 Mm -1 which corresponds to an elemental carbon mass density of ≈40 ng m -3 assuming an efficiency for light absorption of 10 m 2 g -1 . Calibration is performed using simple theory for the instrument along with use of a calibrated microphone and laser. The acoustic resonator is operated in the plane wave mode, which has a quality factor of ≈80, a resonance frequency of ≈500 Hz, and a photoacoustic coefficient of 12.8 Pa (W m -1 ) -1 . The equivalent noise bandwidth of the resonator is ≈5 Hz. Coherent acoustic noise was supressed through the use of acoustic notch filters and laser beam ports at pressure nodes of the resonator. The relatively low-quality factor made it possible to use phase-sensitive detection having an equivalent noise bandwidth of ≈7.5 mHz. This was achieved by vector time averaging the microphone signal for ≈8 min. Two compact, efficient lasers were used during instrument evaluation performed in the Northern Front Range Air Quality Study (Colorado, 1996/97). One was a laser diode pumped, frequency doubled, solid state laser, and the other was a laser diode. Laser wavelengths were 532 nm and 685 nm, and corresponding average powers were 60 and 87 nW. Some examples are provided for light absorption measurements using the photoacoustic instrument and a nearby aethalometer.
Prognostic signs in chronic myelocytic leukemia

In a retrospective search for prognostic factors in 127 patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia we found that thrombocytopenic patients had a significantly shortened life-span. Patients with the Philadelphia chromosome lived longer and were significantly younger than those lacking it. Females lived longer than males. Numerous other single features failed to correlate significantly with survival, but several combinations of two did. Patients having a low hematocrit with a low white blood count had an impressively short life-span compared to all others. Those having a high cholesterol and a low uric acid survived significantly longer than all others.
Brugia malayi: recombinant antigens expressed by genomic DNA clones.

Abstract A Brugia malayi genomic DNA expression library was screened with rabbit antiserum generated against live infective larvae and 33 clones were identified. Five randomly selected clones were characterized in detail by Western blot, DNA, and RNA analyses. The fusion proteins produced by each of these recombinant DNA clones are expressed by different genomic sequences. A profile of antigenic cross-reactivities of all 33 recombinant clones was compiled using a battery of antisera, including sera from humans infected with B. malayi . A high percentage of clones were cross-reactive with antisera against the filarial parasites B. pahangi, Dirofilaria immitis , and Onchocerca volvulus . We have made a preliminary identification of three categories of recombinant clones encoding (1) antigens that were crossreactive with some or all antisera tested, (2) antigens that were specific to the Brugia genus, and (3) antigens that appeared to be specific to B. malayi . These recombinant antigens are candidates for further studies in filarial immunoprophylaxis and diagnosis.
Brachium conjuntivum and rubrobulbar tract: brain stem projections of red nucleus essential for the conditioned nictitating membrane response.

Abstract The trajectory of the rubrobulbar tract in rabbit to the level of the accessory abducens nucleus is described: orthograde labeling of fibers of the rubrobulbar tract following horseradish peroxidase implants into red nucleus of 8 animals permitted ad hoc analysis of the effects of brain stem lesions on the rabbit's conditioned nictitating membrane response. Twenty-four rabbits, trained to give conditioned NM responses from both eyes, received unilateral lesions of the right pontine brain stem. Six of the 7 cases of post-lesion disruption of ipsilateral conditioned responding involved either ipsilateral brachium conjunctivum or the rubrobulbar tract. This finding, together with a reexamination of data from two related studies from this laboratory [1,12] strongly support the conclusion that an essential premotor component of the conditioned NM response is a doubly decussating circuit from the interpositus nucleus of the cerebellum to magnocellular red nucleus, via brachium conjunctivum and its decussation, and from red nucleus caudally, via the ventral tegmental bundle and the rubrobulbar tract, to the accessory abducens nucleus, where motoneurons involved in the NM response are located. These findings are consistent with published reports on the essential role of interpositus nucleus of the cerebellum in NM conditioning [4,9]. The possible role of the supratrigeminal reticular formation [2] in this learned behavior is also discussed.