cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Antibody to Candida Antigens During Induction Chemotherapy for Acute Leukemia

Two or more sera were collected from 68 adult patients who received a total of 100 courses of induction chemotherapy for acute leukemia. Sera were tested by ELISAs for antibody to candidal mannan and a major cytoplasmic antigen. Twenty episodes of induction chemotherapy were accompanied by invasive candidiasis of skin, esophagus, or deeper organs. Levels of antibody to mannan rose more than 2.75 times normal activity in nine of these episodes and were already above this level in all sera in two episodes. Levels of antibody to mannan exceeded 2.75 times normal in only two of the remaining episodes in which invasive candidiasis was not observed. An eightfold increase in antibody to mannan occurred at some point in five of the 20 episodes complicated by invasive candidiasis but in only one of the remaining 80 episodes. Antibody to the major cytoplasmic antigen was detected infrequently in sera from episodes complicated by invasive candidiasis. Further studies of precise serial measurements of antibody to mannan therefore appear warranted.
The relative biological effectiveness of cyclotron fast neutrons for early and late damage to the small intestine of the mouse

Abstract The RBE for damage to the small intestine should be determined prior to treatment of cancer in the abdomen and pelvis with fast neutrons. It is particularly important to make certain that the RBE for late damage is no greater than the RBE for acute injury to this organ. In the present study the LD 50 5 day following whole-body irradiation was used to measure the sentivity of the intestinal tract to acute injury. The LD 50 90 day, following irradiation of a 4 cm segment of small intestine, was used to assess late damage to this structure. Relative to X-radiation, the fast neutron RBE for late damage (1·9) did not differ significantly from the fast neutron RBE for acute injury (1·8). The mechanism of death following partial intestine irradiation with neutrons or X-radiation was associated with bowel obstruction. A neutron dose of 1·2 krad delivered to only a small segment of the small intestine produced 50% mortality within 90 days.
Solution-state 2D NMR of Ball-milled Plant Cell Wall Gels in DMSO-d6

Although finely divided ball-milled whole cell walls do not completely dissolve in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), they readily swell producing a gel. Solution-state two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of this gel, produced directly in the NMR tube, provides an interpretable structural fingerprint of the polysaccharide and lignin components of the wall without actual solubilization, and without structural modification beyond that inflicted by the ball milling and ultrasonication steps. Since the cellulose is highly crystalline and difficult to swell, the component may be under-represented in the spectra. The method however provides a more rapid method for comparative structural evaluation of plant cell walls than is currently available. With the new potential for chemometric analysis using the 2D NMR fingerprint, this method may find application as a secondary screen for selecting biomass lines and for optimizing biomass processing and conversion efficiencies.
Heat Transfer by Symmetrical Rotating Annulus Convection

Abstract Results of heat transfer measurements in a differentially heated annulus of fluid for both the non-rotating and rotating cases are given. (In the latter case the flow is in the upper symmetric regime.) In all cases the upper surface of the fluid is free. The non-rotating heat transfer is essentially the same as that of vertical slot convection, whereas rotation modifies the heat transfer; the resulting main effects appear to be exerted through a decrease in the Ekman layer thickness.
Recent trends in adherence to continuous screening for breast cancer among Medicare beneficiaries

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to examine recent trends in adherence to continuous screening, especially the rate of subsequent screening mammography following an initial screening before and after the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) revised its guidelines on breast cancer in November 2009. Methods We retrospectively analyzed Medicare fee-for-service claims data to: 1) compare rate of subsequent screening mammography over 27 month periods for 317,150 women screened in either 2004 or 2009; and 2) examine patterns of subsequent screening by age and race. Results When adjusted for age, race, state of residence, county-level covariates, and clustered on ordering provider, the rate of subsequent screening decreased in 2009 relative to 2004 (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.74–0.76). Adjusted odds ratios are similar for alternative follow-up windows (15 months, 0.71; 24 months, 0.70; 30 months 0.75). The decline was mostly attributable to women 75 and older who are now less likely to return for a subsequent screening. Although USPSTF guidelines call for 24 months, approximately half of women continue screening at 12-month intervals in both cohorts. Conclusions The rate of subsequent screening mammography has declined after 2009. Older women seem to follow the revised USPSTF guideline, but confusion by physicians and patients about competing guidelines may be contributing to these findings.
Characterization of the mouse apolipoprotein Apoa-1/Apoc-3 gene locus: Genomic, mRNA, and protein sequences with comparisons to other species

In this report we present the genomic, cDNA, and predicted protein sequences for mouse apolipoproteins A-I and CIII, as well as sequence comparisons with other species. The genes for these apolipoproteins are within 2.5 kb of each other and convergently transcribed. The almost 9 kb of genomic sequence presented extends from 1298 bp 5' to the apolipoprotein A-I (Apoa-1) gene to 1249 bp 5' to the apolipoprotein CIII (Apoc-3) gene. The mouse Apoa-1 gene is 1.76 kb in length with four exons and three introns. The 5' flanking region contains TATA and CCAAT box sequences, an interferon responsive element homology, and potential binding sites for transcription factors CTF/NF1 and HNF4. Translation of the cDNA predicts that the mouse Apoa-1 primary transcript is 264 amino acids. The mouse Apoc-3 gene is 2.2 kb in length and also consists of four exons and three introns. The 5' flanking region contains TATA and CCAAT box sequences, RXR-1 and ARP-1 binding sites, and potential binding sites for transcription factors HNF4, NFkB, AP-1, and CTF/NF1. Translation of the cDNA predicts that the mouse Apoc-3 primary transcript is 99 amino acids. The clustering and genomic organization of the mouse Apoa-1 and Apoc-3 genes are similar to those of the rat and human genes. Significant sequence homologies between species exist for the proximal promoter and exonic regions of each gene, but not for the intronic or intergenic regions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A new rapid method to detect inhibition of Amadori product generated by δ-gluconolactone

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) have been implicated as a major pathogenic process in leading to diabetic complications. An increasing number of drug candidates have recently been developed as potential inhibitors of AGEs. Aminoguanidine, a hydrazine-like molecule is the first drug that was extensively studied both in vitro and in vivo as an inhibitor of AGE formation. Several assay methods have been proposed to determine the inhibitory effect of glycation inhibitors, including assays based on inhibition of specific fluorescence generated in the course of glycation and AGE-formation; assays based on the inhibition of AGE-protein crosslinks, and dimer and trimer formation; and specific ELISA assays using anti-AGE antibodies for quantitative measurement of AGEs in the presence and absence of the inhibitor. However, none of these assays can accurately evaluate chemical intermediates and products generated during the early stages of glycation. We have devised a new rapid assay method for evaluation of the early stage of glycation (Amadori product). This assay is based on the interaction of delta-gluconolactone (delta-Glu), an oxidized (ketoaldehyde) analogue of glucose, with hemoglobin present in blood samples. The assay involves determination of the percentage of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) after incubation at 37 degrees for 16 h with delta-Glu (50 mmol/L) using a dedicated ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. The results using normal human red blood cells show HbA1C levels to be 180% higher than baseline controls. The effects of various inhibitors are determined by measuring the levels of HbA1C by the compound in question compared to delta-Glu-treated vehicle only blood samples. This new assay provides a relevant and physiological model to study glycation and potential inhibitors. Furthermore, it offers a means to differentiate between inhibitors of the early and late stages of glycation and provides a rapid method of screening large numbers of potential inhibitors of glycation. Contrary to the assay methods, which are based on the measurement of fluorescence of fluorophores generated during glycation, the proposed assay does not suffer from the possible problem of overlapping and interference of AGE-specific fluorescence with the intrinsic fluorescence of the inhibitor compound.
Postadsorption changes in the emission maximum of acrylodan-labeled bovine serum albumin using total internal reflection fluorescence

Abstract Acrylodan (Ac), the thiol reactive analog of the polarity-sensitive fluorescent dye Prodan, was investigated as a site-specific probe for postadsorption conformational changes of bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorbed to bare and alkyl silane-treated glass coverslips. A commercial fluorometer, adapted with a custom-built total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) cell, was utilized to examine the adsorbed Ac-BSA fluorescence as a function of substrate surface wettability as measured by the Wilhelmy plate balance technique. Fluorescence emission of adsorbed Ac-BSA displayed a blue shift and edge excited red shift upon adsorption to all substrates that increased with increasing substrate hydrophobicity. Additionally, center excited emission spectra from unconjugated Ac adsorbed to bare and hydrophobic glass were similar to those for the adsorbed Ac-BSA. These results are consistent with the hypothesis of postadsorption conformational changes, but also suggest a direct probe-surface contact for adsorbed Ac-BSA.
Cytotoxic and mutagenic properties of shale oil byproducts II. Comparison of mutagenic effects at five genetic markers induced by retort process water plus near ultraviolet light in Chinese hamster ovary cells

A chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line heterozygous at the adenine phosphoribosyl transferase (APRT) locus was used for selection of induced mutants resistant to 8-azaadenine (8AA), 6-thioguanine (6TG), ouabain (OUA), emetine (EMT) and diphtheria toxin (DIP). The expression times necessary for optimizing the number of mutants recovered at the different loci have been determined using the know direct acting mutagen, far ultraviolet light (FUV), and a complex aqueous organic mixture (shale oil process water) activated with near ultraviolet light (NUV). Our results indicate that optimal expression times following treatment with either mutagen was between 2 and 8 days (depending on the genetic marker examined). For CHO cells treated with shale oil process water and subsequently exposed to NUV a linear dose response for mutant induction was observed for all five genetic loci. At 10% surviving fraction of cells, between 35- and 130-fold increases above background mutation frequencies were observed for the various markers examined. Among the five genetic loci tested, OUAR was the most sensitive marker tested.
Surgical treatment strategies in chronic inflammation of the lower digestive tract

Auch wenn konservative Masnahmen in der Behandlung chronisch entzundlicher Darmerkrankungen den Vorrang haben, werden bei vielen Patienten chirurgische Eingriffe notwendig. Wegen des unterschiedlichen chirurgischen Vorgehens ist praoperativ eine moglichst sorgfaltige differenzierende Diagnostik hinsichtlich des Vorliegens eines M. Crohn bzw. einer Colitis ulcerosa erwunscht, was allerdings in 10-15% der Falle nicht gelingt. Uber die chirurgischen Interventionen und ihre Indikationen sowie Komplikationen berichtet die folgende Arbeit. Dabei wird auch uber die neuerdings haufiger ausgefuhrten minimalinvasiven Techniken der laparaskopischen Chirurgie referiert, die dann angewendet werden konnen, wenn akute Obstruktion, Perforation oder toxische Dilatation zuvor ausgeschlossen worden sind. Fur operative Masnahmen chronisch entzundlicher Darmerkrankungen stellt das Alter keinen limitierenden Faktor dar. Wundheilungsstorungen zahlen zu den haufigsten Fruhkomplikationen, als Spatkomplikationen nach restaurativer Proktokolektomie werden Stromakomplikationen und die Pouchitis beobachtet, die sogar bei ungestorter Pouchfunktion auftreten kann und deren Genese ungeklart ist. Die Rezidivraten nach chirurgischer Intervention bei Morbus Crohn und Colitis ulcerosa sind je nach Schweregrad der Erkrankung und elektiver Operation teilweise hoch; auch dies wird differenziert erlautert.
CO2 implications of coal-to-liquids (CTL) plants

Abstract In this study, plant-level techno-economic models are developed and applied to systematically evaluate the performance, emissions and costs of a much broader range of coal-to-liquids (CTL) plant designs than have previously been studied. These include two plant configurations (a liquids-only plant similar to current commercial technology, and a co-production plant producing both liquids and electricity), two types of coal gasification systems (slurry-feed and dry-feed gasifiers), and three types of coal feedstock (bituminous, sub-bituminous and lignite). For all twelve designs, the additional cost of carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) and the effects of a price or tax on plant-level CO 2 emissions, as well as the option of sale of CO 2 for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), also are studied. The potential of the co-production configuration to reduce overall CO 2 emissions by displacing conventional pulverized coal power plants is also investigated. The economic feasibility of CCS depends strongly on the CO 2 price/tax and electricity selling price. In general for liquids-only plants, CCS is the more economical option than paying even the “low” CO 2 tax of $20/tonne for the non-CCS cases. For co-production plants, a higher CO 2 tax is required to make CCS feasible because of the foregone revenues from electricity sales (due to CCS energy requirements). EOR options generally have the lowest cost of liquids produced, in the range of $45–$100/barrel, across all cases. Co-production is more efficient than the separate production of liquids and power, and this difference in efficiency increases with the addition of CCS. This advantage can be utilized to achieve a net reduction in overall CO 2 emissions.
Brushing Up on Chemistry.

This Activity is designed for use with National Chemistry Week 2002. The 2002 theme is "Chemistry Keeps Us Clean". The Activity allows students to discover more about a cleaning product they use everyday. Students make their own toothpaste and compare its properties with those of commercial toothpaste. The cleaning power of the two toothpastes are compared by testing their ability to remove food coloring from egg shells.
Experiments on Contact Melting Under Vibration Within Rectangular Enclosures

Nomenclature A = amplitude of vibration AR = aspect ratio, H/W a = maximum acceleration of vibration, (27r/)A Cp = specific heat Fo = Fourier number, at/HW Fr = Froude number, alg f = frequency of vibration Gr = Grashof number, gfi(Tw Tf)H/v g = gravitational acceleration H = height of test cell k = thermal conductivity Ste = Stefan number, CP(TV Tf)/&hf T = temperature t = time W = width of test cell a = thermal diffusivity j8 = thermal expansion coefficient A/I/ = latent heat of phase change material
HIVToolbox, an integrated web application for investigating HIV.

Many bioinformatic databases and applications focus on a limited domain of knowledge federating links to information in other databases. This segregated data structure likely limits our ability to investigate and understand complex biological systems. To facilitate research, therefore, we have built HIVToolbox, which integrates much of the knowledge about HIV proteins and allows virologists and structural biologists to access sequence, structure, and functional relationships in an intuitive web application. HIV-1 integrase protein was used as a case study to show the utility of this application. We show how data integration facilitates identification of new questions and hypotheses much more rapid and convenient than current approaches using isolated repositories. Several new hypotheses for integrase were created as an example, and we experimentally confirmed a predicted CK2 phosphorylation site. Weblink: [http://hivtoolbox.bio-toolkit.com]
Trace element concentrations in cetacean liver tissues archived in the National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank.

The National Biomonitoring Specimen Bank (NBSB), a collaborative project of several U.S. government agencies, includes marine mammal tissues collected for the Alaska Marine Mammal Tissue Archival Project (AMMTAP) and the National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank (NMMTB). Tissues were collected from 139 animals representing 13 species of marine mammals from around the U.S. Recently, concentrations for up to 30 elements in liver tissues of nine long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas), six harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), and four white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) from the NMMTB were measured using instrumental neutron activation analysis. Results from analyses of these tissues are presented, compared with results for liver tissues from other marine mammals from the AMMTAP, and compared with published values.
Renaming D double prime

"Knowledge about the dynamics of the D double prime region is a key to unlock some fundamental mysteries of the Earth heat engine which governs a wide range of global geophysical processes from tectonics to geodynamo." This benign sentence makes complete sense to many geophysicists. But for many others, it makes sense all except the odd nomenclature "D double prime". One knows about the crust, upper and lower mantle, outer and inner core, but where is the D double prime region? What meaning does it try to convey? Where is D prime region, or D, or A, B, C regions for that matter, and are there higher-order primes? How does such an odd name come about anyway? D double prime, or more "simply" D", is a generic designation given to the thin shell, about 200 km thick, of the lowermost mantle just above the core-mantle boundary inside the Earth. Incidentally, whether D" is "simpler" than "D double prime" depends on whether you are pronouncing it or writing/typing it; and D" can be confusing to readers in distinguishing quotation marks (such as in the above sentences) and second derivatives, and to word processors in spelling check and indexing.
An automated data collection system for T1 and T2 determinations

Abstract Computer-based schemes for the automatic collection of data from a pulsed NMR spectrometer for the determination of T1 and T2 are described. Emphasis is placed on procedures that are useful in signal-averaging applications with weak signals. A hard-wired multichannel analyzer interfaced to a general purpose minicomputer is used to assemble the appropriate data which is then used in a least squares calculation to obtain the desired relaxation time.
Something for the Boys: Iron Man, Transformers, and Grand Theft Auto IV

Three recent examples are discussed of popular culture products that cater specifically to the cultural world of boys, social types that are the created identities of young males in our society. The self-ascribed qualities of participants in the world of boys, rather than the inherent characteristics of young males, provide the content of the images of boys. These products (Iron Man, Transformers, and Grand Theft Auto IV) provide the shared content and the basis for interaction among those who find their social identities as boys in association with other identified boys. The specific qualities attributed to boys in America at this time by the boys themselves are presented.
Annealing of Electron-Irradiated GaAs

The annealing behavior of $n$-type GaAs irradiated at room temperature with 1-MeV electrons has been investigated. The fraction $f$ of the defects remaining after annealing for a time $t$ at an elevated temperature, decays according to the relationship, $f=a\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{1}t)+(1\ensuremath{-}a)\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{2}t)$. The rate constants ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{1}$ for various specimens annealed at different temperatures obey the Arrhenius relationship, giving an activation energy of 1.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 eV. ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{1}$ appears to be an intrinsic property of $n$-type GaAs. ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{2}$, on the other hand, is dependent on the carrier density, i.e., the annealing is influenced by the position of the Fermi level. The recovery of $p$-type specimens is qualitatively different than that of $n$ type. Some preliminary results concerning the effect of irradiation on electrical properties are also included.
Passive Transfer of the Action of Freund's Adjuvant by Serum of Rabbits Injected with the Adjuvant

Serum collected at intervals from rabbits treated with Freund's complete adjuvant was injected together with fluid diphtheria toxoid into recipient rabbits. Control rabbits received toxoid alone or toxoid mixed with serum of untreated donors. There was no antibody response in the controls or in recipients of serum obtained from donors 3 days after adjuvant treatment. Recipients of serum obtained from donors 1 to 9 weeks after adjuvant treatment responded with antibody formation. The magnitude of the response of recipients was correlated with the increase in gamma-globulin concentration in the serums of the corresponding donor rabbits. Passive transfer of adjuvant action indicates that a serum factor, possibly natural antibody, is partially responsible for the immunity-enhancing activity of Freund's adjuvant.
Two-dimensional simulation of flow around rectangular prisms

Abstract Pressure and velocity fields around rigid prisms of rectangular cross-section are numerically simulated for a Reynolds number of 10 5 using the large eddy simulation (LES). In conjunction with LES, a finite difference scheme is employed on the basis of a staggered grid, in which the convection terms are discretized by the QUICK scheme. The outflow boundary condition is then satisfied by the convection condition. This numerical scheme combined with the LES model offers a computationally efficient tool for simulating high Reynolds number flows around bluff bodies. The LES scheme employed in this study may be viewed as a coherent structure capturing technique to distinguish it from a true LES in which the scales are generally resolved to very small size. The numerical scheme is applied to calculate both the instantaneous velocity and the pressure fields over the entire domain. In addition, the mean and root mean square (RMS) values, the power spectra of the pressure fluctuations on the prism surface, the integral forces (lift and drag forces) and probability densities of pressure fluctuations are presented. Additional calculations concerning the chordwise correlation of pressure around the square prism and its eigenfunction expansion are presented. Simulated results, including the mean velocity along the symmetry line, are then compared with the available experimental data and numerical results by other investigators. With the exception of the lift and drag force spectra whose values do not match closely, and the probability densities for which no experimental data were available, all other features are observed to be in good agreement with experimental findings. Streaklines are also employed to visualize the flow field around rectangular prisms and are found to match the vorticity contour of the flow field. Streakline sequences clearly demonstrate the shedding of two vortices in every cycle of the integral lift force on the bluff body. The separation-reattachment features on the side faces of rectangular prisms are also visualized. A parametric study concerning bodies of different aspect ratios illustrates clearly the modifications in the flow field patterns which are sensitive to the streamwise length of the body and the associated pressure distribution.
Amplification of B cell receptor–Erk signaling by Rasgrf-1 overexpression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

AbstractRasgrf-1 is a guanine exchange factor (GEF) that catalyzes the exchange of GDP for GTP. In a RNA microarray analysis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) specimens (n = 5), this gene was found to be overexpressed in CLL as compared to normal peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) CD19 + B cells (n = 3). CLL specimens (n = 29) expressed Rasgrf-1 RNA at levels 5–300-fold higher as compared to normal B cells. CLL specimens expressed a 75 kDa isoform that was smaller than the expected full-length protein (140 kDa) and the truncated variant had higher GEF activity. Knockdown of Rasgrf-1 in CLL specimens inhibited active GTP-bound Ras and the Ras/Erk/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Rasgrf-1 was phosphorylated and activated by B cell receptor (BCR) signaling that increased its GEF function, and this phosphorylation was blocked by Src and Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. Rasgrf-1 is a novel GEF protein that has a role in BCR signaling and its overexpression further activates ...
The Iowa multiplex family study of schizophrenia: linkage analyses on chromosome 5.

We analysed six multiplex pedigrees of schizophrenia for linkage to two DNA probes mapping to the chromosome 5q11–q13 region where linkage to a gene for schizophrenia was recently reported. Analyses were conducted using three penetrance models and considering the affected state to be schizophrenia, the schizophrenia spectrum, and all psychiatric diagnoses. All analyses gave consistently negative lod scores. Although the region was not formally excluded, no evidence for linkage was found.
Effect of Birth Order and Perceived Stress on Social Schemata

This experiment used the Felt Figure Technique developed by Kuethe in an attempt to investigate the relationship between birth order and the use of specific social schemata. Seven object sets were used, three two-figure sets and four three-figure sets. The results indicated that for the two-figure sets, firstborn individuals placed the figures closer together than laterborn individuals. For the three-figure sets, firstborn individuals under stress placed the figures closer together. The three-figure sets were also ordered in terms of the number of human figures in the object set. The results suggest that there is a measurable relationship between birth order and social schemata used by an individual.
Phase I/II Study of Atrasentan, an Endothelin A Receptor Antagonist, in Combination with Paclitaxel and Carboplatin as First-Line Therapy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose: Endothelins and their cell membrane receptors (ET A R and ET B R) are implicated in neoplastic pathogenesis. Atrasentan, a potent, selective ET A R antagonist, has a direct effect on tumor proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. This study was designed to assess the influence of atrasentan on paclitaxel pharmacokinetics and to determine the safety and efficacy of atrasentan in combination with paclitaxel-carboplatin. Experimental Design: Chemonaive patients with stage IIIB (malignant pleural effusion) and IV non–small cell lung cancer were enrolled. Toxicity and response were determined using the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria version 2.0 and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria, respectively. Treatment consisted of paclitaxel (225 mg/m 2 ) and carboplatin (area under the curve, 6) administered on day 1 every 3 weeks. A fixed 10 mg daily oral dose of atrasentan was administered continuously, starting on day 4 of cycle 1. Paclitaxel clearance was calculated during the first two cycles (pre- and post-atrasentan) in the first 10 patients. Results: All 44 patients were evaluable for survival, toxicity, and response. No significant change in mean paclitaxel clearance was detected (mean ± SD, 21.2 ± 4.5 L/h versus 21.3 ± 4.9 L/h) for pre- and post-atrasentan values, respectively ( P = 0.434). Grade 3/4 toxicities ≥10% were lymphopenia (22.7%), neutropenia (20.5%), dyspnea (11.4%), and hyperglycemia (11.4%). Response rate was 18.2%, with progression-free survival of 4.2 months, median survival of 10.6 months, and 1-year survival of 43%. Conclusion: Atrasentan plus paclitaxel-carboplatin was safe and well tolerated, with no apparent paclitaxel-atrasentan pharmacokinetic interaction. Efficacy and survival in advanced non–small cell lung cancer were comparable with studies of chemotherapy alone.
Bandwidth variations in conformal infrared frequency selective surfaces

Infrared Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) have been demonstrated to control the spectral emissivity and reflectivity of a surface in the 3-6 mum band. These structures were designed using rigid substrates and with radiation only at normal incidence. Previous research has demonstrated conformal FSS transmission filters in the mid-infrared band. This paper will show the design and testing of an infrared FSS for control of spectral emissivity and reflectivity, and operating in the 3-6 mum band. The FSS performance will be demonstrated at angles of incidence from 0 to 30 degrees. Both square loop and loaded cross elements will be considered. The bandwidth of the loaded cross is shown to vary significantly with variation in angle of incidence while the bandwidth of the square loop is more stable.
Fatigue in the executive cortical network demonstrated in narcoleptics using functional magnetic resonance imaging--a preliminary study.

Abstract Background and purpose To demonstrate dynamic changes in cerebral functional activation during a working memory task in a state of severe excessive daytime sleepiness. Patients and methods Omitting the usual morning dose of stimulants in three narcoleptics induced sleepiness. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to map cerebral activation during the performance of a 2-back verbal working memory task. Repeated 9.5 min scans were performed, until the subjects felt they could not continue. This was the functional imaging equivalent of the maintenance of wakefulness test. Results Bilateral and widespread activation in known nodes of the executive network were seen during the first scan in all subjects, including the lateral prefrontal, posterior parietal and anterior cingulate cortex. There was a reduction in cerebral activation, especially but not exclusively in the prefrontal cortex, associated with slowing of performance from the first to the last tolerated scan. On stimulants, subjective alertness, activation and objective performance were readily maintained. Conclusion This preliminary study suggests that fatigue in the executive cortical network may be demonstrated by a progressive reduction in regional cerebral activation across scans, which may be prevented by stimulant use. Averaging multiple scan runs, a typical practice in fMRI, could blur important dynamic components of activation.
Antigen-Fixed Leukocytes Tolerize Th2 Responses in Mouse Models of Allergy

Allergic diseases, including asthma and food allergies, are an increasing health concern. Immunotherapy is an effective therapeutic approach for many allergic diseases but requires long dose escalation periods and has a high risk of adverse reactions, particularly in food allergy. New methods to safely induce Ag-specific tolerance could improve the clinical approach to allergic disease. We hypothesized that Ag-specific tolerance induced by the i.v. injection of Ags attached to the surface of syngeneic splenic leukocytes (Ag-coupled splenocytes [Ag-SPs]) with the chemical cross-linking agent ethylene-carbodiimide, which effectively modulate Th1/Th17 diseases, may also safely and efficiently induce tolerance in Th2-mediated mouse models of allergic asthma and food allergy. Mice were tolerized with Ag-SP before or after initiation of OVA/alum-induced allergic airway inflammation or peanut-induced food allergy. The effects on disease pathology and Th2-directed cytokine and Ab responses were studied. Ag-SP tolerance prevented disease development in both models and safely tolerized T cell responses in an Ag-specific manner in presensitized animals. Prophylactically, Ag-SP efficiently decreased local and systemic Th2 responses, eosinophilia, and Ag-specific IgE. Interestingly, Ag-SP induced Th2 tolerance was found to be partially dependent on the function of CD25+ regulatory T cells in the food allergy model, but was regulatory T cell independent in the model of allergic airway inflammation. We demonstrate that Ag-SP tolerance can be rapidly, safely, and efficiently induced in murine models of allergic disease, highlighting a potential new Ag-specific tolerance immunotherapy for Th2-associated allergic diseases.
Predictors of Late Cardiovascular Complications in Survivors of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Long-term survival after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is now an expected outcome. The growing population of survivors is at risk of developing treatment-related complications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). A nested case-controlled design was used to identify clinical and treatment-related risk factors for development of late (1+ years after HCT) CVD. Cases were identified from a cohort of 1+-year survivors who underwent transplantation at City of Hope between 1977 and 2006. Controls (HCT survivors without CVD) were matched on age, year of HCT, type of HCT, and duration of follow-up. Sixty-three patients with late CVD were identified, 44 (69.8%) with a coronary artery event and 19 (30.2%) with a cerebrovascular event. Median age at HCT was 49.0 years. Median age at onset of late CVD was 54.0 years; 66.7% of the affected patients had undergone autologous HCT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of multiple cardiovascular risk factors (2 or more of the following: obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes) after HCT was associated with a 5.2-fold increased risk of late CVD (P
Optimal Design of Functionally Graded Incompressible Linear Elastic Cylinders and Spheres

We find closed-form solutions for axisymmetric plane strain radial deformations of a functionally graded circular hollow cylinder and radial expansion/contraction of a hollow sphere loaded on inner and outer surfaces by uniform hydrostatic pressures. The cylinder and the sphere are presumed to be made of isotropic and incompressible linear elastic materials with the shear modulus a general function of the radius. It is found that the optimal value of the hoop or the circumferential stress in a cylinder and a sphere is a constant and occurs for the linear variation in the radial direction of the shear modulus. The analytical results presented here should serve as benchmarks for verifying numerical solutions of problems.
Highly sensitive surface-enhanced raman nano-probing for direct proteomic profiling

Nanocone structures were fabricated by a unique etching-passivation process as the substrates for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). This novel nanostructured SERS substrate allowed reaching unprecedented detection limits (fM of Rhodamin6G; pM of crude peptides), and supported the detection of subtle changes in peptide probe sequences, such as single amino acid phosphosphorylation or mutation. Thus, surface-conjugated peptides could be used as highly potent biological nano-sensors for sensitive profiling of specific protein-mediated chemical changes on nano-sensing probes. We hope such kinase-enzyme activity screening array device and technology will advance all aspects of Life Sciences, and potentially be applied to environment monitoring.
Cotton Nitrogen Management in a High-Residue Conservation System: Source, Rate, Method, and Timing

More than 70% of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) grown in the Tennessee Valley of northern Alabama is produced using conservation tillage systems with cereal cover crops. The resulting decreased N effi ciency requires development of new N fertilizer recommendations. We conducted a replicated 3-yr fi eld study on a Decatur silt loam (fi ne, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Paleudult) to determine the effects of N source (NHNO 3 [AN] and urea–NH 4 NO 3 [320 g N kg −1 , UAN]), N rates (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg N ha −1 ), N application timing (all at-planting or 50:50 split between planting and fi rst match head square), and N application method (banded or broadcast) on cotton grown in high-residue rye (Secale cereale L.) conservation systems. Generally, 67 to 80% more N was needed than average conventional N rate recommendations to reach optimal yields if N was split applied, while N applied at-planting had yield responses with 169% of the recommended N rate. Urea–NH 4 NO 3 applications resulted in greater yields when banded at-planting (1045 kg lint ha −1 ), while AN was more effective when broadcast applied at-planting or in split applications (1002 and 996 kg lint ha −1 , respectively). Chlorophyll meter readings, petiole NO 3 , and leaf N were not useful predictors of cotton N defi ciency or yield. The most effi cient practice is to apply 88% more N (126 kg N ha −1 total) than the mean conventional N cotton recommendation as a broadcast split application using AN. We speculate that N requirements may be decreased with time as C and N pools reach a new equilibrium.
Data throughput tripling by Feed-Forward Equalization and photonic QPSK in a 7 Gbps single-carrier RoF link at 60 GHz

This paper investigates the use of feed-forward equalization (FFE) to combat performance limitations imposed by non-uniform channel characteristics in a wideband vector signal-modulated single-carrier radio-over-fiber (RoF) system at 60 GHz. A direct photonic QPSK modulator was implemented at 60 GHz and used in the system experiments. By combining photonic QPSK modulation and FFE, 7 Gbps data throughput was achieved over a channel bandwidth of less than 2 GHz, representing a bit-rate increase of three times over simple amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation. The photonic QPSK modulator incorporates frequency doubling, leading to the simplification of the transmitter. In addition, frequency doubling extends the fiber length limit imposed by signal fading due to chromatic dispersion. FFE is simpler to implement and is less computation intensive than, for instance OFDM. Transmission experiments over 2 km of fiber were conducted.
Constant time BSR solutions to parenthesis matching, tree decoding, and tree reconstruction from its traversals

Recently Akl et al. introduced a new model of parallel computation, called BSR (broadcasting with selective reduction) and showed that it is more powerful than any CRCW PRAM and yet requires no more resources for implementation than even EREW PRAM. The model allows constant time solutions to sorting, parallel prefix and other problems. In this paper, we describe constant time solutions to the parenthesis matching, decoding binary trees in bitstring representation, generating next tree shape in B-order, and the reconstruction of binary trees from their traversals, using the BSR model. They are the first constant time solutions to mentioned problems on any model of computation. The number of processors used is equal to the input size, for each problem. A new algorithm for sorting integers is also presented.
Heat transfer—A review of 2003 literature

Abstract The present paper is intended to encompass the English language heat transfer papers published in 2003, including some translations of foreign language papers. This survey, although extensive cannot include every paper; some selection is necessary. Many papers reviewed herein relate to the science of heat transfer, including numerical, analytical and experimental works. Others relate to applications where heat transfer plays a major role not only in man-made devices, but in natural systems as well. The papers are grouped into categories and then into sub-fields within these categories. We restrict ourselves to papers published in reviewed archival journals. Besides reviewing the journal articles in the body of this paper, we also mention important conferences and meetings on heat transfer and related fields, major awards presented in 2003, and books on heat transfer published during the year.
Interleukin-1α and Interleukin-1 β in Preterm and Term Human Parturition

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been implicated in the mechanism of human parturition in the setting of infection. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of labor (term and preterm) and microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity on amniotic fluid (AF) concentrations IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta. AF was retrieved by transabdominal amniocentesis from the following groups of women: midtrimester genetic amniocentesis (16 to 18 wk) (N = 15), preterm labor with intact membranes (21 to 36 wk) with or without infection (N = 72), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (N = 88), and term not in labor or in active labor with or without infection (N = 58). AF was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as Mycoplasmas. IL-1 was measured with a commercially available immunoassay validated for AF (sensitivity: IL-1 alpha, 157 pg/ml; IL-1 beta, 50 pg/ml). All women at midtrimester had undetectable AF IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta. Among women in preterm labor with positive AF cultures, IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta were detectable in the AF in 86.6% (13/15) and 100% (15/15), respectively. In contrast, all women with negative AF cultures without labor (N = 36) had undetectable AF IL-1 alpha concentrations and 52.7% (19/36) had undetectable AF IL-1 beta concentrations. Histopathological chorioamnionitis was present in 92.8% (13/14) of patients who had positive AF cultures and detectable IL-1 in the AF. IL-1 was significantly higher in patients with preterm PROM, labor, and positive AF cultures than in the other subgroups of patients with preterm PROM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Visual languages and software specifications

The important issues and major features of visual languages are summarized, and their impact on software engineering, especially software specification techniques, are discussed. The potential of using visual languages for software specifications to improve software reliability, modifiability, reusability, and understandability is also considered. >
Effects of Roughage Type and Restricted Feed Intake on Digestibility and Finishing Cattle Performance

Two-hundred sixty-four English-type crossbred cattle (mean initial BW 282 ± 6 kg) were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of restricted feeding and roughage source in finishing beef cattle diets. Treatments consisted of diets with 7.5% corn silage (DM basis), fed either ad libitum or restricted, and 7.5% (DM basis) corn stalks or millet hay fed ad libitum. Total DM intake was reduced by 4, 11, and 9% by restricting corn silage, corn stalks, and millet hay treatments, respectively. Average daily gain was not affected (P>0.05) by treatment, whereas feed efficiency was improved (P 0.05) in OM, DM, or N digestibilities. However, restricted corn silage-fed cattle and cattle fed millet hay ad libitum tended to exhibit increased (P>0.05) OM, DM, and N digestibilities compared with the cattle fed corn silage ad libitum. The cattle fed corn stalks ad libitum tended to have decreased (P>0.05) OM, DM, and N digestibilities compared with the steers fed corn silage ad libitum. Fecal output was not different (P>0.05) between treatments. Restricted corn silage rations, corn stalk rations fed ad libitum, and millet hay rations fed ad libitum tended to decrease (P>0.05) fecal output by cattle compared with cattle fed the corn silage ration ad libitum.
Real-time three-dimensional radar mosaic in CASA IP1 testbed

This paper reports on a real-time three-dimensional radar mosaic technique for Collaborative and Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) Integrated Project 1 (IP1) testbed. The technique exploits the dual-polarization capability of the IP1 radar network for the improvement of multi-radar composite fields. In particular, the copolar correlation and the attenuation derived from the differential propagation phase are injected to the interpolation process to derive a weighting scheme and a data quality index field for the composite fields. This technique is also served as a front-end that drives the composite reflectivity fields to the CSU DART now-casting algorithm.
Decision-making capacity for research participation among individuals in the CATIE schizophrenia trial.

Abstract Objective Uncertainty regarding the degree to which persons with schizophrenia may lack decision-making capacity, and what the predictors of capacity may be led us to examine the relationship between psychopathology, neurocognitive functioning, and decision-making capacity in a large sample of persons with schizophrenia at entry into a clinical trial. Method In the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) schizophrenia trial, a clinical trial sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health designed to compare the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs, subjects were administered the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool-Clinical Research (MacCAT-CR) and had to demonstrate adequate decision-making capacity before randomization. The MacCAT-CR, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and an extensive neurocognitive battery were completed for 1447 study participants. Results The neurocognitive composite score and all 5 neurocognitive subscores (verbal memory, vigilance, processing speed, reasoning, and working memory) were positive correlates of the MacCAT-CR understanding, appreciation, and reasoning scales at baseline. Higher levels of negative symptoms, but not positive symptoms, were inversely correlated with these three MacCAT-CR scales. Linear regression models of all three MacCAT-CR scales identified working memory as a predictor; negative symptoms made a small contribution to the understanding and appreciation scores. Conclusions Negative symptoms and aspects of neurocognitive functioning were correlated with decision-making capacity in this large sample of moderately ill subjects with schizophrenia. In multiple regression models predicting performance on the MacCAT-CR scales, working memory was the only consistent predictor of the components of decision-making capacity. Individuals with schizophrenia who have prominent cognitive dysfunction, especially memory impairment, may warrant particular attention when participating in research.
A Probabilistic Framework for Content-Based Diagnosis of Retinal Disease

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the working age population in the industrialized world. Computer assisted analysis has the potential to assist in the early detection of diabetes by regular screening of large populations. The widespread availability of digital fundus cameras today is leading to the accumulation of large image archives of diagnosed patient data that captures historical knowledge of retinal pathology. Through this research we are developing a content-based image retrieval method to verify our hypothesis that retinal pathology can be identified and quantified from visually similar retinal images in an image archive. We will present diagnostic results for specificity and sensitivity on a population of 395 fundus images representing the normal fundus and 14 stratified disease states.