cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Results of Fludarabine and Prednisone Therapy in 264 Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia With Multivariate Analysis-Derived Prognostic Model for Response to Treatment

Two hundred sixty-four patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia were treated with fludarabine 30 mg/m2 intravenously for 30 minutes each day for 5 days and with prednisone 30 mg/m2 orally each day for 5 days. Courses were repeated monthly. Of the 264 patients. 125 patients (47%) had Rai stage III-IV disease; 169 patients (64%) were previously treated with a median of 3 prior regimens; and 138 of them (82%) were refractory to therapy with alkylating agents. The overall response (OR) and complete response (CR) rates in the 169 previously-treated patients were 52% and 37%; these were 74% and 63%, respectively, in Rai stage O-II patients and declined to 64% and 46%, respectively, in Rai III-IV disease. Among the previously untreated patients, the OR and CR rates were 79% and 63%, these being 85% and 70%, respectively, in Rai O-II patients, and declining to 64% and 46%, respectively, in Rai III-IV disease. The incidence of minor infections or fever of unknown origin was similar in all patient groups and occurred in 22% of courses. The incidence of sepsis and/or pneumonia was significantly correlated with the extent of prior therapy and with Rai stage, and ranged from 3% of courses in the previously untreated Rai O-II patients, to 13% of courses in the previously treated Rai III-IV patients. Listeria sepsis or Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia was noted in 14 patients. With therapy, CD4 levels were uniformly depressed from a median 1,015/microL pretreatment to a median 159/microL after 3 months of fludarabine therapy. Median time to progression in previously treated patients was 22 months. In previously untreated patients, median time to progression was 30 months for patients who achieved a partial remission and has not been reached in patients who achieved a CR with a median follow-up of 2 years. The median survival was 18 months for previously treated patients and has not been reached for previously untreated patients. Response rates in previously treated and untreated patients, as well as infection rates, were identical to those seen in 110 patients treated with the same dose schedule of fludarabine alone. Logistic regression analysis selected 4 factors to be significantly associated with worse response: Rai III-IV stage disease, prior therapy, older age, and low albumin levels. The regression equation was used to derive a probability of response based on the 4 characteristics. When the model was applied to the same population, patients could be divided into 4 prognostic groups with different outcomes.
Improved image compression using fractal block coding

Fractal coding of images is shown to be very efficient compression tool in recent years (Jacquin, 1992; Barnsley; Mandelbrot, 1982; Kapoor et. al, 2003). It is shown that, because of high redundancy present in images a rule-based technique can be used to iteratively reconstruct an image from limited image patterns. In this presentation we offer another efficient technique based fractal block coding (Jacquin, 1992) for image compression. It is shown that this technique substantially reduces the memory requirement, and speeds up the reconstruction
Processing, transport, and secretion of the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase in Dictyostelium discoideum.

To explain the different secretion kinetics of lysosomal enzymes in Dictyostelium discoideum, previous investigators have hypothesized the existence of a heterogeneous population of lysosomes containing either the enzyme acid phosphatase or other hydrolase enzymes. This proposal predicts that at least two targeting mechanisms exist for lysosomal enzymes in this organism. To begin to investigate this possibility, the transport, processing, and targeting of acid phosphatase was studied by using a combination of radiolabel pulse-chase procedures, subcellular fractionations, and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Acid phosphatase was initially synthesized in axenically growing cells as a 56-kDa precursor polypeptide that was proteolytically processed after 20 min to a 55-kDa mature protein. This enzyme was rapidly transported from the endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi complex (halftime of 3 min) as measured by the acquisition of resistance to the enzyme endoglycosidase H. Furthermore, Percoll gradient fractionations indicated that radiolabeled forms of acid phosphatase reached dense lysosomal vesicles at about the same time as final processing was occurring. Proper sorting of acid phosphatase in D. discoideum apparently was not critically dependent on low intravacuolar pH since the addition of ammonium chloride did not stimulate the missorting and secretion of acid phosphatase. These results are very similar to previous observations concerning other Dictyostelium lysosomal enzymes. Consistent with the existence of a heterogeneus population of lysosomes, the percentage of radiolabeled acid phosphatase secreted 4 h into a chase period was 15-fold lower as compared with another lysosomal enzyme, β-glucosidase. However, acid phosphatase, α-mannosidase, and β-glucosidase were all predominantly colocalized as determined by indirect immunofluorescence, which for the first time demonstrates the homogeneous nature of the lysosomal system in D. discoideum. Taken together these results suggest that the processing and transport of acid phosphatase may be similar in nature to the glycosidases. However, the different kinetics of secretion of acid phosphatase versus the colocalized glycosidase enzymes suggests that an undefined mechanism operates to distinguish these classes of enzymes at a step after localization to lysosomes but prior to secretion.
Letter: A caution about using photoillumination devices.

Transillumination of the chests of neonates1 has been used in our neonatal intensive care unit now on approximately 200 neonates with pneumothorax (PT) or pneumomediastinum (PM) using the Minilight illuminator* without any deleterious effects. Even though the fiberoptic probe tip remains cool when exposed to air indefinitely, we still wished to test for the build-up of heat beneath the rubber-sheathed probe tip of the Minilight and the Chun Gun† when these were held tightly against the skin.
Near-Infrared Observations of 3C208.1

Colors for one high-redshift target field are presented from our sample of potential cluster fields. This field, 3C208.1, was observed in R (rest U) and H (rest R) bands. From the colors of the objects within an Abell core radius, it is unlikely that 3C208.1 resides in a cluster at z=1.02.
Steady-state electrotransport of carbon in iron

Electrotransport of carbon in γ-Fe was studied by a steady-state method. Previous experimental studies of electrotransport in solid metallic systems have been limited to the use of unsteady-state methods. The steady-state distribution in a solid system can be attained in a reasonable time provided certain conditions are fulfilled. This method has the advantage that the effective charge,Z*, can be evaluated directly from the ratio of the chemical compositions at the anode and cathode ends without involving the chemical diffusivity. C14 was introduced into Armco iron specimens by carburizing. After electrotransport for a suitable time, the steady-state concentration-distance curve was determined by the method of residual radioactivity. The effective charge,Z*, of carbon in γ-Fe under the experimental conditions employed (0.11 to 0.50 wt pct C, 927° to 1027°C, and 1100 to 2500 amp per sq cm current density) is +3.99±0.08. No dependence ofZ* on carbon content, temperature, or current density was detected. Although the valueZ* =+4 coincides with the classical valence of carbon, the mechanism of transport probably involves the electronic carriers as well as the field force on the screened carbon ion.
Canonical and Noncanonical Methods in Applications of Group Theory to Physical Problems

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the current applications of unitary group techniques as motivated by physical problems. The basic problem in quantum chemistry is to find solutions of the many-body Schrodinger equation. The only feasible approach is to truncate the relevant solution space, sometimes even drastically, to obtain simpler models that capture some of the essence of the original problem. The chapter also discusses the Huckel–Hubbard approach to organic chemistry, which truncates the space of relevant degrees of freedom to a single atomic orbital at each site in the molecule. The relevant symmetry group of the system is then the unitary group U(n), for n sites. The unitary group is a fundamental (or global) symmetry of the many-body Hamiltonian; this is clearly the case for the quantal angular momentum group. Unitary symmetry involves a “restricted solution manifold” and this can occur in many ways. The chapter describes the irreducible representations (irreps) of U(n), its Wigner–Clebsch–-Gordan (WCG) coefficients and associated operator algebras, general group-subgroup reductions, and Lie algebras.
X-Ray Laser World Wide Progress

The quest for the demonstration of an x-ray wavelength laser took ~20 years with successful, unambiguous results coming only recently from research efforts in the USA1–3, Great Britain4, and France . Numerous reviews6–8 have been written on the subject, but the most current are actual accounts of various groups’ research in “conference proceedings”9–11. In this manuscript, I will describe the various types of successful lasing schemes employed to date, comment on their status and speculate on their future development. I will not be describing all attempts to make the x-ray laser, nor listing an account of various theoretical designs, or inversion schemes that are not currently used. Successful x-ray lasers have to date, only been demonstrated by forming a plasma with a high power optical or infrared wavelength laser.
MTHFR Polymorphism, Methyl-Replete Diets and the Risk of Colorectal Carcinoma and Adenoma among U.S. Men and Women: An Example of Gene-Environment Interactions in Colorectal Tumorigenesis

Our studies on interactions of a folate-metabolizing gene polymorphism and dietary intake in colorectal tumorigenesis demonstrate the potential importance of studying interactions between genotype and environmental exposure in relation to cancer risk. We observed an inverse association of a polymorphism (667C --> T, ala --> val) in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene with colorectal cancer but not with colorectal adenomas. The inverse association of methionine and adverse association of alcohol with colorectal cancer were stronger among val/val individuals. These interactions were not present in studies of colorectal adenomas. Our studies illustrate that studying gene-environment interactions in relation to cancer can be of importance in clarifying cancer etiology as well as pointing to preventive dietary modifications.
Using Molecular Markers to Estimate Quantitative Trait Locus Parameters: Power and Genetic Variances for Unreplicated and Replicated Progeny

Many of the progeny types used to estimate quantitative trait locus (QTL) parameters can be replicated, e.g., recombinant inbred, doubled haploid, and F3 lines. These parameters are estimated using molecular markers or QTL genotypes estimated from molecular markers as independent variables. Experiment designs for replicated progeny are functions of the number of replications per line (r) and the number of replications per QTL genotype (n). The value of n is determined by the size of the progeny population (N), the progeny type, and the number of simultaneously estimated QTL parameters (q - 1). Power for testing hypotheses about means of QTL genotypes is increased by increasing r and n, but the effects of these factors have not been quantified. In this paper, we describe how power is affected by r, n, and other factors. The genetic variance between lines nested in QTL genotypes (sigma 2n:q) is the fraction of the genetic variance between lines (sigma 2n) which is not explained by simultaneously estimated intralocus and interlocus QTL parameters (phi 2Q); thus, sigma 2n:q = sigma 2n - phi 2Q. If sigma 2n:q not equal to 0, then power is not efficiently increased by increasing r and is maximized by maximizing n and using r = 1; however, if sigma 2n:q = 0, then r and n affect power equally and power is efficiently increased by increasing r and is maximized by maximizing N.r. Increasing n efficiently increases power for a wide range of values of sigma 2n:q.sigma 2n:q = 0 when the genetic variance between lines is fully explained by QTL parameters (sigma 2n = phi 2Q).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Uniform persistence and net functions

We obtain uniform persistence for a class of retarded functional differential equations as a consequence of a general result involving certain multiple Lyapunov-like functions which we call net functions. Applications include population dynamics models of Kolmogorov type with time delays.
Varicella-Zoster Virus ORF12 Protein Activates the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Pathway To Regulate Cell Cycle Progression

ABSTRACT Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) activates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway and alters cell cycle progression, but the viral protein(s) responsible for these activities is unknown. We previously reported that the VZV open reading frame 12 (ORF12) protein triggers phosphorylation of ERK. Here, we demonstrate that the VZV ORF12 protein also activates the PI3K/Akt pathway to regulate cell cycle progression. Transfection of cells with a plasmid expressing the ORF12 protein induced phosphorylation of Akt, which was dependent on PI3K. Infection of cells with wild-type VZV triggered phosphorylation of Akt, while infection with an ORF12 deletion mutant induced less phosphorylated Akt. The activation of Akt by ORF12 protein was associated with its binding to the p85 subunit of PI3K. Infection of cells with wild-type VZV resulted in increased levels of cyclin B1, cyclin D3, and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β), while infection with the ORF12 deletion mutant induced lower levels of these proteins. Wild-type VZV infection reduced the G 1 phase cell population and increased the M phase cell population, while infection with the ORF12 deletion mutant had a reduced effect on the G 1 and M phase populations. Inhibition of Akt activity with LY294002 reduced the G 1 and M phase differences observed in cells infected with wild-type and ORF12 mutant viruses. In conclusion, we have found that the VZV ORF12 protein activates the PI3K/Akt pathway to regulate cell cycle progression. Since VZV replicates in both dividing (e.g., keratinocytes) and nondividing (neurons) cells, the ability of the VZV ORF12 protein to regulate the cell cycle is likely important for VZV replication in various cell types in the body.
Real-Time Imaging of HIF-1α Stabilization and Degradation

HIF-1α is overexpressed in many human cancers compared to normal tissues due to the interaction of a multiplicity of factors and pathways that reflect specific genetic alterations and extracellular stimuli. We developed two HIF-1α chimeric reporter systems, HIF-1α/FLuc and HIF-1α(ΔODDD)/FLuc, to investigate the tightly controlled level of HIF-1α protein in normal (NIH3T3 and HEK293) and glioma (U87) cells. These reporter systems provided an opportunity to investigate the degradation of HIF-1α in different cell lines, both in culture and in xenografts. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we observed different patterns of subcellular localization of HIF-1α/FLuc fusion protein between normal cells and cancer cells; similar differences were observed for HIF-1α in non-transduced, wild-type cells. A dynamic cytoplasmic-nuclear exchange of the fusion protein and HIF-1α was observed in NIH3T3 and HEK293 cells under different conditions (normoxia, CoCl2 treatment and hypoxia). In contrast, U87 cells showed a more persistent nuclear localization pattern that was less affected by different growing conditions. Employing a kinetic model for protein degradation, we were able to distinguish two components of HIF-1α/FLuc protein degradation and quantify the half-life of HIF-1α fusion proteins. The rapid clearance component (t1/2 ∼4–6 min) was abolished by the hypoxia-mimetic CoCl2, MG132 treatment and deletion of ODD domain, and reflects the oxygen/VHL-dependent degradation pathway. The slow clearance component (t1/2 ∼200 min) is consistent with other unidentified non-oxygen/VHL-dependent degradation pathways. Overall, the continuous bioluminescence readout of HIF-1α/FLuc stabilization in vitro and in vivo will facilitate the development and validation of therapeutics that affect the stability and accumulation of HIF-1α.
Designing Robust Repetitive Controllers

A method for designing repetitive feedback controllers using nonparametric frequency response plant models is developed. In comparison to the zero-phase-error (ZPE) controller (ASME J. Dyn. Syst. Meas. Control, 111, pp. 353-358), this method has the added benefit of providing improved transient performance when the plant inverse is unstable. In this controller design process, a connection is made between model uncertainty and the desired frequency response of the so-called q filter. Also, it will be shown that an optimal equiripple filter is useful when designing high-order q filters. The entire process was experimentally verified on an engine control application. A repetitive controller was used to determine the dynamic fueling requirements of a fuel injected, spark-ignition engine subjected to periodic changes in the throttle position. This fueling information is necessary when designing feedforward fueling algorithms.
Multifractal Scaling of Thermally Activated Rupture Processes

We propose a "multifractal stress activation" model combining thermally activated rupture and long memory stress relaxation, which predicts that seismic decay rates after mainshocks follow the Omori law approximately 1/t(p) with exponents p linearly increasing with the magnitude M(L) of the mainshock. We carefully test this prediction on earthquake sequences in the Southern California earthquake catalog: we find power law relaxations of seismic sequences triggered by mainshocks with exponents p increasing with the mainshock magnitude by approximately 0.1-0.15 for each magnitude unit increase, from p(M(L) = 3) approximately 0.6 to p(M(L) = 7) approximately 1.1, in good agreement with the prediction of the multifractal model.
Usefulness of Part Records to Estimate the Breeding Values of Dairy Cattle

Abstract Complete lactations for 24,602 Holsteins were used to measure heritabilities and repeatabilities of monthly and cumulative production, to obtain genetic and phenotypic correlations between part and whole records, and to measure the relative genetic gain in whole records from selection on part records. Repeatabilities were largest in the center months and increased with added months of cumulative production. Heritabilities of milk for parts increased gradually through the first lactation but for all lactations varied around .10 increasing to .16. Genetic correlations between monthly and total production were generally .9 or larger and were largest for the center of the lactation. Phenotypic correlations of monthly with total production in the same or subsequent lactations were largest in months 4 to 6. Adding a second month to the first contributed the largest increase in accuracy of predicting that complete lactation, and the correlation exceeded .9 by the time the fifth month was added. A succeeding lactation could be predicted nearly as accurately by a part of the first lactation as by the whole first. Selection on production for a single month will provide less genetic progress than selecting on the complete record, but cumulating parts should increase relative efficiency with each added month.
Keynesian Impulses Versus Solow Residuals: Identifying Sources of Business Cycle Fluctuations

@We employ a neoclassical business-cycle model that builds on the Greenwood, Hercowitz, and Huffman (1988) variable-utilization framework to study two sources of business-cycl e fluctuations: marginal efficiency of investment shocks, and total factor productivity shocks. The parameters of the model are estimated using a Bayesian procedure that accommodates prior uncertainty about their magnitudes; from these estimates, posterior distributions of the two shocks are obtained. The postwar U.S. experience suggests that both shocks are important in understanding fluctuations, but that total factor productivity shocks are primarily responsible for beginning and ending recessions.
Random control procedures in classical skin conductance conditioning

There have been differences in opinion concerning what constitute proper procedures for providing random controls in classical skin conductance conditioning. The present paper is a comment on selected aspects of a methodological discussion of control procedures and permissable inferences provided by Furedy, Poulos, and Schiffman (1975).
Directional derivative estimates for Berezin’s operator calculus

Directional derivative estimates for Berezin symbols of bounded operators on Bergman spaces of arbitrary bounded domains Ω in C" are obtained. These estimates also hold in the setting of the Segal-Bargmann space on C". It is also shown that our estimates are sharp at every point of Ω by exhibiting the optimizers explicitly.
Stages of change

The transtheoretical model, in general, and the stages of change, in particular, have proven useful in adapting or tailoring treatment to the individual. We define the stages and processes of change and then review previous meta-analyses on their interrelationship. We report an original meta-analysis of 39 studies, encompassing 8,238 psychotherapy patients, to assess the ability of stages of change and related readiness measures to predict psychotherapy outcomes. Clinically significant effect sizes were found for the association between stage of change and psychotherapy outcomes (d = .46); the amount of progress clients make during treatment tends to be a function of their pretreatment stage of change. We examine potential moderators in effect size by study outcome, patient characteristics, treatment features, and diagnosis. We also review the large volume of behavioral health research, but scant psychotherapy research, that demonstrates the efficacy of matching treatment to the patient's stage of change. Limitations of the extant research are noted, and practice recommendations are advanced.
Immunohistochemical localization of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in matched endometriosis and endometrial tissues.

Objective : Murine endometrial granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor has been related to macrophage recruitment and activation and postulated to mediate reproductive events. This study was designed to determine whether granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor is present in normal human endometrium or endometriosis. Study Design: Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor was immunohistochemically evaluated in matched endometrial and endometriosis biopsy specimens ( n = 19) and endometrial biopsy specimens from disease-free patients ( n = 8). Staining differences were determined with McNemar's, Fisher's, and Wilcoxon's tests. Results : Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor was primarily localized in endometrial and endometriotic epithelial cells. Expression ( p = 0.71) and staining intensity ( p = 0.37) was similar in matched proliferative-phase endometrium and endometriosis. Matched secretory-phase endometrium and endometriosis also expressed granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in similar proportions ( p = 0.12), but staining intensity was enhanced in secretory endometriosis compared with secretory endometrium ( p = 0.05). Endometrial granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor did not vary throughout the menstrual cycle, but endometriotic expression ( p = 0.013) and staining intensity ( p = 0.008) were significantly greater in the secretory phase. Conclusions : Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor is localized in endometrial and endometriotic epithelial cells with increased expression in secretory-phase endometriosis. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor may elicit migration, proliferation, and activation of endometrial and peritoneal macrophages.
The Application of Smart Structures to the Vibration Suppression Problem

The development of smart structures has seen many applications both in areas of acoustics and vibrations. We will explore a problem in vibration suppression where the application of smart structures is not only logical but necessary. This system is the control of a flexible ribbed antenna structure. In order to better incorporate smart structures into the vibration suppression problem, a methodology for utilizing a single piezoceramic segment as both a sensor and an actuator simultaneously has been de veloped. The technique for accomplishing this will be presented, and experimental results for the structure will be shown.
Genetic instability in the human population: A working hypothesis1,2

In several rare syndromes, genetic instability, expressed as chromosome instability, is known. Patients with these syndromes are predisposed to cancer. Evidence has been accumulating to show that chromosome instability occurs in some other diseases also, though the frequency was not as high. Genetic instability may induce mutational events in a chromosome (second step) whose homolog has a congenital defect (primary step) towards neoplasia in a target cell. Genetic instability may also induce the initial step. It is highly probable that genetic instability in the human population is not an all-or-none situation. Gradations of genetic instability may exist with a variety of underlying causes. Persons may have latent instability which normally cannot be detected by cytogenetic methods, e.g. defective DNA repair mechanisms. With DNA damage, there will be little or no repair in the cells of persons with defective repair systems, hence more chromosomal aberrations. When challenged with clastogens, the cells of persons with mildly defective repair systems may show a higher rate of chromosome aberrations than those of stable persons. This paper presents a working hypothesis on genetic instability in the human population and methods to detect the masked instability.
Participation and retention in drug abuse treatment services research

We examined potential bias in treatment effectiveness research by studying client characteristics associated with initial participation and subsequent retention in research assessments among clients in substance abuse treatment receiving case management. Six hundred thirty-four residential and 429 outpatient clients were invited to participate. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions. Logistic regression examined the relation between client characteristics and initial participation and retention in follow-up assessments. Females and clients with significant others were more likely to participate and remain in the study. Older persons and criminal justice-referred clients were less likely to participate. Older clients and urban outpatient clients were more likely, and criminal justice-referred clients were less likely, to be retained. Two case management conditions were associated with decreased retention. Client characteristics are important factors in participation and retention in treatment services research. Further, client characteristics may bias estimates of effectiveness generally, or for specific populations.
A new tetradentate ligand for atom transfer radical polymerization

The properties of a ligand, including molecular structure and substituents, strongly affect the catalyst activity and control of the polymerization in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). A new tetradentate ligand, N,N'-bis(pyridin-2-yl-methyl-3-hexoxo-3-oxopropyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (BPED) was synthesized and examined as the ligand of copper halide for ATRP of styrene (St), methyl acrylate (MA), and methyl methacrylate (MMA), and compared with other analogous linear tetrdendate ligands. The BPED ligand was found to significantly promote the activation reaction: the CuBr/BPED complex reacted with the initiators so fast that a large amount of Cu(II)Br 2 /BPED was produced and thus the polymerizations were slow for all the monomers. The reaction of CuCl/BPED with the initiator was also fast, but by reducing the catalyst concentration or adding CuCl 2 , the activation reaction could be slowed to establish the equilibrium of ATRP for a well-controlled living polymerization of MA. CuCl/BPED was found very active for the polymerization of MA. For example, 10 mol% of the catalyst relatively to the initiator was sufficient to mediate a living polymerization of MA. The CuCl/BPED, however, could not catalyze a living polymerization of MMA because the resulting CuCl 2 /BPED could not deactivate the growing radicals. The effects of the ligand structures on the catalysis of ATRP are also discussed.
Comments on the interatomic potential of Ne2

Abstract An interatomic potential for Ne 2 obtained from high-resolution elastic differential scattering cross sections has been used to calculate selected properties of solid Ne. The agreement with solid state properties is found to be poor even with the inclusion of Axilod-Teller-Muto three body forces. Possible reasons for this are discussed.
Antimutagenicity of yogurt.

Abstract Yogurt is milk fermented by a mixture of two bacteria: Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus . Epidemiological studies have correlated a reduced risk for colon cancer with yogurt consumption. Independent studies have established that yogurt and extracts thereof are antimutagenic. Although multiple explanations can account for yogurt's putative anticarcinogenicity, we are interested in testing the hypothesis that antimutagenic compounds produced during fermentation are responsible. We recently reported on the antimutagenicity of an acetone extract of yogurt against the experimental carcinogens N -methyl- N′ -nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and 3,2′-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl (DMAB) (Mutation Res. (1995) 334, 213–224). We are now aware that palmitic acid is an active ingredient against MNNG.
NetSolve: a network server for solving computational science problems

This paper presents a new system, called NetSolve, that allows users to access computational resources, such as hardware and software, distributed across the network. The development of NetSolve was motivated by the need for an easy-to-use, efficient mechanism for using computational resources remotely. Ease of use is obtained as a result of different interfaces, some of which require no programming effort from the user. Good performance is ensured by a load-balancing policy that enables NetSolve to use the computational resources available as efficiently as possible. NetSolve offers the ability to look for computational resources on a network, choose the best one availab le, solve a problem (with retry for fault-tolerance), and return the answer to the user.
Cochlear reimplantation in children: soft signs, symptoms and results.

Abstract Objectives Cochlear implant device failures and reimplantation have mainly been reported on in adults. The purpose of this study was to isolate precursors of device failures and assess the effects of reimplantation in children. Methods From 1997 to 2003, 27 children underwent cochlear reimplantation at our institution. The pre-failure complaints were categorized and correlated with actual failure modes and postimplantation results. Speech-recognition tests were used to evaluate preand post-reimplantation performance. Results Pre-failure length of usage ranged from 0 to 12 years. Symptoms including pain, intermittence, reduced performance, noise and the need for frequent device adjustments were associated with device failures, although not with a particular mode of failure. Post reimplantation performance was equal to but not immediately better than pre-failure results in children who received upgraded devices. Conclusions Specific complaints, frequent need for device adjustments and reduced speec...
Incorporating Satisfaction into Customer Value Analysis: Optimal Investment in Lifetime Value

We extend Schmittlein et al.'s model (1987) of customer lifetime value to include satisfaction. Customer purchases are modeled as Poisson events and their rates of occurrence depend on the satisfaction of the most recent purchase encounter. Customers purchase at a higher rate when they are satisfied than when they are dissatisfied. A closed-form formula is derived for predicting total expected dollar spending from a customer base over a time period (0; T]. This formula reveals that approximating the mixture arrival processes by a single aggregate Poisson process can systematically under-estimate the total number of purchases and revenue. Interestingly, the total revenue is increasing and convex in satisfaction. If the cost is sufficiently convex, our model reveals that the aggregate model leads to an over-investment in customer satisfaction. The model is further extended to include three other benefits of customer satisfaction: (1) satisfied customers are likely to spend more per trip on average than dissatisfied customers; (2) satisfied customers are less likely to leave the customer base than dissatisfied customers; and (3) previously satisfied customers can be more (or less) likely to be satisfied in the current visit than previously dissatisfied customers. We show that all the main results carry through to these general settings.
Properties of Apparel Wools : VIII. The Aging of Worsted Yarn

Mechanical properties derived from the force-extension curve, and including tensile recovery, have been measured for single strands of steamed worsted yarn throughout their aging at 65% R.H. and 70°F. None of these properties appears to change significantly throughout an aging period of several months. Measurements on single strands of unsteamed yarn which are permitted to untwist prior to test indicate a progressive change in physical properties with time of aging. This is caused by a slow setting-in of the twist similar to that provided rapidly by a steaming treatment.
Misguided guidelines for managing labor

In a recent review we expressed concerns about new guidelines for the assessment and management of labor recommended jointly by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM). These guidelines are based heavily on a new concept of how cervical dilatation and fetal descent progress, derived from the work of Zhang et al. In their Viewpoint article they have addressed, but not allayed, the concerns we described in our review. We assert that the dilatation curve promulgated by Zhang et al cannot be reconciled with direct clinical observation. Even if they were correct, however, it still does not follow that the ACOG/SMFM guidelines should recommend replacing the coherent system of identifying and managing labor aberrations described by Friedman. That system is grounded in well-established clinical principles based on decades of use and the objectively documented association of some labor abnormalities with poor fetal and maternal outcomes. Recommendations for new clinical management protocols should require the demonstration of superior outcomes through extensive, preferably prospective, assessment. Using untested guidelines for the management of labor may adversely affect women and children. Even if those guidelines were to reduce the currently excessive cesarean delivery rate, the price of that benefit is likely to be a trade-off in harm to parturients and their offspring. The nature and degree of that harm needs to be documented before considering adoption of the guidelines.
Regional Differences in Suprathreshold Intensity for Bitter and Umami Stimuli

The sense of taste is often referred to as a ‘nutritional gatekeeper’, thought to have evolved to indicate energy sources and prevent ingestion of potential toxins. Fungiform papillae are structures on the anterior tongue in which taste buds are situated. They are concentrated at the tongue’s tip and they can provide a useful estimate of overall taste bud density for taste research. Some reports suggest taste perception may differ subtly across tongue regions, irrespective of FP number. Other data show an association between taste intensity perception for the bitter compound 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) and FP density. However, contradictions exist in the literature, with more recent, larger studies suggesting little or no association between FP number and perceived taste intensity. Many studies have examined the relation between FP density and PROP perception, while other tastes have been less thoroughly studied. Here, in a cohort of mainly Caucasian individuals, aged 18–45 years, recruited from the campus of a large rural university, we examined regional and whole mouth taste intensities, and FP density using an updated method of a digital still photography method first described in 2005. We found regional differences in suprathreshold intensity. Although all taste sensations were experienced all over the tongue, once again disproving the mythical tongue map, we also observed bitter and umami taste perceptions to be significantly greater on the posterior tongue than on the anterior tongue. In contrast, there were no regional differences observed for sweet, salty, or sour tastes. The relation of FP density to whole mouth intensity of 6-n-propylthiouracil and to the intensity of saltiness of NaCl, sweetness from sucrose or from Acesulfame-K, bitterness of quinine, or burning from capsaicin delivered to different regions of the tongue are also discussed.
Probing Black Hole Gravity

Black holes (BHs) are among the most amazing predictions of Einstein's general relativity theory. In isolation, BHs are describable simply by their mass and spin rate and are practically invisible—only observed as they feed on surrounding gas, such as when a star gets close enough and is disrupted and ripped apart by the tidal forces of a supermassive BH (SMBH) with the mass of millions to billions of Suns. Such tidal disruption events or flares have been observed only a few times. On page [949][1] of this issue, Reis et al. ( 1 ) report on the discovery of another tidal disruption event (called Sw J1644+57 for the event as measured by Swift, NASA's space-based observatory) by a previously dormant BH. The crucial discovery is that this particular flare has an x-ray light curve with a statistically significant highly coherent oscillation. The frequency of this so-called quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) is so high, at about 1/200 Hz, for a SMBH that the emission must occur due to some physical process operating close to the BH's event horizon. The implication is that the physical processes take place in the strong-field gravity regime and that these QPO observations might allow one to probe or even test Einstein's general relativity theory. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1223940
Biochemical effects of intratracheal instillation of cadmium chloride on rat lung

Abstract Selected biochemical parameters in rat lung tissue were examined after intratracheal instillation of 0.5 μmole/kg of cadmium chloride (CdCl 2 ), which produces levels of approximately 10 μg Cd/g of lung wet weight 1 hr following instillation. Lungs were examined 2 hr, 1 day, 3 days and 7 days after CdCl 2 instillation and compared with matched controls receiving saline instillations. Cytosolic lysosomal enzymes, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione (GSH) peroxidase-associated enzymes increased significantly 24 hr after CdCl 2 insult. Peak increases of enzyme activities occurred about 3 days after CdCl 2 instillation. Levels of lung nonprotein sulfhydryl (NPSH) groups, thiobarbituric acid (TBA)-reactive products, protein and DNA increased after CdCl 2 instillation in a similar manner. By 7 days most measured biochemical parameters either remained at the peak 3-day values or decreased toward normal levels. The biochemical changes are consistent with known reported CdCl 2 -induced edema and inflammation accompanied by phagocyte recruitment into lung tissue and reparative proliferation of lung cell types.
Promoting wildlife health or fighting wildlife disease: Insights from History, Philosophy, and Science

Although healthy wildlife populations are often a goal of wildlife management, ambiguity over the meaning of the term health may limit its effectiveness in guiding management objectives. Health is a complex concept with empirical and normative qualities; if it is to convey more than simply metaphorical value in wildlife conservation, clearer articulation of the meaning of wildlife health is needed. We provide a brief overview of the evolution of wildlife disease and health management; we discuss important philosophi- cal themes relevant to developing a clarified understanding of wildlife health; and we share perspectives on wildlife health and disease from a Delphi exercise involving North American wildlife health professionals. The Delphi group conceptualized wildlife health as a multidisciplinary concept marked predominantly by population sustainability and resilience. Disease was considered to be a specific abnormal condition that is a part of the broader concept of health. We suggest improved integration of the descriptive and normative elements of wildlife health and greater inclusion of societal values in developing wildlife health objectives as a means to broaden the scope and effectiveness of wildlife health management. 2012 The Wildlife Society.
A note on partially adaptive estimation via a normal mixture

This note shows that the partially adaptive estimator proposed in Phillips (1994) is a consistent estimator of regression parameters in a degenerate but important case.
Three-dimensional visualization of mission planning and control for the NPS autonomous underwater vehicle

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is constructing a small autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with an onboard mission control computer. The mission controller software for this vehicle is a knowledge-based artificial intelligence (AI) system requiring thorough analysis and testing before the AUV is operational. The manner in which rapid prototyping of this software has been demonstrated by developing a controller code on a LISP machine and using an Ethernet link with a graphics workstation to simulate the controller's environment is discussed. The development of a testing simulator using a knowledge engineering environment (KEE) expert system shell that examines AUV controller subsystems and vehicle models before integrating them with the full AUV for its test environment missions is discussed. This AUV simulator utilizes an interactive mission planning control console and is fully autonomous once initial parameters are selected. >
The Mentality of Apes Revisited

Although early comparative psychology was seriously marred by claims of our species'supremacy, the residual backlash against these archaic evolutionary views is still being felt, even though our understanding of evolutionary biology is now sufficiently advanced to grapple with possible cognitive specializations that our species does not share with closely related species. The overzealous efforts to dismantle arguments of human uniqueness have only served to show that most comparative psychologists working with apes have yet to set aside the antiquated evolutionary ”ladder.“ Instead, they have only attempted to pull chimpanzees up to the ladder's highest imaginary rung — or perhaps, to pull humans down to an equally imaginary rung at the height of the apes. A true comparative science of animal minds, however, will recognize the complex diversity of the animal kingdom, and will thus view Homo sapiens as one more species with a unique set of adaptive skills crying out to be identified and understood.
Defining critical residues m the epitope for a hiv-neutralizing monoclonal antibody using phage display and peptide array technologies

A peptide display library [Scott and Smith, Science 249 (1990) 386-390] was constructed that expressed 1.5 x 10(8) unique 20-amino-acid (aa) peptides fused to the N-terminus of the pIII coat protein of filamentous phage fd. This phage display library (PDL-20) was prepared using a degenerate oligodeoxyribonucleotide designed to minimize bias towards most aa. Characterization of the PDL-20 showed that all aa were present at the expected frequency and that there was no positional bias. Screening of this library with a HIV-1 isotype MN envelope reactive monoclonal antibody (mAb 58.2) using two different panning procedures showed that the biopanning technique was sensitive to one phage in 10(8). Analysis of peptide sequences from panning the mAb identified a core antibody recognition sequence of four aa residues (GPGR) and two preferred flanking residues on either side. This epitope occurred at various locations within the random aa segment demonstrating an absence of positional or nearest neighbor effects. Parallel panning experiments using an array of 266 synthetic peptides identified an epitope similar to that defined by the phage display library.
Statistical issues in the search for genes affecting quantitative traits in experimental populations

This article reviews key contributions in the area of statistics as applied to the use of molecular marker technology and quantitative genetics in the search for genes affecting quantitative traits responsible for specic diseases and economically important agronomic traits. Since an exhaustive literature review is not possible, the limited scope of this work is to encourage further statistical work in this vast eld by rst reviewing human and domestic species literature, and then concentrat- ing on the statistical developments for experimental breeding popula- tions. Substantial gains have been made over the years by both plant and animal breeders toward a long-term goal of locating genes affect- ing quantitative traits (quantitative trait loci, QTLs) for the eventual characterization and manipulation of these genes in order to develop im- proved agronomically important traits. Our main concern is that the care and expense that are required in generating both genetic marker data and quantitative trait data should be accompanied by equal care in the statistical analysis of the data. Through an example using an F 2 male genetic map of mouse chromosome 10, and quantitative trait values mea- sured on weight gain, we implement much of the reviewed methodology for the purpose of detecting or locating a QTL having an effect on weight gain.