cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preferential radiosensitization of human prostatic carcinoma cells by mild hyperthermia.

Abstract Purpose: Recent cell culture studies by us and others suggest that some human carcinoma cells are more sensitive to heat than are rodent cell following mild hyperthermia. In studying the celllular mechanism of enhanced thermosensitivity of human tumor cells to hyperthermia, prostatic carcinoma cells of human origin were found to be more sensitive to mild hyperthermia than other human cancer cells. The present study was designed to determine the magnitude of radiosensitization of human prostatic carcinoma cells by mild hyperthermia and to examine whether the thermal radiosensitization is related to the intrinsic thermosensitivity of cancer cells. Methods and Materials: Two human prostatic carcinoma cell lines (DU-145 and PC-3) and other carcinoma cells of human origin, in particular, colon (HT-29), breast (MCF-7), lung (A-549), and brain (U-251) were exposed to temperatures of 40–41°C. Single acute dose rate radiation and fractionated radiation were combined with mild hyperthermia to determine thermal radiosensitization. The end point of the study was the colony-forming ability of single-plated cells. Results: DU-145 and PC-3 cells were found to be exceedingly thermosensitive to 41°C for 24 h, relative to other cancer cell lines. Ninety percent of the prostatic cancer cells were killed by a 24 h heat exposure. Prostatic carcinoma cells exposed to a short duration of heating at 41°C for 2 h resulted in a substantial enhancement of radiation-induced cytotoxicity. The thermal enhancement ratios (TERs) of single acute dose radiation following heat treatment 41°C for 2 h were 2.0 in DU-145 cells and 1.4 in PC-3 cells. The TERs of fractionated irradiation combined with continuous heating at 40°C were similarly in the range of 2.1 to 1.4 in prostate carcinoma cells. No significant radiosensitization was observed in MCF-7 and HT-29 cells under the same conditions. Conclusion: The present data suggest that a significant radiosensitization of prostatic cancer cells could be obtained by the combined treatment of radiatioin and mild hyperthermia. Future clinical trials should be aimed at achieving mild heating and fractionated radiation therapy.
Interaction of ultrashort pulses with etalons

On presente des expressions pour la visibilite de l'energie d'une impulsion optique coherente traversant un etalon
Susceptibility and mode of binding of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis cysteinyl transferase mycothiol ligase to tRNA synthetase inhibitors

The cysteinyl transferase mycothiol ligase, or MshC, catalyzes the fourth step in the biosynthesis of the small molecular weight thiol mycothiol. MshC is essential for growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Two groups of known aminoacyl tRNA synthetase inhibitors were evaluated for inhibition of M. tuberculosis MshC including aminoacyl adenosine analogs and natural products. Using enzyme assays, isothermal titration calorimetry and NMR, we show that MshC is selectively inhibited by cysteinyl sulfamoyl adenosine, and that discrimination occurs at the amino acid moiety.
Brain metabolism of branched-chain amino acids

The synthesis of brain glutamate requires an amino group donor that is efficiently transported into the brain and that is readily transaminated. The branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), particularly leucine, play this important role. The uptake of leucine across the blood-brain barrier is faster than any other amino acid. Studies with 15N-labelled branched-chain amino acids indicate that at least one third of the amino groups of brain glutamate are derived from the BCAA; leucine alone probably donates at least 25%. Transamination occurs in large measure in astrocytes, which articulate closely with the brain capillaries across which amino acids must past as they are transported from the blood. After using BCAA nitrogen for glutamate synthesis, the astrocytes may release the branched-chain ketoacid, e.g., alpha-ketoisocaproate, to the extracellular fluid, from which it can be taken up in a neuronal compartment and there converted back to leucine. This process, which consumes an equimolar amount of glutamic acid, may provide a mechanism for the "buffering" of brain glutamate if levels of this excitatory (and potentially toxic) neurotransmitter become elevated. Leucine so formed in neurons is released to the extracellular fluid and transported back to the astrocytes, thereby completing a "leucine-glutamate cycle."
Effect of Yttrium and Lanthanum on the Tensile Creep Behavior of Aluminum Oxide

The tensile creep behavior of two rare-earth dopant systems, lanthanum- and yttrium-doped alumina, are compared and contrasted in order to better understand the role of oversized, isovalent cation dopants in determining creep behavior. It was found that, despite some microstructural differences, these systems displayed qualitatively a similar improvement in creep resistance, supporting the hypothesis that creep is strongly influenced by segregation. Differences in primary creep behavior and activation energy for steady-state creep were, however, observed for these systems. Given these results, it is expected that creep behavior can be further optimized by adjusting the dopant level and by controlling the microstructure.
Reactions of coordination compounds in the solid state. IV. The behavior of the optically active salt of cis-α-dichloro(triethylenetetramine)cobalt(III) chloride, [Co(trien)Cl2]Cl

Abstract The behavior of the optically active cis-α-dichloro(triethylenetetramine)cobalt(III) chloride, [Co(trien)Cl2]Cl, upon heating, has been examined in the solid state. CD and NMR measurements showed that the solid salt of the cis-α isomer racemizes by heating at 100 °C in a sealed glass tube, retaining the cis-α configuration completely. Concerning this observation, several mechanisms for the rearrangement of the isomer are discussed.
Twice-yearly exams unnecessary for patients taking quetiapine.

Purpose To determine the necessity for the heightened level of monitoring for cataract development in patients taking quetiapine (Seroquel, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Wilmington, Delaware) dictated by the Physicians' Desk Reference. Also, to explore the possibility of cataractogenesis because of quetiapine therapy. Design Observational case series. Methods Data were garnered from a series of 80 case reports collected at the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects (Portland, Oregon). The World Health Organization (WHO) causality assessment guidelines were used to assess the relationship between quetiapine and cataractogenesis. Results There were 34 reports of cataracts associated with quetiapine therapy. Average age was 44 years with 23 females and 11 males studied. Average duration of therapy was 29.3 weeks on standard doses. Conclusions Cataractogenesis secondary to quetiapine is “unlikely” by WHO guidelines. This probably makes it unnecessary to require biannual ophthalmic examinations as routine eye examinations are sufficient to screen for this condition.
Binding of diazoxide and other benzothiadiazines to human albumin

Abstract The binding of seven benzothiadiazines to human albumin was studied by equilibrium dialysis. All these 1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-1,1-dioxide analogs are highly bound to human albumin. The unsubstituted benzothiadiazine nucleus is bound less than the substituted analogs. Addition of a chlorine at C-6 and C-7 markedly increases binding, but further addition of methyl or sulfamyl groups results in some reduction of binding. Binding studies on benzothiadiazines do not demonstrated independent binding sites on albumin. Binding of drugs to albumin can be evaluated by fitting a logistic function to the experimental points with a least squares method. This empirical, objective technique allows examination of the nature of the bonds between drug and protein. Diazoxide, the 7-chloro-3-methyl analog, was used for detailed investigations into the mechanism of protein binding of the benzothiadizines. The effects of pH, temperature, ionic strength, cations and deuterium on the binding of diazoxide to human albumin indicate that the drug is bound mainly by hydrophobic interaction and to a lesser extent by hydrogen bonding. Difference spectroscopy studies show a shift in the electron distribution of diazoxide with binding.
Sensitivity of single-bit continuous-time ΔΕ analogue-to-digital converters to out-of-band blockers

The sensitivity of single-bit continuous-time (CT) ΔΣ analogue-to-digital converters to out-of-band (OOB) blockers received in companion with desired signals is investigated. In essence, the residual interferer signal appearing at the output of the CT loop filter can flip the single-bit quantiser decision near the zero crossings of the loop filter output signal. An intuitive analysis of this effect on the performance of single-bit ΔΣ modulators in the presence of OOB interferers is provided. System level simulations for a single-bit fifth-order CT ΔΣ modulator at an oversampling ratio of 40 have been carried out. A reduction in the achievable signal-to-noise-plus-distortion ratio, that can be as large as 10 dB when applying a 0 dBFS OOB blocker tone along with a weak -75 dBFS desired tone, has been observed. The simulation results show good agreement with the adopted theoretical discussion.
ODONTOMETRIC PATTERNS IN THE RADIATION OF EXTANT GROUND-DWELLING SQUIRRELS WITHIN MARMOTINI (SCIURIDAE: XERINI)

I document odontometric variation across ground-dwelling squirrels of the Holarctic tribe Marmotini. Dental size, which correlates well with published average body mass values across species, accounts for most odontometric variation across the clade. Dental shape variation primarily reflects relative size of P3 (upper cheek teeth) and relative width of p4–m1 + length of m3 (lower cheek teeth). Shape variables and relative tooth crown height covary significantly across species, suggesting a common functional complex or shared genetic control. When dental morphology is mapped on published DNA-based phylogenies, Sciurotamias (Chinese rock squirrels), Ammospermophilus (antelope squirrels), and basal subgenera within Spermophilus (ground squirrels [Callospermophilus and Otospermophilus]) are shown to retain inferred primitive dental morphology—small to moderate dental size, relatively small P3, relatively narrow p4–m1 + shortened m3, and relatively low toothcrown height. Other clades depart from this morphotype in size (very small in Tamias [chipmunks] and very large in Marmota [marmots]), tooth shape (especially 2 clades representing Eurasian and North American subgenus Spermophilus), or in both attributes (notably Cynomys [prairie dogs]), with frequent homoplasy. A plot of odontometric distance against published estimates of divergence time between sister clades suggests a roughly ‘‘clocklike’’ accumulation of odontometric change through time but highlights episodes of rapid odontometric evolution during the origins of Marmota, Cynomys, and Spermophilus parryii (arctic ground squirrel).
Contaminant trends in reservoir sediment cores as records of influent stream quality.

When reconstructing water-quality histories from lake and reservoir cores, it is sometimes assumed that the chemical signatures in the cores reflect historical water quality in the influent streams. To investigate this assumption, concentrations of metals, PAHs, and organochlorine compounds in sediment cores were compared to those associated with an influent-stream suspended sediment for three reservoirs in Fort Worth, TX, and two reservoirs in Boston, MA, U.S.A., and interpreted in light of land-use and regulation histories. In evaluating relations between suspended sediments and cores, three levels of preservation were indicated: (1) influent concentrations and historical trends are preserved in cores (metals at all sites; some organic contaminants at some sites); (2) some loss occurs during transport and initial deposition but relative historical trends are preserved in cores (some organic contaminants at some sites); and (3) neither stream concentrations nor relative historical trends are preserved (...
Analysis of the Salmonella regulatory network suggests involvement of SsrB and H-NS in σE-regulated SPI-2 gene expression

The extracytoplasmic functioning sigma factor σE is known to play an essential role for Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium to survive and proliferate in macrophages and mice. However, its regulatory network is not well characterized, especially during infection. Here we used microarray to identify genes regulated by σE in Salmonella grown in three conditions: a nutrient-rich condition and two others that mimic early and late intracellular infection. We found that in each condition σE regulated different sets of genes, and notably, several global regulators. When comparing nutrient-rich and infection-like conditions, large changes were observed in the expression of genes involved in Salmonella pathogenesis island (SPI)-1 type-three secretion system (TTSS), SPI-2 TTSS, protein synthesis, and stress responses. In total, the expression of 58% of Salmonella genes was affected by σE in at least one of the three conditions. An important finding is that σE up-regulates SPI-2 genes, which are essential for Salmonella intracellular survival, by up-regulating SPI-2 activator ssrB expression at the early stage of infection and down-regulating SPI-2 repressor hns expression at a later stage. Moreover, σE is capable of countering the silencing of H-NS, releasing the expression of SPI-2 genes. This connection between E and SPI-2 genes, combined with the global regulatory effect of σE, may account for the lethality of rpoE-deficient Salmonella in murine infection.
Theoretical Discussions on Possible High-Energy Neutrino Experiments

The theoretical implications of using high-energy neutrinos to study weak interactions are discussed. Such implications considered are: identity of the neutrinos; conservation of leptons; point structure of lepton current; universality of weak interactions involving e/sup plus or minus / and mu /sup plus or minus /; S-symmetry; and possible existences of a neutral lepton current and a weakly coupled boson W/sup plus or minus /. (C.J.G.)
Discordance of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the arterial wall and its circulating products in baboons: interactions with redox metabolism.

Background Although peripheral arteries and circulating factors have been frequently used to assess systemic or central arterial, such as coronary artery, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) functions, there is no direct evidence to support that they are related. Design We explored relationships in eNOS levels among coronary, aortic, carotid and brachial arteries, and interactions with redox metabolisms in 40 necropsied baboons (Papio hamadryas). Results We found no correlations in eNOS or NOx levels among all four arteries (R: 0·02–0·19, P > 0·05). While eNOS levels were high in both coronary (133·78 ± 10·9 pg mg−1 protein) and aortic arteries (168·53 ± 16·32 pg mg−1 protein), they were low in brachial (82·88 ± 5·5 pg mg−1 protein) and carotid (89·83 ± 7·15 pg mg−1 protein) arteries. Arterial eNOS were not correlated with plasma NOx either. However, coronary and aortic eNOS were positively correlated with the corresponding arterial total antioxidant status (TAS) (r = 0·638, P= 0·001, and r = 0·615, P= 0·0001). Coronary eNOS was also negatively associated with coronary advanced glycation end products (AGE) (r = −0·454, P= 0·003). Furthermore, there were significant associations in TAS levels between plasma and arterial wall extracts (R: 0·344–0·369, P < 0·05) and among arteries of different anatomic sites (R: 0·637–0·877, P < 0·001). While arterial TAS was negatively correlated with corresponding arterial AGE, TAS in the arterial wall and plasma were positively associated with plasma AGE. Conclusions Our study shows that eNOS is differentially expressed in different anatomic sites and is not associated with plasma NOx, suggesting that brachial eNOS may not be used to assess coronary eNOS. The positive or negative associations between eNOS and TAS or AGE, especially in the coronary artery, indicate an important role of eNOS in arterial wall redox balance.
CLASSIFICATION OF NUCLEAR ISOMERS

The lifetime-energy relations of Axel and Dancoff and the $\frac{K}{L}$ ratios calculated by Hebb and Nelson are shown to yield spin differences $\ensuremath{\Delta}I$ which are one unit too high for long-lived electric transitions ($\ensuremath{\Delta}I\ensuremath{\ge}3$). These transitions are also slower than expected from Weisskopf's one-particle model and have approximately the same lifetime as magnetic transitions of equal $\ensuremath{\Delta}I$. The lifetimes of magnetic transitions agree approximately with Weisskopf's formula. If the statistical weight of the initial state is introduced into the lifetime formula, the "scatter" of the square of the matrix elements is greatly reduced for these transitions. Most long-lived isomers show $M4$ transitions, in agreement with shell theory. Some isomeric transitions which were previously assumed to show no parity change are now interpreted as $E3$. Their occurrence in the $1{g}_{\frac{9}{2}}$ shell may be explained by assuming that for the configurations ${({g}_{\frac{9}{2}})}^{3,5, or 7}$, 7/2+ and ${g}_{\frac{9}{2}}$ states are comparable in energy. The 7/2+ state is lower in more than half of the cases. Empirical curves of $\frac{K}{L}$ ratios plotted against $\frac{{Z}^{2}}{E}$ are given. They are consistently lower than the existing theoretical curves based on nonrelativistic calculations of internal conversion coefficients. Spins of metastable and ground states are assigned for a number of nuclei. For even-even nuclei the following rule is found: the first excited state usually has spin 2 and even parity. The only mixed transitions found are $M1+E2$. Sufficiently many $E3$ transitions are established to permit the conclusion that electric transitions are slower for odd-neutron nuclei than for odd-proton nuclei. This gives strong support to a one-particle model. Among electric transitions only some $E2$ transitions are faster than expected on the one-particle model. This is interpreted as a cooperative phenomenon, related to the existence of large quadrupole moments.
IDH1 and IDH2: Not Your Typical Oncogenes

Oncogenes usually increase their normal function when activated. However, seemingly oncogenic mutations in IDH1 and IDH2 reduce their native enzyme activity. In this issue of Cancer Cell , Ward et al. pin down a neomorphic enzyme activity as a possible oncogenic function for these alterations.
Electrothermal properties of perovskite ferroelectric films

The electrothermal properties of the perovskite oxides barium titanate (BTO), lead titanate (PTO), and strontium titanate (STO) are computed near the temperatures of their ferroelectric and/or ferroelastic phase transitions. The computations are performed using a modified 2-4-6 Ginzburg–Landau–Devonshire polynomial as functions of applied electric field and temperature for mechanically free monodomain crystals and for epitaxial thin films subject to perfect lateral clamping. For BTO and PTO, which display weak first-order ferroelectric phase transitions at their Curie points, the application of a bias field exceeding the electrical critical point reduces the dependence of the electrocaloric (EC) response on temperature and automatically reduces its magnitude. Under conditions of perfect lateral clamping, the weak first-order phase change is transformed into second-order phase change. In this instance the electrical critical point is coincident with the Curie temperature and a lower bias field is required to produce a comparable reduction in temperature sensitivity. Comparison of the electrothermal behaviors of BTO and PTO with that computed for STO near the temperature of the second-order ferroelastic phase transition provides insight concerning the EC properties of ferroelectric solid solution systems wherein the Curie temperature and the first-order character of the paraelectric to ferroelectric transition both may change subject to a change in composition. The results illustrate how electrical and mechanical boundary conditions can be adjusted, in conjunction with composition, in altering the EC properties of ferroelectric materials selected for use in a particular temperature range.
Multi-objective optimization of functionally graded thick shells for thermal loading

Presented herein is a methodology for the multi-objective optimization of material distribution of functionally graded cylindrical shells for steady thermomechanical processes. The proposed approach focuses on isotropic metal/ceramic and metal/metal functionally graded materials, which offer great promise in high temperature and high heat flux applications. The material composition is assumed to vary only in the thickness direction. The volume fractions of the constituent material phases at a point are obtained through piecewise cubic interpolation of volume fractions defined at a finite number of evenly spaced control points. The effective material properties are estimated using the self-consistent homogenization scheme. The volume fractions at the control points, which are chosen as the design variables, are optimized using an elitist, non-dominated sorting multi-objective genetic algorithm. Candidate designs are evaluated using an exact power-series solution to the two-dimensional quasi-static heat conduction and plane strain thermoelasticity problems. The formulation, which is applicable to both thin and thick functionally graded shells, can also be used to analyze and optimize functionally graded plates in the limit that the midsurface radius of the shell approaches infinity. The proposed methodology is illustrated by optimizing the material composition profile for two model problems. In the first model problem, both the mass and the peak hoop stress of Zirconia/Titanium alloy plates and shells are simultaneously minimized for a prescribed temperature load with a constraint on the maximum temperature experienced by the metal. The goal of the second model problem is to simultaneously minimize the mass and maximize the factor of safety of Tungsten/Copper alloy functionally graded plates and shells under an applied heat flux, subject to a constraint on the factor of safety.
Deterrence Is Dead. Long Live Deterrence

Twenty years ago philosopher Anthony Kenny (1985, ix) could confidently assert that deterrence was “the key concept for the understanding of the strategy and diplomacy of the age.” Obviously, much has transpired since Kenny made his claim. In 1989 the Berlin Wall was dismantled. Two years later, the Soviet Union disintegrated. In short order democracy was introduced into Eastern Europe and NATO expanded into what was once part of the Soviet Empire. In 1991 Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, only to be pushed out by a coalition of nations led and organized by the United States. Later in the decade, Yugoslavia imploded. Concurrently, Pakistan joined the nuclear club. Then NATO went to war with Serbia over Kosovo. The United States unilaterally abrogated the ABM Treaty and began the deployment of a largely untested national missile defense system. And, of course, on September 11, 2001, terrorists brought down the Twin Towers in an act of inconceivable violence. Within weeks the United States drove the Taliban from power in Afghanistan and, in 2003, invaded Iraq and overthrew its Baathist regime.
Influence of acetaldehyde on growth and acetoin production by Leuconostoc citrovorum.

Abstract Addition of acetaldehyde (100 μ g/ml) to glucose-citrate broth stimulated growth and approximately doubled the production of acetoin plus diacetyl by Leuconostoc citrovorum . Radioactive acetaldehyde was converted to ethanol; the acetoin, diacetyl and acetic acid produced were not radioactive. A discussion of the mechanisms by which species of Leuconostoc utilize citrate and carbohydrate suggests that the added acetaldehyde enhanced production of acetoin and diacetyl by increasing the availability of hydroxyethylthiamine pyrophosphate and acetyl-coenzyme A, and that it stimulated growth by permitting greater conversion of acetyl-coenzyme A and acetyl-phosphate to acetate and adenosine 5′-triphosphate.
Male Scientists' Competing Devotions to Work and Family: Changing Norms in a Male-Dominated Profession.

Using in-depth interviews with 74 men across different ranks in biology and physics at prestigious U.S. universities, the authors ask to what extent changing norms of fatherhood and a flexible workplace affect men working in a highly male-dominated profession and what variation exists in family forms. The authors conceptualize four typologies of men: those forgoing children, egalitarian partners, neotraditional dual earners, and traditional breadwinners. Findings suggest male scientists hold strong work devotions, yet a growing number seek egalitarian relationships, which they frame as reducing their devotion to work. The majority of men find the all-consuming nature of academic science conflicts with changing fatherhood norms.
Party Systems and Democratic Consolidation in Africa’s Electoral Regimes

That political parties are necessary ingredients of democratic governance is accepted as an incontrovertible fact by most political observers. Similarly, party system institutionalization is viewed...
Control of Urea SCR Systems for US Diesel Applications

Resume — Commande des systemes de RCS a l’uree destines aux applications Diesel US — Cet article a pour objet de qualifier les defis en matiere de commande des systemes de reduction catalytique selective (RCS) dans une solution a base d’uree, pour la conversion des NOx au sein de groupes motopropulseurs Diesel. Nous montrons l’importance de la maitrise du stockage d’ammoniac ainsi que les difficultes a l’estimer face aux incertitudes du systeme. Les dynamiques de stockage lentes du catalyseur de RCS s’averent constituer un facteur de limitation majeur quant aux performances des systemes de RCS au cours d’un fonctionnement transitoire. Enfin, nous montrons l’effet de l’incertitude des capteurs sur les performances du systeme et comment les capteurs de NOx peuvent etre utilises en association avec une correlation d’entree pour distinguer une deviation de NOx d’un glissement d’ammoniac.
The turbulent near wake at a sharp trailing edge

The problem of a turbulent boundary layer that evolves into a wake flow at the sharp trailing edge of a thin flat plate is considered; the formal structure of the near-wake flow is investigated using matched expansions in the limit of infinite Reynolds number. The symmetric turbulent near wake is shown to develop a two-layer structure which is independent of turbulence model. The general asymptotic analysis shows that a thin layer at the wake centreline grows linearly with distance from the trailing edge while the centreline velocity varies logarithmically in a manner that is supported strongly by experimental measurements. The relatively thick outer layer of the near-wake flow is undisturbed by the evolution of the inner layer to leading order. An additional region near the trailing edge is required to resolve a nonuniformity in transverse velocity. The general asymptotic results are used to guide the development of a zonal turbulence model the near wake in the form of a simple eddy viscosity formula. Analytic profiles for velocity and Reynolds stress are obtained for the near-wake region; these profiles are shown to provide accurate representations of available near-wake experimental data.
A preliminary evaluation of neural network analysis for pharmacodynamic modeling of the dosing of the hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A-reductase inhibitors simvastatin and atorvastatin.

Abstract Background: Neural networks have been used in diagnosing and treating many diseases, including the diagnosis of myocardial infarction and insulin dosing in diabetes mellitus. Objective: The goal of this study was to develop a preliminary pharmacodynamic model for dosing of the hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA)-reductase inhibitors simvastatin and atorvastatin using neural network analysis. Methods: Using NeuralSIM neural network software (NeuralWare, Carnegie, Pa), lipid panels from patients at a hospital lipid clinic were entered as inputs for the model, and the doses of simvastatin or atorvastatin that achieved those lipid results were used as outputs. The network was trained using 2 different data sets and was run using a subset of the data as inputs. The results of the neural network run (predictions) were compared with the actual doses used as directed by the hospital pharmacist in accordance with the lipid clinic protocol. Results: Complete data sets were available for 17 patients (11 men, 6 women). The mean age of these patients was 56.7 years (range, 40–67 years). The neural network model based on data set 1 predicted a dose that was within 95% of the actual dose 7 of 12 times and predicted use of the drug actually used 13 of 19 (68.4%) times. The neural network based on data set 2 predicted use of the drug actually used 10 of 17 (58.8%) times, but the predicted doses never approximated the actual doses by ≥90%. Conclusions: A neural network model for the dosing of the HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors simvastatin and atorvastatin demonstrated an ability to predict appropriate dosing, but inclusion of other factors (eg, age, body weight, sex) and a larger sample size may be necessary for development of a more accurate model.
Syntheses of boronic-acid-appended metalloporphyrins as potential colorimetric sensors for sugars and carbohydrates

Boronic-acid-based dyes have been widely studied in the past decade as potential sensors for sugars and carbohydrates, owing to the strong interaction of boronic acid and diols. In this work, two boronic-acid-appended metalloporphyrins were synthesized by new routes and tested as potential sugar and carbohydrate sensors. Boronic acid substituents were attached either to a β-pyrrolic position ((2-dihydroxylboryl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato)zinc(II), 1) or to the meso-position ((10-dihydroxylboryl-5,15-diphenylporphyrinato)zinc(II), 2) of the porphyrin core. These complexes were tested as potential carbohydrate sensors; unfortunately, no UV-vis or fluorescence spectra changes were observed with the addition of glucose or fructose. Molecular orbital calculations confirm little electronic conjugation between the porphyrin π-system and the boronic acid substituents in either pyrrolic or meso-positions.
Sum-Rate Distortion in MIMO Broadcast Channels with Irregular Limited Feedback

Recent research in multiuser MIMO systems has focused on providing partial channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter as an alternative to full CSI in order to reduce overhead. However, there is an implicit loss in data throughput even due to partial CSI feedback which is not included in conventional sum-rate computations. We introduce a sum-rate distortion model including the implicit loss for a multiuser MIMO downlink with block diagonalization. A distortion function is subsequently presented which accounts for quantization error at the receiver, feedback latency due to non-homogenous receiver channel coherence times and the loss in net capacity due to feedback overhead. This system model is used to derive bounds on the amount of feedback that can be supported under various antenna, channel and signal-to-noise ratio scenarios. Simulation results are presented to show the impact of feedback on the sum- rate for multi-antenna wireless systems with multiple users.
Collective Actors, Common Desires

Honig’s essay emphasizes neoliberalism’s destruction of a world of public things and addresses how we might respond to the catastrophe of their loss. However, to adequately confront the political dilemmas posed by neoliberalism, we must attend to the simultaneous disappearance of both common desires and collective actors. Honig’s examples risk obscuring the political importance of this question.
Draft Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Strain MMC4, Isolated from a Patient in Tennessee

ABSTRACT Acinetobacter baumannii multidrug-resistant strain MMC4 was isolated from a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid sample from a patient in Nashville, TN, USA. Here, we report a draft genome sequence with a size of 3,985,367 bp, an average G+C content of 39.8%, and 3,863 predicted protein-coding sequences.
Rheological study of xanthan and locust bean gum interaction in dilute solution: Effect of salt

An oscillatory capillary rheometer was used to investigate the effects of NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2 on visco-elastic properties of xanthan and locust bean gum (LBG) blends in dilute solution. Gums were evaluated for intrinsic viscosity and elastic component. Molecular conformation of the xanthan–LBG complex was assessed by the power-law and Huggins equations. Addition of any of the three salts reduced significantly the intrinsic viscosity and elastic component of the gum blends, with a pronounced effect from divalent ions, compared with monovalent ions. The 60% xanthan–40% LBG blend exhibited the strongest attraction between xanthan and LBG. For the three salts, the attraction weakened when 5-mM salt was added and vanished with the addition of 50-mM salt. The strongest attraction between xanthan and LBG molecules was also evidenced by a positive Huggins miscibility coefficient Km, and a positive attraction–repulsion coefficient a. With addition of 50 mM of any of the three salts, the coefficient a became negative, suggesting a strong repulsion between the two gums. The power-law coefficient b increased as salt concentration and LBG fraction increased in the blends for the three salts, suggesting a more flexible xanthan–LBG complex dependent on salt concentrations and LBG. 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Re-evaluation of the Use of Undulatory Extinction and Polycrystallinity in Detrital Quartz for Provenance Interpretation

ABSTRACT Undulosity in quartz from low rank metamorphic rocks, as studied with a universal stage, is sufficiently different from that in pluton-derived quartz to be useful in provenance interpretation. Subdivision of monocrystalline quartz of medium sand-size into two populations, one with 5° undulosity, enables efficient and reliable interpretation. Geometrical and empirical analyses of the relation between true angles of undulosity and corresponding apparent values determined on a conventional flat stage indicate that apparent values approach real values closely enough to obviate use of the universal stage for recognition of the two quartz undulosity populations in routine petrographic analysis. The amount of polycrystalline quartz and the number of crystals per grain of polycrystalline quartz in medium-sized Holocene sand also assist in provenance interpretation. Thirteen percent of the total quartz derived from plutonic rocks is polycrystalline. This compares with 29% in sand from middle and upper-rank metamorphic rocks and 53% in sand from low-rank metamorphic rocks. Greater than 75% of the polycrystalline quartz grains from plutonic and high-rank metamorphic sources contain 2-3 crystal units per grain; less than 75% of the quartz grains from low-rank metamorphic rocks contain 2-3 crystal units. Plotting of four variables, relative percentage of (1) undulose, (2) non-undulose and (3) polycrystalline quartz, and (4) number of crystal units per polycrystalline grain, on a single diamond diagram enables one to discriminate sands of plutonic, low-rank and high-rank metamorphic parentage, both for Recent and ancient sands.
Biaxial Normal Strength Behavior in the Axial-Transverse Plane for Human Trabecular Bone—Effects of Bone Volume Fraction, Microarchitecture, and Anisotropy

The biaxial failure behavior of the human trabecular bone, which has potential relevance both for fall and gait loading conditions, is not well understood, particularly for low-density bone, which can display considerable mechanical anisotropy. Addressing this issue, we investigated the biaxial normal strength behavior and the underlying failure mechanisms for human trabecular bone displaying a wide range of bone volume fraction (0.06-0.34) and elastic anisotropy. Micro-computed tomography (CT)-based nonlinear finite element analysis was used to simulate biaxial failure in 15 specimens (5 mm cubes), spanning the complete biaxial normal stress failure space in the axial-transverse plane. The specimens, treated as approximately transversely isotropic, were loaded in the principal material orientation. We found that the biaxial stress yield surface was well characterized by the superposition of two ellipses--one each for yield failure in the longitudinal and transverse loading directions--and the size, shape, and orientation of which depended on bone volume fraction and elastic anisotropy. However, when normalized by the uniaxial tensile and compressive strengths in the longitudinal and transverse directions, all of which depended on bone volume fraction, microarchitecture, and mechanical anisotropy, the resulting normalized biaxial strength behavior was well described by a single pair of (longitudinal and transverse) ellipses, with little interspecimen variation. Taken together, these results indicate that the role of bone volume fraction, microarchitecture, and mechanical anisotropy is mostly accounted for in determining the uniaxial strength behavior and the effect of these parameters on the axial-transverse biaxial normal strength behavior per se is minor.
A Disconcerting Pact with Gravity: Nineteenth-Century Acrobats and the Failure of Transcendence

In his 1950 poem “Blondin,” about the famous nineteenth-century French tightrope walker Charles Blondin, Walter De La Mare compares this “death-defying acrobat” to “ … some old saint on his old rop...
The Yin and Yang of Long-Term Dual Antiplatelet Therapy

The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy remains uncertain. Recent data have suggested that, in some patients, dual antiplatelet therapy for a total of 30 months from the time of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may be of benefit [(1)][1]. However, the benefit of dual antiplatelet
Antiviral action of helenine on experimental poliomyelitis.

SummaryHelenine, an antiviral agent derived from P. funiculosum, was found to have marked prophylactic activity in cynomolgus monkeys infected with poliomyelitis virus.
Experimental VNIR reflectance spectroscopy of gypsum dehydration: Investigating the gypsum to bassanite transition

The spectral behavior of gypsum dehydration in the visible to near-infrared (350???2500 nm) wavelength range was investigated by partially dehydrating the four main habits of gypsum (alabaster, satin spar, selenite, and massive) to form bassanite. Powdered samples of gypsum dehydrated at 100???115 ??C and hand samples dehydrated at 115???130 ??C, coinciding with a peak in mass (water) loss in the samples. As gypsum dehydrates, its characteristic H2O absorption bands at 1443 and 1945 nm shift to shorter wavelengths. Band depths and widths of absorptions at ~1200, 1400???1600, 1750, 1945, 2100???2200, and ~2400 nm all decrease with increasing temperature. The samples also underwent visible changes upon dehydration, both at the macroscopic and microscopic level, becoming very friable with an increase in fine grains. No consistent relationship was observed between dehydration temperature and grain size or habit. The samples were monitored for up to 20 months after dehydration, during which time none rehydrated to form gypsum. While the transition from gypsum to bassanite is very abrupt, bassanite does not readily rehydrate to form gypsum again in ambient conditions, and therefore may not be as unstable as previously thought by terrestrial occurrences of bassanite being predominantly restricted to hyperarid climates.
Epidemic trend analysis of hepatitis A and bacillary dysentery:pre-and post-hepatitis A vaccination in Tianjin,China

Objective To compare the incidence trends of hepatitis A and bacillary dysentery in Tianjin city of China,and to evaluate the effect of hepatitis A vaccination on the control of this diesease.Methods Curve estimation was used to compare the incidence of two different intestinal infectious diseases with SPSS software,and evaluate the results of the regression model.Results Before the administration of hepatitis A vaccine(1990-1999),the incidence trends of both hepatitis A and bacillary dysentery were the same as a cubic curve model with R2=0.96 and R2=0.89 for hepatitis A and bacillary dysentery,respectively.With the immunization of hepatitis A vaccine during 2000 to 2009,the epidemic trend of hepatitis A changed to an exponential model with R2=0.95,while bacillary dysentery still kept as the cubic model with R2=0.93.Conclusions Hepatitis A vaccine is effective in the prevention and control of hepatitis A in Tianjin population of China.
Binaural properties of single units in the superior olivary complex of the mustached bat.

1. Previous studies of the superior olive of echolocating bats suggest that the lateral superior olive (LSO) retains the same structure and function as in other mammals but that the medial superior...
Differential Ca2+ sensitivities of BK(Ca) isochannels in bovine mesenteric vascular smooth muscle

The planar bilayer method was used to characterize the properties of large Ca(2+)-activated K+ [BK(Ca)] channels of smooth muscle from bovine mesenteric arteries. We found two isochannels of BK(Ca)...
7 The Threat of Unrecovery

Sorensen explores the reception history of D’Arcy McNickle’s The Surrounded to show that recent developments in Native American literary studies have undermined the novel’s status as the preeminent work of native writing before 1968. In response Sorensen develops an alternative account of McNickle’s career, calling attention not only to the different political commitments that emerge from his career as an activist and scholar who helped develop Native American studies, but also to those that manifest themselves in his earlier fiction. The result is a fragmentary recovery that produces multiple contradictory McNickles, some of whom are not desirable as precursors. The chapter reads The Surrounded against the grain by focusing on the minor characters, which stand as undeveloped alternatives to the tragedy of individualism that McNickle composed.
SimRoot: Modelling and visualization of root systems

SimRoot, a geometric simulation model of plant root systems, is described. This model employs a data structure titled the Extensible Tree, which is well suited to the type of data required to model root systems. As implemented on Silicon Graphics workstations, the data structure and visualization code provides for continuous viewing of the simulated root system during growth. SimRoot differs from existing models in the explicit treatment of spatial heterogeneity of physiological processes in the root system, and by inclusion of a kinematic treatment of root axes. Examples are provided of the utility of the model in estimating the fractal geometry of simulated root systems in 1, 2, and 3 dimensional space. We envision continued development of the model to incorporate competition from neighboring root systems, linkage with crop simulation models to simulate root-shoot interactions, explicit treatment of soil heterogeneity, and plasticity of root responses to soil factors such as presence of mycorrhizal associations.
The Public Economy: Elements of a New Theory

Crucially absent from current economic thinking and from current principles of public management is an understanding of the forces and dynamics of nonmarket production in the public economy. Imposing market axioms and precepts on the public non-market is not merely ineffective; it is too often disastrous, as I detailed in previous chapters. In order to revitalize the practice of public administration, we need a new conceptual framework: a model of the public nonmarket economy. In this chapter I outline basic elements of the public nonmarket economy. I present a conceptual model of the forces and dynamics of production within its distinctive environment. I explain how these characteristics differ from the market model and why those differences matter.
Pretransplant patient, parent, and family psychosocial functioning varies by organ type and patient age

The goal of this study was to compare pretransplant patient HRQOL, parent psychological functioning, and the impact of the patient's ongoing illness on the family between organ types (ie, kidney, liver, heart) and age-groups (ie, children, AYAs). The sample included 80 pediatric patients with end-stage organ disease who were evaluated for transplantation and their parents. Parents completed self- and proxy reports at patients' pretransplant evaluations. Results indicated that patients evaluated for heart transplants consistently had lower HRQOL and their parents had greater psychological distress compared to the kidney and liver groups. Within the heart group, parents and families of children (<12 years old) experienced significantly more distress and impact of the patient's illness on the family compared to those of AYAs (≥12 years old). Pediatric patients awaiting heart transplants, particularly younger children, and their parents and families may have greater psychosocial needs compared to patients awaiting kidney or liver transplants.
Novel Ni-based ohmic contacts to n-SiC for high temperature and high power device applications

Novel Pt/Ti/WSi/Ni composite ohmic contacts to n-SiC were investigated as a function of annealing temperatures up to 1000/spl deg/C. The onset of ohmic behavior occurred after annealing at 900/spl deg/C. Annealing at temperatures between 950 and 1000/spl deg/C yielded excellent ohmic behavior. At these temperatures the contact-SiC interface was smooth, defect free and characterized by a narrow Ni/sub 2/Si reaction region. The annealed contacts possessed smooth surface morphologies and exhibited minimal contact expansion. The residual carbon, resultant from SiC decomposition, was constrained by reaction with the WSi and Ti metallization layers forming carbide phases of W and Ti. The locations of the carbide phases were spatially distant from the metal semiconductor interface. The anneal optimized (annealed at 950 and 1000/spl deg/C for 30 s) Pt/Ti/WSi/Ni ohmic contacts to n-SiC were evaluated for thermal stability via pulsed/cyclic thermal fatigue and aging experiments at 650/spl deg/C. Negligible changes in the electrical properties, microstructure, and surface morphology/roughness were observed for both annealed ohmic contacts in response to 100 cycles of acute cyclic thermal fatigue. Aging of the 950/spl deg/C annealed contact for 75 hours at 650/spl deg/C resulted in electrical failure and chemical interdiffusion/reaction between the contact and SiC substrate. The 1000/spl deg/C annealed contact retained omicity after 100 h of aging and was found to be chemically and microstructurally stable. These findings indicate that the 1000/spl deg/C annealed Pt/Ti/WSi/Ni ohmic contact to n-SiC is thermally stable and merits strong, potential for utilization in high temperature and pulsed power devices.
Hydrogen accelerated fatigue crack growth of friction stir welded X52 steel pipe

Abstract Friction stir welded steel pipelines were tested in high pressure hydrogen gas to examine the effects of hydrogen accelerated fatigue crack growth. Fatigue crack growth rate (da/dN) vs. stress-intensity factor range (ΔK) relationships were measured for an X52 friction stir welded pipe tested in 21 MPa hydrogen gas at a frequency of 1 Hz and R = 0.5. Tests were performed on three regions: base metal (BM), center of friction stir weld (FSW), and 15 mm off-center of the weld. For all three material regions, tests in hydrogen exhibited accelerated fatigue crack growth rates that exceeded an order of magnitude compared to companion tests in air. Among tests in hydrogen, fatigue crack growth rates were modestly higher in the FSW than the BM and 15 mm off-center tests. Select regions of the fracture surfaces associated with specified ΔK levels were examined which revealed intergranular fracture in the BM and 15 mm off-center specimens but an absence of intergranular features in the FSW specimens. The X52 friction stir weld and base metal tested in hydrogen exhibited fatigue crack growth rate relationships that are comparable to those for conventional arc welded steel pipeline of similar strength found in the literature.