cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization and controlled drug release of thermosensitive IPN-PNIPAAm hydrogels.

Abstract A method was developed to prepare thermosensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogels with an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structure for the purpose of improving its mechanical properties, response rate to temperature and sustained release of drugs. Although the differential scanning calorimetry data exhibited similarly lower critical solution temperature (LCST) between IPN- and non-IPN–PNIPAAm hydrogels, an increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the IPNs relative to the normal PNIPAAm hydrogel was observed. In addition, the mechanical properties of the IPNs were greatly improved when compared with the normal PNIPAAm hydrogel. The interior morphology of the IPN–PNIPAAm hydrogels was revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM); the IPN hydrogels showed a fibrillar-like porous network structure that normal PNIPAAm did not have. Furthermore, by measuring the temperature dependence of the swelling ratio and deswelling kinetics, these IPN hydrogels also exhibited improved intelligent characteristics (e.g., controllable faster response rate) that depended on the composition ratio of the two network components. From the applications viewpoint, the effects of a shrinking–reswelling cycle around the LCST on the properties of the IPN hydrogels were examined to determine if these properties would be stable for potential applications. Bovine serum albumin was chosen as the model protein for examining its release from the IPNs at different temperatures. The release data suggested that an improved controlled release could be achieved by the IPN–PNIPAAm hydrogels without losing their intelligent properties.
Active Flow Control Activities at NASA Langley

NASA Langley continues to aggressively investigate the potential advantages of active flow control over more traditional aerodynamic techniques. This paper provides an update to a previous paper and describes both the progress in the various research areas and the significant changes in the NASA research programs. The goals of the topics presented are focused on advancing the state of knowledge and understanding of controllable fundamental mechanisms in fluids as well as to address engineering challenges. An organizational view of current research activities at NASA Langley in active flow control as supported by several projects is presented. On-center research as well as NASA Langley funded contracts and grants are discussed at a relatively high level. The products of this research are to be demonstrated either in bench-top experiments, wind-tunnel investigations, or in flight as part of the fundamental NASA R&D program and then transferred to more applied research programs within NASA, DOD, and U.S. industry.
DONOR DOPING OF GA IN ZNO VARISTOR GRAIN BOUNDARY

The effect of Ga doping on the grain boundary properties of a ZnO varistor has been presented in this note. Within the range of doping level studied, it is shown that Ga acts as a donor at the grain boundary and behaves similar to that of Al.1 The grain boundary doping behavior of both Ga and Al, when acting as donors, can therefore be represented by the same defect model.
Multiple reheat helium Brayton cycles for sodium cooled fast reactors

Abstract Sodium cooled fast reactors (SFR) traditionally adopt the steam Rankine cycle for power conversion. The resulting potential for water–sodium reaction remains a continuing concern which at least partly delays the SFR technology commercialization and is a contributor to higher capital cost. Supercritical CO2 provides an alternative, but is also capable of sustaining energetic chemical reactions with sodium. Recent development of advanced inert-gas Brayton cycles could potentially solve this compatibility issue, increase thermal efficiency, and bring down the capital cost sufficiently to compete directly with light water reactors. In this paper, helium Brayton cycles with multiple reheat and intercooling states are presented for SFRs with reactor outlet temperatures in the range of 510–650 °C. The resulting thermal efficiencies range from 39% to 47%, which is comparable with supercritical recompression CO2 cycles (SCO2 cycle). A systematic comparison between the multiple reheat helium Brayton cycle and the SCO2 cycle is given, considering compatibility issues, plant site cooling temperature effect on plant efficiency, full plant cost optimization, and other important factors. The study indicates that the multiple reheat helium cycle is the preferred choice over SCO2 cycle for sodium cooled fast reactors.
Corporations, Pacs and the Strategic Link Between Contributions and Lobbying Activities:

During the 1970s, American corporations increased their individual involvement in national politics by creating political action committees and by utilizing other modes of participation.1 Although rarely studied, some scholars have argued that this phenomenon can be explained through the use of conventional interest group theories (Vogel 1986; Wilson 1986). Wilson (1986: 227), for example, calls on Truman when, in reference to increased business activity, he notes that "political scientists have long argued that interest groups develop in response to a threat to their environments." Salisbury (1984: 75), however, calls for "corrections in analytic focus" in relation to the political activities of corporations and other institutions.
Quality judgments of hearing aid transduced speech.

Frequency range, harmonic distortion, intermodulation distortion, and transient response measurements were made on five aids which manifested varying amounts of each property. Effects of these prop...
The development of cardiac myxomas and papillary endocardial lesions from mural thrombus.

Abstract A morphologic study of 466 cardiac mural thrombi, 66 examples of nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis, 25 myxomas, and 12 papillary endocardial lesions was performed. It appeared that three different sequences of organization of endocardial thrombi are possible. (1) Ordinary mural thrombi are converted into a flat, fibrous scar by fibroblast proliferation and collagen and elastic fiber deposition. (2) Papillary endocardial lesions develop from nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis as additional thrombus material is acquired in some foci and lost in others. No ingrowth of granulation tissue occurs at the base of these lesions. The thrombus material of the papillae is gradually replaced by fibrous tissue, and the lesion eventually is identical to a large Lambl's excrescence. (3) Myxomas enlarge in part as do the papillary endocardial lesions. In addition, their size increases as a result of influx into the myxoma of fluid from the basal granulation tissue. Although myxomas cannot be differentiated from ordinary mural thrombi on the basis of the cellular and ground substance components, their mode of development results in a distinctive appearance. The mature lesion is composed of three zones: a basal layer of small vascular channels, undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, and ground substance; a middle, acellular zone of ground substance; and a cortical layer of mesenchymal cells. The peculiar arrangement of endothelial cells and undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, the examples of apparent atrial wall invasion, and the cases of embolic “metastases” provide no conclusive evidence of neoplasia, since these features may also be seen with ordinary mural thrombi.
Dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic value systems in conditioning and outcome-specific revaluation

Animals are motivated to choose environmental options that can best satisfy current needs. To explain such choices, this paper introduces the MOTIVATOR (Matching Objects To Internal VAlues Triggers Option Revaluations) neural model. MOTIVATOR describes cognitive-emotional interactions between higher-order sensory cortices and an evaluative neuraxis composed of the hypothalamus, amygdala, and orbitofrontal cortex. Given a conditioned stimulus (CS), the model amygdala and lateral hypothalamus interact to calculate the expected current value of the subjective outcome that the CS predicts, constrained by the current state of deprivation or satiation. The amygdala relays the expected value information to orbitofrontal cells that receive inputs from anterior inferotemporal cells, and medial orbitofrontal cells that receive inputs from rhinal cortex. The activations of these orbitofrontal cells code the subjective values of objects. These values guide behavioral choices. The model basal ganglia detect errors in CS-specific predictions of the value and timing of rewards. Excitatory inputs from the pedunculopontine nucleus interact with timed inhibitory inputs from model striosomes in the ventral striatum to regulate dopamine burst and dip responses from cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area. Learning in cortical and striatal regions is strongly modulated by dopamine. The model is used to address tasks that examine food-specific satiety, Pavlovian conditioning, reinforcer devaluation, and simultaneous visual discrimination. Model simulations successfully reproduce discharge dynamics of known cell types, including signals that predict saccadic reaction times and CS-dependent changes in systolic blood pressure.
Annexin V/β5 integrin interactions regulate apoptosis of growth plate chondrocytes

Apoptosis of terminally differentiated chondrocytes allows the replacement of growth plate cartilage by bone. Despite its importance, little is known about the regulation of chondrocyte apoptosis. We show that overexpression of annexin V, which binds to the cytoplasmic domain of β5 integrin and protein kinase C α (PKCα), stimulates apoptotic events in hypertrophic growth plate chondrocytes. To determine whether the balance between the interactions of annexin V/β5 integrin and annexin V/active PKCα play a role in the regulation of terminally differentiated growth plate chondrocyte apoptosis, a peptide mimic of annexin V (Penetratin (Pen)-VVISYSMPD) that binds to β5 integrin but not to PKCα was used. This peptide stimulated apoptotic events in growth plate chondrocytes. Suppression of annexin V expression using small interfering ribonucleic acid decreased caspase-3 activity and increased cell viability in Pen-VVISYSMPD-treated growth plate chondrocytes. An activator of PKC resulted in a further decrease of cell viability and further increase of caspase-3 activity in Pen-VVISYSMPD-treated growth plate chondrocytes, whereas inhibitors of PKCα led to an increase of cell viability and decrease of caspase-3 activity of Pen-VVISYSMPD-treated cells. These findings suggest that binding of annexin V to active PKCα stimulates apoptotic events in growth plate chondrocytes and that binding of annexin Vto β5 integrin controls these interactions and ultimately apoptosis.
Social Characteristics and Health Status of Exceptionally Long-Lived Americans in the Health and Retirement Study

Objectives: To characterize the social characteristics and physical, functional, mental, and cognitive health of exceptional survivors in the United States and how the experience of exceptional longevity differs according to social status. Design: Nationally representative longitudinal study of older Americans. Setting: United States. Participants: One thousand six hundred forty-nine men and women born from 1900 to 1911 from the Health and Retirement Study: 1,424 nonsurvivors who died before reaching the age of 97 and 225 exceptional survivors who survived to age 97 and older. Measurements: Self-reported data on sociodemographic characteristics, social environment, physical and mental health, and physical and cognitive function. Results: At baseline, exceptional survivors were more likely to live independently and had fewer diseases, better mental health, and better physical and cognitive function than those who did not survive to age 97. Exceptional survivors experienced declines from baseline in all health domains upon reaching 97 years of age, but between one-fifth and one-third of exceptional survivors remained disease free, with no functional limitations or depressive symptoms, and one-fifth retained high cognitive function. Of exceptional survivors, men were healthier than women, and whites were generally healthier than nonwhites. Highly educated exceptional survivors had better cognitive function than their less-educated counterparts. Conclusion: On average, exceptional survivors are relatively healthy and high functioning for most of their lives and experience health declines only upon reaching maximum longevity. Heterogeneity in the population of exceptionally old adults indicates that, although many individuals reach maximum longevity in a state of poor health and functioning, a considerable portion of exceptional survivors remain healthy and high-functioning even in very old age.
Academic and Language Outcomes in Children after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Meta-Analysis:

Expanding on Babikian and Asarnow's (2009) meta-analytic study examining neurocognitive domains, this current meta-analysis examined academic and language outcomes at different time points post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and adolescents. Although children with mild TBI exhibited no significant deficits, studies indicate that children with moderate and severe TBI exhibit persistent deficits. In children with moderate TBI, academic skills were impaired both postacutely and chronically, although there were no deficits in language skills at any time point. Children with severe TBI showed the most impairment, with deficits in all measured areas, and partial recovery in some domains over time. The results of this meta-analysis may have important implications for school reentry, academic placement, and identifying children who require special services in school.
Estimation of the diffusion rate and crossing probability for biased edge movement between two different types of habitat

One of the fundamental goals of ecology is to examine how dispersal affects the distribution and dynamics of insects across natural landscapes. These landscapes are frequently divided into patches of habitat embedded in a matrix of several non-habitat regions, and dispersal behavior could vary within each landscape element as well as the edges between elements. Reaction-diffusion models are a common way of modeling dispersal and species interactions in such landscapes, but to apply these models we also need methods of estimating the diffusion rate and any edge behavior parameters. In this paper, we present a method of estimating the diffusion rate using the mean occupancy time for a circular region. We also use mean occupancy time to estimate a parameter (the crossing probability) that governs one type of edge behavior often used in these models, a biased random walk. These new methods have some advantages over other methods of estimating these parameters, including reduced computational cost and ease of use in the field. They also provide a method of estimating the diffusion rate for a particular location in space, compared to existing methods that represent averages over large areas. We further examine the statistical properties of the new method through simulation, and discuss how mean occupancy time could be estimated in field experiments.
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF A PROGEL FORMED FROM A SOY‐GELATIN MOZZARELLA CHEESE ANALOG

Progels formed from aqueous dispersions of an imitation mozzarella cheese containing soy protein isolate, gelatin, fat and GFS gum (mixture of xanthan, guar and locust bean gums) at a total solids of 8% w/v exhibited pseudoplastic behavior. The data could be fitted to the power law equation for shear rates above 100 s−1. Below this shear rate, deviations from the model were observed such that the experimental apparent viscosity (va) was greater than the predicted va values. At 25deg;C, the progel's power law consistency coefficient (K) and va increased with increasing gelatin content and/or decreasing soy isolate content while the power law index (n) decreased. The reverse occurred when measurements were made at 40, 60 and 80deg;C. Soft gels formed when the progels were aged for 24 h at 4deg;C. Texture profile analysis and electron micrographs of the gels further emphasized the role of individual components in structural integrity and molecular interactions.
The 1:1 glycine zwitterion‐water complex: An ab initio electronic structure study

More than a dozen stationary points on the potential energy surface for the 1:1 glycine zwitterion—water complex have been investigated at Hartree-Fock or MP2 levels of theory with basis sets ranging from split valence (4-31G) to split valence plus polarization and diffuse function (6–31 + + G**) quality. Only one true minimum (GLYZWM, C1 symmetry) could be located on the potential energy surface. GLYZWM features a bridged water molecule acting as both a hydrogen bond acceptor and donor with the NH3− and CO2− units of the glycine zwitterion. The total hydrogen bond energy in GLYZWM is computed as 16 kcal/mol (MP2/6–31 ++ G** // 6–31 ++ G**, including corrections for basis set superpositions errors). The computed vibrational frequencies and normal mode forms of the GLYZWM complex resemble in many cases experimental assignments made for the glycine zwitterion in bulk water on the basis of Raman spectroscopy. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Parameter correlations and ambiguities in Dirac phenomenology

We quantitatively study correlations and ambiguities in Dirac phenomenology for a particular case, elastic p + 40Ca scattering at 181 MeV. In terms of chi-square, two equivalent families of potentials are found, only one of which predicts the correct total reaction cross section. The imaginary strengths are poorly determined but are linearly correlated with each other. The extent of ambiguities and correlations in the other parameters is studied.
Texture Approximations by Model Components

A method for the calculation of the orientation distribution function (ODF) based on texture components is described. The results compare well with the more conventional ODF analysis which approximates the texture using series expansion or a large set of discrete values. The usefulness of the method is demonstrated for texture analyses of various technical and geological materials which normally deliver extremely poor information from diffraction measurements.
N-person games and the evolution of co-operation: a model based on predator inspection in fish.

Two N-person game theoretical models examining the evolution of co-operation during predator inspection in fish are presented. Predator inspection occurs in small shoals of fish, in which one to a few individuals, the "inspectors" (co-operators) break away from the shoal and cautiously approach a predator to obtain information on this potential danger. In the models presented here, remaining with the shoal and not inspecting is considered an act of defection. Both model I and II produce a stable internal polymorphism of inspectors and noninspectors. While the equilibrial frequency of inspectors can be low (i.e. less than 10%) at large shoal size, the proportion of shoals containing any inspectors--and therefore exhibiting the inspection behavior--is much greater. Both models presented here, and N-person games in general are equivalent to intrademic group selection models of evolution in structured populations, in which shoals are trait groups and co-operation evolves by between-shoal selection. While the results are cast in terms of predator inspection, the model itself is general and applies to any multi-group scenario where co-operators benefit entire groups at their own expense. The results presented here add to the mounting theoretical and empirical evidence that co-operation is frequently not a pure evolutionarily stable strategy, and that many metapopulations should be polymorphic for both co-operators and defectors.
INTERNODE ELONGATION IN XANTHIUM PLANTS TREATED WITH GIBBERELLIC ACID PRESENTED IN TERMS OF RELATIVE ELEMENTAL RATES

Xanthitcm plants were grown vegetatively and their developmental stages were designated by a previously descnbed plastochron index (PI). Internodes of plants both treated with gibberellic acid (GA3) and untreated, were marked with India ink and photographed dunng 3 successive days. The relative elemental rates of elongation d(dX/dt)fdX were estimated between 15.7 and 1 9.Q plastochrons. The rate of growth of the GA3-treated internodes was at least twice that of the control. The emerging pattern of acropetal internode elongation was similar in both GA3- treated and control plants. Only rates of growth were significantly higher in the GA3-treated plants. The acropetal pattern of internode elongation was the opposite of the basipetal pattern observed in Xanthium leaves but followed the acropetal pattern obserared in Helianthas and Phaseolas internode growth.
The Effects of Discussion and Information on Public Support for Tax and Fee Increases for Transportation

This research note compares the effect on willingness to raise taxes and government fees of three common approaches to public consultation: (a) a telephone survey with no information or discussion,...
Murine Model of Hindlimb Ischemia

In the United States, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects about 10 million individuals, and is also prevalent worldwide. Medical therapies for symptomatic relief are limited. Surgical or endovascular interventions are useful for some individuals, but long-term results are often disappointing. As a result, there is a need for developing new therapies to treat PAD. The murine hindlimb ischemia preparation is a model of PAD, and is useful for testing new therapies. When compared to other models of tissue ischemia such as coronary or cerebral artery ligation, femoral artery ligation provides for a simpler model of ischemic tissue. Other advantages of this model are the ease of access to the femoral artery and low mortality rate. In this video, we demonstrate the methodology for the murine model of unilateral hindimb ischemia. The specific materials and procedures for creating and evaluating the model will be described, including the assessment of limb perfusion by laser Doppler imaging. This protocol can also be utilized for the transplantation and non-invasive tracking of cells, which is demonstrated by Huang et al.
Personification and the pronoun problem

Synopsis The research investigated the use of human pronouns to refer to nonhuman antecedents. Study I examined a large sample of children's literature and found that authors were more likely to use he or she rather than it for referents with human traits, for unique or named rather than unnamed referents, and for characters central rather than peripheral to the story. Social stereotypes played a role in the choice of he vs she since antecedents of he tended to be strong, active, brave, wise, clever, and mischievous, while antecedents of she tended to be weak, passive, and foolish. Study II employed a sentence completion task to examine experimentally a ‘pronoun switching’ phenomenon found in Study I. The results indicated that pronouns are not chosen simply to agree in person, number, and gender with their antecedents, but that underlying attitudes toward and antecedent play a critical role in pronoun choice. Implications of the results are discussed for theories of language evolution, for metaphor and metaphoric thought, for the relation between sexism in personification and other areas of the language, and for ways that sexist language can be avoided in children's literature and literature in general.
Smoking behaviour of student nurses enrolled in diploma, associate degree and undergraduate nursing programmes.

Because the literature shows that (1) cigarette smoking is a major causative factor in the occurrence of chronic illness, (2) lung cancer is becoming more common in women than breast cancer, (3) nurses smoke more than any other group of health care providers and (4) studies have not examined differences of smoking among the associate degree, undergraduate and diploma levels of nursing, this study was designed to examine selected health behaviours and their relationship to cigarette use among Alabama senior student nurses, and to determine smoking prevalence by level of educational preparation. A sample of senior associate degree, undergraduate and diploma student nurses in Alabama responded to an 87-item questionnaire which was personally administered by the investigator in a classroom setting. Twenty-two of the 87 items were used to compile the demographics, prevalences and health behaviours reported here. The remaining items were used to develop a sequence of information required to test Ajzen and Fishbein's Theory of Reasoned Action and are beyond the scope of this article. Though there was no significant difference of smoking prevalence among educational levels, there was a trend for increased smoking from undergraduate to diploma level with prevalences of: total sample, 26.2%; diploma, 30%; associate degree, 26%; and undergraduate, 24%. Health behaviours which were significantly different between smoking and non-smoking student nurses were breakfast frequency and coffee consumption. Having a regular exercise routine was not significant. Males smoked significantly more than females. More older nurses (over 40 years) smoked than younger nurses. The findings reported here are useful to the development of health education strategies designed to reduce and prevent cigarette use among student nurses. Nursing education can play an important role in preventing smoking among nurses.
Anatomy of a Mean City: Including People Experiencing Homelessness in the Discussion

In January 2006, a survey released by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty named Lawrence, Kansas the second “meanest city” to people who experience homelessness in the United States. The survey focuses on the increase in ordinances that make behaviors such as panhandling and sleeping on sidewalks illegal. A critical perspective missing from the 2006 study were the views of those experiencing homelessness. Therefore, this study was developed with the intention of providing a voice to individuals in the homeless community and to encourage other advocacy efforts to include those absent voices. Findings indicate that Lawrence may not be “mean” in terms of ordinance enforcement but suggest that homeless individuals encounter negative attitudes from the community at large and face barriers to employment and participation in community life. Implications for social welfare practice, policy and research are discussed.
Characterizing changes in MR images with color-coded Jacobians.

Abstract Image registration is the process of establishing spatial correspondence between two images or between two image volumes. Registration can be achieved by rigid, elastic, or a combination of rigid and elastic transforms that attempt to bring the two images into coincidence. A rigid transform accounts for differences in positioning and an elastic transform describes deformations due to differences in tissue properties, temporal changes due to growth or atrophy, or differences between individuals. Deformation-based morphometry uses the resulting deformation fields from these transforms to evaluate differences between the images being registered. Three methods of registration were evaluated: rigid (affine) transformation, elastic optical flow transformation, and elastic spline transformation. All three methods produce vector deformation fields that map each point in one image to a point in the other image. A 12-color map of the transformation Jacobian was used to represent local volume changes. Using the three registration methods, color-mapped Jacobians were determined using a simulated three-dimensional block with known translation, rotation, expansion, contraction, and intensity modulations. Color-coded Jacobians were also generated for experimentally measured magnetic resonance image volumes of water-filled balloons and 7-year-old twin boys. Color-coded Jacobians overlaid on anatomical images provide a convenient method to identify regional tissue expansion and contraction.
The T − T∗ relation in ferric ammonium sulphate below 0·1 K

Abstract The T − T ∗ relation for ferric ammonium sulphate has been established between 0·1 K and 0·033 K by calibration against cerium magnesium nitrate.
2,4,6-Trinitrobenzoic acid as a primary standerd in acidimetry

Abstract The purification of commercially available 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid has been described. The impure acid is suspended in water, converted to the sodium salt which is water-soluble, by the addition of sodium hydroxide, the insoluble impurities filtered off and the parent substance thrown out of solution by the addition of an equivalent amount of sulfuric acid. The purified product is filtered, washed with water, dried in air, then in contact with an efficient drying agent, and finally at 130° C. The pure product was then compared with two accepted primary standard acids, potassium acid phthalate and sulfamic acid. The new primary standard has an equivalent weight of 257.12, is anhydrous, non-hygroscopic, and serves as its own neutralization indicator, although the use of bromthymol blue gives a more correct determination of the exact equivalence point.
Are Hepatic Impairment Studies Necessary for Therapeutic Proteins

ABSTRACT Objective This study assessed whether trials to investigate the effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic proteins (TPs), which are conducted for small molecule drugs, are necessary. Methods The product labeling for 91 TPs that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration were reviewed. A PubMed search was also conducted to identify completed studies that assessed the effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of TPs. Biologic License Applications were subsequently reviewed to gather further descriptions of the trials conducted in patients with hepatic impairment and data analyses. Results No dedicated pharmacokinetics trials were conducted in patients with hepatic impairment for these approved TPs, but subgroup (n = 2 [2.2%]) or population (n = 5 [5.5%]) pharmacokinetic analyses were performed for 7 TPs. The pharmacokinetics of these proteins were not affected by the hepatic dysfunction, with the exception that the clearance of drotrecogin alfa seemed 25% higher in patients with hepatic impairment than in patients without hepatic impairment; however, no dose reduction was recommended. Thus, the effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of TPs is unclear based on the limited analyses completed to date. Conclusions A dedicated pharmacokinetics trial for TPs in patients with hepatic impairment is not necessary. Recognizing that the data are very limited, it would be important to continue collecting pharmacokinetic data of TP in patients with hepatic impairment and using population pharmacokinetic analyses to evaluate the effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of TP.
Are multiple markers the future of prostate cancer diagnostics

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is the most successful and widely employed cancer serum marker in use today. There is growing evidence that the introduction of wide PSA screening and earlier detection can result in decreased cancer mortality associated with a decline in metastatic disease. PSA circulates in a number of distinct forms. Measurement of these in addition to total PSA significantly increases diagnostic utility. Diagnostic utility is likely to be further increased by adding kallikreins, cytokines, growth factors, receptors and cellular adhesion factors to the biomarker panel. The need for multiple markers reflects the multidimensional nature of prostate disease which ranges from metastatic cancer to indolent cancer to benign hyperplasia and inflammation, all of which require distinct treatments and medical interventions.
The impact of L-uncoupling on Einstein coefficients for the OH Meinel (6,2) band: implications for Q-branch rotational temperatures

Abstract A recent high-precision study of the J -dependent rovibrational branching in the aeronomically important OH Meinel (M) (6,2) band has demonstrated that the available theoretical and semiempirical Einstein coefficients fail to adequately describe the branching, especially in the case of Δ J =0 ( Q -branch) transitions. We suggest that the heterogeneous perturbation associated with rotational-electronic mixing of the X and A states ( L -uncoupling) is the primary source of this disparity. In support of this hypothesis, perturbation-theory calculations, based on an accurate, experimentally verified, ab initio A – X electric dipole moment function, have yielded rovibrational branching in good accord with experiment. Further, we show that OH M (6,2) Q -branch-based determinations of rotational temperatures and band emission rates contain significant systematic errors irrespective of the specific choice of theoretical/semiempirical A coefficients used in the analyses. Thus, these new results have special implications for the interpretation of M (6,2) Q -branch data, e.g. that obtained with the Spectral Airglow Temperature Imagers which were recently developed as part of the Planetary Scale Mesopause Observing System Project.
Lipophilicity, molecular weight, and drug action: Reexamination of parabolic and bilinear models

The effect of molecular weight on drug diffusion and drug action has been described based on the relation D = (RT/6 pi eta N) (cube root of (4 pi N divided by 3M nu-), an inverse relation between the clearance of drugs through artificial membranes and molecular weights, and apparent correlations between log (l/dose) and log mol. wt. for various central nervous system-acting drugs, anticancer drugs, and water-soluble vitamins. In situ rat jejunum permeability data of various drugs were correlated with log P (octanol-buffer) and log mol. wt. A parabolic equation of log P combined with log mol. wt. proposed previously was shown to give significant correlations for hydrolysis data of amides and antifungal data of amines. This model is mathematically simpler and easier to interpret than the more complex curvilinear and bilinear models.
The structure of the new quaternary layered material [Co1.5Pt0.5]Ta6PtSe16

The new quaternary layered compound [Co1.5Pt0.5]Ta6PtSe16 has been prepared and structurally characterized. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system (C32h-C2m, a = 13.089(18), b = 3.425(3), c = 24.436(25) A, and β = 104.9(1)°) with two formula units in the cell. The structure contains Ta atoms in both trigonal prismatic and octahedral sites, Co atoms in a square-pyramidal environment, and Pt atoms with both square-pyramidal and square-planar coordination. This compound is related to the Co2Ta4PdSe12 structural type where an additional TaSe2 unit has been added to the chains of metal atoms.
ULTRA-LOW PLATINUM CONTENT FUEL CELL ANODE ELECTROCATALYST WITH A LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE STABILITY

An active anode electrocatalyst, consisting of 1/8 of a monolayer of Pt on a surface of carbon-supported Ru nanoparticles, has been shown to exhibit excellent long-term performance stability in an operating fuel cell. The electrocatalyst has the reduced susceptibility to poisoning by CO, which, in addition to the strong segregation of the Pt atoms on the Ru substrate, determines this characteristic. Kinetic parameters were determined by electrochemical techniques using thin-film rotating disk electrodes. X-ray absorption spectroscopy near edge structure was used to determine the d-band vacancies of a Pt submonolayer on a surface of carbon-supported Ru nanoparticles, and to relate it to the bonding strength of CO. The data point the way to ultimately reduce Pt content in anode electrocatalysts while maintaining their high activity and thereby alleviating the problem of high Pt loading in existing fuel cell technology.
Liquid solubilization dynamicsIII. Use of a quiescent technique to determine the correct boundary condition for solubilization of oleic acid in sodium taurodeoxycholate

Abstract An unsteady state experimental technique has been employed to study interfacial mass transfer boundary conditions in quiescent liquid/liquid systems. This method is superior than steady state methods for identifying the specific nature of the interfacial step. Moreover, the technique lends mechanistic insight into those systems in which transient effects may dictate steady state behavior. Experimental data are compared to theoretical results derived by assuming specific boundary conditions at the interface. A constant concentration boundary condition correctly describes the intertransport of partially immiscible phases (benzaldehyde into water), and a constant flux boundary condition correctly describes the dissociation of solute dimer from one immiscible phase into another (benzoic acid from benzene to water). The method was extended to identify the underlying mechanism of the micellar solubilization of oleic acid by sodium taurodeoxycholate at 37°C, a model fatty acid digestion system. The phenomenon appears to be surfactant diffusion controlled. The effects of pH, added NaCl and surfactant concentration are also discussed.
A Logical Approach to Chest Wall Neoplasms

Thirty chest wall tumors were evaluated over a 3-year period at two major medical centers; a nonradical excisional biopsy technique was used. The majority of the lesions were benign; the small number of malignancies consisted of either plasmacytomas or metastatic neoplasms. These findings support a limited excisional biopsy as the recommended initial diagnostic approach for all chest wall tumors.
Random projection and orthonormality for lossy image compression

There exist many lossy image compression techniques, some of which are based on dimensionality reduction. In this paper, a method for lossy image compression is introduced which utilizes the dimensionality reduction technique known as Random Projection. Random Projection has proven itself as an effective technique for reducing the dimensionality of data, particularly when dimensionality d is moderately high (e.g., d<1500). Image columns or rows are treated as vectors in feature space which are thereby reduced in size to a user specified dimension k where [email protected]?d. The condition of orthonormality is utilized thereby establishing a technique applicable to image compression. Although the compression is lossy, experiments indicate that the recovered image is effectively restored. Visual data is shown in the form of comparison between original and recovered image. Quantitative data includes the compression ratio achieved, the peak signal-to-noise ratio, and the root mean square error.
Fertilization and Development of Eggs of the Sea Urchin Lytechinus variegatus Maintained on an Extruded Feed

Sea urchin eggs are used extensively as models for studies in developmental and molecular biology. Developing aquaculture techniques and facilities for sea urchins would facilitate their use for this purpose and for production of young sea urchins for stock enhancement. A basic requirement for the aqua-culture of sea urchins is the availability of a feed that predictably produces eggs of a consistent, high quality. We tested an extruded feed with Lyrechinus variegatus for this purpose. Lytechinus variegatus (mean horizontal diameter 55 mm, 75 g wet weight) were collected in April 1998. Nine individuals were maintained in each of four aquaria with closed, recirculating filtered sea water. They were fed approximately 1 g extruded feedindividual per week. All feed was consumed. The mean weight of the sea urchins changed little with this feeding regime. The sea urchins spawned spontaneously on a monthly basis during water changes. Four females in February and one in March were spawned by injection with potassium chloride. Fertilization was 99–100% successful in each case. Egg diameters from these spawnings and a spontaneous spawning in April ranged from 102 × 6 to 128 × 1 μm. Gastrulation occurred in <20 h and metamorphosis after 22 to 37 d. Newly metamorphosed juveniles ranged in size from 435 × 38 to 473 × 56 μm. Egg size, larval size, the chronology of embryonic and larval development, and size of newly metamorphosed juveniles are similar to those obtained from field individuals reported in the literature. These results indicate that a predictable production of high quality eggs by sea urchins under controlled conditions in the laboratory with a prepared feed is feasible.
Altered p59Fyn kinase expression accompanies disease progression in Alzheimer's disease: implications for its functional role

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive decline in memory and other cognitive domains, accompanied by early loss of presynaptic terminals, amyloid-bearing neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles containing hyperphosphorylated tau. The mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration are not completely understood, however, recent evidence suggests that alterations in p59Fyn kinase, an Src family tyrosine kinase, might contribute to AD pathogenesis. In this context, the main objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between Fyn protein levels and the neurological and neuropathological alterations in AD. We found, by quantitative immunoblotting, that in AD, Fyn levels were increased in the insoluble fraction and decreased in the soluble fraction. Soluble Fyn levels were directly correlated with the cognitive scores and levels of synaptophysin immunoreactivity, and inversely correlated with neurofibrillary tangle counts in the frontal cortex. Consistent with these findings, the immunocytochemical analysis showed that in AD cases, Fyn levels were decreased in the synapses and increased in the neuronal cell bodies where it was colocalized with neurofibrillary tangles. Taken together, these findings suggest that alterations in Fyn localization might be associated with neurofibrillary pathology and synapse loss in AD.
Postnatal Development of Endocochlear Potential and Stria Vascularis in the Cat

The postnatal development of the stria vascularis and endocochlear potential was studied in the kitten. Maturation of the stria was completed at about the 25th postnatal day. The development of the basal cells was characterized by its reduction in size and shape and by reduction of content of glycogen particles. The intermediate and marginal cells developed into complex elements with a large number of cytoplasmic compartments containing a striking conglomeration of mitochondria. Postnatal development of EP paralleled that of the stria vascularis. The increase in EP's values from birth (about 8.8 mV) to the 27-29th day (about 75.7 mV) described an S-shaped curve.ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDie Entwicklung der Stria Vascularis und des endokochlearen Potentials nach der Geburt, wurde bei jungen Katzen untersucht. Die Stria war ungefahr am 25. Tag nach der Geburt ausgereift. Die Entwicklung der Grundzellen wurde dadurch ausgezeichnet, dass sich die grossen Zellen mit reichlichem Zellplasma in Grosse und Form zu kleinen, a...
Health risk appraisal modifies cigarette smoking behavior among college students.

To assess whether Health Risk Appraisal (HRA), a computer-scored lifestyle analysis questionnaire, can result in significant changes in health behavior, a controlled clinical trial with one-year follow-up was conducted among entering freshmen at an urban state university. Three hundred fifty entering freshmen were each assigned to one of four groups: HRA with feedback, HRA without feedback, initial control, and final control. Twenty-two per cent of the nonsmokers in the no-feedback group, as compared with 5% in the feedback group, acquired the habit of cigarette smoking (p<0.001). Furthermore, 26% of the smokers in the feedback group, as compared with 6% in the no-feedback group, were able to quit smoking (p<0.05). Among those unable to quit smoking, 59% in the feedback group, as compared with 19% in the no-feedback group, were able to reduce their cigarette consumption by more than six cigarettes per day (p<0.01). Health Risk Appraisal, when accompanied by feedback counseling, was an effective health promotion tool to help prevent nonsmokers from acquiring the habit and to modify cigarette smoking behavior among college freshmen.
Utility interactions in a two-person world

In an article published shortly after his death, Professor Stefan Valavanis presented a clever and suggestive model for the consideration of utility interactions between two individuals in situations of potential conflict (1). He argued that the choice of a particular combination of utilities (ul, u2) on or within the welfare frontier could be determined by the consideration of "vicariousness," the reaction of each participant to the utility level attained by the other. He proceeded to suggest a number of possible forms which the two "vicariousness functions" might take, and to point out the possibilities of equilibrium and conflict which might result. This note suggests a modification of Valavanis' work involving both its substance and the method of exposition. The substantive point has to do with the role of the familiar welfare frontier in the analysis, and the expositional point involves the revision of the diagrams to permit the illustration of the substantive modification. As Valavanis notes, the welfare frontier is determined by fixed technology, tastes, and resources, and shows how well off one man may be when all other men (or the other man, in a two-person world) achieve some given level of satisfaction. This frontier implicitly excludes "vicariousness," the importance of which is the central point of Valavanis' essay. The welfare frontier is an interesting point of reference in this analysis; however, it need not be a restriction on vicarious pleasure. It may be that "religion has not kept pace with science" or, alternatively, that "'tis love and love alone the world is seeking." To associate vicariousness solely with the restriction of satisfactions short of the welfare frontier is to focus
The role of mycorrhizas in the response of Pinus taeda seedlings to elevated CO2

summary The effects of mycorrhizal status, phosphorus supply and CO2, partial pressure on production and allocation of biomass in seedlings from two populations of Pinus taeda L. were examined. Seedlings from a North Carolina and a Florida population were grown in sterile soil in a full-factorial experiment with one of two phosphorus treatments (low P, high P) and at one of two CO2 partial pressures (35.5, 71.0 Pa). One half of the seedlings were inoculated with Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker & Couch hyphae and spores. Seedlings were harvested 60, 90 and 120 d after emergence. Elevated CO2 significantly increased total seedling dry mass in all treatments at all three harvests. Phosphorus limitation reduced seedling growth, and mycorrhizas increased seedling growth in seedlings limited by phosphorus supply. Generally, however, there were no interactions between CO2, phosphorus supply and mycorrhizal status on dry mass of seedlings. Mycorrhizas probably did not affect the response of dry mass to elevated CO2, because phosphorus limitation did not reduce response of dry mass to elevated CO2, Phosphorus-limited seedlings responded to elevated CO2, as a result of increased phosphorus uptake, resulting from increased total root dry mass, and increased phosphorus use efficiency. Although mycorrhizal colonization did not affect the response of biomass to elevated CO2, it significantly reduced the response of needle area. As a result, specific leaf area (leaf area per unit plant biomass) was lower in mycorrhizal seedlings grown in elevated CO2 than in mycorrhizal seedlings grown in ambient CO2 Because there were no effects on relative growth rate or seedling dry mass, reductions in specific leaf area suggest that elevated CO2 reduced the relative cost of the symbiosis.