cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anticancer platinum drugs inhibit ubiquitin (ub)-dependent protelysis through S-glutathionylation of ub-E1 and proteasome enzymes

3839 Glioblastoma is the most maligant and prevalent human brain tumor of astroglial origin. It is considered as the death sentence in patients due to its poor response or resistance to existing therapeutic agents. Therefore, the search continues for an effective therapy for controlling the growth of this devastating cancer. Recent studies revealed the important roles of dietary phytochemicals for chemoprevention against various cancers and the development of natural diet-derived chemotherapeutic agents is an emerging area in cancer research. Previous studies have indicated that curcumin (CCM), a polyphenolic compound from Curcuma longa, possesses anti-proliferative properties because of cell-cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells. CCM inhibits skin, forestomach, mammary, liver and colon carcinogenesis in animal models of these cancers and indicates its anti-cancer activity. In the present investigation, we evaluated the chemotherapeutic efficacy of CCM against human malignant glioblastoma U87MG cells by inducing apoptosis and examining the molecular mechanisms, especially the proteolytic activities, involved in this process. Trypan blue dye exclusion test showed decreased viability of U87MG cells with increasing dose of CCM. Under light microscopy, Wright staining and ApopTag assay, respectively, showed the morphological and biochemical features of apoptosis in U87MG cells treated with 25 μM and 50 μM of CCM for 24 h. Western blot analyses showed that CCM treatment activated extrinsic pathway of apoptosis by activation of caspase-8, cleavage of Bid to tBid, down regulation of anti-apoptotic nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and upregulation of its inhibitor IκBα expression, favoring the process of apoptosis. CCM also caused activation of mitochondria-mediated intrinsic pathway of apoptosis with changes in expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins resulting in an increase in Bax:Bcl-2 ratio, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria followed by activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 for apoptosis. Increased activities of calpain and caspase-3 were confirmed in the cleavage of 270 kD α-spectrin at specific sites generating 145 kD spectrin break down product (SBDP) and 120 kD SBDP, respectively. In course of CCM-induced apoptosis, increased expression of Smac/Diablo suggested suppression of the inhibitor-of-apoptosis proteins (IAPs), also called the Baculovirus IAP Repeat Containing (BIRC) proteins, as we confirmed their down regulation in U87MG cells following treatment with CCM. Taken together, our results indicated activation of multiple molecular mechanisms and involvement of proteolytic activities of calpain and caspases for apoptosis in human malignant glioblastoma U87MG cells following exposure to CCM. This research was supported in parts by the grants from the National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, and State of SC.
Liposuction used to treat deep vascular accesses for hemodialysis

Background:Oftentimes, obese dialysis patients develop a viable dialysis access but the access is too deep for cannulation and needs a superficialization procedure.Methods:We present our 14-patient...
Transfer learning from simulated SAR imagery using multi-output convolutional neural networks

Deep Learning classifiers, particularly, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), have been demonstrated to be very effective in the area of SAR Automatic Target Recognition (ATR). Despite of this achievement, still there is challenges with the effective multi-feature classification of spackled SAR imagery suffering from low signal-to-noise ratio. In this paper, we address technical challenges of implementing a Multi-output Convolutional Neural Network (M-CNN) as an effective multi-feature classifier model. Primarily, we employed the IRIS Electromagnetic (IRIS EM) modeling and simulation software to generate systematic simulated SAR images from an array of physics-based CAD models of 350 target vehicles scanned from different azimuth and elevation angles. For denoising and classification of image, we proposed a step-wise retraining of a CNN via a transfer learning technique. The proposed classifier achieves higher levels of model generalization on unseen data when tested against IRIS-SAR datasets. Further, we performed multi-feature classifications of target vehicles using the M-CNN model. The proposed M-CNN shows both efficiency and effectiveness in performing multi-feature classification of test target vehicles simultaneously. In this paper, we discuss our classification results while comparing its performance against those from different comparable CNN classifier models.
The role of nurses in surveillance to enhance global health security: A delphi study.

Abstract Background Internationally, nurses are gaining recognition for their contributions to public health and global health initiatives, however, their contributions to surveillance and the detection of new and emerging infectious disease, which is an important element of global health security, remain largely unknown. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of nurse experts related to the current and optimal roles of nurses in surveillance of new and emerging infectious diseases. Additionally, this study aimed to identify the skills needed by nurses in all practice settings for optimal performance of surveillance and to identify barriers to achieving optimal performance of surveillance. Methods A three-round Delphi study was conducted. Nurse experts participated in Round 1 interviews followed by ranking current and optimal role, skill, and barrier statements in Rounds 2 and 3. Findings Findings revealed four current roles and 13 optimal roles for nurses in surveillance, 13 skills needed to perform surveillance activities, and seven barriers to optimal performance of surveillance activities by nurses. Disucssion Results of this study are intended to inform nursing practice and education in the U.S., and to provide guidance on the role of nurses in surveillance of new and emerging infectious disease as part of the Global Health Security Agenda.
Spontaneous Formation of Vesicular Structures from a Swollen Lamellar Phase by Dilution and Control of Surface Charge Density

Over the past several years there has been increased interest in the phase behavior and morphology of the dilute region of amphiphilic systems. A general sequence of phases has been shown to exist when a single variable is changed, such as alcohol, salinity or temperature of an amphiphilic surfactant solution. The surfactant can be anionic, cationic, zwitterionic or nonionic. The sequence of phase transformations represents a spontaneous change in the curvature and self — association of the amphiphile whereby an isotopic micellar solution transforms into a highly swollen homogeneous lamellar phase made up of sheets of bilayers, to an optically isotropic phase which scatters light and exhibits birefringence when sheared (1). These phases are designated L1, L α and L3 respectively.
Nietzsche and decadence: The revaluation of morality

The creation of moralities is necessary for the enhancement of the species, yet, the assigning of values is a sign of decadence. According to Nietzsche, this is the problem of decadence with which human beings (in particular philosophers) must contend: they must place a value on life, but placing a value on life (even on one's individual life) is problematic because it involves fracturing the whole of life into pieces. The primary objective in this paper is to address Nietzsche's own battle with the problem of decadence as it applies to individuals. I will argue that in this battle, Nietzsche carried out a revaluation of decadence and transformed himself into a “strong decadent”. In calling himself a strong decadent, Nietzsche not only admitted to his own decadence, but also provided himself as an example for how other strong types might contend with the problem of decadence.
Renal Tubular Disorders

Kidney diseases that derive from the malfunction of the tubular portion of the renal nephron comprising the proximal tubule, loop of Henle, distal tubule and collecting ducts. These diseases can be common or rare and may have genetic or nongenetic causes and include cystic kidney diseases as well as disease caused by abnormalities of tubule ion transport. Keywords: cystic diseases; ADPKD; ARPKD; fanconi syndrome; renal tubular acidosis; genes
Germ Plasm and the Molecular Determinants of Germ Cell Fate

Germ plasm is a cluster of fibrogranular bodies present in the cytoplasm of oocytes and incorporated into a few cells during early embryogenesis. These cells become the precursors to primordial germ cells, the founders of the germ cell lineage. Germ cell-fate determinants associated with the germ plasm specify that the cells in which they reside shall become primordial germ cells. Keywords: germ plasm; cell-fate determinants; germ cell line; primordial germ cell
Granulocyte transfusion: questions remain.

In this issue of Blood , Price et al report the results of a phase 3 prospective randomized trial comparing the clinical outcome of infected, severely neutropenic patients after receiving or not receiving granulocyte transfusions. 1
Computational algorithms for state-dependent queueing networks

Queueing networks are important as performance models of computer and communication systems. Exact numerical solution of a queueing network is usually only feasible if the network has a product form solution in the sense of Jackson. Product form networks allow a rich variety of forms of statedependent behavior. However, efficient computational algorithms have not been developed for several of the allowed forms of state-dependent behavior. This paper develops the two most important computational algorithms. Convolution and Mean Value Analysis, to apply to forms of state-dependent behavior allowed in product form networks. It is demonstrated that these two algorithms are of equal generality, contrary to common belief.
Cadmium and lead accumulation by goldfish exposed to aqueous refuse incinerator fly ash leachate

The increased use of incineration with modern emission control devices for reducing the mass of municipal solid waste is resulting in ever greater quantities of ash to be disposed. Heavy metals present in the original refuse are concentrated in the ash and landfill disposal of it has prompted public concern of possible contamination of groundwater through leaching. Several investigators have reported the presence of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium in aqueous leachates of refuse incinerator ashes in laboratory studies. It was of interest to determine the effect of such leachates on fish. In the work reporter here, goldfish were exposed to aqueous leachates of municipal refuse incinerator ash. Visual observations of fish behavior, heavy metal analysis and histologic examination of tissues were then carried out.
Stereophotogrammetric analysis of abutment tooth movement in distal-extension removable partial dentures with intracoronal attachments and clasps.

This study applied the three-dimensional measurement technique of stereophotogrammetry to measure abutment tooth movement under occlusal loading as a function of intracoronal attachment and clasp design. Six distal-extension removable partial denture designs were studied: (1) RPI-mesial occlusal rest, proximal plate, buccal I-bar; (2) cast circumferential clasp; (3) P.D. locking semiprecision attachment; (4) Thompson dowel nonlocking semiprecision attachment; (5) McCollum precision attachment; and (6) Stern G/L precision attachment. The movement in microns was determined by computer analysis. The Thompson dowel semiprecision attachment generated the most abutment movement in a gingival direction. The clasp-retained designs generally had less total movement than the attachment designs. Clasps and attachments for the abutment teeth adjacent to the distal-extension bases generally moved more than the abutment teeth.
What Do People Really Know and Think About Clinical Trials? A Comparison of Rural and Urban Communities in the South

Clinical trials (CTs) have the potential to provide the most advanced medical treatments and screening options and help medically underserved individuals, including those in rural communities, obtain the medical care they need. Despite the need for access to care, CT participation remains low in rural communities. This study examined what individuals in both rural and urban communities of a Southeastern state know and think about CTs. Nineteen focus groups and eight interviews were conducted statewide with a total of 212 men and women. Discussions assessed participants’ beliefs, perceptions, and sources of information about CTs, and their willingness to participate in a CT. Focus group and interview transcripts were analyzed qualitatively for themes. Urban and rural participants expressed similar beliefs about CTs. Common misperceptions were that CTs were intended for people who could not afford care and that completing a survey or participating in a focus group constituted a CT. Rural residents believed that CTs involved deception more often than urban residents, and they were less willing than urban residents to participate in a CT in the future. Urban residents more frequently discussed their distrust of the medical system as a reason for not wanting to participate. Many individuals expressed that their participation would depend on whether their doctor recommended it or whether the trial would benefit a family member’s health. Findings have important implications for health communication. Messages should be developed to address misperceptions of rural and urban communities and convey the importance of CT participation to promote and protect the health of their communities.
From Mashantucket to Appomattox: The Native American Veterans of Connecticut's Volunteer Regiments and the Union Navy

Due to complex social arrangements among New England Indians and changing perceptions of race, many New Englanders believed that most Indians in the region were “extinct,” while others viewed Indians as “colored men.” At the time of the Civil War, these perceptions allowed many Indian volunteers to cross racial boundaries and serve in both white and colored regiments.
Association of Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis with HLA-B7

Thirty-one white patients who fulfilled the clinical criteria of the syndrome recognized as presumed ocular higtoplasmosis were typed for common histocompatibility antigens. These clinical criteria included the presence of multiple peripheral punched out choroidal atrophic scars, compatible macular disciform lesion in at least one eye, and clear vitreous. Seventeen out of 31 patients were found to have HLA-B7, which is statistically significant at the P less than .005 level when compared to a normal population. More patients should be tested to establish this correlation more firmly. Though this is statistically significant, other factors must be involved as there still remain many patients who fulfill the clinical criteria but do not demonstrate a common histocompatibility antigen.
Confronting Our Fears and Finding Hope in Difficult Times: Social Work as a Force for Social Justice

As I prepared this essay, I went back and forth between pessimism and optimism, between seeing the glass as half empty, then half full. I worried that starting with fears about the problems we face...
POLIOMYELITIS IN THE CYNOMOLGUS MONKEY : I. COMPARISON OF THE UPPER PORTION OF THE ALIMENTARY TRACT WITH ITS LOWER, GASTROINTESTINAL PORTION AS A PORTAL OF ENTRY, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE PERIPHERAL GANGLIA.

1. Cynomolgus monkeys were subjected to a series of non-traumatic exposures of the mucous membranes of the alimentary tract, designed to test the relative permeability to poliomyelitis virus of its upper and lower portions. 2. In the first stage, dried poliomyelitis virus of tested potency was administered in fat-covered capsules to 26 monkeys in such a way as to avoid contamination of the oropharynx but to permit thorough exposure of the gastro-intestinal mucosae. No clinical evidence of poliomyelitic infection appeared. 3. Subsequent application of small amounts of virus to the tongues of 18 of the same monkeys caused paralytic poliomyelitis in one of them. 4. Virus given subsequently by enema to 11 of the monkeys caused no clinical manifestations of poliomyelitis. 5. Of 7 monkeys later treated with virus by oronasal spraying, one developed typical preparalytic signs of infection, and the distribution of lesions indicated that entry had occurred through the afferent nerves of the oropharynx and, possibly, the esophagus. 6. The 6 surviving monkeys were exposed to virus by inhalation. One of them developed paralytic poliomyelitis by olfactory entry. The others appeared to have acquired some resistance to infection. 7. The 5 surviving monkeys were inoculated intracerebrally, as a test of immunity. One of them developed paralytic poliomyelitis. The other 4 showed no clinical signs of infection, but all had typical lesions of varying extent and intensity in the central nervous system. 8. A histological examination of the peripheral nervous ganglia in 12 of the exposed monkeys sacrificed at various stages of the experiments revealed lesions compatible with poliomyelitis in all. Ganglia connected with the head alone (Gasserian, cervical sympathetic) were more constantly and, on the average, more severely involved than the celiac, which is connected only with the intestine. 9. While the celiac ganglion was involved in 7 cases, no evidence was found of the spread of infection from it to the spinal cord.
Fully Differential Cross Section for Four Body Charge Transfer Process

Recently experimental fully differential cross sections (FDCS) have been reported for double capture in proton helium collisions which disagree with existing theoretical calculations by two orders of magnitude. We introduce here a theoretical model for charge transfer processes which is fully quantum mechanical and takes all post collision interactions (PCI) between the particles into account exactly. The results of this model are in much better agreement with experimental data.
Immunolocalization of NAD-dependent 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in human kidney and colon

Immunolocalization of NAD-dependent 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in human kidney and colon. The inactivation of physiological glucocorticoids by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) confers mineralocorticoid specificity to certain aldosterone target tissues. Both NADP, and NAD-dependent isoforms of 11β-HSD have been described. An NAD-dependent isoform of 11β-HSD (11β-HSD2) was recently cloned from human kidney. The present studies were designed to examine the cellular distribution of 11β-HSD2 in human kidney and colon, and to determine if the cellular distribution of 11β-HSD2 within the human kidney and colon is consistent with a role in conferring mineralocorticoid specificity. Using antibodies against a fusion protein containing a portion of the human 11β-HSD2, immunohistochemical staining of human kidney showed intense, specific staining of connecting tubules and cortical and medullary collecting tubules and less intense staining in the cortical thick ascending limb. No immunoreactivity was found in proximal tubules, glomeruli, or blood vessels. Within the collecting tubules staining was heterogeneous. The majority of cells showed intense cytoplasmic staining while α-intercalated cells displayed much less immunoreactivity. Within the colon, 11β-HSD2 immunoreactivity was found predominantly in surface epithelial cells but not in submucosal tissues. Thus, the distribution of the cloned NAD-dependent 11β-HSD2 parallels the distribution of mineralocorticoid receptors within the kidney and colon. These results support the view that the NAD-dependent isoform of 11β-HSD (11β-HSD2) provides mineralocorticoid specificity by inactivating glucocorticoids in an autocrine fashion.
Low‐loss interconnection between electro‐optic and passive polymer waveguides for planar lightwave circuits

5. CONCLUSION In this paper, we presented a novel oscillator that incorporates a simple ring-type resonant structure as a resonant component and that shows high efficiency and superior harmonic characteristics. A simpler tunable resonator structure and smaller size compared to the conventional microstrip line oscillators were achieved. A VCO can be easily achieved by placing a varactor in the gap of the resonant cell. The small size and planar structure characteristic of the circuit can be easily applied to the MMIC application of the circuit, and a Ka-band MMIC oscillator application is currently under development by the authors. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
AN ANTHRO‐PLANNING APPROACH TO LOCAL HERITAGE TOURISM: CASE STUDIES FROM APPALACHIA

This article argues for the use of an anthro-planning approach in local-level development projects, focusing here on its use in heritage tourism development. Anthro-planning is an approach that infuses anthropological perspectives and methods into planning projects. The article starts by discussing some guiding principles for an anthro-planning approach derived from the author's experiences in planning regional heritage tourism–education sites. The emphases are (1) taking a collaborative or partnership approach that actively seeks public participation in the planning process and (2) extensively incorporating anthropological field methods into the project design. The article then provides some concrete examples by showing how this approach was applied in planning two cultural heritage parks for an Appalachian Virginia region. One case documents the planning of an Appalachian coal-mining heritage park while the other example focuses on development of an Appalachian farm heritage museum and park.
Analysis of the response of linear dynamic systems to product random processes

Abstract A method is presented for the analysis of the response of linear dynamic systems to product random processes, with application to processes with random amplitude modulation. The Fokker-Planck equation is used to develop equations for the statistical moments of the system response, including relations for the moments of all orders of the response of systems which have linear time-invariant state equations. The quasi-steady approximation, which omits the dynamic properties of the random amplitude modulation, is developed as a limiting case of the exact solution for the moments of the system response. The quasi-steady approximation is generally accurate for well-damped systems, but can be inaccurate for lightly damped systems.
External Fiber Fabry-Perot Acoustic Sensor Based On Photonic-Crystal Mirror

We demonstrate an acoustic sensor based on a Fabry-Perot formed by a singlemode fiber and an external photonic-crystal mirror. We observe asymmetric Fabry-Perot resonances that are used to detect pressures as low as 18 µPa/Hz½
Genomic organization and evolution of immunoglobulin kappa gene enhancers and kappa deleting element in mammals

We have studied the genomic structure and evolutionary pattern of immunoglobulin kappa deleting element (KDE) and three kappa enhancers (KE5′, KE3′P, and KE3′D) in eleven mammalian genomic sequences. Our results show that the relative positions and the genomic organization of the KDE and the kappa enhancers are conserved in all mammals studied and have not been affected by the local rearrangements in the immunoglobulin kappa (IGK) light chain locus over a long evolutionary time (∼120 million years of mammalian evolution). Our observations suggest that the sequence motifs in these regulatory elements have been conserved by purifying selection to achieve proper regulation of the expression of the IGK light chain genes. The conservation of the three enhancers in all mammals indicates that these species may use similar mechanisms to regulate IGK gene expression. However, some activities of the IGK enhancers might have evolved in the eutherian lineage. The presence of the three IGK enhancers, KDE, and other recombining elements (REs) in all mammals (including platypus) suggest that these genomic elements were in place before the mammalian radiation.
Proteins of the apical and basal plasma membranes of the human placental syncytiotrophoblast: immunochemical and electrophoretic studies

Abstract Proteins of the basal and microvillous plasma membranes of the human placental syncytiotrophoblast were compared to elucidate the basis for structural and functional differences in the two membranes. Among the proteins common to both membranes were actin, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, transferrin, immunoglobulin G, proteins of M r 35 000, 55 000 and 180 000 and five immunochemically detected proteins. Each membrane also contained unique proteins. Major microvillous cytoskeleton proteins of M r 68 000, 80 000 and 105 000 (α-actinin) were lacking or absent from basal membrane cytoskeletons which instead contained unique proteins of M r 14 000, 16 000 220 000 and 240 000. In addition, immunochemical analyses revealed four glycoprotein antigens unique to microvillous membrane and five unique to basal membrane. Fibronectin was also found to be exclusive to basal membrane. The differences in membrane-associated cytoskeletal proteins correlated with the different organization of actin microfilaments at the two membranes. The protein antigens unique to each of the two membranes provided further evidence for the polarization of membrane proteins and functions in the syncytium.
Global Incomplete Cerebral Ischemia Produces Predominantly Cortical Neuronal Injury

Background and Purpose We determined the neuropathologic damage in a canine model of global incomplete ischemia commonly used in a variety of physiological experiments. Methods We induced 20 minutes of incomplete ischemia in dogs (n=9) by increasing intracranial pressure via intraventricular infusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid to maintain a cerebral perfusion pressure of 10 mm Hg while keeping body temperature at 38°C during and immediately after ischemia. After a 7-day recovery period, animals were perfusion-fixed for neuropathology. In hematoxylin and eosin preparations, ischemic neuronal injury was assessed, neurons were counted, and percentage of cell damage was determined. Results No focal neurological deficits or overt seizures were observed during the 7-day recovery period. In superior temporal gyrus, 49±11% and 70±10% damage (mean±SEM) was observed in layer III pyramidal cells in the crown and sulcus, respectively. All neocortical regions examined showed neuronal damage in layers III and/or...
A digital time-domain synthesis technique for feedback control systems

IN THE DESIGN of feedback control systems, the ultimate goal is the synthesis of a system to perform according to prescribed specifications. This paper develops a method of synthesis for feedback control systems which is partially based upon previous work in network theory and sampled-data systems. Synthesis is realized in the complex plane by obtaining the open-loop-system transfer function from the desired closed-loop input and output time functions. Specifications are introduced in terms of the system response to a deterministic input such as a step or ramp function. A plot of the desired closed-loop transient response is made which is then sampled at equal time intervals.
Evaluation of LFM-2 Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts

Abstract The results of a near real time experiment designed to assess the state of the art of quantitative precipitation forecasting skill of the operational NMC LFM-2 are described. All available LFM-2 quantitative precipitation forecasts were verified on an area-averaged basis for southern and central New England for the period 0000 GMT 3 January through 0000 GMT 14 May 1979. Individual point verifications were also made for Albany, Boston, Concord, New York and Portland. On an area-averaged basis the LFM-2 beat (lost to) the climatological control by +18.5% (−7.4%) for the 12–24 h (24–36 h) forecast projection. On a point basis the overall LFM-2 forecasts lost to climatology by −7.2 and −21.9% for these forecast projections. Close examination of the results suggests that much of the loss of predictive skill in the model forecasts is the result of systematic overprediction of precipitation accompanying major cyclonic events. Possible reasons for this behavior are examined through a discussion of indivi...
Topography from Single Radar Images

A mathematical theory and a corresponding numerical procedure have been developed to produce digital topography from radar images as digital photometric arrays. Thus, as radargrammetry is to photogrammetry, so radarclinometry is to photoclinometry. Photoclinometry encompasses a fundamental indeterminacy principle even for terrain that is homogeneous in normal albedo, because the surface normal consistent with a given reflected specific intensity is not unique. A geometric locus of such normal directions is implied, which generates a surface. For microwave backscatter, in specific application to radarclinometry, this surface is a cone whose half-angle is the incidence angle, whose axis contains the radar, and whose apex coincides with the terrain point. Although the indeterminacy can be removed if a properly directed profile of ground truth is available as a constraint, such is seldom the case. In its absence, an auxiliary assumption, such as that the strike line runs perpendicular to the illumination line, is needed. If metric integrity is a goal, then this is an absurd assumption. Herein, "the hypothesis of local cylindricity" has been assumed, a premise regarding the nature of topographic curvature that seems more realistic and that makes possible the production of topography as a set of parallel line integrals.
SU‐E‐I‐17: Evaluation of Cone Beam Breast CT (CBCT) System: Detection of Randomly Distributed Micro‐Calcification and the Effect of Beam Hardening Filter

Purpose: Detectability of micro‐calcification is very important for breast imaging. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the breast CBCTsystem through its detectability of randomly distributed micro‐calcifications under different mean glandular dose (MGD) and with or without different thickness copper filters. Methods: Calcium carbonate grains of various sizes (Three size groups: 224–250μm, 250–280μm, 280–300μm) were used to simulate calcifications. A breast shaped plastic container filled with paraffin was used to simulate a fatty breast; the top half of the phantom was cylindrical with 12.5cm diameter and the total height of the phantom is 14.5cm. The phantom was imaged with a CBCTsystem in our lab. The system consists of a conventional tungsten target x‐ray tube (G‐1592) and an a‐Si:H/CsI flat panel detector (Paxscan 4030CB). The source to image detector and source to iso‐center distances were 152 and 100 cm, respectively, resulting in a magnification factor of 1.52 at the iso‐center. All the scans were conducted at 80 kVp. The experiment was conducted under MGD equal to 2.5, 4, 6, 8 mGy. With each MGD setting, the scan was conducted without filter, with 0.002″ copper filter or with 0.004″ copper filter. Feldkamp algorithm with a ramp filter was used for image reconstruction of all scans. Results: Our CBCTsystem is capable of imaging calcifications as small as 224–250μm with 6mGy MGD or 250–280μm with 4mGy MGD if set 50% visibility as threshold. To all three size groups, filtering improves visibility of micro‐calcification when the dose is between invisible and high visible settings. Conclusions: Filtering improves detectability of micro‐calcification for low dose image. This work was supported in part by grants CA104759, CA124585 and CA13852 from NIH‐NCI, a grant EB00117 from NIH‐NIBIB, and a subcontract from NIST‐ATP.
Platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor inhibition by SC-49992 prevents thrombosis and rethrombosis in the canine carotid artery

Objective: Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) receptors represent the final common pathway for aggregation. GPIIb/IIIa inhibition with antibodies or RGD peptides prevents arterial thrombosis. The present study examined the ability of SC-49992 (SC), a GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist, to prevent thrombosis in a canine model of carotid artery thrombosis. Methods: Both carotid arteries of anaesthetised dogs were instrumented with Doppler probes. A 300 μA current was applied to the intimal surface of the right carotid artery via an intraluminal electrode; time to occlusive thrombus formation was noted. SC (30 and 60 μg·kg−1·min−1 intravenously) or saline was infused for 240 min. The procedure for thrombus formation was repeated after 60 min of drug infusion for the left carotid artery. Results: SC did not alter heart rate or blood pressure. Frequency of occlusive thrombus formation was reduced or prevented in a dose dependent manner (control=100%, n=12; SC 30 μg=50%, n=6; SC 60 μg=0%, n=6; p<0.05). SC resulted in a reduction in thrombus weight (p<0.05) v control. Ex vivo platelet aggregation to ADP and arachidonic acid was inhibited. Platelet reactivity remained inhibited 60 min after cessation of SC infusion. In a second group of animals, a carotid artery thrombus was formed and lysed with administration of anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activator complex (0.05 U·kg−1). SC (60 μg·kg−1·min−1, intravenously, n=6) or saline (n=6) was infused for 240 min. In dogs receiving saline there was an 83% rate of rethrombosis; none of the SC treated animals had reocclusion after recanalisation (p<0.05). Conclusions: SC-49992 inhibits ex vivo platelet aggregation, prevents occlusive thrombus formation in a canine model of arterial thrombosis, and prevents rethrombosis after thrombolysis. The data are consistent with results obtained with murine monoclonal antibodies directed against the platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor. Cardiovascular Research 1993; 27 :500-507
The Treatment Validity of Autism Screening Instruments.

Treatment validity is a frequently neglected topic of screening instruments used to identify autism spectrum disorders. Treatment validity, however, should represent an important aspect of these instruments to link the resulting data to the selection of interventions as well as make decisions about treatment length and intensity. Research investigating the treatment validity of screening instruments is an important aspect to explore to assist school-based professionals in treatment planning. The current article reviews the treatment validity of current autism screening instruments and attempts to link their content to the outcomes research in autism in an attempt to identify the most critical items that can inform interventions. A case study is provided at the end of the article to illustrate the process and relationship of universal screening assessment to intervention and progress monitoring.
Phase II trial of liposomal doxorubicin at 40 mg/m2 every 4 weeks in endometrial carcinoma: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study

Abstract Objective. In patients with disseminated endometrial carcinoma, liposomal doxorubicin has possible advantages over doxorubicin which has proven single agent activity but well known cardiac toxicity. Before replacing doxorubicin in clinical trials, the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) decided to conduct a phase II clinical trial of liposomal doxorubicin (Ortho Biotech Products L. P., Raritan, NJ) in first-line therapy of patients with disseminated endometrial carcinoma. Methods. Patients with initial histologic confirmation of endometrial carcinoma presenting with disseminated or recurrent cancer who had not previously received cytotoxic drugs were considered for participation in this clinical trial. Eligible patients had measurable disease, GOG performance status 0–2, and adequate bone marrow, renal, and hepatic function according to standard criteria. Liposomal doxorubicin 40 mg/m 2 was given by intravenous injection on an every 4-week cycle until toxicity or progression. Patients who remained free from tumor progression or intolerable toxicity received at least one to a maximum of 20 cycles of liposomal doxorubicin. Results. Fifty-six patients were registered, of whom three were determined ineligible (prior malignancy = 2, inadequate pathology material = 1). One patient never received therapy, leaving 52 evaluable patients. Two patients (3.8%) achieved a complete response, four (7.7%) exhibited a partial response, and 31 (59.7%) had stable disease. The most common adverse events were constitutional (32/52), anemia (28/52), pain (27/52), dermatologic (25/52), and cardiovascular (12/52). Conclusions. In this trial, liposomal doxorubicin had a response rate of 11.5% in first-line treatment of disseminated endometrial carcinoma when given at 40 mg/m 2 every 4 weeks. In view of the associated skin toxicity at this dose, liposomal doxorubicin does not appear to be a suitable replacement for the more active doxorubicin for therapy of endometrial carcinoma.
The Construct Validity of a Revised Form of a Self-Concept Measure for Employees in a Work Setting

The major purpose of this investigation was to obtain for a new sample of 200 employees in a electronics/computer firm evidence for the construct validity of a revised form of a self-concept measure for workers in an employment setting. Involving six-factor scales entitled Level of Aspiration, Anxiety, Job Interest and Satisfaction, Leadership and Initiative, Identification versus Alienation, and Job Stress, each consisting of 20 items, the Dimensions of Self-Concept, Form-W (DOSC-W) is an extension of a parallel standardized measure that has been employed in elementary and secondary schools as well as in colleges and universities. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of a correlation matrix of 24 subtests each of five items derived from the six-factor scales were completed. The major conclusion drawn was that irrespective of whether exploratory or confirmatory factor analyses involving either orthogonal or oblique solutions are considered, the construct validity of the DOSC-W in terms of the...
A quantitative study of mitotic figures in relation to development in the apical meristem of vegetative shoots of Coleus.

Abstract A quantitative, round-the-clock study was made of vegetative shoot apexes of a clonal stock of Coleus blumei Benth. A special aim of the study was to find meaningful, exact relation that would be reproducible year after year. Such relations we have found for the following: 1. 1. There is a diurnal rhythm in the initiation of leaf primordia, with a plastochron more likely to start near the middle of the dark period than at other times sampled (Fig. 4). 2. 2. The number of mitotic figures in the apical meristem (here defined as the portion of the shoot distal to the youngest leaf primordium) is closely and significantly correlated with the height of the apical meristem, but the distal 10–20 μ of the meristem consistently has fewer mitotic figures than more proximal regions (Fig. 2). 3. 3. The height of the apical meristem is closely and significantly correlated with the length of the youngest leaf primordium (Fig. 1). 4. 4. By combining the above finding with the previously reported (Jacobs and Morrow, 1957) correlation between lengths of unfolded leaves and of younger primordia, one can now collect apical meristems of reasonably specific heights by measuring the older leaves with a millimeter ruler. 5. 5. Contrary to expectation from the older literature, no evidence was found for a marked diurnal rhythm in the percentage of cells showing mitotic figures. The large increase at 11 p.m. in the absolute number of mitotic figures was a reflection, rather, of the much higher apical meristem at that time (Fig. 4). A critical examination reveals that some of the apparently disparate results in the literature could have resulted from an unrecognized, Coleus -like, diurnal rhythm in the growth of the apical meristem.
A Computationally Efficient Approach to Applying the SAFT Equation for CO2 + H2O Phase Equilibrium Calculations

The statistical associating fluid theory equation of state (EoS) is employed in a time efficient way for the correlation and prediction of vapor–liquid equilibrium of the CO2 + H2O binary system for the temperature (10–100 °C) and pressure (1–600 bar) ranges suitable for simulation of CO2 geologic sequestration. The effective number of segments and energy parameter are correlated with the reduced temperature. Simple mixing rules are applied to obtain binary interaction parameters. Assigning a fixed H2O composition in the mixing rule makes the phase equilibrium calculations relatively fast compared to other EoS’s. The results obtained by the model used were found to be in satisfactory agreement with the literature data.
Behavior of monkeys during opiate withdrawal and locus coeruleus stimulation.

The noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) has been implicated in morphine withdrawal. The behavioral effects of opiate antagonist-precipitated morphine withdrawal in chair-restrained Macaca arctoides were therefore compared with LC electricl field stimulation. Both continuous LC stimulation and administration of low doses of naloxone to morphine pellet implanted monkeys produced a significant increase in the same group of behaviors reported previously to follow activation of the LC, without significant increases in general activity or distress nehaviors. Signs of autonomic hyperactivity and distress were observed at high doses of naloxone, but not during LC stimulation. Monkeys which had not received morphine treatment did not exhibit significant changes in any of the behaviors following naloxone administration. Thus, the same group of behaviors specifically increased during low intensity LC stimulation is also selectively increased during naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal. These data are consistent with and suggest a behavioral consequence of the interactions of opiods with the LC reported at the molecular, intracellular, and cellular level.
Flow regime map and deposition rate uniformity in vertical rotating-disk OMVPE reactors

Abstract A quantitative map of flow regimes has been developed for rotating-disk organometallic vapor epitaxy reactors. Scaling laws and flow visualization experiments over a wide range of reactor geometries and processing conditions were used to generate analytical relationships for boundaries separating the plug-flow regime from the bouyancy- and rotation-induced-flow regimes. For the growth of epitaxial layers with a high degree of uniformity and interface abruptness, the plug-flow regime is preferred. The locus of maximum deposition rate uniformity within the plug-flow regime was found by numerical simulation studies. Operation at high rotation rates close to the boundary between the plug-flow and rotation-induced-flow regimes provides for nearly uniform deposition rates.
Prediction of Experimental Methanol Decomposition Rates on Platinum from First Principles

A microkinetic model for methanol decomposition on platinum is presented. The model incorporates competitive decomposition pathways, beginning with both O–H and C–H bond scission in methanol, and uses results from density functional theory (DFT) calculations [Greeley and Mavrikakis, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 124 (2002) 7193, Greeley and Mavrikakis, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 126 (2004) 3910]. Results from reaction kinetics experiments show that the rate of H2 production increases with increasing temperature and methanol concentration in the feed and is only nominally affected by the presence of CO or H2 with methanol. The model, based on the values of binding energies, pre-exponential factors and activation energy barriers derived from first principles calculations, accurately predicts experimental reaction rates and orders. The model also gives insight into the most favorable reaction pathway, the rate-limiting step, the apparent activation energy, coverages, and the effects of pressure. It is found that the pathway beginning with the C–H bond scission (CH3OH→H2COH→HCOH→CO) is dominant compared with the path beginning with O–H bond scission. The cleavage of the first C–H bond in methanol is the rate-controlling step. The surface is highly poisoned by CO, whereas COH appears to be a spectator species.
Reappraisal of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy due to simian virus 40

Several cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been associated with simian virus 40 (SV40), rather than with JC virus (JCV), the polyomavirus originally isolated from PML tissue. PML has, therefore, been defined as a demyelinating syndrome with possible multiple viral etiologies. Tissues from three of the cases thought to be associated with SV40 were available for reexamination. Monoclonal antibodies specific for SV40 capsid antigen VPI, virus-specific biotinylated DNA probes for in situ hybridization, and virus-specific primers in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used. Macaque PML brain served as a positive control tissue for SV40 brain infection. Monoclonal antibodies to SV40 VPI failed to recognize viral antigen in lesions from all three human PML cases. The biotinylated DNA probe, which reacted with SV40 in macaque PML, failed to detect SV40 in human PML. However, JCV could be detected by in situ hybridization with a JCV-specific DNA probe. Moreover, JCV DNA sequences were amplified by PCR from the human PML tissues, whereas SV40 DNA sequences were amplified only from the macaque brain. Thus, we could not confirm the original reports that the demyelinating agent in these three cases of PML was SV40, rather than JCV. We conclude that SV40 infection of the central nervous system need not be ruled out in the differential diagnosis of PML.
Integration of Women Veterans into VA Quality Improvement Research Efforts: What Researchers Need to Know

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other federal agencies require funded researchers to include women in their studies. Historically, many researchers have indicated they will include women in proportion to their VA representation or pointed to their numerical minority as justification for exclusion. However, women’s participation in the military—currently 14% of active military—is rapidly changing veteran demographics, with women among the fastest growing segments of new VA users. These changes will require researchers to meet the challenge of finding ways to adequately represent women veterans for meaningful analysis. We describe women veterans’ health and health-care use, note how VA care is organized to meet their needs, report gender differences in quality, highlight national plans for women veterans’ quality improvement, and discuss VA women’s health research. We then discuss challenges and potential solutions for increasing representation of women veterans in VA research, including steps for implementation research.
Tropospheric emission spectrometer for the Earth Observing System

A Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) for the Earth Observing System (EOS) series of polar-orbiting platforms is described. TES is aimed at studying tropospheric chemistry, in particular, the exchange of gases between the surface and the atmosphere, urban and regional pollution, acid rain precursors, sources and sinks of greenhouse gases, and the interchange of gases between the troposphere and the stratosphere. TES is a high-resolution (0.025/cm) infrared Fourier transform spectrometer operating in the passive thermal-emission mode in a very wide spectral range (600 to 4350/cm; 2.3 to 16.7 microns). TES has 32 spatial pixels in each of four optically conjugated linear detector arrays, each optimized for a different spectral region.
Optimal structures for classical wave localization: an alternative to the ioffe-regel criterion

Using the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method we compute the band structure for a classical scalar wave scattering from a periodic array of dielectric spheres in a uniform background. The optimal volume filling fraction $f$ of spheres for the creation of a total gap in the density of states, and hence localization, is found to be approximately 11%. This gap persists for refractive index ratios as small as 2.8.