cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A high-throughput molecular imaging screen to monitor therapeutic response in vivo

B77 Molecular imaging is revolutionizing medical science by improving drug discovery and development, and facilitating therapeutic efficacy monitoring. In this presentation we will demonstrate a high-throughput molecular imaging screen that will facilitate real-time efficacy monitoring in small animal models of colorectal cancer. We have prepared a panel of complementary NIR-based imaging probes aimed at measuring physiological processes relevant to therapeutic response. For example, we have developed probes to measure epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression (NIR-EGF), glucose metabolism (NIR-GLC), steroidogenesis (NIR-conPK11195), and apoptosis (NIR-Annexin-V). We have shown that our optical analogs such as NIR-conPK11195 and NIR-GLC mimic the translational probes 18 FDG and 11 C-PK11195 already in use in the clinic. To the battery of probes already in place, we are currently adding agents for measuring DNA replication (NIR-d-thymidine) and angiogenesis (NIR-VEGF). The optical imaging screen developed here is broadly applicable to small animal disease models and will be used to accelerate the pre-clinical evaluation of biological response modifiers (BRMs) and conventional therapeutics. Furthermore, the screen will speed translational intervention by guiding the optimization of delivery method, dose, timing, and order of administration. While the optical screen is intended for use in small animal disease models, clinical efficacy monitoring is feasible by preparing PET and/or SPECT analogs to the optical probes. Utilizing our novel Lanthanide chelate chemistry, we are currently preparing PET/SPECT versions of the optical probes not currently available, with the goal of translating the full efficacy screen to the clinic.
Functional reach and single leg stance in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders.

The purpose of this study was to compare functional reach distance and right single leg stance time in patients who had peripheral vestibular disease. Twenty-eight patients (15 female, 13 male) between the ages of 35 and 84 were asked to perform 3 trials each of functional reach (FR) and right single leg stance (SLS). SLS times were measured by a Kistler static force platform on line with a Caspar personal computer. FR distance was measured by using a free-standing 147-cm rule. In addition, each subject filled out the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). Trials were randomized to prevent fatigue or practice effects. A Pearson product-moment correlation was performed between FR and SLS (r = 0.59, P = 0.001). Post hoc analyses of the first, the best, and the average scores highlighted the importance of using means for comparison in a population as variable as the vestibularly impaired. Post hoc analyses showed no correlation between the DHI score and either functional reach distance or single leg stance time. However, when the subjects were divided into groups based on DHI score (group 1 with DHI or = 50/100) and a pooled two-sample t-test was performed, a significant difference (P = 0.05) was found in functional reach distance; the subjects who reported less perception of handicap reached farther than those who reported more perception of handicap. No difference was found between the two DHI groups in single leg stance time. Post hoc correlations of functional reach and single leg stance time. Post hoc correlations of functional reach and single leg stance within the two DHI groups showed a higher correlation in group 1 (DHI or = 50/100), with r equals 0.38 (P = 0.20). The study found a highly significant, moderate correlation between functional reach distance and single leg stance times in patients with peripheral vestibular disease. These results support the use of FR as an additional assessment tool with patients who have peripheral vestibular disease.
Neutrophil priming occurs in a sequential manner and can be visualized in living animals by monitoring IL-1β promoter activation

Rapid enhancement of phagocyte functionality is a hallmark of neutrophil priming. GeneChip analyses unveiled elevated CD54, dectin-2, and IL-1β mRNA expression by neutrophils isolated from inflammatory sites. In fact, CD54 and dectin-2 protein expression was detected on neutrophils recovered from skin, peritoneal, and lung inflammation lesions but not on those in bone marrow or peripheral blood. Neutrophils increased CD54 and dectin-2 mRNA during migration in Boyden chambers and acquired CD54 and dectin-2 surface expression after subsequent exposure to GM-CSF. Neutrophils purified from IL-1β promoter-driven DsRed-transgenic mice acquired DsRed signals during cell migration or exposure to GM-CSF. CD54 and dectin-2 were expressed by DsRed(+) (but not DsRed(-)) neutrophils in GM-CSF-supplemented cultures, and neutrophils recovered from inflammatory sites exhibited strong DsRed signals. The dynamic process of neutrophil priming was studied in chemically induced inflammatory skin lesions by monitoring DsRed expression using confocal microscopy. A majority (>80%) of Ly6G(+) neutrophils expressed DsRed, and those DsRed(+)/Ly6G(+) cells exhibited crawling motion with a higher velocity compared with their DsRed(-)/Ly6G(+) counterparts. This report unveils motile behaviors of primed neutrophils in living animals. We propose that neutrophil priming occurs in a sequential manner with rapid enhancement of phagocyte functionality, followed by CD54 and dectin-2 mRNA and protein expression, IL-1β promoter activation, and accelerated motility. Not only do these findings provide a new conceptual framework for our understanding of the process of neutrophil priming, they also unveil new insights into the pathophysiology of many inflammatory disorders that are characterized by neutrophil infiltration.
Extracting Time-Accurate Acceleration Vectors From Nontrivial Accelerometer Arrangements.

Sports-related concussions are of significant concern in many impact sports, and their detection relies on accurate measurements of the head kinematics during impact. Among the most prevalent recording technologies are videography, and more recently, the use of single-axis accelerometers mounted in a helmet, such as the HIT system. Successful extraction of the linear and angular impact accelerations depends on an accurate analysis methodology governed by the equations of motion. Current algorithms are able to estimate the magnitude of acceleration and hit location, but make assumptions about the hit orientation and are often limited in the position and/or orientation of the accelerometers. The newly formulated algorithm presented in this manuscript accurately extracts the full linear and rotational acceleration vectors from a broad arrangement of six single-axis accelerometers directly from the governing set of kinematic equations. The new formulation linearizes the nonlinear centripetal acceleration term with a finite-difference approximation and provides a fast and accurate solution for all six components of acceleration over long time periods (>250 ms). The approximation of the nonlinear centripetal acceleration term provides an accurate computation of the rotational velocity as a function of time and allows for reconstruction of a multiple-impact signal. Furthermore, the algorithm determines the impact location and orientation and can distinguish between glancing, high rotational velocity impacts, or direct impacts through the center of mass. Results are shown for ten simulated impact locations on a headform geometry computed with three different accelerometer configurations in varying degrees of signal noise. Since the algorithm does not require simplifications of the actual impacted geometry, the impact vector, or a specific arrangement of accelerometer orientations, it can be easily applied to many impact investigations in which accurate kinematics need to be extracted from single-axis accelerometer data.
Infections Acquired during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Estimating the Risk and Defining Strategies for Prevention

Purpose: To estimate the risk for acquiring an infectious disease during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or CPR training and to identify strategies to minimize that risk. Data Sources: English-...
Learning to deal with life's ups and downs

A study shows that circadian glucocorticoid oscillations have dual roles in dendritic spine plasticity, controlling spine formation and elimination through distinct mechanisms important for motor learning.
Marketing Product Innovations to the Elderly: Understanding the Barriers to Adoption

Discusses five barriers to new product adoption by older people. Offers marketing solutions to these barriers: sell value, communicate through children, segment the elderly market, design intergenerational products, utilize relationship marketing and promote product trial. Concludes that marketing innovations to the elderly is different than for other age groups, with a requirement to focus specifically on need, not newness.
Effects of sample duration, retention interval, and passage of time in the test on pigeons' matching-to-sample performance

Four pigeons served as subjects in an experiment using the go/no-go delayed matching-to-sample paradigm. The go/no-go method was used because it permits the experimenter to track the time course of discriminative performance throughout the test period, unlike the conventional choice matching procedure. It was found that discriminative test performance increased with longer sample durations; performance decreased with longer retention intervals and also as time passed in the test period. The rate of forgetting was virtually the same when either the retention interval was lengthened or time elapsed in the test. These findings support a modified trace theory, which proposes that the sample stimulus trace decays at a constant rate from the point of sample offset, and that the decaying memory trace is repeatedly compared with the prevailing test stimulus as time passes in the test period.
Biological Significance of the Seven Amino-Terminal Basic Residues of Brome Mosaic Virus Coat Protein

Abstract Inoculation of six brome mosaic virus (BMV) RNA3 transcripts with defined deletions in the coat protein (CP) gene to three Chenopodium spp demonstrated that synthesis of a functional, encapsidation-competent CP is required for the induction of local lesions. The BMV CP open reading frame contains two in-frame AUG codons separated by seven amino acids, resulting in the synthesis of two CPs (CP1 and CP2). To elucidate the biological significance of the N-terminal basic region of BMV CP, RNA3 variants capable of producing either CP1 or CP2 but not both were constructed. Infection phenotypes elicited on three Chenopodium spp by each RNA3 variant revealed that amino-terminal residues 1 to 7 are required to establish chlorotic local lesions and systemic infection in Chenopodium quinoa . Deletion of this region has no effect on infection in barley plants but resulted in the induction of the hypersensitive response on the inoculated leaves of C. quinoa and blocked systemic spread. Analysis of seven additional RNA3 variant transcripts, each having a six base deletion (two amino acids) in the sequence encoding the N-terminal seven residues, indicated that variants that share a common deletion of positively charged lysine rendered the CP encapsidation-incompetent and failed to establish infection. Taken together, these results suggest that residues 1 to 7 of the BMV CP play an important role in virus host interactions and contribute differently to the virulence phenotype in different host plants.
Asp45 Is a Mg2+ Ligand in the ArsA ATPase

The ATPase activity of ArsA, the catalytic subunit of the plasmid-encoded, ATP-dependent extrusion pump for arsenicals and antimonials in Escherichia coli, is allosterically activated by arsenite or antimonite. Magnesium is essential for ATPase activity. To examine the role of Asp45, mutants were constructed in which Asp45 was changed to Glu, Asn, or Ala. Cells expressing these mutated arsA genes lost arsenite resistance to varying degrees. Purified D45A and D45N enzymes were inactive. The purified D45E enzyme exhibited approximately 5% of the wild type activity with about a 5-fold decrease in affinity for Mg2+. Intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence was used to probe Mg2+ binding. ArsA containing only Trp159 exhibited fluorescence enhancement upon the addition of MgATP, which was absent in D45N and D45A. As another measure of conformation, limited trypsin digestion was used to estimate the surface accessibility of residues in ArsA. ATP and Sb(III) synergistically protected wild type ArsA from trypsin digestion. Subsequent addition of Mg2+ increased trypsin sensitivity. D45N and D45A remained protected by ATP and Sb(III) but lost the Mg2+ effect. D45E exhibited an intermediate Mg2+ response. These results indicate that Asp45 is a Mg2+-responsive residue, consistent with its function as a Mg2+ ligand.
Clouds-in-Clouds, Clouds-in-Cells Physics for Many-Body Plasma Simulation

A clouds-interacting-with-clouds, clouds-in-cells method (CIC) is presented for many-body nonlinear plasma problems. Density and force are obtained by assuming that the particles have finite size, are tenuous, and may pass through one another; the particles are thus called clouds. They obey a Coulomb force (~1/ror 1/r3) when separated and a linear force (~r) when overlapping, allowing simple harmonic oscillations at small separation. CIC is contrasted with the zero-size particle and nearest-grid-point approach, ZSP?NGP. CIC appears to have substantially less unwanted noise than ZSP?NGP and should be more useful in simulating dense plasmas. Initial runs have been encouraging. The methods may find use in other many-body simulations, such as with stars, or with particles in phase space.
A specific catalytic subunit isoform of protein kinase CK2 is required for phosphorylation of the repressor Nrg1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Protein kinase CK2 is highly conserved in eukaryotes and plays roles in many different cellular processes. CK2 is a tetramer comprising two catalytic and two regulatory subunits. Most organisms have two major isoforms of the catalytic subunit, and evidence suggests strongly overlapping function. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, CK2 is essential for viability, and either catalytic subunit isoform, Cka1 or Cka2, suffices, but previous genetic evidence suggests that the isoforms have some distinct roles. In this work, we present evidence that the transcriptional repressor Nrg1, which regulates various stress-responsive genes, is a downstream target of CK2 containing the Cka1 isoform. We found that Nrg1 is phosphorylated in response to stress and that its phosphorylation was defective in cka1Delta, but not cka2Delta, mutants. Thus, the Cka1 catalytic subunit isoform is specifically required for phosphorylation of Nrg1 in vivo. The CK2 regulatory subunits were also required, indicating that the CK2 holoenzyme is involved. Both yeast and recombinant human CK2 phosphorylated recombinant Nrg1 in vitro. This identification of a protein whose phosphorylation requires a specific CK2 catalytic subunit isoform supports the view that the two isoforms exhibit functional specificity in vivo.
Use of Strategy Instruction to Improve the Story Writing Skills of a Student With Asperger Syndrome

More empirical studies are needed that evaluate interventions to improve the academic functioning of students with Asperger syndrome (AS). The purpose of this exploratory study was to evaluate the use of Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) writing instruction (Graham, Harris, MacArthur, & Schwartz, 1991) with an adolescent with AS. A multiple baseline design across three responses was used to assess the effects of SRSD instruction. Strategy instruction sequentially targeted the student's use of action words, describing words, and revisions. Following instruction, the student demonstrated gains in both the quantity and quality of his writing samples.
Pain: Moving from Symptom Control toward Mechanism-Specific Pharmacologic Management

Several distinct types of pain exist: nociceptive, inflammatory, neuropathic, and functional. By defining the mechanisms responsible for each type of pain, neurophysiologic research is providing in...
Prostaglandin E1 Therapy: Is It Associated with a Higher Incidence of Wound Infection in the Cyanotic Neonate?

Prostaglandin (PGE1) may be used to maintain ductal patency in the infant with cyanotic congenital heart disease, but the risk of infection may be increased. Between October, 1976 and December, 1982, 38 neonates with complex cyanotic congenital heart disease required operations creating systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunts. Of 13 patients who did not receive PGE1 therapy, none developed a wound infection. Of 25 patients who did receive PGE1 therapy, four (16 percent) developed a significant wound infection. The two patient groups were similar when compared by age and weight at operation, by severity of heart disease and by the presence of other congenital anomalies. Pathogenic Staphylococcus epidermidis was recovered from all infected wounds, all of which responded favorably over a period of two to four weeks with a short course of antibiotics and wound debridement.
Minding and Dreaming: A Comment on Halton

, Vol. 31, Issue 2, pp. 143–148, ISSN 0195-6086, electronic ISSN 1533-8665. © 2008 by the Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction. All rights reserved. Please direct all requests for permission to photocopy or reproduce article content through the University of California Press’s Rights and Permissions website, at http://www.ucpressjournals.com/reprintinfo.asp. DOI: 10.1525/si.2008.31.2.143. Minding and Dreaming: A Comment on Halton
The influence of body fat on isometric exercise performance.

The effect of body fat on the ability to sustain a fatiguing isometric contraction and on the recovery of strength and endurance following these contractions was examined here. Five overweight (ave...
Server‐side includes made simple

Server‐side include (SSI) codes allow Webmasters to insert content into their Web pages on‐the‐fly without programming knowledge. Using these codes effectively can mean an exponential decrease in the time spent maintaining a large or medium‐sized Web site. Most Web servers have server‐side functionality to some extent; a few allow great flexibility with if‐then statements and the ability to set variables. This article describes the functionality of SSI, how to enable the codes on a Web server, and a step‐by‐step process for implementing them. Examples of their use on a large academic library’s Web site are included for illustration.
Autotransfusion: is there a benefit in a current practice of aggressive blood conservation?

Abstract Findings from early studies suggested that the autotransfusion of shed mediastinal blood (ATS) after cardiac surgical procedures led to a reduction in the postoperative banked blood requirements. However, changes in baseline patient characteristics and other blood conservation methods may now negate the benefits of ATS. To determine whether the routine use of ATS is effective in the context of current surgical practice, risk factors related to postoperative banked blood requirements were analyzed in a prospective series of 155 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac operations: 71 patients before and 84 patients after the addition of ATS to an already aggressive standardized blood conservation protocol. The overall mean patient age was 66 ± 11 years; the mean preoperative patient hemoglobin level was 11.8 ± 1.8 g/dL; 48% of the procedures were elective and 12% were reoperations; coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 73% of the patients and valve repair or replacement in 34%, with no differences between the non-ATS and ATS groups (all, p = not significant). The mean 24-hour postoperative blood loss was 1,278 ± 814 ml in the non-ATS group and 1,721 ± 1,510 mL in the ATS group ( p p = not significant). In the non-ATS group 56% of the patients required postoperative banked blood, compared with only 39% in the ATS group ( p 27 / 38 ) of the non-ATS patients required banked blood, compared with only 34% ( 19 / 56 ) of the ATS patients ( p p = not significant). By multivariate analysis, identified risk factors for postoperative banked blood requirement were advanced preoperative angina class and heart failure class, smaller body surface area, and greater postoperative blood loss (all, p p
New spectroscopic instrumentation for measurement of stratospheric trace species by remote sensing of scattered skylight

Instrumentation under construction and testing at the NOAA Aeronomy Laboratory for conducting measurements of the zenith sky and the moon in order to measure molecular abundances of trace gases in the stratosphere at extremely low levels of absorption (less than 0.05 percent) is discussed. The instrumentation consists of a telescope (for lunar observation at night or direct sun during the day), a light feed, a spectrograph, an array detector, and a data analysis system. The telescope design is a dual off-axis parabolic feed with polarizers, depolarizers, image rotators, and other optical modifiers that can be inserted at the feed focus to test their effect on the residual spectrum. The spectrograph is a cast aluminum 3/8-m f/6 double crossed Czerny-Turner system.
Aluminum Leaching Response to Acid Precipitation: Effects on High-Elevation Watersheds in the Northeast

Atmospheric inputs of sulfuric acid and nitric acid to noncalcareous higher-elevation watersheds in the White Mountain and Adirondack regions lead to comparatively high concentrations of dissolved aluminum in surface and ground waters. This phenomenon appears to result from modern increases in soil aluminum leaching. Transport of this aluminum to acidified lakes can lead to fish mortality. Combined results from areas of silicate bedrock in the United States and Europe suggest that aluminum represents an important biogeochemical linkage between terrestrial and aquatic environments exposed to acid precipitation.
Upper critical field in the extended saddle-point model

The dependence of the upper critical field on temperature for all temperatures is calculated in the framework of the extended saddle-point model. A discussion is given of the present experimental situation. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Spindle-Cell Epidermoid Carcinoma

Introduction For several years the authors have been interested in certain peculiar tumors of the skin and mucous membranes which have been designated as spindle-cell epidermoid carcinomas. Most of these lesions have occurred in the zone including and surrounding the lip, and this particular group has been especially selected for the present study, although tumors of somewhat similar histology have been noted in other regions, namely the larynx, esophagus, lung, cervix, bladder, and urethra. We prefer not to include with them the peculiar sarcomatoid metaplasias observed in certain tumors of glandular organs, especially of the salivary glands, breast, and thyroid. These latter tumors are well known and are represented by numerous case reports in the literature. They have been variously interpreted as carcinomas with spindle-cell metaplasia, carcinosarcomas in the sense of true mixed tumors ab initio , carcinomas in which the epithelial proliferation supposedly excites a sarcomatous stromal growth. The concept of spindle-cell metaplasia in various types of epidermoid carcinoma is far from new. Such changes in structure were clearly recognized by Krompecher (1) as early as 1900. Krompecher spoke of tumors which “aus langlichen spindeligen Zellen bestehen, welche einen intensiv farbbaren Kern aufweisen, demnach dunkel gefarbt erscheinen und sofort als gewucherte Cylinderzellen des Stratum Malpighii erkannt werden konnen.” Moreover, he states that “diese spindelartigen Zellen bilden oft Strange, welche sich in den verschiedenartigsten Richtungen durchkreuzen, und so entstehen mitunter Bilder, die vollkommen einem Spindelzellensarkom gleichen” (italics ours).
Analysing the effects of variability measure selection on process and product optimisation

Since the integration of response surface methods into process robustness studies, many researchers have suggested numerous approaches to further enhance product development. Generally, these robust design methods seek the factor settings that minimise variability and the deviation of the mean from the desired target value. In the absence of a uniform approach to modelling process variability, researchers have typically chosen the standard deviation, variance, or logarithm of the standard deviation. Each measure, however, can produce a different set of optimal factor settings, thus complicating comparison studies. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of variability measure selection on solutions and suggest a uniform approach.
Parental structure experiences of children: exposure transitions and type at birth.

This paper examines parental structure experiences during childhood and adolescence of non-Hispanic whites, blacks, Mexicans, and Puerto Ricans born 1957 to 1964. The study shows that the parental structure types most commonly experienced are mother-father, mother only, and mother-stepfather. The study also finds that a significant proportion of children move into a mother-only family and do not leave it. Finally, the study shows that the parental structure experiences of children are strongly influenced by their parental structure at birth.
Isopiestic studies of aqueous solutions at elevated temperatures III. {(1 − y)NaCl + yCaCl2}

Isopiestic studies have been made on aqueous solutions of the mixed electrolyte {(1 − y)NaCl + yCaCl2} over the temperature range 383.5 to 474.2 K. Sodium chloride was used as the reference electrolyte for the calculation of osmotic coefficients. The molality range covered in this study corresponded to about 0.6 to 6 mol kg−1 for NaCl. Pitzer's mixture equation was fitted to each set of osmotic coefficients with a standard deviation of fit (in the osmotic coefficient) ranging from 0.0033 to 0.0039. One mixing parameter (in addition to the pure-electrolyte parameters) is adequate to satisfactorily describe the results. The mixing parameter is small (the maximum contribution to the osmotic coefficient is only about 0.01) and can be neglected in dilute solutions. Activity coefficients for NaCl and CaCl2 in the mixed-electrolyte solution were calculated from Pitzer's equations. Both the osmotic and activity coefficients showed a monotonic decrease with increasing temperature and became much less dependent on molality. The activity coefficient of CaCl2 is much more dependent on the composition of the mixture than that of NaCl. Excess Gibbs free energies for {(1 − y)NaCl + yCaCl2} are positive and become more positive as the temperature increases.
Copper complexes with di-pyridylmethane. The synthesis and X-ray structures of bis(di-pyridylmethane)copper(I) perchlorate, bis(di-pyridylmethane)copper(II) perchlorate and dichloro-μ-dichloro-bis(di-pyridylmethane)dicopper(II)

Abstract Three di-(2-pyridyl)methane copper(II) complexes have been prepared, [Cu(DPM)2]ClO4, [Cu(DPM)2](ClO4)2 and [Cu(DPM)Cl2]2. These are monoclinic (C2/c), triclinic (P 1 ) and monoclinic (P21/c) crystalline species. The corresponding lattice constants are a=8.4281(49), b=21.2619(84), c=13.0444(36) A, β=97.412(36)° for [Cu(DPM)2]ClO4; a=8.6455(11), b=8.9158(12), c=9.0675(12) A, α=96.414(11), β=115.752(10), γ=105.161(10)° for [Cu(DPM)2](ClO4)2; a=8.7444(25), b= 12.1243(36), c=11.6478(22) A, β= 104.425(19)° for [Cu(DPM)Cl2]2. The structure of [Cu(DPM)2]ClO4 (1) consists of a distorted tetrahedral arrangement around the copper(I) atom with CuN bond lengths of 2.010(6), 2.060(7) A and NCuN angle of the chelating ligand at 94.4(3)°. The structure of [Cu(DPM)2](ClO4)2 (2) puts the copper(II) atom in a tetragonal environment with a long perchlorate interaction at the axial positions. [Cu(DPM)Cl2]2 (3) is a dimeric five-coordinate copper complex with asymmetrically bridging Cl atoms approximating a distorted trigonal bipyramid. The dimeric complex displays a ferromagnetic behavior. Spectral and cyclic voltammetric data are presented for the three complexes.
Head and neck computed tomography virtual endoscopy: evaluation of a new imaging technique.

Objective: To evaluate a new radiographic imaging technique: computed tomography virtual endoscopy (CTVE) for head and neck tumors. Study Design: Twenty-one patients presenting with head and neck masses who underwent axial computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast were evaluated by CTVE. Comparisons were made with video-recorded images and operative records to evaluate the potential utility of this new imaging technique. Methods: Twenty-one patients with aerodigestive head and neck tumors were evaluated by CTVE. One patient had a nasal cylindrical cell papilloma; the remainder, squamous cell carcinomas distributed throughout the upper aerodigestive tract. Patients underwent complete head and neck examination, flexible laryngoscopy, axial CT with contrast, CTVE, and in most cases, operative endoscopy. Available clinical and radiographic evaluations were compared and correlated to CTVE findings. Results: CTVE accurately demonstrated abnormalities caused by intraluminal tumor, but where there was apposition of normal tissue against tumor, inaccurate depictions of surface contour occurred. Contour resolution was limited, and mucosal irregularity could not be defined. There was very good overall correlation between virtual images, flexible laryngoscopic findings, rigid endoscopy, and operative evaluation in cases where oncological resections were performed. CTVE appears to be most accurate in evaluation of subglottic and nasopharyngeal anatomy in our series of patients. Conclusion: CTVE is a new radiographic technique that provides surface-contour details. The technique is undergoing rapid technical evolution, and although the image quality is limited in situations where there is apposition of tissue folds, there are a number of potential applications for this new imaging technique.
Development of Fe Fischer–Tropsch catalysts for slurry bubble column reactors

Abstract The effect of two binder systems — a silica-based system and a silica–kaolin–clay–phosphate-based system — on a doubly promoted Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis iron catalyst (100Fe/5Cu/4.2K) was studied. The catalysts were prepared by coprecipitation, followed by binder addition and spray drying at 270°C in a 1 m diameter, 2 m tall spray dryer. The binder silica content was varied from 0 to 20 wt.%. A catalyst with 12 wt.% binder silica was found to have the highest attrition resistance. The FT activity and selectivity of this catalyst are better than a Ruhrchemie catalyst at 270°C and 1.48 MPa. The addition of precipitated silica or kaolin to catalysts containing 10–12 wt.% binder silica decreases attrition resistance and increases methane selectivity. Based on the experience gained, a catalyst has been successfully spray dried in 500 g quantity. This catalyst showed 95% CO conversion over 125 h of testing at 270°C, 1.48 MPa, and 2 NL/g-cat/h and had less than 4% methane selectivity. Its attrition resistance was one of the highest among the catalysts tested.
Not so rare: errors of metabolism during the neonatal period

Abstract During the neonatal period, the diagnosis of an error of metabolism (EM) was once thought to portend a poor prognosis or lethality. Over the past two decades, the prognosis of many EMs has changed. The critical aspect of the metabolic evaluation in a sick newborn is to rapidly identify whether there may be a metabolic problem. If there is a metabolic problem, the goal is to minimize the sequelae of the specific disorder. This review will explore how to approach and evaluate a newborn suspected of having an EM. A discussion of clinical and laboratory findings that often accompany EM will be included.
What arthropod brains say about arthropod phylogeny

What can we learn from the brain of a single member of a species? If the brain is that of a remipede, the focus of a report by Fanenbruck et al. (1) in this issue of PNAS, the answer is something new about arthropod phylogeny. The Remipedia, discovered in 1979, are crustaceans found deep in the waters of coastal caves (2, 3). To date, twelve species of remipedes are known: one from a single cave in Western Australia and the others from the Caribbean. The remipede body is divided into a head and an elongated trunk with up to 32 segments. The trunk segments feature paddle-like appendages that give the taxon its name (“oar feet”). Remipedes show adaptations to life in darkness, including the absence of pigmentation and eyes, but like other crustaceans they have two pairs of antennae. The evolutionary history of these rare arthropods is uncertain. In their study of the brain of Godzilliognomus frondosus , Fanenbruck et al . (1) provide a fresh look at remipede phylogeny. Their neuroanatomical studies suggest that the Remipedia are most likely part of a larger clade that includes the Malacostraca and the Hexapoda, two arthropod groups well known for their complex brains. This result is surprising because, at first inspection, the simplicity of the remipede body plan suggests that this group provides a glimpse of untagmatized ancestors with numerous unspecialized appendages and should be placed in a basal position in the crustacean lineage (4). This view, based on gross morphology, is contradicted by molecular analyses suggesting that the remipedes are a sister group to the hexapods (six-legged arthropods, including insects) (5, 6). These studies were based on comparisons of sequences for RNA polymerase II and elongation factors 1 and 2. The results not only elevated the Remipedia from a …
Self-disclosure of homosexual orientation

Abstract An open-ended questionnaire, assessing how, when, where, why, and to whom 23 gay men and 17 lesbians in the United States disclose their sexual orientation revealed a high degree of selectivity and fear of rejection, as well as checking out the receiver's views about homosexuality before disclosing what is considered as intimate data. Respondents cited honesty, developing meaningful relationships, education of non-gays, and maintaining a positive self-image as major considerations in self-disclosing their sexual orientation. Gender differences were found between women and men supporting traditional sex-role socialization.
In vivo cyclophosphamide-mediated augmentation and aqueous HGG-induced suppression of murine delayed hypersensitivity to HGG are reflected by in vitro HGG-stimulated proliferation of lymph node cells from equivalent mice

Abstract The question addressed in this report was whether immunological processes which culminate in in vivo expression and augmentation as well as suppression of delayed effector cell activity are mirrored by events that can be quantified in vitro . For this purpose the previously characterized murine model of delayed hypersensitivity (DHS), which employs SJL/J mice immunized with aggregated human γ-globulin (AHGG) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was employed. The results indicated that lymph node cells (LNC) from cyclophosphamide (CY)-pretreated, AHGG-CFA immunized mice expressed increased proliferation in the presence of HGG and concanavalin A (Con A) but decreased LPS responsiveness compared with LNC from equivalently immunized but non-CY-treated animals. It was also found that LNC from CY-treated, AHGG-CFA immunized mice that were pretreated with aqueous HGG (aqHGG), but not aqueous bovine serum albumin (aqBSA), evidenced a markedly decreased capacity to proliferate in the presence of HGG compared with LNC from equivalent animals that were not pretreated with aqHGG. This suppressive effect was not attributable to antibody production. These findings support the conclusion that in vitro quantitation of antigen-induced proliferation by LNC from HGG-DHS mice appears to correlate with modulatory effects which are observed in in vivo expression of DHS responses.
A model of spontaneous symmetry breakdown in spatially flat cosmological spacetimes

Abstract This paper is an elaboration of a previous short exposition of a theory of spontaneous symmetry breaking in a conformally coupled, massless λo 4 model in a spatially flat Robertson-Walker spacetime. Under the weakened global boundary condition allowing the physical spacetime to be conformal to only a portion of the Minkowski spacetime, the model admits a pair of degenerate vacua in which the o → − o symmetry is spontaneously broken. The model is formulated as a euclidean field theory in a space with a positive-definite metric obtained by analytically continuing the conformal time coordinate. An appropriate time-dependent zero energy solution of the euclidean equation of motion representing the field configuration in the asymmetric vacuum is considered and the corresponding quantum trace anomaly 〈 T μ μ 〉 is computed in the one-loop approximation. The nontrivial infrared behavior of the model due to the singular nature of the classical background field forces a modification of the boundary conditions on the propagator. A general form for an “improved|DD one-loop trace anomaly is found by a simple argument based on renormalization group invariance. Via the Einstein equation, the trace anomaly leads to a self-consistent dynamical equation for the cosmic expansion scale factor. Some physical aspects of the back-reaction problem based on a simple power law model of the expansion scale factor are discussed.
Transverse-mode Instability in High Power Fiber Amplifiers Involving Thermally-Induced Gratings Without Frequency Offset

Time-dependent coupled-mode theory predicts transverse-mode instabilities in high power fiber amplifiers originating from thermally-induced gratings possessing a spatial phase shift with respect to a beating pattern of two transversal modes of the same frequency.
A step toward molecular-level understanding of the toughness of glassy plastics

Rigid, glassy plastics differ over a wide range in the amount of energy they can absorb before fracturing under the influence of an applied stress. It is here proposed that molecular structure influences energy absorption more significantly by determining the onset of fracture than by its effect on the energy-dissipating processes themselves. Emphasis has been placed, therefore, on finding a relationship between molecular structure and the onset of fracture. Since many relationships between molecular structure and bulk mechanical response have already been established, it should be a useful step to relate the onset of fracture to bulk mechanical responses. The hypothesis is developed that the appropriate bulk property is the stress-deformation function of the material. The observed stress-deformation function is of such a nature that a highly non-homogeneous deformation is produced at any point of stress concentration. Typically, this is a narrow region in which the material is highly deformed while the deformation in adjacent material is still slight. Fracture initiation is postulated to occur in such a region of high deformation. Differences among polymers in the shape of the stress-deformation function are demonstrated experimentally. These differences correlate with tough-brittle behavior. An explanation is proposed in terms of the probability of fracture initiation.
Two members of a widely expressed subfamily of hormone-stimulated adenylyl cyclases.

Abstract cDNA encoding a hormone- and guanine nucleotide-stimulated adenylyl cyclase [ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1] (type 6) from rat liver and kidney has been cloned and expressed. This enzyme is stimulated by forskolin, guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate, and isoproterenol plus GTP but is not stimulated by beta gamma subunits of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. A second form (type 5), which is 75% similar to type 6, has also been cloned. Both types 5 and 6 cDNAs have multiple messages. PCR-based detection of the mRNA for the type 5 and 6 enzymes indicates that both are widely distributed. Homology analyses indicate at least four distinct subfamilies of guanine nucleotide stimulatory protein-regulated adenylyl cyclases. Types 5 and 6 enzymes define one distinct subfamily of mammalian adenylyl cyclases. Diversity of one guanine nucleotide-binding protein-regulated effector may allow different modes of regulation of cell-surface signal transmission.
Effects of Titratable Acidity and Carbonation Level on the Preference of Clarified Pineapple Juice

The titratable acidity (TA) of clarified pineapple juice was adjusted to 0.65, 0.75, 0.85, and 0.95% through ion-exchange treatment followed by the addition of citric acid. Each lot of juice was carbonated to three levels of carbon dioxide content (2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 gas: liquid volumes). Preference panels were conducted on these juices, holding either TA or gas volume constant and varying the other parameter. Although few statistically significant differences were found, an overall preference for a 0.75% TA, low carbonation product was observed.
Geochemical and Geophysical Changes during Ammonia Gas Treatment of Vadose Zone Sediments for Uranium Remediation

Low water content sediments were treated with NH 3 gas to evaluate changes in U mobility as a potential field remediation method for vadose zone contamination. Injection of NH 3 gas created high dissolved NH 3 concentrations that followed equilibrium behavior. High NH 3 concentration led to an increase in pH from 8.0 to 11 to 13, depending on the water content and NH 3 concentration. The increase in pore water pH resulted in a large increase in pore water cations and anions from mineral-phase dissolution. Minerals showing the greatest dissolution included montmorillonite, muscovite, and kaolinite. Pore water ion concentrations then decreased with time. Simulations based on initial pore water ion concentrations indicated that quartz, chrysotile, calcite, diaspore, hematite, and Na-boltwoodite (hydrous U silicate) should precipitate. Electrical resistivity and induced polarization tomography (ERT/IP) was able to nonintrusively track these NH 3 partitioning, dissolution, and precipitations processes through changes in conductivity and chargeability. Ammonia treatment significantly decreases the amount of U present as adsorbed and aqueous species in field-contaminated sediments. In contrast, sediments containing a large fraction of U associated with carbonates generally showed little change. Uranium leaching from sediments containing high Na-boltwoodite decreased significantly by NH 3 treatment, but x-ray absorption near-edge structure/extended x-ray absorption fine structure showed no change in the Na-boltwoodite concentration. Therefore, NH 3 treatment of contaminated sediment acts to decrease the highly mobile aqueous and adsorbed U by incorporation into precipitates and appears to decrease mobility of some existing U precipitates (Na-boltwoodite) as a result of mineral coating.
Economies of, versus Returns to, Scale: A Clarification

Textbook discussions of the shape of the long-run average cost-curve are misleading because they do not accurately or properly distinguish between returns to scale and economies of scale. The differences and their implications are identified and explained.
Selection Is Entailed by Self-Organization and Natural Selection Is a Special Case

In their book, Darwinism Evolving: Systems Dynamics and the Genealogy of Natural Selection, Depew and Weber (1995) argued for the need to address the relationship between self-organization and natural selection in evolutionary theory, and focused on seven “visions” for doing so. Recently, Batten et al. (2008) in a paper in this journal, entitled “Visions of evolution: self-organization proposes what natural selection disposes,” picked up the issue with the work of Depew and Weber as a starting point. While the efforts of both sets of authors are to be commended, there are substantive errors in both the presentations of my work and of my work with colleagues (one of the “visions” discussed) that undermine theirs. My purpose here is to correct the errors in question, thereby removing the undermining effects and in so doing reassert the position my colleagues and I first advanced more than two decades ago, and that I still stand by and argue for today. The central points are as follows: (1) Self-organization or spontaneous ordering is a process of selection; (2) this selection process is governed by a “physical selection principle”; (3) this principle is the law of maximum entropy production; and (4) natural selection is a special case where the components are replicating.
Effect of Ratio of Corn Silage to Grass-Legume Silage with High Concentrate During Dry Period on Milk Production and Health of Dairy Cows

Four corn silage: gross legume silage: concentrate totally mixed diets 1) 75:25:0; 2) 48.75:16.25:35; 3) 50:50:0; and 4) 32.5:32.5:5.35 were fed to Holsteins in second and third lactation for two complete lactations. Cows fed diets 1 or 2 during dry period were fed diet 2 during lactation. Diets did not affect length of dry period or lactation, calf weight, milk protein percent, or milk fat percent. Feeding concentrate during dry period increased gain from .63 to 1.11 kg/day. Feeding higher grass-legume silage diets 3 and 4 increased gain during lactation from .25 to .35 kg/day. On a mature equivalent basis, cows fed high corn silage diets 1 and 2 produced more milk (7,105 versus 6,663 kg), protein (236 versus 216 kg), fat (267 versus 245 kg), solids-not-fat (612 versus 564 kg), and a higher solids-not-fat percent (8.62 versus 8.50%) than diets 3 and 4. Diets did not alter health or reproduction. Production and weight gains favored feeding diet 1 during dry period and diet 2 during lactation.
Location of airway obstruction in term and preterm infants with laryngomalacia

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to describe and compare the airway findings in term and preterm infants with laryngomalacia. Methods A retrospective review of 130 patients diagnosed as having laryngomalacia at a tertiary referral center between July 2004 and August 2009 was conducted. Medical records were reviewed for demographic data, supraglottic and glottic airway findings, concomitant airway lesions, and the need for intervention. Results The mean gestational age and age at diagnosis was 36 and 15 weeks, respectively. Combined posterior and anterior supraglottic collapse was the most common finding (31%). Posterior collapse alone occurred in 25%, anterior collapse in 14%, and lateral collapse in 10%. Twelve percent of patients had all 3 sites of collapse. Forty-one percent of patients had a secondary airway lesion, with tracheomalacia being the most common. Preterm infants had significantly higher rates of reflux and more sites of collapse than did term infants ( P Conclusions Children with laryngomalacia tend to have more than 1 area of supraglottic collapse, and more than one third have a secondary lesion. All patients who required an intervention had more than 1 area of collapse, and 63% of these patients had a secondary airway lesion. Our high incidence of secondary lesions is similar to recent reports.
Perceptions of Mothers' and Fathers' Responsibility for Children's Behavior

Mother-blaming has been well documented in research related to the etiology and maintenance of child psychopathology and family dysfunction. However, there has been almost no research that investigates the differential attributions of maternal and paternal blame for different types of problems or attributions of responsibility for prosocial child behaviors. In the current study, young adult participants (primarily Caucasians from the middle class) were asked to rate their perceptions of mothers' and fathers' responsibility for children's internalizing, externalizing, and prosocial behavior. Mothers were rated as more responsible for their children's internalizing behavior problems, and fathers were rated as more responsible for their children's externalizing behavior problems. Perceptions of mothers' and fathers' responsibility for their children's prosocial behaviors did not differ. Ramifications of mother-blaming and father-blaming are discussed.