cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elevated Sphingoid Bases and Complex Sphingolipid Depletion as Contributing Factors in Fumonisin-Induced Cytotoxicity

Abstract Fumonisin B 1 is an inhibitor of ceramide synthase, a key enzyme in de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis and reacylation of free sphingosine. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of increased intracellular free sphinganine and decreased complex sphingolipids on cell growth and cell death induced by fumonisin B 1 in pig kidney LLC-PK 1 cells. Fumonisin B 1 caused an increase in intracellular free sphinganine which preceded depletion of complex sphingolipids, inhibition of cell growth, and cell death. The effects on cell growth and cell death were well correlated with the increase in free sphingoid bases and depletion of complex sphingolipids. Exogenously added sphinganine mimicked the effects of fumonisin, but β-chloroalanine, an inhibitor of serine palmitoyltransferase which is the first enzyme in de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis, also inhibited cell growth and increased cell death. When added simultaneously, β-chloroalanine reduced the fumonisin-induced sphinganine increase by approximately 90%; however, it exacerbated the decrease in more complex sphingolipids. The effects of fumonisin on cell growth and cell death were only partially prevented by β-chloroalanine (∼50 to 60%). The results suggest that both the elevation of free sphingoid bases and the decrease in complex sphingolipids contribute to the decreased cell growth and cytolethality of fumonisin B 1 in pig kidney LLC-PK 1 cells.
Sol-Gel Properties for Fiber Optic Sensor Applications

Abstract This work reports a discussion of several sol-gels formed using a variety of preparation procedures with a view to the production of a suitable substrate for chemically sensitive dyes for various fiber optic fluorescence-based sensor applications. The compositions, qualitative appearance, and coating abilities of a series of gels are discussed, as is their suitability as substrates for indicator materials for the sensor purpose in view.
Vapor−Liquid Equilibria for Ethanol + Hept-1-yne and Butyric Acid + Butyric Anhydride

Experimental (x, y, P) measurements of ethanol + hept-1-yne at 55 °C and 75 °C and butyric acid + butyric anhydride at 120 °C and 155 °C were obtained in an isothermal circulating glass still. The vapor pressure of hept-1-yne was measured from 43 °C to 100 °C. Ethanol + hept-1-yne exhibits moderate positive deviations from ideal behavior and a minimum-boiling homogeneous azeotrope at both temperatures. Butyric acid + butyric anhydride exhibits weak positive deviations, and no azeotrope was observed.
Determination of trifluorothymidine in the eye using high-performance liquid chromatography

A high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for trifluorothymidine in biological matrices of the eye is presented. Sample pretreatment was based on liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. Following evaporation, the residue was analyzed using a reversed-phase octadecylsilane column with ultraviolet detection. The lower limit of detection is ca. 50 ng/ml (ca. 3 ng on column). The method is simple, reproducible and selective. Concentrations of trifluorothymidine in the aqueous humour, vitreous humour and cornea of normal rabbits after a 50-microliters topical dose of 1% trifluorothymidine are reported.
Ab initio molecular dynamics study of the solvated OHCl- complex: implications for the atmospheric oxidation of chloride anion to molecular chlorine.

We have studied the OHCl− complex in a six-water cluster and in bulk liquid water by means of Born−Oppenheimer molecular dynamics based on generalized gradient-corrected BLYP density functional theory. Self-interaction-corrected results, which predict a hydrogen-bonded OH···Cl− complex, are compared to the uncorrected results, which predict a hemibonded (HO—Cl)−. A second-order Moller−Plesset potential energy landscape of the gas-phase complex in its ground-state was computed to determine which of the two configurations represents the true nature of the complex. Because no evidence of a local minimum was found in the vicinity of the geometry corresponding to (HO—Cl)−, we conclude that the self-interaction-corrected results are more accurate and, therefore, that the complex is held together by a hydrogen-bond-like interaction in both an asymmetric solvation environment, as represented by the cluster, and a symmetric solvation environment, as represented by the bulk system. We postulate that the mechanism t...
Single-stage multi-port DC-DC converter topology

A single-stage multi-port DC–DC converter topology is proposed. It can accommodate arbitrary number of input sources and output loads, and employs a single inductor. The voltage of each output port can be less than the minimum input voltage or exceed the maximum input voltage. Power regulation can be provided for the input ports in addition to providing voltage regulation for the output ports. The steady-state and dynamic characteristics of the converter are analysed and a control scheme is proposed. Hardware measurements and numerical switch-level simulations verify the analytical results.
OTDOA/GPS Fusion for Urban UAS Navigation using Particle Filtering Techniques

As Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) become more accepted into our society, law enforcement, emergency services, and commercial entities will begin taking advantage of this technology in high-population urban settings. Since these aircraft will be operating between and above the high-rise buildings that de ne most urban cores, increased position estimation accuracy will become paramount to ensure safe and reliable operations. Fighting against this need for better accuracy is the degradation of Global Positioning System (GPS) accuracy in urban canyons due to signal re ection and refraction caused by buildings and other tall objects. UAS cannot rely solely on GPS position measurements for guidance and navigation to e ectively conduct urban missions. A potential solution to achieve the necessary positioning accuracy is through the fusion of the GPS data with cellular Observed Time Di erence of Arrival (OTDOA) position measurements. In areas with even modest GPS coverage, today's smart phones are already equipped to provide both measurements thus could plug into a UAS to serve as the low-cost urban autopilot of the future. Because OTDOA data is noisy, data ltering and fusion is essential. This paper proposes a sampling importance resampling particle lter to estimate UAS position from GPS and OTDOA data. Expected data error statistics are summarized from the literature and used in simulation to evaluate positioning accuracies using GPS alone, OTDOA alone, and a fusion of both data sources. Results show the GPS augmented by OTDOA provides a more accurate estimate of UAS position than either alone. However, OTDOA measurements from cellular networks of today are not as accurate as GPS measurements, thus are not yet a good sole source of aircraft position measurements, suggesting augmentation by another secondary sensing source distinct from GPS in GPS-denied areas in future work.
Naphthamides as novel and potent vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors: design, synthesis, and evaluation.

A series of naphthyl-based compounds were synthesized as potential inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors. Investigations of structure–activity relationships led to the identification of a series of naphthamides that are potent inhibitors of the VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase family. Numerous analogues demonstrated low nanomolar inhibition of VEGF-dependent human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, and of these several compounds possessed favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles. In particular, compound 48 demonstrated significant antitumor efficacy against established HT29 human colon adenocarcinoma xenografts implanted in athymic mice. A full account of the preparation, structure–activity relationships, pharmacokinetic properties, and pharmacology of analogues within this series is presented.
Dispersive effects of zonally varying topography on quasigeostrophic Rossby waves

Abstract Dispersion of linear quasigeostrophic plane waves in a stratified ocean with bottom topography is discussed. Particular emphasis is given to cases for which zonal gradients in the sea floor height are important. As such, the relative importance of the topographic and planetary β-effects is strongly dependent on wave vector orientation. The magnitude of the topographic slopes considered is chosen such that these two effects (topographic and planetary β) are of comparable importance. In the interest of simplicity, stratification is taken to be independent of depth. The eigenvalue problem which must be solved to find the free modes of oscillation has already been treated in the literature (in fact, Charney and Flierl (1981) have treated the effects of a more realistic stratification). The aim of this note is to more fully expose, primarily by example, several dispersive properties of these free wave modes which have been largely overlooked.
Analysis of brass by anion-exchange chromatography

Abstract A method is described for the determination of each constituent in alloys of nickel, copper, lead, iron, zinc, tin, manganese and aluminum. The essential feature of the method is the separation of the constituents by anion-exchange chromatography. The separation requires only 3.5 h. The accuracy and precision are good.
A Jones Matrix for Uniformly Twisted Crystals at Arbitrary Angles of View

Using a novel coordinate system the Jones M-matrix for arbitrary direction of view is written for a uniaxial crystal. The Jones N-matrix is then derived and integrated to an approximate Jones M-matrix for a uniformly twisted nematic crystal. A transmission function for ideal polarizers is then derived from this matrix valid for all angles of incidence. This function reduces to the Gooch & Tarry solution at normal incidence.
The problem of the gap

The problem is the gap: the gap between theory and practice, the gap between the academic world and the "real world", the gap between the ideal and the expedient. The gap is not unique to the field of automatic control. It has been identified in other branches of electrical engineering and in other engineering disciplines. Even in the field of endeavor as far removed from ours as medicine there is the gap: the disdain of the medical research for his clinical colleagues is legendary; so is the researcher's lack of bedside manner.
Contemporary minimally invasive treatment options for renal angiomyolipomas.

Renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) are benign renal masses that are often asymptomatic and detected incidentally. However, treatment might be necessary in symptomatic presentations or when the mass exceeds 4 cm in size. While the goal of management for renal AMLs is to relieve symptoms and prevent hemorrhage, a priority is renal function preservation, especially given the propensity of these lesions to recur. The traditional treatment for renal AMLs is renal angioembolization or surgical excision of the lesion. With advancements in minimally invasive surgery, several other modalities have now emerged for nephron sparing approaches. These include angioembolization, laparoscopic and percutaneous ablative therapies such as radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation and microwave ablation, and pure or robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Given the relatively low frequency of renal AMLs requiring treatment, much of the available literature on these minimally invasive approaches is largely extrapolative, based on series on small renal masses, i.e. renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This report is based on a thorough review of the published literature to date on the minimally invasive treatment and outcomes of renal AMLs.
Penetration in granite by jets from shaped-charge liners of six materials

Abstract A new application of theory for three-dimensional collapse of conical liners shows why the two-dimensional analysis may offer a good approximation. Shaped-charge design parameters and rock target properties were investigated to determine their effects on penetration and breakage. Several metals, liner thicknesses, cone angles and standoff ranges for each were investigated. Effective standoff is greater for aluminum than more dense metals. Jets from the 60° monel, brass and steel liners gave the deepest penetration in granite. Jets from copper and brass liners gave equal penetration for 42° apex angles. Liners containing zinc produced small slugs or none at all. The holes in the granite were uniform and approximated right circular cones. Jet penetration velocities into granite varied from a maximum of 10,000 m/sec to a minimum of 2000 m/sec for the most effective metal jet.
Nutrition in Cirrhosis and Chronic Liver Disease

Nutrition has not been a primary focus of many medical conditions despite its importance in the development and the severity of these diseases. This is certainly the case with nutrition and end-stage liver disease despite the well-established association of nutritional deficiencies and increased rates of complications and mortality in cirrhosis. This review provides an overview of nutrition in chronic liver disease with an emphasis on its pathogenesis as well as ways to assess nutritional status and intervene in an effort to improve nutrition.
PHENOBARBITAL INDUCTION OF CYP2B1, CYP2B2, AND CYP3A1 IN RAT LIVER : GENETIC DIFFERENCES IN A COMMON REGULATORY MECHANISM

The phenobarbital induction of five responsive hepatic cytochrome P450 genes is highly strain selective, particularly in female rats (Fischer >> Wistar Furth). We have shown that this strain variation represents a systematic difference in the endocrine-mediated suppression of phenobarbital induction which points to a common signaling process for each of these genes. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the strain-specific differences of phenobarbital responsiveness (10-fold for CYP2B1, CYP2B2, and CYP3A1 in females) are much smaller in male animals and are also greatly diminished by hypophysectomy. Partial depletion of thyroid hormone and growth hormone levels by methimazole treatment was equally as effective as hypophysectomy in elevating phenobarbital-induced levels of CYP2B1, CYP2B2, and CYP3A1 in Wistar Furth rats, while the Fischer strain was unaffected. Ovariectomy suppressed the phenobarbital induction of these genes in the Wistar Furth but not in the Fischer strain, while castration yielded a similar differential suppression in male rats which was reversed by testosterone propionate supplementation. Changes in CYP2B1 protein closely correlated with changes in 7-pentoxyresorufin-O-dealkylation activity, a functional marker for this P450. The strain-selective differences, although smaller, were also observed in the very low basal expression of these P450 genes, while the effects of hypophysectomy, ovariectomy, and castration occurred in a similar manner. However, methimazole was essentially ineffective relative to hypophysectomy in elevating basal expression of these genes. The low concentrations of residual growth hormone and thyroid hormone probably provide a more effective suppression in the basal than in the induced state. We conclude that multiple cytochrome P450 genes share a common phenobarbital induction pathway that, in part, alleviates the suppressive effects of thyroid hormone and growth hormone which are far greater in female Wistar Furth rats. This suppression is opposed by testosterone and to a lesser extent by estradiol. Similar strain differences in the endocrine control of weight gain point to systemic hormonal mechanisms that interface with phenobarbital signaling to control multiple P450 genes.
Cholinergic-nicotinic control of growth and secretion of cultured pulmonary neuroendocrine cells.

Dispersed newborn hamster lung cells were established in vitro in a defined, low-serum growth medium. Neuroendocrine markers (immunohistochemistry for bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide and calcitonin) revealed a cellular predominance of pulmonary neuroendocrine (PNE) cells. While the supernatant concentration remained stable, the concentration of PNE cell immunoreactive calcitonin (iCT) gradually declined over 4 weeks. Supplementation of the medium with nicotine for 3 weeks prevented this decline in cellular iCT. Concurrently, the number of cells and [3H]thymidine incorporation were significantly increased. The stimulatory effect of chronic nicotine was reversed by the coadministration of the nicotinic antagonist hexamethonium. In another set of experiments, prior multiple transplacental nicotine pretreatments resulted in a significant increase in iCT in the lungs of newborns; when these lungs were subsequently placed in cell culture without nicotine, despite the higher concentration of iCT, there was a drop in iCT similar to that observed in the control culture. In contrast, in vivo, the lung iCT remained significantly elevated at 1 week postparturition. Cell culture supernatants were analyzed at week 4 for the evoked release of iCT; cholinergic-nicotinic agonists promptly increased the supernatant iCT, which was blocked by nicotinic but not by muscarinic antagonists. We suggest that this in vitro system provides a useful tool to study directly the PNE cell. The acute and chronic effects of nicotine are most likely related to stimulation of cholinergic-nicotinic receptors on iCT-containing PNE cells. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The French Captain's Russian

Russian grammarians before Lomonosov, trapped in the complexities of an artificial, pseudo-classical and Slavonic tradition, showed little interest in their native language.1 Rather, it was foreign visitors like Sigmund von Herberstein, Tonnies Fenne, Heinrich Wilhelm Ludolf and many others who accumulated the word lists and set down the paradigms from which much of our knowledge of the early vernacular derives.2 Some visitors, like Richard Chancellor, jotted down only an odd word or two, while others, like Jean Sauvage, T. I. Rodde and Fenne compiled or exported extensive vocabulary lists.3 Among the more modest of these sources is one which appears to have been neglected in Russian linguistic literature, namely, the Russian vocabulary recorded by the French Captain Jacques Margeret in 1607.
A factor to predict microcrack nucleation at γ-γ grain boundaries in TiAl

Abstract Grain boundary microcracking between γ-TiAl grains has been studied in a duplex TiAl alloy. Microcracking initiated at impinging deformation twins. A predictive factor has been developed which incorporates contributions from deformation twinning and deformation transfer, which correlates with grain boundary fracture.
Sea Grant — A technology transfer model for the marine field

A network of 29 Sea Grant Programs now operate in almost all of the 34 eligible coastal and Great Lake states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Island Territories. Operating in response to current needs and opportunities by applying faculty, research staff and student expertise, Sea Grant Programs have developed many new systems, processes, policy and legal studies, and technologies. These have been effectively transferred to user groups, including major industries, businesses, government agencies, citizen groups and individuals.
Ovariectomy leads to increased insulin resistance in human apolipoprotein B transgenic mice lacking brown adipose tissue

We studied the role of estrogen in the gender differences in insulin resistance observed in the apoB/BATless mouse, a model of obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia. Ovariectomized apoB/BATless mice were more obese and more insulin-resistant than sham ovariectomized apoB/BATless mice. Estrogen replacement by subcutaneous pellet reversed the obesity, lowered plasma insulin levels, and normalized both glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity associated with ovariectomy. The apoB/BATless mouse should be a good model to delineate the molecular mechanisms whereby estrogen protects against insulin resistance.
Binding of Fibrinogen Aα1–50-β-Galactosidase Fusion Protein to Thrombin Stabilizes the Slow Form

Abstract The interaction of fibrinogen Aα1-50-β-galactosidase fusion protein with the slow and fast forms of thrombin was studied and compared to thrombin-fibrinogen interaction under identical solution conditions. At equilibrium, the affinity of the fusion protein for the slow form of thrombin is 3 times higher than its affinity for the fast form. The fusion protein and fibrinogen have the same affinity for the fast form. On the other hand, the affinity of the fusion protein for the slow form of thrombin is 40 times tighter than that of fibrinogen. In the transition state, binding of the fusion protein has the same properties as fibrinogen, with the fast form showing higher specificity. The N-terminal fragment of the fibrinogen Aα chain thus contains residues that are responsible for the preferential binding of the fusion protein to the slow form at equilibrium and to the fast form in the transition state. If this fragment binds to thrombin in a similar way for fibrinogen and the fusion protein, then the N-terminal domains of the Bβ and γ chains of fibrinogen, that are not present in the fusion protein, must play a key role in the binding of fibrinogen to thrombin at equilibrium. These chains may destabilize binding to the slow form by nearly 2.4 kcal/mol, thereby favoring binding of fibrinogen to the fast form. We propose that the three chains of fibrinogen play different roles in the thrombin-fibrinogen interaction, with the Aα chain containing residues for preferential binding to the fast form in the transition state and the Bβ and γ chains containing residues that destabilize binding to the slow form at equilibrium.
Accelerating functional recovery after rat facial nerve injury: Effects of gonadal steroids and electrical stimulation.

Objective We investigated the combined effects of electrical stimulation and testosterone propionate on overall recovery time in rats with extracranial crush injuries to the facial nerve. Study Design Male rats underwent castration 3 to 5 days prior to right facial nerve crush injury and electrode implantation. Rats were randomly assigned to two groups: crush injury + testosterone or crush injury with electrical stimulation + testosterone. Recovery was assessed by daily subjective examination documenting vibrissae orientation/movement, semi–eye blink, and full eye blink. Results Milestones of early recovery were noted to be significantly earlier in the groups with electrical stimulation, with/without testosterone. The addition of testosterone to electrical stimulation showed significant earlier return of late recovery parameters and complete overall recovery. Conclusion Electrical stimulation may decrease cell death or promote sprouting to accelerate early recovery. Testosterone may affect the actual rate of axonal regeneration and produce acceleration in functional recovery. By targeting different stages of neural regeneration, the synergy of electrical stimulation and testosterone appears to have promise as a neurotherapeutic strategy for facial nerve injury.
Ethanol microinjection into the area postrema selectively attenuates baroreflex sensitivity measured by vasopressin in conscious rats

Abstract Microinjection of ethanol (10 μg) into the area postrema (AP) of conscious rats attenuated baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) measured by arginine vasopressin (AVP) (−1.73 ± 0.13 versus −2.47 ± 0.16 bpm/mmHg), but not by phenylephrine (PE) (−1.94 ± 0.26 versus −1.82 ± 0.20 bpm/mmHg). Intra-AP injection of the V1 receptor antagonist n(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP replicated the differential effects of ethanol on BRS measured by AVP (−1.89 ± 0.11 versus −2.52 ± 0.10 bpm/mmHg) and PE (−2.10 ± 0.12 versus −2.09 ± 0.19 bpm/ mmHg). Intra-AP artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) did not change BRS measured by AVP or PE. These data suggest that ethanol attenuates the facilitatory action of AVP on baroreflexes via its interaction with AVP neurons in the AP.
Fast signal integrity methodology for PCB pre-layout analysis and layout quality check

In this paper, a fast signal integrity methodology using pseudo eye is introduced to characterize printed circuit board (PCB) channels. The pseudo eye and pseudo ratio are proposed as performance indicators of the channel. This methodology can be applied to not only the solution space check during the pre-layout design phase but also layout quality check before PCB manufacture. For pre-layout analysis, the fast methodology can significantly reduce the required simulation resource and remove the complexity of chip behaviors with the equalization (EQ) function. Moreover, the PCB layout can be very efficiently checked and the potential routing issues can be quickly identified.
Some reactions of p‐vinylacetophenone–styrene copolymers

A new synthesis of p-vinylacetophenone was developed. Copolymers of p-vinylacetophenone and styrene were prepared by copolymerization and by partial Friedel-Crafts acetylation of polystyrene. The copolymers were converted into the oximes, but subsequent reduction was unsuccessful. Beckman rearrangement of the oximes led to insoluble resins. The acetyl copolymers were partially brominated to give an α-bromo-p-vinylacetophenone/p-vinylacetophenone/styrene terpolymers. Nucleophilic displacement of the bromine of these terpolymers with secondary amines yielded α-piperidino- and α-morpholino-p-vinylacetophenone terpolymers. The Delepine reaction of the brominated copolymer produced an α-amino-p-vinylacetophenone terpolymer. The piperidino and amino ketone terpolymers were reduced to the corresponding alcohol derivatives with lithium-aluminum hydride. The amino ketone and amino alcohol terpolymers had moderate solubility characteristics in acidic alcohols and water. The α-amino ketone terpolymer was very sensitive to base and afforded a facile crosslinking of the acetyl copolymer.
Patterned aluminum nanowires produced by electron beam at the surfaces of AlF3 single crystals

Abstract Cubic- and rectangular-shape single crystals of α-AlF3 in sizes of 5–50 μm have been synthesized by a solid–vapor phase process. Using the electron beam induced decomposition of AlF3, a method is demonstrated for fabricating patterned aluminum nanowires in AlF3 substrate in a scanning electron microscope. By controlling the accelerating voltage, the beam current and scanning time, it is possible to fabricate metallic nanowires of different sizes. The aluminum nanowires may act as nano-interconnects for nanoelectronics. This work demonstrates a potential technique for e-beam nanofabrication.
Spawning of Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) in Response to Hormonal Induction or Environmental Control in a Hatchery Setting

Red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) is a popular marine sportfish and is a significant part of the commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico. It can be reproduced under hatchery conditions by induced spawning of wild-caught adults or by conditioning wild-caught adults to spawn naturally under controlled conditions. Mature females (Gondosomatic Index ω 1) occur in the northern Gulf of Mexico from May to September. When such females were collected off the Alabama coast and induced to spawn with HCG, 56 ± 17.3% of the females ovulated. Fecundity (ovulated floating eggs) varies, for 60 spawns averaged 197,212 ± 173,349 eggs/kg female. Percent hatch averaged 42.1 ± 3.44%. Wild-caught adult red snapper can be held in confinement and natural spawning obtained when temperature and photoperiod are controlled. Adult snapper held in 13.2-m3 tanks (8–10 fish/tank), where photoperiod and temperatures were adjusted, spawned naturally 63 times over a 105-day period, with a mean egg production/tank of 4.2 million eggs. M...
The Quigless Clinic : Its Impact on the Lives of African Americans Living in Tarboro, North Carolina, in the 1950s

Dr Milton Douglas Quigless, a graduate of Meharry Medical College, arrived in Tarboro, North Carolina, in 1936 to practice medicine. For 10 years, he tried to obtain hospital privileges at the Edgecombe General Hospital, but segregation laws prevented him from performing surgery and admitting ill patients to this local facility. After years of frustration, Dr Quig-less decided to establish his own hospital so that he could adequately care for his patients. In 1946, the doors of the Quigless Hospital-Clinic opened—the first hospital for blacks in Tarboro. As a noted family physician and distinguished community leader, Dr Quigless had an enormous impact on the lives of multiple generations of North Carolinians.
A Phase II Gynecologic Oncology Group Trial of Ifosfamide and Mesna in Advanced or Recurrent Adenocarcinoma of the Endometrium

Abstract In other Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) studies, ifosfamide demonstrated antineoplastic activity against ovarian epithelial tumors, squamous carcinomas of the cervix, uterine sarcomas, and trophoblastic disease. Responses were also observed in 15% of patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma previously exposed to chemotherapy. This is a phase II trial of ifosfamide in patients with chemotherapy-naive advanced or recurrent endometrial adenocarcinoma. Thirty-seven patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the endometrium recurrent after surgery and/or radiotherapy were treated with ifosfamide 1.2 g/m 2 intravenously daily for 5 days every 4 weeks and mesna 300 mg/m 2 intravenously every 4 hr for 3 doses daily for 5 days with each course. Three patients were ineligible—one due to a second primary, one did not have an endometrial primary, and the other because of wrong cell type. One patient was inevaluable for response; thus, 33 were evaluable for response. All patients had undergone hysterectomy and 24 had received radiotherapy before entering the trial. Eleven had GOG performance status of 0, 18 had a status of 1, and 4 had performance status of 2. Median age was 68 years (range, 41–86 years). Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in eight patients each and grade 3 thrombocytopenia was observed in one patient. One patient had a grade 4 neurotoxicity. Complete responses were observed in two patients (6.1%) and partial responses in six (18.2%) for an overall response rate of 24.3%. Ifosfamide in this dose and schedule is an active drug in the treatment of patients with advanced or recurrent adenocarcinoma of the endometrium.
Recursive initial value problems for Sheffer sequences

Abstract We consider certain systems of linear operator equations where the n th-order solution is made unique by an initial value taken from the preceding solution. Such conditions arise in the enumeration of lattice paths with weighted left turns, if the paths are restricted by a lower linear barrier of integer slope.
Perspectives: Evaluating an early childhood gifted education program

The authors address the issues faced when evaluating an early childhood gifted education program from two fields of study representing different perspectives: early childhood and gifted education. This article describes the evaluation process as well as the resulting impact of the evaluation on the constituents and stakeholders of Oakwood Laboratory School.∗ The questions raised from the evaluation process lead to a critical examination of what is meant by best practices in both fields. In addition, the process of evaluation may serve as a prototype for other programs which serve similar populations of students.
Fiscal Federalism and Capital Accumulation

This paper explores the effect of fiscal federalism on capital accumulation and growth in an overlapping-generations model. By relaxing the uniform-consumption requirement of a unitary system, fiscal federalism allows the economy to respond to a difference in public-good demands between young and old. Public-good levels and taxes move in opposite directions for the young and old as their different demands are fulfilled, and this leads to opposing changes in private-good consumption for the two groups. These changes disrupt the preferred time path of private consumption, which is restored by a change in saving. This change in turn alters the equilibrium capital intensity of the economy, and growth effects emerge during the transition to the new equilibrium.
Antegrade continent enema procedures performed prior to starting school may improve functional stooling and quality of life

A major research gap is determining the best age to perform an appendicostomy or cecostomy. This study hypothesizes that performance of appendicostomy/cecostomy prior to starting school ( 6, n = 8). Stooling scores (15.17 ± 1.35 vs. 22.25 ± 1.70; for 6 years old, p = 0.009) and continence scores (6.33 ± 1.45 vs. 11.13 ± 1.64; p = 0.06), at time of contacting families, were significantly better in those undergoing appendicostomy/cecostomy in the 6 vs. <6 group (87.5 vs. 33 %; p = 0.04). Early placement of cecostomy or appendicostomy as part of a bowel management program may contribute to improved QOL and functional stooling.
New electronic equipment for the rubber industry

The demonstrated performance and reliability of industrial electronic controls have enabled them to compete with older schemes of regulation. Three typical successful applications of electronic equipment are discussed here.
Diastereospecific and diastereoselective syntheses of ruthenium(II) complexes using N,N‘ bidentate ligands aryl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amine ArNH-CH2-2-C5H4N and their oxidation to imine ligands

Coordination of N,N‘ bidentate ligands aryl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amine ArNH-CH2-2-C5H4N 1 (Ar = 4-CH3-C6H4, 1a; 4-CH3O-C6H4, 1b; 2,6-(CH3)2-C6H3, 1c; 4-CF3-C6H4, 1d) to the moieties [Ru(bipy)2]2+, [Ru(η5-C5H5)L]+ (L = CH3CN, CO), or [Ru(η6-arene)Cl]2+ (arene = benzene, p-cymene) occurs under diastereoselective or diastereospecific conditions. Detailed stereochemical analysis of the new complexes is included. The coordination of these secondary amine ligands activates their oxidation to imines by molecular oxygen in a base-catalyzed reaction and hydrogen peroxide was detected as byproduct. The amine-to-imine oxidation was also observed under the experimental conditions of cyclic voltammetry measurements. Deprotonation of the coordinated amine ligands afforded isolatable amido complexes only for the ligand (1-methyl-1-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl)-p-tolyl-amine, 1e, which doesn't contain hydrogen atoms in a β position relative to the N−H bond. The structures of [Ru(2,2‘-bipyridine)2(1b)](PF6)2, 2b; [Ru(2,2‘-bipyridine)...
Electron-Cyclotron Maser Driven by Charged-Particle Acceleration from Magnetic Field-aligned Electric Fields

We present a detailed description of the auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) source region based on observations from the Fast Auroral SnapshoT (FAST) satellite and discuss how these new results may pertain to solar and stellar radio sources. FAST satellite observations are directly within the AKR source region and have unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. They confirm many of the fundamental elements of the electron-cyclotron maser mechanism but with substantial modification. The most important modification is that the emissions do not draw their energy from a loss-cone instability; rather, the radiation results from an unstable "horseshoe" or "shell" distribution. The most far-reaching implication is that the electron-cyclotron maser is directly associated with a particular type of charged particle acceleration, a magnetic field-aligned (parallel) electric field in a dipole magnetic field. These findings change several of the characteristics of the electron-cyclotron maser mechanism and may necessitate reanalysis of some astrophysical radio sources. Under the shell instability, radio emissions with brightness temperatures ~1014 K, the steady state limit of the loss-cone instability, may be continuous. Through observations, we demonstrate that source brightness may be as high as 1020 K in steady state. A moderately or strongly relativistic beam may result in broadband emissions. A loss cone is not required, so the radiation source may be high above the stellar or planetary surface. Although the generation is in the X mode with k|| = 0, we suggest that the radiation, guided by a density cavity that is created by the parallel electric field, efficiently converts to the R mode, which experiences substantially lower absorption at higher harmonics. These findings also suggest that parallel electric fields may be a fundamental particle acceleration mechanism in astrophysical plasmas.
Social, Environmental and Biological Determinants of Cerebral Palsy in Children with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) in India

Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is a global public health problem affecting 2.12 to 2.45 per 1000 live birth across the world. Cerebral palsy is an upper motor neuron, non-progressive disorder commonly associated with intellectual disability. The presence of cerebral palsy effects person’s overall life. Objectives This study primarily sought predictive capacity of social, environmental and biological determinants of CP in ID. Materials and Methods This is a cross-sectional study design. A total of 262 children, aged 3 to 18 years, with ID were assessed for cerebral palsy and diagnosed on basis of clinical examination in a community based rehabilitation project in Barwani, India. Information was collected by parent interviews, on social, environmental and biological determinants. A logistic regression model has been applied between determinants and CP. Results Logistic regression demonstrated that likelihood of CP in ID children can be predicted on bases of their age (odd ratio = 0.856, CI 95% - 0.76-0.95), intelligence quotients (IQ) (odd ratio = 0.782, CI 95% - 0.73-0.83) and family history of intellectual disabilities (odd ratio = 0.051, CI 95% - 2.36 -0.99) and epilepsy (odd ratio = 0.008, CI 95% - 2.58-1.28). Comorbid conditions of downs syndrome and epilepsy also predicts likelihood of CP in ID. Conclusion Likelihood of CP in ID children can be predicted by their age, IQ, family history of intellectual disability, epilepsy and comorbid conditions of downs syndrome and epilepsy. Gender, socio-economic status and population (tribal versus non-tribal) determinants have no predictive relation with CP in the group. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v3i3.9187 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2013;3(3): 262-268
A molecular dynamics study of the influence of elongation and quadrupole moment upon some thermodynamic and transport properties of linear heteronuclear triatomic fluids

The influence of elongation, quadrupole strength, temperature, and number density upon the pressure, energy, translational diffusion, rotational relaxation, and shear viscosity of linear, rigid, three‐site, heteronuclear, shifted‐force Lennard‐Jonesiums (RTSLJ) was studied via (N,V,T) molecular dynamics. For quadrupolar systems, molecular elongation was systematically perturbed about a base case, with quadrupole strengths scaling as the square of the elongation. The same elongation perturbations were applied to otherwise identical, nonquadrupolar systems. At constant density, the configurational energy increases in magnitude with elongation for the quadrupolar systems, and decreases in the nonquadrupolar case. The pressure exhibits a maximum at intermediate elongation in the presence of quadrupolar interactions, and increases monotonically with elongation at constant density for nonquadrupolar systems. Center‐of‐mass mobility decreases due to the presence of quadrupolar interactions, which also tend to slow down rotational relaxation rates.
A global coal production forecast with multi-Hubbert cycle analysis

Based on economic and policy considerations that appear to be unconstrained by geophysics, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) generated forty carbon production and emissions scenarios. In this paper, we develop a base-case scenario for global coal production based on the physical multi-cycle Hubbert analysis of historical production data. Areas with large resources but little production history, such as Alaska and the Russian Far East, are treated as sensitivities on top of this basecase, producing an additional 125 Gt of coal. The value of this approach is that it provides a reality check on the magnitude of carbon emissions in a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. The resulting base-case is significantly below 36 of the 40 carbon emission scenarios from the IPCC. The global peak of coal production from existing coalfields is predicted to occur close to the year 2011. The peak coal production rate is 160 EJ/y, and the peak carbon emissions from coal burning are 4.0 Gt C (15 Gt CO2) per year. After 2011, the production rates of coal and CO2 decline, reaching 1990 levels by the year 2037, and reaching 50% of the peak value in the year 2047. It is unlikely that future mines will reverse the trend predicted in this BAU scenario.
Performance and convergence analysis of a CM signal canceler with noise

We address the convergence model of a linear constant modulus (CM) linear array in the presence of noise and demonstrate how the constant modulus algorithm (CMA) performs for multiple signals in terms of the output amplitude. We also derive an expression to evaluate the signal strength of a CM canceler output and present the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) at each stage CMA output assuming uncorrelated signals and infinite SNR at the first stage.
Genetic analysis of the nsP3 region of sindbis virus : evidence for roles in minus-strand and subgenomic RNA synthesis

Sindbis virus nonstructural polyproteins and their cleavage products are believed to be essential components of viral RNA replication and transcription complexes. Although numerous studies have investigated the effect of mutations in nsP1-, nsP2-, and nsP4-coding regions on Sindbis virus-specific RNA synthesis, relatively little is known about the function of the region encoding nsP3. nsP3 is a phosphoprotein comprising two regions: an N-terminal portion which is highly conserved among alphaviruses and a C-terminal portion which is not conserved, varying both in sequence and in length. We have constructed a library of random linker insertion mutations in the nsP3-coding region and characterized selected viable mutants. Initially, 126 mutants containing insertions in the conserved region and 23 with insertions in the nonconserved region were screened for temperature-sensitive (ts) plaque formation or for significant differences in plaque morphology. All nonconserved-region mutants were similar to the parental virus, whereas 13 of those in the conserved region were either ts or exhibited altered plaque phenotypes. Ten of these 13 mutants were ts for plaque formation as well as RNA accumulation at 40 degrees C. Highly ts mutants CR3.36 and CR3.39 were defective in their ability to synthesize minus-strand RNAs at the nonpermissive temperature. The CR3.36 and CR3.39 insertion mutations localized to different regions near nsP3 residues 58 and 226, respectively. CR3.39 was able to complement ts mutants from Sindbis virus complementation groups A, B, F, and G. Another mutant isolated from the library, CR3.34, while not ts for plaque formation or RNA synthesis, formed smaller plaques and was defective in subgenomic RNA synthesis at all temperatures examined. These results suggest a role for nsP3 or nsP3-containing polyproteins in the synthesis of viral minus-strand and subgenomic RNAs.
Silicone networks with junctions of high functionality and the theory of rubber elasticity

Results of Krik, Bidstrup, Merrill, and Meyers on polydimethylsiloxane networks of high functionality ϕ yield values of the reduced force [f*] in the high-extension limit that are directly proportional to (vs/V) (1 − 2/ϕ) where vs/V is the number of effective chains in volume V. The contention that trapped entanglements contribute significantly to the modulus is refuted by adherence of the results to this proportionality down to the lowest degrees of interlinking. Features of the relationship of stress to strain that appear to be in conflict with current theory are attributable to crowding of chains about the junctions of high functionality and of large linear dimension in the networks investigated by these authors.
General mathematical model for mass transfer accompanied by chemical reaction

The present paper concerns the mechanism of mass transfer accompanied by a first-order irreversible chemical reaction between two phases. Based on the film-penetration concept a general mathematical model to describe the physico-chemical behavior at the interface has been formulated. Mass transfer mechanism may be analyzed and evaluated in terms of the dimensionless groups appearing in the derived equations. For limiting conditions the derived general equations can be reduced to those based on the simple postulations such as the film theory, the penetration theory, and the surface renewal theory. For nonlimiting cases the film-penetration concept provides information which cannot be obtained by either the film theory or the surface renewal theory alone. Experimental results appearing in literature show that the physical mass transfer coefficient is proportional to the molecular diffusivity to the v-th power and that v varies widely between 0.15 and 1.0. The film-penetration concept theoretically predicts this v-variation, whereas, in accordance with the film theory or the surface renewal theory, v has to be a certain fixed value. It is shown that if an accurate physical mass transfer coefficient is available, the film-penetration concept, the film theory, and the surface renewal theory all predict practically the same effect of chemical reaction on the mass transfer rate. However if the chemical mass transfer coefficient is to be predicted without an accurate physical transfer coefficient, the choice of the theory or the mechanism may become important.
Gold nanocages covered with thermally-responsive polymers for controlled release by high-intensity focused ultrasound

This paper describes the use of Au nanocages covered with smart, thermally-responsive polymers for controlled release with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). HIFU is a highly precise medical procedure that uses focused ultrasound to heat and destroy pathogenic tissue rapidly and locally in a non-invasive or minimally invasive manner. The released dosage could be remotely controlled by manipulating the power of HIFU and/or the duration of exposure. We demonstrated localized release within the focal volume of HIFU by using gelatin phantom samples containing dye-loaded Au nanocages. By placing chicken breast tissues on top of the phantoms, we further demonstrated the feasibility of this system for controlled release at depths up to 30 mm. Because it can penetrate more deeply into soft tissues than near-infrared light, HIFU is a potentially more effective external stimulus for rapid, on-demand drug release.