cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial of maintenance sunitinib versus placebo after chemotherapy for patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma: scientific rationale and study design.

Abstract Systemic chemotherapy is the primary treatment modality for patients with advanced urothelial cancer. However, despite a high Initials response rate, durable responses are rare. Angiogenesis has been shown to be important in the development and progression of urothelial cancer. Sunitinib, an oral, multi-targeted, small-molecule inhibitor of multiple tyrosine kinases, is known to inhibit angiogenesis and therefore might decrease progression of urothelial cancer. This phase II trial was designed to investigate the role of sunitinib as maintenance therapy in patients with advanced urothelial cancer. The specific hypothesis of this trial is that sunitinib will decrease progression rates in patients with advanced urothelial cancer who have obtained stable disease or better after standard chemotherapy.
Force-closure analysis of general 6-DOF cable manipulators

This paper proposed a systematic method of verifying the force-closure condition for general 6-DOF cable manipulators with more than seven cables. Without explicitly solving the inverse dynamics problem, the method can determine, by examining the Jacobian matrix of the manipulator, whether a feasible force solution exists. The equivalence (i.e., necessity and sufficiency) of the proposed method to an existing force-closure theorem developed for the robot grasping problem is mathematically proven and hence, this work rigorously shows, for the first time, that the theory for grasping problem is also applicable to cable manipulators. Moreover, a convex-analysis based simplification of the method is discussed.
Relationship of Baseline Major Risk Factors to Coronary and All-Cause Mortality, and to Longevity: Findings from Long-Term Follow-Up of Chicago Cohorts

The focus here is on relationships between major risk factors and long-term mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) and all causes, and on longevity, in Chicago cohorts: 25-year follow-up for Peop
Severe reversible myocardial depression in a patient with Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis suggesting tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy

Acute coronary syndromes are not uncommon in medical intensive care units. Multiple molecular, pharmacologic, and hemodynamic mechanisms may contribute to the pathogenesis resulting in increased mortality in this setting. Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy is a recently defined uncommon cardiac syndrome with characteristic features often encountered in patients with hyperadrenergic situations such as emotional stress. Although myocardial depression in sepsis can be expected in previously healthy individuals; tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy is rarely reported in septic patients. In this case report we present a 52 year-old man with sepsis secondary to Pseudomonas pneumonia who developed significant segmental wall motion abnormalities during the disease course. The patient's myocardial function recovered completely soon after the sepsis resolved. Clinical, echocardiographic, and coronary angiographic findings suggested the diagnosis of tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy in this patient.
Pectate distribution and esterification in Dubautia leaves and soybean nodules, studied with a fluorescent hybridization probe.

Carbohydrate-hybridization probes (Vreeland and Laetsch, 1989, Planta (177, 423–434) were used to localize the homogalacturonan (pectate) component of pectins in the cell walls of leaves and soybean root nodules. Leaves of two species of the dicotyledon Dubautia were compared; these species contain much pectin but differ in their tissue water relations with respect to their cell-wall properties. Maturation of the primary cell walls in nodules was studied in the Bradyrhizobium japonicum-Glycine max symbiosis. Probe labelling was based on the divalent-cation-mediated association between pectate in tissue sections and fluorescein-conjugated pectate fragments. Pectate was also labelled by mixed-dimer formation with fluorescent polyguluronate derived from alginate. The specificity of the probe for unesterified polygalacturonate was indicated by increased cell-wall labelling after chemical or enzymatic deesterification of tissue sections, in contrast to elimination of labelling by chemical esterification. Postfixation of tissue sections improved retention of soluble pectate. Pectate differences were found in the leaves among cell types, in degree of esterification, and between plant species. The cell walls of soybean nodules were strongly labelled by the pectate probe in nodules one week and three weeks after infection. Pectate was more highly esterified in the central infected zone than in the surrouding cortex. Within the infected zone, walls of uninfected cells and infected cells were similarly labelled by the pectate probe. The results indicate that the pectate molecular probe provides detailed information on pectate distribution at the cellular level for investigations of cell-wall structure, development and physiology.
Contour discrimination in the rat following removal of posterior neocortex

Abstract Long-Evans hooded rats were trained on one of three two-choice visual discrimination problems. The stimuli, black equilateral triangles on white Plexiglas, were equated for total luminous flux and total black-white area, but differed in amount of contour, defined as total amount of black-white edge. The ratios of contour varied for each of the three problems, being respectively 3:1, 4:1 or 5:1. Following acquisition of the problems, posterior neocortical ablations were sustained by at least 30 animals in each group, the remainder serving as normal controls. When retested, normal animals retained the problem, while operated animals were unable to relearn the 3:1 or 4:1 ratio problems. Operated animals did relearn the 5:1 ratio contour problem, although they required more than twice as many trials than during original learning. These results suggest that rats deprived of visual cortex can make visual discriminations based upon differences other than total luminous flux. Density distributions of light or stimulus differences in amounts of darklight boundaries appear to be the likely parameters which, when large enough, permit discrimination of such problems.
Efficient anaerobic digestion of whole microalgae and lipid-extracted microalgae residues for methane energy production

Abstract The primary aim of this study was to completely investigate extensive biological methane potential (BMP) on both whole microalgae and its lipid-extracted biomass residues with various degrees of biomass pretreatment. Specific methane productivities (SMP) under batch conditions for non-lipid extracted biomass were better than lipid-extracted biomass residues and exhibited no signs of ammonia or carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio inhibition when digested at high I/S ratio (I/S ratio ⩾ 1.0). SMP for suitably extracted biomass ranged from 0.30 to 0.38 L CH 4 /g VS (volatile solids). For both whole and lipid-extracted biomass, overall organic conversion ranged from 59.33 to 78.50 as a measure of %VS reduction with greater percentage biodegradability in general found within the lipid-extracted biomass. Higher production levels correlated to lipid content with a linear relationship between SMP and ash-free lipid content being developed at a R 2 of 0.814.
Effect of attentional interference on balance recovery in older adults

Since most working memory (WM) tasks used in dual-task (DT) postural paradigms include both storage and processing of information, it is difficult to determine the extent to which each of these contributes to interference with balance control. In the current study, a change-detection task (changes in colored squares between two presentation events) that estimates visual working memory capacity (VWMC) was paired with tasks of increasing postural demand (stance, perturbation) in young adults (YAs) and older adults (OAs) and performance compared between the two postural conditions and across the two populations. The change-detection task was selected as it requires storage of information without updating or manipulation; 34 YAs, 34 OAs, and five frail OAs were recruited. A significant reduction in VWMC occurred with increasing postural demand during the perturbation condition for both YAs (p < 0.01) and OAs (p < 0.001). VWMC was also significantly lower for OAs than YAs in the control condition (1.8 ± 0.7 vs. 2.8 ± 0.6) (p < 0.001). OAs showed a significant increase in the number of trials in which steps or rise to toes occurred during recovery between single-task (ST) and DT (p < 0.05; p < 0.05). OAs also showed a significant increase in normalized tibialis anterior amplitude (p < 0.001) following perturbations. YAs showed an increase in normalized area under the center of pressure trajectory and in AP forces (nAcopx1: p < 0.001; nFap1: p < 0.05) during the DT condition.
The role of the thiol group and the disulfide bond in the conformation and the IgE and IgG binding activities of ragweed allergen Ra3

Abstract A single free thiol group was alkylated by reacting allergen Ra3 with iodoacetamide or iodoacetic acid. Reduction with mercaptoethanol followed by carboxymethylation resulted in the reduction and alkylation of a single disulfide bond, in addition to the alkylation of the free thiol group. CD § measurements on Ra3 and its derivatives indicated that carboxyalkylation of the single free SH group by either iodoacetamide or iodoacetic acid caused slight conformational changes in Ra3. On the other hand, the conformational changes resulting from cleavage of the disulfide bond were quite large and the CD spectra reflected transition to a state of largely unordered structure. The immunochemical reactivities of the derivatives with anti-Ra3 human IgE and IgG antibodies as well as rabbit IgG antibodies were determined by direct binding of the respective antibodies to the adsorbents of the derivatives and/or by inhibition of the binding between the antibodies and native Ra3 adsorbents by the various derivatives in solution. Modification of the single thiol group caused only a very slight decrease (about 5%) of the reactivities with anti-Ra3 human IgE antibodies or with IgG antibodies of human or rabbit origin. Reduction followed by carboxyalkylation of all three thiol groups decreased the reactivity with IgE or IgG antibodies by about 50%. The behavior of a given derivative with the three antibodies was virtually the same. It was concluded that the free thiol group is not an essential part of an allergenic (IgE binding) or antigenic (IgG binding) site in Ra3. On the other hand, the intactness of the disulfide bond is essential for maintaining the integrity of the native conformation of Ra3 and the binding capacity of about half its allergenic and antigenic sites.
Influence of planetary wave activity on the stratospheric final warming and spring ozone

[1] A three-dimensional model of dynamics and photochemistry is used to investigate the influence of planetary wave activity on the seasonal evolution of the wintertime stratosphere, which dictates springtime conditions. The final warming and springtime ozone are each found to depend strongly upon planetary wave activity during the disturbed season. The integrations reproduce their observed dependence, which enters through anomalous upward Eliassen-Palm (EP) flux from the troposphere and equatorial wind associated with the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO). Of those major influences, changes of upward EP flux are predominant. Changes representative of those in the observed record alter the timing of the final warming by as much as 1–2 months. Much the same lag distinguishes warm and cold winters in the observed record. Accompanying the shift in the final warming is a change of ozone at spring equinox. Magnified over the Arctic, anomalous springtime ozone develops largely through anomalous isentropic mixing by planetary waves. Such mixing, which precedes the final warming, incorporates ozone-rich air from lower latitude, leading to enriched polar ozone during spring. Relative to disturbed conditions, springtime polar ozone under undisturbed conditions appears depleted by some 60 DU. Derived through anomalous transport, the same difference characterizes observed changes between warm and cold winters. Much of the apparent depletion is eventually eliminated with the onset of isentropic mixing, as it is in the observed record. Together with anomalous dynamical structure, such behavior has implications important to the interpretation of interannual changes.
Anomalous magnetic torque in UBe13: Evidence for a field-induced magnetic phase transition.

Measurements of the magnetic force and magnetic torque acting upon single-crystal and polycrystal samples of the heavy-fermion superconductor UBe[sub 13] have been made at temperatures from 60 mK to 30.0 K and in magnetic fields to 23 T using a capacitive magnetometer. The magnetic susceptibility deduced from the magnetic force is in reasonably good agreement with measurements using conventional techniques. We find that a large, anomalous contribution to the magnetic torque (AMT) appears in fields above 3--5 T at low temperature and at temperatures below about 7--12 K in high fields. The AMT coexists with the superconducting state at low temperature. We propose that the AMT reflects the existence of a field-induced magnetic phase transition. The presence of such a phase transition is consistent with specific-heat, thermopower, magnetoresistance, and Hall-effect measurements.
Childhood and adolescent predictors of heavy episodic drinking and alcohol use disorder at ages 21 and 33: a domain-specific cumulative risk model

OBJECTIVE: Guided by a domain-specific cumulative risk model and an emerging notion of general and alcohol-specific influences, this study examined whether general and alcohol-specific influences from family, peer, and school contexts in childhood and adolescence differentially predict heavy episodic drinking and alcohol use disorder at two developmental periods: the transition to adulthood (age 21) and later in adulthood (age 33). METHOD: Data are from a longitudinal panel study (n = 808) examining the etiology of substance use problems and associated behavior problems from age 10 to age 33 in a Northwest United States urban community sample. The sample is ethnically diverse and evenly distributed by gender (51% male). RESULTS: At age 21, alcohol problems were most consistently predicted by adolescent family alcohol and peer alcohol environments and by peer general environment, but not by general family functioning. Conversely, by age 33, alcohol problems were more consistently predicted by general poor family functioning in adolescence and not by family alcohol or any of the peer environment measures. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent family and peer alcohol environment influenced alcohol problems at the transition to adulthood. However, alcohol problems later in adulthood were more strongly associated with general poor family functioning in adolescence. These results suggest that alcohol prevention efforts should involve both components designed to reduce alcohol-specific risk and components to improve general family and peer environments during childhood and adolescence. (J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs, 75, 684-694, 2014). Language: en
A taxonomic key proposed for the species of the "crystalliferous bacteria"

Abstract Thirty-two varieties of two species of crystalliferous bacteria are described, and a taxonomic key for differentiating these bacteria is proposed. It was found necessary to reduce Bacillus entomocidus to varietal status under Bacillus thuringiensis . On the basis of toxin production, as well as other criteria, several new varieties have been named and described. It is noteworthy that the serological classification coincides with the gross findings of biochemical and bioassay investigations; however, finer distinctions are necessary to differentiate pathogen types within the serological groupings.
Turbulent premixed combustion modelling using fractal geometry

The fractal geometry concept has been applied to the problem of turbulent premixed flame propagation. This approach has been based on the fact that turbulent surfaces are wrinkled over a wide range of scales, and experimental evidence shows that the scales are self-similar. Self-similarity of the scales over a wide range is the distinctive characteristics of fractal objects. A new model, derived using the fractal geometry, for the wrinkled flames (or flames-sheets) regime has been proposed. The distinct feature of the present formulation is the adoption of a variable inner cutoff scale as a function of turbulent and molecular diffusivities. With a fractal dimension of 7/3 and an outer cutoff approximating the integral length scale of turbulence, our analysis has yielded u t /u 1 ∞(u′/u 1 ) 1/2 Re L 1/4 . This model suggests a wrinkled flame structure influenced by a turbulent length scale as well as the turbulence intensity. Comparison of the predictions of the model and the experimental data from a variety of rigs shows excellent agreement despite the uncertainties involved in the measurement of the turbulence parameters, propagation velocities, and the intuitive assumptions made in the theories.
Caspofungin: an echinocandin antifungal agent.

Abstract Background: The mainstays of treatment for nosocomial fungal infections have been amphotericin B and azole derivatives. Caspofungin acetate is a new echinocandin antifungal agent with a mechanism of action that targets a structural component of the fungal cell wall. Objective: This article describes the pharmacologic properties and potential clinical usefulness of caspofungin. Methods: Relevant information was identified through searches of MEDLINE (1966–September 2001), Iowa Drug Information Service (1966–September 2001), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–September 2001), as well as meeting abstracts of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (1996–2001), using the terms caspofungin, MK-0991, pneumocandin, echinocandin, candin, and β-(1,3)-glucan inhibitor . Results: In vitro, caspofungin exhibits antifungal activity against an array of clinically important yeasts and molds, including Candida and Aspergillus spp. The proposed susceptibility breakpoint for caspofungin against Candida spp, the most common cause of nosocomial fungal infections, is a minimum inhibitory concentration of ≤1 μg/mL. In humans, caspofungin has a volume of distribution of 9.67 L, is extensively bound to albumin (97%), has a plasma elimination half-life of 9 to 11 hours, and is metabolized to inactive metabolites in the liver. Dose adjustment based on age, sex, race, or renal function does not appear to be necessary, although patients with moderate hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh score 7–9) should receive a lower maintenance dose. The results of clinical trials, although somewhat preliminary, suggest that caspofungin is effective in the treatment of esophageal and oropharyngeal candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis. When combined with other antifungal agents, caspofungin produces a synergistic or additive effect against a variety of clinically important fungi. The most commonly reported adverse events with caspofungin have included fever, infusion-related reactions, headache, nausea, elevations in liver transaminase levels, and histamine-type reactions. The recommended dosage in adults is 70 mg IV on day 1 followed by 50 mg/d, with the duration of treatment depending on the severity of the patient's underlying condition and the clinical response. Conclusion: Although additional studies are needed, caspofungin appears to be a promising agent for the treatment of patients with difficult-to-treat or life-threatening fungal infections.
Stresses and hypersensitivity; effect of adrenalectomy in the guinea pig on asthma from antigen and histamine aerosols and on its inhibition by a nonspecific substances, sodium nucleate.

Abstract 1. 1. The modifying effect of sodium nucleate injections on asthma in the guinea pig produced by antigen aerosols has been confirmed. 2. 2. A similar inhibiting effect in asthma produced by a histamine aerosol is questionable. It is possible that sodium nucleate does not alter tissue sensitivity to histamine, but perhaps interferes with the availability of the histamine or other mediator released in the antigen-antibody reaction. 3. 3. Bilateral adrenalectomy does not appear to increase the sensitivity of the guinea pig to either an antigen or histamine aerosol. 4. 4. The absence of adrenals in the guinea pig does not prevent the inhibiting effect from asthma produced by sodium nucleate. It is concluded that such a “stress” is not mediated by pituitary adrenocortical stimulation. 5. 5. It is emphasized that the preceding findings apply to one “stress,” sodium nucleate, and to one animal, the guinea pig. Whether similar results will be obtained with other stresses and in other species, including man, will be the subject of further investigation.
RUSSIAN LIVING STANDARDS DURING THE INDUSTRIALIZATION ERA, 1885–1913*

In this paper, I have examined the relative growth rates of personal consumption, government consumption, and national income in Russia from 1885–1913 and have contrasted them with the “European” model (derived from the U.K. and German experience). Two hypotheses of the conventional model of Russian industrialization were tested: the retarded growth of personal consumption and the accelerated growth of government consumption and investment (relative to the European model) and the growing Europeanization of Russian growth after 1906. The estimates of personal consumption and government consumption failed to sustain either hypothesis. In fact, the reverse hypotheses appear to be more plausible. The lack of data on investment prevented the testing of the investment hypothesis, but the limited evidence which is available does not point to an extraordinary growth of investment. As a final experiment, the combined growth rates of personal and government consumption were compared with a revision of Goldsmith's national income estimates. They were shown to provide strong support for the accuracy of the revision of Goldsmith's estimates.
Morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy following neoadjuvant chemoradiation.

Background Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) is an accepted treatment for locally advanced esophageal carcinoma. A survival benefit has not been definitively established, and there is concern that chemoradiation may increase postoperative morbidity and mortality. Methods A retrospective review was made of 138 patients treated for esophageal carcinoma between January 1999 and December 2009. Fifty-four patients who underwent CRT followed by esophagectomy were compared with 84 patients who underwent esophagectomy alone. Results The chemoradiation and esophagectomy alone cohorts were well matched on all preoperative variables. There was a higher percentage of Ivor Lewis procedures in the esophagectomy alone cohort (82.0%) compared with the CRT cohort (59.3%; p = 0.006). Thirty-five percent of the CRT group underwent transhiatal esophagectomy. Thirty-day mortality was 6.0% (5 of 84) in the esophagectomy alone cohort compared with 1.9% (1 of 54) in the CRT cohort ( p = 0.5). Similarly, mean intensive care unit stay (4.7 versus 6.5 days; p = 0.5), ventilator time (2.4 versus 4.2 days; p = 0.5), and length of stay (13.5 versus 17 days; p = 0.2) did not differ significantly between the groups. The overall major complication rates were similar in the CRT and esophagectomy alone cohorts: 57.4% versus 56% ( p = 0.98). Multivariate analysis determined that coronary artery disease ( p = 0.01; odds ratio 3.5) and transthoracic esophagectomy ( p = 0.05; odds ratio 1.4) were predictive of development of postoperative complications. Only cervical anastomotic location ( p = 0.04; odds ratio 3.0) was predictive of anastomotic leak on multivariate analysis. Conclusions Neoadjuvant chemoradiation does not appear to increase postoperative morbidity or mortality after esophagectomy. Major postoperative complications are associated with the transthoracic approach and preoperative coronary artery disease.
Environment-dependent breakage rates in ball milling

Abstract Breakage rates of particles in a ball mill change with instantaneous particle size distribution in the mill. Slurry density and the presence of a grinding aid also affect breakage rates substantially. The effect of these variables, which constitute the mill environment, on breakage rates has been quantified with a unique estimation method known as the G-H method. This method enables the estimation of breakage rates of all size intervals by a simple linear graphical scheme. In general, breakage rates of coarse particles increase in the presence of fine particles, while the rates of fine particles remain relatively unaffected. Grinding aid restores the fluidity of the solid-liquid mixture even at very high percent solids and so the rate of grinding returns to ‘normal’ from ‘erratic’ behavior.
Cholesterol Screening Guidelines Consensus, Evidence, and the Departure From Common Sense

In this issue of Circulation , Garber and Browner1 present a defense of the American College of Physicians (ACP) guidelines for cholesterol screening, which were originally published in Annals of Internal Medicine in May 1996.2 The bases of these guidelines are that widespread cholesterol screening, such as that recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP),3 will result in the inappropriate use of cholesterol-lowering drugs in persons at low risk of developing coronary disease. The authors contend that the “evidence-based approach,” which the ACP allegedly used to reach these conclusions, is fundamentally different from the “consensus-based approach” used by the NCEP. Surprisingly, they then conclude that the NCEP “used logic similar to the ACP in development of its treatment recommendations.” Garber and Browner point out correctly that the two groups are drawing conclusions on the basis of the same database. The authors then discuss the process of developing such guidelines by citing the “extensive internal and external reviews” that the ACP guidelines underwent, without describing the content of those reviews or the background of the individuals asked to make them. This is, of course, in contrast to the NCEP process, which has been and continues to be a completely public endeavor. Contrary to what is implied by Garber and Browner, the NCEP process has been highly inclusive, drawing not only on individuals with expertise in lipids and lipoproteins but also on including individuals from other specialties and from the practicing community and even the most vociferous critics of cholesterol intervention. It is also important to recognize, as Garber and Browner state, that there is no disagreement that cholesterol lowering in individuals with clinically apparent vascular disease prevents recurrent events and saves lives. It is an important intervention central to the medical management of such patients; no debate …
Ziconotide for the treatment of severe spasticity after spinal cord injury.

Spasticity is a major clinical manifestation of spinal cord injury and upper motor neuron syndrome.
A guide to health care reform.

There are four rationales for health care reform: increasing the efficiency of health delivery; reforming the market for health insurance; providing universal coverage; and reducing the federal deficit. These goals are reflected in most reform proposals. Achieving these goals involves several problems, however. Paying for universal coverage may lead to labor supply or demand reductions. In addition, reform involves large federal risks that must be dealt with through deficit financing, reduced benefits, or lower subsidies.
Isolation and Psychological Disorder

Isolation has been thought by many to exert an influence in the development of psychological disorders. However, empirical investigation has provided mixed results. This report presents data on the relationship between interpersonal isolation immediately prior to contact with a hospital and psychological disturbance as reported by psychiatric diagnosis. Significant association was found between presence of isolation, psychosis, and high disturbance. This indicates that isolation in an interpersonal sense may be detrimental to psychological well being and is a topic worthy of further investigation.
Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia discovered at coronary bypass operation

A 68-year-old man was discovered to have a large peritoneopericardial hernia when operated on for coronary artery bypass. Such hernias are very unusual. The pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of this problem are discussed.
Signal statistics in x-ray computed tomography

Probability distribution functions (pdfs) of x-ray computed tomography (CT) signals form the basis for statistical reconstruction algorithms and for noise-simulation experiments. The conventional model for pdf's assumes a quanta-counting process obeying a discrete Poisson distribution. In reality, CT scanners employ energy-integrating sensors detecting a polyenergetic X-ray beam, with data quantized for digital reconstructions. A model was developed for the CT signal consisting of an energy spectrum of x-ray quanta (individually obeying Poisson statistics), contributing an incremental signal, proportional to their energy, to an analog-to-digital converter. Using a moment generating function approach, the pdf is shown to be a Compound Poisson process that is functionally dependent on the x-ray energy spectrum, flux level, and quantization step size. Pdfs were computed numerically by a Fourier transform of the characteristic function and compared to experimental pdfs collected from phantom scans. For exposures encountered in normal clinical usage, the pdf is similar to the conventional Gaussian approximation, with rescaling for quantization and polyenergetic spectra. For low intensities, the deviation from the conventional photon-counting (Poisson) model is significant and may have implications for statistical reconstruction algorithms.
Policy Failure and Policy Change: British Security Policy After the Cold War

The failure of a policy to achieve its goals is often an important reason for the decision to replace it. Failure alone, however, is rarely a sufficient explanation of the timing and direction of policy change. Change follows failure when alternative policies exist that are politically viable—that is, able to garner support from powerful actors—and that can explain past failure persuasively, and offer new policy prescriptions. This article evaluates this argument through a case study of British international security policy after the end of the cold war. British decision makers' initial policy was to rely on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as the vehicle through which to organize multilateral responses to “crisis management tasks.” The failure of this policy to deal successfully with the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia led British decision makers to search for and evaluate alternative policies. They concluded that the rival idea of basing more multilateral crisis management on a European ...
Plasmodium falciparum Sir2 is an NAD+-Dependent Deacetylase and an Acetyllysine-Dependent and Acetyllysine-Independent NAD+ Glycohydrolase†

Sirtuins are NAD+-dependent enzymes that deacetylate a variety of cellular proteins and in some cases catalyze protein ADP-ribosyl transfer. The catalytic mechanism of deacetylation is proposed to involve an ADPR-peptidylimidate, whereas the mechanism of ADP-ribosyl transfer to proteins is undetermined. Herein we characterize a Plasmodium falciparum sirtuin that catalyzes deacetylation of histone peptide sequences. Interestingly, the enzyme can also hydrolyze NAD+. Two mechanisms of hydrolysis were identified and characterized. One is independent of acetyllysine substrate and produces α-stereochemistry as established by reaction of methanol which forms α-1-O-methyl-ADPR. This reaction is insensitive to nicotinamide inhibition. The second solvolytic mechanism is dependent on acetylated peptide and is proposed to involve the imidate to generate β-stereochemistry. Stereochemistry was established by isolation of β-1-O-methyl-ADPR when methanol was added as a cosolvent. This solvolytic reaction was inhibited b...
Traveling Towards Disease: Transportation Barriers to Health Care Access

Transportation barriers are often cited as barriers to healthcare access. Transportation barriers lead to rescheduled or missed appointments, delayed care, and missed or delayed medication use. These consequences may lead to poorer management of chronic illness and thus poorer health outcomes. However, the significance of these barriers is uncertain based on existing literature due to wide variability in both study populations and transportation barrier measures. The authors sought to synthesize the literature on the prevalence of transportation barriers to health care access. A systematic literature search of peer-reviewed studies on transportation barriers to healthcare access was performed. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) study addressed access barriers for ongoing primary care or chronic disease care; (2) study included assessment of transportation barriers; and (3) study was completed in the United States. In total, 61 studies were reviewed. Overall, the evidence supports that transportation barriers are an important barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those with lower incomes or the under/uninsured. Additional research needs to (1) clarify which aspects of transportation limit health care access (2) measure the impact of transportation barriers on clinically meaningful outcomes and (3) measure the impact of transportation barrier interventions and transportation policy changes.
Free a man to fight: the figure of the female soldier in World War II popular culture

Abstract This article argues that US popular culture has contributed to a historical amnesia regarding the figure of the female soldier in World War II and her sacrifice and legacy. To illuminate the ways women in uniform problematize and even subvert patriarchal military values, the various cultural, mythological, political, symbolic, and masculine-heroic meanings vested in the military uniform are analyzed. This elucidates the narrative and imagistic tropes by which Hollywood films, such as So Proudly We Hail (Mark Sandrich, 1943) and A Guy Named Joe (Victor Fleming, 1943), and popular periodicals contain the threat of abjection embodied by military women via traditionally gendered stereotypes of citizenship and nationhood, of virgin and whore. The article explores the thesis that, in World War II, American popular culture helped perpetuate a cultural amnesia that has buried women's vast contributions to the US Armed Forces, the better to mythologize our boys in uniform.
Content-Addressable and Associative Memory Systems a Survey

This review of content-addressable memory and associative computer systems represents an attempt to consolidate and report nontechnically the direction in which numerous independent research programs have progressed during the last ten years. The paper reflects the views of a myriad of researchers on subjects of organization (configuration concepts), hardware elements, logical operations, speed, cost, size, software implications, applications, advantages and disadvantages. In a report of this type it is important to quote directly and indirectly from the researchers themselves, so that the trends or directions of their concepts may converge into meaningful information. Acknowledgement is made to those quoted (see bibliography references) since they represent the meat of this survey. The bibliography, although voluminous, is not necessarily complete. A number of reference sources may have been overlooked inadvertently. It is hoped, however, that the information and the bibliography will serve as a base for those entering into research connected with this rapidly developing concept.
The addition of fluorine to perhalogenated compounds containing carbon-nitrogen double bonds

Abstract The reaction of elementary fluorine with ten perhalogenated compounds containing carbon-nitrogen double bonds is reported. The reactions were carried out without added catalysts in a static system. With CF 3 N=CF 2 , (CF 3 ) 2 NCF=NCF 3 , SF 5 N=CF 2 , CF 2 =NCl, CF 3 CF=NCl and CF 2 =NF a simple addition of fluorine to the carbon-nitrogen double bond was observed forming the respective N-fluoroamines in high yield. Two imines, CF 3 CF=NF and (CF=NF) 2 , were unreactive under the same conditions and reactions of CF 3 CF 2 CF=NF and (CF 3 ) 2 C=NF were explosive.
Computer simulation of sheet metal forming based on damage mechanics approach

Abstract This paper presents an investigation of computer simulation to analyze the effects of plastic damage on the formability of VDIF steel under both proportional and non-proportional loading conditions. The simulation is carried out using LS-DYNA incorporated with a newly developed damage mechanics model and its damage criterion. Three forming processes, uniaxial tension, plane-strain deformation and biaxial stretching, are examined and deformation profiles are calculated and plotted. Finally, the forming limit strains are predicted for both proportional and non-proportional loading conditions, which are found to be in agreement with the test results.
An overview of the physical characterization of leached surfaces

A summary of some of the most important parameters affecting glass corrosion is presented. Four of them are examined in greater detail. These are: solution pH, solid surface area to solution volume ratio (SA/V), solution composition, and crystallization (devitrification).
Impact of Zebra Chip Disease on the Mineral Content of Potato Tubers

Zebra chip (ZC) is an emerging and damaging disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) that has been documented in potato fields throughout the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and most recently New Zealand. The bacterium “Candidatus Liberibacter” has been putatively identified as the causal agent of this disease and the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc), as the insect vector. Tuber symptoms of ZC-infected plants include collapsed stolons, enlarged lenticels, vascular tissue browning, medullary ray discoloration, and necrotic flecking. ZC tuber symptoms are similar to those of potato diseases which exhibit perturbations in tuber mineral composition resulting in internal necrotic disorders. To determine the effect of ZC disease on the mineral content of potato tubers, concentrations of P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Al, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B were analyzed in ‘Atlantic’ potatoes from ZC-infected and free plants, for both tuber flesh and peel tissues. The potatoes were grown at Weslaco, TX and Wapato, WA, two different and distant geographical locations under controlled cage conditions. Results showed that flesh tissue from ZC-infected tubers had significantly higher concentrations of P, K, and Ca at both locations, whereas, ZC-infected tuber flesh from Weslaco had higher concentrations of Mg, Cu, Zn, and B, while concentrations of Fe and Al were higher in ZC-infected tuber flesh from Wapato. Peel tissue from ZC-infected tubers were found to have a significantly higher level of Zn at both locations, whereas the levels of P and Na were found to significantly higher in peel tissue from Wapato and Weslaco, respectively. Finally, Mg was found to be significantly higher in ZC-free tubers from both locations and levels of Cu and B were significantly higher in ZC-free peel tissue from Wapato.
Effect of osmotic shrinking and swelling of red cells on whole blood oxygen affinity.

The effect of osmotically induced alterations in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) on oxygen affinity of hemoglobin was studied in blood cells containing various concentrations of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG). At normal DPG concentration (0.88 mol/mol Hb) there was a positive correlation between MCHC and whole blood oxygen affinity (P50); the magnitude of the effect, expressed as δP50/δMCHC, was 0.17, a value considerably smaller than that reported by previous investigators. At low DPG concentration ( 1.3 mol/mol Hb) no relationship between MCHC and P50 was found. The results are discussed in relation to the various changes in the intracellular milieu on osmotic manipulation, and it is concluded that the alterations of P50 are due mainly to changes in intracellular ionic strength.
Time-Resolved Studies of Adsorption and Transport of a Hydrophobic Ion at Escherichia coli Bacterial Membranes by Second Harmonic Generation

The adsorption and transport processes of a hydrophobic molecular ion Malachite Green (MW 329.4) at E.coli bacterial outer membrane and cytoplasmic membrane, respectively, have been characterized by using a nonlinear optical technique- Second Harmonic Generation. Adsorption isotherms of the MG ion to both membranes of the gram-negative bacteria E.coli cell have been measured for the determination of the maximum adsorption densities and adsorption equilibrium constants. In some of the experiments, the classical permeablizer EDTA was used to eliminate the bacterial outer membrane and enable independent determination for the cytoplasmic membrane. A pH-modified Langmuir adsorption model has been applied to analyze the isotherms obtained under physiological conditions. The effect of solution ionic strength on adsorption has been examined. The nonlinear optical signal also directly allows the observation, with real time resolution, of the transport of the molecular ions through the two membranes and the determination of the respective transport rates.
Providing integration in a highly differentiated research organization — The role of a program staff

Administrators of large, geographically dispersed, government agencies, like their industry counterparts, may periodically examine their management systems and modify them to fit the environment within which they work. The administrator of such an organization will strive to develop a management system that will give maximum efficiency of operations and still maintain maximum effectiveness. Establishment of a line and staff matrix of organizational management is one approach to maximizing efficiency and effectiveness. In the paper, both the integrating and differentiating roles of the program staff are examined in the light of the Lawrence and Lorsch model. The functions and responsibilities of line and staff and the roles of program review and policy analysis in the organization are also examined.
Apoptosis of retrogradely degenerating neurons occurs in association with the accumulation of perikaryal mitochondria and oxidative damage to the nucleus.

The mechanisms for neuronal apoptosis after axotomy and target deprivation in the adult central nervous system are poorly understood. We used a unilateral occipital cortex ablation model in the adult rat to test the hypothesis that apoptotic retrograde neurodegeneration in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus occurs in association with oxidative stress and mitochondrial abnormalities. Immunodetection of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, a marker for oxidative injury to DNA, demonstrated that these apoptotic neurons undergo oxidative stress. Dual immunolabeling for the retrograde tracer Fluorogold to identify projection neurons and for 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine demonstrated that apoptotic, oxidatively damaged neurons are geniculocortical projection neurons. By electron microscopy, degeneration of dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus neurons evolved in association with a transient increase in mitochondria within the perikaryon of dying neurons during the transition between chromatolysis and early apoptosis. The morphological integrity of mitochondria was preserved until late in the progression of apoptosis. The dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus ipsilateral to the cortical lesion had a transient increase in cytochrome c oxidase activity, and geniculocortical neurons at the transitional, early apoptotic stage accumulated cytochrome c oxidase activity. We conclude that axotomy-induced, retrograde neuronal apoptosis in the adult central nervous system occurs in association with the accumulation of functionally active mitochondria within the perikaryon and oxidative damage to nuclear DNA.
Structural basis of cleavage by RNase H of hybrids of arabinonucleic acids and RNA.

The origins of the substrate specificity of Escherichia coli RNase H1 (termed RNase H here), an enzyme that hydrolyzes the RNA strand of DNA−RNA hybrids, are not understood at present. Although the enzyme binds double-stranded RNA, no cleavage occurs with such duplexes [Lima, W. F., and Crooke, S. T. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 390]. Therefore, the hybrid substrates may not adopt a canonical A-form geometry. Furthermore, RNase H is exquisitely sensitive to chemical modification of the DNA strands in hybrid duplexes. This is particularly relevant to the RNase H-dependent pathway of antisense action. Thus, only very few of the modifications currently being evaluated as antisense therapeutics are tolerated by the enzyme, among them phosphorothioate DNA (PS-DNA). Recently, hybrids of RNA and arabinonucleic acid (ANA) as well as the 2‘F-ANA analogue were shown to be substrates of RNase H [Damha, M. J., et al. (1998) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 120, 12976]. Using X-ray crystallography, we demonstrate here that ANA analogues,...
Efficient and product-representative timing model validation

Timing analysis is a key sign-off step in the design of today's chips, but as technology advances, it becomes ever more challenging to create timing models that accurately reflect real timing-related behavior. Complex dependencies on second order phenomena, such as pattern density and stress/strain make it very difficult to develop device models and simulation tools that accurately predict the timing behavior that will be seen in actual product silicon. As a result, it is necessary to validate timing models in silicon. Traditional ways to validate timing models use ring oscillators or perform delay testing but both approaches have significant drawbacks. Ring oscillators lack diversity in circuit structure and present layout configurations that are not typical of real products. Delay test can be expensive to apply and provides directly only path delay information not individual gate delays. To address these limitations, we explore the potential of a new test structure-based method of timing model validation. The proposed approach combines benefits of a ring oscillator and path delay testing while addressing their limitations. Specifically, the test structure is composed of circuits that are physically synthesized and therefore product-representative, but configures the devices under test into oscillating paths so that measurement is easy and inexpensive. Path delay test ATPG is used to generate test patterns whose oscillation frequencies provide measures of path delays. Gate delays are deduced from those path delays using a matrix that codes the delay elements comprising each path in a careful way that overcomes overdetermination problems in the matrix algebra. Results show that RMS errors can be maintained under 5% for all gate types using a chosen circuit.