cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of digestion on stability of palivizumab IgG1 in the infant gastrointestinal tract.

Background Potentially, orally administered antibodies specific to enteric pathogens could be administered to infants to prevent diarrheal infections, particularly in developing countries where diarrhea is a major problem. However, to prevent infection, such antibodies would need to resist degradation within the gastrointestinal tract. Methods Palivizumab, a recombinant antibody specific to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), was used in this study as a model for examining the digestion of neutralizing antibodies to enteric pathogens in infants. The survival of this recombinant IgG1 across digestion in 11 infants was assayed via an anti-idiotype ELISA and RSV F protein-specific ELISA. Concentrations were controlled for any dilution or concentration that occurred in the digestive system using mass spectrometry-based quantification of co-administered, orally supplemented, indigestible polyethylene glycol (PEG-28). Results Binding activity of Palivizumab IgG1 decreased (26-99%) across each phase of in vivo digestion as measured by both anti-idiotype and RSV F protein-specific ELISAs. Conclusion Antibodies generated for passive protection of the infant gastrointestinal tract from pathogens will need to be more resistant to digestion than the model antibody fed to infants in this study, or provided in higher doses to be most effective. Impact Binding activity of palivizumab IgG1 decreased (26-99%) across each phase of in vivo infant digestion as measured by both anti-idiotype and RSV F protein-specific ELISAs. Palivizumab was likely degraded by proteases and changes in pH introduced in the gut. Antibodies generated for passive protection of the infant gastrointestinal tract from pathogens will need to be more resistant to digestion than the model antibody fed to infants in this study, or provided in higher doses to be most effective. The monoclonal antibody IgG1 tested was not stable across the infant gastrointestinal tract. The observation of palivizumab reduction was unlikely due to dilution in the gastrointestinal tract. The results of this work hint that provision of antibody could be effective in preventing enteric pathogen infection in infants. Orally delivered recombinant antibodies will need to either be dosed at high levels to compensate for digestive losses or be engineered to better resist digestion. Provision of enteric pathogen-specific recombinant antibodies to at-risk infants could provide a new and previously unexplored pathway to reducing the infection in infants. The strategy of enteric recombinant antibodies deserves more investigation throughout medicine as a novel means for treatment of enteric disease targets.
Exact doping of semiconductor nanomaterials and X-ray characterizations

Semiconductor Quantum Dots (QDs) have great potential in applications for renewable energy generation due to their size-tunable redox potentials. QDs may also be doped to manipulate their electronic structure. Our group developed a method to dope each quantum dot with an exact number of guest ions by nucleating the QD around an organometallic seed cluster that contains guest ions. As a result, each QD has the same number of dopants, which eliminates problems due to inhomogeneity of the dot stoichiometry. These materials were studied using time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy, which allows us to characterize the electronic and coordination structure in both the ground and excited states. It was found that, when dopants interact with charge carriers, they may alter their bonding to the underlying matrix. This phenomenon of charge carrier modulation of dopant bonding has a strong effect on the conductivity properties of doped semiconductors.
Does Adding a Fissurectomy to Botox Sphincterotomy Increase Success Rate or Just Cost

Background While Botox sphincterotomy with or without fissurectomy has been proven effective in healing anal fissures, they have not been directly compared. We evaluated cost-effectiveness and outcomes between Botox sphincterotomies with and without fissurectomy. Methods A 5-year retrospective review was conducted comparing all patients undergoing Botox sphincterotomy for anal fissure with or without fissurectomy. Outcomes including recurrence/persistence, additional treatments, complications, and total charges were compared between study groups. Results Patients treated without fissurectomy (n = 53) had recurrent/persistent fissure more often (56.6 vs 31.0%, P = .001), and required more Botox treatments. Those treated with fissurectomy (n = 154) had more complications (13.5 vs 0%, P = .003). Patients initially treated without fissurectomy had a median total charge of $2 973, while median total charge for those initially treated with fissurectomy was $17 925 (P Conclusions Botox sphincterotomy in an office without fissurectomy is a viable option. It may result in longer healing times but is associated with reduced cost, lower complication rates, and no need for anesthesia or operative intervention in most cases. But the choice of treatment route must be individualized.
The WTO at 10: The Contribution of the Dispute Settlement System (Book Review)

This book review of The WTO at 10: The Contribution of the WTO Dispute Settlement System (edited by Georgio Sacerdoti, Alan Yanovich and Jan Bohanes) builds from the volume’s contributions to show how the creation of the Appellate Body, contrary to the expectations of the WTO’s members, has resulted in the judicialization of international trade relations in which the Appellate Body becomes the centerpiece. The WTO Appellate Body plays a more central role in international dispute settlement than any judicial body in any other multinational organization, even though it formally is not referred to as a “court,” nor its members as “judges.”
Polymorphous light eruption; the effect of chloroquine phosphate in modifying reactions to ultra-violet light.

Patients who suffer from polymorphous light eruption usually develop a normal erythema reaction followed by pigmentation in test sites exposed to hot quartz ultraviolet light.
Colchicine biotransformation by human liver microsomes: Identification of cyp3a4 as the major isoform responsible for colchicine demethylation

Colchicine disposition involves both active biliary and renal excretion of parent drug, and at least in mammals a substantial fraction undergoes hepatic demethylation prior to excretion. We investigated the biotransformation of [3H]colchicine in a panel of microsomal preparations obtained from sixteen human liver samples. The production rate of the main metabolites of colchicine's 3-demethylcolchicine (3DMC) and 2-demethylcolchicine (2DMC), was linear in relation to incubation time, cytochrome (P450) content, and substrate concentration. Following the incubation of colchicine (5 nM) with microsomes in the presence of an NADPH-generating system for 60 min, 9.8% and 5.5% of the substrate were metabolized to 3DMC and 2DMC, respectively. The formation rate of colchicine metabolites exhibited a marked variation between the different microsomal preparations. The formation rates of both colchicine metabolites were correlated significantly with nifedipine oxidase activity, a marker of CYP3A4 activity (r = 0.96, P < 0.001), but not with the metabolic markers of CYP2A6, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP2E1 activities. Chemical inhibition of CYP3A4 by preincubation with gestodene (40 microM) or troleandomycin (40 microM) reduced the formation of 3DMC and 2DMC by 70 and 80%, respectively, whereas quinidine, diethyldithiocarbamate, and sulfaphenazole had no inhibitory effect. Similarly, antibodies raised against CYP3A4 almost completely abolished colchicine demethylation and nifedipine oxidase activity, but preimmune IgG had no effect. In conclusion, colchicine was metabolized to 3DMC and 2DMC by human liver microsomes. The production of colchicine metabolites was mediated by CYP3A4, and its rate varied greatly between microsomal preparations obtained from different liver samples. The coadministration of colchicine with known inhibitors or substrates of CYP3A4 may inhibit colchicine metabolism, resulting in concentration-related toxicity.
Silicon photonic filters for compact high extinction ratio power efficient (CHERPe) transmitters

We experimentally investigate integrated photonic microring resonator filters as frequency windows in CHERPe transmitters. The impact of filter-order on optical loss, power handling, modulation extinction ratio enhancement, and waveform distortion is assessed.
Relation between Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye in the Elderly: A Population-based Perspective

Purpose: To examine the distribution and association of dry eye symptoms, Schirmer test results, and rose bengal scores in a population-based sample of elderly Americans. Design: Population-based prevalence survey. Participants: Involved were 2240 noninstitutionalized residents of Salisbury, Maryland, aged 65 years and older as of September 1993, and identified by the Health Care Financing Administration Medicare database. Main Outcome Measures: A standardized dry eye symptom questionnaire, rose bengal scoring of ocular surface staining, and Schirmer tests. Results: Fourteen percent of participants reported one or more symptoms to be present often or all the time. The mean Schirmer score in the lower testing eye was 12.4 and 42% had a rose bengal score of 1 or greater. No significant differences by age, gender, or race were seen for symptoms, Schirmer, or rose bengal testing. No association was seen between lower Schirmer scores and presence of more frequent symptoms. Higher rose bengal scores were weakly associated with symptoms. The Schirmer and rose bengal test results, both individually and in combination, were insensitive in identifying individuals who had symptoms. Conclusions: Although symptoms of ocular irritation are common among the elderly, these population-based data indicate that there is minimal overlap between individuals identified by questionnaire, Schirmer tests, and rose bengal scoring.
The UPC memory model: problems and prospects

Summary form only given. The memory consistency model underlying the Unified Parallel C (UPC) language remains a promising but underused feature. We report on our efforts to understand the UPC memory model and assess its potential benefits. We describe problems we have uncovered in the current language specification. These results have inspired an effort in the UPC community to create an alternative memory model definition that avoids these problems. We give experimental results confirming the promise of performance gains afforded by the memory model's relaxed constraints on consistency.
Abstract 14906: Clinical Outcomes of Focal Impulse and Rotor Modulation for Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: Single-Center Experience

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) using Focal Impulse and Rotor Modulation (FIRM) mapping has shown promise in the treatment of AF in early studies. We performed a retrospective, observational study of 23 patients who underwent 24 FIRM-guided catheter ablation procedures for paroxysmal or persistent AF. Patients were asked to follow up in clinic and with event monitors at 3, 6 and 12 months post-procedure. Long-term outcomes were assessed after a 3-month blanking period. Primary efficacy endpoints were freedom from AF and all atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATA) off antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD). Study population consisted of all patients undergoing FIRM-guided AF ablation between January 2012 and July 2013 at UCLA Medical Center. Half were persistent, mean age was 63, mean AF duration 7.3 years, and mean left atrial volume 76.2mL. The majority of patients had failed AAD therapy (92%) and prior ablation (63%). All patients underwent FIRM-guided ablation, with 19 (79%) also undergoing pulmonary vein iso...
Laser micromachining with femtosecond higher-order Bessel beams

We use femtosecond higher-order Bessel beams for micromachining of borosilicate glass plates. The self-focusing of the beams inside the glass results in the production of beaded ring structures on the back surfaces of the plates.
Some Factors Influencing the Efficiency of Production of Acetylmethylcarbinol by Rhizopus nigricans

Incubation time had no effect on the efficiency ratio [dry weight-acetylmethylcarbinol (AMC)] during the incubation times tested. The mycelium was more efficient in synthetic media at pH 3 and 4 than at pH 5 and 6. Mycelium also produced AMC more efficiently in apple juice and in synthetic media containing yeast extract or vitamins, especially thiamine. KCl, MgSO4, and KH2PO4 had significant suppressing effects on AMC production in a synthetic medium.
Managing Peri‐Implant Bone Loss: Current Understanding

Purpose: With the improved macro- and micro-designs, dental implants enjoy a high survival rate. However, peri-implant bone loss has recently emerged to be the focus of implant therapy. As such, researchers and clinicians are in need of finding predictable techniques to treat peri-implant bone loss and stop its progression. Materials and Methods: Literature search on the currently available treatment modalities was performed and a brief description of each modality was provided. Results: Numerous techniques have been proposed and none has been shown to be superior and effective in managing peri-implant bone loss. This may be because of the complex of etiological factors acting on the implant-supported prosthesis hence the treatment approach has to be individually tailored. Conclusion: Due to the lack of high-level clinical evidence on the management of peri-implant bone loss, the authors, through a literature review, attempt to suggest a decision tree or guideline, based on sound periodontal surgical principles, to aid clinicians in managing peri-implantitis associated bone loss.
Alkaloid Profiling as an Approach to Differentiate Lupinus garfieldensis, Lupinus sabinianus and Lupinus sericeus.

Introduction Many species in the Lupinus genus are poorly defined morphologically, potentially resulting in improper taxonomic identification. Lupine species may contain quinolizidine and/or piperidine alkaloids that can be acutely toxic and/or teratogenic, the latter resulting in crooked calf disease. Objective To identify characteristic alkaloid profiles of Lupinus sabinianus, L. garfieldensis and L. sericeus which would aid in discriminating these species from each other and from L. sulphureus. Methods and materials Quinolizidine and piperidine alkaloids were extracted from herbarium specimens and recent field collections of L. sabinianus, L. garfieldensis and L. sericeus. The alkaloid composition of each species was defined using GC-FID and GC-MS and compared using multivariate statistics. Results Each of the three species investigated contained a diagnostic chemical fingerprint composed of quinolizidine and/or piperidine alkaloids. Conclusion The alkaloid profiles of Lupinus sabinianus, L. garfieldensis and L. sericeus can be used as a tool to discriminate these species from each other and L. sulphureus as long as one considers locality of the collection in the case of L. sabinianus. Published 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the management of ovarian cancer: focus on carboplatin.

Both pre-clinical studies and phase 1–2 clinical trials have provided strong support for the potential role of regional drug delivery in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer, a disease process whose major manifestations remain largely localized to the peritoneal cavity in the majority of individuals with this malignancy. The results of 3 phase 3 randomized trials have revealed the favorable impact of primary cisplatin-based intraperitoneal chemotherapy in women who initiate drug treatment with small-volume residual ovarian cancer following an attempt at optimal surgical cytoreduction. Concerns have been raised regarding the toxicity of regional treatment, particularly the side-effect profile associated with cisplatin. One rational approach to improving the tolerability of intraperitoneal chemotherapy is to substitute carboplatin for cisplatin. This review discusses the rationale for and data supporting regional treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer, and highlights the potential role for intraperitoneal carboplatin in this clinical setting.
Photoacoustic/FTIR spectroscopy with a step-scan interferometer

Limitations of rapid scan PAS measurements can be overcome with a step-scanning interferometer operated in a phase modulation mode. Phase modulation has the desirable effect of modulating all the wavelengths at the same Fourier frequency. This results in an even depth of penetration into a sample across the spectral range observed. Use of a phase demodulator allows for the detection of phase information from the photoacoustic signal rising from the sample. Collection of the in-phase (0 degree phase angle) and in-quadrature (90 degree phase angle) signals allows for the calculation of phase angle information at any chosen angle. This information can be used to produce spectra of a surface and a bulk component in a sample in a single experiment.
Myo-inositol reduces serotonin (5-HT2) receptor induced homologous and heterologous desensitization.

Abstract The effect of myo-inositol was examined on 5-HT2 receptor mediated facilitation of NMDA depolarization of rat neocortical neurons in vitro. Myo-inositol (1–10 mM) potentiated the 5-HT facilitation, the potentiation increasing linearly with log 5-HT concentration. Myo-inositol also eliminated 5-HT induced heterologous desensitization of muscarinic andα1-adrenergic receptor mediated facilitation. Our findings suggest that 5-HT induced homologous and heterologous desensitization results in part from depleting phosphoinositide substrate.
Scope and limitations of antimicrobial therapy of sepsis in surgery

Objective: The goal of antibiotic therapy for surgical sepsis is to kill bacteria that intermittently or continuously reach the bloodstream from the residue of an operatively treated focus. While sepsis and conditions leading to sepsis compromise the immune system, antibiotics may become a fundamental determinant of the host's defense. No data from sound prospective randomized clinical antibiotic trials dealing with sepsis are available. Therefore we tested the hypothesis that treatment recommendations can be based on pharmacodynamics comparing in vitro activity of commonly used antimicrobials with concentrations sustained in vivo to provide for full coverage for bacteria of concern. Results: The application of strict criteria for antibiotic choice to avoid selection of primary resistant strains reveals that most commonly used antibiotics render insufficient activity to eliminate pathogens that commonly cause surgical sepsis. Antibiotics that sustain in vivo concentration exceeding fourfold the MIC100 (highest minimal inhibitory concentration for all (100%) species tested) of Escherichia coli, for example, are 400 mg ciprofloxacin IV (MIC100 of 1224 strains = 0.06 mg/dl, in vivo concentration = 1 mg/dl for 12 h), and 1000 mg imipenem/cilastatin (MIC100 of 3142 strains = 0.14 mg/dl, in vivo concentration = 2 mg/dl for 6 h). The third choice is one of the fourth- or, less convincingly, third-generation cephalosporins. Similar data for most pathogens causing sepsis are provided. First- and second-generation cephalosporins and penicillin β-lactamase inhibitor combinations generally do not achieve sufficient concentrations to cover the most important pathogens of sepsis. Conclusion: Sepsis is defined as a whole body's inflammatory response that is characterized by systemic signs and symptoms secondary to a focal infection. While many antibiotic trials have dealt with a focal infection, no prospective randomized antibiotic trial has dealt with sepsis per se. Antibiotic trials on focal infections generally exclude patients when their focal infection has progressed to sepsis. To circumvent the lack of controlled clinical trials we show that pharmacodynamics may provide sound foundation for antibiotic choice for sepsis.
Subchance perception: Anxious, non-defensive individuals identify subliminally-presented positive words at below-chance levels

Abstract People who chronically experience anxiety are biased towards subliminally-presented negative information. Recent research has shown that they may also avoid subliminally-presented positive information. However, these findings are equivocal due to the limitations of previous paradigms and measures. This paper reports two experiments demonstrating that highly anxious, non-defensive individuals exhibit subchance perception when attempting to identify subliminally-presented positive words; that is, they identify such words with accuracy rates that are below chance (guessing). Participants attempted to identify masked positively and negatively valenced words that had been presented briefly (6.4 ms) in a two-alternative forced-choice paradigm. In Experiment 1, persons high in trait anxiety and low in defensiveness identified positive words at below-chance levels and negative words at above-chance levels. No other participant-group’s performance differed from chance. In Experiment 2, persons high in trait anxiety and low in defensiveness again exhibited subchance perception of positive words when responding quickly. This represents the clearest evidence to date that anxious, non-defensive individuals systematically avoid subliminally-presented positive information.
Courtroom rhetorical strategies: Forensic and deliberative perspectives

Using the 1972 trial of Angela Davis as research topic, this essay examines the forensic and deliberative strategies of practicing attorneys and integrates the findings with Bennett's and Ling's studies of legal rhetoric.
An Information Theoretic Approach to Macromolecular Modeling: I. Sequence Alignments

We are interested in applying the principles of information theory to structural biology calculations. In this article, we explore the information content of an important computational procedure: sequence alignment. Using a reference state developed from exhaustive sequences, we measure alignment statistics and evaluate gap penalties based on first-principle considerations and gap distributions. We show that there are different gap penalties for different alphabet sizes and that the gap penalties can depend on the length of the sequences being aligned. In a companion article, we examine the information content of molecular force fields.
A Xenopus protein related to hnRNP I has a role in cytoplasmic RNA localization.

Abstract Cytoplasmic localization of mRNA molecules is a powerful mechanism for generating cell polarity. In vertebrates, one paradigm is localization of Vg1 RNA within the Xenopus oocyte, a process directed by recognition of a localization element within the Vg1 3′ UTR. We show that specific base changes within the localization element abolish both localization in vivo and binding in vitro by a single protein, VgRBP60. VgRBP60 is homologous to a human hnRNP protein, hnRNP I, and combined immunolocalization and in situ hybridization demonstrate striking colocalization of hnRNP I and Vg1 RNA within the vegetal cytoplasm of the Xenopus oocyte. These results implicate a novel role in cytoplasmic RNA transport for this family of nuclear RNA-binding proteins.
Engineering of a vaccinia virus bacterial artificial chromosome in Escherichia coli by bacteriophage lambda-based recombination.

The large capacity of vaccinia virus (VAC) for added DNA, cytoplasmic expression and broad host range make it a popular choice for gene delivery, despite the burdensome need for multiple plaque purifications to isolate recombinants. Here we describe how a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) containing the entire VAC genome can be engineered in Escherichia coli by homologous recombination using bacteriophage λ–encoded enzymes. The engineered VAC genomes can then be used to produce clonally pure recombinant viruses in mammalian cells without the need for plaque purification.
Photogrammetry for dimensional control of bridges

Abstract A curved segmental concrete bridge at Vail Pass, Colorado was the subject of investigation. The geometric properties of the precast segments were determined by analytical photogrammetry. These data were compared to design data to obtain quality control for casting. The segments, as determined by photogrammetry, were connected mathematically to obtain a “dry fit”. The “dry fit” compared to the actual fit provided data for constructional quality control. The mathematical solutions for field control and photogrammetry are discussed along with the error propagation of the “dry fit”.
Religious Coping among Caregivers of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients Main Effects and Psychosocial Mediators

This study investigated the association between religious coping, mental health and the caring experience, as well as potential explanatory mechanisms, among 162 informal caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients. Regression analyses indicated that, controlling for socio-demographic variables, more use of positive religious coping strategies was associated with more burden, yet, also more satisfaction. In contrast, more use of negative religious coping strategies was related to more burden, poorer quality of life and less satisfaction, and correlated with an increased likelihood of Major Depressive Disorder and anxiety disorders. In a number of models, negative religious coping was related to outcomes through its relationship with social support, optimism and self-efficacy. Implications for research and healthcare are discussed.
Low-Frequency Infrared Spectra of Aliphatic Monocarboxylic Acids

The infrared spectra of a number of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids in the 350–50 cm−1 range are reported and several consistencies in band frequencies noted. An attempt to assign the low frequency vibrational modes of some of the simpler acids has been made based on infrared and Raman intensities. It is concluded that these molecules consist of relatively strongly coupled dimer molecules in the pure liquid and that the spectra reflect this dimer structure.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of an antagonist-bombesin analogue as targeting vector.

The gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRP-R) is overexpressed on a number of tumors and cancer cell lines including pancreas, prostate, breast, gastrointestinal, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Radiolabeled bombesin (BBN) analogues have exhibited high binding affinity and specificity to the GRP-R. A bombesin analogue with an antagonist targeting vector at the C-terminus, DOTA-aminohexanoyl-[D-Phe6, Leu-NHCH2CH2CH313, des Met14] BBN[6−14] (1, “Bomproamide”), has been synthesized and displays high binding affinity (IC50 = 1.36 ± 0.09 nM) against 125I-Tyr4-BBN in in vitro competitive assays using PC-3 cells. Maximum internalization of 111In-1 reached 14% in PC-3 cells after 45 min of incubation. Rapid (0.25 h PI) and high (12.21 ± 3.2%ID/g) pancreatic uptake of 111In-1 was observed in healthy CF-1 mice, and 90% of the activity was blocked by coinjection of 100 μg of BBN. Rapid (0.25 h PI) and high uptake (6.90 ± 1.06%ID/g) was observed in PC-3 prostate cancer xenografts in SCID mice, as well as visualiz...
Design of experiments approach to the study of tribological performance of Cu-concentrate-filled PPS composites

Abstract The tribological performance of copper-concentrate (CC) mineral deposit as the filler in polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) was studied as a function of the filler proportions and sliding test variables. CC is a complex mixture of CuS, FexOy, SiO2, Al2O3, and other trace materials. The design of experiments based upon L9 (34) orthogonal arrays by Taguchi was used. Sliding tests were performed in the pin-on-disk configuration against a hardened tool steel (55-60 HRC) disk. The improvement in wear resistance of PPS was considerable with the use of fillers. The lowest steady state wear rate of 0.0030 mm3/km was obtained for PPS+20%CC+15%PTFE composition. It was two orders of magnitude lower than that of unfilled PPS. The variations in steady state coefficient of friction with the changes in filler proportions and sliding test variables were small. The transfer film was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS) was used to detect chemical reactive species developed during sliding, especially in the interface between transfer film and its counterface. Wear particles and the polymer worn surfaces were analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) for elemental distribution.
Derivation of efficient parallel programs: an example from genetic sequence analysis

Implementation issues such as synchronization, implementation of abstract data types, and scheduling of processes are usually not addressed in the formal derivation of parallel programs. We seek to redress the situation by considering these issues in the context of developing an efficient implementation of an actual parallel program. The computational problem that we proceed by developingan algorithm in Unity and investigating the issues that arise in producing an efficient C implementation of the resulting algorithm. Along the way, we develop some theorems about program refinements, and illustrate the usefulness of the theorems in the context of refining the original Unity program.
GROTTO visualization for decision support

In this paper we describe the GROTTO visualization projects being carried out at the Naval Research Laboratory. GROTTO is a CAVE-like system, that is, a surround-screen, surround- sound, immersive virtual reality device. We have explored the GROTTO visualization in a variety of scientific areas including oceanography, meteorology, chemistry, biochemistry, computational fluid dynamics and space sciences. Research has emphasized the applications of GROTTO visualization for military, land and sea-based command and control. Examples include the visualization of ocean current models for the simulation and stud of mine drifting and, inside our computational steering project, the effects of electro-magnetic radiation on missile defense satellites. We discuss plans to apply this technology to decision support applications involving the deployment of autonomous vehicles into contaminated battlefield environments, fire fighter control and hostage rescue operations.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) oncoprotein Tax promotes persistent NF-κB activation by blocking the phosphorylation of the adaptor molecule TAX1BP

Persistent activation of the transcription factor NF-κB by HTLV-1 Tax plays a critical role in T-cell transformation and the onset of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). Tax activates NF-κB by binding to the NEMO/IKKgamma subunit of the IKK complex, thus leading to persistent IKK activation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB dimers. In addition, Tax counteracts negative regulators of NF-κB such as A20 although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We have previously reported that the Tax interacting protein TAX1BP1 serves as a scaffold molecule for the A20 ubiquitin-editing complex, consisting of A20, TAX1BP1, Itch and RNF11, that is critical for the negative feedback of NF-κB. Here we demonstrate that the IKKalpha subunit of IKK phosphorylated TAX1BP1 at Ser593 and Ser624 in response to proinflammatory cytokine stimulation. TAX1BP1 phosphorylation by IKKalpha is essential for the inducible interactions between TAX1BP1, A20, Itch and RNF11 and the subsequent NF-κB inhibitory function of A20. Interestingly, HTLV-I Tax potently blocks TAX1BP1 phosphorylation by preventing the recruitment of IKKalpha to TAX1BP1. Therefore, Tax promotes constitutive NF-κB signaling by inhibiting TAX1BP1 phosphorylation, thus blocking the assembly of the A20 ubiquitin-editing complex and impairing the function of A20.
Production of cephalosporin C by Paecilomyces persicinus P-10.

After the growth of Paecilomyces persicinus P-10 in a glucose-peptone medium, filtrates were collected and analyzed for antibiotic antivity. Activities against Salmonella gallinarum ATCC 3030 and Alcaligenes faecalis ATCC 8750 (penicillin N-resistant strain) were obtained. Part of the former activity was readily inactivated by penicillinase. The fraction active against A. faecalis was isolated by passage through Amberlite XAD-2 and Amberlite IRA-68. The powder eventually obtained was subjected to paper chromatography followed by bioautography, and the activity obtained corresponded to that of a sample of cephalosporin C. Thin-layer chromatography was also employed to verify the presence of cephalosporin C in the P-10 powder. The active solids were further purified by means of paper chromatography in a solvent system consisting of n -butanol-acetic acid-water (60:15:25, vol/vol). The material obtained from this procedure yielded an infrared absorption spectrum identical to that of cephalosporin C. Similarly, the ultraviolet absorption of the purified preparation coincided with that of cephalosporin C. Exposure of the purified solids to cephalosporinase resulted in rapid inactivation of the antibiotic. In addition to penicillin N and cephalosporin C, filtrates of P. persicinus P-10 also contained deacetylcephalosporin C, deacetoxycephalosporin C, and cephalosporin P.
An approximate Malliavin weight for Variance Gamma process: Sensitivity analysis of European style options

Abstract The main objective of this work is to find an approximate Malliavin weight in order to calculate the delta of European style options where the underlying asset is modelled by a Variance Gamma process. We use a Malliavin integration by parts formula for a compound Poisson process. In order to apply this formula, a compound Poisson approximation of the Variance Gamma process is used. We calculate deltas using Monte Carlo simulations. An acceptance–rejection algorithm is used to generate random numbers for the approximated VG process.
Possible Adaptive Value of Endosymbionts to Their Protozoan Hosts1,2

. It is generally accepted that in symbiotic systems involving algal species as cellular endobionts there is some positive benefit to the host organisms. In this paper special consideration is given to the larger foraminifera, protozoa that serve as very useful model systems for the study of aspects of inter/intracellular integration and adaptation—living, as they do, in nutrient-limited but well illuminated shallow tropical seas and containing endosymbiotic algae in abundance. A considerable amount of information is now available on physiological as well as morphological adaptations of the host species to pigmented protists representing diverse algal divisions (phyla). Brief mention is also made of bacterial endosymbionts of certain ciliates.
Leadership PAC Contribution Strategies and House Member Ambitions

Leadership political action committees (PACs) are committees headed by federal politicians but separate from the politicians' personal campaign committees. Like other PACs, leadership PACs receive donations from individuals and groups, then make contributions to the political candidates that they support. Previous research indicates that member contribution strategies reflect both party-based and personal goals. Using a range of data from before and after the 1994 �Republican Revolution,� this study fills a void in the existent research by testing whether or not House members with leadership PACs switch contribution strategies once their party status changes. My analysis reveals that a shift in party status tends to produce a subsequent shift in contribution strategy. My findings also suggest that members, while acting within a party-based framework, may target their contributions in ways that also reflect their personal goals.
Quenching of the delayed fluorescence by charge carriers in crystals of anthracene—TCNB CT complex

Abstract The decrease in delayed fluorescence intensity in anthracene—tetracyanobenzene upon application of an electric field is investigated. It is shown, that photogenerated free carriers are responsible for the observed quenching and that the entity quenched is an intermediate state between a triplet-pair state and a fluorescent singlet state. A model is presented that identifies this state as a separated charge pair. This model can explain the main feature of the observations, namely, the large quenching cross section, which is of the order of cross sections typical of carrier—carrier interactions.
Simultaneous dual coronary very late stent thrombosis following noncardiac surgery

Challenges arise in the care of patients with drug-eluting stents (DES) undergoing noncardiac surgery. The risk of bleeding during surgery must be balanced with the risk of stent thrombosis from interrupted dual antiplatelet therapy. We report a case of a patient with simultaneous stent thrombosis in two coronary arteries following discontinuation of clopidogrel for an elective noncardiac surgery 3 years after DES placement.
Assessing the interference of transmitting portable electronic devices to distance measurement equipment

The use of intentionally transmitting portable electronic devices, such as cell phones, WiFi devices, Bluetooth headsets, etc., is widespread and growing. RTCA Special Committee 202 has been considering guidelines for the use of such devices on aircraft. A key element of the assessment of such devices is the quantitative expression of the effect of the intentional and unintentional (spurious) emissions of such devices on the communications, navigation and surveillance radios used on the aircraft. These radios were generally not designed to accommodate interference from consumer devices operated on-board the aircraft. This paper develops the performance equations necessary to evaluate the effects of emissions from such intentionally transmitting devices to the L-band distance measuring equipment, and uses these equations to recommend appropriate susceptibility thresholds. The resultant thresholds will be incorporated into the recommendations of SC-202, as documented in a modification of RTCA/DO-294B.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm and horseshoe kidney: evaluation and surgical management: a case report

This report describes the successful repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) associated with a horseshoe kidney (HK). The operative man agement of this problem is discussed. The preoperative evaluation of patients in whom an AAA and HK are known to coexist, the indications for elective aneu rysm resection, and the operative management of this problem are examined.
Development of oxytetracycline long-acting injectable☆

Abstract Tetracyclines have been recognized as drugs of choice for treating many enteric, respiratory and hemoprotozoal livestock diseases. They are commonly administered in feeds, drinking water or by injection given two or three times a day. Shortly after the discovery of tetracyclines, it was recognized that optimally, these drugs should be dosed once or twice a week, preferably as a longacting injectable. This type of dosage form is, however, difficult to prepare as tetracyclines are relatively insoluble in conventional parenteral solvents and are also highly irritating when administered parenterally. This paper describes the conceptualization and developoment of an oxytetracycline long-acting injectablea in our laboratories. A number of complexing agents were evaluated to increase the aqueous solubility of oxytetracycline. 2-Pyrrolidone and caprolactam were found to be excellent solubilizers. Aqueous solutions of oxytetracycline chelated with magnesium ion were prepared using 40% 2-pyrrolidone. These solutions were well tolerated when injected intramuscularly in cattle and swine and gave sustained blood levels. The stability of the drug in the solvent system was good. Field tests with infected cattle and swine demonstrated that a single injection was equivalent to a conventional oxytetracycline parenteral product given two or three times per treatment period.
Pair distributions and energy-density functionals for liquid He-4 drops

The pair-distribution function g/sub 2/(r/sub 1/,r/sub 2/) in drops of liquid /sup 4/He is studied with the variational Monte Carlo method. It is shown that in drops having 70 or more atoms it can be approximated as a functional of the local one-particle density and the separation r/sub 12/. Energy-density functionals based on this approximation of g/sub 2/ give a fairly accurate description of the ground-state properties of the drops.
Effects of a low OP dose on seed/bead discrimination in the kangaroo rat, Dipodomys.

Effet d'une dose unique de methylparathion administre par voie orale sur la capacite des animaux sauvages a distinguer en laboratoire entre des graines et des perles. Comme la selection rapide d'une nourriture appropriee est un processus vital important l'action d'une substance toxique pourrait influencer la survie de l'espece
13.5 nm EUV generation from tin-doped droplets using a fiber laser.

A comprehensive study of the spectral and Mo-Si mirror inband EUV emission from tin-doped droplet laser plasma targets irradiated with a single 1064 nm beam from an Yb:doped fiber laser is reported. With pre-pulse enhancement, in-band conversion efficiency of approximately 2.1% is measured for laser irradiance intensities near 8×1010 W/cm2. This is the first study to be reported that uses a high-power, high repetition rate fiber laser with the high repetition rate droplet targets where EUV generation from plasmas is measured.
Adaptive electricity scheduling with quality of usage guarantees in microgrids

Microgrid (MG) is a key component for future smart grid (SG) deployment with high potentials. Balancing the supply and demand of energy is one of the most important goals of MG management. In this paper, we explore effective schemes for quality-of-usage (QoU) guarantees for local residents in an MG, under randomness in both electricity supply and demand. The microgrid control center (MGCC) aims to maintain the QoU blocking probability around a target value by serving or blocking QoU requests. The problem is formulated as a queue stability problem by introducing the concept of a QoU blocking virtual queue. The Lyapunov optimization technique is then applied to derive an adaptive QoU algorithm with complexity O(1). Furthermore, the proposed algorithm is an online algorithm since it does not require any future knowledge of the system. The stability of the proposed algorithm is proven, and its performance is evaluated with trace-driven simulations under random QoU requests. The simulation results demonstrate the efficacy and robustness of the proposed algorithm.
The Euclidean nature of color space

All modern theorists use affine geometry as a basis for the vector manifold representing color sensations. Angles and vector lengths have no meaning in affine geometry, and Euclidean vector addition does not apply. All color theories and color specification systems are but transformations in affine space. Color sensations are presumed to be isomorphic to affine geometry alone but both mathematical proof and empirical demonstration show the existence of a transformation for color vectors from affine to Euclidean space. When so transformed to Euclidean space, color vector lengths and direction cosines are invariant under rotation of reference axes; the configuration is stable absolutely, and color vectors add as force vectors in mechanics. New concepts are developed for the Euclidean color space and relationships to the older concepts of affine space (as luminance) are demonstrated.
Environmental basis of soil-site productivity relationships in ponderosa pine

Understanding the environmental basis for soil-site quality relationships requires that we connect the environmental factors important to resource availability to the physiological processes influencing tree productivity. The nitrogen productivity concept provides this link by relating nitrogen uptake rate to plant growth, although the concept has been verified almost exclusively by laboratory experiments on tree seedlings. We tested the nitrogen productivity concept in a field setting by relating foliage production to nitrogen mineralization rate in 19 mature ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) stands across a moisture gradient in central Oregon, USA. Models developed following the nitrogen productivity concept predicted annual foliage production precisely and adequately represented the different influences of nitrogen and water stress. Current-year foliage production was proportional to older foliage nitrogen content (R 2 ¼ 0.82), and a model including a water stress index (stable carbon isotope ratio, d 13 C) further explained 95% of the variability. A direct link between soil nitrogen availability and canopy nutrition was less clear. Annual foliage production was positively, but weakly, correlated with soil-estimated N-uptake (estimated in situ), likely because annual nitrogen uptake was small relative to nitrogen retained in the canopy. Foliage nitrogen was highly conserved with a mean retention time of 10.5 yr, which was 2.2 times longer than foliage retention. Annual nitrogen uptake amounted to 0-11% of total canopy N. Multiyear estimates of cumulative N fluxes are needed to adequately assess N availability. Soil nutrient pools were poorly correlated with nutrient uptake and were not useful for predicting stand productivity.
Roy H. Reinhart ... Pecos High Bridge ... S. J. Groves ... Books

You may have never heard her name, but there is a wonderful lady, Johanna Reinhart, at ASCE Headquarters in Virginia, who has supported the Practice Periodical since its inception 10 years ago. Johanna is director of journals and has always been a true friend. Earlier this year, her father Roy H. Reinhart completed his pilgrimage on this earth and passed into the hands of a higher power. Roy was a geology professor at Miami University Ohio for most of his career; but during World War II, he was an army engineer and commanded a bridge-building unit, so he had legitimate ties to the construction profession during the most trying of times. Requiescat in pace.
Relationship between quality of life and disease severity in atopic dermatitis/eczema syndrome during childhood.

Purpose of reviewAtopic dermatitis is a chronic relapsing itchy disease that has an effect on children and families' quality of life. The purpose of this review is to give workers in the field an easy-to-read, up-to-date and accessible summary of recent advances in the relationship between quality o
Industrial part recognition using a component index

Abstract Part recognition is an important problem in industrial vision. Efficient and accurate part identification is essential for flexible automation of almost all major manufacturing processes such as inspection, assembly sorting and binning. The problem of 2D industrial part recognition is considered — a new data-driven technique for part recognition is proposed. This technique models an object or a scene as a composition of several components. A component corresponds to a convex section of the object boundary. A component of the unanalyzed portion of the scene is efficiently identified using a k-d tree-based component-index. The objects that contain the identified component are hypothesized to be present in the scene. A given hypothesis is verified by matching the transformed boundary of the hypothesized object against the scene. Some experimental results are also discussed to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed technique.