cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SURVEY OF COMPUTER PROGRAMS FOR SOLUTION OF NONLINEAR STRUCTURAL AND SOLID MECHANICS PROBLEMS

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a survey of computer programs for solution of nonlinear structural and solid mechanics problems. It provides an overview of the current capabilities of 36 computer programs that can be used for solution of nonlinear structural and solid mechanics problems. These programs range from the large, general-purpose codes with a broad spectrum of capabilities, rich variety of element types, and large user community and comprehensive user support to the small and special-purpose codes with limited user community such as BEAM, BRICK, PAC78, and WHAMS. The final selection of the program to be used should be based on a detailed examination of the documentation and the literature about the program.
Ethnic Differences in Physiological Responses Associated with the Valsalva Maneuver

Ethnic differences in cardiovascular indices at rest and across the Valsalva maneuver (VM) were studied in 30 Asian, 86 Caucasian, and 12 Black healthy men and women aged 30 to 55 years. Subjects simulated the VM by blowing into an aneroid pressure-gauge meter to 40 mmHg for 10 seconds. Resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher in Blacks than in Asians or Caucasians. During the strain phase of the VM, the fall in SBP from baseline was significantly greater in Asians and Blacks than in Caucasians. Further, Asians had the greatest overshoot of SBP above baseline. Although resting heart rate was significantly higher in Asians compared to Caucasians, there were no differences in heart rate responses to the VM. Reduction in carotid artery blood flow velocity during strain was significantly less in Blacks. We conclude that there are ethnic differences in cardiovascular indices at rest and across the VM.
Garlock Fault: An Intracontinental Transform Structure, Southern California

The northeast- to east-striking Garlock fault of southern California is a major strike-slip fault with a left-lateral displacement of at least 48 to 64 km. It is also an important physiographic boundary since it separates along its length the Tehachapi–Sierra Nevada and Basin and Range provinces of pronounced topography to the north from the Mojave Desert block of more subdued topography to the south. Previous authors have considered the 260-km-long fault to be terminated at its western and eastern ends by the northwest-striking San Andreas and Death Valley fault zones, respectively. We interpret the Garlock fault as an intracontinental transform structure which separates a northern crustal block distended by late Cenozoic basin and range faulting from a southern, Mojave block much less affected by dilational tectonics. Earlier ideas that the Garlock fault terminates eastward at the Death Valley fault zone appear to us to be in error, although right-lateral offsetting of the Garlock along that zone by about 8 km is necessary. Displacement along the Garlock fault must increase westward from its eastern terminus, a point of zero offset now buried beneath alluvial deposits in Kingston Wash to the east of the Death Valley fault zone. Much of the displacement on the Garlock fault due to east-west components of basin and range faulting appears to have been derived from block faulting in the area between Death Valley and the Nopah Range. Westward displacement of the crustal block north of the Garlock by extensional tectonics within it totals 48 to 60 km in the Spangler Hills–Slate Range area and probably continues to increase westward at least as far as the eastern frontal fault of the Sierra Nevada. Westward shifting of the northern block of the Garlock has probably contributed to the westward bending or deflection of the San Andreas fault where the two faults meet. Many earlier workers have considered that the left-lateral Garlock fault is conjugate to the right-lateral San Andreas fault in a regional strain pattern of north-south shortening and east-west extension, the latter expressed in part as an eastward displacement of the Mojave block away from the junction of the San Andreas and Garlock faults. In contrast, we regard the origin of the Garlock fault as being directly related to the extensional origin of the Basin and Range province in areas north of the Garlock. Recent models for development of that province related to intracontinental spreading east of an east-dipping subduction zone along the Cenozoic margin of western North America may best account for the differential east-west extension which has occurred in the crustal blocks to the north and south of the Garlock fault. Other possible examples of intracontinental transform faults in the southwestern Cordillera with geometries similar to that of the Garlock fault include the left-lateral Santa Cruz–Sierra Madre fault zone along the southern margin of the western Transverse Ranges, and the right-lateral Las Vegas shear zone and Agua Blanca fault of Baja California.
Temporal aspects of the last reversal of Earth's magnetic field

Spatial palaeomagnetic field data associated with the MatuyamaBrunhes reversal reveal a global pattern of virtual geomagnetic poles (VGPs) so distinct that inferences about the temporal nature, and...
Rat ribophorin II : molecular cloning and chromosomal localization of a highly conserved transmembrane glycoprotein of the rough endoplasmic reticulum

Abstract We report here the complete nucleotide sequence of rat ribophorin II. The predicted amino acid sequence is highly homologous to the corresponding human protein and consists of 631 amino acid residues, including a 22 amino acid N-terminal cleavable signal sequence, and a single 23 amino acid putative transmembrane domain. Northern blot analysis reveals a single ∼2.4 kb message expressed in a number of rat cell lines and in adult liver. The gene was mapped to mouse chromosome 2, close to the Src proto-oncogene.
Recoverable Cathode Performance Loss in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

This paper addresses the performance loss due to oxidation of a platinum cathode catalyst in continuous operation of the direct methanol fuel cell. Saturation oxide coverage is reached within 2 h at oxidizing potentials of the cathode in the absence of gas-phase oxygen. This rate of platinum oxide formation is too fast to fully explain the slow rate of cathode performance degradation. There is an indication that oxide reconstruction may be responsible for long-term cathode performance degradation beyond the initial 2 h. Cathode performance loss in the oxygen reduction reaction is fully recoverable via reduction of platinum oxide formed on the surface. Because the methanol anode is a relatively easily polarizable electrode, it cannot serve as a counter electrode for lowering the cathode potential with an external voltage source. However, the oxidized Pt can be reduced to its catalytic form by air-starving the cathode and consuming the remaining oxygen in the oxidation of crossover methanol. The subsequent depletion of oxygen in the cathode plenum leads to a potential drop below the level required for complete reduction of surface Pt oxides (hydroxides).
Preliminary Report on Microplankton and Microbenthon Responses to 1979 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spills (Ixtoc I and Burmah Agate), with Comments on Avenues of Oil to Sediments and Fate of Oil in Column and on Bottom: ABSTRACT

During 1979 the Gulf of Mexico was the scene of the world's largest oil spill (Ixtoc I in the Bay of Campeche) and a major oil tanker spill near a metropolitan area and an estuarine system (Burmah Agate spill off Galveston). Pre-spill sampling provided base-line data on the microplankton and microbenthon. Post-spill sampling (after the oil came ashore in each area, the south Texas and Galveston beaches) illustrated immediate responses to oil in the water column (death of meroplanktonic and holoplanktonic forms, but an apparent congregation of copepods feeding on the oil) and perhaps rapid (increase in nematode standing stock) and longer term (increase in nematodes and benthonic foraminiferans) responses to the oil as it reached the bottom. Four pelagic avenues of oil to t e bottom were recognized (tar balls and perhaps on the bodies of dead plankton near the Burmah Agate, flocculation or adhering of clay-sized particles to sheen or mousse, fecal pellet transport, and aerosol transport to the turbid nearshore zone with the adhering of silt-sized particles). Impact was noticeable near the Burmah Agate, in nearshore regions, and under open ocean areas covered by extensive mousse and tar balls; however, most of the open ocean continental shelf appeared to be unaffected. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1554------------
Tracking and Data Relay Satellites

A discussion of tracking and data relay satellites is presented, including the TDRS concept of employing geostationary spacecraft to command, track, and relay data from multiple orbiting satellites to central ground stations. Benefits include economic advantages and improved service. A system design and spacecraft descriptions are included.
Analyzing Adherence to Prenatal Supplement: Does Pill Count Measure Up?

Objective. To determine if adherence as measured by pill count would show a significant association with serum-based measures of adherence. Methods. Data were obtained from a prenatal vitamin D supplementation trial where subjects were stratified by race and randomized into three dosing groups: 400 (control), 2000, or 4000 IU vitamin D3/day. One measurement of adherence was obtained via pill counts remaining compared to a novel definition for adherence using serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-D) levels (absolute change in 25(OH)D over the study period and the subject's steady-state variation in their 25(OH)D levels). A multivariate logistic regression model examined whether mean percent adherence by pill count was significantly associated with the adherence measure by serum metabolite levels. Results. Subjects' mean percentage of adherence by pill count was not a significant predictor of adherence by serum metabolite levels. This finding was robust across a series of sensitivity analyses. Conclusions. Based on our novel definition of adherence, pill count was not a reliable predictor of adherence to protocol, and calls into question how adherence is measured in clinical research. Our findings have implications regarding the determination of efficacy of medications under study and offer an alternative approach to measuring adherence of long half-life supplements/medications.
Growth-inhibitory effect of a novel synthetic triterpenoid, 2-cyano-3,12-dioxoolean-1,9-dien-28-oic acid, on ovarian carcinoma cell lines not dependent on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ expression

Abstract Objectives . Despite the advent of new chemotherapeutic drugs in recent decades, epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) remains the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers, and new therapeutic targets and agents are urgently needed. 2-Cyano-3,12-dioxoolean-1,9-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO) is a novel synthetic triterpenoid with anti-tumor activity against a wide range of tumors in vitro and in vivo. CDDO is a ligand for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ). The aim of the present study was to evaluate CDDO activity in EOC cell lines in vitro. Methods . The expression of PPARγ was examined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in eight EOC cell lines (2774, SKOV3, CAOV3, OVCAR3, NMP-1, HEY, 2008 and 2008.C13), and the growth inhibitory activity of CDDO was assessed using the MTT assay. Results . PPARγ RNA was expressed in all eight cell lines examined, but the expression varied widely among cell lines. In contrast, CDDO showed a similar degree of activity in different EOC cell lines independent of cisplatin sensitivity, with 50% inhibitory concentrations ranging from 1 to 4 μM. Experiments combining CDDO with cisplatin and paclitaxel indicated weak antagonism. The growth-inhibitory activity of CDDO was unaffected by PPARγ antagonist T007. Conclusions . Although differences were observed in PPARγ expression in EOC cell lines, CDDO had similar growth-inhibitory activity in all cell lines examined, indicating that the antitumor activity of CDDO in vitro is mediated by a mechanism independent of PPARγ. The activity of CDDO in platinum-resistant cell lines is encouraging with respect to the potential clinical use of the drug.
Work alienation among IT workers: a cross-cultural gender comparison

Information Technology (IT) has experienced a worrisome decline in female participation over two decades, much of which can be attributed to fewer women choosing IT careers. However, women IT professionals also demonstrate mid-career turnover for reasons such as work-life balance, work exhaustion, role ambiguity, role conflict, and growth needs. This study explores alienation among women IT professionals and examines factors that lead to work alienation and abandonment of IT careers. Such alienation appears to be less prevalent in Asian countries where women perceive IT careers to be more conducive to female participation. A comparison among women from American and Asian cultures is proposed.
The Secularization of Confessional Protests: The Role of Religious Processes of Rationalization and Differentiation

In the 1830s, a series of single-issue protests mobilized hundreds of thousands of Americans across the nation. In these protests against social problems like slavery and drinking, men and women gathered together to bear witness against what they viewed as sins, and to demand that their fellow Americans join them in confession. These confessional protests launched and linked a national wave of social movements. The origins of these movements were religious and evangelical. However, for many activists, the outcome of these protests led to a repudiation of this religious source. The development of these confessional protests reveals keys to the processes of secularization. Drawing on the letters and diaries of six white leading anti-slavery activists, we demonstrate how religious processes of rationalization and differentiation led to secularization. We present this development as a reminder to social theorists that processes immanent to religion have been fateful forces driving secularization.
Yield from total skin examination and effectiveness of skin cancer awareness program. Findings in 874 new dermatology patients.

The authors reviewed 874 dermatology charts to assess the acceptance rate of total skin examination (TSE), incidental skin findings, and patient compliance regarding treatment recommendations. Of the 874 new dermatology patients studied, 707 (80.9%) agreed to TSE. Important incidental findings were found in 151 (21.4%). These included: (1) biopsy specimen-confirmed malignant tumors (malignant melanoma, lentigo maligna, and basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma) in 24 of the 707 patients (3.4%), (2) biopsy specimen-confirmed premalignant tumors (actinic keratosis with dysplasia), Bowenoid actinic keratosis, Bowenoid papulosis, and lentigo with dysplasia, in five (0.7%), (3) clinically diagnosed premalignant actinic keratosis in 64 (9.1%), (4) biopsy specimen-confirmed dysplastic nevi in 17 (2.4%), and (5) congenital nevi in 41 (5.8%). Only 4.2% of the patients returned for a yearly TSE, and only 6.0% were found to follow all recommendations for monthly self examination, yearly professional examination, and sun protection. It is concluded that TSE for all new patients, and on a yearly basis for all return patients, is valuable in the detection of many skin conditions and allows skin cancer screening to be done, since patients for the most part do not follow recommendations for athome screening.
Beyond Civilization and Barbarism: Marital Spaces in Carlos Reyles' Beba

Although marriage was a form of social control and containment—a contractual relationship that perpetuated the patriarchal underpinnings of society and promoted the civilizing programmes formulated by the inventors of the modern nation-state in nineteenth-century Spanish America—I argue that in Uruguayan Carlos Reyles' Beba (1894) this institution can also be read as a subversive force that destabilizes and undermines the very society it is meant to uphold. I therefore approach marriage in the novel as a liminal construct whose meaning fluctuates as it alternates between the ‘barbaric’ Uruguayan countryside and the ‘civilized’ realm of Montevideo. Analysing the connection between space and marriage allows us to disengage realms of ‘civilization’ and ‘barbarism’ from their univocal meanings as set forth by legislators of modern Spanish America. Throughout Beba, we are presented with symbolic spaces that emphasize the fissures of foundational decrees and call attention to social meanings and individual iden...
Whiplash is Likely to be Associated with Temporomandibular Disorder Symptoms, but the Magnitude of this Association is not Known

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Whiplash associated disorders and temporomandibular symptoms following motor vehicle collisions. Epstein JB, Klasser GD. Quintessence Int 2011;42(1):e1-e14. Reviewer Mike T. John, DDS, MPH, PhD Purpose/Question Is whiplash associated with temporomandibular disorder symptoms? Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design Comprehensive literature review Level of Evidence Level 3: Other Evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Grade C: Consensus, disease-oriented evidence, usual practice, expert opinion
Design of a Multi-Use, Highly Efficient Intermodal Container System

This paper details the design of a shipping container concept with a purpose of being not only highly efficient in transport but also after arrival. In order to reduce mass while also increasing the ability to carry heavier loads, Lightweight structures and materials are employed instead of simple steels or cast iron used in current designs. The second goal of the design was to create a weld free structure that can be easily assembled and disassembled without the need for special labor and skills saving time, space and resources when shipping empty container or storing containers that are not in use. Shipping containers often clutter construction sites and temporary establishments like concerts and flea markets. By being able to break down and efficiently store containers businesses in charge of these temporary establishments can save valuable real estate and run much more efficiently.Another design feature is creating an entirely modular system. Each container is made from completely interchangeable parts that can be swapped in and out for ones that have different function like container variations that provides insulation or active temperature or humidity control for temperature sensitive products or high security configurations for hazardous materials or expensive goods. In order to provide such interchangeability, the frame is designed to be strong and rigid enough to be able to handle the required loads without relying on wall plates. The combination of these design points leads to a transportation system that can not only be deployed using existing intermodal infrastructure but can serve a secondary purpose once it arrives at its destination. Because the containers are modular and highly versatile, they can be assembled into large floor space, multistory structures. Containers and trailers normally used as office space at construction sites are cramped, uncomfortable and very unsightly. Using this system, large two story office space of several thousand square feet can be erected using no more than a dozen containers. The modular walls can be used to swap in ceiling or wall panels that let in natural light, harness solar power or allow plumbing systems, electrical wiring, thermal insulation or ventilation. Because of the weld-free design and ultra-lightweight components, structure assembly and disassembly is simple with unskilled labor and common tools. This is especially important because the most impactful application of this system could be in disaster relief. Single containers can be used as substitutes for single family homes and large container assemblies can be used to create anything kind of community use structure from shower clusters to temporary schools to dining halls to administrative buildings creating a sustainable temporary community.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Maternal self-reported genital tract infections during pregnancy and the risk of selected birth defects.

BACKGROUND: Genital tract infections are common during pregnancy and can result in adverse outcomes including preterm birth and neonatal infection. This hypothesis-generating study examined whether these infections are associated with selected birth defects. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study of 5913 children identified as controls and 12,158 cases with birth defects from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (1997–2004). Maternal interviews provided data on genital tract infections that occurred from one month before pregnancy through the end of the first trimester. Infections were either grouped together as a single overall exposure or were considered as a subgroup that included chlamydia/gonorrhea/pelvic inflammatory disease. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression with adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS: Genital tract infections were associated with bilateral renal agenesis/hypoplasia (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.11–7.50), cleft lip with or without cleft palate (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.03–2.06), and transverse limb deficiency (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.04–3.26). Chlamydia/gonorrhea/pelvic inflammatory disease was associated with cleft lip only (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.39–5.69). These findings were not statistically significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Caution is needed in interpreting these findings due to the possible misclassification of infection, the limited sample size that constrained consideration of the effects of treatment, and the possibility of chance associations. Although these data do not provide strong evidence for an association between genital tract infections and birth defects, additional research on the possible effects of these relatively common infections is needed. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Four Decades of Trends in Attitudes Toward Family Issues in the United States: The 1960s Through the 1990s

This article examines trends in family attitudes and values across the last 4 decades of the 20th century, with particular emphasis on the past 2 decades. The article focuses on attitudes toward a wide range of family issues, including the roles of men and women, marriage, divorce, childlessness, premarital sex, extramarital sex, unmarried cohabitation, and unmarried childbearing. More generally, the article considers trends in 3 broad contemporary values: freedom; equality; and commitment to family, marriage, and children. Five data sets are used for the article: Monitoring the Future, General Social Survey, International Social Science Project, Intergenerational Panel Study of Parents and Children, and the National Survey of Families and Households. These 5 data sets reveal substantial and persistent long-term trends toward the endorsement of gender equality in families, which may have plateaued at very high levels in recent years. There have also been important and continuing long-term trends toward individual autonomy and tolerance toward a diversity of personal and family behaviors as reflected in increased acceptance of divorce, premarital sex, unmarried cohabitation, remaining single, and choosing to be childless. At the same time, marriage and family life remain important in the cultural ethos, with large and relatively stable fractions of young people believing that marriage and family life are important and planning marriage and the bearing and rearing of children.
Arachidonic acid metabolism by bovine placental tissue during the last month of pregnancy.

Abstract Conversion of tritiated arachidonic acid (AA) into metabolites of the cyclo- and lipoxygenase pathways by bovine fetal placental tissue (200 mg) and fetal plus maternal placental tissue (400 mg) of Days 255, 265, 275 of gestation and at parturition (n = 5) during a 30 min incubation was measured using reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography. Fetal placental tissue produced 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin E2 (PGEM) as the major metabolite, the synthesis of which increased from Day 265 to Day 275 and parturition by 150 % and 475 %, respectively. In tissues collected at parturition, PGE2 synthesis was also detected. On Day 275 and at parturition fetal placental tissue synthesized the metabolite 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid (HHT), and throughout the experimental period the lipoxygenase product 15-HETE was detected with synthesis rates increasing over time of gestation. In addition, an unidentified metabolite was regularly found in the radiochromatograms which eluted at 1 h and 1 min (U101), between HHT and 15-HETE. The synthesis of this metabolite decreased as pregnancy progressed. Furthermore, various other polar and nonpolar metabolites pooled under the heading UNID were eluted, the production of which increased over time of gestation. The presence of maternal placental tissue did not influence the synthesis of PGEM, 15-HETE and U101, but the production of HHT was decreased when maternal tissue was present. Also, as pregnancy progressed, maternal placental tissue seemed to contribute to the pool of unidentified metabolites. In conclusion, fetal placental tissue seems to be the major source of the AA metabolites when compared with maternal placental tissue, and AA metabolism by bovine placental tissue is markedly increased throughout the last month of pregnancy, suggesting a role for AA metabolites in mechanisms controlling parturition.
Fiscal Federalism and Social Well–Being in Australia

Australia’s federal system is characterised by both vertical and horizontal financial imbalance. This is overcome by Commonwealth-state transfer payments. The nature of such transfers has changed over time as attempts have been made to redefine fiscal federalism. Currently, the budgetary position of the states, notions of co-operative federalism, and pleas for micro-economic reform are altering the nature of government activity as more and more is left to market forces. Patterns of social well-being are changing and increased inter-regional differences are evident. The current system of transfer payments can cope with this but detailed monitoring of social well-being is needed as is debate over the meaning of equity in the Australian federal system.
Olfactory bulbectomy: Emotional behavior and defense responses in the rat

Abstract Removal of the olfactory bulbs of male hooded rats caused a reduction in defensive reactions to an unconditioned aversive stimulus (mechanical robot). In the presence of the robot, bulbectomized rats showed significantly less freezing and significantly less suppression of feeding behavior than sham-operated controls. At the same time, the bulbectomized rats were significantly more irritable to handling and showed a significant increase in muricide. These effects could not be attributed to loss of olfactory perception alone. Rats made peripherally anosmic through surgical removal of olfactory afferents were virtually indistinguishable from controls. These results provide further evidence for the view that in addition to their sensory functions, the olfactory bulbs of the rat have important tonic influences on emotional behavior. These tonic influences can occur independently of sensory processing and seem to be critical for the normal expression of emotional behavior or defense responses in this animal.
Being watched or being special: how I learned to stop worrying and love being monitored, surveilled, and assessed

This paper explores the relationship between display of feedback (public vs. private) and the basis for evaluation (present vs. absent) of that feedback. Using a controlled, laboratory setting, we employ a fundamentally social, interpersonal context (speed-dating). Two participants (one male and one female) receive real-time performance feedback about either only themselves (private) or about both participants (public). We measure participant perceptions of monitoring, conformity, and self-consciousness about themselves and their dating partner. We also assess perceptions of system invasiveness, system competence, and system support. Results reveal a consistent pattern of significant interaction between feedback display and basis for evaluation conditions. In each of these interactions, public feedback with an added, trivial, basis for evaluation creates significantly lower perception of monitoring, conformity, self-consciousness, and system invasiveness, than the other three conditions. Additionally there is a main effect for basis for evaluation with respect to system competence and supportiveness. In each case, the presence of a basis produces more positive assessments than its absence. The experiment shows that reactions to being monitored and evaluated do not differ strictly along the dimension of public vs. private; basis for evaluation of feedback functions as a mediator and thus co-determines participant attitudinal responses. We discuss the implications of this at several levels, and present a broader cultural explanation in terms of the theory of rationalization. We also discuss the issues around and functionality of linking laboratory settings to larger cultural contexts in this and related fields of inquiry.
Migrations of the Host: Fugitive Democracy and the Corpus Mysticum

The essay argues that Sheldon Wolin's case for decoupling democracy and liberalism, which he makes in both editions of Politics and Vision (1960 and 2004), significantly depends on the historical argument Henri Cardinal de Lubac made in his book Corpus Mysticum: L'Eucharistie et l'Eglise au moyen âge (1944 and 1949). Such a claim for the importance of this dependence deepens our understanding of the significance of both Wolin and Lubac for contemporary debates about religion and democracy. To this end, the essay has two proximate goals: (1) by displaying Wolin's use of Lubac's arguments concerning the shifting use of the term corpus mysticum, we will have a better theological understanding of Wolin's complex criticisms of liberal democracy; and (2) in the midst of claims to uncertainty about the political implications of Cardinal de Lubac's thought, we will see some of the conclusions that one political theorist came to after considering a theological argument. Finally, this particular instance of a mutua...
Computational biology. Beyond the spherical cow.

Computational and mathematical models are helping biologists to understand the beating of a heart, the molecular dances underlying the cell-division cycle and cell movement, and much more.
Role for the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

Treatment of cancer patients with chemotherapeutics like cyclophosphamide often causes alopecia as a result of premature and aberrant catagen. Because the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signals anagen hair follicles to enter catagen, we hypothesized that EGFR signaling may be involved in cyclophosphamide-induced alopecia. To test this hypothesis, skin-targeted Egfr mutant mice were generated by crossing floxed Egfr and Keratin 14 promoter-driven Cre recombinase mice. Cyclophosphamide treatment of control mice resulted in alopecia while Egfr mutant skin was resistant to cyclophosphamide-induced alopecia. Egfr mutant skin entered catagen normally, as indicated by dermal papilla condensation and decreased follicular proliferation, but did not progress to telogen as did Egfr wild type follicles. Egfr mutant follicles responded with less proliferation, apoptosis, and fewer p53-positive cells after cyclophosphamide. Treatment of control mice with the EGFR inhibitors erlotinib or gefitinib similarly suppressed alopecia and catagen progression by cyclophosphamide. Secondary analysis of clinical trials utilizing EGFR-targeted therapies and alopecia-inducing chemotherapy also revealed evidence for involvement of EGFR in chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Taken together, our results demonstrated the involvement of EGFR signaling in chemotherapy-induced alopecia, which will help in the design of novel therapeutic regimens to minimize chemotherapy-induced alopecia.
Brief Paper: Multi-input shaping design for vibration reduction

The performance of many flexible systems can be improved by employing command shaping techniques to reduce machine vibration. The input shaping technique, in particular, has proven to be highly effective for a wide class of systems. While most real systems are multi-input systems, however, the method has primarily only been developed for single-input systems. This paper presents an approach for designing multi-input shapers using an s-plane pole placement technique. Slightly more information about the system model is taken into account than has been traditionally done with input shaping designs. The input shaping sequences for all system inputs are solved for simultaneously, and the resulting designs lead to shorter impulse sequences than solving for input shaping sequences for each input independently of each other.
Toward supramolecular ion channels formed by oligonucleotide analogs: Hydrophobic guanine dimers

In this model study toward supramolecular channels formed by oligonucleotide analogs, we describe the synthesis of hydrophobic guanine dimers 1–4. We found that the solubility of guanine dimers 1 – 4 is significantly reduced compared to hydrophobic (iso)guanosine monomers and independent of the nature of substituents at the exocyclic amine. This indicates that the (deoxy)ribose is important to form soluble, ionophoric G-quartets.
Safety and antiplatelet effect of murine monoclonal antibody 7E3 Fab directed against platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa in patients undergoing elective coronary angioplasty.

Background Excessive platelet deposition at the site of arterial damage due to coronary angioplasty plays an important role in the pathophysiology of both abrupt closure and restenosis after that procedure. Even aspirin, a relatively weak platelet antagonist, decreases the complications of coronary angioplasty. This study was designed to provide preliminary safety and efficacy data on the use of a much more powerful antiplatelet agent, m7E3 Fab, a prototype murine monoclonal antibody fragment that binds directly to the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor mediating aggregation in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. Methods Twenty-three patients referred for elective coronary angioplasty who met prespecified criteria designed to minimize risk of bleeding received, in groups of four to six patients, escalating bolus doses of 0.15 to 0.35 mg/kg of this agent immediately before coronary angioplasty. Heparin was administered in the usual manner, but aspirin was withheld for 24 hours before coronary angioplasty and until bleeding times and platelet aggregation had returned to normal after angioplasty. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa binding site occupation, platelet aggregation response to 20 microM of adenosine diphosphate, and data on bleeding times were acquired at baseline and at 2, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after m7E3 Fab administration. Clinical safety and efficacy were also monitored throughout the time of hospitalization, and delayed antimurine immune responses were assayed. Five similar patients received aspirin (325 mg orally per day) but otherwise received the same treatment, thus serving as controls. Results Treatment with m7E3 Fab resulted in a dose-dependent occupation of binding sites to a maximum of 93% at 2 hours in the highest-dose groups, with an associated graded inhibition of platelet aggregation and increase in bleeding time significantly exceeding that seen in control patients, with a gradual recovery over 6 to 48 hours. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was successfully performed in 18 of 21 patients (86%) in whom it was attempted. Arterial and venous sheath removal 24 hours after m7E3 Fab dosing was largely uneventful. No thrombotic complications were seen, and only one patient (excluding a patient who underwent uneventful urgent bypass surgery) had bleeding severe enough to require packed red cell transfusion. Eight patients (36%) developed late antibody titers against m7E3 Fab. Conclusions This murine monoclonal antibody provides potent antiaggregatory action and thus may be useful in preventing thrombotic complications of coronary angioplasty, but studies of its safety and efficacy during longer infusions and with larger numbers of patients are needed. Less immunogenic forms of the antibody may be more clinically useful.
Viehweg"s hyperbolicity conjecture is true over compact bases

Abstract We prove Viehwegʼs hyperbolicity conjecture over compact bases and over bases with non-uniruled compactification. The most general case of the conjecture states that the base space of a maximal variation family of smooth projective manifolds with semi-ample canonical sheaf is of log-general type.
EFFECT OF RADIATION ABSORPTION ON FUEL DROPLET EVAPORATION

ABSTRACT Fuel droplet evaporation is relevant to spray combustion in technologically important devices and must be understood to develop reliable combustion methods for hydrocarbon fuels. Motivated by this observation, this paper presents an analysis to examine the importance of radiation on unsteady evaporation of a single isolated fuel droplet. The droplet is considered to be spherical and semitransparent to radiation. A model based on radiative transfer theory is used to calculate the local volumetric rate of radiation absorption. Published spectral absorption coefficient data for hydrocarbon fuels is used to perform the calculations. The effects of thermal expansion and temperature-department thermophysical properties on the evaporation process are accounted for. The internal circulation in the droplet due to the external flow is accounted for through an effective thermal conductivity of the fuel droplet. The model predictions are compared with available theoretical results and experimental data. The ...
Unmasking the role of the 3′ UTR in the cytoplasmic polyadenylation and translational regulation of maternal mRNAs

The poly(A)-dependent translational regulation of maternal mRNAs is an important mechanism to execute stage-specific programs of protein synthesis during early development. This control underlies many crucial developmental events including the meiotic maturation of oocytes and activation of the mitotic cell cycle at fertilization. A recent report(1) demonstrates that the 3′ untranslated region of the cyclin A1, B1, B2 and c-mos mRNAs determines the timing and extent of their cytoplasmic polyadenylation and translational activation during Xenopus oocyte maturation. These studies further establish that protein synthesis can be temporally and quantitatively controlled by developmentally regulated changes in the polyadenylation of maternal mRNAs.
X-ray reflectometry analyses of chromium thin films

Abstract A series of thin (less than 100 nm) chromium films on Si and SiO 2 /Si substrates has been examined using X-ray reflectometry (XRR) and cross-section scanning electron microscopy. Comparisons of the measured film thicknesses from the two disparate methods were in good agreement. Because of this accord, it was possible to use these chromium thin films as model systems in order to probe the impact of both random and systematic errors on quantitative XRR measurements. In general, the errors associated with common XRR operations such as sample placement, system alignment, and choice of an instrumental broadening characteristic were much smaller than the statistical error obtained from a genetic algorithm fitting process to the experimental XRR curve.
The use of substituent constants in the study of structure-activity relationships in cholinesterase inhibitors.

Abstract A quantitative analysis of the structure-activity relationship in cholinesterase inhibitors was made. From the results of Metcalf and Fukuto four different classes of inhibitors are considered: methylcarbamates, diethylphenylphosphates, alkylphosphonic acid esters, 2,4,5- trichloro -N- alkylphosphoramidates . It is shown by means of substituent constants and regression analysis that the effects of substituent groups can be factored into three groups: electronic, steric, hydrophobic. The results indicate that the phosphate esters react by a mechanism different from that of the carbamates. New examples of the value of Taft's steric constant, E S , for biological reactions are discussed.
Role of Informatics in Patient Safety and Quality Assurance

Quality assurance encompasses monitoring daily processes for accurate, timely, and complete reports in surgical pathology. Quality assurance also includes implementation of policies and procedures that prevent or detect errors in a timely manner. This article presents uses of informatics in quality assurance. Three main foci are critical to the general improvement of diagnostic surgical pathology. First is the application of informatics to specimen identification with lean methods for real-time statistical control of specimen receipt and processing. Second is the development of case reviews before sign-out. Third is the development of information technology in communication of results to assure treatment in a timely manner.
Leg proprioceptors of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta: Organization of central projections at larval and adult stages

Organization of the central neuropil of the insect ganglion is characterized in part by a modality-specific layering of afferent projections. This organization has been particularly well described for the central projections of thoracic leg sensory neurons of adult locusts, crickets, and flies. Tactile sensory neurons project into a ventral layer of neuropil, while proprioceptive sensory neurons project into an intermediate layer of neuropil. In order to determine whether a modality-specific layering exists in the CNS of larval Manduca sexta, we have examined the projections of sensory neurons innervating one class of putative proprioceptors, the campaniform sensilla, of the larval metathoracic legs. We find that campaniform sensory neurons of the larval legs have central projection patterns that generally distinguish them from each other and from the tactile sensory neurons. The campaniform projections, however, are not completely segregated from tactile projections in ventral layers of neuropil, as has been described in other insects. By contrast, the projections of campaniform sensory neurons from the adult legs are more extensive and elaborate than their larval counterparts and dramatically different from projections of nearby adult tactile hairs, having extensive arborizations in more dorsal regions of neuropil while those of tactile sensory neurons are restricted to very ventral layers of neuropil. This difference in organization of the afferent projections in larval and adult ganglia may reflect different functions of the leg sensilla and different functions of the legs at the two stages.
Solid phase synthesis of 1,3,5-trisubstituted pyridin-2-ones

Abstract The solid phase synthesis of 1,3,5-trisubsituted pyridin-2-ones is reported via selective 1 NH- alkylation of 3-amino-5-carbomethoxy-1 H -pyridin-2-one with a solid-supported halo-acid. Coupling of an acid to solid-supported 3-aminopyridinone was followed by saponification of the methyl ester to give the acid. Activation of the acid via the pentafluorophenyl ester allowed reaction with an amine, and cleavage from the solid support with TFA:H 2 O (95:5) provided 1,3,5-trisubstituted pyridin-2-ones.
The mobilization and extracellular release of granular enzymes from human leukocytes during phagocytosis.

The importance of granular (lysosomal) enzymes from neutrophils in producing the tissue damage of acute inflammation has been suggested by much indirect and some direct evidence. This study has investigated the kinetics of release and subsequent fate of granular enzymes from phagocytizing human leukocytes The following observations are made: ( a ) During phagocytosis, the granular enzyme lysozyme is released from leukocytes into the extracellular medium. ( b ) Release of lysozyme increases as phagocytic challenge increases, but attains a maximum. ( c ) Release of lysozyme accompanies phagocytosis and is not a delayed event. ( d ) The lack of release of a nongranular enzyme, lactic dehydrogenase, indicates that cell damage is not a necessary condition of enzyme release. ( e ) Like lysozyme, s-glucuronidase is released from phagocytizing leukocytes. Acid α-naphthyl phosphatase and cathepsin also appear to be released, but are not found in appreciable amounts in the extracellular medium, in part because of their lability in solution. These results support the concept that extracellular release of granular enzymes may be a useful secretory function of inflammatory leukocytes which becomes damaging to the host in certain circumstances.
Ataxia and peripheral neuropathy: A benign variant of peroxisome dysgenesis

A 5-year-old boy with panperoxisomal dysfunction is described. Clinical features included hypotonia, areflexia, and ataxia. Cognition, vision, hearing, and hepatic function were normal. A panel of peroxisomal markers, including very-long-chain fatty acids, phytanic acid, pipecolic acid, and catalase compartmentalization, were abnormal. This is a uniquely benign syndrome of disordered peroxisome biogenesis.
Informatics and operations--let's get integrated

The widespread adoption of commercial electronic health records (EHRs) presents a significant challenge to the field of informatics. In their current form, EHRs function as a walled garden and prevent the integration of outside tools and services. This impedes the widespread adoption and diffusion of research interventions into the clinic. In most institutions, EHRs are supported by clinical operations staff who are largely separate from their informatics counterparts. This relationship needs to change. Research informatics and clinical operations need to work more closely on the implementation and configuration of EHRs to ensure that they are used to collect high-quality data for research and improvement at the point of care. At the same time, the informatics community needs to lobby commercial EHR vendors to open their systems and design new architectures that allow for the integration of external applications and services.
An automated design method for chip power distribution

This paper reports on a highly effective chip power grid physical implementation method that was applied to a high-performance multi-voltage multi-core processor. The complete chip power build process was automated to prevent flagrant power connection issues and to provide great savings in the overall design cycle.
Radiation Oncology: A Perspective on Health Reform and Value-Based Initiatives

The American Society for Radiation Oncology Payment Reform Action Plan is a three-phased proactive plan to ensure predictable and fair reimbursement for radiation oncology treatment.