cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reversal of resistance by GF120918 in cell lines expressing the ABC half-transporter, MXR

The emergence of several newly identified members of the ABC transporter family has necessitated the development of antagonists that are able to inhibit more than one transporter. We assessed the ability of the chemosensitizer GF120918 to function as a multispecific antagonist using cytotoxicity assays, rhodamine and calcein efflux assays, and confocal microscopy in cell lines expressing different multidrug resistance transporters. At a concentration of 1 microM in cytotoxicity assays, GF120918 was able to sensitize both S1-B1-20, a subline expressing P-glycoprotein (Pgp), and S1-M1-80, a subline expressing a newly identified mitoxantrone transporter, MXR. GF120918 was ineffective in sensitizing MRP-overexpressing MCF-7 VP-16 cells to etoposide as determined by cytotoxicity studies. In flow cytometry experiments, rhodamine 123 efflux in S1-B1-20 cells was decreased at GF120918 concentrations as low as 25-50 nM, with 250 nM giving complete inhibition of rhodamine efflux. Complete inhibition of rhodamine efflux in mitoxantrone-resistant S1-M1-80 cells required 10 microM. Examination of intracellular mitoxantrone accumulation by confocal microscopy confirmed higher levels of mitoxantrone in S1-B1-20 and S1-M1-80 cells when incubated in the presence of GF120918 than when incubated with mitoxantrone alone. Thus, GF120918 appears to fit the paradigm of a multispecific blocker and is able to block rhodamine and mitoxantrone efflux by the newly identified mitoxantrone transporter. Further studies of this compound should be pursued to determine its feasibility for use in the clinic.
TRIPs across the Atlantic: Theory and epistemology in IPE

ABSTRACT Beginning from the Teaching, Research, and International Politics (TRIP) survey, this paper outlines the most important emerging paradigm in international political economy (IPE), known as open economy politics (OEP). This approach forms the core of the ‘American’ school of IPE. The paper then contrasts the epistemology of OEP, based on partial equilibrium analysis, with that of the ‘British’ school of IPE, which favors a more holistic approach. This difference is not captured well in the TRIP survey, nor is it particularly well understood by many proponents of either side. Recognizing the progressive nature of the OEP research program, the essay concludes with a call to bridge but not necessarily to abolish the transatlantic divide.
Cognitive Complexity, Attitudinal Affect, and Dispersion in Affect Ratings for Products.

Summary The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between cognitive complexity, attitudinal affect, and dispersion of affect scores (N = 102 male business administration undergraduates). Models of automobiles and toothpaste brands were the content domains studied. Analysis using Pearson product-moment correlation supported the hypothesis that cognitive complex Ss had a lower level of affect and greater dispersion of affect scores than did simpler Ss.
Short Crack Growth Model in a Particulate Composite Using Nonlinear Elastic Fracture Mechanics

The fracture mechanics model for a long crack does not work very well with short-crack propagation when the initial crack length is less than 5.1 mm (0.2 inch). In order to investigate the short crack effect, a series of tests of particulate composite specimens with long and short cracks were performed and the results recorded on a video tape. This test data was analyzed to determine the fracture parameters. Two initial crack lengths, 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) and 7.6 mm (0.3 inches) were used in the crack propagation tests. Based on the principle of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM), the stress intensity factor KI was obtained. The instantaneous time-dependent J-integral for 0.1 and 0.3 inch crack specimens was determined by the NEFM analytical approach. The crack growth behavior was also investigated in the form of J-integral resistance curves. The calculated J-integral was reversed to derive a new KI . The new KI was compared with the measured value obtained from LEFM analysis results to determine the feasibility of applying the linear fracture approach to the non-linear behavior of the material. The results showed that the KI computed from the J-integral increased by 24.5%, and was at the time prior to the peak load for the 0.1 inch crack. For the 0.3 inch crack, the acceptable range was from the onset of propagation to the 9% strain stage (yield strain for the material), where the increase of the new KI was within 15.6%.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Perfectionism, Body Dissatisfaction, and Self-Esteem in Predicting Bulimic Symptomatology: Lack of Replication.

Objective Few prospective studies have tested multivariate models of bulimic pathology development, but two studies have found support for a Perfectionism × Body Dissatisfaction × Self-Esteem etiologic model (Vohs, K.D., Bardone, A.M., Joiner, T.E., Abramson, L.Y., & Heatherton, T.F., 1999;108:695–700; Vohs et al., 2001;20:476–497). The current study sought to provide an independent replication of these promising findings. Method Data from 496 adolescent girls that were followed prospectively over a 1-year period were used to test this predictive model. Results Although our study should have provided a more sensitive test of this model because we used a sample at higher risk for bulimic symptom increases, more sensitive diagnostic interviews, a longer follow-up period, and a larger sample, the three-way interaction did not predict subsequent increases in bulimic symptoms. Discussion Results suggest that the predictive power of this interactive model may not be as robust as previously believed. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 36: 41–47, 2004.
Multicomponent criteria for predicting carcinogenicity: dataset of 30 NTP chemicals.

This article is in response to the challenge issued to the scientific community by the National Toxicology Program to predict the carcinogenicity potential of 30 chemicals previously selected for l...
The complete structure of W

Abstract The W N algebras are extensions of the Virasoro algebra in which conformal fields of all spins 2, 3, ..., N occur. In this paper we investigate the form of the algebra obtained in the limit N →∞. Utilizing an approach involving the direct imposition of Jacobi identities, we display complete and explicit expressions for all structure constants, including central extensions.
Comprehending the Gray Oral Reading Test Without Reading It: Why Comprehension Tests Should Not Include Passage-Independent Items

We examined the validity of the comprehension component of the Gray Oral Reading Test (GORT; Wiederholt & Bryant, 1992, 2001) by assessing whether reading really is required to answer its questions. The extent to which GORT questions are passage independent was assessed by having participants answer them without reading the passages. Most questions had passageless accuracies above chance. Furthermore, the best predictor of how well a child given normal GORT administration answered a question was not how well the child read the passage but rather how well the question could be answered without reading. Analyses comparing passage-dependent and passage-independent items showed: (a) passage-independent items are not sensitive to reading disability, and (b) passage-independent items do not correlate with performance on other comprehension tests. We conclude that the GORT Comprehension Score lacks both content validity and concurrent validity and that the field of comprehension assessment needs to be more conce...
Cleaning products and air fresheners: emissions and resulting concentrations of glycol ethers and terpenoids.

Accepted for publication in Indoor Air LBNL-58250 Cleaning Products and Air Fresheners: Emissions and Resulting Concentrations of Glycol Ethers and Terpenoids Brett C. Singer ∗a,b , Hugo Destaillats b , Alfred T. Hodgson b , and William W Nazaroff b,c Atmospheric Sciences and b Indoor Environment Departmenst, Environmental Energy Technologies Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA c Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-1710, USA ABSTRACT Experiments were conducted to quantify emissions and concentrations of glycol ethers and terpenoids from cleaning product and air freshener use in a 50-m 3 room ventilated at ~0.5 h -1 . Five cleaning products were applied full-strength (FS); three were additionally used in dilute solution. FS application of pine-oil cleaner (POC) yielded 1-h concentrations of 10-1300 μg m -3 for individual terpenoids, including α-terpinene (90-120), d-limonene (1000-1100), terpinolene (900-1300), and α-terpineol (260-700). One-hour concentrations of 2-butoxyethanol and/or d- limonene were 300-6000 µg m -3 after FS use of other products. During FS application including rinsing with sponge and wiping with towels, fractional emissions (mass volatilized / dispensed) of 2-butoxyethanol and d-limonene were 50-100% with towels retained, ~25-50% when towels were removed after cleaning. Lower fractions (2-11%) resulted from dilute use. Fractional emissions of terpenes from FS use of POC were ~35-70% with towels retained, 20-50% with towels removed. During floor cleaning with dilute solution of POC, 7-12% of dispensed terpenes were emitted. Terpene alcohols were emitted at lower fractions: 7-30% (FS, towels retained), 2-9% (FS, towels removed), and 2-5% (dilute). During air-freshener use, d-limonene, dihydromyrcenol, linalool, linalyl acetate, and β-citronellol) were emitted at 35-180 mg d -1 over three days while air concentrations averaged 30-160 µg m -3 . PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS While effective cleaning can improve the healthfulness of indoor environments, this work shows that use of some consumer cleaning agents can yield high levels of volatile organic compounds, including glycol ethers – which are regulated toxic air contaminants – and terpenes that can react with ozone to form a variety of secondary pollutants including formaldehyde and ultrafine particles. Persons involved in cleaning, especially those who clean occupationally or often, might encounter excessive exposures to these pollutants owing to cleaning product emissions. Mitigation options include screening of product ingredients and increased ventilation during and after cleaning. Certain practices, such as the use of some products in dilute solution versus full-strength and the prompt removal of cleaning supplies from occupied spaces, can reduce emissions and exposures to 2-butoxyethanol and other volatile constituents. Also, it may a E-mail: BCSinger@lbl.gov; Fax: 510-486-5928
Two viewpoints on the unconstrained motion of parallel manipulators at or near singular configurations

At a singular configuration the end-effector of a parallel manipulator may become underconstrained, i.e. instantaneous motion may become possible. The unconstrained motion may be only instantaneous, or it can result in finite motion, also known as self-motion. This article presents two different approaches to analyze the potential for large motion at a singular configuration: (1) A necessary (but not sufficient) condition for self-motion is derived that assumes that the manipulator has perfect precision; (2) The unconstrained motion is analyzed based on finite clearance in the joints. Numerical results are presented and compared.
An Alternative Compressed Storage Format for Sparse Matrices

The handling of the sparse matrix vector product(SMVP) is a common kernel in many scientific applications. This kernel is an irregular problem, which has led to the development of several compressed storage formats such as CRS, CCS, and JDS among others. We propose an alternative storage format, the Transpose Jagged Diagonal Storage(TJDS), which is inspired from the Jagged Diagonal Storage format and makes no assumptions about the sparsity pattern of the matrix. We present a selection of sparse matrices and compare the storage requirements needed using JDS and TJDS formats, and we show that the TDJS format needs less storage space than the JDS format because the permutation array is not required. Another advantage of the proposed format is that although TJDS also suffers the drawback of indirect addressing, it does not need the permutation step after the computation of the SMVP.
Improved Fire Resistance for Interior Wood Panels

Abstract The background for considering decorative wood panels in the overall evaluation of materials and products which may contribute to fire hazard is briefly reviewed. State-of-the-art approaches to fire resistance for these products are summarized, with reference to the broader subject of fire retardants for wood. Some areas for potential development, and specific research needs are suggested.
A history of the virtual synchrony replication model

In this chapter, we discuss a widely used fault-tolerant data replication model called virtual synchrony. The model responds to two kinds of needs. First, there is the practical question of how best to embed replication into distributed systems. Virtual synchrony defines dynamic process groups that have self-managed membership. Applications can join or leave groups at will: a process group is almost like a replicated variable that lives in the network. The second need relates to performance. Although state machine replication is relatively easy to understand, protocols that implement state machine replication in the standard manner are too slow to be useful in demanding settings, and are hard to deploy in very large data centers of the sort seen in today's cloud-computing environments. Virtual synchrony implementations, in contrast, are able to deliver updates at the same data rates (and with the same low latencies) as IP multicast: the fast (but unreliable) Internet multicast protocol, often supported directly by hardware. The trick that makes it possible to achieve these very high levels of performance is to hide overheads by piggybacking extra information on regular messages that carry updates. The virtual synchrony replication model has been very widely adopted, and was used in everything from air traffic control and stock market systems to data center management platforms marketed by companies like IBM and Microsoft. Moreover, in recent years, state machine protocols such as those used in support of Paxos have begun to include elements of the virtual synchrony model, such as self-managed and very dynamic membership. Our exploration of the model takes the form of a history. We start by exploring the background, and then follow evolution of the model over time.
Primary semi-constrained arthroplasty for chronic fracture-dislocations of the elbow

We present six patients with chronic dislocation of the elbow who were treated by primary semiconstrained total elbow arthroplasty. All were women with a mean age of 65 years (51 to 76), the mean interval between dislocation and surgery was 17 weeks (5 to 52) and the mean follow-up 58 months (24 to 123). The most dramatic improvement was in function. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score was 5.2 times better (p < 0.001) and the mean total range of movement increased from 33° to 121° (p < 0.001) after operation. Three patients developed wear of polyethylene. One required revision for a periprosthetic fracture, and another required a bushing exchange. Primary semiconstrained elbow arthroplasty provides significant, predictable functional improvement. Potential solutions for wear of polyethylene include a different operative technique or design of implant. Despite the high incidence of such wear, total elbow arthroplasty should be considered as a viable treatment option for chronic dislocation of the elbow in elderly patients.
MOLECULAR LOCALIZATION, DEVELOPMENTAL EXPRESSION AND NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCE OF THE ALPHA-METHYLDOPA HYPERSENSITIVE GENE OF DROSOPHILA

The region surrounding the dopa decarboxylase gene of Drosophila contains a cluster of functionally related genes, many of which affect cuticle development and/or catecholamine metabolism. In this report we describe the molecular mapping and sequencing of a full-length cDNA copy of a transcript that maps to the alpha-methyldopa hypersensitive region. Developmental RNA blots show stage-specific patterns of transcription and multiple RNA transcripts. A 2-kb transcript is most abundant at about 12 hr of embryogenesis, and lower levels are detected throughout most of embryogenesis. Lower levels of this transcript are also detected in adults. Smaller stage-specific transcripts are detected in late third-instar larvae. This pattern of transcription is consistent with the known lethal phases and phenotypes of the alpha-methyldopa hypersensitive gene (amd). Based on map position, pattern of transcription, homology with dopa decarboxylase and association with altered DNA in mutants, we conclude that this transcript represents the amd gene.
Variation in Genomic Recombination Rates Among Heterogeneous Stock Mice

We used a large panel of pedigreed, genetically admixed house mice to study patterns of recombination rate variation in a leading mammalian model system. We found considerable inter-individual differences in genomic recombination rates and documented a significant heritable component to this variation. These findings point to clear variation in recombination rate among common laboratory strains, a result that carries important implications for genetic analysis in the house mouse.
In situ measurement of the glass transition temperature of polymers with compressed fluid diluents

In situ measurement of the creep compliance of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly (ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA), equilibrated with a pressurized CO 2 phase, is used to determine the T g . Corrections due to dilation of the polymer by CO 2 as well as the buoyancy are assessed. Both polymer systems exhibit a recently discovered phenomenon, retrograde vitrification, in which a liquid polymer becomes a glass with an increase in temperature. The experimental results are predicted semi-quantitatively in terms of the temperature and pressure effects on the solubility of the compressed fluid in the polymer
Production physiology of three fast-growing hardwood species along a soil resource gradient

We determined how specific leaf area (SLA), specific leaf nitrogen (SLN), leaf area index (LAI), light-saturated photosynthesis (Amax) and aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) of three commercially important hardwood species, eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr.), American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.) and cherrybark oak (Quercus falcata var.pagodafolia Ell.), vary across a soil resource gradient. Five treatments were applied in a randomized block design (control, irrigation only (IRR), and irrigation plus fertilization with 56, 112 or 224 kg N ha-1 year-1 (N56, N112 and N224)) with four replications per species. When trees were 6 years old, Amax, SLA, SLN, LAI and ANPP were quantified during peak leaf production within a single growing season. In all species, Amax for sun leaves was significantly higher than for shade leaves (34, 32 and 29 micromol m2 s-1 versus 27, 23 and 23 micromol m2 s-1 for cottonwood, cherrybark oak and sycamore sun and shade leaves, respectively) and tended to plateau in the N112 treatment. The SLA was significantly lower in sun than in shade leaves and reached a plateau in IRR-treated cottonwood and sycamore, and in N56-treated oak. Values of SLN peaked in the N122 treatment for cottonwood sun leaves (1.73 g N m2) and in the N56 treatment for sycamore and oak (1.54 and 1.90 g N m2, respectively). In sun and shade leaves of all species, Amax increased with increasing SLN. Cherrybark oak LAI reached a plateau across the resource gradient in the N56 treatment, whereas cottonwood and sycamore LAI reached a plateau in the IRR treatment. All species exhibited significant curvilinear relationships between canopy Amax and ANPP. These findings indicate that nutrients and water regulate leaf-level traits such as SLA and SLN, which in turn influence LAI and canopy photosynthesis, thereby affecting ANPP at the tree and stand levels.
Prediction of responders for outcome measures of Locomotor Experience Applied Post Stroke trial

The Locomotor Experience Applied Post Stroke rehabilitation trial found equivalent walking outcomes for body weight-supported treadmill plus overground walking practice versus home-based exercise that did not emphasize walking. From this large database, we examined several clinically important questions that provide insights into recovery of walking that may affect future trial designs. Using logistic regression analyses, we examined predictors of response based on a variety of walking speed-related outcomes and measures that captured disability, physical impairment, and quality of life. The most robust predictor was being closer at baseline to the primary outcome measure, which was the functional walking speed thresholds of 0.4 m/s (household walking) and 0.8 m/s (community walking). Regardless of baseline walking speed, a younger age and higher Berg Balance Scale score were relative predictors of responding, whether operationally defined by transitioning beyond each speed boundary or by a continuous change or a greater than median increase in walking speed. Of note, the cutoff values of 0.4 and 0.8 m/s had no particular significance compared with other walking speed changes despite their general use as descriptors of functional levels of walking. No evidence was found for any difference in predictors based on treatment group.
Quantitative assessment of brown adipose tissue metabolic activity and volume using 18F-FDG PET/CT and β3-adrenergic receptor activation

Brown adipose tissue [BAT] metabolism in vivo is vital for the development of novel strategies in combating obesity and diabetes. Currently, BAT is activated at low temperatures and measured using 2-deoxy-2-18F-fluoro-D-glucose [18F-FDG] positron-emission tomography [PET]. We report the use of β3-adrenergic receptor-mediated activation of BAT at ambient temperatures using (R, R)-5-[2-[2,3-(3-chlorphenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl-amino]propyl]-1,3-benzodioxole-2,2-dicarboxylate, disodium salt [CL316,243] (a selective β3-adrenoceptor agonist) and measured by 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography [CT]. Control and CL316,243-treated (2 mg/kg) male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with 18F-FDG for PET/CT studies and were compared to animals at cold temperatures. Receptor-blocking experiments were carried out using propranolol (5 mg/kg). Dose effects of CL316,243 were studied by injecting 0.1 to 1 mg/kg 30 min prior to 18F-FDG administration. Imaging results were confirmed by autoradiography, and histology was done to confirm BAT activation. CL316,243-activated interscapular BAT [IBAT], cervical, periaortic, and intercostal BATs were clearly visualized by PET. 18F-FDG uptake of IBAT was increased 12-fold by CL316,243 vs. 1.1-fold by cold exposure when compared to controls. 18F-FDG uptake of the CL-activated IBAT was reduced by 96.0% using intraperitoneal administration of propranolol. Average 18F-FDG uptake of IBAT increased 3.6-, 3.5-, and 7.6-fold by doses of 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg CL, respectively. Ex vivo18F-FDG autoradiography and histology of transverse sections of IBAT confirmed intense uptake in the CL-activated group and activated IBAT visualized by PET. Our study indicated that BAT metabolic activity could be evaluated by 18F-FDG PET using CL316,243 at ambient temperature in the rodent model. This provides a feasible and reliable method to study BAT metabolism.
Spectral decomposition of Volterra integrodifferential equations with application to the control of a viscoelastic solid

A spectral decomposition method is used to give a natural notion of controllability and holdability for systems with hidden variables which are not accessible to control instruments. As an example, a viscoelastic string of the Boltzmann type is examined. >
A practical hierarchical model of parallel computation

A model of parallel computation is introduced which employs the PRAM as a sub-model, while simultaneously being more reflective of realistic parallel architectures by accounting for and providing abstract control over communication and synchronization costs. Cost control is achieved via the representation of general degrees of locality ('neighborhoods' of activity). The model organizes 'control asynchrony' via an implicit hierarchy relation, and restricts 'communication asynchrony' in order to obtain determinate algorithms. >
A 1GHz Direct Digital Frequency Synthesizer Based on the Quasi-Linear Interpolation Method

The paper presents a novel architecture for a direct digital frequency synthesizer (DDFS) based on the quasi-linear interpolation (QLIP) method. The four-segment QLIP is utilized to realize a DDFS with a spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) of 63.2dBc. The DDFS chip featuring a 5-stage pipeline is implemented in TSMC 0.13mum technology. The chip occupies 9874mum2 , consumes 8.2muW/MHz, and runs at 1GHz clock rate.
Enhanced role for RhoA-associated kinase in adrenergic-mediated vasoconstriction in gracilis arteries from obese Zucker rats.

Obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension are components of the pathophysiological state known as metabolic syndrome. Adrenergic vasoconstriction is mediated through increases in ...
Cross-cultural equivalence of personality measures.

(1968). Cross-Cultural Equivalence of Personality Measures. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 75, No. 1, pp. 3-9.
Tracking Deforming Objects Using Particle Filtering for Geometric Active Contours

Tracking deforming objects involves estimating the global motion of the object and its local deformations as a function of time. Tracking algorithms using Kalman filters or particle filters have been proposed for finite dimensional representations of shape, but these are dependent on the chosen parametrization and cannot handle changes in curve topology. Geometric active contours provide a framework which is parametrization independent and allow for changes in topology, in the present work, we formulate a particle filtering algorithm in the geometric active contour framework that can be used for tracking moving and deforming objects. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to implement an approximate particle filtering algorithm for tracking on a (theoretically) infinite dimensional state space.
Leukocyte Chemoattractant Receptor FPR2 May Accelerate Atherogenesis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease and the number one cause of mortality worldwide. The fundamental causes of atherosclerosis have not been precisely delineated, although pathogenesis clearly involves endothelial dysfunction and both innate and adaptive immunity. Recent evidence suggests that formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), mediates a range of inflammatory responses including superoxide production in neutrophils, chemotaxis of monocytes and neutrophils, CCL2 production in endothelial cells (ECs) and monocytes, and increased CXCL8 expression in neutrophils, which are all related with atherogenesis. Therefore, we propose that FPR2 may play a pathogenic role in atherogenesis.
A highly porous silica and chitosan-based hemostatic dressing is superior in controlling hemorrhage in a severe groin injury model in swine.

Abstract Background This study compared the efficacy of 3 hemostatic dressings in a severe groin injury model in swine. Methods Twenty-three swine received TraumaStat (OreMedix, Lebanon, OR), Chitoflex (HemCon, Inc., Portland, OR), or standard gauze for hemostasis. Complete femoral vessel transections were followed by 30 seconds of uncontrolled hemorrhage. The groin was packed with the randomized dressing followed by 30 seconds of compression. Resuscitation with lactated Ringer's solution commenced immediately postcompression to the preinjury mean arterial blood pressure. Hemostasis failure was defined as blood pooling outside the wound. Animals were monitored and maintained at the preinjury mean arterial pressure for 120 minutes, culminating with euthanization. Results There were no differences in baseline values between groups. TraumaStat resulted in less hemostasis failure ( P P P Conclusions TraumaStat performed significantly better than Chitoflex and standard gauze in controlling hemorrhage from a severe groin injury in swine.
Teaching circuit analysis in the studio format: a comparison with conventional instruction

This paper describes an instructional experiment conducted at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the spring of 1997. The introductory course on circuit analysis was taught in two different modes: (1) a conventional large-lecture version with separate problem and laboratory sections; and (2) an experimental studio version with integrated activities. The director and coverage of both courses was the same, and students in both versions took the same exams. Exam results indicate that the studio version is at least as effective, if not more so, from the viewpoint of cognitive-domain learning. More significantly, surveys of student attitudes revealed that the studio format substantially improved student morale, despite the requirement for more preparation and participation on their part. Thus, since the instructional costs were about the same for both versions, the studio format appears to be superior.
Free Fall Apparatus

A description is given of apparatus constructed for undergraduate use in studying the laws of uniformly accelerated motion and in determining the value of gravity. The falling body has no constraints and the time may be measured with an ordinary watch.
The risk of malignant hyperthermia in children undergoing muscle biopsy for suspected neuromuscular disorder

Summary Background: It is assumed that those children with known or suspected neuromuscular disorders (NMD) are at increased risk for malignant hyperthermia (MH). Despite the lack of conclusive data, most of these children are managed with a nontriggering anesthetic. This study examined the risk of MH in children exposed to a triggering anesthetic while undergoing muscle biopsy for suspected NMD. Methods: Between 1992 and 2005, the medical records of 351 children under 21 years of age were identified as having undergone muscle biopsy for suspected NMD. Of these, only 274 received a volatile anesthetic agent or succinylcholine and were included for study. Records were examined for evidence of MH or rhabdomyolysis. Results: No patient exhibited signs or symptoms suggestive of MH. One patient was found, by muscle biopsy, to have evidence of rhabdomyolysis prior to exposure to a volatile anesthetic. Of 274 patients, only three received succinylcholine. None developed MH or rhabdomyolysis. The estimated risk of a patient with suspected NMD developing MH as a result of exposure to volatile anesthetic agents during muscle biopsy is 1.09% or less. Conclusion: The estimated risk of MH or rhabdomyolysis is 1.09% or less in a diverse population of children with suspected NMD.
Gneissic Amphibolite at Las Palmas, Puerto Rico, and Its Significance in the Early History of the Greater Antilles Island Arc

The basal complex of Puerto Rico consists principally of serpentinite, minor amounts of chert and spilite, and locally small blocks of amphibolite. A detailed structural and metamorphic study of a relatively large block of gneissic amphibolite at Las Palmas reveals that the rock has undergone repeated deformation and regional metamorphism prior to contact metamorphism by intrusive serpentinite. The first event recorded by the amphibolite is amphibolite facies regional metamorphism. Foliation and some hornblende lineation were formed at this time. An increase in the intensity of regional metamorphism then produced quartzo-feldspathic segregations from the host rock, and was accompanied by small-scale folding and development of several types of lineation oblique (o the early hornblende lineation. The metamorphic intensity then decreased slightly and tectonic movement radically decreased, as nonfoliated but metamorphosed mafic dikes cut the gneissic amphibolite. As the metamorphic grade decreased further, late-stage kink-bands were developed at high angles to the earlier small-scale folding. Later, the amphibolite was intruded by serpen-tinite, causing incipient low-grade contact metamorphism and some calcium metasomatism. H. H. Hess has maintained that Puerto Rico and other islands in the Greater Antilles rest directly on oceanic crust, and that the intrusive serpentinite is derived from the bottom layer of the crust. In the Las Palmas area, the amphibolite formed prior to intrusion of serpentinite, indicating a complex preserpentinite history. Three interpretations of the gneissic amphibolite are considered. It may represent: (1) metamorphosed gabbroic rocks genetically related to the serpentinite, (2) regionally metamorphosed mafic rocks that are part of the oceanic crust, or (3) older mafic rocks regionally metamorphosed as part of an extensive pre-Late Cretaceous orogeny. The evidence from Las Palmas is not conclusive, but when considered in the regional framework, either of the last two interpretations seems reasonable.
Phase II trial of Gliadel plus O6-benzylguanine in adults with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme.

Purpose: This phase II trial was designed to define the efficacy of Gliadel wafers in combination with an infusion of O 6 -benzylguanine ( O 6 -BG) that suppresses tumor O 6 -alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) levels in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme for 5 days and to evaluate the safety of this combination therapy. Experimental Design: This was a phase II, open-label, single center trial. On gross total resection of the tumor, up to eight Gliadel wafers were implanted. Bolus infusion of O 6 -BG was administered at 120 mg/m 2 over 1 hour on days 1, 3, and 5, along with a continuous infusion at 30 mg/m 2 /d. The primary end points were 6-month overall survival (OS) and safety, and the secondary end points were 1-year, 2-year, and median OS. Results: Fifty-two patients were accrued. The 6-month OS was 82% [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 72-93%]. The 1- and 2-year OS rates were 47% (95% CI, 35-63%) and 10% (95% CI, 3-32%), respectively. The median OS was 50.3 weeks (95% CI, 36.1-69.4 weeks). Treatment-related toxicity with this drug combination included grade 3 hydrocephalus (9.6%), grade 3 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (19.2%), and grade 3 CSF/brain infection (13.4%). Conclusion: The efficacy of implanted Gliadel wafers may be improved with the addition of O 6 -BG. Although systemically administered O 6 -BG can be coadministered with Gliadel wafers safely, it may increase the risk of hydrocephalus, CSF leak, and CSF/brain infection. Future trials are required to verify that inhibition of tumor AGT levels by O 6 -BG results in increased efficacy of Gliadel wafers without added toxicity.
Prehospital consideration of sildenafil-nitrate interactions

Objective. To determine whether paramedics and on-line physicians screen patients for use of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) prior to prehospital administration of nitrates. Methods. A prospective, observational study was performed over a one-month period in three EMS systems. Consecutive radio communications between on-line physicians and paramedics concerning male patients with cardiac complaints were monitored. Investigators observed the frequency with which online physicians screened for sildenafil use prior to ordering nitrates. After observation of the radio communications was completed, a written survey was distributed to all paramedics in the three EMS systems. Results. Seventy-six physician-paramedic interactions were monitored. Nitrates were ordered by on-line physicians in 56 cases. No paramedic reported sildenafil use/nonuse, and no on-line physician inquired about the patient's potential use of the drug. Only half of the surveyed paramedics reported that they routinely screen for sildenafil use, ...
Only Here for the Day: The Social Integration of Minority Students at a Majority White High School

This study uses qualitative data to investigate the process of social integration for minority students at a majority white high school and identifies significant gender differences in this process. At this school, integration is the result of processes that occur at two different levels of interaction. On the interpersonal level, African American and Latino/a males and females engage in very different integration strategies. Males are able to gain social status at the school through their participation in athletics and their physical embodiment of the urban ‘‘hip-hop star’’ and also by engaging in strategies to play down negative stereotypes. In contrast, females do not have access to similar avenues for social status and do not engage in such strategies. The organization of the school contributes to these gender differences by facilitating interracial contact for the males under ideal conditions, while providing the females with less opportunity for contact. This study has implications for future work on integrated schools and points to the understudied importance of gender and its relation to organizational context in studies of race relations.
Risk Factors Associated with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Female Flight Attendants Using a Focus Group to Prepare a Survey

In preparation for surveying female flight attendants about work-related musculoskeletal disorder risk factors and symptoms, a focus group study was completed with members of the target population....
Class-specific model mixtures for the classification of time-series

We present a new classifier for acoustic time-series that involves a mixture of generative models. Each model operates on a feature stream extracted from the time-series using overlapped Hanning-weighted segments and has a probability density function (PDF) modeled with a hidden Markov model (HMM). The models use a variety of segmentation sizes and feature extraction methods, yet can be combined at a higher level using a mixture PDF thanks to the PDF projection theorem (PPT) that converts the feature PDF to raw time-series PDFs. The effectiveness of the method is shown using an open data set of short-duration acoustic signals.
Racial disparity in previable birth

Background Extremely preterm birth of a live newborn before the limit of viability is rare but contributes uniformly to the infant mortality rate because essentially all cases result in neonatal death. Objective The objective of the study was to quantify racial differences in previable birth and their contribution to infant mortality and to estimate the relative influence of factors associated with live birth occurring before the threshold of viability. Study Design This was a population-based retrospective cohort of all live births in Ohio over a 7 year period, 2006–2012. Demographic, pregnancy, and delivery characteristics of previable live births at 16 0/7 to 22 6/7 weeks of gestation were compared with a referent group of live births at 37 0/7 to 42 6/7 weeks. Rates of birth at each week of gestation were compared between black and white mothers, and relative risk ratios were calculated. Logistic regression estimated the relative risk of factors associated with previable birth, with adjustment for concomitant risk factors. Results Of 1,034,552 live births in Ohio during the study period, 2607 (0.25% of all live births) occurred during the previable period of 16–22 weeks. There is a significant racial disparity in the rate and relative risk of previable birth, with a 3- to 6-fold relative risk increase in black mothers at each week of previable gestational age. The incidence of previable birth for white mothers was 1.8 per 1000 and for black mothers, 6.9 per 1000. Factors most strongly associated with previable birth, presented as adjusted relative risk ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]), were maternal characteristics of black race adjusted relative risk 2.9 (95% CI, 2.6–3.2), age ≥ 35 years 1.3 (95% CI, 1.1–1.6), and unmarried 2.1 (95% CI, 1.8–2.3); fetal characteristics including congenital anomaly, 5.4 (95% CI, 3.4–8.1) and genetic disorder, 5.1 (95% CI, 2.5–10.1); and pregnancy characteristics including prior preterm birth 4.4 (95% CI, 3.7–5.2) and multifetal gestation, twin, 16.9 (95% CI, 14.4–19.8) or triplet, 65.4 (95% CI, 32.9–130.2). The majority, 80%, of previable births (16–22 weeks) were spontaneous in nature, compared with 73% in early preterm births (23–33 weeks), 72% in late preterm births (34–36 weeks), and 65% of term births (37–42 weeks) ( P Conclusion There is a significant racial disparity in previable preterm births, with black mothers incurring a 3- to 6-fold increased relative risk compared with white mothers, most of which are spontaneous in nature. This may explain much of the racial disparity in infant mortality because all live-born previable preterm births result in death. Focused efforts on the prevention of spontaneous previable preterm birth may help to reduce the racial disparity in infant mortality.
Cascade Reactions for the Continuous and Selective Production of Isobutene from Bioderived Acetic Acid Over Zinc-Zirconia Catalysts

Bio-oil (obtained from biomass fast pyrolysis) contains a high concentration of acetic acid, which causes problems related to its storage and handling. Acetic acid was upgraded directly to isobutene over a ZnxZryOz binary metal oxide. The reaction proceeds via a three-step cascade involving ketonization, aldol condensation, and C–C hydrolytic bond cleavage reactions, which was corroborated by isotopic labeling studies. Separately, ZnO and ZrO2 are incapable of producing isobutene from either acetic acid or acetone. In contrast, under optimal conditions, a Zn2Zr8Oz catalyst generates a ca. 50% isobutene yield, which corresponds to 75% of the theoretical maximum. Spectroscopic investigations revealed that a balanced concentration of acid and base sites is required to maximize isobutene yields.
Evaluation of the Technicon H.1 Hematology System

An evaluation of a new hematology analyzer, the Technicon H.1™,a in our hospital laboratory showed the precision, linearity, and carryover of the instrument to be well within acceptable limits. Duplicate methodology of the white blood cell count and hemoglobin determinations and system “flags” provide useful troubleshooting mechanisms. A new feature is the morphology interpretation derived from computer analysis of the red blood cell volume and density histograms, which has the potential of giving a reproducible report of red cell abnormalities. The ease of personnel training with this analyzer, its minimal maintenance, and its low cost of operation are positive factors. These aspects are an improvement over earlier Technicon hematology analyzers.
Abstract 4270: NGS based microhaplotype counting for ultrasensitive human DNA detection

Introduction: Fields of forensics, paternity, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) require human identity testing. The polymorphic nature of short tandem repeats (STRs) makes them most frequently used but they are relatively insensitive. In 2000, we demonstrated proof-of-principle for the use of SNPs for bone marrow engraftment testing; however, due to the high error rate of NGS platforms, use of a single SNP for this purpose is not possible. Here, we hypothesized that using multiple SNPs on a short amplicon (microhaplotype) could overcome the inherently high error rate of NGS, and use it for ultrasensitive detection of human DNA mixes. Methods: As proof-of-principle, we identified a 119 bp region on HLA-A Exon 3 that contains a cluster of 18 SNPs. Using cell lines with known HLA-A haplotypes, we made serial dilutions from 1% to 0.001%. By sequencing each dilution at least twice we were able to determine accuracy and limit of detection. Samples collected from patients after BMT that tested as all donor were analyzed using this approach. Sample preparation and sequencing was done per manufacturer9s protocol using the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine and 200 base chemistry. Additionally, we analyzed the 1000 Genomes database, using 300 bp windows, and identified many other loci that contained clusters of at least 9 SNPs. Results: Alignment and analysis of common European HLA-A haplotypes of this region show mean number of differences of ∼6 SNPs. Homozygous samples with known HLA-A genotypes that varied by multiple SNPs were analyzed and demonstrated no cross-talk between them. Analyzing serially diluted samples we were able to easily achieve a limit of detection of 1 in 10,000 molecules (0.01%). In BMT samples that tested as all donor by STR analysis, we were able to detect patient DNA of up to 1.5%. From 1000 Genomes data, we identified 4,349 loci that contained at least 9 SNPs within a 300 bp window. Informativity of identified loci was determined for 3 major ethnic groups using 1000 Genomes phased haplotype data. Conclusions: Ultrasensitive detection of human DNA mixes can be achieved using multiple SNPs within a short amplicon despite the high error rates associated with NGS. This assay may be useful to detect early relapse following bone marrow transplantation and other clinical applications. Citation Format: Marija Debeljak, Donald N. Freed, Jane A. Welch, Lisa Haley, Katie Beierl, Brian S. Iglehart, Aparna Pallavajjala, Christopher D. Gocke, Mary S. Leffell, Ming-Tseh Lin, Laura D. Wood, Jonathan Pevsner, Sarah J. Wheelan, James R. Eshleman. NGS based microhaplotype counting for ultrasensitive human DNA detection. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4270. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4270
A sero-epidemiological investigation on 2010 H1N1 influenza A epidemic in Changsha City

Objective To investigate the sero-epidemiological characteristics of different age groups at different time points during the 2010 H1N1 influenza A epidemic in Changsha City.Methods Three cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 5districts of Changsha City in January,March and August 2010.The respondents were selected by multiple random sampling and were divided into 5 age groups(0-,6-,16-,25-and 60-years) for face-to-face questionnaires,and their serum specimens were collected and tested for antibody against the influenza A(H1N1) 2010 virus by hemagglutination inhibition(HI).Results Among 5 different age groups,the positive rates of the antibody against the influenza A(H1N1) 2010 virus in the age groups of 6-and 16-years showed a downward trend over time;moreover,the positive rate and the geometric mean antibody titer(GMT) of the antibody both declined more greatly in the age group of 6-years.Among 6 different occupation groups,the positive rates of antibody against the influenza A(H1N1) 2010 virus in the student and medical professional groups showed a downward trend over time,with more decrease in the student group.No statistically significant difference was found in the positive rate and GMT between genders(P 0.05).The comprehensive analysis of the 3 surveys showed that the positive rate and GMT of the antibody against the influenza A(H1N1) 2010 virus in the vaccinated population reached 55.53% and 44.62 respectively,which were 2.15 and 3.74 times of those in the unvaccinated population.Conclusions The epidemic of influenza A(H1N1) in Changsha City appeared to be subsiding over time in 2010,and the immunological barrier formed preliminarily.Students and medical professionals are at high-risk for influenza A(H1N1) virus infection.The vaccinated population shows a high positive rate of antibody against influenza A(H1N1) virus;however,their antibody levels decrease rapidly.H1N1 vaccine has a protective effect on the crowd.It is necessary to intensify H1N1 vaccination and revaccination among population aged 60 years and above.