cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Puzzle About Hobbes on Self‐Defense

The crucial step in Hobbes' argument for the right of self-defense in civil society is the claim that the parties to the Covenant for the establishment of civil society do not abandon the right when they agree to lay down a portion of their natural rights. The reason they do not abandon this right is that it is not to their benefit to do so. But there seem to be many situations in which a person would benefit by abandoning the right of self-defense. I consider several interpretations that would rescue Hobbes' argument on this point. It turns out that the argument Hobbes needs to defend his appeal to benefit relies on a straightforward maximizing conception of rationality. I argue, however, that the account of rationality Hobbes presupposes in his answer to the infamous Foole is altogether different: it is a pragmatic theory of rationality instead. I argue that as between his argument for the inalienability of self-defense and his argument against free-riding on the Social Contract, Hobbes has no choice but to side with the latter. I also suggest, however, that Hobbes might have argued for the existence of a right of self-defense by a somewhat different route than the one he took. The reconstructed argument I propose depends upon a particular understanding of the right of self-defense in Hobbes' system: It regards the right as the central political protection parties to the Covenant might regard themselves as having against the usurpations of an all-powerful sovereign.
Experimental confirmation of two predictions of a vibronic coupling model for mixed-valence systems

Abstract Both low-energy vibronic (“tunneling”) transitions and “electronic” Raman scattering have been observed in mixed-valence systems, the former by Rice et al. in (TCNQ) 2 − and latter by Tanino and Kobayashi in Wolffram's red salt. These observations are consistent with the predictions of a vibronic coupling medel (PKS) for mixed-valence dimer systems.
Classification and compression of digital newspaper images

An improved scheme for newspaper block segmentation and classification is described. The newspaper image is first segmented into blocks using three passes of a run-length smoothing algorithm. Blocks may have any shape and need not be non-overlapped rectangles. The height H between the top-line and base-line of lower case letters, and the number of pixels that have values differing from their four neighboring pixels, are measured for simple and reliable block classification. Blocks of different types are compressed based on their own characteristics. Unlike conventional methods, halftone image blocks are treated differently from black and white graphic blocks for better compression. A lossless compression scheme for halftoned images is proposed. Reconstruction of gray-tones from halftone images employing information of both smooth and edgy areas is presented.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Optimal control of multiplicative control systems arising from cancer therapy

This study deals with ways of curtailing the vapid growth of cancer cell populations. The performance functional that measures the size of the population at the terminal time as well as the control effort is devised. With use of the discrete maximum principle, the Hamiltonian for this problem is determined and the condition for optimal solutions are developed. The optimal strategy is shown to be a bang-bang control. It is shown that the optimal control for this problem must be on the vertices of an N -dimensional cube contained in the N -dimensional Euclidean space. An algorithm for obtaining a local minimum of the performance function in an orderly fashion is developed. Application of the algorithm to the design of antitumor drug and X -irradiation schedule is discussed.
System and design requirements in computed tomographic imaging spectroscopy

The advent of imaging spectroscopy has enabled optical sensors to be constructed that provide hyperspectral imagery on scales previously unattainable. Whereas multiband imagery on several spectral bands have been available for some time, the new generation of instruments is capable of providing imagery in hundreds or thousands of spectral bands. The price of increased measurement resolution is both greater system complexity, and, increased data processing burden. One of the new instrument designs for producing hyperspectral imagery is the Computed Tomographic Imaging Spectrometer (CTIS). This instrument relies on a computer generated holographic mask as a dispersing element with relatively conventional optical elements and arrays. Design philosophy is discussed relative to systems requirements for using hyperspectral imaging in missile and fire control systems. Issues of optical throughput, dispersion, mask complexity, and, producability are discussed. Results are shown for masks manufactured to operate in the visible and infrared regions. In concert with the design issues of the Computed Tomographic Imaging Spectrometer, the data processing and reduction is discussed both for remote sensing, and, typical missile and fire control applications. System tradeoff between algorithm complexity and mission is presented with regard to current algorithms and their implementation. Completed systems are presented and results from both first and second-generation instruments are displayed. Deviation of actual operation from expectations is discussed relative to plans for further development.
Auspicious wisdom : the texts and traditions of Śrīvidyā Śākta tantrism in south India

This is a study of the texts and traditions of this influential school of goddess-centred Sakta Tantrism. It explores the theological and ritual theories that form the basis for Srividya practice and offers new methods for critical and comparative studies of esoteric Hinduism.
Influence of Lactation History on Breast Nipple Aspirate Fluid Yields and Fluid Composition

Analysis of nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) can be useful for understanding the impact that various lifestyle factors have on the biology of the breast. In this study, breast NAF was obtained at baseline from premenopausal women who volunteered for a dietary intervention trial. The influence of lactation history on both fluid yields and fluid composition was explored. We examined the levels of fat-soluble micronutrients (tocopherols, carotenoids, retinol), one lipid oxidation product (8-isoprostane), cholesterol, and protein in NAF. Roughly half of the women in the trial had never lactated, but this did not affect fluid yields appreciably. Carotenoid and tocopherol levels were significantly higher in NAF from women who lactated 6 months or more versus women who had lactated for shorter periods of time or never, but 8-isoprostane, protein, and cholesterol levels were not affected appreciably by lifetime lactation history. Longer times after weaning were associated with higher cholesterol levels, and there also was a suggestion the fat-soluble micronutrients declined with time after weaning. This is of interest since high cholesterol levels in breast fluid have been associated with an increased breast cancer risk, while carotenoids and tocopherols are thought to be protective. The results of this study provide further evidence of the potential benefits of prolonged lactation via its influence on NAF composition.
Genetic evidence that Tn10 transposes by a nonreplicative mechanism.

Abstract We present genetic evidence that the tetracycline resistance element Tn10 transposes by a nonreplicative mechanism. Heteroduplex Tn10 elements containing three single base pair mismatches were constructed on λ phage genomes and allowed to transpose from λ into the bacterial chromosome. Analysis of TetR colonies resulting from such transpositions suggests that information from both strands of the transposing Tn10 element is transmitted faithfully to its transposition product. The simplest interpretation of these results is that the transposing element is excised from the donor molecule and inserted into the target molecule without being replicated. A mismatch 70 base pairs from one end of the transposon is preserved, suggesting that there is little or no replication, even at the termini of the element, during transposition in vivo.
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and the Tradition of the Private Sphere: An Analysis of Symbols:

Assuming that Kubler-Ross' denial-to-acceptance schema has been adopted by the public on symbolic, not scientific terms, the paper analyzes the symbol “acceptance” and shows how that symbol is part of a strong American tradition of symbols of the private sphere. The paper shows that “acceptance” is created as a symbol to oppose the organized technology of modern medical systems; the paper shows that the tradition of the private sphere rose in the American Victorian period as a response to organized technology. The paper ends by questioning the rejection of technology as an adequate basis for a cultural death symbol. The first part of the paper is an analysis of Kubler-Ross' work and the second part is a sociology of knowledge of her work.
Comparison of impedance, microbial, sensory, and pH methods to determine shrimp quality.

Abstract This study compared the relative ability of several techniques to measure shrimp quality. Fresh raw white shrimp (Penaeus setiferis) were stored whole at −20, 5, 25, and 35°C, sampled periodically, and measured for sensory odor score, psychro-trophic microbial numbers, pH, and Bactometer impedance values. Impedance, odor, and microbial numbers were highly correlated and predictive of quality, while pH was not an appropriate gauge of quality. Correlation of impedance with odor was 0.89, with a Bactometer I-value of 2175 or greater indicative of spoiled shrimp. This study provides continuing evidence that an impedimetric method can be used as a rapid, easy, and objective tool to measure shrimp quality.
Effects of insulin, epinephrine, and glucose on regulation of transcription of the serine dehydratase gene in newborn dogs.

Abstract Our previous investigations showed that hyperinsulinemia incompletely suppressed the transcription of the gene encoding l -serine dehydratase (SDH) (EC 4.2.1.13), a gluconeogenic enzyme, in newborn dogs. To test another hypothesis that insulin resistance in newborn mammals may be partially due to counterregulatory factors, such as epinephrine, euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps, hyperglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps, and hyperglycemic hyperinsulinemic hyperepinephrinemic clamps were performed in newborn dogs in the present study. The infusion rates of insulin and epinephrine were 30 mU/kg/min and 150 ng/kg/min, respectively; the glucose infusion rate was adjustable. The SDH mRNA levels in kidney and liver of newborn dogs were quantitatively analyzed by using rat SDH cDNA probe and by a personal densitometer. The results showed that insulin, glucose, and epinephrine did not change the kidney SDH mRNA level; hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia reduced the liver SDH mRNA level by 8.5 and 29.2%, respectively; in the presence of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, epinephrine was able to increase the liver SDH mRNA by 27.8%, almost offsetting the reduction of the liver SDH mRNA level induced by the combination of insulin and glucose. We conclude that the enhanced regulatory effect of epinephrine counteracting insulin on SDH gene transcription in liver of newborn dogs may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the neonatal insulin resistance which contributes to neonatal hyperglycemia.
Aza- and oxadithiolates are probable proton relays in functional models for the [FeFe]-hydrogenases.

The dithiolate cofactor for the [FeFe]-hydrogenase models, Fe2(xdt)(CO)2(dppv)2 (where xdt = 1,3-propanedithiolate (pdt), azadithiolate (adt), (SCH2)2NH, and oxadithiolate (odt), (SCH2)2O; dppv = cis-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene) have been probed for their functionality as proton relays enabling formation and deprotonation of terminal hydrides. Compared to the propanedithiolate derivative, the azadithiolate and oxaditiholate show enhanced rates of proton transfer between solution and the terminal site on one Fe center. The results are consistent with the heteroatom of the dithiolate serving a gating role for both protonation and deprotonation. The pKa of the transiently formed ammonium (pKCD2Cl2 5.7−8.2) or oxonium (pKCD2Cl2 −4.7−1.6) regulates the proton transfer. As a consequence, only the azadithiolate is capable of yielding the terminal hydride from weak acids. The aza- and oxadithiolates manifested the advantages of proton relays: the odt derivative proved to be a faster catalyst for hydrogen e...
Origin of a false positive urine pregnancy test in a patient with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type I

Abstract Background Discrepant qualitative urine and quantitative serum hCG results were observed in a patient with a history of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Further studies were performed to investigate this discrepancy. Methods Urine and serum specimens were analyzed using alternate methods and heterophilic antibody blocking and dilution studies were performed. The potentially interfering substance was identified and subsequent specimens from the patient's hospital stay were analyzed for hCG and the effect of the interferent was assessed. Results Initially, the patient's urine specimen was positive for the presence of hCG based on the qualitative QuickVue + hCG point-of-care device. However, quantitative serum testing was negative for pregnancy on the Tosoh AIA-1800 analyzer ( Conclusion The discrepancy between the qualitative urine and quantitative hCG results was due to an interfering substance causing a false positive on the QuickVue + urine point-of-care device. Subsequent studies identified rheumatoid factor as the potential interferent in this case.
Generalized m series in tree enumeration

Consideration of a particular series formed by deleting certain branches of the complete graph K sub t with t vertices. A class of graphs which contains the m series as a special case is considered, and a new formula is given for the m series itself (an m series graph is obtained from K sub t by removing m branches forming a closed loop). A formula is derived for the number of labeled spanning trees in the graph obtained by deleting certain branches from K sub t.
Transcriptional analysis of the Clostridium cellulovorans endoglucanase gene, engB

An endoglucanase gene, which was shown to be identical to the previously sequenced engB gene [Attwood et al. (1993) Abstr. Ann. Meet. Am. Soc. Microbiol.], was isolated from a Clostridium cellulovorans genomic library. Because of the lack of transcriptional information concerning engB we examined its expression in C. cellulovorans and in the geterologous hosts Escherichia coli and C. acetobutylicum following transformation of engB. Northern analysis suggested that both E. coli and C. acetobutylicum produced several transcripts of various sizes. C. cellulovorans produced a single transcript of 1600 bp with the relative amount of engB mRNA from cellulose-grown cells being much greater than that from cellobiose-grown cells. Primer extensions showed that engB was transcribed from a single transcription initiation site in C. cellulovorans preceded by sequences similar to promoter sequences found in Gram-positive bacteria. Primer extensions from both E. coli and C. acetobutylicum strains containing the engB gene showed multiple transcription initiation sites, none of which corresponded to the site determined in C. cellulovorans. We conclude that transcriptional control of the engB gene is less stringent in heterologous backgrounds and postulate that expression of the engB gene in C. cellulovorans is increased in the presence of cellulose.
Time-Step Optimal Broadcasting in 3-D Meshes with Minimum Total Communication Distance

In this paper we propose a new minimum total communication distance (TCD) algorithm and an optimal TCD algorithm for broadcast in a 3-dimensional mesh (3-D mesh). The former generates a minimum TCD from a given source node, and the latter guarantees a minimum TCD among all the possible source nodes. These algorithms are based on a divide-and-conquer approach where a 3-D mesh is partitioned into eight submeshes of equal size. The source node sends the broadcast message to a special node called an eye in each submesh. The above procedure is then recursively applied in each submesh. The proposed approach can be generalized to a d-dimensional mesh or torus. In addition, the proposed approach can potentially be used to solve optimization problems in other collective communication operations.
Diagnostic performance of totally automatic vs. manual processing for the quantification of myocardial perfusion spect

Abstract Objective: To compare the diagnostic performance of automatic vs. manual processing of ECTb v2.5, QPS v3.0, and 4DMSPECT (4DM) v2.3b quantitative programs in the assessment of CAD. Methods: 94 patients who had rest Tl and maximal exercise gated sestamibi MPI were used. Sixty-five of the 94 patients had stenosis ≥50%. The heart was automatically found by each program. This step failed in 4 patients using ECTb, 2 patients using QPS and 8 patients using 4DM, and in these cases the LV was manually located. All studies were first processed totally automatically (Auto), followed by an expert technologist manually modifying the parameters (21 ECTb, 17 QPS, and 39 4DM). ROC curves were generated using the extent of perfusion defect, as a percentage of LV myocardium and of each vascular territory. Coronary angiography was used as a gold standard. Results: The areas under the ROC curves were similar using either automatic or manually corrected parameters (p = NS). However, manual correction seemed to improve slightly the results of ECTb and 4DM for the diagnosis of CAD and localization of disease, except for the RCA, for which the ECTb results were lower. For QPS automatic processing provided better results than manual processing, except for the RCA. Conclusion: The accuracy of automatic and manually corrected processing by ECTb, QPS and 4MD are similar in the detection and localization of CAD. Automatic processing by these programs is robust and accurate and should generally not be overridden except in the few cases where they totally fail. Area under the ROC curve CAD LAD LCX RCA Auto ECTb 0.65 0.58 0.62 0.75 Manual ECTb 0.67 0.60 0.65 0.73 Auto QPS 0.65 0.55 0.61 0.71 Manual QPS 0.64 0.54 0.58 0.72 Auto 4DM 0.62 0.56 0.58 0.71 Manual 4DM 0.63 0.58 0.60 0.73
Throughput Capacity Estimation for Convoy Movement in Linked Roads

This research is aimed at finding the throughput rate of convoy movement in a transportation network. The primary goal of the study is first to find the throughput rate that will facilitate an estimate of the time to logistically deploy one unit, omnidirectionally (radially), to different localities during different elapsed times. The concept of average speed on a linked road is used to estimate the throughput rate of the vehicles. Several models for physical boundary conditions have been established to estimate the turning delay time in a convoy movement through streets in an urban environment under different conditions of road geometry. Special cases are also evaluated to study the capability of the general models. As a primary emphasis of the study, delay time at a turning is modeled to estimate the individual arc capacity and linked-arcs capacity. A model to estimate the average velocity in a linked road is developed to determine the average throughput rate of a route for a convoy movement. In all modeling approaches, detailed descriptions of the derivations are illustrated with numerical examples and figures.
Coal Ash Deposition on Nozzle Guide Vanes: Part I—Experimental Characteristics of Four Coal Ash Types

An accelerated deposition test facility was operated with three different coal ash species to study the effect of ash composition on deposition rate and spatial distribution. The facility seeds a combusting (natural gas) flow with 10–20 micron mass mean diameter coal ash particulate. The particulate-laden combustor exhaust is accelerated through a rectangular-to-annular transition duct and expands to ambient pressure through a nozzle guide vane annular sector. For the present study, the annular cascade consisted of two CFM56 aero-engine vane doublets; comprising three full passages and two half passages of flow. The inlet Mach number (0.1) and gas temperature (1100°C) are representative of operating turbines. Ash samples were tested from the three major coal ranks: lignite, subbituminous, and bituminous. Investigations over a range of inlet gas temperatures from 900°C to 1120°C showed that deposition increased with temperature, though the threshold for deposition varied with ash type. Deposition levels varied with coal rank, with lignite producing the largest deposits at the lowest temperature. Regions of heightened deposition were noted; the leading edge and pressure surface being particularly implicated. Scanning electron microscopy was used to identify deposit structure. For a limited subset of tests, film cooling was employed at nominal design operating conditions but provided minimal protection in cases of severe deposition.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Investigation of the Sub-Nanoscale Strain in Thin-Film Lithium Ion Battery Cathodes

LiCoO2 and LiNiO2, two important cathode materials for Li-ion batteries, were studied in their respective bulk and thin-film form. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) has been used to probe the local atomic structure and structural defects in the thin-film and bulk cathodes. Results comparing Li(Co,Ni)O2 in the bulk and thin-film forms suggests a correlation between intrinsic stress and local strain in the thin-film. This local strain is manifested by a collapse of the six-fold rotational symmetry within the metal-metal layer of the Li(Co,Ni)O2 system into a two fold one. The relationship between annealing conditions and the resulting local strain in these films is examined.
Inherited breast cancer: an emerging picture

A role for BRCA1 and BRCA2 in the control of genome integrity easily fits a tumor suppressor model. It is well established that mutations in DNA repair genes lead to genomic instability (138). Genomic instability may directly lead to tumorigenesis by allowing for the accumulation of mutations in key cell cycle regulators (139). The studies summarized here suggest that BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51. and BARD1 function as a biochemical complex. This complex apparently plays a role in one or more of the DNA damage response pathways. Experimental data suggest that BRCA1 and BRCA2 function as regulators of transcription. These observations highlight some of the fundamental questions that remain to be addressed in the study of the biology of these genes. Are the DNA repair and transcriptional regulatory functions of BRCA1 and BRCA2 related? BRCA1 and BRCA2 may maintain the integrity of the genome by regulating expression of genes directly involved in this process. Alternatively, if the functions are not related, which is required for suppression of tumorigenesis? Researchers also are grappling with another paradox. If BRCA1 and BRCA2 are ubiquitously expressed, why do mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 lead specifically to tumors primarily of the breast and ovary, as well as a limited number of other tissues to a lesser degree? Nothing to date has been revealed that would explain how alteration of the transcriptional regulatory function and or the DNA repair function ascribed to BRCA1 and BRCA2 would result in tumor specificity as both of these functions are essential to a broad spectrum of tissues. It is possible that BRCAI and BRCA2 may regulate genes expressed only in the breast and ovary. Similarly, there may be unidentified BRCA1 and BRCA2 co-factors that are active only in the breast and ovary and, therefore, are critical to tumorigenesis. All breast cancer is genetic, although only a small fraction of cases are attributable to inherited genetic predisposition. Most breast cancer is due to genetic alterations that are specific to breast epithelial cells, many of which remain unknown. Integration of genetic approaches into research designed to elucidate biological pathways of breast cancer tumorigenesis will ultimately lead to new information critical to the development of new tools for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Wound-healing and the effect of soil temperature, cultivars and protective chemicals on wound-healed potato seed pieces inoculated with seed piece decay fungi and bacteria

The effect ofFusarium solani (Fsc),F. sambucinum (Fs),Erwinia carotovora subsp.atroseptica (Eca), andE. carotovora subsp.carotovora (Ecc) inoculated singly and in combination (FscFs, FscEca, FscEcc, FsEca, FsEcc, and EcaEcc) on wound-healed potato seed pieces of the cultivar Kennebec was studied. Potato seed pieces wound-healed for 5 days at 13 C and approximately 100% relative humidity, inoculated with Fsc, Fs, Eca, Ecc and their combinations, and incubated for 10 days at 9 C were protected from Eca, Ecc, and EcaEcc. When wound-healed potato seed pieces were inoculated with Fsc, Fs, Eca, Ecc, and their combinations and planted in soil maintained at 7, 10, 15, 20 and 25 C, wound-healing protected seed pieces from all pathogens and their combinations in seed pieces held for 10 days at 10 and 15 C. When seed pieces of cultivars Atlantic, Kennebec, Norchip, Russet Burbank and Superior were inoculated with Fsc, Fs, Eca, Ecc, and their combinations, different levels of protection were observed: Russet Burbank had the highest level of protection, Atlantic and Kennebec were intermediate, and Norchip and Superior were slightly protected. Dusting mancozeb on wound-healed seed pieces before inoculation with Fsc, Fs, Eca, Ecc, and their combinations increased protection against all pathogens and their combinations by 39% or more compared to the nonchemical control.
Using oscillations to enhance heat transfer for a circular cylinder

An experimental investigation into the effects of transverse oscillations on the heat transfer from a circular cylinder in cross-flow was carried out. The cylinder’s heat transfer coefficient was measured for a wide range of oscillation frequencies and amplitudes. Heat transfer enhancement was found to be strongly dependent on synchronization with harmonics of the natural shedding frequency, the cylinder wake mode, and the cylinder transverse velocity. For representative oscillation conditions, the velocity and temperature fields in the near wake were measured using digital particle image thermometry and velocimetry (DPIT/V). This revealed several mechanisms that explain the observed heat transfer enhancement.
A novel mutation L1029H in sodium channel gene hscp associated with pyrethroid resistance for Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae).

Sequencing of the sodium channel gene hscp (para-homologous) revealed that a T to A mutation encoding a Leu to His change (L1029H) is associated with pyrethroid resistance in populations of Heliothis virescens F. This mutation occurs at a position homologous to that of the mutation Leu to Phe (L1014F) reportedly associated with knock-down resistance (kdr) to pyrethroids in a house fly strain. Another mutation reportedly associated with super-kdr in house fly was not found in H. virescens samples. In previous work, we found that one haplotype Hpy3 of a marker locus Hpy that lies ∼5 kb away from the L1029H polymorphism in the gene, increased in frequency among survivors of selection with pyrethroids, presumably through “hitch-hiking” with a resistance-conferring mutation. Not all resistant individuals examined in this study carried the L1029H mutation, but only those that also carried Hpy3 haplotypes. Resistance has been genetically linked to hscp markers for the strain PEG87, but this strain was found not to carry the L1029H mutation. Assuming that the L1029H mutation does in fact confer resistance, this suggests that more than one sodium channel mutation may be contributing to pyrethroid resistance in field populations of H. virescens.
Parenteral Amino Acid Intakes in Critically Ill Children A Matter of Convenience

Background: Parenteral and enteral amino acid requirements for nutrition balance and function have not been defined in critically ill children or adults. In addition to playing a role in protein synthesis, amino acids trigger signaling cascades that regulate various aspects of fuel and energy metabolism and serve as precursors for important substrates. Amino acids can also be toxic. In this study, parenteral intakes of essential and nonessential amino acids (EAAs and NEAAs) supplied to critically ill children were assessed as an initial step for further studies aimed at establishing parenteral amino acid requirements. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted to assess intakes of parenteral amino acid for 116 critically ill children, and these intakes were compared with EAA intakes recommended by the Institute of Medicine. Because there are no recommended intakes for NEAA, NEAA intakes were compared with mixed muscle protein content in the older children and breast milk amino acid content in the infants. Results: Parenteral EAAs were provided in amounts that exceeded recommended intakes for healthy children, except for phenylalanine and methionine, which although excessive, were given in less generous amounts. NEAAs were supplied in lower or higher amounts than the content of mixed muscle proteins or breast milk. Parenteral amino acid formulas are limited in taurine, glutamine, and asparagine despite the fact that inflammatory/immune proteins are rich in these amino acids. Conclusions: Amino acid composition of parenteral formulas is variable and lacks scientific support. Parenteral amino acid intakes should be based on measured requirements to maintain nutrition and functional balance and on knowledge of toxicity.
Clinical practice patterns of managing low-risk adult febrile neutropenia during cancer chemotherapy in the USA

The purpose of the study was to determine oncologists’ current practice patterns for antibiotic management of low-risk fever and neutropenia (FN) after chemotherapy. A self-administered survey was developed to query management practices for low-risk FN patients and sent to 3,600 randomly selected American Society of Clinical Oncology physician members; hypothetical case scenarios were included to assess factors influencing decisions about outpatient treatment. Of 3,560 actively practicing oncologists, 1,207 replied (34%). Outpatient antibiotics are used by 82% for selected low-risk FN patients (27% used in them >65% of their patients). Oral levofloxacin (50%), ciprofloxacin (36%), and ciprofloxacin plus amoxicillin/clavulanate (35%) are common outpatient regimens. Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis is used by 45% of oncologists, in a subset of afebrile patients at low risk for FN; growth factors are used adjunctively by 48% for treating low-risk FN. Factors associated with choosing outpatient treatment were: frequency of use in oncologists’ own practices, absence of hematologic malignancy, lower patient age, no infiltrate on X-ray, no prior serious infection, shorter expected FN duration, lower creatinine levels, and shorter distance of patient’s residence from the hospital. US oncologists, who responded are willing to prescribe outpatient oral antibiotic treatment for low-risk FN, although practices vary considerably and are based on favorable clinical factors. However, practices are often employed that are not recommended for low-risk patients by current guidelines, including fluoroquinolone prophylaxis, adjunctive and/or prophylactic growth factors, and use of levofloxacin for empiric therapy. Educational efforts are needed to better guide cost-effective and supportive care.
Heterogeneous differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells in response to extended culture in extracellular matrices.

Extracellular matrix proteins (ECMs) guide differentiation of adult stem cells, but the temporal distribution of differentiation (i.e., heterogeneity) in a given population has not been investigated. We tested the effect of individual ECM proteins on lineage commitment of human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) over time. We exposed stem cell populations to ECM proteins representing the primary tissue structures of the body (i.e., collagens type I, III, IV; laminin; and fibronectin) and determined the lineage commitment of the stem cells at 1, 7, and 14 days. We found that collagens that can participate in the formation of fibrils guide differentiation of cardiomyocytes, adipocytes, and osteoblasts. ECMs of the basement membrane initiate differentiation of cardiomyocytes and osteoblasts but not adipocytes, and small facilitator ECMs (e.g., fibronectin) do not significantly affect stem cell differentiation. Differentiation was ECM-dependent because culture on tissue culture polystyrene, with consistent cell morphology, proliferation, and death, initiated differentiation of osteoblasts only. Thus, we show that ECMs independently trigger differentiation of human adult MSCs and that differentiation in this context can be guided down multiple lineages using the same ECM stimulus. This work highlights the importance of more clearly defining progenitor populations, especially those cultured in the presence of ECMs before transplantation.
On the inversion of the atomic beam scattering data in the Eikonal approximation

Abstract The inversion method of Celli, Garcia and Rieder requires some a-priori knowledge about the phases of the dominant scattering amplitudes. A perturbational method will be introduced here which is evaluated in the Eikonal approximation, but can in principle be extended to the Helmholtz equation. It is based on the observation that the expansion coefficients P G ( n ) of the scattering intensities with respect to k i , the incident wave vector, are functions of the corrugation amplitudes and phase differences and fulfill certain sum rules. If these coefficients are determined by several measurements with varying scattering parameters, then the lowest P G ( n ) for n = 2,3.4 are sufficient for finding the essentially unique surface profile function. As an example, simulated surface domain structure scattering data will be inverted.
Overview of Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis is an antibody-mediated disorder of neuromuscular transmission that is characterized by weakness and fatigue of voluntary muscles. Weakness may be ocular, bulbar, or generalized. Diagnostic evaluation of patients consists of bedside assessment, antibody testing, and electrophysiologic studies. Various therapeutic options are available, which consist of anticholinesterase inhibitors for symptomatic management, immunosuppressive agents as maintenance therapy, and thymectomy. Plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin are used in patients in crisis or those with rapidly worsening or refractory symptoms. In our article, we elaborate on key aspects of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic evaluation, and therapeutic options for patients with myasthenia gravis.
Safety and Efficacy of Vigabatrin for the Treatment of Infantile Spasms

In 2009, vigabatrin became the first FDA approved medication for the treatment of infantile spasms in the United States. There are few well-designed prospective studies comparing the drug to placebo or other modalities used in the treatment of infantile spasms. The available data have demonstrated that vigabatrin is efficacious in the treatment of infantile spasms regardless of underlying etiology, but that it is particularly beneficial in patients with a diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), the only other medication with robust efficacy data, has been used as first line therapy for infantile spasms associated with other etiologies, and in general controls spasms sooner than vigabatrin, though relapse is common with both therapies. Vigabatrin is generally well tolerated. However, use has been associated with permanent loss of peripheral vision in some patients. In children with tuberous sclerosis, vigabatrin should be considered as initial therapy for infantile spasms. It is a viable alternative for patients with suboptimal response, contraindications or intolerance to ACTH.
EPR studies on the iron-sulfur centers of dpnh dehydrogenase during the redox cycle of the enzyme*

Summary Preparations of the inner mitochondrial membrane, upon treatment with DPNH in the aerobic state, undergo a cycle of absorbance changes, which may be monitored at 470–500 mμ. There is rapid initial bleaching, followed by return of the color on exhaustion of DPNH. In the presence of rotenone or piericidin the cycle is prolonged, the return of color (reoxidation) is inhibited and the extent of reoxidation less than in uninhibited particles. The EPR signals of four different iron-sulfur centers associated with DPNH dehydrogenase have thus far been resolved at temperatures between 4–20°K. Of these the iron-sulfur center of lowest potential, center 1, is reoxidized by the respiratory chain when DPNH is exhausted, but the high potential center 2 remains reduced. ATP reoxidizes iron-sulfur center 2 and restores full color to the chromophore. It is suggested that the energy for the reoxidation of the chromophore and iron-sulfur center 2 is supplied by coupling site I. On the basis of these and of other observations it is tentatively proposed that coupling site I is directly associated with DPNH dehydrogenase and is located on the 0 2 side of iron-sulfur center 1 and the substrate side of both center 2 and the specific binding sites of rotenone and piericidin.
An oxygen isotope model for interpreting carbonate diagenesis in nonmarine rocks (Green River Basin, Wyoming U.S.A.)

Abstract A closed-system model is used for predicting the δ 18 O of formation waters in the deep portions of the northern Green River basin, Wyoming. δ 18 O calcite is calculated from this modeled water and compared with the δ 18 O of measured calcites to help interpret diagenesis in the basin. The modification of 18 O water , which may be caused by diagenetic reactions at elevated temperatures, is modeled from two mass-balance equations. Three diagenetic reactions used to modify δ 18 O water include: detrital limestonea calcite cement; detrital quartz→ quartz cement; and detrital clay a authigenic illite/smectite. A weighted average δ 18 O water and δ 18 O of calcite, quartz and illite/smectite in equilibrium with this water are calculated at 500-m increments. For a closed-system model, calculated variables at one depth are used for input variables at the next depth. An open system can be crudely simulated by adjusting the input variables at each depth. Petrographic and hydrologic data suggest that throughout much of the basin an open hydrochemical system overlies a relatively closed system which is below 3000 m. From the surface to 3000 m deep, δ 18 O calcite measured in sandstone cements deviates from calculated 18 O calcite for the closed-system model. Below 3000 m, δ 18 O calcite of cement and bulk shale converge from opposite directions with increasing depth toward the calculated δ 18 O calcite . Adjusting the calculated δ 18 O calcite to match the measured δ 18 O calcite indicates that the deviation above 3000 m results from mixing of meteoric waters with 18 O-rich formation water.
Evaluation of potential biodiesel feedstock production from oleaginous insect Solenopsis sp.

Abstract Oil production from single cells has been in development since the 1980s primarily for the pharmaceutical and neutraceutical industries, but the technology for using microorganisms to convert plant cellular material directly into oil is still undeveloped. The unusual amount of oil extracted from the imported fire ant ( Solenopsis sp.) may be an indication of the presence of oleaginous microorganisms or enzymes supporting the digestion of raw sugars. Yield of the ant oil is 16% dry weight and contains most of the fatty acids also found in other biomass resources. Heat of combustion of the ant oil was 133,000 BTU/gal, an amount within the range of reported values for vegetable oil and biodiesel. This investigation also explores the potential source of the oil through stable isotope labeling and offers a unique perspective of a potentially new source of microorganisms or enzymes useful for reducing the cost of producing an alternative fuel.
Activation of Macrophages by in Vitro Allostimulated T Cells

Murine peritoneal macrophages, parabiotically co-cultured with combinations of in vitro H-2 sensitized thymus-derived lymphocytes obtained from drug-pretreated mice, possessed an increased cytotoxicity against alloantibody-coated target cells. This heightened activity appeared to be accentuated by and dependent on T-cell synergy. After 5 days of in vitro allosensitization at 37 degrees C, cortisone-resistant thymocytes allosensitized in combination with cyclophosphamide-pretreated splenic T cells released molecules that produced strong antibody-dependent macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). This enhanced ADCC correlated with increased macrophage rosetting with IgG-sensitized erythrocytes. These heightened activities resulted from soluble mediators released by the activated T cells which diffused across a 0.22-microns Millipore filter and were not dependent on lymphocyte-macrophage contact. Evidence that these molecules originated from the highly enriched T-cell populations and were not synthesized de novo by macrophages was supported by results of pretreatment with protein and RNA synthesis inhibitors. Evidence that soluble Fc receptors released from the alloactivated T cells were responsible for the increased macrophage EA binding and ADCC was obtained in affinity chromatography experiments in which activity could be depleted by passage over a Sepharose-Fc-coupled column and recovered in the column eluate.
Coulomb blockade and the Kondo effect in single-atom transistors

Using molecules as electronic components is a powerful new direction in the science and technology of nanometre-scale systems1. Experiments to date have examined a multitude of molecules conducting in parallel2,3, or, in some cases, transport through single molecules. The latter includes molecules probed in a two-terminal geometry using mechanically controlled break junctions4,5 or scanning probes6,7 as well as three-terminal single-molecule transistors made from carbon nanotubes8, C60 molecules9, and conjugated molecules diluted in a less-conducting molecular layer10. The ultimate limit would be a device where electrons hop on to, and off from, a single atom between two contacts. Here we describe transistors incorporating a transition-metal complex designed so that electron transport occurs through well-defined charge states of a single atom. We examine two related molecules containing a Co ion bonded to polypyridyl ligands, attached to insulating tethers of different lengths. Changing the length of the insulating tether alters the coupling of the ion to the electrodes, enabling the fabrication of devices that exhibit either single-electron phenomena, such as Coulomb blockade, or the Kondo effect.
Driving systems with chaotic signals.

We generalize the idea of driving a stable system to the situation when the drive signal is chaotic. This leads to the concept of conditional Lyapunov exponents and also generalizes the usual criteria of the linear stability theorem. We show that driving with chaotic signals can be done in a robust fashion, rather insensitive to changes in system parameters. The calculation of the stability criteria leads naturally to an estimate for the convergence of the driven system to its stable state. We focus on a homogeneous driving situation that leads to the construction of synchronized chaotic subsystems. We apply these ideas to the Lorenz and R\"ossler systems, as well as to an electronic circuit and its numerical model.
Interparental Conflict and Parenting Behaviors: A Meta-Analytic Review

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between interparental conflict and parenting using meta-analytic review techniques. One-hundred and thirty-eight effect sizes from 39 studies are analyzed. The overall average weighted effect size is −.62, indicating a moderate association and support for the spillover hypothesis. The parenting behaviors most impacted by interparental conflict are harsh discipline and parental acceptance. Several moderating effects for subject and method characteristics are significant.
Corneal thickness in children.

Objective To determine normal central and paracentral corneal thickness measurements in the pediatric population and to determine if these measurements are consistent across different pediatric age groups and different racial groups. Design Prospective observational case series. Methods Pachymetry measurements were performed on 198 eyes of 108 children. The measurements were taken centrally as well as at four paracentral sites 3 mm from the corneal center at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions. The two-tailed t test was used for comparison of the continuous means for values of corneal thickness. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine differences among age and ethnic groups Results The mean central corneal thickness (CCT) was 549 ± 46 μm. Paracentral corneal thickness mean values, as measured 3 mm from the corneal center, were as follows: superior, 575 ± 52 μm; nasal, 568 ± 50 μm; inferior, 568 ± 51 μm; and temporal, 574 ± 47 μm. The mean CCT values were significantly thinner than at each of the mean paracentral points ( P t test). Paracentral corneal thickness measurements demonstrated no significant differences between locations ( P > .05, variance analysis). The mean CCT ± SD for each age group was as follows: 6 to 23 months, 538 ± 40 μm; 2 to 4 years, 546 ± 41 μm; 5 to 9 years, 566 ± 48 μm; and 10 to 18 years, 554 ± 35 μm (ANOVA P = .012). ANOVA performed on central pachymetry values demonstrated no significant differences among racial subgroups. Conclusions Pediatric central and paracentral corneal thicknesses increase slowly over time and reach adult thicknesses at 5 to 9years of age.
Preparing Teachers To Educate Students with Severe Disabilities in Inclusive Settings despite Contextual Constraints.

Inclusive education has been advocated for students with severe disabilities based on the least restrictive environment mandate of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997...
Genetic Structure of the nadA and nadB Antivirulence Loci in Shigella spp.

Comparison of nadA and nadB in 14 Shigella strains and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli versus E. coli showed that at least one locus is altered in all strains. These observations explain the characteristic nicotinic acid auxotrophy of Shigella organisms and are consistent with the previously identified antivirulence nature of these genes for these pathogens.