cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and risk of incident peripheral arterial disease: Findings from The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (ARIC).

Abstract Background and aims Results from prospective studies evaluating the relationship between elevated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity and incident peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have been mixed. We investigated whether higher Lp-PLA2 levels are associated with increased risk of incident PAD and whether PLA2G7 gene variants, which result in lower Lp-PLA2 levels, are associated with reduced risk of incident PAD. Methods Our analysis included 9922 participants (56% female; 21% African-American; mean age 63 years) without baseline PAD at ARIC Visit 4 (1996–1998), who had Lp-PLA2 activity measured and were subsequently followed for the development of PAD, defined by occurrence of a PAD-related hospitalization, through 2012. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to determine the association of Lp-PLA2 levels and PLA2G7 gene variants with incident PAD. Results During a median follow-up of 14.9 years, we identified 756 incident cases of PAD. In analyses adjusting for age, race, and sex, each standard deviation increment in Lp-PLA2 activity (62 nmol/ml/min) was associated with a higher risk of developing PAD (hazard ratio (HR) 1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09, 1.26). This association remained significant after additional adjustment for risk factors, other cardiovascular disease, and medication use, but was strongly attenuated (HR: 1.09; 95% CI 1.00, 1.20). PLA2G7 variants were not associated with a lower risk of PAD in both white carriers (HR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.17–8.56) and African-American carriers (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.41–1.67), although statistical power was quite limited for this analysis, particularly in whites. Conclusions While higher Lp-PLA2 activity was associated with an increased risk for incident PAD, it is likely a risk marker largely represented by traditional risk factors.
Is the use of some calcium antagonists linked to cancer? Evidence from recent observational studies.

In animal and in vitro studies, several calcium antagonists have been shown to block apoptosis (programmed cell death), a natural cellular defence against cancer. On the basis of these studies, it has been hypothesised that calcium antagonists may function as cancer promoters and that they might cause cancer in humans.
PHARMACOKINETICS OF SINGLE-DOSE BUPRENORPHINE, BUTORPHANOL, AND HYDROMORPHONE IN THE DOMESTIC FERRET (MUSTELA PUTORIUS FURO)

Abstract The objective of this study was to establish the clinical pharmacokinetic profile of 4 different opioid drugs (buprenorphine, butorphanol, hydromorphone, and morphine) in the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo). Twenty-four, approximately 1-year-old, male neutered purpose-bred domestic ferrets were used for this study. The ferrets were divided into 4 groups of 6, with a different opioid drug used for each group. A preopioid venous blood sample was obtained via cranial vena cava venipuncture. Following the initial blood collection, a single injection of opioid (hydromorphone 0.1 mg/kg, buprenorphine 0.04 mg/kg, butorphanol 0.3 mg/kg, and morphine 1 mg/kg) was given to each ferret, dependent on assigned drug group, intramuscularly (buprenorphine) or subcutaneously (hydromorphone, butorphanol, and morphine). Intramuscular injections were administered in the semimembranosis and semitendinosis muscles, whereas the subcutaneous injections were delivered in the intrascapular subcutaneous space. A venous blood sample was obtained at 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480, and 720 minutes postinjection from the ferrets in the buprenorphine, butorphanol, and hydromorphone groups. Mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography was performed to obtain plasma concentrations of the administered drugs. The mean maximum concentration of buprenorphine was 6.96 ng/mL, butorphanol was 48.6 ng/mL, and hydromorphone was 17.3 ng/mL. Maximum concentrations were achieved at a mean of 9 minutes after administration for buprenorphine, 13.3 minutes for butorphanol, and 8.33 minutes for hydromorphone. The mean half-life of buprenorphine was 219.1 minutes, butorphanol was 91.1 minutes, and hydromorphone was 24.7 minutes. Owing to severe complications arising within the morphine group, including hypersalivation and vomiting, the morphine study was discontinued prior to blood sample collection. Intramuscular injections of buprenorphine and subcutaneous injections of butorphanol or hydromorphone appeared to be well tolerated by all ferrets. The pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine, butorphanol, and hydromorphone of a single equipotent dose of each drug have been established through this research investigation and may be useful for further studies.
Investigating the Pricing Impacts of the American Airlines and US Airways Merger

In 2013, American Airlines merged with US Airways creating the largest airline in the world. This paper analyzes this merger’s effect on domestic airline ticket pricing using the Department of Transportation’s 10% ticket sample. This analysis confirmed insights that have been identified in prior analyses including in which there is heightened competition, prices are lower. It also demonstrates again that mergers can be correlated with rising prices. What is perhaps novel is that although legacy carriers generally increased prices post-merger, low-cost carriers did not appear to have that same freedom. Rather, they lowered prices, and those fare reductions were largest in markets for which American Airlines and US Airways played a larger role pre-merger.
Prolog: Memristor Minds

What is the best, near-term approach for building intelligent machines? We explore the impact of memristive memory on the technological and mathematical foundations of neuromorphic computing.
Photometric monitoring of T Tauri stars, RS CVn stars and related objects

A program of photometric monitoring of T Tauri stars, Ae-irregular variables, and RS CVn stars is in its third year of operation at Van Vleck Observatory. Results from the first year were published by Herbst, et al. (1982; Paper I), and from the second year will appear in the November 1983 issue of AJ, (Paper II). Stars observed so far include the following: T Tauri (RW Aur, SU Aur, RY Tau, T Tau, CO Ori); Herbig Ae/Be (BD+40 ° 4124, BD+4~ 3731, BD+6~1283, BD+46 ° 3471, BD+61 ° 154, AB Aur, Z CMa); Ae-Irregular (BF Ori, UX Ori, WW Vul); RS Cvn and related (FK Com, DM UMa). On the program this year, in addition to several of the stars listed above, are T Ori, GW Ori and HH Aur. We are very interested in coordinating observations of these or other similar stars with the efforts of spectroscopists, IUE observers, or infrared observers. Anyone wishing to propose a collaborative effort should contact W. Herbst. Observations are made with a single-channel photometer attached to the 60 cm Boller and Chivens reflector (the Perkin telescope) of the Van Vleck Observatory. A GaAs tube is used permitting UBVRI (Cousin's system) data to be obtained. Narrow and intermediate band filters centered on Ha and the K-line of CaII are also used. Our limiting magnitude, set by the extremely bright sky at our on-campus location, is V ~13. We prefer to work considerably brighter than that. All observations are made differentially. There have been roughly 40 useful nights per 6-month observing season during the past few years. Data handling and reduction are highly automated (through an LSI 11/02 microprocessor linked to Wesleyan's mainframe computer), permitting quicklooks, and an easy, efficient observing environment. An award from the Dudley Observatory to W. Herbst and H.L. Nations has made it possible for us to begin construction of a fully automated photometric system, capable of being operated remotely. Hopefully the new system will be in place by next Fall. As a single example of results obtained so far from our program, we discuss in this paper, data obtained on five T Ori stars and its interpretation. A T Ori star is one which exhibits large, aperiodic drops in brightness by ~0.5 to 3 mag on timescales of ~i week, followed by an equally rapid recovery. Between minima, most stars remain close to maximum light with only small amplitude, irregular fluctuations. There are five T Ori stars on our program, the three Ae-irregular variables plus the two G-type T Tauri stars, CO Ori and SU Aur. Last year's light curve for UX Ori is shown in Paper II and is an example of typical T Ori-type behaviour. Near maximum light, the spectra of all five program stars are predominantly photospheric in nature, with relatively weak He emission. To substantially reduce the
Factors Associated with Initial Mode of Breast Cancer Detection among Black Women in the Women’s Circle of Health Study

Mammogram-detected breast cancers have a better prognosis than those identified through clinical breast exam (CBE) or through self-detection, primarily because tumors detected by mammography are more likely to be smaller and do not involve regional nodes. In a sample of 1,322 Black women, aged 40-75 years, diagnosed with breast cancer between 2002 and 2016, we evaluated factors associated with CBE and self-detection versus screening mammogram as the initial mode of breast cancer detection, using multivariable logistic regression models. Compared with screening mammogram, history of routine screening mammogram (OR 0.20, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.54) and performance of breast self-examination (BSE) (OR 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.74) before diagnosis were associated with lower odds of CBE as the initial mode of detection, while performance of CBEs before diagnosis (OR 11.04, 95% CI: 2.24, 54.55) was positively associated. Lower body mass index ( 2.0 cm vs. <1.0 cm: OR 6.41, 95% CI: 3.30, 12.46) were associated with increased odds of self-detection relative to screening mammogram. The odds of CBE and self-detection as initial modes of breast cancer detection among Black women are independently associated with breast care and breast cancer screening services before diagnosis and with larger tumors at diagnosis.
Race, Ethnicity, and the College Double Major

This study uses American Community Survey data to estimate the returns to a double major, with a focus on differential returns by race and ethnicity. Consistent with past findings, this study finds a positive return on earnings for double majors, but caution that these results are not necessarily causal. After addressing the return to a double major for the whole sample, the study then looks at heterogeneity in the return to a double major by race and gender. A theoretical model is presented which predicts that non-whites will see a higher return on earnings than whites. As predicted, blacks and Hispanics see a significantly higher return to a double major than whites. Policy focused on lowering the cost of double majoring could help to alleviate some of the racial earnings gap.
Social media analytics to connect system performability and quality of experience, with an application to Citibike

Abstract Historically performance of city services has mostly been evaluated from a performability perspective based on what is commonly understood as a quality of service (QoS) analysis. High values of QoS are generally perceived by systems owners as reflective of a high quality of experience (QoE) by the system users. Unfortunately, such a statement is many times untrue. There is a lack of connection between the user experience and the system performance. As such, and given the availability of social media data regarding the usage of services and experiences, this work presents a novel framework to bring together QoS and QoE analyses, to integrate performance metrics with user expectations of services. This framework is illustrated via the bicycle sharing program of New York City, Citibike, where the combination of both QoS and QoE provides insights into a variety of issues related to the city and the service itself.
Extended ex vivo normothermic perfusion for preservation of vascularized composite allografts.

Ischemia and reperfusion injury remains a significant limiting factor for the successful revascularization of amputated extremities. Ex vivo normothermic perfusion is a novel approach to prolong the viability of the amputated limbs by maintaining physiologic cellular metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of extended ex vivo normothermic limb perfusion (EVNLP) in preserving the viability of amputated limbs for over 24 hours. A total of 10 porcine forelimbs underwent EVNLP. Limbs were perfused using an oxygenated colloid solution at 38°C containing washed RBCs. Five forelimbs (Group A) were perfused for 12 hours and the following 5 (Group B) until the vascular resistance increased. Contralateral forelimbs in each group were preserved at 4°C as a cold storage control group. Limb viability was compared between the 2 groups through assessment of muscle contractility, compartment pressure, tissue oxygen saturation, indocyanine green (ICG) angiography and thermography. EVNLP was performed for 12 hours in group A and up to 44 hours (24-44 hours) in group B. The final weight increase (-1.28 ± 8.59% vs. 7.28 ± 15.05%, P = .548) and compartment pressure (16.50 ± 8.60 vs. 24.00 ± 9.10) (P = .151) were not significantly different between the two groups. Final myoglobin and CK mean values in group A and B were: 875.0 ± 325.8 ng/mL (A) versus 1133.8 ± 537.7 ng/mL (B) (P = .056) and 53 344.0 ± 16 603.0 U/L versus 64 333.3 ± 32 481.8 U/L (P = .286). Tissue oxygen saturation was stable until the end in both groups. Infra-red thermography and ICG-angiography detected variations of peripheral limb perfusion. Our results suggest that extended normothermic preservation of amputated limbs is feasible and that the outcomes of prolonged EVNLP (>24 hours) are not significantly different from short EVNLP (12 hours).
Development of single-compound reference materials on polytetrafluoroethylene filters for analysis of aerosol samples

Abstract Single element/compound reference materials (RM) were generated from high purity salts or nanoparticles on 25 and 47 mm PTFE filters for use in calibration and quality checks of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The aerosols were deposited using a custom-made aerosol generation system equipped with common ambient air particulate matter samplers. The mass loadings on the RM were determined based on gravimetric measurements and the stoichiometry of the deposits, and then confirmed by energy dispersive XRF, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and/or ion chromatography. Selected RM were demonstrated to have homogeneous deposits and be stable both short- and long-term when handled and stored properly. Overall, RM on PTFE filters with minimum loadings ~0.5 μg/cm2 and uncertainty ≤10% for Na, Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ce, and Pb have been generated. These gravimetrically certified RM are invaluable in calibrations of the XRF analyzers, as they are the only ones available on PTFE membranes with mass loadings typical of those collected from ambient air. In addition, these RM can be utilized to monitor instrumental performance over time and together with multi-elemental reference materials can help examine common artifacts in spectral analysis.
Roles of Alkali Metals and Ionic Networks in Directing the Formation of Anionic Metal–Organic Frameworks

Integrating different types of fundamental chemical interactions to direct the self-assembly processes and to control the dimension of the network formed by each type of interactions is a promising...
TAOK2 is an ER-localized Kinase that Catalyzes the Dynamic Tethering of ER to Microtubules

Summary The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) depends on extensive association with the microtubule cytoskeleton for its structure, function and mitotic inheritance. The identity of molecular tethers that mediate ER-microtubule coupling, and mechanisms through which dynamic tethering is regulated are poorly understood. Here, we identify, Thousand And One amino acid Kinase 2 (TAOK2) as a pleiotropic protein kinase that mediates tethering of ER to microtubules. We show that TAOK2 is a unique multipass membrane spanning serine/threonine kinase localized in distinct ER domains via four transmembrane and amphipathic helices. Using in vitro and cellular assays, we find that TAOK2 directly binds microtubules with high affinity. We define the minimal TAOK2 determinants that induce ER-microtubule tethering, and delineate the mechanism for its autoregulation. While ER membrane dynamics are increased in TAOK2 knockout cells, the movement of ER along growing microtubule plus-ends is disrupted. We show that ER-microtubule tethering is tightly regulated by catalytic activity of TAOK2 in both interphase and mitotic cells, perturbation of which leads to profound defects in ER morphology and cell division. Our study identifies TAOK2 as an ER-microtubule tether, and reveals a kinase-regulated mechanism for control of ER dynamics critical for cell growth and division.
Arrhythmic and Mortality Outcomes Among Ischemic Versus Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy Patients Receiving Primary Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Therapy

Abstract Objectives This study sought to determine the association of cardiomyopathy etiology with the likelihood of ventricular arrhythmias, appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy, and mortality. Background There are conflicting data on the benefit of primary prevention ICD therapy in patients with ischemic versus nonischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM/NICM). Methods The study population comprised 4803 patients with ICM (n = 3,106) or NICM (n = 1,697) with a primary prevention ICD enrolled in 5 randomized trials conducted between 1997 and 2017. The primary end point was sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) ≥200 beats/min or ventricular fibrillation (VF). Secondary end points included appropriate ICD therapy and all-cause mortality. Differences in cause-specific mortality, including noncardiac, sudden cardiac, and non-sudden cardiac death, were also examined. Results Patients with ICM were significantly older and had more comorbid conditions, whereas those with NICM had a more advanced heart failure class at enrollment and were more often prescribed medical or cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure. Multivariate analysis showed that ICM versus NICM had a similar risk of VT/VF events (HR: 0.98 [95% CI: 0.79-1.20]) and appropriate ICD therapy (HR: 1.03 [95% CI: 0.87-1.22]), whereas the risk of all-cause mortality was 1.8-fold higher among ICM versus NICM patients (HR: 1.84 [95% CI: 1.42-2.38]), dominated by non-sudden cardiac mortality. Conclusions Combined data from 5 landmark ICD clinical trials show that ICM patients experience a similar risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmic events but have an increased risk of all-cause mortality, dominated by non-sudden cardiac death, compared with NICM patients.
Information systems security research agenda: Exploring the gap between research and practice

Abstract This paper undertakes a systematic review of the Information Systems Security literature. The literature review consists of three parts: First, we perform topic modeling of major Information Systems journals to understand the field's debates. Second, we conduct a Delphi Study composed of the Chief Information Security Officers of major corporations in the US to identify security issues that they view as important. Third, we compare Topic Modeling and the Delphi Study results and discuss key debates, gaps, and contradictions within the academic literature. Further, extant Information Systems Security literature is reviewed to discuss where the academic community has placed the research emphasis and what is now required in the discipline. Based on our analysis, we propose a future agenda for Information Systems security research.
Agreement among sources of adult influenza vaccination in the age of immunization information systems.

Introduction Many vaccination studies rely on self-reported vaccination status, with its inherent biases. Accuracy of influenza vaccination self-report has been evaluated periodically, typically using the medical record as the gold standard. The burgeoning of electronic medical records (EMRs) and immunization information systems (IISs) and the rise of adult vaccine administration in community pharmacies suggest the need for a reevaluation of self-reported vaccination status. Methods Vaccination data from self-report, the state IIS, the health system EMR and other sources were compared for participants in outpatient and inpatient influenza vaccine effectiveness studies for four seasons (2016-2017 to 2019-2020). Agreement among the sources was calculated along with sensitivity and specificity. Tests for trend assessed changes in completeness of the Pennsylvania - Statewide IIS (PA-SIIS) data over time. Results With self-report as the gold standard, agreement with the local EMR, PA-SIIS, and all sources was 62%, 77% and 85%, respectively. Sensitivity of the EMR was 42% (95% CI = 41, 43) and specificity was 91% (90, 92). With PA-SIIS-as the gold standard, agreement with the local EMR and all sources was 77% and 78%, respectively. Sensitivity of all sources combined was 96% (95, 97) and specificity was (63% (62, 64). Capture of influenza vaccinations in the IIS has not consistently improved over time, with a significant increase among children (P = 0.001), no change among working-age adults and a decrease among older adults (P = 0.004). However, PA-SIIS provided the largest percentage of verified vaccines (69.3%) compared with EMR (43.3%) and other sources (12.4%). Conclusion Both self-report and PA-SIIS are good estimates of actual vaccine uptake. When high accuracy data are required, such as for vaccine effectiveness studies, triangulation using multiple sources should be conducted.
Purification and Characterization of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 (Stromelysin-1) from Bovine Interphotoreceptor Matrix

Recently, we reported the presence of stromelysin-1 (matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3)) in human and bovine vitreous and interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM). In the present study, we have purified and partially characterized a 46 kDa metalloproteinase from bovine retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)-IPM using gelatin-agarose affinity chromatography and FPLC Mono-QHR ion exchange chromatography. Zymogram analysis of purified MMP-3 showed gelatinolytic and caseinolytic activities which were completely inhibited by EDTA and o-phenanthroline. Western immunoblot analysis confirmed that the enzyme was stromelysin-1.
Atomic Ion/Molecular Systems

The transport coefficients for atomic ions moving in trace amounts through dilute molecular gases under the influence of an electrostatic field can be used to probe sensitively the potential energy surfaces governing ion/molecule collisions. To illustrate this, classical trajectory calculations have been used to compute the transport cross sections for lithium ions colliding with nitrogen molecules in their ground vibrational state, using an ab initio potential energy surface. A recent kinetic theory was then used with these cross sections to compute the gaseous ion mobility and diffusion coefficients. Comparison with experiment indicates some deficiencies in the potential energy surface.
Hot spots in the inboard section of the TFCX toroidal field coils

The TFCX conceptual designs call for the construction of the reactor torus through the use of ''pie-shaped'' segments for mechanical and maintenance considerations. The use of this concept results in hot spots in the inboard section of the torodial field (TF) coils due to neutron and photon streaming through the slots between the segments. This work studies these effects on the nuclear responses in the TF coils and introduces design solutions to reduce the impact on the reactor design.
CASE REPORT Reconstruction and Characterization of Composite Mandibular Defects Requiring Double Skin Paddle Fibular Free Flaps.

Reconstruction of oromandibular defects poses unique challenges to the reconstructive surgeon. Surgical technique and ideal flap choice have been debated ever since flap repair became favored over split-thickness skin grafts for lateral mandibulectomy repair in the mid 1990s.1 Osteocutaneous fibular free flaps are currently accepted as the preferred method for reconstruction of composite through-and-through mandibular defects. This flap uses a large skin paddle to cover both the intraoral and cutaneous defects by draping 2 skin islands, which are separated by de-epithelialized tissue over the inset fibula.2,3 This method of reconstruction requires that the intraoral and cutaneous defect be similar and well aligned, as the skin islands used to fill these defects have little freedom to rotate and/or translate independently of each other. Previously described techniques have relied on 2 separate flaps to fill poorly aligned defects; one osteocutaneous flap (eg, fibular free flap or osteocutaneous radial forearm flap) for the oromandibular defect and another soft tissue flap (eg, pedicled or free).4 However, there have also been various reports describing surgical techniques used to fix “complex” mandibular defects using 2 independent skin paddles based on the same peroneal blood supply.5-6 This article describes another surgical technique for repairing a “complex” lateral mandibular defect using a double skin paddle fibular free flap and further characterizes the defect in which this type of repair should be considered.
An algorithm for positive time-frequency distributions

The time-frequency distributions (TFDs) of Cohen's class provide a method for high-resolution representation of time-varying signals. This benefit does not come without cost; the most noticeable is the existence of negative values in most desirable fixed-kernel TFDs. We examine the relation between the negative values and several aspects of TFDs, such as cross terms and marginal properties. We suggest that it may be advantageous to obtain positive TFDs which at the same time satisfy the marginal properties. A post-processing algorithm is developed to modify any existing TFD to provide a corresponding positive TFD. It is demonstrated in computer experiments that the high resolution property is preserved quite well.
Temperature dependence of optical rotation: α-pinene, β-pinene pinane, camphene, camphor and fenchone

The temperature dependence of the specific rotations of α-pinene, β-pinene, pinane, camphene, camphor, and fenchone were measured in ethylcyclohexane solutions from 0 to 100 °C, and at several wavelengths. The rotations for α-pinene and camphene have only a very small temperature dependence. In contrast, the specific rotations of β-pinene and pinane decrease significantly with increasing temperature. This does not appear to be a result of a complex between pinane and the solvent, since changing to di-n-butyl ether leads to essentially the same temperature dependence. The specific rotations of camphor and fenchone are temperature sensitive, but in opposite directions. The observed temperature dependence of the specific rotations of these compounds has important consequences for variable temperature studies of chiral compounds having two or more conformers with similar energies.
Comparison of selective hedging and options strategies in cattle feedlot risk management

A cattle feedlot marketing simulation model was developed and used to evaluate the performance of various feedlot marketing strategies. The marketing analysis included corn, feeder cattle, and fed cattle integrated marketing alternatives. A variety of strategies were compared including hedging and put option purchasing as signaled via profit margins or price forecasts. The results indicate that cattle feeders could have historically increased profitability and decreased the variability of profits through selective marketing by using either profit margins or price forecasts to signal market positions as compared to cash marketing strategies. In addition, several strategies were found that stochastically dominated cash marketing.
Minimum Charge Detection Using Selected Tunnel Diodes and Charge Multiplying Semiconductors

The charge multiplying semiconductor detector has unique characteristics as a charge amplifier in a circuit containing a tunnel diode biased for charge detection. The relationship between the tunnel diode junction capacitance and switching speed to the electrical parameters of the multiplying detector will be discussed for minimum charge detection. Experimental data will be presented for an instrument using these principles that has a charge sensitivity of 10-16 coulombs. The simplicity and small volume that can be obtained using this technique can result in considerable economic advantages in the construction of large detector arrays for low energy particle detection.
WE-E-BRB-01: Voxelized Quenching Correction for Proton Pencil Beams in a Liquid Scintillator Detector

Purpose: To correct for quenching on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis for proton pencil beams in a liquid scintillation dosimetry system. Methods: Scintillation light from a proton pencil beam in a tank of organic liquid scintillator (20×20×20 cm3) was measured with a CCDcamera for three beam energies (100.9, 144.9, and 161.6 MeV). Three‐dimensional dose and linear energy transfer (LET) distributions were calculated for each beam energy using a validated Monte Carlo model of the proton pencil beam. The quenching for each voxel in the scintillator was calculated using the LET and material‐specific empirical factors. The empirical factors for the scintillator were obtained by a fit to the Monte Carlo LET and dose data and the intensity values measured with the CCDcamera for the central energy (144.9 MeV). The empirical values and Monte Carlo calculations were then used to predict the quenched light signal for the other two protonenergies. The differences between the predicted and measured light signals were quantified using a gamma index of 3% or 3mm to agreement. Results: The LET in the distal falloff region was a factor of 10 higher than in the proximal build‐up region, while the measured light peak was 75% of the Bragg peak height. The calculated light signal derived from the voxelized quenching factors provided a good approximation of the measured light signal. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that it is possible to correct for scintillator quenching on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis in a large detection volume. This correction requires a prior knowledge of the three‐dimensional LET distribution of the beam and the material‐dependent empirical quenching factors for the scintillator. This quenching correction method will be employed in future studies using liquid scintillators to obtain three‐dimensional dosimetric information from proton pencil beams.
The use of Previous Experience in Reaching Statistical Decisions

Instead of minimizing the maximum risk it is proposed to re-strict attention to decision procedures whose maximum risk does not exceed the minimax risk by more than a given amount. Subject to this restriction one may wish to minimize the average risk with respect to some guessed a priori distribution suggested by previous experience. It is shown how Wald’s minimax theory can be modified to yield analogous results concerning such restricted Bayes solutions. A number of examples are discussed, and some extensions of the above criterion are briefly considered.
Electromagnetic field structure and normal mode coupling in photonic crystal nanocavities

The electromagnetic field of a high-quality photonic crystal nanocavity is computed using the finite difference time domain method. It is shown that a separatrix occurs in the local energy flux discriminating between predominantly near and far field components. Placing a two-level atom into the cavity leads to characteristic field modifications and normal-mode splitting in the transmission spectra.
Understanding distributed denial of service with object oriented simulation

Object-oriented modeling and simulation enhance the study and understanding of the general behavior of attacks in networks, specifically Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS). This paper presents a simulation model of a DDoS attack on a network and with it attempts to show the value of object-oriented modeling and simulation to study various aspects of network security.The DDoS network simulation model is implemented in the OOSimL simulation language. Other network models have been implemented in Java with the PsimJ2 and C++ using the Psim3 simulation package.The development of the DDoS simulation model mentioned previously is part of the OOPsim Project. One of the goals of this project is to develop new simulation tools and approaches for education, the Object Oriented Simulation Language, OOSimL, was developed with this goal. Another goal is to construct a multi-disciplinary repository of computational models and resources that help educate students of computer science, software engineering, information technology, and related disciplines, in modeling various aspects of information security.
Pharmaceutical Companies’ Variation Of Drug Prices Within And Among Countries Can Improve Long-Term Social Well-Being

Drug prices vary considerably across and within countries. On average, pharmaceutical companies charge lower prices in low-income countries than in industrialized nations. Manufacturers’ ability to price products differently for different markets—a practice known as price discrimination—increases their profits overall. But it is also likely to result in greater investment in research and development, and therefore in more new drugs on the market. Although reducing price discrimination in order to cut costs might benefit consumers in the short run, it would harm them in the long run by reducing the number of new drugs developed.
Thin-layer chromatographic determination of furosemide and 4-chloro-5-sulfamoyl anthranilic acid in plasma and urine.

Abstract A method is described for the assay of furosemide based on thin-layer chromatography and measurement of fluorescence directly on the plates. Conditions are specified for stabilizing fluorescence over the time of measurement. As little as 10 ng can be accurately measured and fluorescence is linear up to 160 ng. The metabolite or decomposition product 4-chloro-5-sulfamoyl anthranilic acid is well separated and measured quantitatively in the procedure. Application of the method to human plasma and urine is demonstrated.
Studies of Insulin Secretory Responses and of Arachidonic Acid Incorporation into Phospholipids of Stably Transfected Insulinoma Cells That Overexpress Group VIA Phospholipase A2(iPLA2β) Indicate a Signaling Rather Than a Housekeeping Role for iPLA2β

A cytosolic 84-kDa group VIA phospholipase A2 (iPLA2β) that does not require Ca2+ for catalysis has been cloned from several sources, including rat and human pancreatic islet β-cells and murine P388D1 cells. Many potential iPLA2β functions have been proposed, including a signaling role in β-cell insulin secretion and a role in generating lysophosphatidylcholine acceptors for arachidonic acid incorporation into P388D1 cell phosphatidylcholine (PC). Proposals for iPLA2β function rest in part on effects of inhibiting iPLA2β activity with a bromoenol lactone (BEL) suicide substrate, but BEL also inhibits phosphatidate phosphohydrolase-1 and a group VIB phospholipase A2. Manipulation of iPLA2β expression by molecular biologic means is an alternative approach to study iPLA2β functions, and we have used a retroviral construct containing iPLA2β cDNA to prepare two INS-1 insulinoma cell clonal lines that stably overexpress iPLA2β. Compared with parental INS-1 cells or cells transfected with empty vector, both iPLA2β-overexpressing lines exhibit amplified insulin secretory responses to glucose and cAMP-elevating agents, and BEL substantially attenuates stimulated secretion. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analyses of arachidonic acid incorporation into INS-1 cell PC indicate that neither overexpression nor inhibition of iPLA2β affects the rate or extent of this process in INS-1 cells. Immunocytofluorescence studies with antibodies directed against iPLA2β indicate that cAMP-elevating agents increase perinuclear fluorescence in INS-1 cells, suggesting that iPLA2β associates with nuclei. These studies are more consistent with a signaling than with a housekeeping role for iPLA2β in insulin-secreting β-cells.
Predatory behavior and prey selection by army ants in a desert-grassland habitat.

Colonies of Neivamyrmex nigrescens conduct extensive nocturnal raids on other ants and termites in the desert-grassland of Arizona-New Mexico. We collected quantitative data on several aspects of raiding to pinpoint differences due to colony size and behavioral phase. In the nomadic phase, colonies began raiding at sunset and continued until dawn. Larger colonies covered more area, discovered more prey sites, and collected more booty than smaller colonies, but there were no systematic changes in raid intensity over the course of the nomadic phase. In the statary phase, raiding occurred less frequently and was less intense when it occurred; however, at the end of this phase, raiding was similar to nomadic phase raids in extent, duration, and booty captured.
The structure of a small collagenous fragment isolated from chicken hyaline cartilage

In previous experiments, two collagenous fragments were isolated from pepsin digests of chicken hyaline cartilage and called the high molecular weight. (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) fractions [3]. In the present experiments, the chains of LMW were isolated after denaturation and subsequent reduction and alkylation of interchain disulfide bridges and were further fractionated by carboxymethyl-cellulose chromatography. Four peaks were resolved during chromatography and were designated LMW 1, 2A, 2B, and 3. Amino acid analyses and peptide mapping after cleavage with trypsin, V8 protease, and cyanogen bromide showed that three genetically distinct chains must be present in LMW. Fractions 2A and 2B were very similar, but not identical, in structure. LMW 1, 2A plus 2B, and 3 were consistently isolated in approximately equal proportions, suggesting that the probable chain organization of LMW is [1][2A + 2B][3]. This suggestion was supported further by experiments that attempted to fractionate LMW by carboxymethyl-cellulose chromatography after denaturation but without reduction and alkylation of interchain disulfide bridges. No fractionation of LMW was achieved, the single peak subsequently being shown to contain LMW 1, 2A plus 2B, and 3.
The devil is in the details: the seven deadly sins of organizing and continuing interprofessional education in the US.

In spite of increased calls for expanding interprofessional practice (IPP) in the US health care system to address concerns about patient safety and quality of care, there has not been a corresponding dramatic growth in interprofessional education (IPE) programs. Indeed, the history of IPE in the US has been a roller-coaster ride of gains and losses, successes and failures. Understanding why this has been so requires the development of a personal and political economy framework, based on an understanding of the structural, ideological, and economic factors and forces that characterize IPE in American higher education. Using a metaphor of the seven deadly sins (lust, pride, greed, gluttony, envy, sloth, and wrath), this discussion focuses on both things that should not be done (sins of commission) and those that should be done but are not (sins of omission) to create successful and sustainable IPE programs. Taken together, these factors help to frame a perspective on IPE that highlights the essential knowl...
Rembrandt's “Polish” Rider

Anyone dealing with Rembrandt's so-called “Polish” Rider (Fig. 1) at the Frick Collection cannot help remembering another famous rider of the art of the past: the rider of Bamberg Cathedral (Fig. 18). There are some tangible similarities. Both are youthful figures, apparently idealized in some measure, with long curly hair, sitting erect and proud on their horses, with their glances turned outward toward no clearly defined goal. What makes them suggestive of each other, however, beyond such general features, is a certain air of mystery that has surrounded them both. Like the Bamberg sculpture, Rembrandt's painting is enigmatic in many respects. Within Rembrandt's oeuvre it is fairly isolated and its origin and meaning are shrouded. No written source prior to the late eighteenth century is connected with it. No document tells when it was done nor for what purpose. Its fragmentary signature, consisting of an R on a rock at the right, if genuine, proves only what need not be proved, Rembrandt's authorship. I...
The System Al‐O

Previous data by other writers who infer the existence of aluminum suboxides in the solid state are critically discussed and alternatively interpreted. High-temperature X-ray diffraction patterns previously attributed to crystalline Al2O and AlO are identified as those of Al4C3 and AlTaO2, respectively. The melting curve observed by Baur and Brunner, suggesting the existence of a compound of the approximate composition Al2O9, corresponds to the pseudobinary system Al2O3−Al4C3. The T-x melting curve of the system Al2O3−Al was determined. There is no indication of the existence of crystalline aluminum suboxide, the only condensed phases being α-Al2O3 and Al. The liquidus indicates demixing of liquid Al and molten Al2O3. There is very limited intersolubility, and the addition of Al does not lower the melting point of Al2O3 measurably. With these facts and some additional information from the literature about the gaseous species, the P-T-x diagram of the system Al-O was constructed.
Organisational significance and application of computer skills: a culturally‐based empirical examination

Looks at the findings of a survey of 115 Saudi Arabian managers who had completed their undergraduate education in the United States in relation to the informational and computing resources and their applications in Saudi organisations. Considers the role of computers in business and highlights the lack of specialists able to train within the country. Concludes that whilst the skills to use information technology exist, they are limited by cultural resistance to change, traditional viewpoints, authoritarian leadership and bureaucracy. Advocates government encouragement and ties with developed nations to help change such attitudes.
Specific heat and superfluid density of bulk and confined 4 He near the λ-transition

The specific heat and superfluid density of liquid4He are calculated using a vortex-ring renormalization group theory, both for the bulk fluid and for confinement in a sphere of diameter L. In the finite geometry the superfluid density remains finite and universal at Tλ, in agreement with Monte Carlo simulations and with finite-size scaling. The specific-heat peak is flattened in the finite geometry, and the onset temperature of the deviation from bulk behavior approaches Tλ more closely as L is increased.
The adaptive immune response does not influence hantavirus disease or persistence in the Syrian hamster.

Summary Pathogenic New World hantaviruses cause severe disease in humans characterized by a vascular leak syndrome, leading to pulmonary oedema and respiratory distress with case fatality rates approaching 40%. Hantaviruses infect microvascular endothelial cells without conspicuous cytopathic effects, indicating that destruction of the endothelium is not a mechanism of disease. In humans, high levels of inflammatory cytokines are present in the lungs of patients that succumb to infection. This, along with other observations, suggests that disease has an immunopathogenic component. Currently the only animal model available to study hantavirus disease is the Syrian hamster, where infection with Andes virus (ANDV), the primary agent of disease in South America, results in disease that closely mimics that seen in humans. Conversely, inoculation of hamsters with a passaged Sin Nombre virus (SNV), the virus responsible for most cases of disease in North America, results in persistent infection with high levels of viral replication. We found that ANDV elicited a stronger innate immune response, whereas SNV elicited a more robust adaptive response in the lung. Additionally, ANDV infection resulted in significant changes in the blood lymphocyte populations. To determine whether the adaptive immune response influences infection outcome, we depleted hamsters of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells before infection with hantaviruses. Depletion resulted in inhibition of virus-specific antibody responses, although the pathogenesis and replication of these viruses were unaltered. These data show that neither hantavirus replication, nor pathogenesis caused by these viruses, is influenced by the adaptive immune response in the Syrian hamster.
Purification and characterization of the anti-Candida toxin of Pichia anomala WC 65.

Pichia anomala WC 65 secretes a toxin that is inhibitory to a variety of yeasts, including strains of the animal pathogen Candida albicans. The toxin was purified to homogeneity by ultrafiltration, ethanol precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography with a Mono Q column, and gel permeation chromatography with a Superose 12 column. The toxin had a molecular weight of 83,300 as determined by electrophoresis on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gradient gels and a molecular weight of 85,290 as determined by gel permeation chromatography. The isoelectric point of the toxin was pH 5.0. The toxin was stable between pH 2.0 and 5.0. Chemical analysis of the purified toxin indicated that the toxin was a glycoprotein composed of about 86% protein and 14% carbohydrate. At high concentrations, the toxin showed a tendency to aggregate, with loss of biological activity against C. albicans, Pichia bimundalis, and Saccharomycodes ludwigii. Purified toxin expressed killing activity against C. albicans in contrast to the static activity of the crude toxin. Images
Degradation of starchy food material by thermal analysis

Raw starch has been used in recent years as a direct substrate for enzyme digestion in the production of fermentation products. The objective of this study was to examine the differences between the residual raw starch produced after partial hydrolysis with these enzymes and compare the enzyme treated and native material. In order to examine the porous starch granules produced due to partial hydrolysis, they were examined calorimetrically using DSC. A structural analysis was also made using SEM.
Pharmacist-Managed Vaccination Program Increased Influenza Vaccination Rates in Cardiovascular Patients Enrolled in a Secondary Prevention Lipid Clinic

Study Objectives. To determine whether a vaccination program in a pharmacist-managed secondary prevention lipid clinic increased influenza immunization rates in a high-risk population, and whether age or gender disparity existed among those vaccinated. Design. Retrospective chart review. Setting. Large, multispecialty group practice. Patients. A total of 476 and 266 patients seen at clinic visits during the 2003–2004 and 2004–2005 influenza seasons, respectively. Measurements and Main Results. Immunization rates were compared before (2003–2004 influenza season) and after (2004–2005 influenza season) the implementation of the influenza vaccination program; χ2 analysis was used for all statistical inferences. Vaccination rates increased significantly from 39% to 76% (p<0.0001) after program implementation. No before-after difference in rates was noted based on gender. Before implementation, patients younger than 65 years were less likely versus those aged 65 years or older to receive the influenza vaccine (29% vs 58%, p<0.0001). Age disparity in vaccination rates was eliminated after initiation of the program. Conclusion. The pharmacist-managed program increased influenza vaccination rates in high-risk patients with cardiovascular disease in advance of the newly published secondary prevention guidelines. Age-related differences in the vaccination rates were eliminated after program implementation.