cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stress Concentrations in Thin Spherical Shells

Stress distributions occurring in the proximity of rigid circular inserts attached to thin spherical shells are reported in this paper. The solutions are achieved by employing conical coordinates tangent to the sphere at its intersection with the insert. A small-deflection theory is used and results are stated in terms of readily available functions. For convenience in practical applications, solutions for several loading conditions are carried through to completion. Specifically, the paper gives formulas for stress distributions occurring in a spherical shell when provided with a rigid insert and when subjected to (a) internal pressurization in the shell; (b) axial load on the insert; (c) external moment on the insert; and (d) tangential shear load on the insert. The necessary constants of integration are given in tables and the procedure developed is illustrated by a comprehensive example.
Voltage associated with spontaneous embryonic motility in the developing chicken: An automated characterization during mid–late embryogenesis

Movement of developing chicken embryos and their associated membranes generates voltage detectable with electrodes inserted just beneath the eggshell. Use of such voltages as a motility indicator offers an embryonic behavioral assessment method less subjective and invasive than observational methods using windows that disrupt substantial portions of the eggshell. We used a computerized signal recording and processing procedure to compare voltages from embryonic Day 12 (E12), E15, and E18 chicken eggs with embryos, assessed on the same day. Larger voltages were recorded from E18 subjects than from E12 or E15 subjects. Because this could have been due to embryonic size (mass) and/or proximity to the electrodes, making age comparisons uninterpretable, we used standard deviation-normalized and Z-score-based data transformations, comparing groups for relative deviations from basal voltages. E18 subjects still appeared more active than E12 subjects, with E15 a transitional age, in contrast to results from earlier window-based studies. The automated assessment method we used could enhance behavioral teratology studies of avian species.
Gas concentration cells for the conversion of ocean wave energy

Abstract The concept of using electrochemical gas concentration cells to convert the mechanical potential energy of ocean waves to electricity using a taut-moored buoy is analyzed. Several idealized embodiments are discussed and one of these is shown to have particular merit. Some results obtained in an experimental program aimed at developing such a system are described. In particular, an electrochemical cell employing the protonically conducting synthetic polymer Nafion, bounded by platinum electrodes, has been studied in a manner which simulates the operation of such a device within a taut-moored buoy subject to ocean waves. It is shown that with some modest engineering advances, this system is indeed capable converting a significant fraction of ocean wave energy into electricity.
Enhancing Protein Expression in HEK-293 Cells by Lowering Culture Temperature

Animal cells and cell lines, such as HEK-293 cells, are commonly cultured at 37°C. These cells are often used to express recombinant proteins. Having a higher expression level or a higher protein yield is generally desirable. As we demonstrate in this study, dropping culture temperature to 33°C, but not lower, 24 hours after transient transfection in HEK-293S cells will give rise to ~1.5-fold higher expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. By following the time course of the GFP-expressing cells growing at 37°C and 33°C from 24 hours after transfection (including 19 hours recovery at 37°C in the normal growth medium), we found that a mild hypothermia (i.e., 33°C) reduces the growth rate of HEK-293S cells, while increasing cellular productivity of recombinant proteins. As a result, green cells remain undivided in a longer period of time. Not surprisingly, the property of a recombinant protein expressed in the cells grown at 33°C is unaffected, as shown by the use of AMPA receptors. We further demonstrate with the use of PC12 cells that this method may be especially useful when a recombinant protein is difficult to express using a chemical-based, transient transfection method.
Bench to Trench: How Evidence and Guidelines Shape Health Care Policy and Practice

Clinical practice guidelines and performance measures are becoming increasingly pervasive. They epitomize the evidence-based movement, which recognizes that mere "clinical judgment" is often inadequate to synthesize all the important data to determine the best management for a particular patient. This movement has at its core the fundamental expectation that medical decisions be based on sound data rather than anecdote. Unfortunately, this concept rarely manifests in daily practices where significant variations in care still exist. Guidelines were designed to improve patient care, reduce unnecessary variation, and reduce attributed costs. Therefore, it is not surprising that associated recommendations are now being incorporated into health care legislation as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. In this environment, there is growing urgency for otolaryngologists to participate in rigorous comparative effectiveness research that will direct our Academy's guideline developers and policy makers to make recommendations that optimize care for all our patients.
Pilot study of antibiotic cycling in a pediatric intensive care unit.

Objective This pilot study was performed to determine the safety and size of effect of antibiotic cycling to reduce colonization and infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Design Open, observational study. Setting The study was performed in a 16-bed pediatric medical-surgical intensive care unit. Patients Critically ill children requiring antibiotic therapy. Interventions Three antibiotic classes were systematically cycled for 3-month intervals over 18 months. Antibiotic regimens were used for all empirical therapy and continued if the bacterial isolate was susceptible. Measurements The primary outcome was colonization with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, determined by surveillance cultures obtained twice monthly from all patients in the unit. Rates of antibiotic-resistant, nosocomial blood stream infections, and risks of colonization over calendar time in the intensive care unit were also evaluated. Main results The cycling of broad-spectrum, empirical antibiotics was safe and did not generate increased antibiotic resistance nor select for new organisms. Over the study period, the trend in prevalence of children colonized with antibiotic-resistant bacteria was from 29% to 24% (p = .41). The effect on prevalence of resistant blood stream infections was similar (p = .29). Changes in individual risks of colonization with resistant bacteria over calendar time were consistent with the ecologic effect in size and direction. Conclusions Results of this pilot intervention suggest that cycling antibiotics may be a safe and viable strategy to minimize the emergence of antibiotic resistance in intensive care units. A definitive study will require a randomized and controlled trial of only four pediatric intensive care units over an 18-month period.
Molecular simulations of adsorption and diffusion of RDX in IRMOF-1

In order to test the feasibility of using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to pre-concentrate explosive molecules for detection, molecular simulations of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) within IRMOF-1 were performed. Grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations were used to generate adsorption isotherms for pure RDX, RDX in dry air, and RDX in wet air. In addition to the isotherms, the GCMC simulations provide adsorption energies and density distributions of the adsorbates within the MOF. Molecular dynamics simulations calculate diffusivities and provide a detailed understanding of the change in conformation of the RDX molecule upon adsorption. The presence of dry air has little influence on the amount of RDX that adsorbs. The presence of wet air increases the amount of RDX that adsorbs due to favourable interactions between RDX and water. We found a Henry's law constant of 21.2 mol/kg/bar for both pure RDX and RDX in dry air. The RDX adsorption sites are located (i) in big cages, (ii) near...
Elastic and inelastic light scattering in flow cytometry.

A review of the fundamental aspects of elastic light scattering suggests that information about the shape and internal structure may best be obtained from signals measured in the backscattering directions. Size information can be most readily extracted from forward-scattering signals. Spectral analysis of scattered signals with incident white light is a subject that merits further study. Signals from cells that have been stained with fluorescent dyes are proportional to dye content in the usual flow-cytometric configuration except in the case of dense, strongly anisometric structures such as sperm cells. The recent discovery that Raman signals from molecules adsorbed on small silver particles are strongly enhanced suggests the possibility of utilizing this effect for identification of molecular species inside biological cells.
Dehydroepiandrosterone therapeutics: acetylation of DHA in mouse liver.

Abstract This investigation was designed to evaluate the possibility that the therapeutic benefits of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA)-feeding in mice is mediated by (1) a metabolite of DHA formed in liver or (2) by way of the obligatory hepatic metabolism of DHA fed in large amounts. We found that the pattern of metabolism of DHA is strikingly different when DHA in low (tracer) quantities is incubated with mouse liver compared with that found when DHA in high concentrations is incubated with this tissue. In the former case, the principal metabolites are sulfoconjugates and other polar compounds, e.g. hydroxylated products. In the case of DHA metabolism when the substrate is present in high concentrations (1–100 μM), the principal metabolite formed is Δ5-androstenediol. And in this case, there is the formation of very nonpolar metabolites, which we have identified as the acetates of DHA and Δ5-androstenediol. We find further that the acetates are formed by a transacetylation mechanism in which performed acetylated compounds, e.g. pregnenolone acetate and ethyl acetate, can serve directly as co-substrates; but (at least in short-term incubations), Na+ -acetate and acetyl CoA do not serve as co-substrates. We suggest that the therapeutic benefits of DHA-feeding in mice may be, in part, the result of alterations in hepatic intermediary metabolism that is obliged by the metabolism of DHA when this otherwise inert agent is fed in large amounts. Thus, DHA-feeding may serve to cause changes similar to those that are beneficial or therapeutic with dietary manipulations including caloric restriction.
Spinal adenosine receptor activation inhibits inflammation and joint destruction in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis.

Objective. To examine the effect of spinal cord adenosine (Ado) receptor stimulation on rat adjuvantinduced arthritis (AIA). Methods. Long-term intrathecal (IT) catheters were implanted into rats to provide spinal access for drug delivery. Animals were immunized with complete Freund’s adjuvant at the tail base. Eight days later and every other day thereafter until day 20, rats were treated IT with the selective Ado A1 receptor agonist cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) or vehicle. In some experiments, animals received an additional daily intraperitoneal injection of the nonselective Ado antagonist theophylline. Paw swelling was measured by water displacement plethysmometry. The effect of IT CHA on the activation of activator protein 1 (AP-1) was determined by electromobility shift assay. Spinal cord c-Fos expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results. Spinal CHA significantly inhibited inflammation in AIA, with a mean SEM 20.9 16.9% increase in paw swelling in the IT CHA group compared with 81.3 10.6% in the saline group. The antiinflammatory effect of CHA was mediated through Ado receptors since the effect was reversed by coadministration of systemic theophylline. In addition, radiographs showed significantly less bone and cartilage destruction in the CHA-treated animals. Synovial expression of AP-1, which is a key regulator of metalloproteinase expression, was lower in IT CHA–treated animals. C-Fos expression was localized to spinal laminae I–VI, with a modest decrease observed in the superficial laminae in IT CHA–treated rats. Conclusion. These data demonstrate that the spinal cord can regulate peripheral inflammation. Therapeutic strategies that target the central nervous system might be useful in arthritis. The central nervous system (CNS) receives input
Alternative splicing of the human cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene in transgenic mice. Exon exclusion modulates gene expression in response to dietary or developmental change.

Abstract The plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mediates the transfer of cholesteryl ester from high density lipoprotein to other lipoproteins. The human CETP gene produces two forms of mRNA, with or without exon 9 (E9)-derived sequences. To study the function and regulation of alternative splicing of the CETP gene, transgenic mice were prepared 1) with the metallothionein (mT) promoter driving an E9-deleted construct (mT.CETP(-E9) transgene), and 2) with the natural flanking regions (NFR) controlling expression of genomic sequences which permit alternative splicing of E9 (NFR.CETP(±E9) transgene). With zinc induction, the mT.CETP(-E9) transgene gave rise to abundant E9-deleted CETP mRNA in liver and small intestine, but only relatively small amounts of E9-deleted protein were found in plasma. The E9-deleted form of CETP was inactive in lipid transfer and produced no changes in plasma lipoprotein profile. The NFR.CETP(±E9) transgene gave rise to full-length (FL) and E9-deleted forms of CETP mRNA in liver and spleen. In response to hypercholesterolemia induced by diet and breeding into an apoE gene knock-out background, the FL CETP mRNA was induced more than the E9-deleted mRNA, resulting in a 2-fold increase in ratio of FL/E9-deleted mRNA. The expression of CETP mRNA was found to be developmentally regulated. In NFR.CETP(±E9) transgenic mice CETP mRNA levels were markedly increased in the liver and small intestine in the perinatal period and decreased in adult mice, whereas CETP mRNA in the spleen was low in perinatal mice and increased in adults. The developmental increase in CETP mRNA in the liver and spleen was preceded by an increased ratio of FL/E9-deleted forms. Thus, the E9-deleted mRNA appears to be poorly translated and/or secreted, and the cognate protein is inactive in lipid transfer and lipoprotein metabolism. CETP gene expression was found to be highly regulated in a tissue-specific fashion during development. Increased CETP gene expression during development or in response to hypercholesterolemia is associated with preferential accumulation of the full-length CETP mRNA.
Modeling and simulation of semi-batch photo reactive distillation

A reaction model for batch reactive distillation is developed considering two-phase (vapor and liquid) reactions, and assuming equilibrium stages/compartments, constant pressure in each stage/compartment, and constant volumetric holdup. This reaction model was used to simulate the chlorination of toluene in a photo reactive distillation column operated in a semi-batch mode. A downward computational approach was employed to determine the initial values in solving the differential and algebraic equations. Simulation predictions were compared with experimental results.
Effect of reduction and alkylation on the antigenicity of cartilage proteoglycans

Abstract Immunological studies were carried out on the proteoglycans from chick epiphyseal cartilage and rat chondrosarcoma. The results from immunodiffusion and direct radioimmune precipitation assays appear to indicate that each proteoglycan subunit has both species-specific and species-common antigenic determinants. Reduction and alkylation abolished the antigenicity of the species-specific antigenic determinants of both proteoglycan preparations as determined by immunodiffusion and radioimmune inhibition assays. Some, not all, of the species-common antigenic determinants also were sensitive to the treatment.
Laryngograph as a measure of vocal fold contact area.

The present investigation sought to provide additional information concerning the laryngograph as a means to study vocal fold contact area. Subglottal pressures were sensed simultaneously with the ...
Response of a Hypersonic Boundary Layer to Wall Blowing-Suction

In the laminar-turbulent transition of boundary-layer flows, the spatial development of boundary-layer waves, especially that of unstable waves, is important and indispensable. In this paper, the response of a Mach 8 flow over a 5.3° half-angle sharp wedge to wall blowing―suction is studied by numerical simulations. Steady base flow is obtained by solving the compressible Navier―Stokes equations with a combination of a fifth-order shock-fitting method and a second-order total-variation-diminishing scheme. In stability simulations, wall blowing―suction is introduced through an actuator on the wedge surface. The unsteady flow simulation is carried out using the shock-fitting method. The results show that mode F, mode S, acoustic waves, and entropy/vorticity waves are simultaneously excited by wall blowing―suction and coexist in the boundary layer just downstream of the actuator. For blowing―suction at a specific frequency, the results also show that mode S is strongly excited when the actuator is located upstream of the corresponding synchronization point. There is no significant amplification of pressure perturbation when the actuator is downstream of the synchronization point. This result represents a mixture of the receptivity and the downstream growth of mode S. The exact cause and mechanism of this result are not clear. However, such a result is obtained for wall blowing―suction at all frequencies considered in the current study. To excite a strong mode S at a specific frequency, the result indicates that it is necessary to place the blowing―suction actuator upstream of the corresponding synchronization point. Further theoretical analysis is needed to reveal the mechanism behind the numerical results.
A review of recent developments in international portfolio selection

This review begins with a foundation for inspection of the potential gains from international diversification by citing the results of the seminal works in the area. From that point, the review examines recent ex-post studies, adaptation to currency risk, consideration of bond investment, the development of ex-ante strategies, and the consideration of market imperfections. The prevailing impression from this review is that international investment can potentially provide superior performance to solely domestic investment. However, it is a matter of developing the correct strategy to exploit the opportunities.
Dosimetry of 18F-labeled tyrosine kinase inhibitor SKI-249380, a dasatinib-tracer for PET imaging.

Purpose To obtain estimates of human normal-organ radiation doses of 18F-SKI-249380, as a prerequisite step towards first-in-human trial. 18F-SKI-249380 is a first-of-its-kind PET tracer for imaging the in vivo pharmacokinetics of dasatinib, an investigational targeted therapy for solid malignancies.
Black Body Heat Capacity and Action-at-a-Distance Electrodynamics

In this paper we are attempting the review of a dead language. We are presenting it for two reasons. The primary reason is purely aesthetic and the satisfaction derives directly from our ability to describe at least some system completely and consistently. The other reason is of course pragmatic and related to extracting from this dead language a lesson which may apply in the realm of our modern experience.
Infectious RNA Transcripts from Ross River Virus cDNA Clones and the Construction and Characterization of Defined Chimeras with Sindbis Virus

We have constructed a full-length cDNA clone of the virulent T48 strain of Ross River virus, a member of the alphavirus genus. Infectious RNA can be transcribed from this clone using SP6 or T7 RNA polymerase. The rescued virus has properties indistinguishable from those of the T48 strain of Ross River virus. We have used this clone, together with a full-length cDNA clone of Sindbis virus, to construct chimeric plasmids in which the 5’ and the 3’ nontranslated regions of the Sindbis and Ross River genomes were exchanged. The nontranslated regions of the two viral genomes differ in both size and sequence although they maintain specific conserved sequence elements. Virus was recovered from all four chimeras. Chimeras containing heterologous 3’ nontranslated regions had replicative efficiencies equal to those of the parents. In contrast, the chimeras containing heterologous 5’ nontranslated regions were defective in RNA synthesis and virus production, and the severity of the defect was dependent upon the host. Replication of a virus containing a heterologous 5’ nontranslated region may be inefficient due to the formation of defective protein-RNA complexes, whereas, the presumptive complexes formed between host or virus proteins and the 3’ nontranslated region to promote RNA synthesis appear to function normally in the chimeras.
Caring for the chronically critically ill patient: establishing a wound- healing program in a respiratory care unit☆

Chronically critically ill patients may recover from their acute catastrophic illness but still require intensive nursing care. In the Respiratory Care Unit (RCU) at Mount Sinai Hospital, nurse practitioners, working with nurses and physicians, act as coordinators of care for these patients. This interdisciplinary collaboration is the basis of the RCU wound healing program and has brought about desirable patient outcomes.
Do coaches make a difference off the field? The examination of athletic coach influence on early college student drinking

Coaches can exert a considerable influence on the lives of their athletes. However, little is known about the influence of athletic coaches on athlete drinking behaviors. This study extends researc...
Canine heterophilic antibodies as a source of false‐positive B‐type natriuretic peptide sandwich ELISA results

Background: Interference by heterophilic antibodies is a well-known cause of false-positive sandwich ELISA results in human medicine. They are considered rarely in veterinary species and have not been characterized but could become important as newer, highly sensitive sandwich immunoassay technologies are developed. Objectives: The goals of this study were to use a B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP-32) sandwich ELISA to determine the effect of heterophilic antibodies on test performance; to characterize canine heterophilic antibodies; and to develop and test a method for heterophilic antibody removal. Methods: A sandwich ELISA was developed using a mouse IgG1K monoclonal and a rabbit polyclonal antibody to two synthetic peptides of canine BNP-32. The effects on false-positive results of heterophilic antibody depletion and blocking by various techniques were compared. The titers of canine heterophilic antibodies were compared with various blood antigens from other species and the relative amount of canine IgG was compared with that of IgM heterophilic antibody. Results: Heterophilic antibodies in dog plasma were shown to be capable of causing false-positive ELISA results. They reacted with blood proteins from a variety of animal species at relatively low titers and consisted of both IgG and IgM. Protein A agarose antibody precipitation, in conjunction with mouse IgG1K blocking antibody, was effective in eliminating false-positive sandwich ELISA results while retaining adequate test performance. Conclusions: Canine heterophilic antibodies can interfere with sandwich ELISA assays and cause false-positive test results. An effective technique for their removal that has a potentially broad application was developed, and allows measurement of canine blood constituents at low picomolar concentrations.
Influence of Vibrational, Rotational, and Reorientational Relaxation on Pulse Amplification in Molecular Amplifiers

Short-pulse amplification in gaseous molecular amplifiers is complicated by many aspects of atomic and molecular interactions. Among these are the various vibrational, rotational, and reorientational relaxational processes which influence the coupling of the energy stored in the molecular radiators to the electromagnetic field. The properties of plane-wave pulse amplification, especially in the saturated regime, are examined numerically in order to quantitatively determine the detailed effects of these relaxational phenomena. As expected, the results for saturated amplification show that the amount of extracted energy decreases significantly when the rotational relaxation time is sufficiently long in comparison to the pulse width. We also observe the development of pulse-shape variations which are a direct result of the collisional phenomena and differ qualitatively from the results obtained for amplifying media without an energy reservior. There is a tendency for the pulse lengths to increase owing to the energy transfer, in contrast to the strong narrowing effects which occur in the absence of the collisional processes. The influence of reorientational collisions is found to be small, accounting for less than a 20% effect on the over-all conclusions. Finally, we present results concerning the development of an asymptotic pulse shape in high-gain amplifiers. In this case, the pulse shape clearly exhibits the competition between the stimulated rate, which scales with the optical flux, and the collisional rates which are determined by the particle density. Calculations of this nature may be applied directly to C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, CO, and HF molecular amplifiers for both the electrically and chemically driven systems.
Murine leukemia viruses containing an ∼30 S RNA subunit of unknown biological activity, in addition to the 38 S subunit of the viral genome

Abstract The 50–70 S RNA complex of a clone of Kirsten murine leukemia virus (Ki-MLV), propagated in NIH 3T3 cells, as well as that of a Moloney (Mo)-MLV, propagated in a mouse thymus-bone marrow cell line, contained an ∼30 S RNA of unknown biological activity in addition to 38 S genomic RNA. The ∼30 S RNA shares with 38 S virion RNA the ability to form 50–70 S RNA complexes and to be packaged by virus particles. The morphology of the cell lines propagating these viruses was indistinguishable from that of uninfected controls.
Coronary embolism: report of three cases.

Abstract Three cases of coronary embolism resulting in myocardial infarction are reported. The possibility of the more frequent occurrence of this phenomenon in causing myocardial infarction is discussed.
Irradiation in successive generations: effects on dormant barley (Hordeum Distichum, L.) embryos

Abstract Dormant seeds of barley (Hordeum distichum L.) were treated with a single acute exposure of ionizing irradiation applied once in each of three successive generations. Irradiation exposures, up to and including even the highest dose level (30,000 R), caused a maximum reduction of only 10 per cent on germination proper, i.e. the emergence of root, coleoptile, and shoot. After the second irradiated generation, seedling height usually decreased, then after the third generation it increased. The decrease may have resulted from a build up of genetic burdens (presumably chromosomal interchanges), followed by an elimination (involving haplontic and/or diplontic selection) of aberrant cells. Experimental results indicated that: (a) The Hannchen germ line appears to be capable of adapting to irradiation as an additional environmental stress and (b) use of recurrent irradiation in consecutive generations, to increase and retain the frequency of mutations in this diploid variety of barley does not appear feasible because of its high level of discrimination against induced mutations.
Constancy of heavy primary cosmic rays

Two experiments add substantial evidence to the belief that heavy relativistic primary cosmic rays of charges equal to or greater than then are not appreciably affected by solar activities. Nor is the total flux at the top of the atmosphere at a given geomagnetic latitude influenced appreciably by intervening magnetic fields between the earth and the sun or by the magnetic field of the earth. Comparison with neutron intensities were made. Ilford G-5 emulsions were exposed during balloon flights at geomagnetic latitudes of 62° N and 41° N. The first experiment was based on a short, high-activity period of the sun. The second experiment covered eight years at times when no large flares existed.
Myocardial extravascular extracellular volume fraction measurement by gadolinium cardiovascular magnetic resonance in humans: slow infusion versus bolus.

Background: Myocardial extravascular extracellular volume fraction (Ve) measures quantify diffuse fibrosis not readily detectable by conventional late gadolinium (Gd) enhancement (LGE). Ve measurement requires steady state equilibrium between plasma and interstitial Gd contrast. While a constant infusion produces steady state, it is unclear whether a simple bolus can do the same. Given the relatively slow clearance of Gd, we hypothesized that a bolus technique accurately measures Ve, thus facilitating integration of myocardial fibrosis quantification into cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) workflow routines. Assuming equivalence between techniques, we further hypothesized that Ve measures would be reproducible across scans. Methods: In 10 volunteers (ages 20-81, median 33 yr, 3 females), we compared serial Ve measures from a single short axis slice from two scans: first, during a constant infusion, and second, 12-50 min after a bolus (0.2 mmol/kg gadoteridol) on another day. Steady state during infusion was defined when serial blood and myocardial T1 data varied <5%. We measured T1 on a 1.5 T Siemens scanner using a single-shot modified Look Locker inversion recovery sequence (MOLLI) with balanced SSFP. To shorten breath hold times, T1 values were measured with a shorter sampling scheme that was validated with spin echo relaxometry (TR = 15 sec) in CuSO4-Agar phantoms. Serial infusion vs. bolus Ve measures (n = 205) from the 10 subjects were compared with generalized estimating equations (GEE) with exchangeable correlation matrices. LGE images were also acquired 12-30 minutes after the bolus. Results: No subject exhibited LGE near the short axis slices where Ve was measured. The Ve range was 19.3-29.2% and 18.4-29.1% by constant infusion and bolus, respectively. In GEE models, serial Ve measures by constant infusion and bolus did not differ significantly (difference = 0.1%, p = 0.38). For both techniques, Ve was strongly related to age (p < 0.01 for both) in GEE models, even after adjusting for heart rate. Both techniques identically sorted older individuals with higher mean Ve values.
Commentary: Sorafenib : The End of a Long Journey in Search of Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, or the Beginning?

In this issue of The Oncologist, Dr. Kane and his colleagues from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) give readers an insight into the thought processes of the FDA in following a drug’s development up to its approval. The approval of sorafenib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major effort that the FDA should be congratulated for, in particular considering the short period of time from its initial recommendations on the design and study plan to the independent analysis of the raw data, up to granting the approval. This approval is timely considering the high prevalence of HCC worldwide [1], its rapidly increasing incidence in the U.S. [2], and the almost three decades of frustrating attempts to identify active agents in this disease. Moving the median survival time from the historical 6–7 months [3] to 10.7 months with the use of sorafenib is like crossing the first mile of a 1,000-mile desert. Other than offering patients with HCC a new therapy, it also sets a new reference for clinical research in HCC and has generated enthusiasm in clinical researchers and pharmaceutical companies, big and small, in developing therapies in this heretofore neglected disease. The approval of sorafenib comes after a long, frustrating 30 years of testing different chemotherapeutic agents that did not show any substantial improvement in survival despite some occasional notable responses. These frustrating efforts, other than opening the door for the evaluation of novel therapies in HCC, happened at the same time that the interest in the use of local therapies was growing rapidly. In two well-conducted clinical trials [4, 5], there was a reported survival advantage for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) over best supportive care. However, this positive outcome was not reproduced by others [6 –9]. Bland transarterial embolization (TAE) also has never been shown to have a survival advantage over symptomatic treatment [10, 11]. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials between 1980 and 2000 included 2,466 patients [12]. This meta-analysis concluded that TACE significantly reduced the overall 2-year mortality rate, but that TACE was not more effective than TAE. The most recent, and frequently cited, randomized controlled study comparing TACE, TAE, and supportive care [13] again demonstrated a survival advantage for TACE over supportive care. Two older meta-analyses [14, 15] reported no survival advantage for different forms of local therapies, including TACE. Despite this lack of consistent data, chemoembolization with lipiodol or with cytotoxic agents has become accepted de facto on a worldwide basis as a treatment option for pa-
The Pharisees: their Origin and their Philosophy

The brilliant light thrown upon the Pharisees and the Sadducees by the careful studies of Geiger and Wellhausen, and their many disciples, has not completely dispelled the obscurity whieh surrounds the origin and being of these ancient groups. Geiger, whose views have in the main been accepted by Graetz, Detenbourg, Weiss, and Klausner, conceived of the conflict between these sects as intrinsically similar to that which developed in his own day between the reform and orthodox Jews in Germany.
RT-P2P: A Scalable Real-Time Peer-to-Peer System with Probabilistic Timing Assurances

In this paper, we present RT-P2P, a real-time peer-to-peer (P2P) system that allows application-level end-to-end timing requirements to be satisfied in P2P systems. Key aspects of our RT-P2P infrastructure include a real-time P2P protocol, real-time communication algorithm, and analytical performance models. We analytically establish the timing properties of RT-P2P. Our simulation studies validate the analytical results and demonstrate RT-P2P outperforms the traditional client-server model in large-scale and dynamic system.
Cities, Design and Evolution

Stephen Marshall, Routledge, London and New York, 2009, 343 pp., £44.99 (pbk), ISBN: 10 0 415 42329 5 (pbk), ISBN: 13: 978 0415423298 The design of cities always fascinates urban planners and archi...
Adaptive soft-input soft-output algorithms for iterative detection with parametric uncertainty

The soft-input soft-output (SISO) module is the basic building block for established iterative detection (ID) algorithms for a system consisting of a network of finite state machines. The problem of performing ID for systems having parametric uncertainty has received relatively little attention in the open literature. Previously proposed adaptive SISO (A-SISO) algorithms are either based on an oversimplified channel model, or have a complexity that grows exponentially with the observation length N (or the smoothing lag D). In this paper, the exact expressions for the soft metrics in the presence of parametric uncertainty modeled as a Gauss-Markov process are derived in a novel way that enables the decoupling of complexity and observation length. Starting from these expressions, a family of suboptimal (practical) algorithms is motivated, based on forward/backward adaptive processing with linear complexity in N. Previously proposed A-SISO algorithms, as well as existing adaptive hard decision algorithms are interpreted as special cases within this framework. Using a representative application-joint iterative equalization-decoding for trellis-based codes over frequency-selective channels-several design options are compared and the impact of parametric uncertainty on previously established results for ID with perfect channel state information is assessed.
Nonstandard Multivariate Tests

Standard approaches for testing whether a multivariate normal mean vector is zero are agnostic regarding alternative hypothesis. In some settings, subject-matter considerations will imply structure on the alternative of the mean vector, for example, that each element of the mean vector is positive, or that the elements are monotonically increasing. Nonstandard multivariate tests incorporate this knowledge about the alternative hypothesis to derive more powerful tests. This article provides a brief overview of selected nonstandard multivariate tests. Keywords: likelihood ratio test; order restriction
Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Versus CT Coronary Angiography: When to Use Which?

Both anatomy- and physiology-based approaches to patient management have advantages and limitations. Compared with the latter, the former has a superior ability to exclude disease and does not miss high-risk coronary artery disease (CAD). However, it is limited by a possibility of overestimating the severity of CAD and of potentially failing to determine which posttest therapeutic approach optimizes treatment benefit. On the other hand, although a physiology-based approach could potentially identify optimal therapeutic strategies, the possibility of both false-positive and false-negative findings is a concern. This review incorporates some of the more recent advances in CT coronary angiography and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), including PET MPI, into a discussion of anatomic versus physiologic imaging and provides our perspective on how an anatomy-based testing strategy centered in CT coronary angiography versus a physiology-based testing strategy with MPI may be clinically used for the evaluation of known or suspected CAD in symptomatic patients.
Discrete genetic boundaries of three Streblospio (Spionidae, Annelida) species and the status of S. shrubsolii

Abstract Spionid polychaetes are a dominant component of benthic assemblages in marine and estuarine habitats and are important in assessing ecological function and integrity. Ecological and biogeographic studies rely upon the ability to distinguish between morphologically similar species, as well as knowledge of evolutionary relationships between species. Unfortunately, differentiating between congeneric species of spionids can be challenging thereby potentially creating mistakes in scientific investigations. For example Streblospio contains three recognized species (S. benedicti, S. shrubsolii, S. gynobranchiata) with few distinguishing morphological characters. Herein, we use ∼500 bases of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI) to investigate the status of S. shrubsolii relative to other Streblospio. COI has previously been used to distinguish North American Streblospio benedicti and S. gynobranchiata. Results indicate all three Streblospio species are reciprocally monophyletic wit...
Blinding increases territorial aggression in male Syrian golden hamsters.

The effects of enucleation (blinding) on the territorial aggression of male Syrian golden hamsters were studied. While enucleated hamsters were as likely as controls to attack, their duration of attacking was much greater than that of controls. Thus, in contrast to the initiation of aggression in hamsters, which is mainly under olfactory control, the termination of aggression is partially regulated by vision.
Effects of five years of nitrogen and phosphorus additions on a Zizaniopsis miliacea tidal freshwater marsh

Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to determine if nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) acts as the limiting nutrient for tidal freshwater marsh vegetation. To answer this question, we added N, P, and N + P to a tidal freshwater marsh dominated by Zizaniopsis miliacea (Michx.) (giant cutgrass) in Georgia, USA, for five years to determine their effects on aboveground and belowground biomass and nutrient (N, P) uptake. Nitrogen and P were applied twice per year at an annual rate of 50 g m −2 year −1 and 10 g m −2 year −1 , respectively. Aboveground biomass and leaf C, N, and P were sampled in August of each year. Belowground biomass and C, N, and P content were measured in August of year five. After two years, plots receiving N and N + P had significantly greater aboveground biomass than the control and P plots. This trend continued through the fifth year of the study and resulted in two to three times more aboveground biomass at the end of the fifth year in the N (1570 g m −2 ) and N + P (1264 g m −2 ) plots relative to P (710 g m −2 ) and control (570 g m −2 ) plots. After five years of nutrient additions, macro-organic matter (MOM), the living plus dead root and rhizome mat (0–10 cm), was significantly lower in the N (1457 g m −2 ) and N + P (994 g m −2 ) plots than the control (2189 g m −2 ) plots. There was less live rhizome biomass in the N + P (23 g m −2 ) plots than the control (1085 g m −2 ) plots. We observed a 31–33% increase in the N content of Z . miliacea leaves in years three through five in the N and N + P plots relative to the control plots, but observed no P enrichment of leaves. In the N-treated plots, leaf C:N decreased 20–25% whereas N:P increased 21–64% in years three through five relative to the control and P plots. These findings collectively suggest that N, rather than P, limits productivity of tidal freshwater marsh vegetation. Reduced belowground biomass that accompanies N enrichment is of special concern as it may lead to increased erosion and reduced organic matter inputs to the soil, increasing their susceptibility to disturbances associated with wind, waves, river flooding and rising sea level.
Selective predation of threespine stickleback by rainbow trout

Threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) with divergent pelvic phenotypes from Wallace Lake, Alaska, were exposed to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to test for selective predation. Trout more often successfully preyed upon individuals with pelvic reduction, which supports the hypothesis that robust pelvic girdles are maintained in stickleback populations because of selection by fish predators. Stickleback with complete pelvic girdles experienced a higher incidence of wounds from unsuccessful predation attempts, although this finding was not statistically significant, possibly because of low frequencies of wounded individuals. Spines likely facilitate postcapture defence, although stickleback with spines may also be less targeted by trout. This study supports the hypothesis that stocked rainbow trout pose a conservation threat to pelvic-reduced stickleback populations.
PYOCELE OF THE SCROTUM: A CONSEQUENCE OF SPONTANEOUS BACTERIAL PERITONITIS

To our knowledge pyocele of the scrotum after spontaneous bacterial peritonitis has not been reported previously. We describe this unusual condition, and discuss diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment.
Fragile Lands of Latin America: Strategies for Sustainable Development

Fragile Lands of Latin America: Strategies for Sustainable Development. John O. Browder (ed.). Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1989. xvi. 301 pp., tables, map, figures, bibliography. $47.50 (paper). ISBN 0-8133-7705-6
Does Parenting Explain the Effects of Structural Conditions on Children's Antisocial Behavior? A Comparison of Blacks and Whites

Evaluation des differences raciales dans les processus qui lient pauvrete et monoparentalite au comportement antisocial. Les AA. s'appuyent sur des modeles conceptuels liant les conditions structurelles au bien-etre des enfants par l'intermediaire des influences de la detresse parentale et d'une education sans soutien. A partir des donnees de 1988, les AA. montrent que les effets de la pauvrete et de la monoparentalite sur les pratiques educatives, et les effets de l'education sur le comportement antisocial ne different pas selon les races mais que les processus qui creent ces effets varient selon les races. Si les pratiques educatives et le comportement antisocial sont relies pour les Blancs, l'education n'entraine pas automatiquement un tel comportement pour les Noirs
China And The U. S. At The Crossroads: Rule Of Law Or Rule Of Force?

Although China’s sudden reach for prosperity has created wealth for thousands of its citizens, it has also generated concern about China’s future social harmony and stability. At the heart of Chinese politics is the unchallenged dominance of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) which has governed China since 1949, but may be facing serious challenges in the years ahead. Likewise, US economic dominance that has existed for decades has hit serious economic headwinds. The recent financial crisis and its staggering public debt are posing a threat to US economic and political leadership in the world and the U.S. may be facing its own problems of maintaining security and harmony in a rapidly worsening economy. The question this paper will address is whether America’s Rule of Law or China’s Rule of Force will prevail in the long run?
VAST Challenge 2015: Mayhem at dinofun world

A fictitious amusement park and a larger-than-life hometown football hero provided participants in the VAST Challenge 2015 with an engaging yet complex storyline and setting in which to analyze movement and communication patterns. The datasets for the 2015 challenge were large—averaging nearly 10 million records per day over a three day period—with a simple straightforward structured format. The simplicity of the format belied a complex wealth of features contained in the data that needed to be discovered and understood to solve the tasks and questions that were posed. Two Mini-Challenges and a Grand Challenge compose the 2015 competition. Mini-Challenge 1 contained structured location and date-time data for park visitors, against which participants were to discern groups and their activities. Mini-Challenge 2 contained structured communication data consisting of metadata about time-stamped text messages sent between park visitors. The Grand Challenge required participants to use both movement and communication data to hypothesize when a crime was committed and identify the most likely suspects from all the park visitors. The VAST Challenge 2015 received 71 submissions, and the datasets were downloaded, at least partially, from 26 countries.
Judicial Activism and “Reason”

Although judicial decisions in an “activist” vein are often held out as a manifestation of “reason” in governance, upon closer inspection they are sometimes more like the opposite of “reason,” consisting of poorly supported accusations of hatred or animus against the supporters of the measures that the courts choose to invalidate. This essay discusses how judicial discourse can degenerate into this sort of denigration. In world of advanced moral pluralism, one of the few normative propositions that most people can agree on is that it is wrong to act on the basis of hatred or malevolence. Consequently, arguments on controversial issues in the public square increasingly resort to accusations of bigotry or hatred against an advocate’s opponents. And when courts go beyond the conventional resources of legal text and precedent, they naturally resort to the same kind of rhetoric. The American Supreme Court’s recent decision in United States v. Windsor is a cogent example of this unfortunate trend.