cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving RT-LAMP Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA through Primer Set Selection and Combination

Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) has emerged as a viable molecular diagnostic method to expand the breadth and reach of nucleic acid testing, particularly for SARS-CoV-2 detection and surveillance. While rapidly growing in prominence, RT-LAMP remains a relatively new method compared to the standard RT-qPCR, and contribution to our body of knowledge on designing LAMP primer sets and assays can have significant impact on its utility and adoption. Here we evaluate 18 LAMP primer sets for SARS-CoV-2, comparing speed and sensitivity with different LAMP formulations and conditions across more than 5,000 RT-LAMP reactions and identifying several primer sets with similar high sensitivity for different SARS-CoV-2 gene targets. Significantly we observe a consistent sensitivity enhancement by combining primer sets for different targets, confirming and building on earlier work to create a simple, general approach to building better and more sensitive RT-LAMP assays.
Life Style Segmentation in a Service Industry: The Case of Fitness Spas

Currently, America’s fitness spas constitute a service industry that is riding the crest of the recent strong interest in physical conditioning in this country. More than 100 million Americans swim, 75 million bicycle, 37 million jog or run, and 85 million take part in exercise programs (Robey 1985). A recent Gallup poll reported that 54 per cent of Americans exercise regularly, more than 37 per cent for two to four and one-half hours a week (Rea 1987). This interest in physical fitness translates into record sales of billions of dollars for products to support sporting and fitness activities (Blair 1984; Kaufman 1985). Fitness spas have multiplied rapidly to provide many thousands of facilities offering equipment, instruction, and convenient locations to support the exercise movement (Huntley 1983; Sanoff 1984). The number of spas grew as much as 15 per cent annually from 1983 to 1988 and there are now about 10,000 for-profit clubs, and about 50,000 corporate, hospital, wellness, and other not-for-profit clubs (Loro 1988).
Flip the Chip

As integrated circuit fabrication advances rapidly and the market for faster, lighter, smaller, yet less expensive electronic products accelerates, electronic packaging faces its own challenges. In this Perspective, Wong, Luo, and Zhang describe recent advances in flip chip packaging. This technology has many advantages over the conventional wire bonding technology and offers the possibility of low-cost electronic assembly for modern electronic products.
Reaching a Global Agreement on Climate Change: What are the Obstacles?

A successor accord to the Kyoto Protocol was supposed to be wrapped up in Copenhagen in December 2009, but negotiations are now expected to extend through the South African UNFCCC conference in 2011 since the Copenhagen talks failed to yield a binding agreement. To reach a comprehensive deal, major gaps between developing and developed countries must be narrowed. The gaps include the character of common but differentiated responsibilities, financial support, technology transfer, and trade subsidies and sanctions. The paper concludes with some options and recommendations.
The flow category of the action functional on $\mathcal{L}G_{N,N+K}(\mathbb{C})$

The flow category of a Morse-Bott-Smale function $f_{A}:G_{n}(\mathbb{C}^{\infty}) \rightarrow \mathbb{R}$ is shown to be related to the flow category of the action functional on the universal cover of $\mathcal{L}G_{n,n+k}(\mathbb{C})$ via a group action. The Floer homotopy type and the associated cohomology ring of $f_{A}:G_{n}(\mathbb{C}) \rightarrow \mathbb{R}$ are computed. When $n = 1$ this cohomology ring is the Floer cohomology of $G_{1,1+k}(\mathbb{C})$.
6‐Hydroxynicotinic Acid

6-Hydroxynicotinic acid intermediate: methyl coumalate product: 6-hydroxynicotinic acid Keywords: acylation; annulation, heterocyclic-[6]; esterification, of substituted monobasic acids; hydrolysis, esters and lactones; stirrers, magnetic
Diagnosis of sensor bias faults

Describes a robust sensor fault diagnosis algorithm for a class of nonlinear dynamic systems. Specifically, the paper uses adaptive techniques to estimate the unknown constant sensor bias in the presence of system modeling uncertainties and sensor noise. The robustness, sensitivity and stability of the adaptive fault diagnosis architecture are rigorously established. A simulation example to illustrate the use of the proposed fault diagnosis architecture to diagnose bias in an automotive Universal Exhaust Gas Oxygen sensor is presented.
A Comparative Review of Stratification Texts and Readers

Social stratification is a core substantive area within sociology. There are a number of textbooks and readers available on the market that deal with this central topic. In this article, I conduct ...
Cutoff effects of Wilson fermions in the absence of spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking

Abstract We simulate two-dimensional QED with two degenerate Wilson fermions and plaquette gauge action. As a consequence of the Mermin–Wagner theorem, in the continuum limit chiral symmetry is realized a la Wigner. This property affects also the size of the cutoff effects. That can be understood in view of the fact that the leading lattice artifacts are described, in the continuum Symanzik effective theory, by chirality breaking terms. In particular, vacuum expectation values of non-chirality-breaking operators are expected to be O ( a ) improved in the chiral limit. We provide a numerical confirmation of this expectation by performing a scaling test.
Doppler vibrometry: assessment of arterial stenosis by using perivascular tissue vibrations without lumen visualization.

Purpose To correlate vibration frequency and duration at Doppler vibrometry with stenosis severity determined at catheter angiography. Materials and Methods Sixteen patients (eight women) scheduled to undergo abdominal or pelvic angiography were recruited after providing informed consent. An ultrasonography (US) scanner was customized to acquire raw echo data before conventional Doppler processing. Data were acquired from perivascular tissue regions proximal to stenoses, close to the most narrow lumen, and distal to stenoses in the renal, hepatic, common iliac, and superior mesenteric arteries. The data were processed to quantify vibration frequency and duration. The minimum lumen diameter and the pre- and poststenotic lumen diameters were quantified from angiograms. One patient with a hepatic artery stenosis did not yield measurable vibrometry data due to significant bowel gas. Results Stenoses (diameter reduction, 43%–91%) were angiographically measured in the six renal arteries, four hepatic arteries, three iliac arteries, and one superior mesenteric artery yielding vibrometry data. Three iliac arteries were normal ( r = .75; P r = .72; P r = .7; P Conclusions Preliminary results indicate that the vibration frequency and duration can be used to quantitatively estimate stenosis severity. Doppler vibrometry is complementary to duplex US and does not require lumen visualization.
Editorial comment--Advertising strategies to increase the public knowledge of the warning signs of stroke.

Several studies have clearly demonstrated the public’s general lack of knowledge of stroke risk factors and symptoms.1–6 This is particularly true among the elderly,3,4 the portion of the population at highest risk.7 The current study is consistent with these and other previous reports. At the baseline assessment carried out in 4 communities in Ontario, Canada, less than half (39% to 44%) of those surveyed were able to name at least 2 stroke warning signs; knowledge was poorest among those over age 65 years (only …
Systematic Unidirectional Error-Detecting Codes

The theory and design of systematic t-unidirectional error-detecting codes are developed. Optimal systematic codes capable of detecting 2, 3, and 6 unidirectional errors using 2, 3, and 4 check bits, respectively, are given. For r ≥5 where r is the number of check bits, the systematic codes described here can detect up to 5· 2r-4 + r -4 unidirectional errors. Encoding/ decoding methods for these codes are also investigated.
Using XSLT to manipulate MARC metadata

This paper describes the MARCXML architecture implemented at the Library of Congress. It gives an overview of the component pieces of the architecture, including the MARCXML schema and the MARCXML toolkit, while giving a brief tutorial on their use. Several different applications of the architecture and tools are discussed to illustrate the features of the toolkit being developed thus far. Nearly any metadata format can take advantage of the features of the toolkit, and the process of the toolkit enabling a new format is discussed. Finally, this paper intends to foster new ideas with regards to the transformation of descriptive metadata, especially using XML tools. In this paper the following conventions will be used: MARC21 will refer to MARC 21 records in the ISO 2709 record structure used today; MARCXML will refer to MARC 21 records in an XML structure.
Key factors in improving surgical resources.

The health care environment across the country is undergoing unprecedented uncertainty and change, so it is imperative that hospital leaders develop processes that enhance their organization's ability to adapt to new realities and directions. The key factors in maximizing the utilization of resources to meet community demand involve corporate changes and active support from medical, nursing, professional and support staff. This article describes the methods adopted by one community hospital to improve the utilization of surgical resources, with particular emphasis on the process developed for allocating Operating Room time to support corporate priorities. Partout au pays, le milieu des soins de sante traverse une periode d'incertitudes et de changements sans precedent; c'est pourquoi il est urgent que les directeurs des hopitaux elaborent des moyens pour aider leurs organismes a mieux s'adapter aux nouvelles realites et orientations. Parmi les facteurs cles pour une utilisation maximale des ressources afin de repondre aux besoins de la collectivite, on retrouve les changements au sein de l'entreprise et un appui concret de la part du personnel medical, infirmier, professionnel et de soutien. Cet article decrit les methodes adoptees par un hopital communautaire pour ameliorer l'utilisation des ressources chirurgicales, insistant particulierement sur les moyens adoptes pour allouer a la Salle d'operation du temps pour appuyer les priorites de l'entreprise.
The developmental pattern of adenosine-5'-phosphate aminohydrolase in the brain of the embryonic chicken.

Abstract 1. 1. The developmental pattern of AMP-deaminase was followed; it was shown that the rise in activity is caused by more complex factors than general increase in protein synthesis in the brain. 2. 2. No sudden changes in enzyme activity could be correlated with any physiological events. 3. 3. The pattern of AMP-deamiminase development in the brain is compared with the pattern previously reported for voluntary muscle.
Who’s Your Daddy?

This paper provides a brief explanation and illustration of the phenomenon of semiotics. It then describes the conceptual tools of semiotics and how lawyers can use semiotics in law to create compelling arguments. Last, the paper applies the tools of semiotics to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court case Ferguson v. McKiernan, 940 A.2d 1236 (Pa. 2008), to reveal the shift in social context that made the lines of legal reasoning behind the outcome appear “self-evident.”
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE NORMAL EQUINE DIGIT AND METACARPOPHALANGEAL JOINT

Magnetic resonance (MR) images were made in sagittal and transverse planes through the metacarpophalangeal joint and digit of a horse. The images accurately depicted gross anatomic structures in the leg. Soft tissue structures were defined as separate entities on the images. Histologic varlation in tissues correlated with signal intensity differences on the MR images. Magnetic resonance imaging appears to be a promising imaging modality for evaluating musculoskeletal structures in equine limbs.
Desires, descriptivism, and reference failure

I argue that mental descriptivism cannot be reasonably thought superior to rival theories on the grounds that it can (while they cannot) provide an elegant account of reference failure. Descriptivism about the particular-directed intentionality of our mental states fails when applied to desires. Consider, for an example, the desire that Satan not tempt me. On the descriptivist account, it looks like my desire would be fulfilled in conditions in which there exists exactly one thing satisfying some description only Satan satisfies (call it the Satanic Description). However, against this analysis, it is clearly compatible with desiring that Satan not tempt me that I also desire that there exist nothing satisfying the Satanic Description. The descriptivist has room for maneuver here, but the cost of accommodating this phenomenon is that the descriptivist shall no longer be able to use her theory to ameliorate the possibility of reference failure.
Zoned Out: Regulation, Markets and Choices in Transportation and Metropolitan Land-Use, by Jonathan Levine

Jonathan Levine, Zoned Out: Regulation, Markets and Choices in Transportation and Metropolitan Land-Use (Washington D.C.: Resources for the Future, 2006).In full disclosure, I must confess a bias i...
Allosteric property of the (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase β₁ subunit.

Abstract (Na++K+)-ATPase (NKA) comprises two basic α and β subunits: The larger α subunit catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP for active transport of Na+ and K+ ions across the plasma membrane; the smaller β subunit does not take part in the catalytic process of the enzyme. Little is known about allosteric regulation of the NKA β subunit. Here, we report a surprising finding that extracellular stimuli on the native β1 subunit can generate a significant impact on the catalytic function of NKA. By using a β1 subunit-specific monoclonal antibody JY2948, we found that the JY2948–β1 subunit interaction markedly enhances the catalytic activity of the enzyme and increases the apparent affinity of Na+ and K+ ions for both ouabain-resistant rat NKA and ouabain-sensitive dog NKA. This study provides the first evidence to identify an allosteric binding site residing on the NKA β1 subunit and uncovers the latent allosteric property of the β1 subunit, which remotely controls the NKA catalytic function.
Local effect of serotonin on blood vessels of human skin.

Abstract The response of the nailfold vascular bed to the application of serotonin by micropuncture has been studied in 18 subjects with exceptionally transparent skin (14 schizophrenic patients and 4 normal subjects). The observations were made with the technique of in vivo capillaroscopy supplemented by photomicrography and cinephotomicrography. The results demonstrate an active vasodilator response, the intensity of which appears to be related to the initial vasoconstrictor tone of the vessels.
A Two-Study Examination of Work-Family Conflict, Production Deviance and Gender.

Abstract Building on the spillover and crossover literatures of work–family conflict and the theoretical framework of Conservation of Resources Theory (Hobfoll, 1989) we examine the effects of conflict on production deviance. Using a two-study constructive replication and extension design, we examine how partner work-to-family conflict contributes to job incumbent family-to-work conflict and subsequent engagement in production deviance. In addition, we examine the moderating role of gender on the incumbent family-to-work conflict to production deviance relationship. Study 1 of 344 job incumbents supported the positive relationship between incumbent family-to-work conflict and deviance. In addition, this was moderated by gender such that men engaged in more deviant behaviors in response to family-to-work conflict. Study 2 consisted of 190 matched job incumbents and their partners. These findings supported the mediation of partner work-to-family conflict to production deviance through incumbent family-to-work conflict. Again gender was supported using moderated mediation analysis such that men engaged in more deviant behaviors in response to family-to-work conflict. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Rotational and translational diffusivities of germanium nanowires

Understanding the rheological behavior of dilute dispersions of cylindrical nanomaterials in fluids is the first step towards the development of rheological models for these materials. Individual particle tracking was used to quantify the rotational and translational diffusivities of high-aspect-ratio germanium nanowires in alcohol solvents at room temperature. In spite of their long lengths and high aspect ratios, the rods were found to undergo Brownian motion. This work represents the first time that the effects of solvent viscosity and confinement have been directly measured and the results compared to proposed theoretical models. Using viscosity as a single adjustable parameter in the Kirkwood model for Brownian rods was found to be a facile and versatile way of predicting the diffusivities of nanowires across a broad range of length scales.
Maîtres Chez Nous: Some Questions about Culture and Continuity: A Response to Alan Patten's “Rethinking Culture: The Social Lineage Account”

Alan Patten's social lineage account of cultural continuity is the most recent effort to provide multicultural theory with a non-essentialist concept of culture, its continuity and loss that meets broadly liberal normative desiderata. In this essay, I argue that it too fails to offer an alternative to essentialism, to meet standard liberal normative stipulations, and to construct a theory of continuity sufficient to underpin the present claims of involuntarily incorporated communities. That result is theoretically interesting for it shows the deep intractability of the problems at the core of liberal multiculturalism.
High risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells with bcr-abl and INK4A/ARF mutations retain susceptibility to alloreactive T cells

Abstract INK4A/ARF mutations are acquired in bcr/abl+ lymphoid blast phase chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and bcr/abl+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Donor lymphocyte infusion and graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) are generally ineffective in such ALLs, whereas GVL is highly active against bcr/abl+ CML, which does not have a lesion in the INK4A/ARF locus. The mechanisms for the ineffectiveness of GVL are not fully known, and it is possible that intrinsic resistance of acute lymphoid leukemias to immune effectors associated with allogeneic GVL may contribute to ineffectiveness. This work tested the hypothesis that INK4A/ARF mutations that are associated with transformation of bcr/abl+ CML to an ALL phenotype, and that are associated with increased resistance to apoptosis render ALL cells insensitive to allogeneic immune responses to minor histocompatibility antigens (mHA). Murine acute pre-B ALLs were induced by transfer of the human p210 bcr/abl gene into bone marrow of INK4A/ARF null mice. These ALL lines were then studied in a murine model of MHC-matched, mHA-mismatched allogeneic BMT. In vivo growth of these ALLs was inhibited in allogeneic transplants characterized by active allogeneic immune responses compared to their behavior in syngeneic transplants. In vitro ALLs with INK4A/ARF, p210 bcr/abl, or p190 bcr/abl mutations remained sensitive to anti-mHA cytolytic T cells. In addition, the ALLs were capable of inducing primary immune responses to mHAs in vivo. Thus, ALLs with INK4A/ARF or bcr/abl mutations are not intrinsically resistant to allogeneic T cell responses, suggesting that active immunotherapies against mHA have the potential to control such acute lymphoblastic leukemias.
State Policy, Distribution and Neoliberal Reform in Mexico

For nearly a decade, Mexico has embraced a neoliberal development model based on liberalisation, privatisation and deregulation. Yet, contrary to longstanding claims in the economic development literature, this strategy has yet to produce the high levels of growth and income gains that policy-makers had projected at the outset of the reforms. This article suggests that the lacklustre response of the Mexican economy represents more than a longer-than-expected adjustment lag. Rather, through an analysis of state policy in the urban–industrial and rural–agricultural sectors of the economy, the authors locate the sources of slow growth and wage compression in: (1) the particular mix of policies that have been implemented under the banner of neoliberalism in Mexico; and (2) the failure to properly coordinate macroeconomic stabilisation with longer-term goals of market restructuring.
Time‑Dependent Regulation of Apoptosis by AEN and BAX in Response to 2‑Aminoanthracene Dietary Consumption

Background/Objective: The modulation of the toxic effects of 2-aminoanthracene (2AA) on the liver by apoptosis was investigated. Fisher-344 (F344) rats were exposed to various concentrations of 2AA for 14 and 28 days. The arylamine 2AA is an aromatic hydrocarbon employed in manufacturing chemicals, dyes, inks, and it is also a curing agent in epoxy resins and polyurethanes. 2AA has been detected in tobacco smoke and cooked foods. Methods: Analysis of total messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) extracts from liver for apoptosis-related gene expression changes in apoptosis enhancing nuclease (AEN), Bcl2-associated X protein (BAX), CASP3, Jun proto-oncogene (JUN), murine double minute-2 p53 binding protein homolog (MDM2), tumor protein p53 (p53), and GAPDH genes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was coupled with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and caspase-3 (Casp3) activity assays. Results: Specific apoptosis staining result does not seem to show significant difference between control and treated animals. This may be due to freeze-thaw artifacts observed in the liver samples. However, there appears to be a greater level of apoptosis in medium- and high-dose (MD and HD) 2AA treated animals. Analyses of apoptosis-related genes seem to show AEN and BAX as the main targets in the induction of apoptosis in response to 2AA exposure, though p53, MDM2, and JUN may play supporting roles. Conclusion: Dose-dependent increases in mRNA expression were observed in all genes except Casp3. BAX was very highly expressed in the HD rats belonging to the 2-week exposure group. This trend was not observed in the animals treated for 4 weeks. Instead, AEN was rather very highly expressed in the liver of the MD animals that were treated with 2AA for 28 days.
Blackberry extracts inhibit UV-induced mutagenesis in Salmonella typhimurium TA100

The development of metastatic cancer involves a series of mutagenic events. Compounds in blackberries effectively block mutagenesis by metabolically activated carcinogens and can serve as effective anticancer agents. We have compared the effects of 8 different varieties of blackberry on UV-C–induced mutagenesis in Salmonella typhimurium TA100. The 8 varieties were cultivated under identical conditions and harvested as ripe berries. Two varieties had no effect on UV-C– induced mutagenesis. Two showed significant suppression of mutagenesis. The other 4 had intermediate effects. Berry extracts were added only after irradiation of the cells was complete. The results imply that some varieties of blackberries contain substances that might inhibit error-prone DNA repair.
Quantitative Procedure for Gas Chromatographic Analysis of Head-Space Vapor Over Sterile Concentrated Milk,

Abstract An apparatus has been designed in which it is possible to obtain the head-space vapor over sterile concentrated milk in argon under controlled conditions of volume, pressure, and temperature and from which a measured aliquot at atmospheric pressure can be withdrawn for gas-chromatographic analysis. The effect of various factors influencing the sampling and chromatographic procedures were investigated and controls established. The chromatographic assembly and conditions finally selected consisted of a 2.74-m Apiezon-L column at 50C with a Strontium-90 detector. Five-milliliter samples were injected at an argon inlet pressure of 1.62kg/cm 2 gauge. Water vapor in the sample had no significant effect upon the sensitivity of the detector within the range investigated. Saturation of sterile concentrated milks with sodium sulfate did not appreciably increase the concentration of volatile components in the head-space vapor. This procedure is reproducible, with a standard deviation of ±3.86% of the measured peak height, and can demonstrate quantitative differences in composition of head-space vapors over sterile concentrated milks processed and stored under different conditions.
Lattice-imposed geometry in metal–organic frameworks: lacunary Zn4O clusters in MOF-5 serve as tripodal chelating ligands for Ni2+

The inorganic clusters in metal–organic frameworks can be used to trap metal ions in coordination geometries that are difficult to achieve in molecular chemistry. We illustrate this concept by using the well-known basic carboxylate clusters in Zn4O(1,4-benzenedicarboxylate)3 (MOF-5) as tripodal chelating ligands that enforce an unusual pseudo-tetrahedral oxygen ligand field around Ni2+. The new Ni-based MOF-5 analogue is characterized by porosity measurements and a suite of electronic structure spectroscopies. Classical ligand field analysis of the Ni2+ ion isolated in MOF-5 classifies the Zn3O(carboxylate)6 “tripodal ligand” as an unusual, stronger field ligand than halides and other oxygen donor ligands. These results may inspire the widespread usage of MOFs as chelating ligands for stabilizing site-isolated metal ions in future reactivity and electronic structure studies.
Global Knowledge and Creativity: New Challenges for Firms and Regions

Malecki E. J. Global knowledge and creativity: new challenges for firms and regions, Regional Studies. As companies locate research and development in more places, they seek to tap knowledge in new, open ways, to respond to diverse customer demand and short product life cycles. The globalization of research and development has added costs as firms communicate across national, cultural, and linguistic boundaries, using both information and communication technology networks and face-to-face interaction. Intermediaries in knowledge transfer, such as knowledge brokers and gatekeepers, have become more important as new nodes join the global system of knowledge. As firms respond to the knowledge-based global economy, each region must construct a ‘knowledge monopoly’ to stand out in the global landscape of capabilities. Malecki E. J. La connaissance et la creativite mondiales: de nouveaux defis pour les entreprises et les regions, Regional Studies. Au fur et a mesure que la localisation des activites de recherch...
Stochastic reserve losses and bank credit expansion

Abstract This paper addresses the issue of bank credit expansion when reserve and deposit flows are stochastic. For a risk-neutral bank able to lend and borrow at fixed interest rates, and incurring a lump sum transaction cost when short of reserves, it is found that if deposit flows are normally distributed — essentially the Orr-Mellon model — the distribution of new reserves among banks does not affect credit expansion. An explanation for this counter-intuitive result is given by establishing a parallel between the model and the literature on portfolio theory. The implications for credit expansion of more general assumptions is discussed.
Cardiovascular effects of platelet-activating factor.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a unique biologically active phospholipid that is synthesized by many cells and tissues and has actions far more diverse than just platelet activation. PAF is probably a mediator of the normal inflammatory and thrombotic responses. Inappropriate or excessive production of PAF can lead to vascular injury, particularly via its proinflammatory effects, and marked hemodynamic derangements. There is evidence that PAF may play a role in clinical syndromes of shock, infarction, and reperfusion injury. Antagonists of the PAF receptor have been developed and have therapeutic potential in these common life-threatening disorders.
Evaporation of a moving liquid droplet: Solutions for intermediate Reynolds numbers

Abstract In this paper, we have examined the quasi-steady evaporation of an n-heptane droplet moving in the intermediate Reynolds number regime (Re = O(100)). The droplet environment is taken to consist of its own vapor and air. The ambient pressure is taken to be one atmosphere. The droplet trajectory and hence the instantaneous terminal velocity of the droplet have been determined by a balance of the drag and body forces. Variable thermophysical properties, liquid phase motion and heating, and the effect of variations in droplet size have been included in this investigation. A numerical procedure that is based on the hybrid difference scheme has been employed. We provide histories of droplet radius, mass, velocity, Reynolds number and liquid heating fraction. The total drag, friction drag, pressure drag, and evaporation drag histories are also individually predicted.
Regional cerebral blood flow response in a patient with remitted global amnesia.

Abstract A case of remitted global amnesia, believed to have residual left medial temporal lobe damage, is tested by the same recognition memory paradigm used by Wood, Taylor, et al. in the previous paper. On two different testing occasions, once using an intentional and once an incidental memory procedure, the patient's right occipital flows were inversely correlated with memory accuracy and the values were very close to the regression line for 10 normals relating occipital flow to memory accuracy. The left occipital flows did not fit the regression line, however. The results were interpreted as consistent with the notion that occipital flow is inversely related to medial temporal lobe activation. Another surprising feature of this case is the unexpected persistence of amnesia for a period from about 5 to 10 years before her episode to about 2 weeks after the episode, with recovery of memory functioning for the period since that time.
Efficient On-Chip Second Harmonic Generation Using a Critically Coupled Resonator

We present studies of second harmonic generation in planar waveguides using critically coupled resonators. Using the finite-difference time-domain method, large second harmonic conversion efficiencies are demonstrated when the coupling coefficient equals the second harmonic strength.
Survivin mediates resistance to antiandrogen therapy in prostate cancer

Resistance to antiandrogen therapy in patients with metastatic prostate cancer poses a major challenge, which, if overcome, may lead to significant advances in the treatment of these patients. Hormone resistance of prostate cancer develops, in part, from upregulation of antiapoptotic genes after androgen deprivation. Given the accumulating evidence that Survivin, a new member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family, is associated with both cancer progression and drug resistance, we hypothesized that Survivin plays a potentially important role in hormone therapy resistance, and that targeting of Survivin may enhance sensitivity to antiandrogen therapy in prostate cancer. Patterns of Survivin expression were assessed in three prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP, PC-3, and DU-145 using quantitative Western analysis. All three cell lines were found to strongly express Survivin. In LNCaP cells with intact androgen receptors (ARs), it was observed that androgen stimulation with 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increased Survivin expression. Conversely, treatment with Flutamide decreased Survivin expression in LNCaP cells. We next studied the functional effect of Survivin on sensitivity to Flutamide. LNCaP cells were infected with replication-deficient adenoviruses encoding either wild-type Survivin pAd-S(WT) or a phosphorylation-defective Survivin Thr34 --> Ala dominant-negative mutant pAd-S(T34A), and then treated with Flutamide. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed in vitro and in vivo. It was determined that Survivin can mediate resistance to such antiandrogen therapies based on our assays. Direct androgen stimulation resulted in pan-cell cycle expression of Survivin, which was found to be mediated by AKT, as it was determined that exogenous insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a known activator of AKT signaling, could increase Survivin expression and result in pan-cell cycle expression even in AR-negative prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 and DU-145. Given this alternative mechanism of Survivin expression and our findings that Survivin can mediate resistance to Flutamide treatment, we further investigated whether IGF-1-mediated activation of Survivin via AKT could mediate resistance to antiandrogen therapy. Both in vitro and in vivo, this was found to be the case, supporting a novel mechanism of resistance to antiandrogen therapy. Our study indicates that upregulation of Survivin via IGF-1 signaling confers resistance to Flutamide in prostate cancer cells. Targeted inhibition of Survivin appears to enhance the therapeutic effects of Flutamide in vitro and in vivo, revealing a novel strategy to enhance sensitivity to androgen ablation therapy.
Development of a prototype superconducting X-ray spectrometer using a Ta crystal as an absorber

Abstract Superconducting tunnel junctions can be used as high resolution X-ray and γ-ray spectrometers. Until recently, most results were from detectors that consisted of niobium and aluminium thin films deposited on insulating substrates. Typically Nb films with thicknesses of several hundred nanometers are used as absorbers. These thin-film devices inherently suffer from poor quantum efficiency. To increase this efficiency a foil or a single crystal can be used as the supercounducting absorber. We are working on using ultra-pure, high- Z , superconducting crystals as the X-ray and γ-ray absorbers. We are developing a prototype detector with a 10 μm-thick Ta crystal as an absorber, which will have a quantum efficiency of greater than 99% at 6 keV. In this paper we present several of the design and fabrication issues involved in assembling the prototype superconducting crystal X-ray spectrometer.
Use of content analysis to conduct knowledge-building and theory-generating qualitative systematic reviews:

Findings from knowledge-building and theory-generating qualitative systematic reviews have the potential to help guide policy formation and practice in many disciplines. Unfortunately, this potential is currently hindered by the fact that rigorous data analysis methods have not been consistently used and/or articulated for purposes of conducting these types of reviews. Content analysis is a flexible data analysis method that can be used to conduct qualitative systematic reviews; however, its application in this context has not been fully explicated. Qualitative systematic reviewers who aim to build knowledge and generate theory are urged to adapt content analysis methods to accommodate data that are, by nature, highly organized and contextualized. In addition, they are encouraged to use reflective memoing and diagramming to ensure valid integration, interpretation, and synthesis of findings across studies. Finally, reviewers are advised to clearly and fully explain their data analysis methods in research ...
double-time Is a Novel Drosophila Clock Gene that Regulates PERIOD Protein Accumulation

We have isolated three alleles of a novel Drosophila clock gene, double-time (dbt). Short- (dbtS) and long-period (dbtL) mutants alter both behavioral rhythmicity and molecular oscillations from previously identified clock genes, period and timeless. A third allele, dbtP, causes pupal lethality and eliminates circadian cycling of per and tim gene products in larvae. In dbtP mutants, PER proteins constitutively accumulate, remain hypophosphorylated, and no longer depend on TIM proteins for their accumulation. We propose that the normal function of DOUBLETIME protein is to reduce the stability and thus the level of accumulation of monomeric PER proteins. This would promote a delay between per/tim transcription and PER/TIM complex function, which is essential for molecular rhythmicity.
Antecedents of flow in retail store shopping

Abstract “Flow” has been established as a critical determinant of an online shopping experience. Online consumers with flow experience tend to be less price-sensitive and to have favorable attitudes and high re-patronage intention. As retail stores account for 90% of retail sales, it is important to advance our knowledge of flow theory in physical retail stores. However, the antecedents (navigational challenge, web skill) derived from the extant online flow literature are not applicable to in-store shopping. To fill the void, the two objectives here are (1) to provide a theoretical foundation to develop the antecedents (challenges and skills) associated with in-store shopping, and (2) to examine their impacts on consumer flow experience (concentration, control, and enjoyment) and subsequent future shopping intentions. The results will advance the literature of flow and offer helpful suggestions to retail marketing.
Association of Anemia, Child and Family Characteristics With Elevated Blood Lead Concentrations in Preschool Children From Montevideo, Uruguay

Elevated blood lead levels (BPbs) have been identified in Uruguayan children in the La Teja neighborhood of Montevideo, but the extent of lead exposure in other city areas is unknown. Sources and predictors of exposure also remain understudied in this population. In 2007, the authors screened lead and hemoglobin levels in capillary blood of 222 preschool children from several areas of Montevideo, Uruguay, and identified predictors of elevated BPbs. Mean BPb was 9.0 +/- 6.0 microg/dL and 32.9% of children had levels >or= 10microg/dL. Mean hemoglobin level was 10.5 +/- 1.5 g/dL, with 44.1% having levels <10.5g/dL. Older child age, hemoglobin <10.5g/dL, and putting fingers/toys in the mouth were associated with higher BPbs. Young maternal age, less education, father's job with potential risk of lead exposure, and fewer family possessions were also associated with higher BPbs. Pediatric lead exposure is a public health problem in Uruguay, with children experiencing elevated BPbs at a young age.
Response to Gorbach et al.

To the Editor: We agree with Gorbach et al. (1) that the text of our recommendations imply that fidaxomicin did not demonstrate superiority to vancomycin for the end point of sustained clinical response through 25 days beyond the end of treatment (EOT), and we incorrectly implied that the two phase III trials did not include these a priori as secondary end points with a planned non-inferiority margin of <10% (2). However, the observed difference in sustained clinical response between NAP1 and non-NAP1 strains was, in fact, a post hoc analysis that does not appear in the study protocol (3). Moreover, although the difference in recurrence rates was statistically significant when considering all subjects, in the post hoc analysis the point estimates of recurrence were actually higher (albeit statistically insignificant) for patients in the fidaxomicin arms in both the modified intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations for patients with NAP1 Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) (3). Thus, the external validity of these trials for settings in which NAP1 CDI is endemic is by no means assured (3,4). Even if we accept that the difference in recurrence rates at 25 days past the EOT is reproducible and will be observed in clinical practice, the high price of fidaxomicin remains a significant obstacle to making it a first-line agent for treating CDI. In a recent economic analysis, Bartsch et al. (5) used economic modeling to estimate that fidaxomicin would need to cost <$150 per treatment course to be cost-effective in the treatment of all CDI cases. To date, the actual price of fidaxomicin remains substantially above this target.
The tautomerism of 6-hydroxy-, 6-amino- and 6-acylamino-7-azaindolines

Abstract The lactam-lactim tautomerism of 6-hydroxy-7-azaindolines and amino-imine tautomerism of 6-amino- and 6-acylamino-7-azaindolines has been studied by IR and UV spectroscopy. It is shown that the lactam-lactim tautomeric equilibrium of 6-hydroxy-7-azaindolines in contrast to the other analogous N-heteroaromatic compounds is not completely shifted for the lactam. The commensurable amounts of both tautomeric forms can be observed in the solutions of 6-hydroxy-7-azaindolines and it is possible to elucidate the influence of the solvent polarity upon the lactam-lactim tautomeric equilibrium. The tautomeric equilibrium of 6-amino- and 6-acylamino-7-azaindolines is practically completely shifted for the amino form, and even acylation with p-toluene-sulfonic acid does not result in a noticeable shift of the tautomeric equilibrium for the amino form in contrast to the other N-heterocyclic amines.
A neutrophil treadmill to decouple spatial and temporal signals during chemotaxis

After more than 50 years of debates, the role of spatial and temporal gradients during cell chemotaxis is still a contentious matter. One major challenge is that when cells move in response to a heterogeneous chemical environment they are exposed to both spatial and temporal concentration changes. Even in the presence of perfectly stable chemical gradients, moving cells experience temporal changes of concentration simply by moving between locations with different chemical concentrations in a heterogeneous environment. Thus, the effects of the spatial and temporal stimuli cannot be dissociated and studied independently, hampering progress towards understanding the mechanisms of cell chemotaxis. Here we employ microfluidic and other engineering tools to build a system that accomplishes a function analogous to a treadmill at the cellular scale, holding a moving cell at a specified, unchanging location in a chemical gradient. Using this system, we decouple the spatial and temporal gradients around moving human neutrophils and find that temporal gradients are necessary for the directional persistence of human neutrophils during chemotaxis. Our results suggest that temporal chemoattractant changes are important during neutrophil migration and should be taken into account when deciphering the signalling pathways of cell chemotaxis.
Release behavior of bioactive agents from pH-sensitive hydrogels.

Controlled release systems of theophylline, proxyphylline and oxprenolol.HCl exhibiting modulated drug delivery were prepared by using pH-sensitive anionic copolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate with acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. Drug release studies were carried out in simulated biological fluids. The initial drug release rates and the drug release mechanisms were dependent upon the pH and ionic strength of the buffer solution as well as its salt composition. Initial drug diffusion coefficients in these swelling-controlled release systems were calculated from the release curves; they were of the order of 10(-7) cm2/s and were dependent upon the degree of swelling. The drug release mechanism was non-Fickian in all the dissolution media studied. Lowest release rates were observed for drug release from nonionized polymer networks in agreement with the relationship between ionization, swelling and drug release.
Laparoscopic Resection of a Gastric Glomus Tumor

Surgeons are commonly asked to evaluate patients with subepithelial masses of the stomach. Glomus tumors are subepithelial mesenchymal tumors that are rarely included in the differential diagnosis when evaluating these patients. We present the case of 55-year old man with a gastric glomus tumor that was diagnosed preoperatively and removed by laparoscopic wedge resection. We review the preoperative evaluation and classic finding associated with this uncommon entity.
Sequence heterogeneity and polymorphic gene arrangements of the Leishmania guyanensis gp63 genes.

Abstract The Leishmania GP63 major surface protein gene family encodes multiple isoforms which differ predominantly in the carboxyterminal region. We have isolated 4 full-length gp63 cDNA clones derived from stationary-phase promastigote RNA of a cloned isolate of Leishmania guyanensis , a member of the braziliensis complex. These genes, along with the previously published L. guyanensis gp63 gene sequence [15], appeared to be mosaics of different combination of 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions and sequences encoding the propeptide, internal, and C-terminal regions of GP63. The predicted L. guyanensis GP63 isoforms shared as little as 55% sequence identity, comparable to the inter-species diversity of Gp63. The genomic organization of gp63 genes in L. guyanensis is highly complex: there are at least 4 distinct polymorphic forms of tandemly linked gene clusters, with intra-gene cluster variation in gene sequence and in the number of gene repeats. Southern blot analysis suggested that the arrangement of gp63 genes in this L. guyanensis isolate did not differ from that in the parental lines.
Rationality, Justification, and the Internalism/ Externalism Debate

In this paper, I argue that what underlies internalism about justification is a rationalist conception of justification, not a deontological conception of justification, and I argue for the plausibility of this rationalist conception of justification. The rationalist conception of justification is the view that a justified belief is a belief that is held in a rational way; since we exercise our rationality through conscious deliberation, the rationalist conception holds that a belief is justified iff a relevant possible instance of conscious deliberation would endorse the belief. The importance of conscious deliberation stems from its role in guiding us in acquiring true beliefs: whereas the externalist holds that if we wish to acquire true beliefs, we have to begin by assuming that some of our usual methods of belief formation generally provide us with true beliefs, the internalist holds that if we form beliefs by conscious deliberation, we can be conscious of reasons for thinking that our beliefs are true. Conscious deliberation can make us conscious of reasons because it proceeds via rational intuitions. I argue that despite the fallibility of rational intuition, rational intuitions do enable us to become conscious of reasons for belief.
Intervertebral Disc Extrusion in Six Cats

Existing reports concerning intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) have focused almost exclusively on dogs, although a small number of individual case reports of IVDD of cats has been published. The medical records of six cats with IVDD were reviewed. Radiographic studies confirmed narrowed intervertebral disc spaces, mineralised intervertebral discs, and one or more extradural compressive lesions of the spinal cord in each cat. All disc extrusions were located in the thoracolumbar region. Surgical decompression of the spinal cord was achieved in all cats by means of hemilaminectomy and removal of compressive extradural material confirmed to be degenerative disc material. Good to excellent neurological recovery was noted in five of the six cats included in this report. Based on this review, it appears that IVDD of cats has many similarities to IVDD of dogs, and that healthy cats with acute intervertebral disc extrusion(s) respond favourably to surgical decompression of the spinal cord.