cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Immunosuppressive Tumors by Polymer-Assisted Inductions of Immunogenic Cell Death and Multivalent PD-L1 Crosslinking

Checkpoint blockade immunotherapies harness the host's own immune system to fight cancer, but only work against tumors infiltrated by swarms of pre-existing T cells. Unfortunately, most cancers to date are immune-deserted. Here, we report a polymer-assisted combination of immunogenic chemotherapy and PD-L1 degradation for efficacious treatment in originally non-immunogenic cancer. "Priming" tumors with backbone-degradable polymer-epirubicin conjugates elicits immunogenic cell death and fosters tumor-specific CD8+ T cell response. Sequential treatment with a multivalent polymer-peptide antagonist to PD-L1 overcomes adaptive PD-L1 enrichment following chemotherapy, biases the recycling of PD-L1 to lysosome degradation via surface receptor crosslinking, and produces prolonged elimination of PD-L1 rather than the transient blocking afforded by standard anti-PD-L1 antibodies. Together, these findings established the polymer-facilitated tumor targeting of immunogenic drugs and surface crosslinking of PD-L1 as a potential new therapeutic strategy to propagate a long-term antitumor immunity, which might broaden the application of immunotherapy to immunosuppressive cancers.
A Reliability-Based Condition Assessment of Structural Concrete Using Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging Techniques

This paper proposes a probabilistic framework for assessing the condition of structural concrete with respect to moisture contained within cured concrete using a 10 GHz synthetic aperture radar (SA...
Incidence of hyponatremia in patients given levetiracetam vs. phenytoin for early posttraumatic seizure prophylaxis.

Abstract Background Levetiracetam and phenytoin are comparable for acute posttraumatic seizure(PTS) prophylaxis. Levetiracetam-induced hyponatremia has been reported in non-trauma patients. We studied hyponatremia in post-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage(ICH) patients receiving either drug. Methods Retrospective review of patients with ICH receiving PTS prophylaxis was performed. Patients were categorized by degree of sodium nadir: normal, mild, moderate, or severe, and analyzed by levetiracetam versus phenytoin. Patients were matched 2:1 regarding age and injury severity score(ISS). Incidence and treatment for hyponatremia was examined. Results 1735 ICH patients received PTS prophylaxis over an 8-year period. After exclusions and matching, there were 282 phenytoin and 564 levetiracetam patients. Age, ISS and initial sodium were comparable between the matched cohorts. There was no clinically significant difference in the rate or degree of hyponatremia. Treatment was more common in levetiracetam patients. Discussion There was a small but clinically insignificant difference in the incidence of hyponatremia in traumatic ICH patients receiving levetiracetam vs. phenytoin for PTS prophylaxis. There was an increased rate of intervention for hyponatremia in the levetiracetam group, possibly due to a coincidental preventive paradigm shift.
Pain management—Chronic back pain intrathecal drug pump

Abstract Chronic back pain is the most common musculoskeletal condition affecting the adult population making it the second leading cause of disability worldwide. A variety of treatment options available include manual therapy, medications, implants, alternative, and complementary medicines. The emergence of modern anesthesia has made it possible for pain physicians to deliver the antinociceptives directly to the intrathecal space. There are various methods of delivering medications intrathecally, some of which include the use of an external pump while others utilize fully implantable devices. In this chapter, we will discuss the history of analgesia, its role in pain management, and the management of chronic back pain. Different intrathecal drug delivery systems will be explored with an emphasis on intrathecal implantable devices, device placement, and complications associated with their placement.
Evaluation of linezolid pharmacokinetics in critically-ill obese patients with severe skin and soft tissue infections

Linezolid standard dosing is fixed at 600 mg every 12 h (q12h) for adults. Literature suggests critically ill, obese patients require higher doses. The study aim is 2-fold: (i) to describe linezolid pharmacokinetics (PK), and (ii) to evaluate if PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) target attainment is achieved with standard dosing in critically ill, obese patients with severe skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2 and receiving intravenous (i.v.) linezolid from August 2018 to April 2019 were eligible for consent in this prospective study. Severe SSTIs were defined as necrotizing fasciitis, myonecrosis, or SSTI with sepsis syndrome. Four blood samples were collected at steady state at 1, 3, 5 h postinfusion and as a trough. Target attainment was defined as achieving area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h to MIC (AUC0-24h/MIC) of ≥100 h*mg/liter. Monte Carlo simulations were used to determine the probability of target attainment (PTA). Eleven patients were included in the study. The median BMI was 45.7 kg/m2, and median total body weight (TBW) was 136.0 kg. Seven patients received standard linezolid doses, and four received 600 mg q8h. A one-compartment model described linezolid PK. Based on AUC0-24h/MIC targets, for noncirrhotic patients at 140 kg, the PTA with standard linezolid doses was 100%, 98.8%, 34.1%, and 0% for MICs of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/liter, respectively. In conclusion, target attainment of ≥90% is not achieved with standard linezolid doses for noncirrhotic patients ≥140 kg with MICs of ≥2 mg/liter. This study adds to accumulating evidence that standard linezolid doses may not be adequate for all patients.
Training the Trainers in Ultrasound-guided Access to Improve Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Placement among Children Presenting for Anesthesia.

Factors predicting difficult peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheter placement in children are known. Ultrasound guidance can decrease the number of attempts required for difficult PIV placement. However, the uptake of this technique among attending anesthesiologists at our institution remained low. This study aimed to reduce the incidence of PIV placement requiring greater than 3 attempts and reduce time to PIV placement by providing training in ultrasound guidance. Methods We implemented an evidence-based difficult IV algorithm and ultrasound-guided PIV placement training for attending pediatric anesthesiologists at a tertiary academic pediatric institution. The algorithm outlined risk factors for difficult IV access, established a goal of 3 or fewer attempts, and recommended early ultrasound use after 1 unanticipated attempt and the first attempt for anticipated difficult IV. Group sessions, including instruction and simulated practice, preceded a period of individual training in the operating room using a punch card to monitor each trainee's progress while also serving to motivate continued engagement. Results We performed a cross-sectional analysis of consecutive cases from December 1, 2015, to September 30, 2019, comparing a 22-month baseline period (n = 12,581) with the training period (n = 6,725) and the following year (n = 6,557). Cases requiring more than 3 attempts decreased from 4.0% to 2.7% overall and from 10% to 6.2% among patients 24 months or less of age. The time required to establish PIV access was unchanged. Factors associated with increased attempts were identified. Conclusions Implementing a difficult IV algorithm and training among attending pediatric anesthesiologists in ultrasound-guided PIV placement reduced attempts but not the time required to establish PIV access.
Does Chair of Surgery Gender Influence Divisional or Residency Program Director Gender Diversity

Abstract Background Workplace diversity is beneficial and results in new ideas and improved performance. Within surgery leadership, the gender gap is improving, but still present. Given the increasing number of women surgery department chairs, we aimed to examine the association of surgery chair gender with division and residency program director gender. We hypothesized that surgery departments with female leadership would have an increase in gender diversity compared to departments led by male chairs. Materials and methods A list of all surgery departments were compiled from the Society of Surgical Chairs website. Gender of department chair, division director and residency program director were examined and compared. Chair position term length was determined based on online public announcements, publicly available curriculum vitae, and institutional profile biographies. Results Of 178 department chairs included, 10.7% were female, and 89.3% were male. There was no difference in female residency program director leadership between female versus male led programs (42.1 versus 26.1%, P= 0.147). Of the programs with female department chairs, only 29.4% had any female division directors compared to 54.6% led by male chairs (P= 0.055). When examining departments with ≥5 division directors, there was no difference in the average number of female division directors within departments led by female versus male chairs. There was a significant difference in length of surgery chairship, with female chairs holding the position for fewer years than male chairs (median time 5.3 (IQR = 3.4-5.8) versus 7.0 (IQR=4.3-12.3) years, P= 0.032). Conclusions Female department chair leadership was not associated with increased diversity in divisional leadership compared to departments of surgery led by males.
“We’re Powerful Too, You Know?” A Narrative Inquiry Into Elementary School Counselors’ Experiences of the RAMP Process:

This study utilized a qualitative narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of eight elementary school counselors who successfully applied for and received Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) d...
Fronteras vitales en la frontera: Monterrey, cuerpo y miedo de habitar

An ethnographic analysis is presented, framed in anthropology of emotions, from a socio-structural perspective, that links territorial, corporal and emotional spatiality, as reciprocally constructed spaces in relation to specific social processes, located in the city of Monterrey, where the violence derived from the war against drug traffic placed fear at the center of daily living, transforming the life experience of its inhabitants into a restrictive triple border of action: emotional, physical and territorial. It starts from the conceptualization of the human body as a portion of space with its own borders, defenses and weaknesses, and from the understanding of emotional expression (where the human body is the vehicle) as affective cultures. The bodily and emotional experiences share a relational character, since they always respond to external stimuli, such as the territory that human bodies occupy, in this case study, characterized by increased of violence.
Sensing Directionality in Tangential Haptic Stimulation

Few studies have explored haptic sensing on a finger pad as a means of transferring complex directional information. Stimuli presentation using Braille or tactile vibrators use binary ("on/off") signals which require large areas to adequately represent data. Our research seems to support that tangential motion on a finger pad is a promising means of transmitting tactile information more compactly at equal or better rates than current methods. The index fingertips of 62 subjects were stimulated using random pattern of tangential motion in eight directions over two distances. An ANOVA found that distance was statistically significant, and direction was significant for 0.5 mm displacements, but not at 1.5 mm. Age also significantly affected perception of tangential motion. These results suggest tangential motion could transmit certain type of haptic information effectively; but its effectiveness may decrease with user age.
Production and Reactivity of Immune Sera Specific for HADEN Virus Polypeptide Antigens

Antisera were prepared against the three structural polypeptides of HADEN virus dissociated with sodium dodecyl sulfate. These immunological reagents were used in immunofluorescence tests to study the kinetics and location of polypeptide antigen appearance in infected cells. These sera did not neutralize virus infectivity, did not cross-react with adenovirus-associated virus-infected cells, and reacted in complement fixation tests with sodium dodecyl sulfate-dissociated virus, but not with complete virus antigen. The polypeptide antigens were heat labile, and all appeared in infected cells at least 2 h prior to whole-virus antigen.
U.S. Agriculture and the Free Trade Area of the Americas

This edited report analyzes the potential effects of a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) on U.S. agriculture. It describes the effects on U.S. agriculture of the trade liberalization that has already occurred in the Western Hemisphere. It explains the implications of advancing to a FTAA for U.S. agricultural trade, production, agri-environment, and foreign direct investment. The report also discusses market access and sanitary and phytosanitary topics related to the FTAA.
Model Checking Real-Time Properties of Symmetric Systems

We develop efficient algorithms for model checking quantitative properties of symmetric reactive systems in the general framework of a Real-Time Mu-calculus. Previous work has been limited to qualitative correctness properties. Our work not only permits handling of quantitative correctness, but it provides a strictly more expressive framework for qualitative correctness since the Mu-calculus strictly subsumes, e.g, CTL. Unlike the previous “group-theoretic” approaches of [CE96] and [ES96] and the technical “automata-theoretic” approach of [ES97], our new approach may be viewed as “model-theoretic”.
Comparison of aerobic exercise, diet or both on lipids and lipoproteins in adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Summary Objective Given that previous studies have reached conflicting conclusions regarding the effects of diet (D), aerobic exercise (E) or both (DE) on blood lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in adults, the meta-analytic approach was used to address this issue. Data sources Nine electronic databases, cross-referencing, and expert review. Study selection Randomized controlled trials ≥4 weeks that included a D, E, DE and control (C) group in adults ≥18 years of age and in which data for one or more of the following were available: total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG). Data extraction Dual data extraction by the first two authors. Statistical analysis Random-effects models as well as mixed-effects models for between-group differences. Results Seven-hundred and eighty-eight men and women from 6 studies were included. Non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals were observed for D and DE with respect to lowering TC, LDL-C and TG while reductions in E were limited to TG. No significant changes in HDL-C were observed. When compared to E, reductions in TC and LDL-C were greater for D and DE (p Conclusions Diet, especially DE, are superior to E for improving selected lipids and lipoproteins in adults.
A numerical-structural approach to failure detection and isolation in complex plants

The detection and isolation of plant failures is based on the parallel statistical testing of residuals, generated from an input-output model. The primary model is transformed to yield a great variety of secondary variants. Structural constraints are applied to attain isolability. Measures of sensitivity and robustness are introduced and used to seek the best variants over a finite discrete set of models. Design strategies are outlined that include the on-line selection of models and require heuristic search techniques.
THE PHOSPHOLIPIDS OF THE TOBACCO HORNWORM, PROTOPARCE SEXTA JOHAN. (LEPIDOPTERA; SPHINGIDAE).

Es wird gezeigt, dass es sich bei den Phospholipiden vonProtoparce sexta vorwiegend um Phosphatidylathanolamin und Phosphatidylcholin handelt, dass aber ein wichtiger kleiner Bestandteil eine Verbindung enthalt, die zunachst als Alanin identifiziert wurde.
Fabrication of three-dimensional microfluidic systems by stacking molded polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layers

A new technique to fabricate 3D microchannels using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer material is presented. The process allows for the stacking of many thin (about 100 micrometers thick) patterned PDMS layers to realize complex 3D channel paths. Replica molding method is utilized to generate each layer. The master for each layer is formed on a silicon wafer using SU-8 positive relief photoresist. PDMS is cast against the master producing molded layers containing channels and openings. To realize thin layers with openings, a sandwich molding configuration was developed that allows precise control of the PDMS thickness. The master wafer is clamped within a sandwich that includes flat aluminum plates, a flexible polyester film layer, a rigid Pyrex wafer and a rubber sheet. A parametric study is performed on PDMS surface activation in a reactive ion etching (RIE) system and the subsequent methanol treatment for bonding and aligning very thin individual components to a substrate. Low RF power and short treatment times are better than high RF power and long treatment times respectively for instant bonding. Layer to layer alignment of less than 15 micrometers is achieved with manual alignment techniques that utilize surface tension driven self alignment methods. A coring procedure is used to realize off chip fluidic connections via the bottom PDMS layer, allowing the top layer to remain smooth and flat for complete optical access. After fabricating 3D channel paths, the hydrophobic surfaces of the inside channel walls can be activated (hydrophobic to hydrophilic) an oxygen plasma RIE system.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Integrative Analysis Using Module-Guided Random Forests Reveals Correlated Genetic Factors Related to Mouse Weight

Complex traits such as obesity are manifestations of intricate interactions of multiple genetic factors. However, such relationships are difficult to identify. Thanks to the recent advance in high-throughput technology, a large amount of data has been collected for various complex traits, including obesity. These data often measure different biological aspects of the traits of interest, including genotypic variations at the DNA level and gene expression alterations at the RNA level. Integration of such heterogeneous data provides promising opportunities to understand the genetic components and possibly genetic architecture of complex traits. In this paper, we propose a machine learning based method, module-guided Random Forests (mgRF), to integrate genotypic and gene expression data to investigate genetic factors and molecular mechanism underlying complex traits. mgRF is an augmented Random Forests method enhanced by a network analysis for identifying multiple correlated variables of different types. We applied mgRF to genetic markers and gene expression data from a cohort of F2 female mouse intercross. mgRF outperformed several existing methods in our extensive comparison. Our new approach has an improved performance when combining both genotypic and gene expression data compared to using either one of the two types of data alone. The resulting predictive variables identified by mgRF provide information of perturbed pathways that are related to body weight. More importantly, the results uncovered intricate interactions among genetic markers and genes that have been overlooked if only one type of data was examined. Our results shed light on genetic mechanisms of obesity and our approach provides a promising complementary framework to the “genetics of gene expression” analysis for integrating genotypic and gene expression information for analyzing complex traits.
Toward a new morality

Time was when scientists and engineers were among the world's insurgents, daring to question the established order?the church?and to undermine its teachings by their theories and experiments. But the pendulum has swung, as pendulums do, and today the scientific community finds itself on the side of the establishment, in an age when ``establishment'' has become a ``dirty word.'' Now science once again must take the initiative; scientists must recognize that, having participated in the breakdown of our traditional code of ethics, they must offer man an alternative, a new morality to live by, in its place.
A factor analysis of attributes affecting computing and information technology usage for decision making in small business

A wide variety of cognitive and technical variables have been found to influence individuals in their decisions to use computer and information technology for management. This paper examines the use of factor analysis to identify qualitative attributes affecting the use of computer information systems for decision support by managers of small businesses. Specifically, this paper offers a comparison of two commonly used data summarising models for condensing variables into a smaller set of factors. The results of the orthogonal factor model are compared to those of the oblique model by examining the factor loadings, eigenvalues, and constructs derived from a set of variables obtained from a nation-wide survey of small business enterprises. Both the models produced an equal number of factors. However, the orthogonal extraction is shown to produce a more meaningful and representative set of factors. In addition to statisticians and data analysts, business consultants, computer designers, and system developers will also find the results of this study very useful.
Differentiation of the Skaergaard Intrusion

Re-examination of the Skaergaard intrusion of East Greenland has revealed that the model of differentiation based on an original liquid with the composition of the chilled margin and a large hidden zone is no longer tenable. The composition of the Skaergaard magma has been determined experimentally for various stages of its evolution, and these compositions are consistent with revised volumetric and compositional data for the individual units of the intrusion. In its later stages, the magma separated into two immiscible liquids, one rich in iron and phosphorus and the other rich in silica and alkalis.
The effect of calmodulin antagonists on amylase release from the rat parotid gland in vitro

The effect of several calmodulin antagonists on the release of α-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) from rat parotid gland minces was investigated as an approach to determine whether calmodulin has a role in the stimulus-secretion coupling mechanism in this tissue. The phenothiazines, trifluoperazine, chlorpromazine, and thioridazine, failed to inhibit amylase release induced by N6, O2′-dibutyryl adenosine 3′:5′-cylic monophosphate. All three phenothiazine increased basal amylase release at high concentrations. This release was independent of cellular energy, indicating that the release was probably due to the membrane perturbing properties of these compounds rather than their ability to antagonize calmodulin. R24571, a more potent calmodulin antagonist, also failed to inhibit amylase release induced by N6, O2′-dibutyryl adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate but increased basal amylase release. A different calmodulin antagonist, N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide, partially inhibited release while 8-(N,N-diethylamino)-octyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride (TMB-8) completely blocked the amylase release induced by the cyclic AMP derivative. However, concentrations of TMB-8 inhibiting amylase release drastically reduced the ATP concentration of rat parotid minces, suggesting that the inhibition of secretion was due to toxic effects of TMB-8 on parotid cells rather than the ability of the compound to antagonize calmodulin. The use of calmodulin antagonists has therefore failed to implicate calmodulin as an intermediate in the stimulus-secretion coupling mechanism of the rat parotid gland.
Photon-hadron interactions revisited in deep inelastic muon scattering

New results for deep inelastic muon scattering are reviewed. These include shadowing results to x bj ~ 10‒5, nucleon structure functions measurements, the Gottfried sum rule and the use of deep inelastic scattering to obtain information on gluon distributions. The future of muon scattering in the HERA era is discussed
The assessment of maladaptive parent-child interaction by direct observation: an analysis of methods.

Six direct observation technologies for assessing parent-child interactions are examined: Descriptive-narrative, event recording, three types of interval sampling, and sequential event recording. Selected articles in the clinical literature are reviewed to illustrate use of each technology. Furthermore, the yield of each procedure in terms of four assessment criteria was evaluated: precise description of the parent-child interaction, target selection, identification of the intervention strategy, and evaluation of the intervention technique. The sequentialevent-recording technology was determined to be most advantageous in terms of the four criteria.
Comparison of three wet-alkaline methods of digestion of biogenic silica in water

SUMMARY. Methods for determination of low levels of biogenic silica (0.2-0.4 mg SiO2) in aqueous samples after digestion with three wetalkaline extraction procedures compared favourably in both precision of replicates and recovery of silica utilized by diatoms in budgeted cultures. Leaching samples with 0.2 M NaOH for 10-15 min at 100°C was the least time consuming procedure. Also interference from silicate minerals was lower for this method than leaching with either 0.5 or 5% NaaCO,,; for 2 h at 85°C. The use of filters to concentrate samples enables detection of low levels of biogenic silica with colorimetric procedures. Polycarbonate filters are recommended in preference to cellulose acetate or polyvinyl chloride filters for sample collection. Time-course experiments are recommended for establishing digestion times and determining the presence of mineral silicate interference. Wet-alkaline digestion methods are recommended for routine analysis of biogenic silica in suspended matter in preference to infra-red analysis, alkaline fusion and hydrofluoric acid/nitric acid methods.
Coronary Artery Screening by Electron Beam Computed Tomography Facts, Controversy, and Future

Coronary calcium as detected by electron beam computed tomography always signifies at least some atherosclerosis, appears to be correlated with coronary risk factors, cardiac history, and overall angiographic severity of disease, but is inconsistently related to degree of atherosclerotic lesion stenosis in a given artery. Increasing evidence, however, suggests an association between coronary artery calcium, atherosclerosis, and coronary risk. But atherosclerosis is a very common condition, its prevalence increasing with age. No fully validated method for determining the quantity of coronary calcium is available, and we do not know whether the amount of calcium is a consistently accurate reflection of the amount of atherosclerosis or whether the amount of atherosclerosis reflects the degree of risk. Furthermore, the prognostic significance of coronary calcium in any given atherosclerotic lesion is not yet established. What is clear from cohort studies, however, is that at least three quarters of asymptomatic individuals, at least half of whom would have "positive" coronary calcium electron beam computed tomographic scans, will live for at least 10 years without cardiac problems of any kind. Investigation is needed to determine whether medical intervention may impact the clinical outcome of the rest of those identified with a positive scan but destined to suffer future clinical events. Despite lack of validation, this test has widespread appeal, both to the public as a means of being able to find out the condition of their coronary arteries "without injections or dye" and to hospitals and private medical groups who view this both as an innovation in cardiovascular diagnosis and as a potentially profitable diagnostic procedure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Thermal properties of NaCl in modified Einstein model

Abstract Local dynamics of lattice is taken into consideration to modify original Einstein model of lattice dynamics, and the modified Einstein model is tested by evaluating thermal properties of crystalline NaCl. Specifically, thermal expansion, thermal expansion coefficient, specific heat at constant volume have been evaluated as a function of temperature at atmospheric pressure for crystalline NaCl using a realistic potential of the form A 1 R −8 + A 2 R −6 ± A 3 R −1 and normal mode frequencies obtained from local dynamics of two particles allowed to oscillate in a static potential field due to all the rest of particles assumed at rest in their mean positions. Temperature dependence of these thermodynamic functions is examined in comparison with the available experimental data, and a reasonable agreement is observed.
Tonsillar carcinoma in rural dogs.

ACCORDING to several reports, the prevalence of tonsillar carcinoma among dogs in London and Philadelphia is relatively high1–5. Because the prevalence in a rural population was never available for comparison, it was only speculation that the rate was higher for urban than for rural dogs. Carcinoma of the tonsil was the most common oral-pharyngeal tumour in both London and Philadelphia dogs. Withers5 estimated that the prevalence of tonsillar carcinoma in London dogs was 12 per 10,000. The prevalence was 9.1 per 10,000 in the Philadelphia study2. It has been proposed that an increased prevalence of carcinoma of the tonsil may be due to the presence of carcinogenic substances in the atmosphere of industrialized cities1.
A step‐by‐step process to build valued brands

Purpose – The primary purpose of this study is to illustrate an analytical method to identify tangible and intangible customer values and to translate those values into brand identity differentiators and product specifications.Design/methodology/approach – The authors adapt a product development analysis tool, the Value Opportunity Analysis (VOA), to the design of a brand identity, illustrating the use of the tool in a case study with International Truck and Engine.Findings – The paper illustrates how the VOA was used as a tool for evaluating and crafting both a brand identity, and shows how the brand identity translates into product specifications so that products embody, communicate, and deliver the brand identity.Research limitations/implications – Although the VOA has been used in diverse markets (business to business, consumer software, physical product), in this article the VOA is illustrated in the context of brand identity for physical products. Future studies should illustrate how the application...
Psychophysiological reactivity in pediatric migraine patients and healthy controls.

Abstract The hypothesis that physiological responses of migraine patients are symptom-specific was evaluated in 29 children (age range 8–16 years) suffering from migraine and 10 healthy control children. The assessment included two major stress phases and a relaxation period. A standard laboratory stressor (a subtraction task) and parent–child conflict served as stressors. A total of six physiological parameters were measured: pulse amplitude at two extracranial (A. temporalis, A. supraorbitalis) and one peripheral (index finger) sites; finger temperature; heart rate; and skin-conductance level. There were no significant group differences in autonomic arousal. Moreover, extracranial and peripheral vasomotor activity was not different between groups, a finding which might be partially due to the considerable interindividual variability. The implications of the results are discussed taking into account that studying pediatric rather than adult migraine patients allows to minimize the potentially confounding impact of factors such as headache chronicity, medication, and additional nonmigraine headaches.
Ferrocyanide enhancement of concanavalin A-ferritin and cationized ferritin staining blood cell surface glycoconjugates

Ferrocyanide was used to enhance cationized ferritin and concanavalin A-ferritin (Con A-ferritin) staining of surface glycoconjugates of peripheral blood and bone marrow cells from rabbits and humans. The glutaraldehyde-fixed cells were stained with Con A-ferritin or cationized ferritin and then exposed to a ferrocyanide solution. The resulting cuboidal and irregular stain deposits averaged 50 nm in diameter when viewed with the transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Rabbit blood cells demonstrated more Con A binding sites than human blood cells and the decrease in binding sites observed with maturation of human granulocytic and erythrocytic cells was not evident in rabbit cells. Differences in binding of cationized ferritin to rabbit and human cell surfaces were less prominent than that observed for Con A. These results extend previous studies of blood cell surface glycoconjugates and demonstrate that ferrocyanide enhancement significantly facilitates SEM evaluation of Con A-ferritin and cationized ferritin bound to cell surfaces.
Experimental Analysis of Fracture Patterns

All existing fractures can be imitated in four scale models which show tension or shear fractures with or without rotational deformation. These four experiments can easily be produced by deforming soft clay which rests on a moving square of wire cloth. En echelon zones are easily produced by placing clay above the edge of a moving tin plate. Tension and shear fractures open in the flexure zone and are unfailing indicators of relative displacement. Normal or gravity faults occur preferably above domes and anticlines or other areas of distension. Salt-dome patterns may readily be imitated by pushing a plug into a clay model from below. A systematic study of fracture anomalies may prove useful in the detection of areas of uplift above salt domes. Longitudinal and transverse normal faults in North dome of the Kettleman Hills are readily imitated in a clay model and may be due to vertical uplift with or without lateral compression. The en echelon arrangement of the Kettleman Hills is probably not due to north-south movement toward a weak zone trending northwest. True en echelon folds would trend west-northwest but not nearly north-northwest. The echelon arrangement may be only the alternation of folds or may be due to northeast-southwest movements, possibly in combination with subcrustal blocks and faults. The San Andreas-Garlock fault system can be imitated only if considerable rotation has opened the angle between shear planes from near 60° to 90° or to 120°. Asymmetry of the fault pattern suggests clockwise rotation. A more complicated experiment in which three blocks are placed as suggested by Ralph Reed seems to come nearer to a fitting imitation but may still include too large an area. The value of experimentation lies in experience gained by the experimenter rather than in the exact duplication of known fracture patterns. The intense occupation with mechanical principles and the close visible relationship between cause and effect is sobering as well as stimulating.
Novel Polyaromatic Quinone Imines. 2. Synthesis of Model Compounds and Stereoregular Poly(quinone imines) from Disubstituted Anthraquinones

Novel poly(quinone diimines) from anthraquinones symmetrically disubstituted with solubilizing ethyleneoxy or long chain alkoxy groups have been synthesized and characterized. The disubstituted anthraquinones 1,5-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)anthraquinone (EO1AQ), 1,5-bis(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)anthraquinone (EO2AQ), 1,5-bis(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)anthraquinone (EO2AQ), 1,5-bis(2-(2-2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)anthraquinone (EO3AQ), 1,5-bis(octyloxy)anthraquinone (15OOAQ), 2,6-bis(octyloxy)anthraquinone (26OOAQ), and 1,4-bis(octyloxy)anthraquinone (14OOAQ) were synthesized and condensed with aniline in the presence of titanium tetrachloride and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane to give N,N‘-diphenyl-1,5-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)nanthraquinone 9,10-diimine (DEOnAQ, n = 1−3), N,N-diphenyl-1,5-bis(octyloxy)anthraquinone 9,10-diimine (15DOOAQ), and N,N‘-diphenyl-2,6-bis(octyloxy)anthraquinone 9,10-diimine (26DOOAQ), respectively, as model compounds for the polymers. The relative stereochemistry of these diimines was...
Modeling of Nonlinear, Spatially-Dispersive Plasmas and Semiconductors Under Harmonic Excitation

The nonlinear, spatially-dispersive response of a semiconductor or plasma to large-amplitude time-harmonic electromagnetic fields is obtained by solving the nonlinear transport equation using an harmonic expansion. The conduction response, which is nonlinear and generally spatially and temporally dispersive, is given as a hierarchical set of linear second-order differential equations with non-linear forcing terms. The polarization response is assumed linear. A simple slab example is shown that admits analytical solutions for the nonlinear material response to various orders. As the solution order grows, the nonlinear forcing terms grow in complexity, although the differential equations remain second-order. In the static limit, the two lowest-order solutions are shown to identically satisfy the dc transport equation.
A Genome-Wide Analysis of the Acute-Phase Response and Its Regulation by Stat3β

The acute-phase response (APR) is the systemic inflammatory component of innate immunity. A global assessment of hepatic gene expression during an APR has been undertaken. In response to endotoxin, an inducer of the APR, about 7% of mouse genes exhibited significant changes in expression. Genes for cholesterol, fatty acid, and phospholipid synthesis were suppressed, while genes participating in innate defense and antigen presentation were induced. Upon challenge with endotoxin, mice deficient in Stat3beta, a dominant-negative variant of Stat3, exhibited impaired recovery and susceptibility to protracted shock. These findings are accompanied by overexpression and hyperresponsiveness of a subset of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-inducible genes in liver, suggesting a critical role for Stat3beta in the control of systemic inflammation.
The mitochondrial ribosomal RNA genes of the nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and Ascaris suum: consensus secondary-structure models and conserved nucleotide sets for phylogenetic analysis.

The small- and large-subunit mitochondrial ribosomal RNA genes (mt-s-rRNA and mt-1-rRNA) of the nematode worms Caenorhabditis elegans and Ascaris suum encode the smallest rRNAs so far reported for metazoa. These size reductions correlate with the previously described, smaller, structurally anomalous mt-tRNAs of C. elegans and A. suum. Using primer extension analysis, the 5′ end nucleotides of the mt-s-rRNA and mt-1-rRNA genes were determined to be adjacent to the 3′ end nucleotides of the tRNAGlu and tRNAHis genes, respectively. Detailed, consensus secondary-structure models were constructed for the mt-s-rRNA genes and the 3′ 64% of mt-1-rRNA genes of the two nematodes. The mt-s-rRNA secondary-structure model bears a remarkable resemblance to the previously defined universal core structure of E. coli 16S rRNA: most of the nucleotides that have been classified as variable or semiconserved in the E. coli model appear to have been eliminated from the C. elegans and A. suum sequences. Also, the secondary structure model constructed for the 3′ 64% of the mt-1-rRNA is similar to the corresponding portion of the previously defined E. coli 23S rRNA core secondary structure. The proposed C. elegans/A. suum mt-s-rRNA and mt-1-rRNA models include all of the secondary-structure element-forming sequences that in E. coli rRNAs contain nucleotides important for A-site and P-site (but not E-site) interactions with tRNAs. Sets of apparently homologous sequences within the mt-s-rRNA and mt-1-rRNA core structures, derived by alignment of the C. elegans and A. suum mt-rRNAs to the corresponding mt-rRNAs of other eukaryotes, and E. coli rRNAs were used in maximum-likelihood analyses. The patterns of divergence of metazoan phyla obtained show considerable agreement with the most prevalent metazoan divergence patterns derived from more classical, morphological, and developmental data.
Tokamak ion temperature determination via cw far-infrared laser scattering from externally excited ion Bernstein waves

The paper describes a successful proof-of-principle experimental determination of tokamak ion temperature using cw far-infrared (FIR) collective laser scattering from externally excited ion Bernstein waves. It is shown that a viable wave excitation technique for tokamak plasmas is mode conversion of an externally launched fast Alfven wave. A fit of the experimentally determined ion Bernstein wave dispersion to the temperature-dependent theoretical dispersion yields the local ion temperature. Partial ion temperature profiles (chord-averaged) have been obtained with temperature values consistent with charge-exchange measurements.
Prostaglandin E 1 in preparation and storage of platelet concentrates.

The addition of prostaglandin E1 to blood collection bags improved platelet harvesting; platelets were, esily suspended immediately after centrifugation. The treatment with prostaglandin E1 did not affect the survival time of these platelets after infusion into a recipient.
Improved Jacobian formulation for a unified microwave radiative transfer model: Validation and numerical results

A unified microwave radiative transfer (UMRT) model is developed for rapid, stable, and accurate level-centric calculation of the thermal radiation emitted from any geophysical media comprised of planar multilayer of either densely or loosely distributed, moderately sized spherical scatterers, and also rapid calculation of the Jacobian between the observed brightness temperatures with respect to any relevant radiative parameter, such as scattering and absorption coefficients, medium temperature and temperature lapse rate, and others. UMRT includes both the surface Fresnel reflection and transmission and the internal volumetric reflection and transmission accounting for a planar multilayer strcuture with refracting layers. This paper focuses on developping the general radiative transfer solution under the UMRT multilayer framework and the formulation of associated Jacobian procedure. Details of formulation and validation of the UMRT-Jacobian and comparison between the upwelling radiations obtained from the UMRT model with field measurements are presented here.
Revisiting the Factor Structure of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: United States, 2001

ABSTRACT Objective The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire is a 25-item instrument developed to assess emotional and behavioral problems. The current study attempted to replicate previous European structural analyses and to describe the latent dimensions that underlie responses to the parent-reported version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for a representative sample of U.S. children and adolescents. Method Parents/guardians of a national probability sample of 9,574 children and adolescents 4 to 17 years of age were administered the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to assess emotional and behavioral problems within the past 1 month. A principal components analysis was performed for replication purposes, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to extract the underlying factors. Results The predicted five-component structure (emotional, hyperactivity, prosocial, peer, conduct) was not entirely confirmed. Some items intended to assess conduct problems were more closely related to hyperactivity, and some items intended to assess peer problems were more strongly correlated with emotional or prosocial problems. Factor analyses revealed a stable three-factor model consisting of externalization problems, internalization problems, and a positive construal factor. Conclusions The current analyses suggest that U.S. parents may construe conduct problems and peer problems differently than do European parents. These cultural differences may affect the assessment of psychopathology for children.
Efficacy of barrier-type postmilking teat germicides against intramammary infection.

Two barrier teat dips were evaluated for efficacy in preventing new IMI by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae during experimental exposure trials, and two barrier dips were evaluated during natural exposure trials. Dipping in an experimental product containing nicin as a germicide using experimental exposure demonstrated no difference in rate of new Staph. aureus IMI (10.2%) compared with that of controls (7.1%) or in the rate of new Strep. agalactiae IMI (13.6%) compared with that of controls (11%). Testing of an experimental .55% chlorhexidine gluconate barrier dip using experimental exposure resulted in an increased rate of new Staph. aureus IMI compared with that of controls (4.8 vs. 1.7%, respectively), but no difference in the rate of new Strep. agalactiae IMI in dipped quarters (6.1%) compared with that of controls (3.3%). Dipping with a commercial .3% iodine barrier dip during natural exposure increased the number of new coagulase-negative staphylococcal and total IMI by 56.6 and 30.6%, respectively, compared with a 1% iodophor dip without barrier. Use of an experimental .3% iodine barrier dip during natural exposure demonstrated no difference in total rate of new IMI (18.4%) compared with that of controls (20.3%); however, after germicide concentration was increased to .5% iodine and further tested, the reformulated product reduced new IMI by 43.1%. Under the conditions of these trials, the barrier teat dips tested were no more efficacious than no teat dip or using a nonbarrier product.
Daycare Attendance, Breastfeeding, and the Development of Type 1 Diabetes: The Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young

Background. The hygiene hypothesis attributes the increased incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) to a decrease of immune system stimuli from infections. We evaluated this prospectively in the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY) by examining daycare attendance during the first two years of life (as a proxy for infections) and the risk of T1D. Methods. DAISY is a prospective cohort of children at increased T1D risk. Analyses were limited to 1783 children with complete daycare and breastfeeding data from birth to 2 years of age; 58 children developed T1D. Daycare was defined as supervised time with at least one other child at least 3 times a week. Breastfeeding duration was evaluated as a modifier of the effect of daycare. Cox proportional hazards regression was used for analyses. Results. Attending daycare before the age of 2 years was not associated with T1D risk (HR: 0.89; CI: 0.54–1.47) after adjusting for HLA, first degree relative with T1D, ethnicity, and breastfeeding duration. Breastfeeding duration modified this association, where daycare attendance was associated with increased T1D risk in nonbreastfed children and a decreasing T1D risk with increasing breastfeeding duration (interaction P value = 0.02). Conclusions. These preliminary data suggest breastfeeding may modify the effect of daycare on T1D risk.
Efficient single-cell poration by microsecond laser pulses

Payloads including FITC-Dextran dye and plasmids were delivered into NIH/3T3 fibroblasts using microbubbles produced by microsecond laser pulses to induce pores in the cell membranes. Two different operational modes were used to achieve molecular delivery. Smaller molecules, such as the FITC-Dextran dye, were delivered via a scanning-laser mode. The poration efficiency and the cell viability were both 95.1 ± 3.0%. Relatively larger GFP plasmids can be delivered efficiently via a fixed-laser mode, which is a more vigorous method that can create larger transient pores in the cell membrane. The transfection efficiency of 5.7 kb GFP plasmid DNA can reach to 86.7 ± 3.3%. Using this cell poration system, targeted single cells can be porated with high resolution, and cells can be porated in arbitrary patterns.