cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combined thermodynamics approach for anisotropic, finite deformation overstress models of viscoplasticity

Abstract An anisotropic finite deformation thermodynamic framework is developed that admits most of the models within the class of unified viscoplasticity approaches, applying to representations of the behaviors of polymers, metals and their composites. The importance of changing natural configurations as a driver for dissipation is emphasized, as is the specification of constitutive behaviors via the energy and dissipation functions. In a sequential application of thermodynamic approaches, Caratheodory’s lemma is first applied to establish traditional potential relations for the stress and entropy, followed by application of the Coleman–Noll approach to deduce that evolution functions related to the rates of the independent variables must be associated with reversible, non-dissipative changes. The principal of maximum dissipation is lastly applied to deduce the flow rule, identify dissipative behaviors, and deduce interrelationships between the independently-specified energy and dissipation functions. A simplified case is described that illustrates these interrelationships and their compatibilities with the proposed framework.
Molecular diagnostics of infectious diseases

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this article is to review the molecular methods commonly used in medical microbiology as well as to update the clinician as to newer molecular technologies that show promise in the identification of microorganisms as well as evaluation of the presence of virulence fac
ESTIMATION OF PORTAL BLOOD FLOW USING DUPLEX REAL-TIME AND PULSED DOPPLER ULTRASOUND IMAGING IN THE DOG

A duplex ultrasound system incorporating a pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound probe with conventional B-mode real-time imaging was used to evaluate portal vein blood flow in eight normal dogs. Adequate visualization of the cranial abdominal vessels was obtained from the right lateral 11th or 12th intercostal space. Doppler spectral analysis showed non-pulsatile flow with a wide range of linear flow velocities across the vessel lumen typical of laminar blood flow. Results for portal vein blood flows were 49.8 ± 13.5 ml/min/kg body weight (mean ± SD) with a range of 37.8 - 76.8 ml/min/kg body weight. These values overestimate portal blood flow by approximately 2 times when compared with published studies using invasive techniques. This overestimation is primarily due to the use of the maximal flow velocity in the blood flow calculations.
Optical flow in log-mapped image plane - a new approach

Foveating vision sensors are important in both machine and biological vision. The term space-variant or foveating vision refers to sensor architectures based on smooth variation of resolution across the visual field, like that of the human visual system. Traditional image processing techniques do not hold when applied directly to such an image representation since the translation symmetry and the neighborhood structure in the spatial domain is broken by the space-variant properties of the sensor. Unfortunately, there has been little systematic development of image processing tools that are explicitly designed for foveated vision. The author proposes a novel approach to compute the optical flow directly on log-mapped images. We propose the use of a generalized dynamic image model (GDIM) based method for computing the optical flow as opposed to the brightness constancy model (BCM) based method. We introduce a new notion of "variable window" and use the space-variant form of gradient operator while computing the spatio-temporal gradient in log-mapped images for a better accuracy and to ensure that the local neighborhood is preserved. We emphasize that the proposed method must be numerically accurate, provide a consistent interpretation, and be capable of computing the peripheral motion. Experimental results on both the synthetic and real images have been presented to show the efficacy of the proposed method.
Public and Hidden Transcripts in the East African Highlands: A Comment on Smith (1998)

Abstract Smith (1998) uses the relationship between Maasai pastoralists and so-called Dorobo hunter-gatherers in East Africa as part of a framework for understanding archaeological finds on the Vredenberg Peninsula in South Africa. We argue that this relationship may be less marked by subservience, hierarchy, marginalization, and dependence than Smith's sources indicate, and we explore the implications of a fuller understanding of Maasai–“Dorobo” relations for the interpretation of African pastoralist and hunter-gatherer archaeological sites.
SPONTANEOUS RESOLUTION OF A PSEUDOANEURYSM IN A HORSE FOLLOWING ANGIOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS

Angiography in a horse was used to confirm a pseudoaneurysm of the dorsal metatarsal artery originating from trauma. Gradual clinical resolution of the pseudoaneurysm occurred within days following the procedure. A follow-up angiogram confirmed the clinical impression. An etiology of the spontaneous resolution is presented. Probable influences included technical factors of the injection procedure that caused prolonged presence of the contrast medium within the aneurysmal sac and factors that enhance thrombus formation during angiography.
Augmented Robust Estimators

A method is presented based on augmented data sets for combining biased and robust regression techniques. The estimates are constrained robust estimates, using an appropriately chosen ridge, shrinkage or principal components constraint. Examples are provided to illustrate the ability of the procedure to shrink the estimated coefficients and to automatically detect and discount the effects of observations with large random error components.
The los Alamos Free-Electron Laser

During the past year the Los Alamos free-electron laser (FEL) oscillator has demonstrated high peak and average power (10 MW and 6 kW), broad-wavelength tunability (9-35 ?m), and near-ideal optical quality (0.9 Strehl ratio). An electron energy-extraction efficiency of 1% was measured. The predicted production of synchrotron sidebands also was observed in the broadened optical spectrum. As shorter wavelengths and higher powers are pursued, higher currents with improved beam quality will be required. Advanced injectors and energy-recovery systems are being developed to meet these demands.
Stimulation of a human erythrocyte membrane ATPase by glutathione conjugates.

Abstract An ATP-dependent transport process for S-(2,4-dinitrophenyl) glutathione (Dnp-SG) mediated by a novel ATPase designated as Dnp-SG ATPase has been demonstrated in human erythrocytes (LaBelle et al., FEBS Lett. 228, 51–53, 1988). In order to investigate whether the Dnp-SG ATPase system represents a generalized mechanism for the transport of xenobiotic conjugates of glutathione (GSH), stimulation of this ATPase by different GSH conjugates was studied in membrane vesicles prepared from human erythrocytes. Kinetic parameters for several GSH conjugates including S-(methyl)glutathione, S-(n-propyl)glutathione, S-(n-pentyl)glutathione, S-(n-decyl)glutathione, S-(p-chlorophenacyl)glutathione, S-(p-nitrobenzyl)glutathione, and the GSH conjugate of 9,10-epoxystearic acid were determined in order to evaluate their affinity for Dnp-SG ATPase. These studies reveal that all these conjugates stimulated Dnp-SG ATPase of human erythrocyte membrane. The apparent Km values of Dnp-SG ATPase for different conjugates were found to be in the range of 0.26–0.66 m m with Vmax values ranging from 0.55 to 4.44 nmol/min/mg protein. The results of these studies indicate that erythrocyte membrane Dnp-SG ATPase represents a generalized mechanism for the transport of GSH conjugates formed with xenobiotics as well as with the endogenously generated electrophilic compounds such as epoxystearic acid. It is suggested that Dnp-SG ATPase in conjunction with GSH and GSH S-transferase may play an important role in the protection of erythrocytes from exogenous as well as endogenous electrophilic toxicants.
Unidirectional air flow and surgical face mask exhaust system in the prevention of airborne surgical infection

Abstract Surgery room air and face mask exhaust systems were evaluated. When laminar air flow was used, a greater than fourfold decrease in airborne infectious particles was measured as compared to particles in conventional room air. A surgical face mask exhaust system contributed to a further decrease when used in conjunction with laminar air flow.
The effects of random element loss on letter identification: implications for visual acuity loss in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

The hypothesis that reductions in Snellen acuities in patients with retinitis pigmentosa are due solely to losses of photoreceptors was tested by measuring the effects of random losses of sampling elements on letter identification. Sampling element losses were mimicked by setting the luminance of randomly selected pixels equal to the luminance of the surround. The amount of pixel blanking ranged from 0 to 90%. Letters varying in retinal subtense from 5 to 17 min arc were presented for 500 msec. Although letter identification accuracy decreased with increasing pixel blanking for all letter sizes, performance remained relatively high even when a majority of the pixels was blanked. The data suggest that unless the loss of cone photoreceptors in greater than 80%, loss of sampling elements alone can not account for letter acuities poorer than 20/40. In addition to loss of cone photoreceptors in patients with RP, there are histological reports of photoreceptor abnormalities and psychophysical studies of visual sensory deficits. It is conceivable that these alone, or in combination with losses of photoreceptors, could account for decreased visual acuity. In a series of experiments, stimulus parameters were manipulated in order to mimic the effects of some of these abnormalities and deficits and the effects on letter identification were examined. The results of these experiments demonstrated that sampling element loss interacts with sensory factors (e.g. luminance and contrast sensitivity) and perceptual factors (e.g. set size and letter orientation) to reduce letter identification accuracy. The implication of these results is that decreases in letter acuity observed in patients with retinitis pigmentosa cannot be attributed solely to a random loss of sampling elements in the underlying retina, but may be due to the combination of photoreceptor degeneration and other sensory and perceptual factors.
Virus-specific proteins in Escherichia coli infected with some amber mutants of phage MS2.

Abstract Three polypeptides previously found to be synthesized in actinomycin-treated Escherichia coli spheroplasts following infection with the RNA bacteriophage MS2, were further characterized with the additional use of mutants having amber lesions in either the coat or the maturation cistron. The results support the view that these polypeptides, designated I, II, and III in order of increasing electrophoretic mobility, correspond to RNA synthetase, maturation factor, and coat protein, respectively. Besides coat protein, wild type phage particles have a minor protein component not present in amber mutants of the maturation cistron. This component has similar electrophoretic mobility as Polypeptide II and may be identical to, or derived from the maturation factor.
Torsades de Pointes Associated With Intravenous Haloperidol in Critically Ill Patients

In this retrospective case-control study, 8 of 223 consecutive patients (3.6%) treated with intravenous haloperidol developed torsades de pointes, and were compared with 41 patients randomly selected as controls. The likelihood of torsades de pointes associated with intravenous haloperidol is significantly greater in patients receiving > or = 35 mg over 24 hours or in those with a QTc interval of >500 ms, or both.
Laboratory performance of the bear RFQ

The BEAR (Beam Experiment Aboard Rocket) accelerator will be part of an experiment to demonstrate the operation of an ion accelerator in space and to characterize the exoatmospheric propagation of a neutral particle beam. The RFQ (radiofrequency quadrupole) has been designed to produce a 25 mA H− beam with an emittance of 0.01π cm mrad (rms normalized) at an energy of 1 MeV. Because of the rigors of spaceflight, the accelerator design has been constrained by factors not normally applicable to conventional terrestrial accelerators. These factors and the mechanical features are described in a companion paper in these proceedings. The design techniques developed for BEAR would be applicable whenever rugged, lightweight, or power-efficient systems are required. The BEAR RFQ has been operated under power with the beam in the laboratory. This paper presents details of measured beam transport, emittance, and energy spectra.
2010 Special Issue: Behaving as or behaving as if? Children's conceptions of personified robots and the emergence of a new ontological category

Imagining another's perspective is an achievement in social cognition and underlies empathic concern and moral regard. Imagination is also within the realm of fantasy, and may take the form of imaginary play in children and imaginative production in adults. Yet, an interesting and provocative question emerges in the case of personified robots: How do people conceive of life-like robots? Do people imagine about robots' experiences? If so, do these imaginings reflect their actual or pretend beliefs about robots? The answers to these questions bear on the possibility that personified robots represent the emergence of a new ontological category. We draw on simulation theory as a framework for imagining others' internal states as well as a means for imaginative play. We then turn to the literature on people's and, in particular, children's conceptions of personified technologies and raise the question of the veracity of children's beliefs about personified robots (i.e., are they behaving as or behaving as if?). Finally, we consider the suggestion that such personified technologies represent the emergence of a new ontological category and offer some suggestions for future research in this important emerging area of social cognition.
Core-valence partitioning and quasiparticle pseudopotentials

Recent advances in quantum Monte Carlo and quasiparticle methods have made accurate many-body calculations for valence electrons possible. Current work is limited by the way core electrons are treated. We present a many-body core-valence partitioning scheme, based upon quasiparticle methods, which can be used in either frozen-core or pseudopotential calculations.
Roger Z. George and Harvey Rishikof (eds), The National Security Enterprise: Navigating the Labyrinth

Roger Z. George and Harvey Rishikof (eds), The National Security Enterprise: Navigating the Labyrinth (Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2011). Pp.367. $32.95. Pb. ISBN 978‐1589016989. P...
A new iterative method for solving the coefficient inverse problem of the wave equation

On donne la definition de l'equation operateur non lineaire du probleme inverse coefficient de l'equation d'onde dans le domaine des variables d'espace et de temps sans les transformees de Laplace et de Fourier
New parallel symmetric SOR preconditioners by multi-type partitioning

A new parallel symmetric successive over-relaxation (PSSOR) preconditioner is proposed in this paper by the multi-type partition techniques introduced in SIAM J. Scientific Computing 20, 2006, pp. 1513-1533. In a general matrix expression, it is proved to be symmetric and positive-definite (SPD) if the coefficient matrix of a linear system is SPD. It is also proved to be equivalent to the SSOR preconditioner using the multi-type ordering. Thus, it works for the preconditioned conjugate gradient method (PCG) and can be analysed by the classic SOR theory. Numerical tests on an anisotropic model problem show that the PSSOR preconditioner can make the PCG have a faster rate of convergence and better parallel performance than the red-black SSOR preconditioner. They also confirm that the PSSOR preconditioner can have a rate of convergence that is nearly the same as the classic sequential SSOR preconditioner when the problem has large anisotropy.
High Impact Business Modeling through Smart Cloud Computing

Extreme diversities, versatility and dynamism of cloud computing applications with its high availability through smart devices such as smart phones and media are shown to be supported by the cyber world modeling in an incrementally modular abstraction hierarchy (IMAH) with homotopy extension property (HEP) and homotopy lifting property (HLP), as a transparent and highly universal modeling of smart cloud computing businesses to overcome combinatorial explosion of smart computing. It works to realize cost effective and visible businesses with high social impacts, both globally and locally, contributing to clarify smart cloud computing in the smart cloud imagery business.
Isolation and Identification of Acidic and Neutral Carbonyl Compounds in Different Varieties of Cheese

Summary By use of paper chromatographic procedures, hydrazone derivatives of acidic and neutral carbonyl compounds were isolated and identified. The identity of these compounds was established by the following methods: (1) comparison of R f values with those of known compounds and R f values given in the literature; (2) decarboxylation of beta-keto acids and chromatographic analysis of the resulting neutral carbonyl compounds along with known compounds, and (3) the light absorption of both the known and unknown compounds. In the four individual cheeses studied, from four to 11 keto acids were found in each cheese and from two to eight neutral carbonyl compounds were present in the different cheeses. Keto acids identified were: oxalacetic, oxalsuccinic, glyoxylic, pyruvic, alpha-ketoglutaric, acetoacetic, alpha-acetolactic, beta-keto-isocaproic, beta-ketocaprylic, beta-ketocapric, alpha-ketobutyric, alpha-ketoisovaleric, alpha-ketoisocaproic, and alpha-ketophenylpyruvic. Neutral carbonyl compounds were: acetaldehyde, acetone, pentanone-2, diacetyl, acetylmethylcarbinol, and C-5, C-7 aldehydes or ketones.
Transition kinetics during linear to parabolic oxidation of chromium

Abstract The transition kinetics during linear to parabolic oxidation of chromium in H 2 O-H 2 gas mixtures have been measured thermogravimetrically. Based on a cation-deficit defect structure for Cr 2 O 3 , the transition follows a model first proposed by C. Wagner. Under conditions not far removed from the Cr, Cr 2 O 3 , H 2 O-H 2 equilibrium the linear region of oxidation is controlled by the adsorption and dissociation of H 2 O on Cr 2 O 3 ; the phase boundary reaction is independent of the concentration of cation vacancies at the Cr 2 O 3 /gas phase boundary.
The genome of Treponema pallidum: new light on the agent of syphilis

Treponema pallidum subsp, pallidum, the causative agent of the sexually transmitted disease syphilis, is a fastidious, microaerophilic obligate parasite of humans. This bacterium is one of the few prominent infectious agents that has not been cultured continuously in vitro and consequently relatively little is known about its virulence mechanisms at the molecular level. T. pallidum therefore represented an attractive candidate for genomic sequencing. The complete genome sequence of T. pallidum has now been completed and comprises 1,138,006 base pairs containing 1041 predicted protein coding sequences. An important goal of this project is to identify possible virulence factors. Analysis of the genome indicates a number of potential virulence factors including a family of 12 proteins related to the Msp protein of Treponema denticola, a number of putative hemolysins, as well as several other classes of proteins of interest. The results of this analysis are reviewed in this article and indicate the value of whole genome sequences for rapidly advancing knowledge of infectious agents.
The effect of gender on the N1-P2 auditory complex while listening and speaking with altered auditory feedback.

Abstract The effect of gender on the N1–P2 auditory complex was examined while listening and speaking with altered auditory feedback. Fifteen normal hearing adult males and 15 females participated. N1–P2 components were evoked while listening to self-produced nonaltered and frequency shifted /a/ tokens and during production of /a/ tokens during nonaltered auditory feedback (NAF), frequency altered feedback (FAF), and delayed auditory feedback (DAF; 50 and 200 ms). During speech production, females exhibited earlier N1 latencies during 50 ms DAF and earlier P2 latencies during 50 ms DAF and FAF. There were no significant differences in N1–P2 amplitudes across all conditions. Comparing listening to active speaking, N1 and P2 latencies were earlier among females, with speaking, and under NAF. N1–P2 amplitudes were significantly reduced during speech production. These findings are consistent with the notions that speech production suppresses auditory cortex responsiveness and males and females process altered auditory feedback differently while speaking.
Juvenile Delinquency and "Anomie": An Attempt at Replication

Using official court delinquency data for the period 1939-1942 and information from the 1940 census, Lander employed seven census-tract variables or indicators in an attempt to predict the tract delinquency rate in Baltimore. Using zero-order correlation, partial correlation, curvilinear correlation, multiple regression, and factor analysis, Lander found that of his seven variables only two per cent nonwhite and per cent of homes owner occupied were independent correlates of the delinquency rate. The percentages of overcrowding, substandard housing, and foreignborn population, along with median rent and median education, did not hold up as correlates of delinquency (5, p. 48). These results and the outcome of an obliquely rotated factor analysis led Lander to the interpretation that an "anomie," or social-instability, variable was related to delinquency, and that among his measures per cent nonwhite and per cent owner occupancy were indicators of this underlying variable. The other predictors were interpreted as indicators of an underlying socioeconomic status variable which was not funda-
A comparison of the chemistry associated with the biological signaling and actions of nitroxyl (HNO) and nitric oxide (NO).

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) and nitroxyl (HNO) are reported to have numerous biological activities with significant therapeutic potential. Many of these activities are overlapping. The chemistry by which these two species act is likely to be distinct in spite of their apparent close structural similarities. Discussed in this review is the chemistry of NO and HNO with their likely biological targets — thiolproteins, metalloproteins (more specifically iron heme proteins) and free radical processes. Based on the chemistry discussed, it can be concluded that the biological actions of NO are likely due primarily to its interactions with metal centers and reaction with radical species. The likely biological targets for HNO are, similarly, metal centers and radical species (albeit with different chemistry compared to NO). HNO is also particularly good at directly modifying thiols while NO-mediated thiol modification requires other reactants to be present and is not as facile. Thus, a fundamental difference between NO and HNO that likely distinguishes them with regards to their biological activity is the greater propensity for HNO to react with thiols compared to NO.
Reconstructions of GaN and InGaN surfaces

Abstract The reconstruction and growth kinetics of gallium nitride (0001) and (0001) surfaces are studied using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). Results for bare GaN surfaces are summarized, with particular attention paid to the “pseudo-1×1” reconstruction of the (0001) face. Changes in the surface structure and kinetic processes due to indium co-deposition during growth are discussed.
IAPs: guardians of RIPK1.

Deregulation of innate immune signalling and cell death form the basis of most human disease pathogenesis. Inhibitor of APoptosis (IAP) protein-family members are frequently overexpressed in cancer and contribute to tumour cell survival, chemo-resistance, disease progression and poor prognosis. Although best known for their ability to regulate caspases, IAPs also influence ubiquitin-dependent pathways that modulate innate immune signalling by activation of NF-κB. Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which IAPs influence cell death and innate immune responses have provided new insights into novel strategies for treatment of cancer. In this review we discuss our current understanding of IAP-mediated NF-κB signalling, as well as elaborate on unexpected insights into the involvement of IAPs in regulating the ‘Ripoptosome', a novel intrinsic cell death-inducing platform. We propose an evolutionarily conserved concept whereby IAPs function as guardians of killer platforms such as the apoptosome in Drosophila and the Ripoptosome in mammals.
Some Comments on the Evaluation of Model Performance

Quantitative approaches to the evaluation of model performance were recently examined by Fox (1981). His recommendations are briefly reviewed and a revised set of performance statistics is proposed. It is suggested that the correlation between model-predicted and observed data, commonly described by Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, is an insufficient and often misleading measure of accuracy. A complement of difference and summary univariate indices is presented as the nucleus of a more informative, albeit fundamentally descriptive, approach to model evaluation. Two models that estimate monthly evapotranspiration are comparatively evaluated in order to illustrate how the recommended method(s) can be applied.
Fast Information Cascade Prediction Through Spatiotemporal Decompositions

In online social networks, information cascades occur when people observe the actions of others (followees) and then make the same choices that the others have made (followers). Cascade predictions are important, since they can detect and help resist bad cascades. We focus on photo cascade predictions in Flickr: given the current cascade and social topology, we want to predict the number of propagated users at a future-time-slot. Information cascades include a large amount of data that crosses both space and time. To reduce prediction time complexities, our idea is to decompose the spatiotemporal cascade information (a larger size of data) to user characteristics (a smaller size of data) for subsequent predictions. Space and time matrices are introduced to record the cascade information. We introduce a set of new notions, persuasiveness and receptiveness (represented as two vectors for complexity reduction), to capture characteristics of followees and followers. Persuasiveness includes followees' abilities to propagate information, while receptiveness includes followers' willingness to accept information. Then, we propose a three-stage parallel prediction scheme as follows. (1) We map the spatiotemporal cascade information to a weighted matrix, in which the weights of space and time information are tuned. (2) Singular value decomposition is used to extract nodes' persuasiveness and receptiveness from the weighted matrix. (3) Predictions are conducted based on nodes' persuasiveness and receptiveness. Finally, evaluations are conducted to verify the competitive performance of the proposed scheme.
Detection of occupational exposure to genotoxic agents with a urinary mutagen assay.

The levels of mutagenic activity in the urine of 198 smoking and non-smoking chemical workers, coke plant workers and controls were measured using a urinary mutagen assay based on the Ames Salmonella/microsome test. Urine samples were concentrated using the non-polar resin XAD-2 eluted with methylene chloride and acetone. Activity towards Salmonella strains TA1538 and TA100 with and without microsomal preparation S9 was measured. Urinary mutagenic activity was calculated from linear regression models fitted to the data from the methylene chloride and acetone extracts. Both the non-smoking chemical workers and non-smoking coke plant workers had significantly higher mutagenic activity on strain TA1538 with S9 than did a group of office and laboratory worker controls. However, urinary mutagenic activity from non-smoking chemical and coke plant workers on both strains TA1538 and TA100 without S9, and on strain TA100 with S9, was not significantly different from the mutagenic activity of this control group. Regardless of occupational exposure, smokers had considerably higher urinary mutagenic activity than non-smokers on strain TA1538 with S9, and to a lesser extent on strain TA100 with S9. Estimated tar exposure, calculated from reported cigarette consumption rate and reported cigarette brand, was closely correlated with urinary mutagenic activity on strain TA1538 with S9 (r = 0.73, P < 0.001 in the Spearman rank order correlation test). d-Glucaric acid concentrations were determined in 150 of the urine samples as a measure of mixed-function oxydase activity. No significant differences were found between the exposed and control groups or between smokers and non-smokers.
Cross sections and lorentz violation

Abstract The derivation of cross sections and decay rates in the Lorentz-violating Standard Model extension is discussed. General features of the physics are described, and some conceptual and calculational issues are addressed. As an illustrative example, the cross section for the specific process of electron–positron pair annihilation into two photons is obtained.
Discovery of a Potent, Selective, and Orally Active Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 Sheddase Inhibitor for the Treatment of Cancer†

The design, synthesis, evaluation, and identification of a novel class of (6S,7S)-N-hydroxy-6-carboxamide-5-azaspiro[2.5]octane-7-carboxamides as the first potent and selective inhibitors of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) sheddase is described. Several compounds were identified that possess excellent pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties and were shown to decrease tumor size, cleaved HER-2 extracellular domain plasma levels, and potentiate the effects of the humanized anti-HER-2 monoclonal antibody (trastuzumab) in vivo in a HER-2 overexpressing cancer murine xenograft model.
274 PRENATAL THYROID ABNORMALITIES IN PREMATURE INFANTS WITH RESPIRATY DISTRESS SYNDROME (RDS)

An association between RDS and prenatal thyroid dysfunction has been previously described. To further investigate the abnormalities in thyroid function, cord blood from 49 neonates was obtained for measurements of T3, T4 and TSH by RIA. The results in the 5 groups identified according to gestational age and disease are summarized below: In both RDS groups T3 was comparable and significantly lower than control groups, P<0.001. T4 in RDS II was significantly higher than in RDS I (P<0.05) but comparable to control II. TSH was slightly higher in RDS II but there was no significant difference in any group. The data demonstrate: 1. a persistent prenatal abnormality in T3 of RDS babies, 2. normal increase in T4 concentration according to gestational age in RDS babies, 3. normal thyroid function in babies who develop non-RDS illness. Since T3 is primarily derived from extrathyroid sources, the observation of low T3 and normal T4 excludes thyroid as the primary sight of T3 deficiency. T3 deficiency, however, may adversely effect the maturation of surfactant producing enzyme apparatus.
High-Dose Chemotherapy with Autologous Stem Cell Rescue as a Treatment Modality for Breast Cancer.

▪ Abstract: Retrospective analyses of clinical trials as well as several prospective randomized clinical trials designed to evaluate dose intensity have emphasized the importance of intensive chemotherapy in determining outcomes in breast cancer treatment. One strategy that can deliver a large increment in dose intensity is high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDC-ASCT), since it overcomes myelosuppression, a major dose-limiting toxicity of most chemotherapy regimens. Phase II data from HDC-ASCT trials have indicated improved complete remission rates and longer remission duration when compared to historical conventional-dose chemotherapy regimens. With declining treatment-related mortality (TRM) through improvements in supportive care and innovations in stem cell collection procedures, exploration of HDC-ASCT in prospective randomized trials has been made possible. Several prospective randomized trials have completed accrual and early results are now available, while other studies are still ongoing. Unfortunately the trial designs are quite varied, the characteristics of patients differ from study to study, the early data provide conflicting results, and the follow-up is quite short, making firm conclusions impossible at present. Of note, the comparison arms in several of the studies are performing better than historical nontransplant treatments, perhaps a result of an intermediate dose intensity employed in the nontransplant arm of these trials. These data suggest that dose intensity, whether supported by stem cells or hematopoietic growth factors, may be quite important in optimizing treatment outcomes, affirming earlier concepts of the importance of dose intensity. Further follow-up of the current clinical trials and analyses of ongoing studies not yet reported are necessary before firm conclusions are possible as to the optimal strategy of using dose intensity in the management of breast cancer. ▪
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate stimulates secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin and estrogens by human trophoblast in vitro.

ABSTRACT Addition of 1 mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP alone or in combination with 1 mM theophylline resulted in marked stimulation of the secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogens by human malignant trophoblast cells in continuous culture. The stimulation persisted for at least three days. These results suggest that any model postulating control of aromatizatlon in placenta by hCG via cyclic AMP must also account for the stimulation of hCG secretion by cyclic AMP.
Reactivity of Disubstituted Benzocyclobutenes. Model Compounds of Cross-Linkable High-Performance Polymers

We report here a study on small-molecule compounds derived from a 2,5-disuhstituted benzocyclobutene monomer, many of which have well-known polymeric counterparts. When electron-withdrawing groups are present on the benzocyclobutene ring, stability toward strong protonic acids is shown to be excellent. Thermal analysis of the model compounds by DSC reveals that exothermic reaction maxima are typically around 350°C, which is ∼ 100° higher than the maxima for 3-substituted benzocyclobutene derivatives
MO-D-T-6E-09: Progress Towards a MicroRT Small Animal Conformal Irradiator

Purpose: Newly developed small animal imaging devices, like micro computed tomography (microCT), micro positron emission tomography (microPET), and micro magnetic resonance (microMR), have stimulated development of small radiation therapy devices — microRTs. A conformal small animal irradiator will provide customized dose distributions that enable the investigator to limit confounding side effects and obtain more quantitative response results. Method and Materials: The first step towards designing the microRT irradiator was to perform Monte Carlo simulations to aid in optimization of the proposed design. The proposed irradiator uses a high activity 192 Ir source that is a relatively small (3mm long and 3mm in diameter) cylinder. The BEAMnrc Monte‐Carlo code for was utilized to model the dose distribution for three source‐to‐target distances: 60mm, 70mm and 80mm, and five circular field sizes:5mm, 7.5mm, 10mm, 12.5mm and 15mm. Finally, dose to a 50 × 50 × 50mm3 water phantom with 1 × 1 × 1mm3 voxel spacing was computed. To provide rapid dose calculations for treatment planning, a parametric dose model was developed and fit to the Monte Carlo data. Results: The simulated radiation beams were determined to be radially symmetric, so a radially symmetric parametric form was selected for the dose model. The depth dose distribution was dominated by the inverse square law and the beam profile and depth‐dose fits were excellent. The parameters varied smoothly as a function of depth, source‐to‐surface distance, and field size, allowing interpolation for non‐simulated geometries. Conclusion: Preliminary results of Monte‐Carlo simulations demonstrated that the parametric fit to the dose distribution of a 192 Ir microRT device provides good agreement with Monte Carlo predictions.
Goodman's Theory of Projection

In the last chapter of Fact, Fiction, and Forecast (1965), Nelson Goodman sketches his suggestion for a new approach to confirmation theory. His proposal is often mentioned but usually discussed only in brief.1 Many people seem ready to dismiss it, yet it has not really been assigned to the volumes of mistakes committed by famous philosophers; nor has anyone found it promising enough to take as the basis of further investigation. This paper will undertake the task, made tractable by hindsight over a fifteen-year period, of evaluating Goodman's theory of projection and sorting out its difficulties from its valuable insights. In what follows I hope to show that much of what remains after a critical exposition is close, at least in spirit, to the results of other attacks on the same problems. In particular, the tenable residue of Goodman's theory is compatible with a version of Bayesian confirmation theory, in the framework of which the concept of projectibility and the concept of prior probability have no substantive difference. I also hope to make more clear certain aspects of the problems Goodman has left us with. If I dwell on questions of interpretation and misinterpretation of what Goodman himself has written, it will not be for the sake of exegesis but for the purpose of calling attention to parts of Goodman's analysis which seem to have been generally ignored, thereby compounding misunderstanding and misformulation of the issues at hand.
REPURPOSING A BUSINESS LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT TO COLLEGE STUDENTS OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES: VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY EVIDENCE

One concern when repurposing a test to a new population is whether the test is measuring the same construct in a valid and reliable way that is comparable to the intended population. Following the guidelines of the International Test Commission and the ETS Standards for Quality and Fairness, this study was designed to collect evidence in support of repurposing the Major Field Test for the Bachelor's Degree in Business (MFT-B) for use in undergraduate level business programs outside of the United States. The author examined the test's reliability and internal structure based on 930 senior college students from 9 business programs in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. Each participating institution satisfied 2 requirements for this study: (a) having a bachelor's level business curriculum that is similar to their U.S. peer programs and (b) using English as the instructional language. The analyses of the data showed that the MFT-B has the same factor structure for the non-U.S.–based sample as that for their U.S. peers. In addition, the test scores for the non-U.S.–based sample are highly reliable (.90) overall, with some variations among the 9 programs. Both types of evidence support the notion that the MFT-B is appropriate when repurposed for use with non-U.S.–based business programs.
Erratum to: NanoLC/ESI+ HRMS3 Quantitation of DNA Adducts Induced by 1,3-Butadiene

Human exposure to 1,3-butadiene (BD) present in automobile exhaust, cigarette smoke, and forest fires is of great concern because of its potent carcinogenicity. The adverse health effects of BD are mediated by its epoxide metabolites such as 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (EB), which covalently modify genomic DNA to form promutagenic nucleobase adducts. Because of their direct role in cancer, BD-DNA adducts can be used as mechanism-based biomarkers of BD exposure. In the present work, a mass spectrometry-based methodology was developed for accurate, sensitive, and precise quantification of EB-induced N-7(1-hydroxy-3-buten-2-yl) guanine (EB-GII) DNA adducts in vivo. In our approach, EB-GII adducts are selectively released from DNA backbone by neutral thermal hydrolysis, followed by ultrafiltration, offline HPLC purification, and isotope dilution nanoLC/ESI-HRMS analysis on an Orbitrap Velos mass spectrometer. Following method validation, EB-GII lesions were quantified in human fibrosarcoma (HT1080) cells treated with micromolar concentrations of EB and in liver tissues of rats exposed to sub-ppm concentrations of BD (0.5–1.5 ppm). EB-GII concentrations increased linearly from 1.15±0.23 to 10.11±0.45 adducts per 10 nucleotides in HT1080 cells treated with 0.5–10 μM EB. EB-GII concentrations in DNA of laboratory rats exposed to 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 ppm BD were 0.17±0.05, 0.33±0.08, and 0.50±0.04 adducts per 10 nucleotides, respectively. We also used the new method to determine the in vivo half-life of EB-GII adducts in rat liver DNA (2.20±0.12 d) and to detect EB-GII in human blood DNA. To our knowledge, this is the first application of nanoLC/ESI-HRMS Orbitrap methodology to quantitative analysis of DNA adducts in vivo. The online version of the original article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1007/s13361-014-0916-x. Correspondence to: Natalia Tretyakova; e-mail: trety001@umn.edu Published online: 4 July 2014
How Launching Hubble Space Telescope Influenced Space Shuttle Mission Operations

The Hubble Space Telescope is unquestionably one of the most important scientific instruments ever developed. Designed for launch and subsequent on-orbit maintenance by astronauts and the space shuttle, the Hubble Space Telescope presented a unique and challenging set of flight operations issues. The complexity of the operations required a sophisticated level of mission planning and execution, particularly in robotics and extravehicular activity. Detailed planning by the flight operations team and the crew before the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope onboard the space shuttle Discovery was critical to the successful achievement of the objectives. The on-orbit execution of the mission plan, the anomalies encountered, and the resulting lessons learned from the deployment mission were important not only for preparations for the later servicing missions but also for a variety of missions, including those dedicated to the International Space Station assembly.
A placebo-controlled study of sertraline's effect on cortisol response to the dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone test in healthy adults.

Rationale The dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone (Dex/CRH) test is a neuroendocrine probe involving serial blood sampling of cortisol during a standardized pharmacological challenge without inducing psychological distress in humans. Some past studies in depressed patients have shown a “normalization” or decrease in cortisol response to the Dex/CRH test following successful treatment with an antidepressant. Studies in nondepressed healthy adult samples have also shown aberrant cortisol reactivity to be associated with depression risk factors. These findings prompted research into the use of the Dex/CRH test as a tool for developing antidepressant drugs.
Basic mechanisms of tendon fatigue damage

Pathologic processes intrinsic and extrinsic to the tendons have been proposed as the underlying cause of rotator cuff disease, but the precise etiology is not known. Tear formation is, in part, attributable to the accumulation of subrupture tendon fatigue damage. We review the molecular, mechanical, and structural changes induced in tendons subjected to controlled amounts of fatigue loading in an animal model of early tendinopathy. The distinct tendon responses to low and moderate levels of loading, as opposed to high levels, provide insight into the potential mechanisms for the therapeutic benefits of exercise in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy. The progression of damage accumulation leading to fiber rupture and eventual tendon tearing seen with higher loading illustrates the progression from tendinopathy to full-thickness tearing. We hope that this more realistic animal model of tendon fatigue damage will allow better assessment of biologic, mechanical, tissue-engineering, and rehabilitation strategies to improve repair success.
The Effect of Agglomeration Methods on the Micromeritic Properties of a Maltodextrin Product, Maltrin 150™

AbstractMaltrin M150 is a fine powder of maltodextrin which is a carbohydrate product made by controlled hydrolysis of corn starch. Agglomerated Maltrin was prepared using a fluidized bed granulation process and a roller compaction method, respectively. The micromeritic properties of these two granular products were compared. Three different sizes of granules (20/30, 40/50 and 80/100 mesh size) were used in the evaluation. Granules produced by the fluidized bed method showed a relatively low bulk density as compared to the roller compacted granules. As the granule size was reduced, the roller compacted granules showed a decrease in bulk density while an increase in bulk density was seen in the fluidized bed granulated product. A better flowability of the roller compacted granules was demonstrated by a higher flow rate and a lower compressibility index. For a given compression pressure, roller compacted granules produced compacts with a lower tensile strength. A significant work-hardening effect was exhibi...
Cell Cycle Defects Contribute to a Block in Hormone-induced Mammary Gland Proliferation in CCAAT/Enhancer-binding Protein (C/EBPβ)-null Mice

In contrast to hormone-dependent breast cancer, steroid hormone-induced proliferation in the normal mammary gland does not occur in the steroid-receptor positive cells but rather in adjacent cells via paracrine signaling involving several local growth factors. To help elucidate the mechanisms involved in the block in proliferation in hormone-receptor positive cells, we have utilized a CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBPβ)-null mouse model. Loss of this transcription factor results in increased steroid and prolactin receptor expression concomitant with a 10-fold decrease in proliferation in response to pregnancy hormones. To determine the basis for this decrease, several markers of cell cycle progression were analyzed in wild type and C/EBPβ-null mammary epithelial cells (MECs). These studies indicated that cell cycle progression in C/EBPβ-null MECs is blocked at the G1/S transition. C/EBPβ-null mammary glands display substantially increased levels of the activated form of transforming growth factor β, a potent inhibitor of epithelial cell proliferation, as well as increased downstream Smad2 expression and signaling. While cyclin D1 levels were equivalent, cyclin E expression was markedly reduced in C/EBPβ-null as compared with wildtype MECs. In addition, increased p27 stability and retention in the nucleus and decreased levels of the cdc25a phosphatase contributed to a significant loss of cdk2 kinase activity. Collectively, these changes prevent C/EBPβ-null mammary epithelial cells from responding to hormone-induced proliferative signals.