cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluctuations in relative levels of choline acetyltransferase mRNA in different regions of the rat basal forebrain across the estrous cycle: effects of estrogen and progesterone

Quantitative in situ hybridization techniques were used to compare relative cellular levels of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) mRNA in different regions of the female rat basal forebrain at different stages of the estrous cycle and at different time points after the administration of physiological levels of estrogen and progesterone. Significant fluctuations in relative levels of ChAT mRNA were detected during the course of the estrous cycle. In the medial septum (MS) and striatum, the highest levels of ChAT mRNA were detected on diestrus 1. Fluctuations in the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) were highly variable, with the highest levels detected on diestrus 2. In ovariectomized animals, significant increases in ChAT mRNA were detected in the MS, NBM, and striatum within 1–3 d after a single administration of estradiol. In addition, the effects of estradiol on ChAT mRNA expression in the NBM and striatum were significantly enhanced by the subsequent administration of progesterone. The magnitude and timing of the effects of steroid replacement were consistent with the magnitude and time course of the fluctuations detected during the course of the estrous cycle. These data demonstrate that estrogen and progesterone can increase basal forebrain levels of ChAT mRNA significantly in specific regions of the rat basal forebrain, that the magnitude and time course of the effects vary between different subpopulations of cholinergic neurons, and that the effects are associated with changes in the functioning of specific basal forebrain cholinergic neurons across the estrous cycle.
Control/Response Compatibility, Muscle Synergy and the Virtual Visual Field: What you See is What you Get:

Three components were hypothesized which could affect operator response in the manual control of a system. These included muscle synergy compatibility (MS), geographic control/display compatibility (CD), and visual-field compatibility (VF). Disruption in one of these was suspected as a contributing factor in documented accident cases. A 2χ2χ2 between-subjects factorial design was used to evaluate all combinations of compatible and incompatible arrangements based upon these variables, using 64 undergraduate students as participants. A static-target acquisition task was used in which subjects manipulated a specially designed joystick to move a cursor to defined target locations. Performance measures included reaction time, movement time, homing time, and frequency and magnitude of directional reversals. Results indicated that visual field (VF) compatibility/incompatibility significantly influenced reaction time, homing time, and reversal frequency and magnitude, while CD and MS manipulations had no signific...
L2 Processing of Plural Inflection in English.

This study investigates (1) whether late second language (L2) learners can attain native-like knowledge of English plural inflection even when their first language (L1) lacks an equivalent and (2) whether they construct hierarchically structured representations during online sentence processing like native speakers. In a self-paced reading task, native English speakers and advanced Korean learners of English were tested on their (in)sensitivity to plural errors in two different structures. The results indicate that despite the L1–L2 difference, the learners were sensitive to plural errors in both structures, and that their sensitivity to the errors was affected by the structural distance of the feature-checking dependency related to plural inflection, like the native speakers’ sensitivity. These findings suggest that (1) L2 learners can acquire target-like L2 inflection knowledge, even if such inflection is not present in their L1, contra the representational deficit account and that (2) they are sensitive to structural distance because they compute hierarchically structured representations during real-time language comprehension, contra the shallow structure hypothesis.
Characterization of Organic Molecules Attached to Gold Nanoparticle Surface Using High Resolution Magic Angle Spinning 1H NMR

Structural elucidation of molecules attached to nanoparticle surface holds key to the successful chemical modifications of nanomaterial surface. In this investigation, we effectively optimized 1H HRMAS NMR conditions and applied one- and two-dimensional techniques to fully characterize ligand structures on surfaces of gold nanoparticles (GNPs). We found that there are significant differences in detection sensitivity depending on the distance between the surface of GNP and protons in the ligand molecule, with the loss of sensitivity for protons closer to the nanoparticles. Furthermore, NMR spectra of aromatic protons in ligands attached to GNP seem to have a broad base compared with aliphatic ligands, indicating some degree of potential π−π stacking effects. Our results demonstrate that 1H HRMAS NMR is an irreplaceable method for fully characterizing nanoparticle surface-bound molecules.
Video review using a reliable evaluation metric improves team function in high-fidelity simulated trauma resuscitation

Objective To demonstrate that instruction of proper team function can occur using high-fidelity simulated trauma resuscitation with video-assisted debriefing and that this process can be integrated rapidly into a standard general surgery curriculum. Design The rater reliability of our team metric was assessed by having physicians and nonphysicians rate the same video-recorded trauma simulations at intervals in time. To assess the effectiveness of video debriefing, subjects participated in a 3-week trauma team training course that consisted of 2 video-recorded simulation sessions, each approximately 2 hours in length separated by a 90-minute debriefing session. To assess the impact of the debriefing session, video recordings of participants performing resuscitations before and after the debriefing were reviewed by a panel of blinded traumatologists and graded using our team evaluation instrument. Setting The study took place at the high-fidelity simulation center at a large, urban academic training hospital. Participants All 11 PGY-2 general surgery and combined general surgery and plastic surgery residents at our institution. Results Our instrument was found to have high interrater correlation (interclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 0.926; 95% confidence interval, 0.893–0.953). Initially, residents were either unsure as to their competency to serve as team leader (70%) or felt they were not competent to serve as team leader (30%). Ninety percent of residents found the video debriefing very to extremely helpful in improving team function and clinical competency. All participants felt more competent as both team leaders and team members because of the video debriefing. The mean team function score improved significantly after video debriefing (4.39 [±0.3] vs 5.45 [±0.4] prevideo vs postvideo review, p Conclusions Video review with debriefing is an effective means of teaching team competencies and improving team function in simulated trauma resuscitation. This strategy can be integrated readily into the surgical curriculum analogous to other applications of simulation technology.
Spatial optimization as a generative technique for sustainable multiobjective land-use allocation

In this paper, we examine the applicability of spatial optimization as a generative modelling technique for sustainable land-use allocation. Specifically, we test whether spatial optimization can be used to generate a number of compromise spatial alternatives that are both feasible and different from each other. We present a new spatial multiobjective optimization model, which encourages efficient utilization of urban space through infill development, compatibility of adjacent land uses, and defensible redevelopment. The model uses a density-based design constraint developed by the authors. The constraint imposes a predefined level of consistent neighbourhood development to promote contiguity and compactness of urban areas. First, the model is tested on a hypothetical example. Further, we demonstrate a real-world application of the model to land-use planning in Chelan, a small environmental amenity town in the north-central region of the State of Washington, USA. The results indicate that spatial optimization is a promising method for generating land-use alternatives for further consideration in spatial decision-making.
On internal friction and cohesion in unconsolidated ice rubble

Abstract Unconsolidated ice rubble is a mass of ice fragments, often floating in water, that has not solidified by freezing of pore water or by freeze bonding between individual ice-rubble fragments. It is argued herein that unconsolidated ice rubble undergoing continuous shear deformation is essentially cohesionless; i.e., in terms of the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion, it should not exhibit a cohesive intercept at zero confining pressure and at large shear deformation. Contacting pieces of submerged ice rubble, however, have a propensity to freeze bond with one another, even at very low confining pressures and in nonfrigid air, such that unconsolidated ice rubble may tend to self-solidify. It is this propensity that significantly contributes to the comparatively large values of internal-friction angle that have been reported for ice rubble, and which may cause relationships between shear strength and confining pressure to be nonunique.
Spin correlations and symmetrization in the nuclear magnetic resonances of molecular systems with tunneling.

Spin correlation effects are often observed in inelastic neutron scattering and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) when tunneling is important. In studies of proton-proton exchange couplings observed in the 1 H NMR of transition-metal polyhydrides, we have had to deal with exchange degeneracies in large collections of identical spins. This Letter presents a method that easily handles such problems with low symmetry, eliminates ad hoc assumptions with respect to the feasibility of any particular permutation of particles, and is readily implemented in computer calculations
Safety systems for nuclear power reactors

THE power output of a conventional fossil-fired power plant is limited by the rate at which fuel can be fed to the boiler. No such convenient limitation is available for a nuclear reactor, which theoretically has no upper limit of power level. After allowance is made for all restrictive negative coefficients of reactivity, the maximum power is still excessive. Clearly, some artificial means of limiting the power is indicated.
Effect of Peritoneal Dialysis on Serum Levels of Tobramycin and Clindamycin

The pharmacokinetics of tobramycin and clindamycin were examined in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis for chronic renal failure. Peak serum levels of tobramycin in functionally anephric patients were less than expected, probably secondary to a larger volume of distribution. Peritoneal dialysis resulted in a significant clearance of tobramycin, with a resultant reduction in serum half-life. The present data suggest that, if bactericidal serum levels of tobramycin are to be maintained in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, a parenteral loading dose be administered, followed by either (i) an identical dose every third half-life or (ii) one-half the loading dose every half-life. However, optimal therapy is best achieved by monitoring serum levels to insure appropriate drug dosage. Peak serum levels of clindamycin in functionally anephric patients were approximately twofold greater than those expected in normals after an identical parenteral dose. It is, therefore, recommended that the administered dose of this agent in functionally anephric patients be one-half of that required to produce desired peak serum levels in patients without renal impairment. Peritoneal clearance of clindamycin during dialysis was shown to be essentially zero, indicating that dialysis does not affect clindamycin disposition.
Spiral waves in expanding hydrogen–air flames: Experiment and theory

Abstract We report herein the first experimental observation of spiral waves over propagating flame surfaces in rich hydrogen–air mixtures at elevated pressures up to 40 atm, conducted in a specially designed, optically accessible, constant-pressure combustion chamber. The observed spiral waves are a manifestation of the large Lewis number instability, exhibiting behaviors such as clockwise/counterclockwise rotation, meandering, and fast radial wave speeds that are similar to patterns often observed in other excitable media, for example the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction. In addition, these spiral waves also exhibit features that seem to be characteristic of combustion systems, such as the transition criterion for diffusional-thermal pulsating instability, and their confinement within the hydrodynamic cells that also develop over such high-pressure flames of much reduced flame thicknesses. A diffusional-thermal theory was developed that successfully describes the observed spiral patterns.
Getting Syk: spleen tyrosine kinase as a therapeutic target

Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase well known for its ability to couple immune cell receptors to intracellular signaling pathways that regulate cellular responses to extracellular antigens and antigen–immunoglobulin (Ig) complexes of particular importance to the initiation of inflammatory responses. Thus, Syk is an attractive target for therapeutic kinase inhibitors designed to ameliorate the symptoms and consequences of acute and chronic inflammation. Its more recently recognized role as a promoter of cell survival in numerous cancer cell types ranging from leukemia to retinoblastoma has attracted considerable interest as a target for a new generation of anticancer drugs. This review discusses the biological processes in which Syk participates that have made this kinase such a compelling drug target.
Abstract B63: Developing Novel STAT3 Inhibitors for the Treatment and Prevention of Cancer

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) are a family of transcription factors involved in the regulation of early embryonic development, immune response, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Particularly, STAT3 regulates lobuloalveolar apoptosis during involution in mammary gland development, and its activation is required for the growth of CD44+CD24- stem cell-like breast cancer cells and the development of multiple cancers including breast cancer. Increased STAT3 transcriptional activity was found to correlate with ER-negative phenotype in breast cancer cell lines and in primary human invasive ductal breast carcinomas. Thus, STAT3 represents a promising target for therapeutic and preventive intervention of breast cancer. Yet current strategies of inhibiting STAT3 activity did not sufficiently block STAT3 activation in cancer cells due to their limited potency, poor solubility or bioavailability. Despite several STAT3 inhibitors have been advanced into early clinical trials, there is an urgent need to develop a more successful strategy targeting STAT3 for cancer therapies, and preventive use in particular. We attempted to identify potent and orally active STAT3 inhibitors for such purposes and have designed, synthesized and screened a series of novel STAT3 inhibitors utilizing fragment-based drug design strategy. A number of small molecules with new scaffolds have been discovered with low-micromolar to nanomolar potency in inhibiting the proliferation of various human breast cancer and pancreatic cancer cells. The identified compound HJC0152 significantly suppresses basal and IL-6-stimulated STAT3 promoter activity and STAT3 phosphorylation, reduces total STAT3 protein expression, induces G2/M cell cycle arrest, and induces early apoptosis. HJC0152 has demonstrated a better potency in suppressing the growth of MDA-MB-231 breast xenograft tumors via intraperitoneal and oral administrative routes, with remarkably improved aqueous solubility (3,300 fold improvement) and less toxicity than the lead compounds. In conclusion, we have developed a new class of orally active STAT3 inhibitors with superior drug-like properties for further preclinical therapeutic and preventive evaluation. Citation Format: Zhengduo Yang, Haijun Chen, Lili Chu, Yusong Zhang, Chunyong Ding, Kristin Terry, Jia Zhou, Qiang Shen. Developing novel STAT3 inhibitors for the treatment and prevention of cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B63.
Plasma testosterone levels in homosexual men.

Plasma testosterone levels were measured in 28 homosexual men and correlated with psychological variables. The overall mean testosterone level for the homosexuals was somewhat lower than for a group of heterosexual controls, but the range of values for the two groups showed considerable overlap. Among the homosexuals, the 13 with some heterosexual experience had higher testosterone levels than the 15 with none. Testosterone level was not related to relative masculinity or femininity or to any other psychological variable measured.
From the Buffon Needle Problem to the Kreiss Matrix Theorem

In this paper we present a theorem concerning the arc length on the Riemann sphere of the image of the unit circle under a rational function. But our larger purpose is to tell a story. We thought at first that the story began in 1962 with the Kreiss matrix theorem, the application that originally motivated us. However, our arc length question turns out to be more interesting than that. The story goes back to the famous "Buffon needle problem" of 1777.
MORPHE: A Practical Compiler for Reversible Morphology Rules

Morphe is a Common Lisp compiler for reversible inflectional morphology rules developed at the Center for Machine Translation at Carnegie Mellon University. This paper describes the Morphe processing model, its implementation, and how it handles some common morphological processes.
NAD+-dependent deacetylation of H4 lysine 16 by class III HDACs

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) catalyse the removal of acetyl groups from the N-terminal tails of histones. All known HDACs can be categorized into one of four classes (I-IV). The class III HDAC or silencing information regulator 2 (Sir2) family exhibits characteristics consistent with a distinctive role in regulation of chromatin structure. Accumulating data suggest that these deacetylases acquired new roles as genomic complexity increased, including deacetylation of non-histone proteins and functional diversification in mammals. However, the intrinsic regulation of chromatin structure in species as diverse as yeast and humans, underscores the pressure to conserve core functions of class III HDACs, which are also known as Sirtuins. One of the key factors that might have contributed to this preservation is the intimate relationship between some members of this group of proteins (SirT1, SirT2 and SirT3) and deacetylation of a specific residue in histone H4, lysine 16 (H4K16). Evidence accumulated over the years has uncovered a unique role for H4K16 in chromatin structure throughout eukaryotes. Here, we review the recent findings about the functional relationship between H4K16 and the Sir2 class of deacetylases and how that relationship might impact aging and diseases including cancer and diabetes.
The endoscopic component separation technique for hernia repair results in reduced morbidity compared to the open component separation technique.

Purpose The component separation technique for hernia repair results in significant wound morbidity due to the need for large undermining skin flaps. The endoscopic component separation technique allows for advancement of the abdominal wall while preserving the blood supply originating from the epigastric vessels. This study compares the outcomes following hernia repair utilizing these techniques.
Analysis of the deterministic ( s, S ) inventory problem

The traditional or textbook approach for finding an s, S inventory policy is to take a demand distribution as given and then find a reorder point s and order up to point S that are optimal for this demand distribution. In reality, the demand distribution may have been obtained by fitting it to some historical demand stream. In contrast, the deterministic s, S inventory problem is to directly determine the s, S pair that would have been optimal for the original demand stream, bypassing the distribution fitting step. The deterministic s, S inventory problem thus chooses parameters s and S which minimize setup, holding and backorder costs when the corresponding s, S policy is implemented over n periods with known demands d1, d2,', dn. Our contributions are two: a a polynomial time algorithm for finding an optimal s, S for the deterministic problem, and b an empirical comparison of the two approaches. In b we compare the long term average costs of the two approaches as a function of the amount of data available, distributional assumptions, and order lead time.
Temperature-responsive protein pores.

We describe temperature-responsive protein pores containing single elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) loops. The ELP loops were placed within the cavity of the lumen of the α-hemolysin (αHL) pore, a heptamer of known crystal structure. The cavity is roughly spherical with a molecular surface volume of about 39 500 A3. In an applied potential, the wild-type αHL pore remained open for long periods. In contrast, the ELP loop-containing αHL pores exhibited transient current blockades, the nature of which depended on the length and sequence of the inserted loop. Together with similar results obtained with poly(ethylene glycols) covalently attached within the cavity, the data suggest that the transient current blockades are caused by excursions of ELP into the transmembrane β-barrel domain of the pore. Below its transition temperature, the ELP loop is fully expanded and blocks the pore completely, but reversibly. Above its transition temperature, the ELP is dehydrated and the structure collapses, enabling a substan...
Are atoms stabilized by ultraintense lasers

Abstract We critically examine theoretical arguments that predict that atoms become resistant toward photoionization as the laser intensity is arbitrarily increased. We conclude that atoms become fully ionized in the ultraintense field limit, and that they do not stabilize as bound states.
Unstable splittings for real spectra

We show that the unstable splittings of the spaces in the Omega spectra representing BP , BPhni and E.n/ from [12] may be obtained for the real analogs of these spectra using techniques similar to those in [2]. Explicit calculations for ER.2/ are given. 55N20, 55N22; 55N91
Vibration and buckling analysis of axisymmetric polar orthotropic circular plates

Abstract The vibration and stability analysis of polar orthotropic circular plates using the finite element method is discussed. In order to formulate the eigenvalue problems associated with the vibration and stability analyses, the clement stiffness, mass, and stability coefficient matrices are presented. By assuming the static displacement function, which is an exact solution of the polar orthotropic circular plate equation, approximates the vibration and buckling modes, the mass and stability coefficient matrices are readily derived from the given displacement function. Results showing the effects of orthotropy on natural frequencies and buckling loads are compared with their isotropic counterpart.
Organic small hairpin RNAs (OshR): a Do-It-Yourself platform for transgene-based gene silencing

Abstract The RNA interference (RNAi) pathway in animal cells can be harnessed to silence gene expression with artificial small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or transgenes that express small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs). The transgene-expressing shRNA approach has been adapted into large-scale resources for genome-wide loss-of-function screens, whereas focused studies on a narrow set of genes can be achieved by using individual shRNA constructs from these resources. Although current shRNA repositories generally work, they might fail in certain situations and therefore necessitate other alternatives. We detail here a new highly-accessible and rational design of custom shRNAs that utilizes a refined backbone configuration termed the ‘organic’ shRNA (OshR) platform. The OshR platform is ‘organic’ because it conforms more naturally to the endogenous vertebrate miRNAs by maintaining specific bulges and incorporating strategic mismatches to insure the desired guide strand is produced while reducing the accumulation of passenger strands that might contribute to off-target effects. We also demonstrate that the reliability of the OshR platform for gene silencing is increased when sequences target the 3′ UnTranslated Region (3′UTR) of a gene. We further compare the OshR platform with the current and emerging shRNA designs, and propose that the OshR platform is a novel approach that can allow investigators to generate custom and effective shRNAs for individual gene functional studies.
A Review of Research on the Application of Goal Setting in Organizations.

Research on goal setting in organizations is reviewed in order to evaluate Locke's theory of goal setting and to determine the practical feasibility of this technique for increasing employee motiva...
A guide to selected sources in Government publications for international banking, finance and foreign trade

Abstract The purpose of this article is to show the wide variety of sources available through United States and international agencies on international banking, finance and foreign trade. Government publications provide statistical and analytical materials. The United States publishes materials dealing with international economics in a wide variety of sources. This article will first attempt to analyze and annotate the federal sources available. The author will then point out specific international sources that can be utilized by the researcher.
INELASTIC DEFORMATION OF AN ALUMINUM ALLOY UNDER COMBINED STRESS AT ELEVATED TEMPERATURE

Abstract Biaxial stress tests were performed on thin-wall tubes of polycrystalline 2024-T81 aluminum at temperatures of 150°C and 250°C. The nominal metallurgical stabilization temperature for this alloy is 190°C. Transient and steady-state creep strain rates exhibited a considerable dependence on load path history. For a prescribed history it is possible to determine unique surfaces of constant creep strain rate. For the zero history, involving a single loading from the origin to a prescribed point in stress space, surfaces of constant steady-state strain rate, at elevated temperature, have the same shape as room temperature yield surfaces of moderate offset. In the temperature and small strain regions considered here, room-temperature yield surfaces were found to be unaffected by elevated temperature deformation. The changes in shape of room-temperature yield surfaces, due to room-temperature plastic deformation caused corresponding changes in the elevated temperature surfaces of constant steady-state creep rate. At a given stress point, an outward local motion of the yield surface resulted in a corresponding outward local motion of the steady-state creep rate surfaces. The experimental determination of surfaces of constant flow potential was also attempted.
Vitamin E analog α-TEA and celecoxib alone and together reduce human MDA-MB-435-FL-GFP breast cancer burden and metastasis in nude mice

α-TEA, a nonhydrolyzable ether analog of vitamin E (RRR-α-tocopherol), and celecoxib, a specific COX-2 inhibitor, were delivered separately or in combination to investigate their anticancer properties, using MDA-MB-435-FL-GFP human breast cancer xenografts in nude mice. Liposomal formulated α-TEA administered as an aerosol and celecoxib fed at 500 or 1250 mg/kg diet for 31 days separately or in combination significantly reduced tumor volume in comparison to control (p < 0.001 for all treatment groups). Of special note, the combinations of α-TEA + celecoxib (1250) inhibited tumor volume significantly better than either single treatment (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Average number of macroscopic lung metastases were significantly reduced in all treatment groups in comparison to control, with the exception of celecoxib (500). Mean numbers of microscopic lung and lymph node metastases in all treatment groups were significantly lower than control. Furthermore, the mean number of microscopic lung metastases in the α-TEA+celecoxib (1250) group were significantly lower than either separate treatment. Analyses of 5 μm tumor sections showed that all treatments, with the exception of celecoxib (500) alone, significantly enhanced apoptosis (TUNEL) and significantly decreased cell proliferation (Ki-67). α-TEA and α-TEA + celecoxib (1250) treatments significantly reduced blood vessel density (CD-31) in comparison to control. These data show promise for combination α-TEA + celecoxib chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Facile determination of the specific activity of carbonyl compounds reduced by tritiated borohydride

Abstract Three procedures are described for microliter samples of glucose 6-phosphate or lactose as model compounds. After the reduction with [3H]-NaBH4 and suitable treatment, specific activity is calculated from the ratios 3H activity/total phosphorus, 3H/14C activity, or 3H activity/galactoside concentration.
Undergraduates’ Facebook use: evidence-based practice to implement social media in education

Researchers have identified students’ perceptions of Facebook as an educational tool; however, researchers have only begun to scratch the surface in how to use Facebook as an educational tool. The purpose of this study is to understand how to use Facebook as an educational tool based on college students’ current Facebook usage. A total of 200 undergraduates responded to an online questionnaire. This study shows undergraduates are willing to use Facebook in their coursework. However, students dislike the idea of blending their social and academic lives on Facebook. This study offers suggestions on how educators can integrate Facebook features into their course, to minimise students’ concerns. Furthermore, the study discusses how using Facebook as an educational tool reinforces 21st century skills and how educators can evaluate Facebook components using quality matters standards.
Successful allogeneic hematopoietic cell engraftment after a minimal conditioning regimen in children with relapsed or refractory solid tumors.

Abstract Children with relapsed or refractory solid tumors face dismal prognoses, and novel therapies are desperately needed. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) offers potential for cell-based therapy, but the toxicity of myeloablation limits this approach in heavily pretreated patients. We sought to determine the feasibility of HCT in a cohort of 24 children with incurable solid tumors using human leukocyte antigen–matched sibling or unrelated donors and a minimal conditioning regimen. Before stem cell infusion, all patients received 3 daily doses of 30 mg/m2 fludarabine followed by 2 Gy of total body irradiation. Hematopoietic cell recovery was rapid and reliable. Median time to neutrophil engraftment was 13.5 days for sibling donors and 12 days for unrelated donors. Donor lymphocyte infusions were used safely in 4 patients, all of whom had either improved chimerism or apparent tumor response. Graft-versus-host disease was comparable across donor sources and did not affect survival. Relapse remains a substantial barrier, although objective graft-versus-tumor effect was observed in several patients. Four patients with detectable disease before HCT achieved a complete response for at least 30 days after HCT, and two remain long-term survivors. Three patients were in complete response before HCT and remained in remission for 3, 6, and 74 months after HCT. Early disease response was associated with improved survival. Allogeneic HCT using this conditioning regimen offers a potential platform for novel immunotherapies.
Local anesthetic infusion through nerve sheath catheters for analgesia following upper extremity amputation: Clinical report

Background and Objectives Reports about the efficacy of local anesthetic perfusion of nerve stumps following lower extremity amputation are conflicting. We report our experience with this technique following amputation of the upper extremity. Methods Six consecutive patients undergoing proximal upper extremity amputations (four forequarter amputations and two shoulder disarticulations) for malignancy were prospectively observed. In all patients, catheters were placed within the amputated nerve sheaths at the conclusion of the procedure. Bupivacaine, 0.25%, was administered through each catheter as a bolus and then as a continuous infusion for at least 72 hours after surgery. Narcotic usage, level of pain as reported verbally, and presence of phantom limb pain during the infusion were recorded. For at least 1 year after operation, data were gathered on the presence of phantom limb pain and its intensity during each follow-up visit. Results Complete analgesia was achieved in all patients by postoperative day 2. Narcotic usage was low. Three of the six patients reported phantom limb pain during follow-up evaluation. Conclusions Continuous local anesthetic perfusion of amputated nerves via a catheter placed under direct vision provided excellent postoperative analgesia. The incidence of phantom limb pain for cancer patients did not differ from that previously reported but was easily managed pharmacologically. The technique may also be efficacious for traumatic amputations.
Response of the Limb Vascular Bed in Man to Intrabrachial Arterial Infusions of Hypertonic Dextrose or Hypertonic Sodium Chloride Solutions

Infusions of hypertonic dextrose or NaCl solutions reduce resistance in several vascular beds of experimental animals. To study the response in man, 60 intrabrachial arterial jet infusions of hypertonic dextrose solution or hypertonic NaCl solution, each at 3 dose levels (1, 2, and 4 milliosmols/min), were made in 19 male student volunteers aged 21 to 29 years. Limb blood flow was measured by continuous infusion indicator-dilution, and vascular resistance calculated as mm Hg/ml flow/100 cm 3 limb vol/min. Measured increases in ipsilateral cephalic venous plasma osmolarity and serum dextrose and sodium concentrations during hypertonic infusions ranged from 7 to 30 milliosmols/liter, 153 to 481 mg/100 ml and 4 to 19 mEq/liter, respectively. Measured limb venous blood hematocrit during hypertonic infusions was similar to that during control isotonic infusions. All 60 hypertonic infusions evoked an increase in limb blood flow and decrease in limb vascular resistance as compared to "resting" values during paired control isotonic NaCl infusions. There was a significant (P .05). The results of these studies indicate that the local vascular response to hypertonicity in the limb of man is a decrease in resistance, the magnitude of which is a function of the level of plasma osmolarity and the level of initial limb resistance. The steady-state responses to hypertonic dextrose are quantitatively similar to those to hypertonic NaCl.
Social conflict and alternative mass communications: public art and politics in the service of Spanish-Basque nationalism

Abstract. Mass communication is multi-dimensional. One often overlooked alternative medium of mass communication, when it is systematic and not random, is public art - murals, graffiti, wall painting and posters. The linking of art and politics has precedents in Basque culture. It is the thesis of this article that public art is an important factor in the political communication process in the Basque region, that Basque nationalists, especially radical Basques revolving around the ETA movement, have used public art as one source for increasing visibility, raising consciousness, and building a mass based movement. What is particular about Basque nationalism is that it is a cultural-political movement, a reawakening from a ‘culture of silence’ induced by the Franco regime. Today, public art is an accepted channel for communicating the gamut of socio-political issues relevant to the social conflict in the Basque homeland.
Control of the Cattle Louse, Bovicola Bovis Linn. (Mallophaga, Trichodectidae)

All breeds of cattle are subject to infestation by the little red cattle louse but those having an oily coat are infested to a lesser degree than those which have a drier coat. Bovicola Bovis Linn. may be controlled by applications of sodium fluoride or finely powdered inert dusts. The incubation period is nine days.
Usefulness of Transesophageal Echocardiography to Confirm Clinical Utility of CHA2DS2-VASc and CHADS2 Scores in Atrial Flutter

The CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and CHADS 2 risk stratification schemes are used to predict thromboembolism and ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, limited data are available regarding the utility of these risk stratification schemes for stroke in patients with atrial flutter. A retrospective analysis of 455 transesophageal echocardiographic studies in patients with atrial flutter was performed to identify left atrial (LA) thrombi and/or spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC). The CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years [doubled risk weight], Diabetes mellitus, previous Stroke/transient ischemic attack [doubled risk weight], Vascular disease, Age 65 to 74 years, Sex) and CHADS 2 (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years, Diabetes mellitus, previous Stroke/transient ischemic attack [double risk weight]) scores were calculated to stratify the risk of stroke or transient cerebrovascular ischemic events. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed LA thrombi in 5.3% and SEC in 25.9% of patients. Using CHADS 2 , LA thrombus was found in 2.2% of the low–intermediate-risk group and 8.3% of the high-risk group (p = 0.005). SEC was found in 19.8% of the low–intermediate-risk group and 32% of the high-risk group (p = 0.004). Using CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc, LA thrombus was found in 1.7% of the low–intermediate-risk group and 6.5% of the high-risk group (p = 0.053). SEC was found in 11.8% of the low–intermediate-risk group versus 30.9% of the high-risk group (p = 0.004). The sensitivity for LA thrombus/SEC with a high CHADS 2 and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score was 64.8% and 88.7%, respectively (p = 0.0001). The specificity for LA thrombus/SEC with high CHADS 2 and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores was 52.6% and 28.9%, respectively (p = 0.0001). In conclusion, both CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and CHADS 2 scores are useful for stroke risk stratification in patients with atrial flutter. CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc had greater sensitivity for LA thrombus and SEC detection at the cost of reduced specificity.
Theoretical brightness temperature profiles of atmospheric pure H2 rotational quadrupole lines: Jupiter and Uranus

With the advent of high-resolution instruments and their use high above most of the telluric water vapor, the hydrogen pure rotational quadrupole lines at 28, 17, and 12 microns from the atmospheres of the outer planets may be observed. Best values for the line strengths, pressure-broadening coefficients, diffusion constants, and pressure shifts for these rotational transitions are calculated. The collisionally narrowed Galatry profile is used to calculate brightness temperature line profiles for these H2 transitions for the outer planets, Jupiter and Uranus. The effects of the H2 rotational-translational continuum and of the NH3 v2 band are also included.
Unloader Knee Braces for Osteoarthritis: Do Patients Actually Wear Them?

Background Unloader braces are a nonsurgical approach for predominantly unicompartmental knee arthritis. Although noninvasive, braces are expensive and it is unclear whether clinical factors, if any, will predict regular brace use.
Opening Doors: Understanding School and Family Influences on Family Involvement

Family involvement in schooling can benefit young children, teachers, and families. Family involvement in schools can be influenced by both school-related and family-related factors. School-related factors include teachers’ attitudes toward families, and school and teacher expectations. Family-related factors include ethnicity, prior school experiences, and family work schedules. Teachers who recognize and understand these influences can employ a variety of strategies to facilitate the involvement of families in the school experience of young children.
THE IMPACT OF GENDER ON THE CALCIFICATION IN THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

Cardiovascular calcification (CVC) of the coronary arteries, aorta, aortic valve, and mitral annulus is considered an actively regulated process as opposed to diffuse atherosclerosis. However, the distribution of CVC in the elderly population and the associated risk factors have not been well
First-order perturbative Hamiltonian equations of motion for a point particle orbiting a Schwarzschild black hole

We formulate a spherical harmonically decomposed 1+1 scheme to self-consistently evolve the trajectory of a point particle and its gravitational metric perturbation to a Schwarzschild background spacetime. Following the work of Moncrief, we write down an action for perturbations in spacetime geometry, combine that with the action for a point particle moving through this spacetime, and then obtain Hamiltonian equations of motion for metric perturbations, the particle’s coordinates, as well as its canonical momenta. Hamiltonian equations for the metric perturbation and their conjugate momenta, for even and odd parities, reduce to Zerilli-Moncrief and Regge-Wheeler master equations with source terms, which are gauge invariant, plus auxiliary equations that specify the gauge. Hamiltonian equations for the particle, on the other hand, now include effect of metric perturbations—with these new terms derived from the same interaction Hamiltonian that lead to those well-known source terms. In this way, spacetime geometry and particle motion can be evolved in a self-consistent manner, in principle in any gauge. However, the point-particle nature of our source requires regularization, and we outline how the Detweiler-Whiting approach can be applied. In this approach, a singular field can be obtained analytically using the Hadamard decomposition of the Green’s function and the regular field, which needs to be evolved numerically, is the result of subtracting the singular field from the total metric perturbation. In principle, any gauge that has the singular-regular field decomposition is suitable for our self-consistent scheme. In reality, however, this freedom is only possible if our singular field has a high enough level of smoothness. For a singular field with a minimum quality, one can adopt the Lorenz gauge condition, which we have recast into our formalism: for each l and m, we have two wave equations to evolve odd and even parity gauge invariant quantities and eigh first-order differential equations to fix the Lorenz gauge and determine the metric components.
Packet-based algorithms for stepping-stone detection with chaff perturbation

Network intruders usually launch attacks indirectly by constructing a long connection via intermediary hosts, called stepping-stones, to hide their identities. In order to detect this type of malicious behavior, it is necessary to identify whether a host has been used as a stepping-stone. More sophisticated intruders even add extra superfluous packets, called chaff packets, to evade detection. In this paper, we introduce the packet-based approach to detect stepping-stones with chaff perturbation based on the range of a random walk model. Two algorithms, size-fluctuation and transformation, are proposed for this approach to distinguish the stepping-stone connections from the normal connections. The results show that both algorithms are able to identify the stepping-stone connections effectively under a larger number of chaff perturbation and with fewer monitored packets than the existing methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies of a mesospheric sodium guidestar pumped by continuous-wave sum-frequency mixing of two Nd:YAG laser lines in lithium triborate

Mesospheric sodium guidestar radiance is plotted vs. wavelength, fasor power, fasor polarization and date. Peak radiance for circular polarization was about 7000 photons/sec/cm 2 (V 1 magnitude = 5.1) for 30 watts of pump power in November of 2005. Pumping with circular polarization at high power produces about 2 times more return than linear polarization. Pumping D2a at high power produces about 12 times more return than pumping D2b. A lidar equation is used to determine column density. Estimated maximum possible guidestar radiance is about 3 times greater than measured values. Guidestar radiance may be saturated by atoms becoming trapped in F'=1 and atomic recoil.
The role of mesoglea in mass cell movement in Hydra.

Abstract Grafting experiments on H. viridis were performed to determine whether the epitheliomuscular cells of the epidermis and the digestive cells of the gastrodermis normally moved independently. In one set of experiments testes were employed as an epidermal marker and the border between algae-laden and algae-depleted digestive cells as a gastrodermal marker. Testes were often observed to move proximally at a faster rate than the border. In another set of experiments composite animals were made from normal and C 14 -labeled animals. Autoradiograms often showed that the epitheliomuscular cells moved proximally faster than the digestive cells. Moreover, in H. pseudoligactis , the epitheliomuscular cells had more mitotic figures per unit area than the digestive cells. This independent movement and growth makes it impossible to imagine the mesoglea as a “cement” holding the two cell layers together. Mesogleas were isolated in order to see if they had properties consistent with their being a substratum for cell movement. They were found to be elastic and tough and to retain the cylindrical shape of the organism even in the absence of cells. A collagen-like protein is present in the mesoglea as shown by the conditions for its extraction, by the behavior of its heat-denatured products on disc electrophoresis, and by the presence of hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline. The role of mesoglea as an endoskeleton in Hydra is discussed.
The control hypothesis and recurring versus accumulated free cash flow

This paper offers and investigates the hypothesis that managers are motivated to control accumulated free cash flows, as well as to control the recurring component from operations as suggested in Jensen's (1986, 1988) theory on agency behavior and control. Such managers may be willing to sacrifice a portion of the recurring component of free cash flow in the form of additional interest expense, as well as to incur the additional monitoring by capital markets, in exchange for control over a greater level of accumulated free cash flow in the form of cash and equivalents. Partial support for this hypothesis is observed for a sample of acquisition targets possessing poison pill defenses, which enhances the likelihood of the required agency behavior. Target firms are observed to have above-average levels of capital expenditures, cash and equivalents, and debt. When regressed on premiums offered to target shareholders, however, only the target debt level is found to be significant.
The cytoskeleton, cellular motility and the reductionist agenda

Eukaryotic cells depend on cytoskeletal polymers and molecular motors to establish their asymmetrical shapes, to transport intracellular constituents and to drive their motility. Cell biologists are using diverse experimental approaches to understand the molecular basis of cellular movements and to explain why defects in the component proteins cause disease. Much of the molecular machinery for motility evolved in early eukaryotes, so a limited set of general principles can explain the motility of most cells.