cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Durable Hematological and Major Cytogenetic Response in a Patient with Isolated 20q Deletion Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treated with Lenalidomide

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal bone marrow disorder characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis. It is characterized by peripheral blood cytopenia and significant risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia result. Deletion of the long arm of chromosome 20 (20q deletion) is present in 3–7% of patients with MDS. Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory agent with antiangiogenic activity. It is FDA approved for the treatment of anemia in patients with low or int-1 risk MDS with chromosome 5q deletion with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities. Study of lenalidomide in patients with MDS without 5q deletion but other karyotypic abnormalities demonstrated meaningful activity in transfusion dependent patients; however, response of patients with isolated 20q deletion to lenalidomide is not known. We are reporting a patient with 20q deletion MDS treated with lenalidomide after he failed to respond to azacytidine; to our knowledge this is the first report of a patient with isolated 20q deletion treated with lenalidomide.
Environmental Federalism at Decade's End: New Approaches and Strategies

This article examines several recent trends in environmental policy that may have important effects over the next decade on federal-state relations and on the nation's environmental quality. It focuses on the Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to "reinvent" environmental regulation and to encourage community-based environmental protection as a more effective and acceptable approach to environmental policy. We consider the extent to which these new directions are likely to improve relations between the federal government and states, localities, and the private sector, and to achieve desired levels of environmental protection in the United States. The new approaches are highly promising; yet they also face significant barriers to implementation. Congressional reform of the key statutes could lend muchneeded support to such efforts.
Submarine slopes and canyons on north side St. Croix Island

Abstract The slope of the sea floor down from the north side of St. Croix Island to the Virgin Island Basin, with an average declivity of 50%, is among the steepest scarps that have been surveyed to date. Apparently the north side of the island is cut off by a fault and virtually no shelf adjoins the land on this side. However, this fault scarp has one large canyon cut into it off the entrance to Christiansted Harbor seaward to a depth of 2600 m where it terminates above the base of the escarpment.
Antennas and propagation in the presence of metamaterials and other complex media: Computational electromagnetic advances and challenges

There have been significant advances in computational electromagnetics (CEM) in the last decade for a variety of antennas and propagation problems. Improvements in single frequency techniques including the finite element method (FEM), the fast mulitipole moment (FMM) method, and the method of moments (MoM) have led to significant simulation capabilities on basic computing platforms. Similar advances have occurred with time domain methods including finite difference time domain (FDTD) methods, time domain integral equation (TDIE) methods, and time domain finite element (TD-FEM) methods. Very complex radiating and scattering structures in the presence of complex materials have been modeled with many of these approaches. Many commercial products have been made available through the efforts of many individuals. The CEM simulators have enabled virtual EM test ranges that have led to dramatic improvements in our understanding of antennas and propagation in complex environments and to the realization of many of their important applications.
Service Advertising: a Framework to its Effectiveness

Highlights the need for services advertising to receive more attention from marketing practitioners.Adapts a previously‐developed classification scheme of services for advertising. Assesses service characteristics of relevance in advertising. Develops a series of guidelines for managers seeking to develop effective services advertising.
The vapor-pressure isotope effect for (CH3)2CO and (CD3)2CO from 206 to 333 K

Abstract Isotopic vapor-pressure differences between (CH3)2CO and (CD3)2CO have been measured by differential capacitance manometry. When combined with available absolute vapor pressures for (CH3)2CO the results may be expressed (206 to 333 K) as: 1n ( p H p D ) = 3642.6(K/T) 2 − 22.205(K/T) + 0.01129
Application of Hierarchical Matrices to Linear Inverse Problems in Geostatistics

Characterizing the uncertainty in the subsurface is an important step for exploration and extraction of natural resources, the storage of nuclear material and gasses such as natural gas or CO2 . Imaging the subsurface can be posed as an inverse problem and can be solved using the geostatistical approach [Kitanidis P.K. (2007) Geophys. Monogr. Ser. 171 , 19-30, doi:10.1029/171GM04; Kitanidis (2011) doi: 10.1002/9780470685853. ch4, pp. 71-85] which is one of the many prevalent approaches. We briefly describe the geostatistical approach in the context of linear inverse problems and discuss some of the challenges in the large-scale implementation of this approach. Using the hierarchical matrix approach, we show how to reduce matrix vector products involving the dense covariance matrix from 𝒪(m 2 ) to 𝒪(m log m ), where m is the number of unknowns. Combined with a matrix-free Krylov subspace solver, this results in a much faster algorithm for solving the system of equations that arise from the geostatistical approach. We illustrate the performance of our algorithm on an application, for monitoring CO2 concentrations using crosswell seismic tomography.
86 RESPONSIVITY OF MOTHER-INFANT INTERACTION (MIA) AFTER EXTENDED POSTPARTUM CONTACT (EPP)

Mother-infant EPP in other studies enhanced parenting quality. To study how EPP might do this, low-income women were randomly assigned to EPP (n=62) or control (C, n=90) postpartum (pp) beds. EPP pairs averaged 9.3 more hours together during the first 48 than C. MIA observation data collected @ 1,3,6,12 & 18 months (m) pp were examined for probability of transition @ 5 sec. intervals between 4 dyadic states of interaction: both (B), infant (I), mother (M), or neither (N) responding. 14 of 60 comparisons of EPP vs C response transition (RT) probabilities by ANOVA were reliably different @ .05 or less. RT more likely among C were: partner acting in isolation (M→I; 1,12 m), M dropping out (B→I; 3,6,12 m), M not responding (I→I; 3 m), cessation of exchange (B→N; 6,12 m) & M stops signaling (M→N; 6,12,18 m). RT more likely among EPP were continuation & initiation of coacting (B→B, 12 m; M→B, 12,18 m). Two prevalent C RT {B→I (M drops out), M→N (M ceases)} in this study characterized in other research early MIA of nonorganic failure-to-thrive dyads. Of the other RT distinguishing EPP & C dyadic exchange, the 2 (B→B, M→B) more prevalent in the EPP group reflect continuation of or transition into coacting. Conversely, RT more frequent in the C group were: partner acting in isolation (M→I), M failing to respond (I→I), & discontinuation of exchange (B→N). EPP appears to enhance parenting through an intermediary influence upon responsivity of MIA.
Comparative toxicity of Corexit® 7664 to the early life stages of four marine species

The toxicity of the oil dispersing agent Corexit® 7664 was evaluated using the early life stages of four California marine species: the red abalone (Haliotis rufescens), the topsmelt (Atherinops affinis), a mysid (Holmesimysis costata), and the giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera). Spiked-exposure, continuous-flow toxicity tests of 48–96 h were performed in triplicate in closed test chambers. Dispersant concentrations were measured by UV spectrophotometry. In terms of median-effect concentration, the order of test sensitivity was Haliotis>Atherinops>Holmesimysis>Macrocystis. NOEC data also showed Haliotis tests to be the most sensitive, with Macrocystis tests having similar values, followed by Atherinops and Holmesimysis tests, respectively. Toxicity of Corexit® 7664 was compared to that of Corexit® 9527, and the latter was found to be more toxic to all four species; interspecific rankings were similar for the two agents.
Perioperative coronary arterial spasm: Long-term follow-up☆

Six patients who survived episodes of coronary arterial spasm occurring immediately after coronary bypass grafting were followed up for 15 to 30 (mean 20) months after operation. In all patients coronary spasm occurred in an unobstructed dominant right coronary artery and caused inferior transmural ischemia. Sudden circulatory collapse occurred in five of the six patients as a consequence of acute coronary spasm. All patients were treated with nitroglycerin followed by nifedipine. No patient has had recurrent angina or other evidence of spontaneous coronary spasm since surgery. Cardiac catheterization studies, including ergonovine maleate testing, were repeated 3 to 12 months after surgery in five of the six patients. The right coronary artery and all bypass grafts were patent in all five. Four patients had new inferior wall motion abnormalities. Ergonovine provoked focal right coronary arterial spasm in one patient. It is concluded that manifestations of coronary spasm after myocardial revascularization range from asymptomatic S-T segment elevation to severe hypotension. These episodes of perioperative spasm may cause myocardial necrosis. Coronary spasm has not recurred in patients who survived perioperative spasm, but some patients may have a continued predisposition to development of coronary spasm late after surgery.
Differentiating appropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion and cerebral salt wasting: the common, uncommon, and misnamed.

Purpose of reviewCauses of hyponatremia in children include the syndrome of appropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion and cerebral salt wasting. The purpose of this review is to distinguish these possibilities, focusing on cerebral salt
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of classical and nonclassical 2-amino-4-oxo-5-substituted-6-methylpyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidines as dual thymidylate synthase and dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors.

We designed and synthesized a classical antifolate N-{4-[(2-amino-6-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)methyl]benzoyl}-l-glutamic acid 4 and 11 nonclassical analogues 5–15 as potential dual thymidylate synthase (TS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitors. The key intermediate in the synthesis was N-(4-chloro-6-methyl-5H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-2-yl)-2,2-dimethylpropanamide, 29, to which various 5-benzyl substituents were attached. For the classical analogue 4, the ester obtained from the N-benzylation reaction was deprotected and coupled with diethyl l-glutamate followed by saponification. Compound 4 was a potent dual inhibitor of human TS (IC50 = 46 nM, about 206-fold more potent than pemetrexed) and DHFR (IC50 = 120 nM, about 55-fold more potent than pemetrexed). The nonclassical analogues were marginal inhibitors of human TS, but four analogues showed potent T. gondii DHFR inhibition along with >100-fold selectivity compared to human DHFR.
Procedures for the collection of milk from the rat dam

Abstract Three procedures for the collection of milk from the rat dam were investigated. Before each procedure, dams were separated from their litters for either 4–6 or 22–24 hr and half received oxytocin injections (IP) prior to milking. The most productive and efficient milking procedure involved cannulation of the mammary tissue following 22–24 hr separations and oxytocin injections.
Feasibility of automating military's environmental operations

Abstract This paper focuses on analyses of the feasibility of telerobotic and autonomous systems in hazardous environments. The hazardous environments are divided into three missions: area clearance, removal of unexploded ordnance, and hazardous waste removal. This paper identifies the factors impacting military's missions on various operating systems. Then, a decision support system based on fuzzy logic is developed for studying these factors to determine the feasibility of automating military's environmental restoration operations. The last part of the paper provides a set of recommendations for technology policy development.
Exposure of mice to chronic hypoxia attenuates pulmonary arterial contractile responses to acute hypoxia by increases in extracellular hydrogen peroxide

Exposing mice to a chronic hypoxic treatment (10% oxygen, 21 days) that promotes pulmonary hypertension was observed to attenuate the pulmonary vasoconstriction response to acute hypoxia (HPV) both in vivo and in isolated pulmonary arteries. Since catalase restored the HPV response in isolated arteries, it appeared to be attenuated by extracellular hydrogen peroxide. Chronic hypoxia promoted the detection of elevated lung superoxide, extracellular peroxide, extracellular SOD expression, and protein kinase G (PKG) activation [based on PKG dimerization and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation], suggesting increased generation of extracellular peroxide and PKG activation may contribute to the suppression of HPV. Aorta from mice exposed to 21 days of hypoxia also showed evidence for extracellular hydrogen peroxide, suppressing the relaxation response to acute hypoxia. Peroxide appeared to partially suppress contractions to phenylephrine used in the study of in vitro hypoxic responses. Treatment of mice with the heme precursor δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA; 50 mg·kg−1·day−1) during exposure to chronic hypoxia was examined as a pulmonary hypertension therapy because it could potentially activate beneficial cGMP-mediated effects through promoting a prolonged protoporphyrin IX (PpIX)-elicited activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. ALA attenuated pulmonary hypertension, increases in both superoxide and peroxide, and the suppression of in vitro and in vivo HPV responses. ALA generated prolonged detectible increases in PpIX and PKG-associated phosphorylation of VASP, suggesting PKG activation may contribute to suppression of pulmonary hypertension and prevention of alterations in extracellular peroxide that appear to be attenuating HPV responses caused by chronic hypoxia.
Abstract A82: Localized tumor delivery of radiosensitizers and chemotherapeutics using ‘INCeRT’ implants.

In cancer therapy, effective delivery of the therapeutic plays a critical role in determining the success of the treatment planning system. In last decade, there is a major thrust in developing novel nanoparticles based delivery systems to improve the therapeutic benefits in cancer. An efficient delivery system should be able to target the diseased site with minimal systemic toxicity and a slow sustained release of the drug. Here, we have fabricated a nanoparticles based smart ‘INCeRT’ (Implantable Nanoplatform for Chemo-Radiation Therapy) implant for localized delivery of radiosensitizing nanoparticles/ drugs in prostate cancer in conjunction with brachytherapy. These implants are physically similar to the clinically used brachytherapy spacers but have the added capability of imaging and local drug delivery. We have fabricated INCeRT spacers with biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, PLGA (poly-(lactide-co-glycolide)) impregnated with nanoparticles encapsulating imaging probe (Cyanine 7.5) and chemotherapeutic drug, docetaxel (DTX). Using a similar approach, we have also fabricated PLGA spacers impregnated with high Z (atomic number) gold nanoparticles (Hi-Z-CuRE: High Z-Customizable Radiotherapy Enhancement) for effectively boosting the radiation dose locally. The morphology, composition and nanoparticle9s distribution inside the spacers was studied by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and EDS (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy). Further, preliminary in vivo imaging experiments with subcutaneous prostate cancer tumored mice implanted with INCeRT spacers showed a size dependent diffusion of nanoparticles from the spacers in the tumor matrix. Also, from in vivo therapeutic studies with these spacers showed a sustained and slow release of the DTX from the spacers and showed a better response in suppressing the tumor as opposed control mice with saline injections. Further experiments for studying the combined chemo-radiation therapy are underway. This new treatment approach would be of crucial benefit for patients with local relapse who require salvage radiotherapy but have reached their radiotherapy normal tissue dose limits. This work was supported partially by NSF-DGE-0965843, HHS/1U54CA151881 CORE1, 1R03 CA164645-01 and a seed grant from the BWH Biomedical Research Institute. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):A82. Citation Format: Rajiv Kumar, Jodi E. Belz, Stacey Markovic, Houari Korideck, Wilfred F. Ngwa, Mark Niedre, Ross I. Berbeco, Robert Cormack, Mike G. Makrigiorgos, Srinivas Sridhar. Localized tumor delivery of radiosensitizers and chemotherapeutics using ‘INCeRT’ implants. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A82.
The structure of La4Ti9O24 from synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction

Abstract The structure of La 4 Ti 9 O 24 has been solved ab initio from synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data, and the model refined using the Rietveld method. The material crystallizes in orthorhombic spacegroup Fddd (No. 70) with lattice parameters a = 14.1458 (1) A , b = 35.5267 (4) A and c = 14.5794 (1) A . Refinement proceeded to final agreement values of R p = 15.2% and R wp = 18.41%. The structure consists of a complex network of distorted, octahedrally-coordinated titanium sharing corners and edges with each other and linked by two six coordinated and one eight coordinated lanthanum atom. The distortions of the TiO 6 coordination polyhedra show some similarities to those seen in other titanate materials.
Acid‐catalyzed stereoselective heteronucleophilic substitution and racemization of 3‐O‐methyloxazepam and 3‐O‐ethyloxazepam

Enantiomers of 3-O-methyloxazepam (MeOX) and 3-O-ethyloxazepam (EtOX) were resolved by chiral stationary phase high-performance liquid chromatography (CSP-HPLC). Reaction kinetics and deuterium isotope effects of acid-catalyzed racemization of enantiomeric MeOX in ethanol and enantiomeric EtOX in methanol were studied by spectropolarimetry. The acid-catalyzed heteronucleophilic substitution reactions of racemic MeOX in ethanol and racemic EtOX in methanol were studied by reversed-phase HPLC. Thermodynamic parameters involved in the reactions were obtained by temperature-dependent reaction rates. The effects of solvent's dielectric constant on the heteronucleophilic substitution reactions were also determined. A nucleophilically solvated and transient C3 carbocation intermediate resulting from an N4-protonated enantiomer, derived from a 1,4-benzodiazcpine either in M (minus) or P (plus) conformation, is proposed to be an intermediate and responsible for the acid-catalyzed stereoselective nucleophilic substitution and the resulting racemization. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Self-association Properties of the Bacteriophage λ Terminase Holoenzyme: Implications for the DNA Packaging Motor

Terminases are enzymes common to complex double-stranded DNA viruses and are required for packaging of viral DNA into a protective capsid. Bacteriophage λ terminase holoenzyme is a hetero-oligomer composed of the A and Nu1 lambda gene products; however, the self-association properties of the holoenzyme have not been investigated systematically. Here, we report the results of sedimentation velocity, sedimentation equilibrium, and gel-filtration experiments studying the self-association properties of the holoenzyme. We find that purified, recombinant λ terminase forms a homogeneous, heterotrimeric structure, consisting of one gpA molecule associated with two gpNu1 molecules (114.2 kDa). We further show that λ terminase adopts a heterogeneous mixture of higher-order structures, with an average molecular mass of 528(±34) kDa. Both the heterotrimer and the higher-order species possess site-specific cos cleavage activity, as well as DNA packaging activity; however, the heterotrimer is dependent upon Escherichia coli integration host factor (IHF) for these activities. Furthermore, the ATPase activity of the higher-order species is ∼1000-fold greater than that of the heterotrimer. These data suggest that IHF bending of the duplex at the cos site in viral DNA promotes the assembly of the heterotrimer into a biologically active, higher-order packaging motor. We propose that a single, higher-order hetero-oligomer of gpA and gpNu1 functions throughout λ development.
Strategically Prophetic Priests: An Analysis of Competing Principal Influence on Clergy Political Action

We assess clergy political activism dynamics using data from a national survey of Roman Catholic priests. Like their elite counterparts in interest groups and other secular political institutions, clergy encounter expectations and demands from competing principals when determining how to publicly act on key political issues. Building on insights from decades of clergy politics scholarship, we leverage new perspectives of principal-based influence by examining how Catholic priest perception of both local parish finances and diocesan bishop expectations affect their reported political actions. Our findings are consistent with the notion that parish and bishop principals condition priest political behavior, controlling for priest ideology. However, priest political action proves more sensitive to parish financial concerns than bishop encouragement.
How Old is Earth, and How Do We Know?

Earth scientists have devised many complementary and consistent techniques to estimate the ages of geologic events. Annually deposited layers of sediments or ice document hundreds of thousands of years of continuous Earth history. Gradual rates of mountain building, erosion of mountains, and the motions of tectonic plates imply hundreds of millions of years of change. Radiometric dating, which relies on the predictable decay of radioactive isotopes of carbon, uranium, potassium, and other elements, provides accurate age estimates for events back to the formation of Earth more than 4.5 billion years ago. These and other dating techniques are mutually consistent and underscore the reality of “deep time” in Earth history.
Could the Internet Balkanize Science

The information explosion carried by the Internet represents a powerful technology, but at the same time, it carries risk. In their Perspective, Van Alstyne and Brynjolfsson argue that the ability to form global collaborations on the basis of scientific specialty could potentially diminish local interdisciplinary contact, which the authors dub “the balkanization of cyberspace.” Such balkanization is not inevitable, however, and depends on how scientists choose to use information technology. [Available as an Enhanced Perspective on Science Online with additional hypertext links and Internet resources]
Velocity structure of the shallow lunar crust

Data from the thumper shots of the Apollo 14 and Apollo 16 active seismic experiments, testing whether the velocity variation in the shallow lunar crust (depths less than or equal to 10 m) can be represented by a self-compacting-power-layer or by a constant-velocity-layer model, are analyzed. Although filtering and stacking improved the S/N ratios, it was found that measuring the arrival times or amplitudes of arrivals beyond 32 m was not possible. The data quality precluded a definitive distinction between the power-law velocity variation and the layered-velocity model. Furthermore, it was found that the shallow lunar regolith is made up of fine particles, which supports the idea of a 1/6 power-velocity model. Analysis of the amplitudes of first arrivals revealed large errors in the data due to variations in the geophone sensitivities and shot strengths; a least-squares method, that uses data redundancy was employed to eliminate them.
On spontaneous CP-violation in the Higgs sector

We consider the behaviour of the axion mass as a function of Higgs coupling constants. The analysis is significantly simplified when we identify the axion field with the phase difference of the Higgs neutral components. Spontaneous CP-violation is induced by VEV of the axion field. The estimation of the axion mass for any values of $\delta _{\rm CP}$ and $\tan \beta$ shows inconsistency of MSSM with the present experimental results.
Conductivity and Raman spectroscopy of new indium(I) and thallium(I) ionic conductors. In4CdI6, In2ZnI4, and Tl2ZnI4, and the related compound Tl4CdI6

Abstract The new compound Tl 2 ZnI 4 has been prepared and characterized by Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, and a partial binary phase diagram. The compounds In 4 CdI 6 , Tl 4 CdI 6 , and In 2 ZnI 4 , for which phase diagrams are available in the literature, were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and their identities were confirmed by elemental analyses and X-ray powder diffraction. Each of these materials, except Tl 4 CdI 6 , undergoes a sharp order-disorder phase transition at elevated temperatures that can be detected by the measurement of Raman spectra as a function of temperature. Conductivity measurements as a function of temperature, using both reversible and blocking electrodes, reveal a high ionic conductivity in the disordered, high-temperature phase. This work suggests that indium(I) and thallium(I) ionic conductors may exist, analogous to some well-known double salt conductors based on simple silver(I) and copper(I) halides. In addition, the present study demonstrates the usefulness of Raman spectroscopy in the characterization of heavy-metal ionic conductors.
Tracing the origin of fine-grained fluvial sediment using radionuclides with management implications

Abstract This paper reports a study of the origin of fine-grained river sediments and their potential impact to a reservoir that supplies drinking water. Excess sediment may affect water quality and decrease the storage capacity of the reservoir. Three sediment cores were taken in 2011 from the Rockaway River in New Jersey that leads into the reservoir to determine the sources of the sediment and propose remediation actions. The coring sites spanned an area upstream in the watershed to just above the reservoir, and the sites varied in land use. Sediment was analyzed in one to two centimeter intervals to determine the radionuclide activity of excess 210 Pb and 137 Cs. The sediment activity level at two of the sites (the ones farthest up- and downstream) show predominantly low levels of excess 210 Pb and 137 Cs, suggesting that the sediment is coming from deeper sources such as river channel widening/lateral migration and hillslope failures and/or legacy sediment sources. The sediment from site 2 exhibited higher activity of excess 210 Pb, suggesting more surficial sources of sediment or relatively recent sediments and likely tied to widespread urbanization. The different radionuclide profiles between the cores suggest spatial variation in the sediments’ sources, with the sources varying between surficial and deeper ones. Establishing the origin of this sediment would help to derive management solutions to lessen sediment delivery, stabilize and/or remove legacy sediment supplies to minimize downstream impacts.
Model of early lunar differentiation.

Suggestion that Fe-S (fescon) segregation plays a major role in the early chemical and physical history not only of the moon but of other terrestrial planets as well. A model of early lunar differentiation is described which can be tested in future lunar missions. Seismic studies bearing on the interior structure of the moon should in principle detect the Fe-S layer and the fescons.
The string tension, confinement and roughening in SU(3) hamiltonian lattice gauge theory

Abstract Hamiltonian strong coupling expansions for the string tension and β-functions of SU(3) lattice gauge theory are presented to O(g−24) in 3 + 1 and 2 + 1 dimensions. The 3 + 1 dimensional theory is seen to have a weak coupling region 0 ⩽ g ⩽ 1.05, a narrow crossover region, 1.05 ⩽ g ⩽ 1.50, and a strong coupling region, g ⩾ 1.50. These features follow from the series without the use of extrapolation methods. The numerical relation between the string tension T and Λmom is obtained, T =(2.50±0.50) Λ mom in good agreement with recent computer simulations. The width of the flux tube is computed to O(g−20) and we find evidence for its divergence (“roughening”) at a coupling g≲ 1.02, inside the weak coupling regime.
A new mouse model of pancreatic cancer: PTEN gets its Akt together

PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) is a negative regulator of the oncogenic PI3-K/Akt signaling pathway. Loss-of-function mutations of PTEN are seen in several human solid cancers. A murine model of conditional Pten inactivation in the pancreas is described that leads to acquisition of a profound metaplastic ductal phenotype accompanied by loss of differentiated acinar units. Evidence is presented for a centroacinar cell origin of the metaplastic "neoductules." These mice also develop invasive pancreatic adenocarcinomas at a low frequency, and provide a unique in vivo platform for exploring the role of PI3-K/Akt signaling in pancreatic neoplasia.
Acyclic, orally bioavailable ketone-based cathepsin K inhibitors.

Abstract Starting from a potent ketone-based inhibitor with poor drug properties, incorporation of P2–P3 elements from a ketoamide-based inhibitor led to the identification of a hybrid series of ketone-based cathepsin K inhibitors with better oral bioavailability than the starting ketone.
Using Ecological Land Units for Conservation Planning in a Southwestern Ohio Watershed

ABSTRACT: A Geographic Information System was used to assess the representation of ecological land units (ELUs) both within and external to the current preserve network of the Lower Twin Creek Watershed (LTCW), southwestern Ohio. ELUs were classified using multivariate and cluster analyses on forest canopy tree species and seven physiographic and soil variables derived from digital elevation models and a soil series map. Cluster analysis of the five most significant variables (landform, soil drainage, hillshade, curvature, and percent slope) influencing vegetation distribution resulted in nine discrete ELUs. They included uplands dominated by Fagus grandifolia-Acer saccharum, dry slopes dominated by Quercus spp.-Carya ovata, mesic slopes dominated by a mixed mesophytic community, and wet floodplains dominated by Platanus occidentalis-Populus deltoldes. The area of forest in each ELU in the preserve network was compared to the area of forest in each ELU in the watershed as a whole and the potential natural...
A regression model of the heteroscedastic error variance

Abstract We introduce a regression model of the heteroscedastic error variance. A repetitive use of the least squares method is shown to provide the best linear unbiased estimator of the parameter vector of the model.
Radiofrequency catheter ablation of inappropriate sinus tachycardia guided by activation mapping.

Abstract OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of activation mapping for radiofrequency modification of the sinus node and the long-term success rate of the procedure in a series of patients with inappropriate sinus tachycardia. BACKGROUND The results of radiofrequency ablation of inappropriate sinus tachycardia have been reported in only a small number of patients. METHODS The subjects of this study were 29 consecutive drug-refractory patients who underwent catheter ablation of inappropriate sinus tachycardia. Target sites were selected by activation mapping during sinus tachycardia. RESULTS The ablation procedure was successful acutely in reducing the baseline sinus rate to 20% in 22 of 29 patients (76%). In 13 of 22 patients (59%) with a successful acute outcome, successive applications of radiofrequency energy at the site of earliest endocardial activation resulted in a cranial-caudal migration of earliest endocardial activation from the high lateral right atrium, along with a step-wise reduction in heart rate. In the other nine patients (41%) with a successful acute outcome, the reduction in sinus rate occurred abruptly, unaccompanied by migration of the site of earliest activation. Symptoms due to inappropriate sinus tachycardia recurred at a mean of 4.4±; 3 months after the ablation procedure in 6 of 22 patients (27%). After additional procedures in three patients, symptoms of inappropriate sinus tachycardia ultimately were successfully eliminated over the long-term in 19 of 29 patients (66%). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, radiofrequency ablation is at best only modestly effective for managing patients with inappropriate sinus tachycardia. The two different responses of heart rate to radiofrequency ablation may reflect differences in the number and/or multicentricity of subsidiary sites of impulse generation within the sinus node and/or atrium in patients with inappropriate sinus tachycardia.
Progress toward submicron hard x-ray imaging using elliptically bent mirrors and its applications

The authors have developed an x-ray micro-probe facility utilizing mirror bending techniques that allow white light x-rays (4--12keV) from the Advanced light Source Synchrotron to be focused down to spot sizes of micron spatial dimensions. They have installed a 4 crystal monochromator prior to the micro-focusing mirrors. The monochromator is designed such that it can move out of the way of the input beam, and allows the same micron sized sample to be illuminated with either white or monochromatic radiation. Illumination of the sample with white light allows for elemental mapping and Laue x-ray diffraction, while illumination of the sample with monochromatic light allows for elemental mapping (with reduced background), micro-X-ray absorption spectroscopy and micro-diffraction. The performance of the system will be described as will some of the initial experiments that cover the various disciplines of Earth, Material and Life Sciences.
Space propulsion technology overview

Chemical and electric propulsion technologies for operations beyond the shuttle's orbit with focus on future mission needs and economic effectiveness is discussed. The adequacy of the existing propulsion state-of-the-art, barriers to its utilization, benefit of technology advances, and the prognosis for advancement are the themes of the discussion. Low-thrust propulsion for large space systems is cited as a new technology with particularly high benefit. It is concluded that the shuttle's presence for at least two decades is a legitimate basis for new propulsion technology, but that this technology must be predicted on an awareness of mission requirements, economic factors, influences of other technologies, and real constraints on its utilization.
A DEA approach for model combination

This paper proposes a novel Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) based approach for model combination. We first prove that for the 2-class classification problems DEA models identify the same convex hull as the popular ROC analysis used for model combination. For general k-class classifiers, we then develop a DEA-based method to combine multiple classifiers. Experiments show that the method outperforms other benchmark methods and suggest that DEA can be a promising tool for model combination.
Aqueous silane-surfactant co-dispersions for deposition of hydrophobic coatings onto pre-oxidized polysilicon

Abstract The application of hydrophobic coatings onto pre-oxidized polysilicon substrates is an effective method to prevent or reduce “release” as well as “in-use” stiction in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). A chemical system consisting of a commercially available water dispersible silane (Siliclad®) has previously been shown to be useful in rendering polysilicon surfaces hydrophobic. In this paper, the improvement of the stability of such a chemical system is described. The objectives of the work reported in this paper are: (1) to characterize the stability of the organosilane in aqueous solutions under conditions suitable for the formation of hydrophobic coatings and (2) to investigate the influence of cationic surfactants on gelation rate of silane dispersions, on the adsorption of organosilane molecules onto pre-oxidized polysilicon and on the hydrophobic character of the coatings. Additionally, the effect of chain length and concentration for a series of alkyltrimethylammonium (C12,C14,C16) bromide surfactants on dispersion stability has been investigated.
Potential for escape of live boll weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) into cottonseed, motes, and cleaned lint at the cotton gin

Reintroductions of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, into areas of the United States where it has been eradicated or suppressed are very expensive to mitigate. There is concern that a cotton gin in an eradication zone may serve as a site of boll weevil reintroductions when processing cotton harvested in a neighboring infested zone. Similarly, there is a question whether weevil-free areas can safely import gin products, such as cottonseed and baled lint, from infested areas without risking an introduction. Many countries require fumigation of imported U.S. cotton bales to protect against boll weevil introductions, costing the U.S. cotton industry millions of dollars annually. In previously reported experiments, we quantified the potential for boll weevils to survive passage through precleaning machinery in the gin. In this study, we quantified survival potential of boll weevils passing through the gin stand and segregating into the cottonseed, mote, or lint fractions. We also examined boll weevil survival when passed with ginned lint through a lint cleaner. We present a flow chart of experimentally determined survival potentials of boll weevils passing through the various subprocesses of the gin, from which one can calculate the risk of a live boll weevil reaching any point in the process. Our data show that there is virtually no chance of a boll weevil being segregated alive into the cottonseed or of one surviving in the lint to approach the bale press. Therefore, quarantine or fumigation of cottonseed and cotton bales to guard against boll weevil introductions is unnecessary.
Behavioral, but not reward, risk modulates activation of prefrontal, parietal, and insular cortices.

Risky decisions may involve uncertainty about possible outcomes (i.e., reward risk) or uncertainty about which action should be taken (i.e., behavioral risk). Determining whether different forms of risk have distinct neural correlates is a central goal of neuroeconomic research. In two functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments, subjects viewed shapes that had well-learned response-reward contingencies. Magnitude of a monetary reward was held constant within one experiment, whereas expected value was held constant within the other. Response selection, in the absence of behavioral risk, evoked activation within a broad set of brain regions, as had been found in prior studies. However, behavioral risk additionally modulated activation in prefrontal, parietal, and insular regions, within which no effect of reward risk was observed. Reward delivery, in comparison with omission, evoked increased activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens. We conclude that distinct brain systems are recruited for the resolution of different forms of risk.
A scalable hybrid routing architecture with Off-Network Control Processing for very large sensor networks

This paper presents a novel architectural solution to address the problem of scalable routing in very large sensor networks. We develop a routing solution off-network control processing (ONCP) that achieves control scalability in large sensor networks by shifting certain amount of routing functions to an ldquooff-networkrdquo server. A tiered and hybrid routing approach, consisting of ldquocoarse grainrdquo global routing, and distributed ldquofine grainrdquo local routing is proposed for achieving scalability by avoiding network wide control message dissemination. We present the ONCP architectural concepts and analytically characterize its performance in relations to both flat and hierarchical sensor routing architectures. We also show ns2 based experimental results indicating that for large sensor networks with realistic data models, the packet drop, latency and energy performance of ONCP can be significantly better than those for flat and cluster-based protocols.
Tradeoffs Between Directed and Autonomous Driving on the Mars Exploration Rovers

NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) have collected a great diversity of geological science results, thanks in large part to their surface mobility capabilities. The six wheel rocker/bogie mobility system provides driving capabilities in a range of terrain types, while the onboard IMU measures actual rover attitude changes (roll, pitch and yaw, but not position) quickly and accurately. Four stereo camera pairs provide accurate position knowledge and/or terrain assessment. Solar panels generally provide enough energy to drive the vehicle for at most four hours each day, but drive time is often restricted by other planned activities. Driving along slopes in nonhomogeneous terrain injects unpredictable amounts of slip into each drive. These restrictions led to the creation of driving strategies that alternately use more or less onboard autonomy, to maximize drive speed and distance at the cost of increased complexity in the sequences of commands built by human Rover Planners each day. Commands to the MER vehicles are typically transmitted at most once per day, so mobility operations are encoded as event-driven sequences of individual motion commands. Motions may be commanded using quickly-executing Directed commands which perform only reactive motion safety checks (e.g., real-time current limits, maximum instantaneous vehicle tilt limit), slowly-executing position measuring Visual Odometry (VisOdom) commands, which use images to accurately update the onboard position estimate, or slow-to-medium speed Autonomous Navigation (AutoNav) commands, which use onboard image processing to perform predictive terrain safety checks and optional autonomous Path Selection. In total, the MER rovers have driven more than 10 kilometers over Martian terrain during their first 21 months of operation using these basic modes. In this paper we describe the strategies adopted for selecting between human-planned Directed drives versus rover-adaptive Autonomous Navigation, Visual Odometry and Path Selection drives.
Atomistic study of energy and structure of surfaces in NiO

The structure and energy of surfaces in NiO have been studied by atomistic calculations employing short range Buckingham potentials fitted to properties of NiO. The polarizability of lattice anions is included by using the shell model. The results show that the surface energy depends strongly on surface orientation, and the 100 surface has the lowest energy. Surfaces with higher energy prefer to reconstruct into 100 facets to lower their energy and to stabilize their structure.
Identification of SVC dynamics using wide area signals in a power system

This paper presents the design of a wide area monitor (WAM) using remote area signals, such as speed deviations of generators in a power network, for identifying online the dynamics of a static var compensator (SVC). The design of the WAM is studied on the 12 bus FACTS benchmark system recently introduced. A predict-correct method is used to enhance the performance of the WAM during online operation. Simulation results are presented to show that WAM can correctly identify the dynamics of SVC in a power system for small and large disturbances. Such WAMs can be applied in the design of adaptive SVC controllers for damping interarea oscillations in power networks.
Approaches to the analysis of fatness changes and continuity.

As shown in repeat fatfold and weight measurements of 2,333 18.5–45 year old adults from the Tecumseh (Mich) Community Health Study, fractionation into fatness groupings ("lean,” “medium” and “obese") provides more detailed and useful information on individual changes in fatness than is revealed by the simple correlation (r). So analyzed, it can be shown that the majority of lean individuals of both sexes remain lean over nearly a decade but that a small proportion of the initially lean (about 12 percent in females) may actually become obese. Conversely, while initially obese individuals tend to remain fatter than the initially lean or the initially medium, a surprisingly large proportion (68 percent) of obese males are less than obese some ten years later. These more detailed analyses further suggest the possibility of a hard‐core “intractable” obese as contrasted with a labile or transient obesity‐grouping, a possibility of clinical interest and population relevance.
AMPKα2 Suppresses Murine Embryonic Fibroblast Transformation and Tumorigenesis

AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) is a key metabolic sensor and stress signaling kinase. AMPK activity is known to suppress anabolic processes such as protein and lipid biosynthesis and promote energy-producing pathways including fatty acid oxidation, resulting in increased cellular energy. In addition, AMPK localizes to centrosomes during cell division, plays a role in cellular polarization, and directly targets p53, affecting apoptosis. Two distinct catalytic AMPKα isoforms exist: α1 and α2. Multiple reports indicate that both common and distinct functions exist for each of the 2 α isoforms. AMPK activation has been shown to repress tumor growth, and it has been suggested that AMPK may function as a metabolic tumor suppressor. To evaluate the potential role of each of the AMPKα isoforms in modulating cellular transformation, susceptibility to Ras-induced transformation was evaluated in normal murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) obtained from genetically deleted AMPKα1- or AMPKα2-null mice. This study demonstrated that while AMPKα1 is the dominant AMPK isoform expressed in MEFs, only the AMPKα2-null MEFs displayed increased susceptibility to H-RasV12 transformation in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo. Conversely, AMPKα1-null MEFs, which demonstrated compensation with increased expression of AMPKα2, displayed minimal transformation susceptibility, decreased cell survival, decreased cell proliferation, and increased apoptosis. Finally, this study demonstrates that AMPKα2 was selectively responsible for targeting p53, thus contributing to the suppression of transformation and tumorigenic mechanisms.
Theory and statistics of detecting synergism between two active drugs: cocaine and buprenorphine

This article discusses the theory and statistical aspects in the design and analysis of experiments to detect synergism between two drugs that produce overtly similar effects. The current analysis extends and simplifies previously published work in this area. Application is made to a study by Kimmel et al. in this issue that examined the combined action of buprenorphine and cocaine in producing turning in rats having unilateral nigrostriatal lesions produced by 6-hydroxydopamine. The use of turning as an endpoint is unusual in quantitative studies of synergism in that no clear maximum effect (turning), could be elicited. Data from the turning study are analyzed statistically and reveal that the combination of buprenorphine and cocaine in each of two fixed ratio mixtures tested is synergistic for this effect.