cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Binding specificity of a monoclonal antibody to human Hb A.

HemoCardTM kits use monoclonal antibody-conjugated metal sol particles in an immuno-concentration assay. The HemoCard Hbs S, C, and E kits detect the three most common hemoglobin variants in both adult and newborn samples. The HemoCard Hb A kit can be used in conjunction with HemoCard Hbs S and C (but not HemoCard Hb E) to distinguish heterozygotes from homozygotes. We examined the antigen-binding domain of a monoclonal antibody to Hb A by testing samples from human and animal sources. We confirmed that the Hb A conjugate recognizes an epitope in which glutamic acid at beta 6 is necessary to provide the proper conformation for binding. This binding is not affected by substitutions at positions directly adjacent to beta 6. However, extensive substitutions in the primary sequence (e.g. in chicken, beta 6: glutamic acid, substitutions at beta 3, beta 5, beta 9, beta 10, beta 11) may produce conformational changes, resulting in diminished binding.
New Catalysts for the Conversion of Cumene Hydroperoxide into Phenol

Abstract Several copper and iron salts are good catalysts for the conversion of cumene hydroperoxide into phenol. © 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
What the primary care pediatrician should know about syndromes associated with exposures to mycotoxins

Disease associated with exposure to mycotoxins is known as the "Great Masquerader" of the 21st century because of its complex natural history involving different tissues and resembling different diseases at each stage in its evolution. It can present with a variety of nonspecific clinical signs and symptoms such as rash, conjunctivitis, epistaxis, apnea, cough, wheezing, nausea, and vomiting. Some cases of vomiting illness, bone marrow failure, acute pulmonary hemorrhage, and recurrent apnea and/or "pneumonia" are associated with exposure to mycotoxins. Familiarity with the symptoms of exposure to the major classes of mycotoxins enables the clinician to ask pertinent questions about possible fungal exposures and to remove the infant or child from the source of exposure, which could be contaminated food(s), clothing and furniture, or the indoor air of the home. Failure to prevent recurrent exposure often results in recurrent illness. A variety of other conditions, including hepatocellular and esophageal cancer and neural tube defects, are associated with consumption of foods contaminated with mycotoxins. Awareness of the short- and long-term consequences of exposures to these natural toxins helps pediatricians to serve as better advocates for children and families.
An Improved Solution of Electrodynamics Equations for Corona Discharge Using Explicit Artificial Viscosity

A computational effort is undertaken to demonstrate how the numerical solution of electrodynamics equations may lead to a distorted solution. The computations are performed on geometries with circular and triangular cross sections using structured and unstructured grids. In addition, an analytical solution is presented for the circular geometry. It is demonstrated that the solution of the charge density equation suffers from dispersion errors. This leads to distorted values of charge density, which may distort the electric body forces and eventually affect the secondary flows generated by these forces. It is found that adding a judicious amount of artificial viscosity rectifies the problem.
Strength training for women : Debunking myths that block opportunity

Traditional gender roles and differences in absolute strength have resulted in misconceived approaches to strength training for women. Male physiology, more than hormones, explains men's superior absolute strength. When other measures of strength are used, such as strength relative to cross-sectional area of muscle, the strength of men and women is nearly equal. Women who practice the same well-designed strength training programs as men benefit from bone and soft-tissue modeling, increased lean body mass, decreased fat, and enhanced self-confidence.
A Longitudinal Case Study of ALS: Effects of Listener Familiarity and Proficiency on Intelligibility Judgments

This study describes the effects of listener proficiency and familiarization on judgments of speech intelligibility and speech severity associated with a progressive dysarthria. Speech performance was followed longitudinally for 39 months postdiagnosis for a man with ALS. The subject’s spouse served as a highly familiar listener whose speech severity and intelligibility judgments were compared to those of 24 unfamiliar listener-judges. The expected superior ratings of the spouse over the unfamiliar listeners became especially evident at 20 months postdiagnosis when the speech disorder was moderately severe. That is, the advantage of familiarity evolved over time and reached its maximum when the speech impairment was marked. Results for the unfamiliar listener group illustrated that differences among judges represented large individual variations in listener proficiency. These results have clinical significance in that they suggest the use of a practice standard for progressive dysarthria that includes spe...
Complications dawn for kinetochore regulation by Aurora

Organisms must faithfully segregate their chromosomes during cell division; mistakes in this process can be costly and even fatal to the organism (1, 2). During mitosis, replicated chromosomes attach to the spindle, a dynamic system of microtubules organized around two poles. Chromosomes attach to the spindle via kinetochores, structures that form on centromeres and bind the ends of microtubules. For accurate segregation, kinetochores on sister chromosomes must attach to microtubules from opposite poles; incorrect attachments lead to missegregation (3). In PNAS, Umbreit et al. (4) expand our understanding of how kinetochore–microtubule interactions can be regulated to correct improper attachments. The authors use in vitro studies to demonstrate that a component of the kinetochore, the Ndc80 complex, can directly influence the dynamics of the microtubules it is bound to and how the complex can be regulated to correct errors in chromosome attachment.
An analysis on interaction parameters of binary solid solutions

Abstract The interaction parameters of binary solid solutions have been analysed and the concept of total interaction parameter was proposed, which involves the paramagnetic-disordered , magnetic and ordered interaction parameters. In addition, a method of estimating paramagnetic-disordered interaction parameter from the experimental phase diagrams was presented and the parameters of the α phase in the Fe-Al and Fe-Cr binary systems were estimated.
Perturbation analysis of TK method for harmonic retrieval problems

The authors present a first-order perturbation analysis of the Tufts-Kumaresan (TK) (1980) method used to estimate frequencies of complex sinusoids in small additive noise. Several fundamental properties are presented and proved. Further illustrations are provided through numerical examples. >
Fourier transform infrared and second derivative ultraviolet spectrometry in determining polystyrene‐poly(4‐methylstyrene) blend composition

Polymer blend usage has increased in recent years as the blends provide a convenient means for modifying polymer properties. It is often necessary to determine the percents or ratios of the polymers present in a blend. One blend of interest is the immiscible blend of polystyrene (PS) and poly(4-methylstyrene) (P4MS). The percentages were determined by two methods: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and second derivative ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. The peak ratio versus percent polymer technique was used in both methods. For the FTIR, the ratio of the absorbance values for the out-of-plane CH para-substituted bending vibration of P4MS at 813 cm−1 and the out-of-plane monosubstituted CH bending vibration for PS at 757 cm−1 were ratioed. For derivative UV, the vibrational structures of the aromatic secondary bands were used: the 269 nm minimum for PS and 275 nm minimum for P4MS. The derivative UV method gave considerably better results and also had the advantage of requiring less sample due to its greater sensitivity. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3400–3403, 2006
Exploring Genetic Susceptibility to Cancer in Diverse Populations

Incidence rates for many cancers differ markedly by race/ethnicity and furthering our understanding of the genetic and environmental causes of such disparities is a scientific and public health need. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are widely acknowledged to provide important information about the etiology of common cancers. To date, these studies have been primarily conducted in European-derived populations. There are important reasons for extending the reach of GWAS studies to other groups and for conducting multiethnic genetic studies involving multiple populations and admixed populations. These include a (1) need to discover the full scope of variants that affect risk of disease in all populations, (2) furthering the understanding of disease pathways, and (3) to assist in fine-mapping of genetic associations by exploiting the differences in linkage disequilibrium between populations to narrow the range of marker alleles demarking regions that contain a true biologically relevant variant. Challenges to multiethnic studies relating to study power, control for hidden population structure, imputation, and use of shared controls for multiple cancer endpoints are discussed.
Non–anti-infective Effects of Antimicrobials and Their Clinical Applications: A Review

Abstract Antimicrobial agents are undoubtedly one of the key advances in the history of modern medicine and infectious diseases, improving the clinical outcomes of infection owing to their inhibitory effects on microbial growth. However, many antimicrobial agents also have biological activities stemming from their interactions with host receptors and effects on host inflammatory responses and other human or bacterial cellular biological pathways. These result in clinical uses of antimicrobial drugs that are distinct from their direct bacteriostatic or bactericidal properties. We reviewed the published literature regarding non–anti-infective therapeutic properties and proposed clinical applications of selected antimicrobials, specifically, macrolides, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and ketoconazole. The clinical applications reviewed were varied, and we focused on uses that were clinically relevant (in terms of importance and burden of disease) and where published evidence exists. Such uses include chronic inflammatory pulmonary and skin disorders, chronic periodontitis, gastrointestinal dysmotility, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. Most of these potential therapeutic uses are not Food and Drug Administration approved. Clinicians need to weigh the use of antimicrobial agents for their non–anti-infective benefits, considering potential adverse effects and long-term effect on microbial resistance.
A visible hand? Bond markets, political parties, balanced budget laws, and state government debt

Recent empirical work demonstrates that fiscal institutions in American states have real effects on state government bond rates, but the causal mechanisms have not been identified. We show how laws that restrict state governments' ability to carry forward a deficit improve the ability of investors to extract information from noisy signals. This affects the response of bond markets to repeated deficits in states that have these laws. We argue that partisan preferences for higher spending also increase risk for investors, leading to higher interest rates. We provide empirical support for our hypotheses using data from 1973–1995.
Interaction of electromagnetic and electrochemical effects in geophysical probing

In attempting to measure, in situ, the audio frequency complex resistivity of geological media, electromagnetic coupling can complicate the process. We show by way of a simple example that these electrochemical and electromagnetic effects are inextricably intertwined. Attempts to separate these phenomena by data processing should be viewed with caution.
On the basics of the shear locking problem of C0 isoparametric plate elements

Abstract The flexual and shearing behaviors of the Mindlin plate and degenerated shell element, in flat element applications, are analyzed with respect to shear locking. The shear locking phenomenon is found to be strictly associated with the flexural behavior of the element and to be directly or indirectly associated with the development of spurious shear strain by the element, subjected to relatively high order Kirchhoff fields. The effects of the integration scheme, order of the element, finite element discretization and element distortion are investigated.
Periodic waves in rotating plane Couette flow

A class of nonlinear equations of Navier-Stokes type of the form (**) $$\frac{{dw}}{{dt}} + L_0 w + (\lambda - \lambda _0 )L_1 w + \gamma \lambda (M_1 w + M_2 w) + \gamma ^2 L_3 (\lambda ,\gamma )w + B(w) = 0$$ is investigated, where λ is a “load” parameter (i.e., a Reynolds number), γ is a “structure” parameter,L o L 1,M 1,M 2 andL 3(λ, γ) are linear operators, andB is a quadratic operator. An equation of the form (**) describes a variety of spiral flow problems including rotating plane Couette flow which is studied here in detail. Under suitable hypotheses on the operators in (**), it is shown that Hopf bifurcation occurs for γ sufficiently small. In the problem of rotating plane Couette flow, by determining the sign of the real part of a certain “cubic” coefficient, it is shown, in addition, that the bifurcating periodic orbits are supercritical and asymptotically stable, and correspond to periodic waves.
Conformational properties of azurin in solution as determined from resolution‐enhanced Fourier‐transform infrared spectra

Azurin is a low-molecular-mass (z 14 kDa) protein of bacterial origin [l, 21. The interest in this blue copper protein has been stimulated by the probable function of azurin as an electron-transfer protein in the respiratory chain [3 - 61. The vast majority of studies with azurin focussed on the properties of the metal-binding site [7 - 101. However, the redox reactivity of the copper center may also be influenced by the overall secondary structure of the protein. While high-resolution X-ray experiments provide a detailed picture of the topology of the protein molecule in the crystal form [ll, 121, relatively little is known about the conformational properties of azurin in solution and, particularly, about the effect of environmental factors on the folding pattern of the protein. Moreover, the role of the copper ions in maintaining the specific secondary structure of azurin is not clear. Here we report the results of a Fourier-transform/infrared spectroscopic investigation of the secondary structure of native azurin and that of its apo form in aqueous solution. We also discuss the effect of thermal denaturation on the conformational properties of the two forms of the protein. Although the potential of infrared spectrometry in protein research had been recognized for a long time [13-151, the practical usefulness of the technique in the structural analysis of proteins encountered severe limitations. This was largely due to the overlapping of spectral components characteristic of various secondary structures, which in most cases precluded reliable identification of these components in the broad contours of the amide bands. This obstacle, however, has been overcome with the recent development of band-resolutionenhancement techniques [16- 191, and now infrared spectrometry emerges as a powerful tool for probing details of the secondary structure of proteins in solution. Although a number of proteins have already been analyzed using re
Tibial fixation comparison of semitendinosus-bone composite allografts fixed with bioabsorbable screws and bone-patella tendon-bone grafts fixed with titanium screws

Tibial fixation remains the weak link of ACL reconstruction over the first 8-12 weeks postoperatively. This study compared the biomechanical properties of tibial fixation for a bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft and a novel semitendinosus-bone composite (SBC) allograft with mixed cortical-cancellous bone dowels at each end. Seven paired, fresh frozen cadaveric knees (20-45 years) were stripped of all soft tissue attachments and randomly assigned to receive either the BPTB graft or SBC allograft. Grafts were placed into tibial tunnels via a standard protocol and secured with either a 10 mmx28 mm bioabsorbable (SBC) or titanium (BPTB) screw. Grafts were cycled ten times in a servo hydraulic device from 10-50 N prior to pull to failure testing at a rate of 20 mm/min with the force vector aligned with the tibial tunnel ("worst case scenario"). Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests were used to evaluate biomechanical differences between graft types ( p<0.05). Tibial bone mineral density and interference screw insertion torque were statistically equivalent between graft types. The mode of failure for all constructs was direct screw and graft construct pullout from the tibial tunnel. Significant differences were not observed between graft types for maximum load at failure strength (BPTB=620.8+/-209 N vs. SBC=601.2+/-140 N, p=0.74) or stiffness (BPTB=69.8 N/mm+/-29 N/mm vs SBC=47.1+/-31.6 N/mm, p=0.24). The SBC allograft yielded significantly more displacement prior to failure than the BPTB graft (15.1+/-4.9 mm vs 9.2+/-1.3 mm, p=0.04). Increased construct displacement appeared to be due to fixation failure, with some evidence of graft tissue tearing around the sutures: Bioabsorbable screw (10 x 28 mm) fixation of the SBC allograft produced unacceptable displacement levels during testing. Further study is recommended using a titanium interference screw or a longer bioabsorbable screw for SBC graft fixation under cyclic loading conditions.
A complete dichotomy rises from the capture of vanishing signatures: extended abstract

We prove a complexity dichotomy theorem for Holant problems over an arbitrary set of complex-valued symmetric constraint functions {F} on Boolean variables. This extends and unifies all previous dichotomies for Holant problems on symmetric constraint functions (taking values without a finite modulus). We define and characterize all symmetric vanishing signatures. They turned out to be essential to the complete classification of Holant problems. The dichotomy theorem has an explicit tractability criterion. A Holant problem defined by a set of constraint functions {F} is solvable in polynomial time if it satisfies this tractability criterion, and is #P-hard otherwise. The tractability criterion can be intuitively stated as follows: A set {F} is tractable if (1) every function in {F} has arity at most two, or (2) {F} is transformable to an affine type, or (3) {F} is transformable to a product type, or (4) {F} is vanishing, combined with the right type of binary functions, or (5) {F} belongs to a special category of vanishing type Fibonacci gates. The proof of this theorem utilizes many previous dichotomy theorems on Holant problems and Boolean #CSP. Holographic transformations play an indispensable role, not only as a proof technique, but also in the statement of the dichotomy criterion.
Attitudes Toward a Homosexual or Heterosexual Person with AIDS1

The research compared attitudes toward a homosexual or heterosexual male described as being healthy or as having terminal cancer, venereal disease, or AIDS. University students reacted to one of eight written descriptions of the target individual depicted in a photograph. Results indicated that attitude were least favorable when the subject was male, when the target was homosexual, and when the target had venereal disease or AIDS. In the AIDS condition, subject knowledge about AIDS was positively related to evaluations of a person with AIDS, but not to the desire to interact with him. Social distance responses toward a person with AIDS were not influenced by the target's sexual orientation. AIDS-phobia and homophobia are suggested as important explanatory variables. It is concluded that simply increasing public knowledge about AIDS is not enough to ensure a more supportive, social environment for persons with AIDS.
Evaluation of a pulse compression technique for ultrasound speckle reduction

The potential of a pulse compression technique has been evaluated experimentally for speckle reduction processing. Multifrequency and multibandwidth data were obtained from a speckle generating medium using frequency-modulated pulses. Speckle decorrelation factors were quantified. The technique is shown to be successful in its primary objective but some additional advantages need further exploration.
Selective ingestion of detritus by a north temperate omnivorous fish, the juvenile white sucker, Catostomus commersoni

The capacity of the juvenile white sucker, Catostomus commersoni, to feed selectively on detritus was examined by analyzing gut contents of fish feeding in a northern Michigan pond and in laboratory aquaria. Suckers selected fine particle detritus. The median length of detritus particles consumed by pond suckers ranged from 26–38 μm for all seasons sampled. Although suckers in the pond ingested invertebrates > 215 μm they never ingested detritus particles > 215 μm. Suckers fed pond detritus in laboratory aquaria selectively ingested the fine particle fraction (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, p 220 μm and ingested a median particle size of 54 μm. Amorphous detritus particles comprised 100% of the detritus particles in 93% of the foreguts analyzed. Suckers fed fine particle (< 45 ) pond detritus in laboratory aquaria rejected the inorganic fraction and selectively ingested organicmaterial with the highest protein and energy content. Ash free dry mass (AFDM) as a percent of dry-mass was 2.6 times greater in the foregut contents than in the detritus (p < 0.001). The amino acid concentration and energy density of the ingested organic matter were 1.9 times higher (p < 0.044) and 1.3 times higher (p < 0.025) than the respective amino acid and energy content of the organic fraction of the detritus. These results indicate that suckers have the capacity to consume selectively fine particle detritus with the highest nutritional value.
Mammary artery harvesting using the Da Vinci Si robotic system

Internal mammary artery harvesting is an essential part of any coronary artery bypass operation. Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass graft surgery has become reality in many centers as a safe and effective alternative to conventional surgery in selected patients. Internal mammary artery harvesting is the initial part of the procedure and should be performed equally safely if one wants to achieve excellence in patency rates for the bypass. We here describe the technique for mammary harvesting with the Da Vinci Si robotic system.
The Influence of Sex Offender Registration on Juvenile Sexual Recidivism

This study examines the influence of South Carolina's sex offender registration policy on juvenile offender recidivism risk. Juvenile male sexual offender (N = 1,275) risk of recidivism was examine...
Target fertility, contraception, and aggregate rates: toward a formal synthesis.

This paper develops a stock adjustment model relating total expected births to conventional aggregate fertility rated for married women over 25. Each year, cohorts bear about 20 percent of their additional expected births. Aggregate U.S. rates have been consistent with expectations as expressed in surveys between 1955 and 1975; indeed, total expected births may be inferred from aggregate fertility behavior. A peculiar empirical finding is that the additional expected fertility of nonterminators has not changed since 1955, despite the dramatic decline in total expected and actual fertility. The model leads to a dynamic expression for the duration pattern of current and cumulative fertility and for the proportion of couples who have terminated childbearing. The model is also used to analyze the effects of changing contraceptive failure rates on fertility patterns. For example, a decline in "timing" failure rates increases duration-specific fertility five years later.
Pigment, platelets, and Hermansky-Pudlak in human and mouse.

Although humans show a vast range of skin colors, our relative lack of hair prevents us from showing the full repertoire of pigment variation shared by most mammals (1). Nonetheless, we carry these genes and when their function affects more than pigment synthesis, hypomorphs may cause disease more complex than oculocutaneous albinism. These diseases sometimes have homologies in other species and, as mice are the mammal with the second-most advanced genetics (after humans), are frequently known in mice. The article by Gardner et al. (2) provides a good example of such a case which will allow in vivo studies of organelle function and intracellular movement. In other words, this cloning effort provides an animal model of a human genetic disorder affecting multiple functions.
Deferoxamine given at reperfusion improves function of the cold-stored rat heart.

Abstract In this study deferoxamine (DF), a strong iron chelator, was administered either before storage or during reperfusion, in an attempt to inhibit the iron-dependent hydroxyl radical production and improve the functional recovery of the cold-stored/reperfused cardiac explant. Excised rat hearts were flushed with Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB), arrested with a cardioplegic solution, CP11-EB, with or without DF, and immersion stored in CP11-EB at 0°C for 16 hr. To assess function, the stored hearts were reperfused in the working mode with KHB for 30 min. Experimental groups included: (i) DF treatment during prestorage flush [CP11-EB + 0.01 m M ( n = 5), 0.05 m M ( n = 13), 0.1 m M ( n = 5), 0.2 m M ( n = 5), or 0.75 m M DF ( n = 5)]; (ii) DF treatment during reperfusion [KHB + 0.3 m M ( n = 5), 0.6 m M ( n = 7), 0.75 m M ( n = 11), 1.0 m M ( n = 6), 1.5 m M ( n = 4), or 2.5 m M DF ( n = 7)]; and (iii) untreated group ( n = 8) received no DF during flush or reperfusion. Function of unstored hearts ( n = 7) including aortic flow (AF, 54.6 ± 2.6 ml/min); cardiac output (CO, 76.5 ± 3.3 ml/min), systolic pressure (SP, 135.7 ± 1 mm Hg), diastolic pressure (DP, 70.7 ± 3.8 mm Hg), and work (96.7 ± 6.4 g-meter/min) served as controls. Functional recovery of the untreated group was AF, 59%; CO, 58%; SP, 71%; DP, 73%; work, 41% of control values. DF treatment at any dose during the initial flush did not improve functional recovery. In contrast, DF treatment (0.75 and 1.0 m M ) during 30 min reperfusion produced significantly better function compared to the untreated group (P M group was AF, 71%; CO, 67%; SP, 76%; work, 52% of control. The functional recovery of the 1.0 m M group was CO, 68%; SP, 79%; DP, 82%; work, 55% of control. Shorter treatment with 0.75 m M DF for the first 5 ( n = 7) or 10 ( n = 9) min of reperfusion did not elicit the beneficial effect of DF. These results suggest that hydroxyl radical production at reperfusion may play a role in injury to the cold-stored/reperfused rat heart. Furthermore, this production may affect function for a period longer than the first few minutes of reperfusion.
Saposin D: a sphingomyelinase activator.

Summary Saposin D, a newly discovered heat-stable, 10 kDa glycoprotein, was isolated from Gaucher spleen and purified to homogeneity. Chemical sequencing from its amino terminus demonstrated colinearity between its amino acid sequence and the deduced amino acid sequence of the fourth domain of prosaposin, the precursor of saposin proteins. Saposin D specifically stimulates acid sphingomyelinase but has no significant effect on the other hydrolases tested.
An Ice-Core Pollen Record Showing Vegetation Response to Late-Glacial and Holocene Climate Changes at Nevado Sajama, Bolivia

We present the results of pollen analysis performed on an ice core recovered from Nevado Sajama, Bolivia, dated to 25 ka BP. Low pollen concentrations from 25 to 15 ka BP are consistent with the scenario of an expanded ice cap surrounded by sparse vegetation and cold conditions on the Altiplano during the Last Glacial Maximum. After 15 ka BP, more pollen is present and percentages show vegetation response to climate fluctuations during the late Pleistocene. Initially, high concentrations of Poaceae pollen are replaced by Asteraceae pollen, suggesting the occurrence of dry conditions towards the end of the Bolling–Allerod/Guantiva interstadial. A deglacial climatic reversal is registered in the pollen record by an abrupt decline in Asteraceae and maximum percentages of Poaceae, indicating wet conditions during 14–12 ka BP. The climate changed abruptly to warm and dry after 12 ka BP, but vegetation remained in disequilibrium with climate until 10 ka BP. Pollen results indicate dry conditions at the beginning of the Holocene, with humidity increasing steadily until 8.5 ka BP. Decreased pollen concentration values (used as a moisture availability proxy) place the mid-Holocene dry period between 8 and 5 ka BP. This was followed by wetter conditions to the present day.
Teacher resistance to computer-assisted instruction

The need to introduce computers to a greater extent in teaching technology is discussed. Further, the potential importance of affective responses in the teacher’s acceptance of the computers is developed. A semantic differential scale was employed to measure preservice teachers’ attitudes toward the computer, computer-aided instruction, science, mathematics, and the teaching of science and mathematics. Considerable negative affect was found toward computers, computer-aided instruction, and teaching of science and mathematics. Implications for the ways in which computer-aided instruction is introduced are discussed.
Dose- and time-dependent effects of ethanol on plasma antioxidant system in rat.

Abstract This study investigates the dose- as well as time-dependent effects of ethanol ingestion on antioxidant system and lipid peroxidation in plasma of the rat. The plasma ethanol concentrations were 154 ± 18, 231 ± 53, and 268 ± 49 mg/dl 1 h after oral ethanol doses of 2, 4, and 6 g/kg, respectively. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (71%, 56%, and 41% of control) and glutathione reductase (GR) (71%, 66%, and 55% of control) activity in plasma were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Catalase (CAT)/SOD and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)/SOD ratios were significantly increased whereas GR/GSH-Px ratio was significantly decreased with increasing dose of ethanol. In a time course study, plasma ethanol concentrations were 177± 9.7, 143± 11, 99± 17, and 26± 11 mg/dl at 1.5, 2, 4, and 6 h after an oral dose (4 g/kg) of ethanol in rat indicating time-dependent elimination of ethanol. Plasma SOD and GSH-Px activity significantly increased 4–6 h whereas GR activity significantly decreased 2–4 h after ethanol ingestion. The ratio of GR/GSH-Px and the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in plasma decreased at 1.5–6 h after ethanol ingestion. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly elevated with respect to an increase in time after ethanol ingestion, indicating time-dependent augmentation of lipid peroxidation. The data indicate that ethanol ingestion perturbs the plasma antioxidant system in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The significant changes in the ratios of CAT/SOD, GSH-Px/SOD, GR/GSH-Px, and GSH/GSSG in plasma may be used as an index of alcohol-induced oxidative stress.
INTERPRETATION OF PULSED-SOURCE EXPERIMENTS IN THE PEACH BOTTOM HTGR.

A general description of pulsed-source experiments is developed from the time-dependent reactor equations. The interpretation of experiments is discussed, taking into account differences in shape a...
The effects of cromolyn sodium and nedocromil sodium in early asthma prevention

Abstract The possibility of irreversible obstruction and therefore the need for early intervention is being much debated. Some investigators suggested that delay in starting inhaled corticosteroids will result in irreversible obstruction. Our own long-term study, specifically designed to detect irreversible obstruction showed that a step-wise approach (starting with cromolyn sodium and switching to inhaled corticosteroids if clinical control and pulmonary function tests are not satisfactorily controlled) resulted in an increase in pulmonary function and not a deterioration. There was no evidence that a delay in starting inhaled corticosteroids will result in irreversible obstruction or clinical worsening. However, delay in starting cromolyn sodium in patients treated with bronchodilators alone did result in worsening pulmonary function tests and worse clinical outcomes. One study from Finland and another study from Australia came to the same conclusion. Even though some studies with cromolyn sodium did not show benefit in the first year of life, other studies did show a good response. The choice between nonsteroidal drugs, such as cromolyn sodium and inhaled corticosteroids as first-line drugs, has to be made on the risk/benefit ratio of these drugs. Although in severe asthma inhaled corticosteroids have greater efficacy, in mild-to-moderate asthma there is comparable efficacy, and the nonsteroidal drugs have better safety. A step-wise approach is still a logical approach (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;105:S575-85.)
The Malignant Course of Acute Rheumatic Fever in the Modern Era: Implications for Early Surgical Intervention in Cases of Bivalvular Insufficiency With Impaired Ventricular Function

In recent years, the incidence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) has drastically decreased in the United States while remaining common in developing nations. However, immigration to the United States from developing nations has resulted in the continued prevalence of ARF. Patients with ARF face the potential development of significant valvular insufficiency and rheumatic carditis, which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Potentially adverse outcomes may be avoided with advanced interventions such as aortic and/or mitral valve replacement or repair, the use of inotropic agents, and ventricular assist devices for mechanical circulatory support. This report describes a series of three ARF carditis cases. This series serves not only to emphasize proper ARF prevention, but also to demonstrate the need for timely surgical intervention once medical therapy has failed.
Study design issues in evaluating immune biomarkers.

Purpose of review The dramatic increase in the number and type of immune biomarkers that can be measured, particularly those assessing immune activation, has led to numerous investigations in HIV-infected individuals to explore pathogenesis and to assess therapeutic interventions that aim to attenuate immune activation. An overview is provided on study designs and related statistical and operational issues relevant to these investigations.
The origin of bile lecithin and the use of bile to determine plasma lecithin turnover rates.

Abstract Lecithin was extracted from hepatic bile of dogs injected with inorganic phosphate P 32 . The purified chloroform-methanol extract was found to contain all the phosphatide phosphorus and to be free of P 32 contaminants. Comparison of liver, plasma, and bile phosphatide specific activities demonstrated that bile contains only lecithin, which is produced by the liver from the same precursor as is plasma lecithin. The collection of plasma and bile lecithin from chronic bile fistula dogs injected with P 32 furnished a method for calculating the turnover rate of plasma lecithin.
The Quantity And Quality Of Worldwide New Drug Introductions, 1982–2003

We examined trends in the introduction of new chemical entities (NCEs) worldwide from 1982 through 2003. Although annual introductions of NCEs decreased over time, introductions of high-quality NCEs (that is, global and first-in-class NCEs) increased moderately. Both biotech and orphan products enjoyed tremendous growth, especially for cancer treatment. Country-level analyses for 1993–2003 indicate that U.S. firms overtook their European counterparts in innovative performance or the introduction of first-in-class, biotech, and orphan products. The United States also became the leading market for first launch.
Tocotrienols fight cancer by targeting multiple cell signaling pathways

Cancer cells are distinguished by several distinct characteristics, such as self-sufficiency in growth signal, resistance to growth inhibition, limitless replicative potential, evasion of apoptosis, sustained angiogenesis, and tissue invasion and metastasis. Tumor cells acquire these properties due to the dysregulation of multiple genes and associated cell signaling pathways, most of which are linked to inflammation. For that reason, rationally designed drugs that target a single gene product are unlikely to be of use in preventing or treating cancer. Moreover, targeted drugs can cause serious and even life-threatening side effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need for safe and effective promiscuous (multitargeted) drugs. “Mother Nature” produces numerous such compounds that regulate multiple cell signaling pathways, are cost effective, exhibit low toxicity, and are readily available. One among these is tocotrienol, a member of the vitamin E family, which has exhibited anticancer properties. This review summarizes data from in vitro and in vivo studies of the effects of tocotrienol on nuclear factor-κB, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, death receptors, apoptosis, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1, growth factor receptor kinases, and angiogenic pathways.
Suppressive oligonucleotides protect against collagen‐induced arthritis in mice

Objective To examine whether systemic administration of oligonucleotides (ODNs), known to inhibit the production of proinflammatory cytokines, alters host susceptibility to collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), a murine model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods CIA was induced by injecting DBA/1 mice with type II collagen (CII) in Freund's complete adjuvant, followed 3 weeks later by CII in Freund's incomplete adjuvant. The effect of suppressive ODNs on the incidence and severity of disease was monitored, as were immune correlates of CIA. Results Suppressive ODNs administered during the inductive phase of CIA significantly reduced the incidence and severity of arthritis. Treatment with suppressive ODNs significantly decreased serum titers of pathogenic IgG anti-CII autoantibodies and interferon-γ production by collagen-reactive T cells. Conclusion Suppressive ODNs may be of therapeutic value in the treatment of RA, and potentially other autoimmune diseases.
Color M-mode and Doppler tissue evaluation of diastolic function in children: Simultaneous correlation with invasive indices

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the validity of diastolic indices derived from color M-mode Doppler and Doppler tissue imaging in a heterogeneous group of pediatric patients by comparing them with simultaneously obtained invasive indices of diastolic function. Methods A total of 20 children undergoing left heart catheterization had echocardiographic images recorded simultaneously with high-fidelity left ventricular (LV) pressure tracings. Transmitral Doppler, pulmonary vein Doppler, Doppler tissue imaging, and color M-mode Doppler flow propagation velocity were recorded. LV peak negative dP/dt, the time constant of isovolumic relaxation, and LV end-diastolic pressure were compared with the echocardiographic indices. Results The ratio of peak E-wave mitral velocity/propagation velocity correlated significantly with LV end-diastolic pressure ( r = 0.71; P r = −0.56; P = .01) and peak negative dP/dt ( r = 0.50; P r = −0.58, P = .01). Conclusion The newer diastolic indices derived from color M-mode Doppler and Doppler tissue imaging appear to be a helpful adjunct in the noninvasive assessment of diastolic function in children.
Calcified fibrin sheath masquerading as retained catheter.

2012; final revision received January 13, 2012; accepted January 16, 2012. Address correspondence to A.L.; E-mail: allu@llu.edu D al jugular catheter that had been placed 2 months before resentation. His blood culture grew methicillin-sensitive taphylococcus aureus; his catheter was removed intact and ithout incident. Subsequently, a transesophageal echocariogram showed what appeared to be a catheter in the uperior vena cava and the right atrium, with a mobile egetation attached to the tip (Fig 1). However, a chest radioraph showed no evidence of a retained catheter (Fig 2). oncontrast chest computed tomography demonstrated tuular calcification in the superior vena cava consistent with calcified fibrin sheath (Fig 3). The case was reviewed with he cardiology department, and it was determined that a alcified fibrin sheath would have the same sonographic ppearance as a retained catheter.
A compact dual-crystal modulated birefringence-measurement system for microgravity applications

A compact modulated birefringence-measurement system has been developed for use in microgravity fluid physics applications with non-Newtonian fluids such as polymer solutions. This instrument uses a dual-crystal transverse electro-optical modulator capable of modulation frequencies in excess of 100 MHz. The two crystals are modulated 180° out of phase from each other. The theoretical framework governing the development of this instrument using the Mueller-Stokes polarization matrices is discussed. Several ground-based experiments are performed to compare this system with the theoretical results. Results from this transverse electro-optical modulator-based birefringence-measurement system agree well with the theory. The instrument is also very stable and robust, making it suitable for the extreme acceleration environment to be encountered in a NASA Black Brandt sounding rocket.
Fast and accurate haplotype frequency estimation for large haplotype vectors from pooled DNA data.

Typically, the first phase of a genome wide association study (GWAS) includes genotyping across hundreds of individuals and validation of the most significant SNPs. Allelotyping of pooled genomic DNA is a common approach to reduce the overall cost of the study. Knowledge of haplotype structure can provide additional information to single locus analyses. Several methods have been proposed for estimating haplotype frequencies in a population from pooled DNA data. We introduce a technique for haplotype frequency estimation in a population from pooled DNA samples focusing on datasets containing a small number of individuals per pool (2 or 3 individuals) and a large number of markers. We compare our method with the publicly available state-of-the-art algorithms HIPPO and HAPLOPOOL on datasets of varying number of pools and marker sizes. We demonstrate that our algorithm provides improvements in terms of accuracy and computational time over competing methods for large number of markers while demonstrating comparable performance for smaller marker sizes. Our method is implemented in the "Tree-Based Deterministic Sampling Pool" (TDSPool) package which is available for download at http://www.ee.columbia.edu/~anastas/tdspool . Using a tree-based determinstic sampling technique we present an algorithm for haplotype frequency estimation from pooled data. Our method demonstrates superior performance in datasets with large number of markers and could be the method of choice for haplotype frequency estimation in such datasets.
The effects of ethical leadership on manager job satisfaction, commitment, behavioral outcomes, and firm performance

Abstract This study investigates the effects of ethical leadership on a hotel middle manager's job satisfaction and affective commitment, which in turn influence that manager's behavioral outcomes (e.g., extra effort and turnover intention) that can also impact the hotel's performance. Mail surveys were distributed to 30 U.S. hotels, representing more than 8 different national and international brands, and 324 middle managers participated in the survey. This study demonstrates that executives’ ethical leadership is positively related to their middle managers’ job satisfaction and their affective organizational commitment. Middle managers’ job satisfaction is positively related to organizational commitment, but job satisfaction does not necessarily lead to their willingness to exert extra effort. The positive linkage between middle managers’ extra effort and the hotel's competitive performance is also confirmed.
The Experiences of Gay Couples Affected by HIV Infection

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of gay couples when at least one was diagnosed with symptomatic HIV infection or AIDS. Grounded theory provided the methodological basis for the study. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine couples yielding approximately 50 hours of interview data. Being a couple affected by HIV Infection was perceived as a major life transition as both partners were confronted by multiple losses including possible death of the person with AIDS, dissolution of the relationship, health, independence, intimacy, and privacy. Processes of this transition included hitting home, mutual protection, and moving on.
Latent association analysis of document pairs

This paper presents Latent Association Analysis (LAA), a generative model that analyzes the topics within two document sets simultaneously, as well as the correlations between the two topic structures, by considering the semantic associations among document pairs. LAA defines a correlation factor that represents the connection between two documents, and considers the topic proportion of paired documents based on this factor. Words in the documents are assumed to be randomly generated by particular topic assignments and topic-to-word probability distributions. The paper also presents a new ranking algorithm, based on LAA, that can be used to retrieve target documents that are potentially associated with a given source document. The ranking algorithm uses the latent factor in LAA to rank target documents by the strength of their semantic associations with the source document. We evaluate the LAA algorithm with real datasets, specifically, the IT-Change and the IT-Solution document sets from the IBM IT service environment and the Symptom-Treatment document sets from Google Health. Experimental results demonstrate that the LAA algorithm significantly outperforms existing algorithms.
Dynamic stall analysis using harmonic balance and correlation-based γ– Reθt¯ transition models for wind turbine applications†

In this paper, we use the harmonic balance method to study an oscillating S809 airfoil in dynamic stall. The periodic behavior of this problem makes it well suited for the harmonic balance method, which is able to model unsteady aerodynamics at greatly reduced computational costs when compared with time-accurate unsteady-flow solvers. A finite-volume technique based on the lower–upper symmetric Gauss–Seidel scheme with Roe fluxes is used to solve the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. The turbulent viscosity is computed with the one-equation Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model. In addition, the laminar–turbulent transition is modeled using a correlation-based approach originally developed by Langtry and Menter. Comparisons with experimental data for steady flows with the S809 airfoil highlight the necessity of the transition model to accurately predict the onset of static stall. For unsteady cases, the transition model provides improved agreement with experimental data, predicting dynamic stall when the fully turbulent model cannot. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.