cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: A critical review.

Objective To critically review the antiobsessional properties of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (venlafaxine and clomipramine) in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as an alternative to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are currently considered the first-line treatment of OCD. Data sources A MEDLINE search was performed to identify clinical trials with the SNRIs venlafaxine and clomipramine published from 1996 to 2004 (keywords: SNRIs, venlafaxine, duloxetine, and clomipramine, each matched individually with the term OCD), focusing on the best-designed studies for inclusion. Data synthesis Much of the literature about SNRIs in OCD supports the efficacy of these compounds in the treatment of OCD. However, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with venlafaxine are lacking, and the most relevant studies consist of active comparison trials between SNRIs and SSRIs. In these studies, SNRIs seem to be as effective as SSRIs in OCD; SNRIs might be preferred for patients with certain types of treatment-resistant OCD or those with particular comorbid conditions. A large number of placebo-controlled and active comparison trials with clomipramine document efficacy in OCD, and meta-analytic studies suggest a small superiority over SSRIs. Compared with clomipramine, the SNRI venlafaxine showed fewer side effects and better tolerability. Conclusion The SNRIs may represent a valid alternative to the SSRIs, particularly in specific cases. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are, however, needed to confirm the positive findings reported by several studies with venlafaxine.
FBF-1 and FBF-2 regulate the size of the mitotic region in the C. elegans germline.

Abstract In the C. elegans germline, GLP-1/Notch signaling and two nearly identical RNA binding proteins, FBF-1 and FBF-2, promote proliferation. Here, we show that the fbf-1 and fbf-2 genes are largely redundant for promoting mitosis but that they have opposite roles in fine-tuning the size of the mitotic region. The mitotic region is smaller than normal in fbf-1 mutants but larger than normal in fbf-2 mutants. Consistent with gene-specific roles, fbf-2 expression is limited to the distal germline, while fbf-1 expression is broader. The fbf-2 gene, but apparently not fbf-1, is controlled by GLP-1/Notch signaling, and the abundance of FBF-1 and FBF-2 proteins is limited by reciprocal 3′UTR repression. We propose that the divergent fbf genes and their regulatory subnetwork enable a precise control over size of the mitotic region. Therefore, fbf-1 and fbf-2 provide a paradigm for how recently duplicated genes can diverge to fine-tune patterning during animal development.
SU-FF-T-587: Evaluation of the Dynamic Conformal Arc Therapy as An Alternative to Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy in Prostate, Brain, Head-And-Neck, and Spine Tumors

Purpose: To evaluate the dynamic conformal arc therapy (DAT) dose distribution and clinical applicability in comparison to intensity‐modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) in different types of tumors and locations. Methods and Materials: Twelve patients with prostate cancer with no node involvement and three patients with single tumors in the pituitary, in the neck, and in the thoracic spinal region, treated with IMRT, were retrospectively planned with DAT using Eclipse (V8.1). The prostate cases were also planned with three‐dimensional static conformal technique (3DST). Dose distributions were evaluated through comparisons in dose‐volumetric histograms and in‐house IMRT protocol constraints for all the involved techniques. A dose measurement system was used to evaluate the accuracy of calculated dose distributions. Results: DAT plans for prostate showed a statistically comparable achievement of tumor conformity and dose sparing for bladder and rectum when compared to IMRT.Dose on femoral heads were similar to those achieved using 3DST. DAT could be planned with close results to those obtained in IMRT for the dose constraints of the defined structures by using a 360°‐arc for the brain lesion and several arcs including non‐coplanar ones for the head‐and‐neck and spinal tumors. The accuracy of experimental validation of the calculated dose distributions with DAT was similar to that of IMRT. The average number of monitor units for our DAT plans were 5 times lower than IMRT.Conclusions: The dose distribution evaluation showed that DAT is a reasonable alternative to IMRT for single tumors, accomplishing many of the IMRT constraints used in standard protocols. Moreover, the significant fewer number of monitor units used in DAT compared to IMRT reduce both the planning and the treatment times, providing not only cost savings but also better opportunities of more accurate results of treatment delivery. Conflict of interest: This study is partially supported by a Varian Research Grant.
Electrochemiluminescent/voltammetric toxicity screening sensor using enzyme-generated DNA damage.

Abstract Simultaneous optical and voltammetric detection of bioactivated genotoxicity is reported for the first time employing ultrathin films of DNA, model metabolic enzymes, and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) generating metallopolymer [Ru(bpy) 2 PVP 10 ] 2+ on pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrodes. Cytochrome P450 cam and myoglobin were used as model monoxygenase enzymes to mimic in vivo processes. Sensor film growth and component amounts were monitored using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Subsequent to the enzyme reaction, DNA damage in the sensor films was measured simultaneously using a simple apparatus combining a standard voltammetry cell coupled with an optical fiber and photomultiplier tube. The model enzyme reaction converted styrene to styrene oxide, which reacts with DNA nucleobases. ECL and SWV signals increased with enzyme reaction time on the scale of several min, and provided relative enzyme turnover rates for DNA damage suitable for toxicity screening applications. Within 1 min, the sensor detects ∼3 damaged bases per 10,000 DNA bases using this simultaneous detection.
Lightweight genome viewer: portable software for browsing genomics data in its chromosomal context

Background Lightweight genome viewer (lwgv) is a web-based tool for visualization of sequence annotations in their chromosomal context. It performs most of the functions of larger genome browsers, while relying on standard flat-file formats and bypassing the database needs of most visualization tools. Visualization as an aide to discovery requires display of novel data in conjunction with static annotations in their chromosomal context. With database-based systems, displaying dynamic results requires temporary tables that need to be tracked for removal.
Magnetotransport and domain structures in nanoscale NiFe/Cu/Co spin valve

Nanoscale spin-valve structures with a width as small as 70 nm were fabricated using nanoimprint lithography and ion milling or lift off. The spin-valve multilayers consisting of NiFe(10 nm)/Co(1 nm)/Cu(13 nm)/Co(10 nm)/NiFe(2 nm) were deposited using direct current sputtering. The effects of device size, as well as fabrication process on domain structures, switching fields, switching field variation, and giant magnetoresistive ratio were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, magnetic force microscopy, and magnetoresistance measurements.
The thermodynamics of evolving interfaces far from equilibrium

Abstract We develop a general thermodynamical description of an evolving interface appropriate to situations far from equilibrium. The theory represents a broad departure from theories based on classical nonequilibrium thermodynamics, as we do not assume a linear relationship between fluxes and forces, and we do not limit our theory to small departures from equilibrium. Further, we allow for diffusion in the bulk material; we allow the composition of material transferred across the interface to differ from the compositions of either phase, with solute drag included as a special case; and we allow for heat flow in both phases. As an application of the general theory, we develop linearized interface conditions for an evolving interface.
Overview on energy harvesting and storage systems (EHSS) for future AF vehicles

Energy harvesting and storage systems (EHSS) for future AF vehicles are reviewed with emphasis on thermoelectics, organic materials, specifically, dye-sensitized solar cells and polymer batteries. The organic solar cells include solid-state organic solar cells and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The advantages of using such organic EHSS for AF vehicles are their specific performance, its scalability to larger skin area and low-temperature processing route, thus cost-effective however, there are several technical challenges preventing us to develop the organic EHSS in a speedy way.
Design of a space-borne antenna for controlled removal of energetic Van Allen belt protons

The energetic protons trapped in the inner Van Allen belt pose a risk to humans and spacecraft operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). These particles come from cosmic rays, solar storms and other processes, and they are a hindrance to development of space technologies. The Radiation Belt Remediation (RBR) idea has been proposed as a way to solve this problem through Ultra/Very Low Frequency (VLF/ULF) transmissions in the magnetosphere capable of inducing pitch angle scattering of the hazardous particles and precipitating them into the atmosphere. Whistler-type emissions (VLF band, tens of kHz) have been extensively studied for precipitation of energetic trapped electrons, but much less work has been devoted to the controlled removal of inner belt protons. The latter would require the man-made radiation of Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves into the magnetosphere (ULF band, less than 10 Hz), the frequency of which is close to the cyclotron frequency of the trapped protons. In this paper we first identify the space-borne transmitter capable of radiating EMIC waves, and we estimate its radiation impedance and radiation pattern. The selected antenna configuration consists of a DC rotating coil, which is equivalent to two AC phased-orthogonal coils but with negligible self-inductance. However, the radiation resistance of magnetic dipoles is very small. For this reason, we propose a design based on superconductors and multiple turn arrangements. One of the most challenging aspects of using superconductors in space is their cooling system. This paper presents a preliminary thermal and mechanical design of a superconducting coil antenna capable of radiating EMIC waves into the magnetosphere. The coil is composed of high temperature superconducting tapes (HTS), which have to be kept below 77 K. Active thermal control and the use of cryogenics are therefore required to reject the heat coming from environmental sources. This preliminary design is used to calculate the power radiated from the antenna, its radiation pattern and its effect on the energetic proton population of the inner Van Allen belt. The feasibility of the remediation concept, as well as a scientific mission scaled down to detectability of the proton precipitating fluxes are finally addressed at the end of the paper.
Azoalkane-DDQ Arrays in the Solid State. New Donor-Acceptor Interactions for Crystal Engineering

Abstract A new set of donor-acceptor (DA) complexes between azoalkanes and 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ) is reported. Bis(cis-azoalkane)s are found to bind DDQ in solution, with complex formation constants in CH2Cl2 that range from 22–76 M−1. Bis(azo)/DDQ crystalline solids are isolable and their crystal structures have been determined. Short intermolecular contacts in the crystals between the azo nitrogens and quinone ring carbons of 2.9–3.1 A denote D-A “bonds” whose geometry is consistent with azo HOMO (n°)/DDQ LUMO (π*) overlap. The DA “bonding” promotes one-dimensional supramolecular ordering in the cocrystal which is organized as parallel (-DD-A-)n strands. Thus, the azo/DDQ DA “bond” serves as a new crystal engineering synthon for preparing one-dimensional, two-component solids.
Redirection of Neurite Outgrowth by Coupling Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans to Polymer Membranes

Upon nerve injury, the body creates an environment consisting of permissive and non-permissive cues that instruct the function of cells involved in nerve repair. Among other roles, the developing extracellular matrix (ECM) acts as an underlying substrate to guide the union of neurites extending from the proximal stump for bridging the nerve gap. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are present in the nerve ECM and inhibit axon growth, potentially providing molecular cues to prevent aberrant growth and direct regeneration. In this study, we examined the potential of CSPGs to guide dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurite outgrowth when freely available in the media or presented from a polymeric membrane. Soluble CSPGs added to the media of DRG explant cultures inhibited neurite outgrowth without spatial bias, caused retraction of axons, and decreased neurite extension in a dose-dependent manner. Poly-l-lactic acid membranes were chemically treated to enhance adsorption of CSPGs to the surface. CSPGs bound to 1,6-hexanediamine-treated membranes directed the orientation of neurite outgrowth, as neurites avoided bound CSPGs and a higher number and percentage grew on treated membranes lacking CSPGs. DRG explants cultured on CSPG-coated membranes without 1,6-hexanediamine-treatment had a smaller number of neurites and decreased neurite outgrowth, suggesting CSPGs were not retained on the membrane and were released into the culture medium. Taken together, these data demonstrate the potential of CSPG presentation to guide axonal growth. This approach offers a strategy to improve upon existing nerve guidance conduits by incorporating axon guidance molecules to direct nerve regeneration.
The influence of tillage and cropping-intensity on cereal response to nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus

Efficient fertilizer use is a prerequisite for achieving optimum crop yield while avoiding environmental contamination. Cereal response to nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), and phosphorus (P) were determined for 6 years under differing tillage [conventional-till (CT) vs. no-till (NT)] and intensity of cropping (cereal/fallow vs. cereal/cereal). Semidwarf white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) alternated yearly with either fallow or spring cereal [barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) or spring wheat] on a Typic Haploxeroll soil in a 415 mm rainfall zone. Fertilizer treatments were no fertilizer (None), N only (N), N plus S (NS), and N plus S plus P (NSP). Average application rate, when applied, was 109 kg N, 18 kg S, and 11 kg P ha−1. Average cereal yield without fertilizer was 1.82 t ha−1. Nitrogen increased grain yield in 6 of 6, S in 4 of 6, and P in 3 of 6 years, with P and S response significant the remaining years at the 10% probability level. Average yield increases were 1.11 t ha−1 for N, 0.93 t ha−1 for S, and 0.47 t ha−1 for P. The NT/CT yield ratio was 0.60, 0.75, 0.93, and 0.95 with None, N, NS, and NSP addition, respectively, indicating that N and S deficiency were more severe in no-till. Limited increase in the NT/CT ratio with P addition indicated that P deficiency was less affected by tillage. Winter wheat always yielded less under NT than CT regardless of fertility, whereas spring cereals reached equality when fertilized with NSP. Annually-cropped wheat yielded 52, 67, 89, and 90% of wheat after fallow with None, N, NS, and NSP, respectively. Thus N and S, but not P, deficiency was more intense with increased frequency of cropping. Adequate fertility was a prime prerequisite for efficient yield in all systems.
Function of the nonidentical subunits of mammalian pyruvate dehydrogenase.

Abstract The pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) component of the bovine kidney pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) contains two nonidentical subunits. PDH catalyzes the decarboxylation of pyruvate to produce α-hydroxyethylthiamine-PP (HETPP) and the reductive acetylation of the lipoyl moieties of dihydrolipoyl transacetylase with HETPP. Phosphorylation of PDH with PDH kinase and ATP markedly inhibits the first reaction but does not inhibit the second reaction. Since the α-subunit but not the β-subunit of PDH undergoes phosphorylation, these results suggest that the α-subunit catalyzes the first reaction and the β-subunit catalyzes the second reaction. Thiamine-PP reduces the rate of phosphorylation of PDC by PDH kinase and ATP. Phosphorylation of PDC increases the KD of the PDC-Mg-thiamine-PP complex about 12-fold. It appears that the thiamine-PP binding site and the phosphorylation site on PDH influence each other and that HETPP is bound to PDH in a different orientation or possibly at a different site than is thiamine-PP.
Bacteriological Studies on Experimental Dental Caries in the Rat I. Bacterial Flora of Normal, Non-Carious Teeth

Clinics from his experiments on the effects of fluorides and idoacetate on the incidence of dental caries.5 Bacteriological studies were made at the outset and at intervals during the progress of Dr. Miller's experiments. Although there have been a number of reports of the occurrence of lactobacilli and other micro-organisms in the mouth of the rat, there has been no attempt, of which the author is aware, to make a systematic study of the oral flora of this animal. It was the plan of these experiments to determine the incidence upon teeth and within carious cavities of all the various kinds of micro-
An ultrasensitive colorimetric assay for manganese

Abstract An ultrasensitive colorimetric assay for manganese is described. It is based upon the catalysis, by Mn(II), of the photochemical oxidation of o-dianisidine, sensitized by riboflavin. Catalase increases the Mn(II)-catalyzed rate of photosensitized oxidation of dianisidine to the bisazobiphenyl, while superoxide dismutase inhibits the rate. The mechanism appears to involve oxidation of Mn(II) by O2−, followed by oxidation of dianisidine by MnO2+ ⇌ Mn(III). Cu(II) interferes, but Zn(II), Fe(II), Fe(III), Co(II), and Ni(II) do not. Chelating agents and thiol reductants also interfere. Interference by Cu(II) can be overcome by the addition of cyanide, while interference by organic compounds can be surmounted by wet ashing. This assay provides a linear response to Mn(II) over the range 10–2500 n m . The limit of detection was 5 n m Mn(II).
High order instabilities of the Poincaré solution for precessionally driven flow

Sloudsky in 1895 and Poincare in 1910 were the first to derive solutions for the flow driven in the Earth's fluid core by the luni-solar precession. In 1993, Kerswell investigated the stability of this so-called “Poincare flow” by applying a method devised in 1992 by Ponomarev and Gledzer to study the instability of flows with elliptical streamlines. They represented the components of the perturbed flow by sums of polynomials. Kerswell restricted attention to the linear and quadratic cases. Here cubic, quartic, quintic, and sextic generalizations are developed. Instabilities are located in new areas of parameter space, including some that verge on the small oblateness of the Earth's core
Optimal Maintenance Strategy for Technology-enhanced Classrooms: A Case Study

The purpose of the study was to collect data and evaluate an age-based bulb replacement policy for projectors used in Technology-enhanced classrooms in a university campus. The Office of Information Technology (OIT) had instituted a policy to replace bulbs in these projectors after either failure or 1800h of operation without failure. However, databases maintained by OIT included the time to bulb failure, the average number of times the bulbs were turned on and off per week, and the number of thermal events. Modeling the failure data with a Weibull proportional hazards model revealed that probability of bulb failure was a function of the number of hours a bulb was used and the frequency at which it was turned on and off. Combining this information with a cost model led to the recommendation for an improved condition-based replacement policy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase studies in the systems CaOAl2O3CaCrO4 and SrOAl2O3SrCrO4

Abstract Exploratory studies in the two systems have established the joins which exist between the 3:3:1 compounds and the binary compounds in the respective CaOAl2O3 and SrOAl2O3 systems. More detailed studies showed that the compound 3CaO·3Al2O3·CaCrO4 takes CaO·Al2O3, CaO·2Al2O3 and Al2O3 into solid solution to the extent of 30, 20, and 25 mole percent, respectively. The compound 3SrO·3Al2O3·SrCrO4 takes SrO·Al2O3, SrO·2Al2O3, SrO·6Al2O3 and Al2O3 into solid solution to the extent of 35, 30, 10 and 50 mole percent, respectively. The hauynite solid solutions have potential as yellow or yellow-green pigments in applications where hexavalent chromium can be tolerated.
Is radiofrequency ablation effective in patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis?

Is radiofrequency ablation effective in patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis?
Nicotine self-administration and reinstatement of nicotine-seeking in male and female rats.

Background Tobacco addiction is a relapsing disorder that constitutes a substantial worldwide health problem, with evidence suggesting that nicotine and nicotine-associated stimuli play divergent roles in maintaining smoking behavior in men and women. While animal models of tobacco addiction that utilize nicotine self-administration have become more widely established, systematic examination of the multiple factors that instigate relapse to nicotine-seeking have been limited. Here, we examined nicotine self-administration and subsequent nicotine-seeking in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats using an animal model of self-administration and relapse.
Effect of time interval between surgery and preoperative chemoradiotherapy with 5‐fluorouracil or 5‐fluorouracil and oxaliplatin on outcomes in rectal cancer

Background and Objectives Preoperative chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer is now considered “standard of care.” However, the optimal time interval for resection after neoadjuvant therapy is unknown. Methods Between 11/90 and 11/04, 107 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma underwent preoperative chemo/RT at the University of Pennsylvania. Fifty-six percent had LAR and 40% had APR. Chemotherapy consisted of 5-FU/oxaliplatin in 28% and 5-FU in 72% of patients. All patients received preoperative RT. Results A longer time interval between chemo/RT and surgery was associated with tumor downstaging (OR 1.24, P = 0.02). A longer time interval was not associated with: nodal downstaging (OR 1.00, P = 0.98); pathologic complete response (PCR) (OR 0.97, P = 0.80); likelihood of performing an LAR (OR 0.90, P = 0.47); improved disease free survival (DFS), local control, or distant control (HR 1.05, P = 0.49; HR 1.14, P = 0.22; HR 1.06, P = 0.52, respectively). The PCR rate was 34.5% in the 5-FU/oxaliplatin/radiation group, and 13.7% in the 5-FU/radiation group. If patients with microscopic CR were excluded, then the PCR rate for 5FU/OX was 21.4% and for 5-FU was 12.2%. Conclusions Time interval between surgery and chemo/RT appeared to have little effect on PCR or LAR rates. Patients receiving 5 FU/oxaliplatin/RT had a high PCR rate. A prospective randomized trial to test superiority of 5 FU/oxaliplatin is warranted. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96: 207–212. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Medical complications in male adolescents with anorexia nervosa

Purpose: Medical information on male anorectics is scant. We present data on 10 males with anorexia nervosa, who were treated at our Eating Disorders Center during a twelve-year period. Methods: Retrospective chart review. Results: All patients were malnourished weighing 80% or less of their ideal body weight with a mean B.M.I. of 13.5 ± 2.0. Height below the 50th percentile was evident in 80% of the patients, and was below the 10th percentile in 30% of the patients. Structural brain changes on brain computerized tomography scans were noted in seven out of nine patients and more than 50% had mild anemia relative to the Tanner stage. Other findings included a mean presenting heart rate of 68.3 ± 17: four out of ten patients had presenting heart rates of 80 or greater and of these, three had serious medical problems and were severely malnourished. Two patients had cardiac complications and one had a life-threatening electrolyte disturbance. Conclusion: Despite the small number of patients, the proportion of male adolescent anorectics with medical abnormalities seems high, and may be due to difficulties in establishing the diagnosis and delay in seeking medical attention. Patients who had heart rates of 80 or greater were perhaps sicker and further along in their development of congestive heart failure, thus explaining their initial relative tachycardia. We suggest a higher index of suspicion for congestive heart failure and closer medical monitoring when a malnourished adolescent with anorexia nervosa presents with relatively elevated heart rates.
Lipid Composition of Bovine Teat Canal Keratin

Keratin was obtained by scraping the teat canals of excised teats from 12 lactating and 12 dry cows immediately after slaughter. Teats from four lactating and four dry cows were also stored at -20 degrees C for 2 wk to assess whether keratin composition was affected by frozen storage. Lipids were extracted from keratin of individual teats with 2:1 chloroform-methanol. Neutral lipid classes were determined by TLC and fatty acids by capillary GLC. Total lipid content of keratin was 4% of wet weight. Lipid composition of keratin from fresh and frozen teats was similar. Differences were observed in several lipid classes between keratin from lactating and dry cows. Triglycerides were higher in keratin from lactating cows, 58.4 vs. 28.1%, whereas cholesterol was lower in keratin from lactating cows, 18.5 vs. 37.5%. Short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids were 3x lower in keratin from dry than from lactating cows; 18:2 and polyunsaturated fatty acids were 2x higher in keratin from dry than from lactating cows. Results indicated that large differences exist between the detailed lipid composition of keratin from dry and lactating dairy cows.
Learning How to Request in an Instructed Language Learning Context edited by ALARCÓN–SOLER, EVA

The article reviews the book "Learning How to Request in an Instructed Language Learning Context," edited by Eva Alarcon-Soler.
Endotoxin provocation of experimental renal cystic disease

Germ free rats provide a unique model in which to assess biological response to environment. In 48 germ-free male, Sprague-Dawley rats we examined the consequences of oral exposure to nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a nephrotoxin; to Staphylococcus epidermidis and bacillus species, non-endotoxin-containing bacteria; to Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis, endotoxin-containing bacteria; and injected E. coli endotoxin on peripheral leukocyte counts and renal morphology. Morphological changes were evaluated by light microscopy and scored blindly on a 0 to 4+ scale for 15 parameters of renal structure. Means of these renal "pathology scores" correlated with counts of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. The highest counts and scores were found in rats given NDGA and exposed to endotoxin, either by injection or by oral feeding of endotoxin-containing bacteria. Counts and scores were lower in the absence of endotoxin and with non-endotoxin-containing bacteria, given alone or in combination with either NDGA or endotoxin. Results exclude bacterial colonization and intrarenal accumulation of NDGA as causes of nephropathy. They indicate that endotoxin and NDGA act synergistically to provoke renal damage in the germ free NDGA-fed rat and suggest that leukocytes are involved in the process.
Monte Carlo renormalization-group study of the dynamics of the kinetic Ising model.

We present a detailed investigation of the scaling properties of the nonconserved kinetic Ising model around its fixed point at zero temperature. The growth exponent as well as a scaling form for the one-body probability distribution function have been obtained in the scaling regime. The relaxation to equilibrium has also been analyzed and shown to be governed by the same fixed point. A time-dependent time rescaling factor gives the crossover from the Allen-Cahn regime to the final exponential relaxation.
Trapped condensates of atoms with dipole interactions

We discuss in detail properties of trapped atomic condensates with anisotropic dipole interactions. A practical procedure for constructing anisotropic low-energy pseudopotentials is proposed and justified by the agreement with results of numerical multichannel calculations. The time dependent variational method is adapted to reveal several interesting features observed in numerical solutions of condensate wave function. Collective low-energy shape oscillations and their stability inside electric fields are investigated. Our results shed new light into macroscopic coherence properties of interacting quantum degenerate atomic gases.
Comparative electrophysiologic profiles of calcium antagonists with particular reference to bepridil.

Abstract The calcium antagonist bepridil hydrochloride differs pharmacologically from the conventional agents that block the myocardial slow channel. Its clinical electrophysiologic effects are poorly defined. The effects of 2 mg/kg + 1 mg/kg of intravenously administered bepridil in 10 patients were compared with those of 3 mg/kg + 1 mg/kg in 9 patients undergoing electrophysiologic evaluation of clinical symptoms. The overall effects of the 2 regimens did not differ significantly. The drug reduced the heart rate slightly; it had no effect on the PR interval but significantly lengthened the AH interval by 2 to 10%, HV by 2 to 12% and QT c by 5 to 8%. The most striking effect was the prolongation of the functional (up to 17%, p
Cytoskeletal Control of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Nuclear Deformation on Nanofibrous Scaffolds

Nanofibrous scaffolds hold great potential for tissue engineering as they recapitulate the mechanical and topographic features of fibrous tissues on both the macroscopic and microscopic level [1,2]. When seeded with cells capable of fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) production such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the new matrix is deposited in accordance with the underlying topography, and scaffolds develop improved mechanical properties with time in free swelling culture [6]. While promising, the free swelling conditions employed in evaluating in vitro construct maturation have thus far remained insufficient in achieving native-level properties. As most fibrous tissues are subjected to loading in vivo, mechanical conditioning is considered critical in directing tissue development and subsequent homeostasis with normal use. Mechanical signals are translated from the ECM to the nucleus via the cytoskeleton, with signals culminating in the control of biosynthetic activity based upon external loading conditions. Various bioreactor systems have been developed to mimic these in vivo conditions towards enhancing the maturation of engineered constructs, with most focusing on dynamic tensile deformation [3,4]. Towards gaining further insight into the means by which mechanical cues inspire alterations in cellular behavior, this study developed methods for evaluating cell and sub-cellular deformation of MSCs seeded on randomly-oriented and aligned nanofibrous scaffolds. Using a device that enables visualization of cells seeded on nanofibrous scaffolds undergoing static tensile deformation, we examined the effect of applied strain rate on cell adhesion to scaffolds, as well as changes in nuclear shape in the context of viable actin and microtubule sub-cellular networks with applied strain. These data provide new insight into fundamental mechanisms of MSC mechanoregulation on nanofibrous scaffolds, and offer constraints for long-term bioreactor studies.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Complications associated with optical-access laparoscopic trocars.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the number and type of serious complications associated with optical-access trocars reported by sources other than the medical literature. METHODS: Optical-access trocars, first introduced in 1994, were designed to decrease the risk of injury to intra-abdominal structures by allowing the surgeon to visualize abdominal wall layers during placement. To date, very few complications with their use have been reported in the medical literature. MEDLINE, the Food and Drug Administration's Medical Device Reporting, and the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience databases were searched for reports of complications occurring during the use of optical-access trocars for laparoscopic access. RESULTS: Only two serious complications resulting from the use of optical-access trocars (vena cava injuries) have been reported in the medical literature. However, 79 serious complications using these techniques have been cited in the Medical Device Reporting and Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience databases since 1994. These include 37 major vascular injuries involving aorta, vena cava, or iliac vessels, 18 bowel perforations, 20 cases of significant bleeding from other sites, three liver lacerations, and one stomach perforation. Four of these complications resulted in patient deaths. CONCLUSION: Optical-access trocars may be associated with significant injuries despite having the ability to visualize tissue layers during insertion.
Resilience Theory and Thomas Vale's Plants and People: A Partial Consilience of Ecological and Geographic Concepts of Succession

Geography has discovered resilience theory, a body of thought about ecological change that initiated with C.S. Holling in the 1970s. We describe the similarities and differences between resilience theory and a geographical treatise, Thomas Vale's (1982) book Plants and People. Vale's work draws more from the tradition of field botany and plant succession than from the theoretical and mathematical ecology that prompted Holling's ideas. Yet like resilience theory, Vale's model of ecological change emphasized multiple states, the threshold transitions between them, and their irreversibility. Each described how forests and rangelands can flip between stability domains in response to altered fire regimes, modified grazing pressures, and climate change. Plants and People also recognized the dual nature of stability encapsulated in Holling's formalization of engineering and ecological resilience. Although resilience theory predates Vale's work and retains primacy through its citation record, we show how their pa...
Exploring light-matter interaction processes to appreciate various successes behind the Fourier theorem

This paper leverages many successes of the Fourier theorem in modeling the measurable experimental data in the fields of optical physics while underscoring some of the misinterpretations by focusing on the light-matter interaction processes, which give rise to the measurable data. We are proposing that we need to introduce Interaction Process Mapping Epistemology (IPM-E) to complement the currently successful Measurable Data Modeling Epistemology (MDM-E). We show that IPM-E helps us recognize that EM waves cannot produce interference fringes by themselves as they do not interact with each other. Accordingly we have been missing the NIW-principle (Non-Interaction of Waves). Application of the NIW-principle to Fourier theorem, as applied to optical physics reveals and helps us understand many optical phenomena much better than so far we have understood. We discuss Fourier optics, Fourier transform spectrometry, coherence theory, spectrometry theory and laser mode locking theory and summarize for each case, the deeper understanding that we have been missing by neglecting the NIW-principle.
Stabilization of Parabolic Systems via a Degenerate Nonnegative Feedback

A degenerate nonnegative linear operatorB is added to an unbounded self-adjoint linear operatorL in a Hilbert space. The perturbed operator is of the formL + kB, k being a positive parameter. A sufficient condition is sought so that we can choose the minimum eigenvalue ofL + kB arbitrarily large. It is also studied from the numerical analytic viewpoint how the minimum eigenvalue behaves ask increases in relation to an approximation ofB. Modifications of the classical theory of spectrum perturvations are required, since a new type of information is relevant concerning bounds on the multiplicative constant in the familiar formulations of exponential decay. The result is then applied to a new stabilization problem for a class of linear and/or semilinear parabolic differential equations so that their evolutions can be stabilized and at the same time not deviate very much from the initial states for everyt>0, wherekB is considered as a feedback operator.
Gradient estimation in global optimization algorithms

The role of gradient estimation in global optimization is investigated. The concept of a regional gradient is introduced as a tool for analyzing and comparing different types of gradient estimates. The correlation of different estimated gradients to the direction of the global optima is evaluated for standard test functions. Experiments quantify the impact of different gradient estimation techniques in two population-based global optimization algorithms: fully-informed particle swarm (FIPS) and multiresolutional estimated gradient architecture (MEGA).
Evaluating Synergistic Effects of Corrosion in Petroleum Service

Corrosion within the petroleum industry is a growing concern due to crude composition and a trend toward higher pressure, higher temperature environments. Relevant to corrosion are the processes through which materials are qualified for corrosive environments. This study evaluates the current status of testing materials for erosion and electrochemical attack and suggests a new method for testing.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Synchrotron infrared microspectroscopic analysis of collagens I, III, and elastin on the shoulders of human thin-cap fibroatheromas

Abstract Of the many people who experience a sudden cardiac event (acute coronary syndromes and/or sudden cardiac death), a large portion has no prior symptoms. One potential in vivo spectroscopic technique for diagnosis of pathological conditions that underlie these sudden cardiac events involves the use of a near-infrared spectrometric catheter with moderate in vivo spatial resolution. To justify the time and expense of such an in vivo protocol, the putative vulnerable narrow region at the shoulder of the thin cap fibroatheroma is chemically characterized by high spatial resolution mid-infrared microspectroscopy. The sharp peaks of the mid-infrared and the previous band assignments that are readily available are useful in establishing the basis needed to support the development and validity of future in vivo NIR probing. The spatial resolution of in vivo NIR spectrometric catheters is limited by light scattering from blood and by the motion of the catheter and blood vessel wall, making it difficult to characterize a fibrous cap in the rupture zone. However, the spatial resolution of in vitro synchrotron IR microspectroscopy is high and probably sufficient to characterize chemically the actual area of disruption. A thin-cap fibroatheroma is a rupture-prone plaque. The shoulder of the cap (where the cap meets the vessel wall) is most vulnerable to rupture because mechanical stress at this point weakens the collagen and elastin fibers. It is hypothesized that the breakdown of elastin is highest in this target zone, followed by collagen III. The analysis of collagen I, collagen III, and elastin concentration in the small (ca.10 μm) interface zone, between the intimal wall of the artery and the fibrous cap, is of concern because it is the shoulder where the protein degradation is expected to be the highest. (A similar degradation occurs on a larger scale in the vessel wall in abdominal aortic aneurysm.) For this reason, if confirmed, testing at this location would presumably offer the highest sensitivity and provide the earliest possible warning of rupture-prone plaque. In the current study, post-mortem human tissue was used. Future experiments will be performed on animal models where in vivo NIR catheterization is followed by post-mortem mid-infrared microspectroscopy on the same animal. Subsequently it may be possible to develop in vivo near-infrared spectrometric catheter techniques suitable for use with human subjects in a clinical setting.
Soil dissipation of three herbicides

Abstract Three herbicides, trifluralin, (α,α, α‐ trifluoro‐2, 6‐dinitro‐N,N‐dipropyl‐p‐toluidine), profluralin (N‐dyclopropylmeehyl)‐α,α,α,‐trifluoro‐2, 6‐dinitro‐N‐propyl‐p‐toluidine), and dinitramine (N4, N4‐diethyl‐α, α,α‐trifluoro‐3, 5‐dinitrotoluene‐2, 4‐diamine) were incubated in an Etowah silt loam soil under laboratory conditions. The herbicides were incubated at 0.5 ppmw herbicide concentrations at 73 and 95°F, and for a time period ranging from 7 to 17 days. Three pH levels (5.3, 6.4, and 7.5) and three moisture contents (0, 50, and 100% FC) were generally used. Maximum disappearance of each herbicide occurred at the intermediate pH of 6.4. The herbicide losses were enhanced by increasing moisture contents and increasing temperature, and time. At 7 days incubation, at 507%FC moisture and soil pH of 6.4, herbicide dissipation at 73°F was in the order: Profluralin(=30%)> Trifluralin=Dinitramine (=20%).
Adsorbent carbon synthesis from coals by phosphoric acid activation

The chemical activation of a bituminous coal by reaction with phosphoric acid has been followed by studying chemical and structural changes to the activate and the development of porosity. There are clear differences in porosity development after thermal treatment in the range 350–650°C and after heat treatment in the same temperature range following reaction with phosphoric acid. It is proposed that chemical treatment causes rupture of weaker linkages in the coal structure and early development of a rigidly cross-linked product through the formation of new stronger linkages. This process is accompanied by development of a mainly microporous structure which reaches a maximum BET surface area of ~ 750 m2g−1 HTT ~ 550°C. Pore structure development can be tailored to some extent by varying both phosphoric acid strength and final heat-treatment temperature.
When IFN interferes with cell fate.

In this issue of Blood , de Bruin and colleagues demonstrate the ability of IFN-γ to influence the binary cell fate choices of granulocytic-monocytic progenitors (GMPs) during viral infection, favoring monocytic over the granulocytic differentiation.[1][1] This work provides mechanistic insights
ARGOS: automatically extracting repeating objects from multimedia streams

Many media streams consist of distinct objects that repeat. For example, broadcast television and radio signals contain advertisements, call sign jingles, songs, and even whole programs that repeat. The problem we address is to explicitly identify the underlying structure in repetitive streams and de-construct them into their component objects. Our algorithm exploits dimension reduction techniques on the audio portion of a multimedia stream to make search and buffering feasible. Our architecture assumes no a priori knowledge of the streams, and does not require that the repeating objects (ROs) be known. Everything the system needs, including the position and duration of the ROs, is learned on the fly. We demonstrate that it is perfectly feasible to identify in realtime ROs that occur days or even weeks apart in audio or video streams. Both the compute and buffering requirements are comfortably within reach for a basic desktop computer. We outline the algorithms, enumerate several applications and present results from real broadcast streams.
Diffusion-weighted MRI derived apparent diffusion coefficient identifies prognostically distinct subgroups of pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma

While pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) remain fatal, recent data have shown subgroups with distinct molecular biology and clinical behavior. We hypothesized that diffusion-weighted MRI can be used as a prognostic marker to stratify DIPG subsets with distinct clinical behavior. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values derived from diffusion-weighted MRI were computed in 20 consecutive children with treatment-naive DIPG tumors. The median ADC for the cohort was used to stratify the tumors into low and high ADC groups. Survival, gender, therapy, and potential steroid effects were compared between the ADC groups. Median age at diagnosis was 6.6 (range 2.3-13.2) years, with median follow-up seven (range 1-36) months. There were 14 boys and six girls. Seventeen patients received radiotherapy, five received chemotherapy, and six underwent cerebrospinal fluid diversion. The median ADC of 1,295 × 10(-6) mm(2)/s for the cohort partitioned tumors into low or high diffusion groups, which had distinct median survivals of 3 and 13 months, respectively (log-rank p < 0.001). Low ADC tumors were found only in boys, whereas high ADC tumors were found in both boys and girls. Available tissue specimens in three low ADC tumors demonstrated high-grade histology, whereas one high ADC tumor demonstrated low-grade histology with a histone H3.1 K27M mutation and high-grade metastatic lesion at autopsy. ADC derived from diffusion-weighted MRI may identify prognostically distinct subgroups of pediatric DIPG.
Augmentation of systematic desensitization of snake phobia through posthypnotic dream suggestion.

Abstract Nine snake phobics who had scored above eight on the SHSS (Form A) were given four desensitization sessions and five sessions in which a pleasant posthypnotic dream of the phobic object was suggested. These subjects were significantly superior to a desensitization-only control group on a behavioral avoidance test. Seven of the nine hypnosis subjects were able to touch a real snake. The two subjects who did not touch the snake reported dreams in which the snake was either absent or threatening. Although conclusions are limited by differential attention and susceptibility, the technique seems promising.
Situating banal nationalism, the culture wars, and civil religion: governing localized geographies of national identity in Indiana

Various material forms of national identity have become ubiquitous features of the post-9/11 American cultural landscape. This research specifically examines the ‘In God We Trust’ (IGWT) license plate in the state of Indiana as a material expression and territorialized form of national identity. While conceptually anchored in banal nationalism research, exploring the spatial patterns of adoption or non-adoption of IGWT license plates by Indiana residents is only possible through situating this research through the mediating lens of the culture wars and civil religion. Although the IGWT license plate project legislatively materialized through the localized spatial networks of non-state actors in the context of a new and conservative state–citizen relationship firmly anchored in the culture wars, adoption behavior is also mediated through the much broader influence of civil religion. We conduct a quantitative analysis to determine license plate spatial distribution by county, but more importantly to explore...
Thermal Conductivity of a Zirconia Thermal Barrier Coating

The conductivity of a thermal-barrier coating composed of atmospheric plasma sprayed 8 mass percent yttria partially stabilized zirconia has been measured. This coating was sprayed on a substrate of 410 stainless steel. An absolute, steady-state measurement method was used to measure thermal conductivity from 400 to 800 K. The thermal conductivity of the coating is 0.62 W/(m·K). This measurement has shown to be temperature independent.