cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of cholinergic blockade on the development of epinephrine-induced ventricular arrhythmias in halothane- and isoflurane-anesthetized dogs.

The arrhythmogenic effects of anesthetic drugs are assessed using the arrhythmogenic dose of epinephrine (ADE) model. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of cholinergic blockade (CB) produced by glycopyrrolate (G) on ADE in 1.5 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) halothane (H)- and isoflurane (I)-anesthetized dogs. Eight dogs (weighing between 12.5 and 21.5 kg) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (H, HG, I, and IG) and each treatment was replicated three times. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with H (1.31%, end-tidal [ET]) or I (1.95%, ET) in oxygen. Ventilation was controlled (carbon dioxide [PCO2] 35 to 40 mmHg, ET). G was administered 10 minutes before ADE determination at a dose of 22 μg/kg (11 μg/kg, intravenous [IV] and 11 μg/kg, intramuscular [IM]). The ADE was determined by IV infusion of epinephrine at sequentially increasing rates of 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 μg/kg/min; and defined as the total dose of epinephrine producing at least four ectopic ventricular contractions (EVCs) within 15 seconds during a 3-minute infusion and up to 1 minute after the end of the infusion. Total dose was calculated as the product of infusion rate and time to arrhythmia. Data were analyzed using a randomized complete block analysis of variance. When significant (P 15.00, respectively. Heart rates (HRs) (beats/min) and systolic pressures (mmHg) at the time of arrhythmia formation for H, HG, I, and IG were (60.3 ±4.0 and 142.0 ± 7.6), (213.0 ± 13.1 and 239.2 ± 7.1), (62.9 ± 4.5 and 151.9 ± 6.3), and (226.3 ± 6.1 and 323.5 ± 3.4), respectively. The H and I ADE were not different. The HG ADE was significantly less than the IG ADE. The H and I ADE were significantly less than the HG and IG ADE. We conclude the following from the results of this study of epinephrine infusion in halothane- and isoflurane-anesthetized dogs: (1) two distinct mechanisms are responsible for the development of arrhythmias, (2) CB produced by G significantly increases ADE but is associated with higher rate pressure products (RPP) and myocardial work, and (3) ADE methodology could be improved by determining ADE with and without CB.
Linear viscoelasticity of a polymeric bicontinuous microemulsion

Ternary polymer blends of immiscible homopolymers and the corresponding diblock copolymer are useful models for studying equilibrium and nonequilibrium behavior of self-assembled fluids. We report linear viscoelastic data for a polymeric bicontinuous microemulsion, experiments that are possible due to the comparatively high viscosities of the principal components. After subtracting a viscous background contribution from the pure constituents, the microemulsion exhibits “excess” viscoelastic behavior similar in character to that resulting from the Rouse model of polymer dynamics. The data are compared to the predictions of a time-dependent Landau−Ginzburg model developed by Patzold and Dawson, using structural parameters derived from neutron scattering as input. This model captures the essential characteristics of the viscoelastic behavior very well. However, using independent dynamic light scattering measurements of the Onsager coefficient for these blends, it appears that the model fails to predict eithe...
Mucosal staining after using topical tacrolimus to treat erosive oral lichen planus.

the perpetuation of the disease by secreting the inflammatory cytokines IL-5 and IL-13.4 These help recruiting granulocytes that produce tissue-destroying enzymes. Our observation in cicatricial pemphigoid supports the notion raised recently by Joly et al5 in bullous pemphigoid that autoimmune bullous diseases affecting the basement membrane can be successfully treated with topically applied agents circumventing the severe side effects often occurring upon systemic immunosuppression in the affected elderly population. The predominant action of tacrolimus on T lymphocytes might explain its superior potency compared with topical steroids.
Economic policy and population change in Thailand

Abstract This paper argues that in Thailand a link can be demonstrated between the recent fertility decline and an economic policy variable, the rice premium. The rice export tax introduced a check to profitability in rice agriculture, leading capital and also entrepreneurial talent out of agriculture into the urban industrial sector; keeping the structure of agriculture small-scale peasant holdings; and permitting labour costs to remain low in the urban industrial sector. Other government policies plus foreign investment and US aid led to rapid industrial growth, which coupled with consolidation of the transportation and communication systems triggered massive rural to urban migration. As Bangkok became a modern industrial metropolis, complete with urban sprawl, traffic congestion, and smog, the micro-economic cost—benefit equation turned against large families for many urban couples. Fertility fell rapidly in the urban areas, and this decline has spread into the countryside. The rice export tax thus has had profound demographic as well as economic effects.
Pulmonary Lysozyme-A Secretory Protein of Type II Pneumocytes in the Rat

A 14 kDa basic protein isolated from rat lung lavage was demonstrated to be lysozyme by its amino acid sequence analysis. An antiserum to rat lysozyme stained type II pneumocytes and alveolar macrophages. In rat lungs, no staining of the airway cells was noted. Lysozyme was detectable in type II pneumocytes by immunocytochemistry and by a quantitative immunoassay of lung homogenates of fetal lungs at Day 20 of gestation. An increase in the lysozyme content of the lung with increasing gestational and postnatal age of the rat was noted. In adult animals, lysozyme accounts for about 169.0 µg/g of wet lung weight and 0.3% of the soluble proteins in lung homogenate. Lysozyme constitutes about 6.6% of the total soluble proteins in rat lung lavage. Metabolic labeling and immunoprecipitation were used to demonstrate that rat type II pneumocytes synthesize and secrete lysozyme in vitro. However, in human lungs, lysozyme was identified in serous submucosal glands but not in alveolar type II pneumocytes. The results...
Strategies to ease the burden of family caregivers.

In this issue of JAMA, Adelman and colleagues1 describe an older woman who attempted suicide to escape the overwhelming burdens of caring for her ill and debilitated husband. This case starkly illuminates the despair that family (and friend) caregivers can feel when supporting frail or disabled relatives, and the failure of US health care to support them. Half a century ago when Medicare began, few people lived long with disabling chronic illness and family supports were more readily available. Today’s 65-year-olds, and all who come after, are likely to experience several years of needing another person’s help in the last phase of life.2 Many will find such help difficult to obtain; few live near large extended families, and few have younger family members who can afford to leave paid work to provide unpaid care of indefinite duration.
Randomized evaluation of a web based interview process for urology resident selection.

Purpose: We determined whether a web based interview process for resident selection could effectively replace the traditional on-site interview.Materials and Methods: For the 2010 to 2011 match cycle, applicants to the University of New Mexico urology residency program were randomized to participate in a web based interview process via Skype or a traditional on-site interview process. Both methods included interviews with the faculty, a tour of facilities and the opportunity to ask current residents any questions. To maintain fairness the applicants were then reinterviewed via the opposite process several weeks later. We assessed comparative effectiveness, cost, convenience and satisfaction using anonymous surveys largely scored on a 5-point Likert scale.Results: Of 39 total participants (33 applicants and 6 faculty) 95% completed the surveys. The web based interview was less costly to applicants (mean $171 vs $364, p = 0.05) and required less time away from school (10% missing 1 or more days vs 30%, p = ...
Consequences and Prevention of Inadvertent Internal Fixation of Primary Osseous Sarcomas

The evaluation and treatment of aggressive bone tumors continue to be diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for orthopaedic surgeons. Despite compelling data regarding the hazards of biopsy, incomplete preoperative evaluation, inappropriate biopsy techniques, and premature surgical interventions continue to compromise optimal treatment of primary bone sarcomas. We retrospectively identified eight patients who had internal fixation of a primary bone sarcoma before referral to an orthopaedic oncology service. Six of the eight patients subsequently underwent amputations and two patients underwent limb salvage for local disease control. Biopsy techniques from referring institutions were highly variable, with only two of seven rendering an accurate diagnosis. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score was 10.6 and four of eight patients were disease-free and alive at a minimum followup of 8 months (mean, 26.9 months; range, 8–80 months). Implant violation of primary bone malignancies was associated with frequent high-level amputation for local disease control and low Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional scores. Common errors in the initial evaluation and treatment included inadequate attention to patient history, incomplete radiographic evaluation, and improper biopsy and surgical techniques, which violated compartmental boundaries. Level of Evidence: Level IV, prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Visualization of partial bloody fingerprints on nonporous substrates using columnar thin films

AbstractA partial bloody fingerprint has both a bloody part and a non-bloody part, each of which should be developed for visualization. Traditional techniques employ developmental cascades, whereby a sequence of development techniques is used to develop both parts of the fingerprint. As a one-step alternative, a columnar thin film (CTF) was deposited on each of several partial bloody prints from one finger of one donor on several nonporous substrates. A split-print methodology was adopted to compare the CTF technique to several traditional development techniques, using both objective computer-based grading and subjective grading by a lay examiner. CTF development was found to be superior to development with the traditional techniques employed in this study for partial bloody fingerprints on brass, anodized aluminum, hard plastics, and clear sandwich bags. Unlike the traditional techniques used, the CTF technique was able to develop the entire fingerprint on many of these substrates.
SOFAR floats for POLYMODE

The design of a neutrally buoyant float and associated tracking and support equipment developed for the POLYMODE experiment is described. Floats with a signaling range of 1500 Km and an endurance of 2-1/2 years signal via the deep sound channel to both land based receiving stations and moored, portable receivers. Recordings of float signals are collected and centrally processed, providing both daily positions and two-day averages of temperature and pressure measured at each float. Floats are equipped with both a simple, active controller to insure isobaric operation, and a relocation and recovery capability.
A cometary perspective of Enceladus

Icy plumes venting from Enceladus draw obvious comparisons to such features seen in comets. This paper outlines a consistent evolution from cometary activity to larger icy bodies in the outer solar system. The major differences are due to the systematic effects of increased gravity, including more spherical solid bodies (self-gravity), less porosity, the possible existence of liquid water due to internal sources of heat (Enceladus) versus possible cometary cyrovolcanism, internal inhomogeneities leading to jet-like features, and the possibility of a quasi-bound dusty gas atmosphere, as opposed to the extensive exospheres of comets. Similarities exist also, including gas and dust emission and the filamentary nature of jet-like features (caused by surface topography in comets), surface evolution by dust accumulation, heat and gas transport through the surface layers, among others. Initial results regarding the plume chemistry and comparisons to CAPS ion data show similarities too. Others have considered additional effects such as, charging of particles, micrometeorite impacts and complex interactions with the E-ring neutrals and plasma in great detail so these topics remain outside the scope of this paper.
Fundamentals of the reaction-diffusion process in model EUV photoresists

More demanding requirements are being made of photoresist materials for fabrication of nanostructures as the feature critical dimensions (CD) decrease. For extreme ultraviolet (EUV) resists, control of line width roughness (LWR) and high resist sensitivity are key requirements for their success. The observed LWR and CD values result from many factors in interdependent processing steps. One of these factors is the deprotection interface formed during the post-exposure bake (PEB) step. We use model EUV photoresist polymers to systematically address the influence of exposure-dose on the spatial evolution of the deprotection reaction at a model line edge for fixed PEB time using neutron reflectivity. The bilayer consists of an acid feeder layer containing photoacid generator (PAG) and a model photoresist polymer, poly(hydroxystyrene-co-tert-butylacrylate) with perdeuterated t-butyl protecting group. The deuterium labeling allows the protection profile to be measured with nanometer resolution. The evolution of two length scales that contribute to the compositional profile is discussed.
Microbending Losses Of Metal Coated Single Mode, Multimode, And Cladding-Free Fibers

Under optimized conditions the microbending sensitivity is comparable in metal coated multimode and single mode fibers. Microbending losses in step index fibers may show significant wavelength dependence and this dependence is quite similar for single and multimode fibers. The spectral characteristics of the losses depend not only on the fiber parameters but also on the periodicity of microbending. An inexpensive cladding-free fiber exhibits two-region displacement sensitivity. The maximum sensitivity of the single region fiber can exceed the maximum sensitivities of conventional fibers.
Synthetic patterns: Fabricating landscapes in the age of ‘green’

This paper considers the efficacy of pattern in contemporary landscape design; in particular, it highlights projects that use pattern in response to_and as a critique of_the conventional forms that today's environmental mandates have taken. Much of the professional conversation revolves around problem-solving, instead of how these predominant environmental concerns are equally significant in terms of expression and experience. By harnessing these recent mandates and framing them within perceptually and conceptually integrated configurations, pattern can be used as a bridging mechanism between a landscape's utilitarian and aesthetic functions; between systems and signs. The use of pattern, due to its association with surface, is often met with suspicion and deemed unsuitable for ‘sitespecific’ responses. This paper traces the source of such scepticism_and the limited definition of pattern that has prompted such distrust_and highlights projects that suggest the potential for new, synthetic patterns as a mea...
The effect of orientation of adsorbed intermediates on the electrochemical oxidation of aromatic compounds

Abstract The electrochemical oxidation of aromatic compounds spontaneously and irreversibly adsorbed from solution onto smooth polycrystalline platinum electrodes has been studied as a function of adsorbate orientation. Experiments were done in aqueous 1 M HClO 4 at ambient temperatures using thin-layer electrochemical techniques. Eight homocyclic aromatic compounds, shown previously to re-orient from flat to edgewise orientations as the solution concentration is increased, were studied: simple diphenols, alkyl diphenols, tetrahydroxybiphenyl and dihydroxynaphthalene. The measured values of n ox (the number of electrons for electrocatalytic oxidation of chemisorbed aromatic) indicate that the subject compounds attached in the flat orientation are oxidized essentially completely to CO 2 , whereas oxidation of intermediates adsorbed in the edge orientation may lead to products in lower oxidation states. In any orientation, the adsorbed intermediate undergoes irreversible oxidation more readily than the unadsorbed starting material. Some comparisons with homogeneous metal-catalyzed oxidations are considered.
Wet Weights of Dental Plaques

A method for weighing samples of plaque using a weighing assembly comprising a sample-bearing boat, held in a closed capsule to avoid moisture loss to room or balance environment is described. The system described is an objective device for measuring, by wet weight the amounts of plaque accumulating under various conditions of oral hygiene.
Searching for a Weapon of Mass Production in Nepal Can Market-Assisted Land Reforms Live Up to their Promise?

The World Bank recently published a comprehensive statement on land reform policy, the first in 30 years, that self-proclaims market-assisted land reform as a key policy to achieve not only efficiency, but even more importantly, equity. At the core of this ‘neo-populist neoclassical’ orthodoxy is: 1) the long-term pursuit of individual property and associated rights; 2) an idealized notion of the egalitarian and efficient small farmer based on the well-known inverse relation between farm size and productivity; and 3) a static view of rural markets blinding one to the negative and unforeseen consequences by landlords in the face of reform. This article critically examines the validity of these core assumptions in light of current calls for market-assisted land reform in Nepal. A major conclusion is that given the evidence, the presumed benefits of such reforms are ideologically driven, and therefore, will unlikely provide a much needed escape from poverty for millions of Nepali citizens.
Fertility and mating performance of interspecific crosses between Heliothis virescens and H. subflexa backcrossed for three generations to H. subflexa

Hybrids were produced from interspecific crosses between Heliothis virescens (F.) and H. subflexa (Guenee), and backcross progeny (BC) were obtained by crossing hybrid females with H. subflexa males. The reproductive capacity of BC1 and BC2 adults was determined by crossing both males and females with H. virescens and H. subflexa . The BC1 and BC2 females were partially to fully fertile; the BC1 males were mostly sterile. Females crossed with BC1 males seldom received eupyrene sperm in their spermathecae. Females mated with BC2 males received eupyrene sperm more frequently and the eggs they laid had a higher percentage hatchability than those laid by females crossed with BC1 males. This recovery of fertility in BC2 males was not dependent upon type of interspecific cross or upon species of female.
Geochemistry and provenance of sediments from the Pongola Supergroup, South Africa: Evidence for a 3.0-Ga-old continental craton

Abstract The ~3.0 Ga Pongola Supergroup of South Africa is one of the oldest well-preserved supracrustal successions. The sequence is divided into the Nsuze (chiefly volcanics, quartzites, and pelites) and the overlying Mozaan Groups (chiefly quartzites and pelites). Relative to North American Shale Composite (NASC), most Pongola pelites have similar La/Yb and Eu/Eu∗ ratios and Large Ion Lithophile Elements (LILE), High Field Strength Elements (HFSE), REE, V and Sc contents. Ni (30–300 ppm) and Cr (100–800 ppm) contents are greater than those of NASC, while Cr/Ni ratios are generally higher than shales and pelites of all ages. These trends may reflect residual Cr enrichment during intense chemical weathering of komatiitic source rocks. Local populations of Nsuze pelites, based on major and trace element data, may result from source heterogeneities and/or contemporaneous volcanic input into the sedimentary basin. Pongola quartzite compositions and detrital modes are similar to those of sandstones from Phanerozoic passive-margin and basement uplift tectonic settings. REE, LILE and HFSE contents in pelites suggest that Pongola source rocks were remarkably similar in composition to average Phanerozoic upper-continental crust. Trace element, geographic and isotopic constraints favor 3.2 to 3.0 Ga hood granites as a major source for Pongola detritus. Moderate contributions from mafic sources are also required, whereas relatively minor contributions from tonalite and komatiite are allowed. These results indicate the existence of a chemically evolved (felsic) craton in southern Africa by 3.0 Ga. This craton appears to have been more evolved than sources for either older Moodies (~3.3 Ga) or most of the younger Witwatersrand sediments (2.8-2.7 Ga). Pelites from the Kaapvaal craton record at least two mafic to felsic source-area compositional cycles in pelites deposited from the mid to late Archean. Additional cycles may be masked by a depositional or erosional hiatus between the Moodies and Pongola sequences. These sedimentary patterns suggest that crustal development in southern Africa was episodic in nature during the early Precambrian.
CO Oxidation over AuPd(100) from Ultrahigh Vacuum to Near-Atmospheric Pressures: The Critical Role of Contiguous Pd Atoms

It is demonstrated that gas-phase CO pressure higher than ∼0.1 Torr is required to segregate a sufficient amount of Pd to the surface of a well-annealed AuPd(100) sample to form contiguous Pd sites. These contiguous sites are critical in dissociating O2 for low-temperature CO oxidation, where CO chemisorbed on Au sites clearly participates in the reaction at temperatures below ∼400 K. Measured reaction kinetics demonstrates that the higher reaction rate is achieved on a surface with higher coverages of contiguous Pd sites.
Allosteric effects of sulfonate anions on the rates of iron release from serum transferrin

Abstract Serum transferrin is the protein that transports ferric ion through the bloodstream and is thus a potential target for iron chelation therapy. However, the release of iron from transferrin to low-molecular-weight chelating agents is usually quite slow. Thus a better understanding of the mechanism for iron release is important to assist in the design of more effective agents for iron removal. This paper describes the effect of sulfonate anions on the rates of iron removal from C-terminal monoferric transferrin by acetohydroxamic acid, deferiprone, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid at 25 °C in 0.1 M N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N′-(2-ethanesulfonic acid) (Hepes) buffer at pH 7.4. These ligands remove iron via a combination of pathways that show saturation and first order dependence on the ligand concentration. The kinetic effects of the anions methanesulfonate, methylenedisulfonate, and ethylenedisulfonate were evaluated. All these anions increase the overall rates of iron release, presumably by binding to an allosteric anion binding site on the protein. The two disulfonates produce a larger acceleration in iron release than the monosulfonate. More detailed studies using methylenedisulfonate show that this anion accelerates the rate of iron release via the saturation pathway. The addition of methylenedisulfonate results in the appearance of a large saturation pathway for iron release by NTA, which otherwise removes iron by a simple first-order process. The sulfonate group was selected for these studies because it represents an anionic functional group that can be covalently linked to a therapeutic ligand to accelerate iron release in vivo. The current studies indicate that the binding of the sulfonates to the allosteric site on the protein is quite weak, so that one would not expect a significant acceleration in iron release at clinically relevant ligand concentrations.
The role of extracellular vesicles in the progression of neurodegenerative disease and cancer.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released from many cell types, including normal and pathological cells, and range from 30 to 1000nm in size. Once thought to be a mechanism for discarding unwanted cellular material, EVs are now thought to play a role in intercellular communication. Evidence is accruing that EVs are capable of carrying mRNAs, miRNAs, noncoding RNAs, and proteins, including those associated with neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, which may be exchanged between cells. For this reason, neurodegenerative diseases and cancers may share a common mechanism of disease spread via EVs. Understanding the role EVs play in disease initiation and progression will aid in the discovery of new clinically relevant biomarkers and the development of better targeted molecular and biological therapies.
Orthogonal polynomials, Hankel matrices, and the Lanczos algorithm

Abstract We explore the application of the nonsymmetric Lanczos algorithm to two different problem domains, the theory of moments and orthogonal polynomials, and the factorization of Hankel matrices. The connection with a third problem domain, Algorithm Based Fault Tolerant Computing, was explored ina companion paper. We find that in the simplest case where all leading submatrices are nonsingular,the methods reduce to classical algorithms such as the original nonsymmetric Lanczos method and theChebyshev algorithm. We propose a back-up pivoting strategy for factorizing a Hankel matrix whichavoids treating rank deficiency as a special case. 1. Introduction The Lanczos Algorithm was originafly proposed by Lanczos [19] as a method for the computation ofeigenvalues of symmetric and nonsymmetric matrices. The idea was to reduce a general matrix to tridiag-onal form, from which the eigenvalues could be easily determined. For lack of space, we refer the reader to[2, 3, 4] for a short historical summary. Here we use the nonsymmetric Lanczos algorithm [27, p388ff] withextensions to avoid the "breakdown" problems [24, 14, 23, 3, 4}. Computational implementations havebeen proposed in [9, 10]. The close connection between the modified Non-symmetric Lanczos Algorithmand orthogonal polynomials with respect to indefinite inner products is discussed in [12, 3]. In this paper,we show how the matrix Lanczos Algorithm may be used to transform a sequence of polynomials into
SU‐E‐J‐39: Daily Prostate Rotation Should Be Compensated in Translational Correction and Not to Be Ignored

Purpose: To quantify magnitude of the prostate rotation during daily treatment and evaluate strategies to effectively compensate the rotation if a six‐degree table is not available. Methods: Six patients, with forty‐four kilo‐voltage cone beam CT (KV‐CBCT), were selected for this study. On these KV‐CBCTs, the prostate was contoured by a physician. These patients had three transponders implanted for non‐imaging daily prostate localization using the Calypso system. To determine the prostate movement, we registered each KV‐CBCT with the planning CT in four different ways: (a) manually align to the bones with translation only (Bone_T); (b) automatically align to the markers with both translation and rotation (Marker_TR); (c) manually align to the markers with translation only (Marker_T); (d) manually align to the prostate contour with translation only (Contour_T). The prostate rotations from the second method were recorded. Using the contour registration as a benchmark, two center of mass distances (CMD) between the Contour_T and Marker_TR/Marker_T registrations were calculated. Only translations were used for the CMD calculation. Results: Detected from the Marker_TR method, the mean and standard deviation of the prostate rotations about the transverse, anterior‐posterior, and longitudinal axes were 3.21±6.26°, ‐1.39±2.91°, and ‐0.94±2.75°, respectively. The mean CMD between the Contour_T and the Marker_TR/Marker_T shifted prostate were 6.6 and 4.0 mm, respectively. When the rotation is greater than 10°, the differences in CMD were greater than 5 mm in 7 out of 8 (87.5%) of such fractions. When the rotation is greater than 6°, the differences were greater than 4 mm in 13 out of 19 (68.4%) cases. Conclusions: Without a six‐degree table, prostate rotations were often not corrected. Compensating for the rotations with translational shifts is effective, and superior to ignoring rotations. Simply ignoring large rotations may lead to increased planning margins or inaccurate prostate localization.
Startle decrement and secondary reinforcement stimulation

The following study was designed to test the hypothesis that the decrement in startle response to a percussive auditory stimulus, measured in the presence of an extraneous stimulus, is greater if the extraneous stimulus had been previously associated with receipt of food (i.e., is a secondary reinforcer).Two groups of food-deprived rats were given equal experience with a visual-auditory stimulus in a stabilimeter box, but for Group E, this stimulus was paired with food, while for Group C, it was not. All Ss received the startle stimulus, a loud “pop,” for 8 trials a day over 3 test days, with the extraneous stimulus present on half the trials. Startle decrement in the presence of the extraneous stimulus was significantly greater for Group E than for Group C on Test Day 1 (p <.02) and over Test Days 1–3 (p <.025), confirming the hypothesis.
Nanoparticle-delivered multimeric soluble CD40L DNA combined with Toll-Like Receptor agonists as a treatment for melanoma

Stimulation of CD40 or Toll-Like Receptors (TLR) has potential for tumor immunotherapy. Combinations of CD40 and TLR stimulation can be synergistic, resulting in even stronger dendritic cell (DC) and CD8+ T cell responses. To evaluate such combinations, established B16F10 melanoma tumors were injected every other day X 5 with plasmid DNA encoding a multimeric, soluble form of CD40L (pSP-D-CD40L) either alone or combined with an agonist for TLR1/2 (Pam3CSK4 ), TLR2/6 (FSL-1 and MALP2), TLR3 (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, poly(I:C)), TLR4 ( monophosphoryl lipid A, MPL), TLR7 (imiquimod), or TLR9 (Class B CpG phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide, CpG). When used by itself, pSP-D-CD40L slowed tumor growth and prolonged survival, but did not lead to cure. Of the TLR agonists, CpG and poly(I:C) also slowed tumor growth, and the combination of these two TLR agonists was more effective than either agent alone. The triple combination of intratumoral pSP-D-CD40L + CpG + poly(I:C) markedly slowed tumor growth and prolonged survival. This treatment was associated with a reduction in intratumoral CD11c+ dendritic cells and an influx of CD8+ T cells. Since intratumoral injection of plasmid DNA does not lead to efficient transgene expression, pSP-D-CD40L was also tested with cationic polymers that form DNA-containing nanoparticles which lead to enhanced intratumoral gene expression. Intratumoral injections of pSP-D-CD40L-containing nanoparticles formed from polyethylenimine (PEI) or C32 (a novel biodegradable poly(B-amino esters) polymer) in combination with CpG + poly(I:C) had dramatic antitumor effects and frequently cured mice of B16F10 tumors. These data confirm and extend previous reports that CD40 and TLR agonists are synergistic and demonstrate that this combination of immunostimulants can significantly suppress tumor growth in mice. In addition, the enhanced effectiveness of nanoparticle formulations of DNA encoding immunostimulatory molecules such as multimeric, soluble CD40L supports the further study of this technology for tumor immunotherapy.
Diethylstilbestrol stimulates persistent phosphatidylinositol lipid turnover by an estrogen receptor-mediated mechanism in immature mouse uterus.

The effect of estrogen on phosphoinositide (PI) metabolism was evaluated in the immature mouse uterus, a tissue which undergoes estrogen-induced proliferation. Uteri isolated from untreated mice or from mice injected ip with diethylstilbestrol (DES) were incubated with [3H]myo-inositol and assessed for incorporation of label into PI lipids or inositol phosphate generation. DES administration elicited a rapid increase in [3H]myo-inositol incorporation, which persisted until at least 18 h post treatment. This effect could not be duplicated by incubation of uteri with DES in vitro, although [3H]myo-inositol incorporation in uteri removed from DES-treated mice remained elevated for 3 h of in vitro incubation. Stimulation of PI lipid metabolism by DES was blocked by ICI 164,384, a specific estrogen receptor antagonist. The effect of DES on PI metabolism consisted of a time-dependent increase in the specific activity of both phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate and a signif...
Light-Induced Changes in Taste, Appearance, Odor, and Riboflavin Content of Cheese

Abstract Light-induced changes in taste, appearance, odor, and riboflavin content of common cheeses stored under controlled laboratory conditions and in the dairy cases of four local grocery stores were investigated. Sensory evaluation was performed by 25 untrained panelists, and the riboflavin content was determined by HPLC method. The data obtained from controlled storage indicated that light intensity, type of packaging paper, and piece thickness affected riboflavin retention and color in stored cheese. However, under the display conditions used in the four local stores, retail cheese retained its riboflavin after a display time of 14 d with no significant change in taste, appearance, or odor.
Benign Tumors of Lung and Tracheobronchial Tree

eview of the literature on the subject of benign tumors of the lungs and tracheobronchial tree shows the confusion that has R existed in the nomenclature and classification of pulmonary neoplasms. Womack and Graham [132] in 1938 attempted to classify bronchopulmonary tumors into two groups based on whether mesodermal or entodermal elements predominated, and suggested the term mixed tumors of the lung because of their similarity to parotid tumors in malignancy potential. Jackson’s classification [54] was simply (1) benign, (2) malignant, or (3) borderline lesions. More recently Liebow [70], Ackerman [3], and Spencer [113] have classified these tumors more accurately; however, the disagreement that exists regarding etiological factors, malignancy potential, cellular makeup, and site of origin discourages exactness. The lack of a standard histological nomenclature has made impossible the inclusion of many of the earlier reported benign endobronchial growths in any classification [521. Langston [67] called attention to these and other shortcomings in the literature in his collective review of benign pulmonary neoplasms in 1950. Other reviews on this subject include those of Jackson and Jackson [53], Liebow and Hubbell [71], Smith [log], and Calderola and associates [16]. The common sites of occurrence of benign tumors in the proximal tracheobronchial tree or the distal tracheobronchial tree and lung parenchyma can be a basis for classification of the varied tumors. The tumors under discussion in this paper appear according to the following classification:
Improving and Maintaining Oral Health for People with Special Needs

The number of people in the United States population with disabilities and other special needs is growing dramatically. These individuals present unique challenges for oral health professionals in planning and carrying out dental treatment and for the oral health delivery system. Because it has been recognized that the current delivery system is not working well for these populations, new workforce, financing, and delivery models are beginning to emerge that may hold promise for creating and maintaining oral health for currently underserved populations, including people with disabilities and other special needs. This article discusses the implications of this for the oral health profession, describes the challenges of providing oral health services for this population, and discusses the implications of these challenges for the organization of the oral health delivery system.
Adenoviral Gene Therapy

As of May 2001, 532 gene therapy protocols had been approved for evaluation in clinical trials; however, only five of those had been evaluated in phase III clinical trials. Among the most commonly used vectors for the delivery of genetic material into human cells are the adenoviruses. Remarkable progress has been made with these vectors in the last decade, but some shortcomings continue to challenge investigators. The newly acquired knowledge of the adenoviral life cycle and the positive outcomes from phase II clinical trials have led to the application of vectors engineered to selectively target tumor tissue under controlled promoters.
Generation of Few-Cycle Pulses From an Amplified Carbon Nanotube Mode-Locked Fiber Laser System

We report a simple femtosecond fiber laser system based on a carbon nanotube saturable absorber that is capable of generating 14-fs pulses (containing less than four optical cycles) with optical spectrum extending from 1000 nm to around 1500 nm.
Novel pathway compendium analysis elucidates mechanism of pro-angiogenic synthetic small molecule

Motivation: Computational techniques have been applied to experimental datasets to identify drug mode-of-action. A shortcoming of existing approaches is the requirement of large reference databases of compound expression profiles. Here, we developed a new pathway-based compendium analysis that couples multi-timepoint, controlled microarray data for a single compound with systems-based network analysis to elucidate drug mechanism more efficiently. Results: We applied this approach to a transcriptional regulatory footprint of phthalimide neovascular factor 1 (PNF1)—a novel synthetic small molecule that exhibits significant in vitro endothelial potency—spanning 1–48 h post-supplementation in human micro-vascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) to comprehensively interrogate PNF1 effects. We concluded that PNF1 first induces tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) signaling pathway function which in turn affects transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling. These results are consistent with our previous observations of PNF1-directed TGF-β signaling at 24 h, including differential regulation of TGF-β-induced matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14/MT1-MMP) which is implicated in angiogenesis. Ultimately, we illustrate how our pathway-based compendium analysis more efficiently generates hypotheses for compound mechanism than existing techniques. Availability: The microarray data generated as part of this study are available in the Gene Expression Omnibus ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/). Contact:botchwey@virginia.edu; papin@virginia.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Tightly-coupled robust vision aided inertial navigation algorithm for augmented reality using monocular camera and IMU

Odometry component of a camera tracking system for augmented reality applications is described. The system uses a MEMS-type inertial measurement unit (IMU) with 3-axis gyroscopes and accelerometers and a monocular camera to accurately and robustly track the camera motion in 6 degrees of freedom (with correct scale) in arbitrary indoor or outdoor scenes. Tight coupling of IMU and camera is achieved by an error-state extended Kalman filter (EKF) which performs sensor fusion for inertial navigation at a deep level such that each visually tracked feature contributes as an individual measurement as opposed to the more traditional approaches where camera pose estimates are first extracted by means of feature tracking and then used as measurement updates in a filter framework. Robustness, on the other hand, is achieved by using a geometric hypothesize-and-test architecture based on the five-point relative pose estimation method, rather than a Mahalanobis distance type gating mechanism derived from the Kalman filter state prediction, to select the inlier tracks and remove outliers from the raw feature point matches which would otherwise corrupt the filter since tracks are directly used as measurements.
What is the correct philosophy for the treatment of multiple myeloma

In this issue of Leukemia and Lymphoma, Fenk [1] and colleagues describe a method of treating relapsed multiple myeloma with bortezomib and sequentially adding dexamethasone and, if required, benda...
The importance of the innate immune system in controlling HIV infection and disease

The innate immune system is the first line of defense against invading pathogens and is particularly important in warding off bacterial and viral infections presenting at the mucosal cell surface. From this primitive immune response, the more sophisticated adaptive immune system was derived. Despite nearly two decades of research directed at inducing adaptive immune responses to HIV, no successful immunological therapy or vaccine has been developed. On the basis of recent observations, it is suggested that instead emphasis should now be placed on the alternative arm of the immune system, the innate immune response. Novel approaches should be developed to elicit this rapidly responding immune activity in HIV infection.
Integration and Evaluation of Exploration-Based Learning in Games

Video and computer games provide a rich platform for testing adaptive decision systems such as value-based reinforcement learning and neuroevolution. However, integrating such systems into the game environment and evaluating their performance in it is time and labor intensive. In this paper, an approach is developed for using general integration and evaluation software to alleviate these problems. In particular, the testbed for integrating and evaluating learning techniques (TIELT) is used to integrate a neuroevolution learner with an off-the-shelf computer game Unreal TournamentTM5 (Aha and Molineaux, 2004). The resulting system is successfully used to evolve artificial neural network controllers with basic navigation behavior. Our work leads to formulating a set of requirements that make a general integration and evaluation system such as TIELT a useful tool for benchmarking adaptive decision systems
Mono-L-arginine-containing compounds dilate piglet pial arterioles via an endothelium-derived relaxing factor-like substance

We determined the effects of mono-L-arginine-containing compounds on pial arterioles of anesthetized piglets. A closed cranial window was implanted, and the diameter of one pial arteriole was determined by intravital microscopy. Diameter was determined during application of artificial cerebrospinal fluid containing no drugs and during application of 10(-5), 10(-4), 10(-3), and 10(-2) M L-arginine (ARG), L-arginine ethyl ester (AEE), N alpha-benzoyl-L-arginine (NBA), N alpha-benzoyl-L-arginine ester ethyl (BAEE), and L-citrulline (CIT). Initial diameters were 100-200 microns. All of these compounds dilated arterioles, but the threshold concentration needed to elicit dilation varied: 10(-5) M for NBA (n = 5), 10(-3) M for AEE (n = 9) and BAEE (n = 6), and 10(-2) M for ARG (n = 6) and CIT (n = 4). Maximal responses were 15 +/- 8% for CIT, 17 +/- 4% for ARG, 19 +/- 8% for BAEE, 28 +/- 5% for NBA, and 27 +/- 6% for AEE. Indomethacin pretreatment (5 mg/kg i.v.) did not change arteriolar responses to AEE, NBA, and BAEE. However, coadministration of methylene blue (0.5 x 10(-4) M or 0.5 x 10(-3) M) abolished dilation to 10(-3) M AEE or BAEE and attenuated dilation to 10(-5) M NBA. In addition, coadministration of hemoglobin (0.4 x 10(-4) M) abolished dilation to AEE, BAEE, or NBA. Last, intravenous (5 mg/kg) and coadministration (10(-3) M) of NG-methyl-L-arginine blocked dilation to NBA or AEE. We conclude that mono-L-arginine-containing compounds produce pial arteriolar dilation in piglets, possibly involving an endothelium-derived relaxing factor.
Focusing attention to deep structure in math problems: Effects on elementary education students with and without attentional deficits

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of actively categorizing math problems on the math problem solving performance of students with and without attention deficit disorder (ADD). To this purpose, 52 fifth and sixth grade students were involved in actively categorizing or noncategorizing (control) tasks followed by two problem solving activities. The results of this study indicated that students more frequently organize math problems by categories based on deeper structures (i.e., concepts or operations) when they were informed of the features to look for than students who organized math problems on their own. However, those students who actively organized the math problems and formed categories on their own had higher accuracy in an assessment of generality in a subsequent problem solving task than students who were earlier given categories. These effects were similar for both groups and provided generality to prior research on recall performance to assessing problem solving.
Suboccipital craniotomy in the surgical treatment of Chiari I malformation.

Object The object of this study was to present craniotomy for Chiari type I patients. Materials and methods Six patients with Chiari type I underwent suboccipital craniotomy. All patients showed clinical improvement, and none had any complications. Two patients had syringomyelia; it disappeared in entirety. We describe the procedure for posterior fossa decompression. Results Three-dimensional volumetric analysis using Vitrea workstation for postoperative posterior fossa volumes was calculated and was seen to have been increased on an average, from pre-operative (168 cc) to postoperative volume (192 cc). Conclusion We thus conclude that suboccipital craniotomy results in resolution of the Chiari symptoms yet achieves effective expansion of posterior fossa.
A note on persistence and polarisation

Increased opportunity of productive employment in the market due to the process of polarisation is unlikely to be an important reason for the stability of land ownership of the small holders in Bangladesh. It is argued that the stability is achieved by destabilising the ‘household’ itself. The relative stability of small owners is also due to the fact that in Bangladesh a larger proportion of them belong to the young household category than the households in the rich groups. In fact, a comparison between land ownership at the inception of the households with their land ownership at a fixed point in time may not be useful in understanding either the stability of households or the process of polarisation.
Thermal management of an led light engine for airborne applications

Rockwell Collins has recently developed a light engine, which uses four light emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light source, for a cockpit display system. Under worst case operating conditions, the local heat flux from these LEDs can be more than 1000 W/cm2. This paper describes the thermal management approach for the light engine and presents the results of finite element modeling. This modeling was used to assess various design aspects of the light engine to understand their effects on the overall thermal resistance. Thermal testing of a set of light engines was eventually found to be quite comparable to the modeling results, although a discrepancy between testing and modeling results did help to identify a manufacturing defect that occurred in some early prototype devices, which significantly increased their thermal resistance