cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cerebrovascular Complications in Early Survivors of Civilian Penetrating Brain Injury

This study investigates the presence of cerebrovascular injuries in a large sample of civilian penetrating brain injury (PBI) patients, determining the prevalence, radiographic characteristics, and impact on short-term outcome. We retrospectively reviewed patients with PBI admitted to our institution over a 2-year period. Computed tomography head scans, computer tomography angiograms and venograms of the intracranial vessels were evaluated to determine the wound trajectory, intracranial injury characteristics, and presence of arterial (AI) and venous sinus (VSI) injuries. Demographics, clinical presentation, and treatment were also reviewed. Discharge disposition was used as surrogate of short-term outcome. Seventy-two patients were included in the study. The mechanism of injury was gunshot wounds in 71 patients and stab wound in one. Forty-one of the 72 patients (60%) had at least one vascular injury. Twenty-six out of 72 patients suffered an AI (36%), mostly pseudoaneurysms and occlusions, involving the anterior and middle cerebral arteries. Of the 72 patients included, 45 had dedicated computed tomography venograms, and of those 22 had VSI (49%), mainly manifesting as superior sagittal sinus occlusion. In a multivariable regression model, intraventricular hemorrhage at presentation was associated with AI (OR 9.9, p = 0.004). The same was not true for VSI. Acute traumatic cerebrovascular injury is a prevalent complication in civilian PBI, frequently involving both the arterial and venous sinus systems. Although some radiographic features might be associated with presence of vascular injury, assessment of the intracranial vasculature in the acute phase of all PBI is essential for early diagnosis. Treatment of vascular injury remains variable depending on local practice.
Nonparametric estimation of population average dose-response curves using entropy balancing weights for continuous exposures

Weighted estimators are commonly used for estimating exposure effects in observational settings to establish causal relations. These estimators have a long history of development when the exposure of interest is binary and where the weights are typically functions of an estimated propensity score. Recent developments in optimization-based estimators for constructing weights in binary exposure settings, such as those based on entropy balancing, have shown more promise in estimating treatment effects than those methods that focus on the direct estimation of the propensity score using likelihood-based methods. This paper explores recent developments of entropy balancing methods to continuous exposure settings and the estimation of population dose-response curves using nonparametric estimation combined with entropy balancing weights, focusing on factors that would be important to applied researchers in medical or health services research. The methods developed here are applied to data from a study assessing the effect of non-randomized components of an evidence-based substance use treatment program on emotional and substance use clinical outcomes.
Sea ice melt and freeze onset from space-based lidar measurements

This paper describes a method to accurately identify the melt and freeze onset of sea ice using polar-orbiting Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) lidar measurements from the Cloud and Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Observation (CALIPSO) mission. The proposed method is based on the integrated depolarization ratio and attenuated backscatter to separate surface melting and freezing from open water and snow/ice covered surfaces. The method has been applied to CALIOP data over different Arctic regions to study the annual variability of melt and freeze onset. The > 10 years of CALIOP continuous observations of the sea ice melt and freeze onset will benefit the scientific research communities to better assess and quantify global environmental changes.
Comprehensive single-PCR 16S and 18S rRNA community analysis validated with mock communities, and estimation of sequencing bias against 18S.

Universal primers for SSU rRNA genes allow profiling of natural communities by simultaneously amplifying templates from Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryota in a single PCR reaction. Despite the potential to show relative abundance for all rRNA genes, universal primers are rarely used, due to various concerns including amplicon length variation and its effect on bioinformatic pipelines. We thus developed 16S and 18S rRNA mock communities and a bioinformatic pipeline to validate this approach. Using these mocks, we show that universal primers (515Y/926R) outperformed eukaryote-specific V4 primers in observed versus expected abundance correlations (slope = 0.88 vs. 0.67-0.79), and mock community members with single mismatches to the primer were strongly underestimated (threefold to eightfold). Using field samples, both primers yielded similar 18S beta-diversity patterns (Mantel test, p < 0.001) but differences in relative proportions of many rarer taxa. To test for length biases, we mixed mock communities (16S + 18S) before PCR and found a twofold underestimation of 18S sequences due to sequencing bias. Correcting for the twofold underestimation, we estimate that, in Southern California field samples (1.2-80 μm), there were averages of 35% 18S, 28% chloroplast 16S, and 37% prokaryote 16S rRNA genes. These data demonstrate the potential for universal primers to generate comprehensive microbiome profiles.
Hepatitis C: Current State of Treatment in Children

Hepatitis C in children is on the rise due to perinatal transmission from infected mothers, and high-risk practices in adolescents and young adults. Prevalence remains underestimated because children at high risk are often not screened. Treatment has evolved over the past decade with the advent of new drugs, and global elimination is now possible. Direct-acting antiviral combinations are safe and effective, with sustained viral suppression rate >90%, and Food and Drug Administration-approved for children ≥3 years old. Although challenging, efficient screening and treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus early is cost-effective and reduces burden of disease and its complications.
Doxycycline Changes the Transcriptome Profile of mIMCD3 Renal Epithelial Cells

Tetracycline-inducible gene expression systems have been used successfully to study gene function in vivo and in vitro renal epithelial models but the effects of the common inducing agent, doxycycline (DOX), on gene expression are not well appreciated. Here, we evaluated the DOX effects on the transcriptome of a widely used renal epithelial cell model, mIMCD3 cells, to establish a reference. Cells were grown on permeable filter supports in the absence and presence of DOX (3 or 6 days), and genome-wide transcriptome profiles were assessed using RNA-Seq. We found DOX significantly altered the transcriptome profile, changing the abundance of 1,549 transcripts at 3 days and 2,643 transcripts at 6 days. Within 3 days of treatment, DOX significantly decreased the expression of multiple signaling pathways (ERK, cAMP, and Notch) that are associated with cell proliferation and differentiation. Genes associated with cell cycle progression were subsequently downregulated in cells treated with DOX for 6 days, as were genes involved in cellular immune response processes and several cytokines and chemokines, correlating with a remarkable repression of genes encoding cell proliferation markers. The results provide new insight into responses of renal epithelial cells to DOX and a establish a resource for DOX-mediated gene expression systems.
Genetic Recombination for Antigenic Markers of Antigenically Different Strains of Influenza B Virus

Incorporation of trypsin in agar overlay or fluid maintenance media resulted in enhancement of plaquing efficiency and replication of influenza B viruses in primary chicken embryo fibroblasts. Using this improved technique, recombination was attempted with two serologically distinct strains of influenza B virus, B/Lee/40 and B/Massachusetts/1/71. After mixed infection, two virus clones were selected and characterized in detail. Hemagglutination inhibition and neuraminidase inhibition tests showed that these viruses are reciprocal antigenic recombinants with hemagglutinin derived from one parent and neuraminidase from the other. Serological examinations of the antisera to these recombinants confirmed the results. The frequency of recombination was high in the present system and 64% of the virus clones isolated without selection from the mixed yield were recombinants. This high recombination frequency is consistent with the genomic reassortment that is characteristic of recombination of influenza A viruses.
Localization and Propagation in Random Lattices

We analyze the motion of a particle on random lattices. Scatterers of two different types are independently distributed among the vertices of such a lattice. A particle hops from a vertex to one of its neighboring vertices. The choice of neighbor is completely determined by the type of scatterer at the current vertex. It is shown that on Poisson and vectorizable random triangular lattices the particle will either propagate along some unbounded strip or be trapped inside a closed strip. We also characterize the structure of a localization zone contained within a closed strip. Another result shows that for a general class of random lattices the orbit of a particle will be bounded with probability one.
Neighborhood Racial Composition, Institutional Socialization, and Intraracial Feelings of Closeness among Black Americans

Relying on nationally representative data from the most recent wave of the National Survey of Black Americans (NSBA), the current study examines how past and present neighborhood racial composition is associated with feelings of closeness toward black Americans, black Africans, and black West Indians. In addition, this research tests whether race-based socialization messages received from caregivers or religious socialization messages explain this relationship among a sample from the adult black US population. The findings show that past neighborhood composition is associated with present feelings of closeness toward black Americans and black West Indians but are not associated with close feelings toward black Africans. Current neighborhood racial composition is not associated with feelings of closeness toward any of the groups. Racial socialization messages are associated with closeness towards them all but are found to be largely a function of having a two-parent family during childhood. Religious socialization is also associated with intraracial feelings of closeness. Results suggest that neighborhood racial composition is important to help facilitate positive feelings toward others who share the same race but a different ethnicity.
Age-related changes in male forearm skin-to-fat tissue dielectric constant at 300 MHz.

Summary Prior research suggests that tissue dielectric constant (TDC) values are useful to assess localized skin water in females for early diagnosing breast cancer treatment-related lymphoedema and TDC values in young adults have shown gender differences. However, no TDC data are available for older males nor have ageing effects been studied despite known shifts in water state and other skin age-related changes. Thus our goals were to (i) characterize TDC values at various skin depths in young and older males, (ii) determine the dependence of these values on body composition parameters and (iii) establish inter-arm TDC ratios for use as normal male reference values. TDC measurements were made to depths of 0·5, 1·5, 2·5 and 5·0 mm bilaterally on volar forearm skin in 60 males in three groups of 20 that had mean ages ± SD of 24·0 ± 0·9, 40·0 ± 12·9 and 71·0 ± 8·0 years. Total body fat and water percentages were determined via bioimpedance at 50 KHz. Results showed that (i) for all age groups TDC values decreased with increasing depth, (ii) TDC values were not statistically different among age groups except at a depth of 0·5 mm, (iii) TDC values were highly negatively correlated with total body fat and (iv) inter-arm ratios varied little among age groups and depths. It is concluded that (i) age-related larger TDC values at only the shallowest depth is consistent with skin water shifting state from bound to more mobile in the oldest group and (ii) inter-arm ratios at any depth provide a basis to test for unilateral oedema.
Discriminating among word meanings by identifying similar contexts

Word sense discrimination is an unsupervised clustering problem, which seeks to discover which instances of a word/s are used in the same meaning. This is done strictly based on information found in raw corpora, without using any sense tagged text or other existing knowledge sources. Our particular focus is to systematically compare the efficacy of a range of lexical features, context representations, and clustering algorithms when applied to this problem.
The Differential Effects of a Typing Tutor and Microcomputer-Based Word Processing on the Writing Samples of Elementary Students with Behavior Disorders.

AbstractA repeated-measures, alternating-treatments design was used to compare student performance in constructing writing samples under two experimental conditions: (a) typing tutor plus a computer-based word processor and (b) paper and pencil. Individual differences in the error rates for each student were noted and indicated varied improvements under each condition for capitalization, spelling, punctuation, and complete sentences. Effects of the different conditions were noted on the general quality of the written products in each experimental condition. Of the 6 students’ written story lengths, 3 increased during the computer-based experimental condition. Participants included 6 elementary-age students with behavioral disorders. The implications for classroom instruction and further research are discussed.
Synthesis and photochemistry of two quinoline analogs of the perimidinespirohexadienone family of photochromes

Abstract We report the detailed synthesis and photochemistry of two analogs (specifically 3,5-di- tert -butyl-7′-methyl- and 3,5-di- tert -butyl-7′,9′-dimethyl-1′,3′-dihydrospirocyclohexa[2,5]diene-1,2′-pyrido[4,3,2-de]quinazolin-4-one) of the perimidinespirohexadienone (3,5-di- tert -butyl-1′,3′-dihydrospirocyclohexa[2,5]diene-1,2′-perimidin-4-one) family of photochromes in which the naphthalene moiety of the parent is replaced by a quinoline, and compare them to the parent compound. Molar absorptivities of both the short wavelength spirocyclic isomer (SW) and long wavelength quinonimine isomer (LW) of each were determined by a combination of proton NMR and UV–vis spectroscopy in solvents of varying polarity. Quantum yield measurements for photoisomerization of SW to LW are reported in those same solvents, with qualitative extrapolation to additional solvents. The position and rate of the thermal equilibrium reverting LW to SW is estimated for these compounds. The 9′-methyl in SW (6-methyl in LW) is found to be essential for complete reversion of LW to SW in the dark. Finally one-dimensional NOE NMR spectroscopy was used to conclusively determine the structure of LW for the quinoline analogs as the 4-(5-aminoquinolin-4-ylimino)-2,6-di- tert -butylcyclohexa-2,5-dienone resulting from opening toward the quinoline nitrogen, rather than the 4-(4-aminoquinolin-5-ylimino) structure that would result from spirocyclic ring opening away from the quinoline nitrogen which had been initially proposed by Minkin et al. for very similar compounds [V.I. Minkin, V.N. Komissarov, V.A. Kharlanov, Perimidinespirocyclohexadienones, in: J.C. Crano, R.J. Guglielmetti (Eds.), Organic Photochromic and Thermochromic Compounds, vol. 1, Plenum Press, New York, 1999, pp. 315–340, and references therein].
An operator splitting scheme with a distributed Lagrange multiplier based fictitious domain method for wave propagation problems

We propose a novel fictitious domain method based on a distributed Lagrange multiplier technique for the solution of the time-dependent problem of scattering by an obstacle. We study discretizations that include a fully conforming approach as well as mixed finite element formulations utilizing the lowest order Nedelec edge elements (in 2D) on rectangular grids. We also present a symmetrized operator splitting scheme for the scattering problem, which decouples the operator that propagates the wave from the operator that enforces the Dirichlet condition on the boundary of an obstacle. A new perfectly matched layer (PML) model is developed to model the unbounded problem of interest. This model is based on a formulation of the wave equation as a system of first-order equations and uses a change of variables approach that has been developed to construct PML's for Maxwell's equations. We present an analysis of our fictitious domain approach for a one-dimensional wave problem. Based on calculations of reflection coefficients, we demonstrate the advantages of our fictitious domain approach over the staircase approximation of the finite difference method. We also demonstrate some important properties of the distributed multiplier approach that are not shared by a boundary multiplier fictitious domain approach for the same problem. Numerical results for two-dimensional wave problems that validate the effectiveness of the different methods are presented.
Appearance of Slow α 2 -Globulin during the Inflammatory Response of the Rat

SLOW α2-globulin is a protein of large molecular weight which becomes demonstrable by vertical starch-gel electrophoresis in the serum of the rat under a variety of conditions, mostly related to growth. It cannot be demonstrated by this means in healthy, non-pregnant adult animals but has been demonstrated in connexion with normal growth1–3, neoplastic growth1,2,4,5, regenerative or compensatory growth6,7, pregnancy1,2, tight abdominal bandaging4, Caesarean section with retention of a single placenta1, implantation of homologous minced kidney tissue7, unilateral kidney ligation7 and in certain states resembling mild infectious diseases1,6. The appearance of slow α2-globulin in the last few of these conditions, together with the observation that it becomes sporadically demonstrable after limb amputation or sham surgery7, especially in the presence of obvious wound infection, led to the hypothesis that, in addition to growth, the presence of an infection and/or an inflammatory condition can elicit the appearance of slow α2-globulin in the serum of the rat.
Tradeoffs in probabilistic packet marking for IP traceback

There has been considerable recent interest in probabilistic packet marking schemes for the problem of tracing a sequence of network packets back to an anonymous source. An important consideration for such schemes is the number of packet header bits that need to be allocated to the marking protocol. Let b denote this value. All previous schemes belong to a class of protocols for which b must be at least log n, where n is the number of bits used to represent the path of the packets. In this paper, we introduce a new marking technique for tracing a sequence of packets sent along the same path. This new technique is effective even when b=1. In other words, the sequence of packets can be traced back to their source using only a single bit in the packet header. With this scheme, the number of packets required to reconstruct the path is O(22n), but we also show that ω(2n) packets are required for any protocol where b=1. We also study the tradeoff between b and the number of packets required. We provide a protocol and a lower bound that together demonstrate that for the optimal protocol, the number of packets required (roughly) increases exponentially with n, but decreases doubly exponentially with b. The protocol we introduce is simple enough to be useful in practice. We also study the case where the packets are sent along k different paths. For this case, we demonstrate that any protocol must use at least log(2k—1) header bits. We also provide a protocol that requires ⌈log(2k+1)⌉ header bits in some restricted scenarios. This protocol introduces a new coding technique that may be of independent interest.
Caveolin-3 and SAP97 form a scaffolding protein complex that regulates the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.5

The targeting of ion channels to particular membrane microdomains and their organization in macromolecular complexes allow excitable cells to respond efficiently to extracellular signals. In this study, we describe the formation of a complex that contains two scaffolding proteins: caveolin-3 (Cav-3) and a membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK), SAP97. Complex formation involves the association of Cav-3 with a segment of SAP97 localized between its PDZ2 and PDZ3 domains. In heterologous expression systems, this scaffolding complex can recruit Kv1.5 to form a tripartite complex in which each of the three components interacts with the other two. These interactions regulate the expression of currents encoded by a glycosylation-deficient mutant of Kv1.5. We conclude that the association of Cav-3 with SAP97 may constitute the nucleation site for the assembly of macromolecular complexes containing potassium channels.
The relationship between insight and clinical factors for persons with schizophrenia

This correlational study examined the relationship of insight with positive and negative symptoms and level of functioning among persons with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Poor insight as a symptom of schizophrenia is the conceptual framework. Thirty-seven people receiving assertive community treatment, inpatient hospitalization, or outpatient treatment were assessed using 2 self-rating insight scales, the Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). A significant negative correlation was found between insight and positive formal thought disorder. No significant relationships were found between insight and negative symptoms or level of functioning. Reactions to the self-rating insight tools suggest necessary revisions of the insight tool.
Auditory M100 component 1: relationship to Heschl's gyri.

Abstract This study was designed to localize the neuroanatomic generator of the 100 ms latency magnetic auditory evoked field (EF) component (M100) activated by an unattended tone pip. Magnetic EFs in response to 25 ms duration, 90 dB, 1 kHz tone pips were recorded from both hemispheres of nine normal adults, five males and four females, using a seven-channel second-order gradiometer. The source of the M100 was estimated, with confidence intervals, bu a least squares based inverse solution algorithm. Magnetic resonance (MR) images of the brain were acquired with a 1.5 T system using a standard head coil. The superior temporal gyri (STG) were manually segmented from 1.7 mm thick coronal images, and the superior surfaces were then rendered from the 3-D volume data. Translation and rotation matrices were identified to locate the magnetoencephalography (MEG) determined sources within the reconstructed STGs. This population of 18 STGs in 9 individuals demonstrated two transverse gyri in 4 of 9 left hemispheres, and 5 of 9 right hemispheres. All 9 left hemisphere M100 sources were in or included Heschl's gyrus(i) in the confidence intervals. Seven of the 9 included Heschl's gyrus(i) on the right; the remaining two, both males, had sources slightly anterior to Heschl's gyrus(i). We conclude that all M100 source location estimates were compatible with an auditory koniocortex source in or adjacent to Heschl's gyri.
Computing the singular behavior of solutions of Cauchy singular integral equations with variable coefficients

Abstract A numerical technique to determine the singular behavior of the solution of Cauchy singular integral equations (CSIE) with variable coefficients is proposed. The fundamental solution, which is a solution of the corresponding homogeneous equation, is constructed by a quadrature-collocation scheme. This leads to a system of nonlinear equations to approximate the exponents of singularity. Newton's method has been found to yield a useful approximation to these exponents. Once we have numerically obtained the weight function which determines the behavior of the solution of Cauchy singular integral equation, it can be used to solve a variety of nonhomogeneous CSIE with variable coefficients.
Inheritance of resistance in three cotton cultivars to the HV1 isolate of bacterial blight

Disease grade frequency distributions indicated a single gene with complete dominance for resistance to the USA race mixture in Tamcot CAMD-E and S295. Frequency distributions also indicated a single-gene difference between S295 and Stoneville 825 for resistance to the HV1 isolate. Resistance in S295 to HV1 and the USA race mixture appears to be controlled by the same gene or two closely linked genes. Resistance to HV1 in S295 was inherited as a single gene, designated B 12 , with complete dominance for resistance
Nuclear medicine and ultrasound; correlation in diagnosis of disease of liver and biliary tract.

Even though the radiocolloid scan is non-specific it will be approximately 70%–80% accurate in predicting the presence or absence of liver disease and somewhat less accurate than that in making statements as to the specific type of disease. This compares well with other modalities. The ability of nuclear medicine techniques to provide a correct diagnosis is improved when additional isotopic techniques such as hepatic blood flow studies and 131 I-rose bengal and 67 Ga scanning are performed. Ultrasound scanning is also nonspecific To date, the major application of ultrasound in the study of the liver has been in deciphering puzzling contour abnormalities seen on nuclear medicine scans and in demonstrating fluid-filled abnormalities. Its usefulness in diffuse and solid focal lesions has been less dramatic. More recently, however, the development of gray scale has necessitated a reevaluation of the technique. Gray scale demonstrates a large number of intrahepatic interfaces that were previously invisible, and it has already been shown to demonstrate focal disorders such as metastasis more easily than the non-gray-scale method. It can also demonstrate dilated biliary radicals, the gallbladder, and gallstones. In addition, while routinely studying the liver one can evaluate diaphragmatic motion and various retroperitoneal structures such as the pancreas, lymph nodes, and abdominal vascular structures.
Testing a Model of the Term Structure of Interest Rates by Simulation of Market Forecasts

Abstract This article is concerned with testing a model of the term structure of interest rates. The model relates the term premiums embodied in forward rates to the level of interest rates and an index of business confidence. Theoretical considerations suggest that the latter variables are inversely related to term premiums. Empirical implementation focuses on the use of optimal forecasts of spot rates implied by time series models as simulated values of market forecasts. Tests of the model using the Durand data for 1900–1958 indicate the presence of the inverse relationships suggested.
Human placental lipid peroxidation. Some characteristics of the NADPH-supported microsomal reaction.

Abstraet--l. The evidence presented in this paper indicates the existence of NADPH-supported lipid peroxidation in human placental microsomes. Thiobarbituric acid assay was used to estimate quantitatively lipid peroxidation. 2. Several biochemical characteristics of the reaction were examined. Maximal lipid peroxidation occurred at pH 7.4 and at a protein concentration of approx. 0.2 mg microsomal protein/ml. The presence of NADPH and chelated iron was required. The reaction was linear up to 5 rain and did not exhibit an initial lag phase. 3. Under optimal assay conditions, the rate of lipid perioxidation ranged from 2 to 6 nmol malondialdehyde formed/min/mg protein in different preparations of placental microsomes. 4. Inconclusive results were obtained when assays were performed in the presence of scavengers of reactive oxygen species. 5. Marked inhibition in the malondialdehyde accumulation was observed when phosphate buffer was added to the incubation media. 6. This inhibitory effect appeared to be due to the removal of chelated iron from the system and not due to interference with the electron transport mechanism.
Studies of viral DNA packaging motors with optical tweezers: a comparison of motor function in bacteriophages φ29, λ, and T4

A key step in the assembly of many viruses is the packaging of double-stranded DNA into a viral procapsid (an empty protein shell) by the action of an ATP-powered portal motor complex. We have developed methods to measure the packaging of single DNA molecules into single viral proheads in real time using optical tweezers. We can measure DNA binding and initiation of translocation, the DNA translocation dynamics, and the filling of the capsid against resisting forces. In addition to studying bacteriophage φ29, we have recently extended these methods to study the E. coli bacteriophages λ and T4, two important model systems in molecular biology. The three systems have different capsid sizes/shapes, genome lengths, and biochemical and structural differences in their packaging motors. Here, we compare and contrast these three systems. We find that all three motors translocate DNA processively and generate very large forces, each exceeding 50 piconewtons, ~20x higher force than generated by the skeletal muscle myosin 2 motor. This high force generation is required to overcome the forces resisting the confinement of the stiff, highly charged DNA at high density within the viral capsids. However, there are also striking differences between the three motors: they exhibit different DNA translocation rates, degrees of static and dynamic disorder, responses to load, and pausing and slipping dynamics.
Photorefractive BaTiO(3) spheres and spherical disks.

We have produced single-crystal spheres and spherical disks of photorefractive barium titanate (BaTiO(3)) . The spheres and disks allow direct fiber-to-fiber two-beam coupling without additional optical elements. We also investigate the spontaneous oscillation of triangles and other whispering-gallery modes in these spherical structures.
Compatibility conditions for a left Cauchy-Green strain field

This paper deals chiefly with various issues pertaining to the existence and uniqueness of a finite deformation that gives rise to a prescribed right or left Cauchy-Green strain-tensor field. Following a review and discussion of available existence and uniqueness theorems appropriate to a pre-assigned right strain field, the extent of uniqueness of a generating deformation is established under minimal smoothness and invertibility assumptions. The remainder of the paper is devoted to the more involved corresponding existence and uniqueness questions for a given left strain-tensor field. These questions are first discussed in a three-dimensional setting and are then resolved for the special class of plane deformations. The results thus obtained stand in marked contrast to their counterparts for a given right strain field.
Upstream Waves and Particles

The region upstream from terrestrial, planetary, and interplanetary shocks in which the magnetic field lines are connected to the shock is filled with a variety of plasma waves, MHD waves, energetic electrons, and ions associated with the near presence of the shock. These upstream waves and particles present us with a natural plasma laboratory which is providing basic information on plasma instabilities and collisionless shock physics, as well as insight into how cosmic ray acceleration may occur in the interstellar medium. Much remains to be done, however, before our present empirical knowledge is woven into the stronger fabric of theoretical understanding.
Numerical Model of Cavitating Propeller Inside of a Tunnel

The unsteady cavitating flow of a propeller subject to a nonaxisymmetric inflow inside of a tunnel is addressed. A numerical method is developed which solves for the fully unsteady propeller problem and the tunnel problem separately, with the unsteady effects of one on the other being accounted for in an iterative manner. The propeller influence on the tunnel walls is considered via potential while the tunnel walls influence on the propeller is considered via velocity. The iterative process is found to converge very fast, usually within three iterations, even for a heavily loaded propeller. The effect of the tunnel extent and the number of panels on the predicted mean propeller forces is investigated, In the case of uniform inflow the equivalent open water velocity is calculated and then compared to that predicted from Glauert's formula
Nanostructured electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion

Nanostructured materials play an important role in advancing the electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies such as lithium ion batteries and fuel cells, offering great promise to address the rapidly growing environmental concerns and the increasing global demand for energy. In this review, we summarize some of the recent progress and advances in our laboratory on nanostructured electrode materials for lithium ion batteries and platinum-based and platinum-free nanoalloy electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Materials design, novel chemical synthesis and processing, advanced materials characterization, and electrochemical evaluation data are presented.
Immunoglobulin GM Genes, Cytomegalovirus Immunoevasion, and the Risk of Glioma, Neuroblastoma, and Breast Cancer

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a common herpes virus, has been reported to be a risk factor for many diseases, including malignant diseases such as glioma, neuroblastoma, and breast cancer. Some of the HCMV-associated diseases (e.g. glioma) are rare. The question arises: How could a common virus be associated with uncommon diseases? Interactions between a major gene complex of the human immune system and a viral immunoevasion strategy—a probable mechanism of their co-evolutionary adaptation—may shed light on this paradox. To ensure its survival, HCMV has evolved sophisticated immunoevasion strategies. One strategy involves encoding decoy Fcγ receptors (FcγR), which may enable the virus to evade host immunosurveillance by avoiding the Fcγ-mediated effector consequences of anti-HCMV IgG antibody binding. Immunoglobulin G1 proteins expressing GM (γ marker) alleles 3 and 17 have differential affinity to the HCMV TRL11/IRL11-encoded FcγR, and thus act as effect modifiers of HCMV-associated malignancies. The high affinity GM 3 allele has been shown to be a risk factor for neuroblastoma, glioma, and breast cancer. Additional studies involving other viral FcγRs as well as GM alleles expressed on other IgG subclasses are warranted.
Cytochrome P450-specific human PBPK/PD models for the organophosphorus pesticides: Chlorpyrifos and parathion

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) remain a potential concern to human health because of their continuing use worldwide. Phosphororthioate OPs like chlorpyrifos and parathion are directly activated and detoxified by various cytochrome P450s (CYPs), with the primary CYPs involved being CYP2B6 and CYP2C19. The goal of the current study was to convert a previously reported human pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) model for chlorpyrifos, that used chlorpyrifos metabolism parameters from rat liver, into a human CYP based/age-specific model using recombinant human CYP kinetic parameters (V(max), K(m)), hepatic CYP content and plasma binding measurements to estimate new values for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibition and to use the model as a template for the development of a comparable parathion PBPK/PD model. The human CYP based/age-specific PBPK/PD models were used to simulate single oral exposures of adults (19 year old) and infants (1 year) to chlorpyrifos (10,000, 1000 and 100 μg/kg) or parathion (100, 25 and 5 μg/kg). Model simulations showed that there is an age dependency in the amount of blood cholinesterase inhibition observed, however additional age-dependent data are needed to further optimize age-specific human PBPK/PD modeling for these OP compounds. PBPK/PD model simulations estimated that a 4-fold increase or decrease in relative CYP2B6 and CYP2C19 content would produce a 9-22% inhibition in blood AChE activity following exposure of an adult to chlorpyrifos (1000 μg/kg). Similar model simulation produced an 18-22% inhibition in blood AChE activity following exposure of an adult to parathion (25 μg/kg). Individuals with greater CYP2B6 content and lower CYP2C19 content were predicted to be most sensitive to both OPs. Changes in hepatic CYP2B6 and CYP2C19 content had more of an influence on cholinesterase inhibition for exposures to chlorpyrifos than parathion, which agrees with previously reported literature that these CYPs are more reaction biased for desulfurization (activation) and dearylation (detoxification) of chlorpyrifos compared to parathion. The data presented here illustrate how PBPK/PD models with human enzyme-specific parameters can assist ongoing risk assessment efforts and aid in the identification of sensitive individuals and populations.
Loss of ERE binding activity by estrogen receptor‐α alters basal and estrogen‐stimulated bone‐related gene expression by osteoblastic cells

Estrogen receptor (ER)-α can signal either via estrogen response element (ERE)-mediated pathways or via alternate pathways involving protein–protein or membrane signaling. We previously demonstrated that, as compared to wild type (WT) controls, mice expressing a mutant ER-α lacking the ability to bind EREs (non-classical estrogen receptor knock-in (NERKI)) display significant impairments in the skeletal response to estrogen. To elucidate the mechanism(s) underlying these in vivo deficits, we generated U2OS cells stably expressing either WT ER-α or the NERKI receptor. Compared to cells transfected with the control vector, stable expression of ER-α, even in the absence of E2, resulted in an increase in mRNA levels for alkaline phosphatase (AP, by 400%, P < 0.01) and a decrease in mRNA levels for insulin growth factor-I (IGF-I) (by 65%, P < 0.001), with no effects on collagen I (col I) or osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA levels. By contrast, stable expression of the NERKI receptor resulted in the suppression of mRNA levels for AP, col I, OCN, and IGF-I (by 62, 89, 60, and 70%, P < 0.001). While E2 increased mRNA levels of AP, OCN, col I, and IGF-I in ER-α cells, E2 effects in the NERKI cells on AP and OCN mRNA levels were attenuated, with a trend for E2 to inhibit col I mRNA levels. In addition, E2 had no effects on IGF-I mRNA levels in NERKI cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that ERE signaling plays a significant role in mediating effects of estrogen on osteoblastic differentiation markers and on IGF-I mRNA levels. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 896–907, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Interfacially polymerized thin film composite membranes on microporous polypropylene supports for solvent-resistant nanofiltration

Abstract Interfacial polymerization (IP) is a powerful technique for fabrication of thin film composite (TFC) membranes. The polymers used most often as support are polysulfone (PS) or polyethersulfone (PES). These supports have limited stability in organic solvents. In this work, microporous polypropylene (PP) flat film and hollow fiber membranes were used as a support to fabricate TFC membranes for nanofiltration by the IP technique. Porous polypropylene membranes can provide substantial chemical, pH, and solvent resistance and are therefore suitable as supports for fabricating TFC membranes functioning as solvent-stable nanofiltration membranes. The surface and the pore interior of polypropylene flat sheet and hollow fiber membranes were hydrophilized first by pre-wetting with acetone followed by oxidation with chromic acid solution. A standard procedure to successfully coat the hydrophilized flat film and hollow fiber membranes was developed next. The monomeric system chosen for IP was poly(ethyleneimine) and isophthaloyl dichloride. The TFC hollow fiber membranes were characterized by nanofiltration of safranin O (MW 351) and brilliant blue R (MW 826) dyes in methanol. Rejection values of 88% and 43% were achieved for brilliant blue R and safranin O, respectively at a transmembrane pressure of 413 kPa in the TFC hollow fiber membranes. Pressure dependences of the solvent flux and solute rejection of the TFC membranes were studied using the modified flat sheet membranes up to a pressure of 965–1241 kPa. Solvent flux increased linearly with an increase in the transmembrane pressure. Solute rejection also increased with an increase in the transmembrane pressure. All modified membranes were also characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Extended-term solvent stability of the fabricated membranes was studied in toluene; the membranes demonstrated substantial solvent stability in toluene.
Ethical Analysis as a Tool for Addressing Treatment Controversies: Radiotherapy Timing in Children With Orbital Rhabdomyosarcoma as a Case Example

Abstract Purpose The treatment of orbital rhabdomyosarcoma is a topic of debate between North American and European clinicians, with the utility of radiation therapy as part of initial management in question. Despite differences in philosophy, the dominant North American approach of upfront radiation and the dominant European approach of radiation only in the event of recurrence yield a similar rate of overall survival. We sought to identify the ethical arguments for each approach. Methods Established moral principles and appeals in contemporary medical ethics were utilized to identify the ethical arguments supporting each treatment approach. The potential for technologic advances to alter the analysis was considered. Results Emphasizing the principle of beneficence, the North American approach seeks to reduce recurrence rates. In contrast, the European approach seeks to avoid radiation-induced sequelae, emphasizing the principle of nonmaleficence. Both approaches are based on well-established ethical principles, evidence, and clinical experience. Thus, both approaches currently appear to have legitimacy and should be included in the informed consent process. However, if treatment-related toxicity is reduced through improvements in radiation delivery, the North American approach could emerge as ethically superior. Conclusions Ethical analysis can aid in addressing challenges that arise when professional practices and perspectives differ in the management of cancer patients.
5′-DEOXYADENOSINE COMPLEXES WITH DIVALENT 3d METAL PERCHLORATES

Abstract 5′-deoxyadenosine (LH) complexes with divalent 3d metal perchlorates were prepared by refluxing mixtures of LH and salt in triethylorthoformate-ethylacetate. With one exception (M = Co), adducts of the types M(LH)2(ClO4)2.3EtOH (M = Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn) and Cu(LH)3(ClO4)2.EtOH were obtained. Ethanol is introduced to the system by hydrolysis of triethylorthoformate during the dehydration of the metal salts. Co(II) perchlorate yielded a complex involving both neutral LH and monoanionic L− ligands, i. e., Co2(LH)L2(ClO4)2.4EtOH. An analogous Cu(II) complex, Cu2(LH)L2(ClO4)2.EtOH.3H2O, was also obtained by refluxing substantially more dilute suspensions of LH and Cu salt, relative to the standard preparative method employed. The new complexes were characrerized as dimers or linear polymers, involving bridging bidentate N1,N7-bound LH ligands between adjacent metal ions and coordination number six. The new adducts also involve terminal N7-bound LH and EtOH ligands and ionic perchlorate, and the Co and Cu c...
Big growth hormone(GH): Conversion to small gh without peptide bond cleavage

Mercaptoethanol treatment of big growth hormone(GH) obtained from human pituitary resulted in a 60% conversion to small GH. Further dissociation was obtained by combined treatment with the reducing agent plus urea. The results indicate that the existence of big GH is dependent upon the formation of inter-polypeptide chain disulfide bonds.
A broader view of validation; the balance of compliance and science

Abstract Validation is discussed in terms of the business environment and its implementation as a balance between the requirements of science and compliance. “Top down” and “Bottom up” methods are discussed in the light of current regulatory practices of ISO, NAMAS, GLP, and GMP etc. A framework is proposed to allow a common sense approach to validation programmes.
Solid armature development program at the ARDEC Electric Armaments Research Center

An experimental railgun armature program at the US Army Armament Research and Development Engineering Center is in-place and on-going. The goal of the program is to design and develop a 50 mm solid trailing arm armature that is capable of operating efficiently in the 800 kA to 1500 kA current range. An iterative design and test methodology was created to optimize the armature electrical efficiency. A six part test plan investigates the effect of armature compliance, current pulse shape, contact size and contact material on the magnitude of the muzzle voltage and the time of transition. The armature design and test plan seek to validate a candidate electrical contact wear model and establish the required relationship between compliance and optimum contact normal force for a given launch current. Currently, the affect of armature compliance and current pulse shape on the armature performance are being investigated at velocities in excess of 2.0 km/sec. As an outcome of the test program, armature quality factor has been defined as a new figure of merit for armature performance. The test results and analysis of the muzzle voltage are presented. >
Chemical characterization of a unique chondrite - Allan Hills 85085

Allan Hills 85085 is a new and very important addition to the growing list of unique carbonaceous chondrites because of its unique chemical and mineralogical properties. This chemical study provides more precise data on the major, minor, and trace element characteristics of ALH85085. ALH85085 has compositional, petrological, and isotopic affinities to AL Rais and Renazzo, and to Bencubbin-Weatherford. The similarities to Al Rais and Renazzo suggest similar formation locations and thermal processing, possibly in the vicinity of CI chondrites. Petrologic, compositional and isotopic studies indicate that the components that control the abundance of the various refractory and volatile elements were not allowed to equilibrate with the nebula as conditions changed, explaining the inconsistencies in the classification of these meteorites using known taxonomic parameters.
Effects of enclosure size on activity and sleep of a hystricomorph rodent (Octodon degus)

Eight adult and eight infant degus were continuously observed over two 24-h sessions in order to determine the effects of large vs. small enclosure size on the stability of activity and sleep cycles. Behaviors were categorized into one of five mutually exclusive categories. Although the proportion of time spent engaging in sleep and other activities was not found to vary significantly, the circadian placement of activities by age and sex class was found to be altered as a function of enclosure size. These results are examined with reference to prevailing theories concerning the functions of sleep.