cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Baculovirus GP64-pseudotyped HIV-based lentivirus vectors are stabilized against complement inactivation by codisplay of decay accelerating factor (DAF) or of a GP64-DAF fusion protein.

The eventual development of efficient gene transfer vectors for in vivo gene delivery will require the development of a number of important new technologies such as stabilization of vectors against protective mechanisms that destroy or otherwise inactivate foreign infectious agents like gene transfer vectors. It is known that the baculovirus envelope protein GP64 of Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus can efficiently pseudotype lentivirus vectors and that modified forms of the baculovirus envelope protein GP64 can also assemble efficiently into baculovirus particles to display functional foreign proteins on the baculovirus surface. In the present study we have combined these techniques to prepare HIV-based lentivirus vectors pseudotyped with GP64 envelope protein and coexpressing a fusion protein of GP64 with the complement-regulatory, decay accelerating factor (DAF, CD55). In addition, we have also prepared GP64-pseudotyped vectors in the presence of a DAF expression plasmid to allow the incorporation of DAF protein into viral particles. Our results demonstrate both the efficient expression and the high-titer production of GP64/GP64–DAF and GP64/DAF-pseudotyped particles and their stability against inactivation by human and nonhuman primate serum.
Synthesis and structure–activity relationships of N-(3-phenylpropyl)-N′-benzylpiperazines: Potent ligands for σ1 and σ2 receptors

Abstract Ten N-(3-phenylpropyl)-N′-benzylpiperazines having different substituents on the benzyl moiety were synthesized and evaluated for σ1 and σ2 receptor binding. The σ1 affinities were 0.37–2.80 nM, σ2 affinities were 1.03–34.3 nM, and selectivities, as σ2/σ1 affinity ratios, ranged from 1.4 to 52. Three compounds tested in a phenytoin shift binding assay profiled as probable σ1 antagonists. Quantitative structure–activity relationships depended on πx, MR or Es and Hammett σ values. The hydrophobicity term is negative for σ1 binding but positive for σ2 binding, indicating a major difference between the pharmacophores.
Readmissions After Implantation of Axial Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence and causes of readmissions after implantation of axial flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Background Based on the REMATCH (Randomized Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance for the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure) study experience, readmissions after LVAD implantation are thought to be frequent. Methods We retrospectively analyzed admissions to our facility in a cohort of 115 patients implanted between January 2008 and July 2011 with the HeartMate II axial flow LVAD, of whom 42 were bridged to transplant. To account for repeated events, Andersen-Gill models were used to determine possible predictors. Results The patients were followed for 1.4 ± 0.9 years. There were 224 readmissions in 83 patients. The overall readmission rate was 1.64 ± 1.97 per patient-year of follow-up. The readmission rate for the first 6 months was 2.0 ± 2.3 and decreased to 1.2 ± 2.1 during subsequent follow-up. Leading causes were bleeding (66 readmissions in 34 patients), mostly gastrointestinal bleed (51 in 27 patients), cardiac (51 in 36 patients, most for HF or arrhythmia), infections (32 in 25 patients) of which 6 were pump related, and thrombosis (20 in 15 patients) including 13 readmissions due to hemolysis. Preoperative variables associated with (fewer) readmissions in a multivariate model include residence within our hospital-extended referral zone of Minnesota and the neighboring states (hazard ratio: 0.66; 95% confidence interval: 0.48 to 0.91; p = 0.011), hemoglobin (hazard ratio: 0.91, 95% confidence interval: 0.84 to 0.99; p = 0.027) and N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (hazard ratio: 0.98; 95% confidence interval: 0.96 to 1.0 per 1,000-unit increase, p = 0.022). C-statistic for the model: 0.63. Conclusions Readmission rates after axial flow LVAD implantation decrease during the first 6 months and then stabilize. The leading causes are bleeding, cardiac (heart failure and arrhythmia), infections, and thrombosis.
Use of the ternary phase diagram of a mixed cationic/glucopyranoside surfactant system to predict mesostructured silica synthesis

Abstract Mixed surfactant systems have the potential to impart controlled combinations of functionality and pore structure to mesoporous metal oxides. Here, we combine a functional glucopyranoside surfactant with a cationic surfactant that readily forms liquid crystalline mesophases. The phase diagram for the ternary system CTAB/H2O/n-octyl-β- d -glucopyranoside (C8G1) at 50 °C is measured using polarized optical microscopy. At this temperature, the binary C8G1/H2O system forms disordered micellar solutions up to 72 wt% C8G1, and there is no hexagonal phase. With the addition of CTAB, we identify a large area of hexagonal phase, as well as cubic, lamellar and solid surfactant phases. The ternary phase diagram is used to predict the synthesis of thick mesoporous silica films via a direct liquid crystal templating technique. By changing the relative concentration of mixed surfactants as well as inorganic precursor species, surfactant/silica mesostructured thick films can be synthesized with variable glucopyranoside content, and with 2D hexagonal, cubic and lamellar structures. The domains over which different mesophases are prepared correspond well with those of the ternary phase diagram if the hydrophilic inorganic species is assumed to act as an equivalent volume of water.
Contractile activation in frog skeletal muscle.

Contractile activation was studied in frog single muscle fibers treated with tetrodotoxin to block action potentials. The membrane potential in a short segment of the fiber was controlled with a two-electrode voltage clamp, and the contractile response of superficial myofibrils in this segment was observed microscopically. The strength-duration relation for contractile activation was similar to that reported by Adrian, Chandler, and Hodgkin (1969); at 3.9°C, the contraction threshold was –44 mV for long depolarizing pulses (100-ms) and increased to +64 mV for 2-ms depolarizations. Hyperpolarizing postpulses shifted the threshold for 2-ms pulses to more positive values, and a similar, but smaller, effect was produced by hyperpolarizing prepulses. The decay of excitability following subthreshold pulses showed two apparently distinct components; at 3.9°C, excitability fell to 50% of its initial value within 4 ms, while the subsequent decline of excitability proceeded with a half-time of about 20 ms.
A systematically generated, pressure-dependent mechanism for high-conversion ethane pyrolysis. 2. Radical disproportionations, missing reaction families, and the consequences of pressure dependence.

A previous, companion paper of this work (preceding paper in this issue) systematically developed a pressure-dependent reaction mechanism for the high-conversion pyrolysis of ethane,' as studied experimentally by Glasier and Pacey. 2 By combining conventional equilibrium, sensitivity, and reaction pathway analyses, that study identified a complex set of reaction pathways governing the formation and destruction of the important minor products acetylene, propylene, 1,3-butadiene, and benzene, which are pyrocarbon deposition precursors. To more confidently understand, and potentially manipulate, the complex chemistry governing deposition precursors, this work examines in more detail (1) the role of large sets of radical disproportionation reactions in forming the minor products, (2) the consequence of ignoring certain reactions during mechanism construction, (3) the appropriateness of the plug flow assumption used to model the reactor, and (4) the importance of reaction pressure dependence to the predictions of the minor product concentrations. We find that the predicted benzene concentration is sensitive to the presence of a specific, large collection of radical disproportionation reactions, typically neglected in most modeling efforts and of consequence only in the aggregate. Reaction families allowing Diels-Alder reaction, ene reaction, and triplet ethylene formation are safely ignored during model construction for the experimental conditions, but two specific reactions proposed in the literature, which rapidly convert fulvene to benzene, potentially explain the underprediction of benzene by the generated model. However, the rates proposed for these reactions are either unrealistically fast, or unconfirmed. We find the plug flow assumption reasonable in most respects, but its neglect of H-atom diffusion could explain the mechanism's systematic underprediction of hydrogen concentration at longer residence times. Finally, we demonstrate that accurate predictions of the minor product predictions appear to require the systematic treatment of pressure dependence employed by our mechanism generation algorithm. Changing the pressure in the experimental reactor alters the distribution of the minor products, or deposition precursors, through changes in the pressure-dependent reaction rates involved in their formation. We close with suggestions for the future development of automated mechanism generation tools, based on the current results.
Evidence for dineutrons in extremely neutron-rich nuclei.

It is shown that the continuum missing-mass spectra for the (${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$,${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$) and (${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$,p) reactions leading to extremely neutron-rich exotic nuclei can be explained in terms of phase-space distributions by invoking the presence of dineutrons as one of the products of the breakup. It is suggested that this indicates the presence of the dineutron as a cluster in these neutron-rich systems during their breakup. It is noted that these observations in weakly unbound systems may be analogs of the dineutron halos for which evidence has been found in weakly bound nuclei near the neutron drip line.
Additive Phenotype of MG53 and Dysferlin Deficiencies in Membrane Repair Function of Skeletal Muscle Fibers

Dysferlin and MG53 have been implicated as members of the sarcolemma repair machinery. Skeletal muscle fibers isolated from mice lacking expression of one or the other protein display defective membrane repair process following acute injuries. Our previous studies show that MG53 can nucleate the assembly of the membrane repair machinery by facilitating translocation of intracellular vesicles to membrane injury sites. Dysferlin appears to participate in Ca2+-dependent fusion of these vesicles for formation of a repair patch, but dysferlin itself cannot translocate to the injury site in the absence of MG53. To test the complementary function of MG53 and dysferlin in cell membrane repair, we generated a double knockout mouse lacking both MG53 and dysferlin. While serum creatine kinase (CK) levels of dysferlin-/-, mg53-/-, and wild-type mice were not significantly different from each other, CK levels of the mg53-/-dysferlin-/- mice were significantly elevated at resting condition. This suggests a more severe membrane repair defect. Plasma membrane targeted UV-irradiation of isolated skeletal muscle fibers in the presence of a membrane impermeant dye (FM1-43) was used to directly assay membrane repair. This experimental procedure was modified from previously established protocols for a quantitative assessment of the muscle membrane repair capacity. Compared with dysferlin-/- and mg53-/- fibers, significant elevated entry of FM1-43 dye was observed in mg53-/-dysferlin-/- muscle following UV-irradiation. These results suggest that the involvement of these two proteins in the membrane repair mechanism is more complicated than that as two points along a linear pathway. The additive effects of MG53 and dysferlin in muscle membrane repair suggest the possibility that these two proteins may either sense different membrane injury signals, or that they may act at different compartments of the sarcolemma membrane (caveolae or transverse-tubule network).
N-Coumaroyldopamine and N-caffeoyldopamine increase cAMP via beta 2-adrenoceptors in myelocytic U937 cells

N-caffeoyldopamine is a phytochemical found in various plants, including cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.). N-caffeoyldopamine and its natural analogs (N-cinnamoyldopamine, N-coumaroyldopamine, N-feruloyldopamine, and N-sinapoyldopamine) were synthesized and investigated to determine their potency as beta-adrenoceptor agonists, because they have chemical structural moieties found in beta-adrenoceptor agonists. Among the compounds tested in this study, N-coumaroyldopamine and N-caffeoyldopamine were the two most potent compounds, able to increase cAMP at the concentrations N-caffeoyldopamine > N-feruloyldopamine > N-sinapoyldopamine > N-cinnamoyldopamine. Using beta2-specific antagonists (butoxamine and ICI 118551), N-coumaroyldopamine and N-caffeoyldopamine were found to increase cAMP via beta2-adrenoceptors in U937 cells. In producing cAMP in U937 cells, N-coumaroyldopamine and N-caffeoyldopamine were as potent as several well-known beta2-adrenoceptor agonists (salbutamol, procaterol, and fenoterol). These results indicate that N-coumaroyldopamine and N-caffeoyldopamine are potent compounds able to increase cAMP via beta2-adrenoceptors in U937 cells, and may have potential effects on human health.
Diverticulitis manifesting as transverse colocutaneous fistula: report of a case and review of literature.

A case of spontaneous colocutaneous fistula arising from the transverse colon is reported and the literature is reviewed.
A corner store intervention in a low-income urban community is associated with increased availability and sales of some healthy foods

Objective While corner store-based nutrition interventions have emerged as a potential strategy to increase healthy food availability in low-income communities, few evaluation studies exist. We present the results of a trial in Baltimore City to increase the availability and sales of healthier food options in local stores.
A materials failure relation of accelerating creep as empirical description of damage accumulation

A general materials failure relation, $$\ddot \Omega = {\rm A}\dot \Omega ^\alpha$$ , describes accelerating creep of materials with rate coefficients α andA, by relating rates of deformation, $$\dot \Omega$$ , to changes in deformation rate, $$\ddot \Omega$$ (Voight, 1988). Time of failure can be extrapolated from inverse rate versus time data, and α andA may be derived to permit one to calculate the failure time. The method is of value for quantitative hazard assessments. Mechanisms leading to damage accumulation during accelerating creep include creep fracture by stress corrosion and power law lattice deformation. These mechanisms are examined here as phenomenologically related to the materials failure relation. Apparently, both mechanisms favour α≅, where α is the parameter of the materials failure relation controlling the sensitivity to accelerating activity. For pure shear governed by power law creep of powerp, under constant load, α=2.0 andA=p. Stress corrosion is widely described by Charles' equation, relating crack velocity to stress intensity during subcritical crack growth by the stress corrosion indexn. The relationship betweenn and α is given by α=(2n−2)/n. The quantitative, predictive qualities of the general materials failure relationship are illustrated with examples from Mount Toc, Italy, and Mount St. Helens, Washington. Six chevron-notched short bar experiments under constant load serve as examples for accelerating creep fracture in the laboratory. The experiments were conducted on silstones of the Ithaca formation, which show a mean stress corrosion index ofn=78±24. Analysis with regard to the materials failure relation results in a mean α=2.0±0.3, which complies with the established relationship betweenn and α.
Lyapunov and Sacker–Sell Spectral Intervals

In this work, we show that for linear upper triangular systems of differential equations, we can use the diagonal entries to obtain the Sacker and Sell, or Exponential Dichotomy, and also -under some restrictions- the Lyapunov spectral intervals. Since any bounded and continuous coefficient matrix function can be smoothly transformed to an upper triangular matrix function, our results imply that these spectral intervals may be found from scalar homogeneous problems. In line with our previous work [Dieci and Van Vleck (2003), SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 40, 516-542], we emphasize the role of integral separation. Relationships between different spectra are shown, and examples are used to illustrate the results and define types of coefficient matrix functions that lead to continuous Sacker-Sell spectrum and/or continuous Lyapunov spectrum.
UNRESTRICTED DIET IN THE TREATMENT OF DUODENAL ULCER

A controlled study is reported alternating a regular hospital diet with a bland diet in patients diagnosed as having active duodenal ulcer with crater after X-ray examination. Both diets were planned to meet nutritional requirements for normally healthy persons. All of the patients remained in the hospital for a minimum of 3 weeks after diagnosis. Accurate records were kept of food items served, with the reaction to them and the reasons for tray refusals. Clinically and radiographically there was no significant difference in the response of patients to the two diets. The patients placed on a regular diet did not eliminate foods not served on a bland or restricted diet.
Auditory map plasticity: diversity in causes and consequences

Auditory cortical maps have been a long-standing focus of studies that assess the expression, mechanisms, and consequences of sensory plasticity. Here we discuss recent progress in understanding how auditory experience transforms spatially organized sound representations at higher levels of the central auditory pathways. New insights into the mechanisms underlying map changes have been achieved and more refined interpretations of various map plasticity effects and their consequences in terms of behavioral corollaries and learning as well as other cognitive aspects have been offered. The systematic organizational principles of cortical sound processing remain a key aspect in studying and interpreting the role of plasticity in hearing.
Comparison of model-free kinetic methods for modeling the cure kinetics of commercial phenol-formaldehyde resins

For many industrial processes it is important to model the cure kinetics of phenol–formaldehyde resoles. Yet the applicability of common model-free kinetic algorithms for the cure of phenolic resins is not known. In this study the ability of the Friedman, Vyazovkin and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) model-free-kinetics algorithms to model and predict the cure kinetics of commercial resoles is compared. The Friedman and Vyazovkin methods generate consistent activation energy dependences on conversion compared to the KAS method. In addition, the activation energy dependency on conversion is of higher amplitude with these two methods than with the KAS method. Hence, the Friedman and Vyazovkin methods are more adequate for revealing the cure steps of commercial PF resoles. Conversely, the KAS algorithm is easily amenable to dynamic cure predictions compared to the Friedman and Vyazovkin methods. Isothermal cure is equally well predicted with the three. As a result, the KAS algorithm is the method of choice for modeling and predicting the cure kinetics of commercial phenolic resoles under various temperature programs. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Increased plasma normetanephrine in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Plasma catecholamine and total plasma normetanephrine concentrations were determined in 11 spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and in 11 age and sex matched Wistar Kyoto control rats (WKy). Plasma norepinephrine concentration, obtained from tail vein blood of restrained rats, was 356 ± 67 pg/ml in SHR and 297 ± 61 in WKy (NS), whereas epinephrine was 1079 ± 117 in SHR and 695 ± 107 in WKy (p<0.05). Total plasma normetanephrine concentration was 1825 ± 472 pg/ml in SHR and 535 ± 109 in WKy (p<0.02). Since normetanephrine is mainly an extraneuronal metabolite of norepinephrine, its plasma concentration could reflect the amount of the neurotransmitter which reaches effector cell sites suggesting enhanced sympathetic function accounts for blood pressure elevation in SHR. A simple and specific radioenzymatic assay for measurement of total plasma normetanephrine in rat was described.
Reliability of strained quantum well lasers

Strained quantum well lasers have demonstrated remarkably improved characteristics compared to unstrained quantum well lasers. For extracting the highest level of performance, the required strain may be large. An important factor in the use of strained quantum wells is the long-term stability of the pseudomorphic active region and the associated reliability of the device. The effect of strain on reliability is investigated, in particular, for In/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As/GaAs (x=0.2, 0.25, and 0.3) multiple quantum well lasers in 64 mW/facet constant output power tests at 85/spl deg/C for 40 hours. Laser characteristics such as the operating currents (I/sub op/), the threshold currents (I/sub th/), and the slope efficiencies (dL/dI) are measured during the test and serve as useful degradation parameters. The average changes in I/sub op/ are 15, 9.9, and 0.22%, and the average changes in I/sub th/ at 85/spl deg/C are 21, 8.7, and -1.2% for x=0.2, 0.25, and 0.3, respectively. The average changes in dL/dI at 85/spl deg/C are -19, -14, 1.5%, respectively. Defect migration into the pseudomorphic active region is verified to be the dominant mechanism of degradation observed in these lasers. Hence, to account for the strain-induced reliability improvement, it is necessary to study the propagation of defects in semiconductor heterostructures. A theoretical model is constructed based on the the linear theory of elasticity, and relevant experiments are conducted for its support. Strain energy considerations show that defect propagation across a strained layer is unfavorable. The nonradiative defect densities in the GaAs-Al/sub 0.4/Ga/sub 0.6/As quantum wells with and without the surrounding pseudomorphic In/sub 0.2/Ga/sub 0.8/As layers are compared by measuring the photoluminescence intensities after intentionally creating defects and enhancing their diffusion. The structures with pseudomorphic In/sub 0.2/Ga/sub 0.8/As layers consistently show much higher quantum well photoluminescence intensity by as much as 130 times, thereby confirming our model. These results clearly account for the observed reliability improvement in quantum well lasers with increased strain in the well. >
The Utilization of Competing Technologies Within the Firm: Evidence from Cardiac Procedures

This paper examines the role of technological status in determining the rates at which competing techniques are used within a firm. Consistent with prior studies, technological status is measured on the basis of an actor's prior contributions to the body of knowledge concerning a given technique. The empirical analysis considers two treatments for coronary artery disease (CAD), each of which is associated with a distinct professional group within a hospital. These two groups are often characterized as engaging in a "turf war" for patients. After controlling for several factors that might explain technological choice--the clinical severity of patients, the relative quality of the two procedures at a given facility, firm-level financial performance, and other firm-level characteristics--I find that the technological status of the group associated with each technique affects the relative rate at which it is used within a given hospital. Moreover, this effect is strongest for patients at the margin between the two techniques. These results suggest that viewing the choice between competing innovations as a single, firm-level decision may not always capture the true dynamics underlying such a situation.
Analysis of applications of embryo transfer in developing countries

Abstract Embryo transfer is used for similar reasons worldwide, and, while there are special problems in less developed countries, the seemingly marked differences between embryo transfer programs in developed and developing countries are primarily a matter of degree. By most definitions, about one-fourth of countries are developed, one-fourth least developed, and the other half developing. Most developing countries have substantial numbers of middle and upper class citizens, and sometimes considerable resources are available. Conversely, there are “less developed” agricultural sectors in some developed countries. In analyzing the appropriateness of potential embryo transfer programs, the same principles pertain regardless of location: 1) there should be realistic, well defined goals and 2) one should evaluate, for each particular situation, whether there is a reasonable chance that embryo transfer technology can achieve the goals.
Band mass anisotropy and the intrinsic metric of fractional quantum Hall systems

It was recently pointed out that topological liquid phases arising in the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) are not required to be rotationally invariant, as most variational wave functions proposed to date have been. Instead, they possess a geometric degree of freedom corresponding to a shear deformation that acts like an intrinsic metric. We apply this idea to a system with an anisotropic band mass, as is intrinsically the case in many-valley semiconductors such as AlAs and Si or in isotropic systems like GaAs in the presence of a tilted magnetic field, which breaks the rotational invariance. We perform exact diagonalization calculations with periodic boundary conditions (torus geometry) for various filling fractions in the lowest, first, and second Landau levels. In the lowest Landau level, we demonstrate that FQHE states generally survive the breakdown of rotational invariance by moderate values of the band mass anisotropy. At 1/3 filling, we generate a variational family of Laughlin wave functions parametrized by the metric degree of freedom. We show that the intrinsic metric of the Laughlin state adjusts as the band mass anisotropy or the dielectric tensor is varied, while the phase remains robust. In the $n=1$ Landau level, mass anisotropy drives transitions between incompressible liquids and compressible states with charge density wave ordering. In $n\ensuremath{\ge}2$ Landau levels, mass anisotropy selects and enhances stripe ordering with compatible wave vectors at partial 1/3 and 1/2 fillings.
Quantitative real-time imaging of myocardium based on ultrasonic integrated backscatter

The integrated backscatter calculation over the full, two-dimensional echocardiographic sector is implemented to produce images from closed-chest dogs. This new real-time integrated backscatter measurement system allows a continuous determination of integrated backscatter from all myocardial regions in the ultrasonic view. By replacing the conventional video processor in a commercial two-dimensional echocardiographic imager with this new real-time backscatter measurement system, it is possible to produce real-time two-dimensional images based on integrated backscatter. >
Triassic Loessite of North-Central Utah: Stratigraphy, Petrophysical Character, and Paleoclimate Implications

ABSTRACT Even though paleoloess (loessite) deposits serve as important stratigraphic markers and can imply specific environmental and/or climatic conditions, few have been described in detail. The Mahogany Member of the Triassic Ankareh Formation of north-central Utah contains a well-exposed example of an ancient loess. Although difficult to trace regionally, its distinguishing characteristics are uniform massiveness (lacking visible internal structure or bedding) over a 37 m thickness and a silt grain-size distribution. The upper 2.6 m of the loessite contains a distinct, vertical color zonation with lithologic changes indicating development of an immature paleosol. Whole-rock chemical analyses indicate trends in carbonate and clay (aluminum) that are consistent with a paleosol at the top of the loessite. A hand-held gamma ray spectrometer yields natural gamma counts that may distinguish the paleoloess as a stratigraphic unit, correlatable to the subsurface. Both the loessite and the superimposed immature paleosol (at the top of the loessite) can serve as important proxies for paleoclimate and may further represent a Middle Triassic record that is generally missing throughout much of the Western Interior. Analogous sedimentary deposits that have routinely been grouped as floodplain deposits may, on closer examination, be found to have physical characteristics indicative of loess deposition. Recognition of large, regional-scale loessites could be useful indicators of global climate changes and monsoonal influence associated with varying plate configurations.
Special-purpose legume genetic resources conserved for agricultural, industrial, and pharmaceutical use

To help feed, clothe, house, improve land productivity, confront difficult resource necessities, and stabilize ravaged land resources through reforestation, there is need for a revitalized worldwide assessment of little-known legume species. Many legumes produce economically important organic compounds such as gums, dyes, Pharmaceuticals, pesticides, phytochemicals, and many specialty products. However, most legumes have never been or have just begun to be studied for phy-tochemical or biologically active components, and new reservoirs of commercially valuable materials remain to be discovered. Not only could these legumes provide healthier and a more secure food supply for Third World countries, but they can protect fragile soil resources where erosion now threatens tragedy.
A Combination Chemotherapy Protocol with Dose Intensification and Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant (VELCAP‐HDC) for Canine Lymphoma

Twenty-eight dogs with lymphoma were treated with a 12-week, 5-drug chemotherapy protocol concluding with high-dose cyclophosphamide supported by autologous bone marrow transplants. A dose escalation design was used to determine the maximum tolerated cyclophosphamide dose (MTD) in this setting. Three cyclophosphamide dose levels were given: 300 mg/ m2 IV (groupl, 3 dogs), 400 mg/m2 IV (group 2, 12 dogs), and 500 mg/m2 IV (group 3, 13 dogs); and the MTD was 500 mg/m2 IV. Toxicity was common but mild, and the dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression, specifically neutropenia. No dog died as a result of treatment-related toxicity. One dog in group 3 developed fever, neutropenia, and presumed sepsis and responded promptly to routine management. No other dog required hospitalization. Lower stage and higher cyclophosphamide dose (both increasing dose [study groups 1-3], and the highest dose [group 3]) compared with the lower doses combined (groups 1 and 2) were significantly associated with longer remission duration (all P < .0001). Median remission duration for dogs in group 3 was 54 weeks, compared with 21 weeks for dogs in groups 1 and 2 combined. Factors associated with longer survival time were lower stage (P = .042) and higher cyclophosphamide dose (both increasing dose [study groups 1-3], and the highest dose [group 3] compared with the lower doses combined [groups 1 and 2]) (P = .027). Median survival time for dogs in group 3 was 139 weeks, compared with 43 weeks and 68 weeks for dogs in groups 1 and 2, respectively.
Patterning a π-conjugated polyelectrolyte through sequential polymerization of a bifunctional ionic liquid monomer

Abstract An electronically conductive polyelectrolyte is prepared by the sequential polymerization of a bifunctional imidazolium-based ionic liquid (IL) monomer, composed of a thienyl and vinyl containing cation paired with a tetrafluoroborate anion. In the first step, potentiodynamic electropolymerization of the thienyl moiety forms a cationic polyalkylthiophene that is soluble in select organic solvents. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used to determine the polymer p-doping potential (0.31 V) and the bipolaronic state (1.49 V). The polymer exhibits electrochromism, converting from red in the neutral state (λmax = 443 nm) to dark blue in the polaronic state (λmax = 819 nm). The solution-processable polymer can be cast into a film, masked and patterned by UV-initiated free radical polymerization of the vinyl moiety. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) revealed that the insoluble crosslinked polyalkylthiophene–polyvinylimidazolium adopts a lamellar structure with a lattice spacing of 3.3 nm. Four-probe d.c. conductivity measurements determined the de-doped electrical conductivity was 1.0 × 10−2 S/cm. The results underscore the importance of the anion in controlling the polymerization of IL monomers.
A minimally invasive wideband mixed-mode detector for mm-Wave BIST applications

Differential circuits, employed to alleviate performance trade-offs associated with increased levels of system integration, demand leading edge solutions to address testing limitations. As a result, a differential, wideband amplitude detector suitable for built-in-self-test (BIST) applications at RF to millimeterwave (mm-Wave) frequencies is presented. For compatibility with BIST methodologies, a comprehensive analysis, lacking in previous literature, simplifies and classifies the detector's response into a known type (RMS, Peak) depending on certain operating conditions (operating region, input signal level). Additionally, another novel concept of cross-mode detection error is introduced to supplement characteristics of the differential detector. The detector was implemented in a BiCMOS IBM8HP process and two design variants were characterized. A BJT version features a bandwidth between 100MHz and 17.5GHz. The second design added few improvements to the original topology; innovative common-mode detection capability was included with minimal loading effects to the device-under-test (DUT), the circuit was migrated to MOS transistors, and the bandwidth was extended to 70GHz. Both versions (BJT and MOS) occupy a core area smaller than 0.045mm2, with a static power consumption as low as 8μW and exhibit a dynamic range of at least 30dB.
Impact of chronic condition status and severity on dental treatment under general anesthesia for Medicaid-enrolled children in Iowa state.

Objective To assess the impact of chronic condition (CC) status and CC severity, respectively, on the odds of receiving dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) for Medicaid-enrolled children by age group.
Exacerbation of electrical storm subsequent to implantation of a right vagal stimulator

A patient with advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy underwent implantation of a vagal stimulator in an attempt to control recurrent drug refractory ventricular arrhythmia. Electrical storm was exacerbated after the implant and continued after neurostimulation was discontinued. The report aims to provide a cautionary note to application of vagal stimulation for control of cardiac arrhythmia.
Regulation of Phosphate Metabolism in NEUROSPORA CRASSA: Isolation of Mutants Deficient in the Repressible Alkaline Phosphatase

ABSTRACT Mutants of Neurospora crassa have been isolated that lack the repressible alkaline phosphatase, but, unlike nuc-1 and nuc-2 mutants, are able to make the repressible acid phosphatase and the repressible phosphate permease under conditions of derepression (phosphate deprivation). The new mutants, called pho-2, map in Linkage Group V, and are unlinked to the putative control mutants, nuc-1, nuc-2-pconc, and pregc. Three of the pho-2 mutants do not make detectable amounts of repressible alkaline phosphatase, but the fourth makes about 1% of the level found in wild type. The small amount of alkaline phosphatase made by this strain appears to be qualitatively similar or identical to the wild-type enzyme, as judged by electrophoretic mobility, heat stability, and titration with specific antibody to the wild-type enzyme. Several revertants of this strain have been examined in the same way, and the alkaline phosphatase of these strains also appears to be qualitatively normal. Reversion events can occur at, or near, the pho-2 locus, but also occur in at least two unlinked sites (suppressor mutations). One suppressor maps very close to nuc-1.
Cell Phone Use While Driving: Risk Implications for Organizations

Cell phones and smartphones have become valuable tools for personal convenience and safety, as well as for conducting business and increasing productivity. In December 2013, the number of cell phone subscriber connections in the U.S. reached 335.6 million [4], representing a penetration level of more than 100% of the total U.S. population. In addition to personal convenience and safety, many people use their cell phones while driving, to leverage commute time. The latest U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) survey estimated that the percentage of vehicles whose drivers were using either handheld or hands-free phones was 9% at a typical daylight moment, and the percentage of drivers text-messaging or visibly using handheld devices increased significantly from 0.9% in 2010 to 1.3% in 2011 [16].
The TSP and the Sum of its Marginal Values

This paper introduces a new notion related to the traveling salesperson problem (TSP) — the notion of the TSP ratio. The TSP ratio of a TSP instance I is the sum of the marginal values of the nodes of I divided by the length of the optimal TSP tour on I, where the marginal value of a node i ∈ I is the difference between the length of the optimal tour on I and the length of the optimal tour on I\i. We consider the problem of establishing exact upper and lower bounds on the TSP ratio. To our knowledge, this problem has not been studied previously. We present a number of cases for which the ratio is never greater than 1. We establish a tight upper bound of 2 on the TSP ratio of any metric TSP. For the TSP on six nodes, we determine the maximum ratio of 1.5 in general, 1.2 for the case of metric TSP, and 10/9 for the geometric TSP in the L1 metric. We also compute the TSP ratio experimentally for a large number of random TSP instances on small number of points.
Increasing CO2 storage in oil recovery

Abstract Oil fields offer a significant potential for storing CO2 and will most likely be the first large scale geological targets for sequestration as the infrastructure, experience and permitting procedures already exist. The problem of co-optimizing oil production and CO2 storage differs significantly from current gas injection practice due to the cost-benefit imbalance resulting from buying CO2 for enhanced oil recovery projects. Consequently, operators aim to minimize the amount of CO2 required to sweep an oil reservoir. For sequestration purposes, where high availability of low cost CO2 is assumed, the design parameters of enhanced oil recovery processes must be re-defined to optimize the amount of CO2 left in the reservoir at the time of abandonment. To redefine properly the design parameters, thorough insight into the mechanisms controlling the pore scale displacement efficiency and the overall sweep efficiency is essential. We demonstrate by calculation examples the different mechanisms controlling the displacement behavior of CO2 sequestration schemes, the interaction between flow and phase equilibrium and how proper design of the injection gas composition and well completion are required to co-optimize oil production and CO2 storage.
Dramatic response of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor to neadjuvant imatinib therapy.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common sarcoma of the alimentary tract and are believed to derive from the interstitial Cell of Cajal. Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®; Novartis, Basel, Switzerland) has revolutionized the treatment of GISTs and is generally used in the metastatic and adjuvant settings. We report the case of a 61-year old man who was treated with neoadjuvant imatinib for a massive gastric GIST with the hope of avoiding a potential multi-visceral resection.
The geographic distribution of United States public libraries: An analysis of locations and service areas

This article explores the geography of public libraries in the United States. The distribution of libraries is examined using maps and spatial statistics to analyze spatial patterns. Methods for delineating and studying library service areas used in previous LIS research are modified and applied using geographic information systems to study variations in library accessibility by state and by socio-economic group at the national level. A history of library development is situated within the broader economic and demographic history of the US to provide insight to contemporary patterns, and Louis Round Wilson’s Geography of Reading is used as a focal point for studying historical trends. Findings show that while national library coverage is extensive, the percentage of the population that lives in a library’s geographic service area varies considerably by region and state, with Southern and Western states having lower values than Northeastern and Midwestern states.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010—Chicago, IL

Caleb Barthes had awoken Sunday at noon and realized that by the time he was brushing his oversized smile that he was already thinking of Delta.
“Blueprinting” and climate change: Regional governance and civic participation in land use and transportation planning

This study investigates the development and performance of an innovative approach to the management of transportation, land use, air quality, housing, and a variety of other regional development issues, called “blueprinting.” Blueprinting refers to a process that brings together planning experts, local political leaders, and ordinary citizens; arms them with current planning ideas about “smart growth” and data visualization tools, to develop long-range regional development plans. As such, blueprinting represents a recent manifestation of regionalist approaches to environmental policy and planning. Focusing on the Sacramento region, an early adopter of blueprint planning, we use archival data and media sources to reconstruct the development of blueprinting and then we turn to an analysis of the performance of the blueprinting approach in relation to three successive planning efforts. We find that despite the promise of blueprinting, very little progress has been made toward actually changing the regional transportation system and land use patterns. The net result of this long-term planning effort aimed at achieving sustainable transportation land use is that total CO2 emissions increase over time at historical rates. We close with a discussion of what this means for regional planning and achieving goals set by California's landmark climate change legislation.
Pricing Credit Default Swaps when Interest Rate Process and Hazard Rate Process are Stochastic

This paper models the dynamics of the building blocks for a plain vanilla credit default swap. We use a normal process for the interest rate (Vasicek model) to model the price of zero-coupon bonds (or the discount factor) and a log-normal process for the hazard rate to model the survival probabilities in a java applet. Model-generated data are used to calculate a fair market price for such a contract once survival probabilities and values of the discount function have been estimated using stochastic models. The article concludes by presenting numerical results from the models. Combining a constant interest rate and a stochastic hazard rate process, this one-factor model shows that the level of hazard rate rather than the volatility affecting the change in CDS spreads the most. With a constant survival probability and a stochastic interest rate, a lower CDS spread is associated with a higher spot rate due to the protection buyer's higher opportunity cost on the premium payments. Results also show that a higher survival probability of the reference entity indicates a lower CDS spread as expected. A two-factor model gives a much higher CDS price than the one-factor model especially when the drift parameters are higher in the credit events process.
Non‐compliance with India's Factories Act: Magnitude and patterns

While non-compliance with legislation and regulations is said to be rife in developing countries, there is limited systematic evidence of the magnitude of non-compliance. The authors quantify non-compliance with India's Factories Act in 2010 and find that the number of non-compliant firms is nearly twice that of compliant firms, and much larger than the number of firms “adjusting out” of the legislation. Thus, non-compliance with the Factories Act is a key feature of India's “missing middle”. The main trends and patterns of non-compliance are explored, and a number of key issues highlighted for further analytical and policy research.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS IN THE SPINE OF SIX DOGS DIAGNOSED WITH LYMPHOMA

Lymphoma is one of the most common neoplasms in the dog. Despite its prevalence and the increasing use of advanced diagnostic imaging in veterinary patients only few reports of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in spinal lymphoma have been published to date. The purpose of this retrospective case series study was to describe the MRI findings in dogs with confirmed lymphoma affecting the spine and/or paraspinal soft tissues. Medical records were searched for patients that had MRI of the spine and a diagnosis of lymphoma during the period of 2005-2015. Data recorded from retrieved MRI studies were presence of focal or multifocal disease, structures involved, and signal characteristics on T2-W, short tau inversion recovery (STIR), and T1-W sequences prior to and following intravenous contrast medium administration. Six dogs met the inclusion criteria. Common findings included multifocal disease (4/6), vertebral involvement (5/6), spinal cord compression (4/6), and involvement of more than one spinal compartment (medullary cavity, vertebral canal, paraspinal soft tissues) (6/6). Vertebral changes were confined to the medullary cavity without evidence of cortical osteolysis. There was questionable involvement of the spinal cord in one case. All spinal and paraspinal lesions identified were T2-W isointense to hyperintense, STIR hyperintense, T1-W hypointense to isointense, and showed variable moderate to strong contrast enhancement. Additional lesions identified were enlarged intraabdominal lymph nodes, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and a splenic nodule. The STIR and T1-W postcontrast sequences were subjectively the most useful in identification of the spinal and paraspinal lesions.
Extending SKOS: A Wikipedia-Based Unified Annotation Model for Creating Interoperable Domain Ontologies

Interoperability of annotations in different domains is an essential demand to facilitate the interchange of data between semantic applications. Foundational ontologies, such as SKOS (Simple Knowledge Organization System), play an important role in creating an interoperable layer for annotation. We are proposing a multi-layer ontology schema, named SKOS-Wiki, which extends SKOS to create an annotation model and relies on the semantic structure of the Wikipedia. We also inherit the DBpedia definition of named entities. The main goal of our proposed extension is to fill the semantic gaps between these models to create a unified annotation schema.
Situation awareness and the PVI link

In order to provide today's fighter pilot with the knowledge needed to ensure a high probability of mission success, we must provide him with the right information, at the right time, in the right place. It is the intent of this paper to discuss a new and somewhat unique project under way in the Pilot-Vehicle Interface department at the General Dynamics Fort Worth Division. The purpose of this project is to define and establish a "PVI Link" between the fighter designers and combat mission success. Software tools have been selected and will be used to analyze avionic sensor volumes, examine existing air-to-air mission databases, and identify and evaluate measures of merit. The project will establish methodologies and objective measures. The results will be validated with a credible and traceable process which defines the elements of Situation Awareness in design terms.