cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Pemetrexed in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Malignancy

Although advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and Europe, chemotherapeutic options have only recently expanded with concomitant improvements in survival. Through the 1980s and early 1990s, research focused mainly on the major fluoropyrimidine 5-fluorouracil, a thymidylate synthase (TS) inhibitor, and methods to enhance its activity through scheduling changes or by biochemical modulation. Pemetrexed is a novel antifolate that inhibits several folate-dependent enzymes in addition to TS. This agent has theoretical and preclinical advantages over fluoropyrimidines and more specific antifolates. Phase II studies have shown a broad spectrum of activity in solid tumors, including CRC and pancreatic cancer. Combinations of pemetrexed with gemcitabine, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin have also proven feasible. Further studies of higher and biweekly doses with the use of vitamin supplementation are under way. In pancreatic cancer, the phase II studies of pemetrexed and gemcitabine were sufficiently promising to warrant a completed phase III comparison. Based on a recent abstract presentation, it appears that this combination did not improve survival compared with gemcitabine alone. Nonetheless, pemetrexed has important promise for new and improved regimens in the therapy of gastrointestinal cancer.
Solvent effects on the monolayer structure of long n-alkane molecules adsorbed on graphite

Neutron diffraction patterns of dotriacontane ( $n{\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{C}}_{32}{\mathrm{D}}_{66}$) monolayers adsorbed on an exfoliated graphite substrate from a heptane ( $n{\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{C}}_{7}{\mathrm{D}}_{16}$) solution reveal striking differences in the molecular orientation, lattice constant, and coherence length from those of the same monolayer adsorbed from the gas phase. Neither $n{\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{C}}_{32}{\mathrm{D}}_{66}$ monolayer phase appears to be fully consistent with Groszek's model of $n$-alkane registry on the graphite (0001) surface. A reversible transformation between the two monolayer phases can be induced by adding as little as a monolayer of the heptane solvent.
Bogoliubov transformation for a spatially varying gap

Abstract It is shown that a general Bogoliubov transformation can be used as an alternative to Gorkov's equations in studying the properties of superfluid 3 He with a position-dependent gap matrix. Expressions are derived for the current density and the gradient free energy which are exact to first and second order, respectively, in the spatial inhomogeneity.
Dynamical system representation of open address hash functions

This paper demonstrates how a broad collection of hash function families can be expressed as dynamical systems. We then show that this representation can be useful for analysis. In particular, we provide an analysis which proves that a widely-used family of double hash functions will transform any initial distribution of keys into the uniform distribution over the table space.
"Milwaukee shoulder" syndrome: Microspherules containing hydroxyapatite, active collagenase and neutral protease in patients with rotator cuff defects and glenohumeral osteoarthritis

Abstract A new syndrome involving the shoulder joints is described, associating HA crystals in microspheroids, active collagenase, neutral protease with destruction of the fibrous rotator cuff and glenohumeral osteoarthritis. This pathogenetic mechanism postulated for this destructive arthropathy may have applicability for the devolutionary joint changes associated with other microcrystals found in joints and almost certainly applies to other joints besides the shoulder.
Gene dose effect: regional mapping of human nuceloside phosphorylase on chromosome 14

Quantitative analyses of erythrocyte nucleoside phosphorylase in four unrelated cases of partial trisomy 14 indicate that the structural gene for this enzyme maps in the chromosome region 14q11 leads to 14q21.
Computing in Higher Educational Institutions in an ERA of SEA Change

This article makes use of College and University Systems Exchange (CAUSE) surveys from 1994 through 1996 concerning how higher educational institutions are responding to demands for increased use of information technology in classes and by students and faculty. Student and faculty access to the Web jumped by a remarkable extent from 1994 to 1995 and thus institutions successfully provided access to this new technology. Student and faculty use of the Web also jumped greatly, though less than access. Use of computing and e-mail in the classroom increased at a much slower rate from 1994 to 1996. The equipping of classrooms for computing also remained at a low level. An analysis was conducted to determine if higher educational policies and structures had any impact on access to and use of computing by students and faculty but no consistent and strong findings were obtained.
Locus coeruleus and labile memory

Abstract Memory lability is defined as the period of time recently-formed memory remains susceptible to experimental modification. Electrolytic lesions delivered through chronic indwelling electrodes to the locus coeruleus (LC) complex of mice, made shortly after learning, resulted in an extension of memory lability. Mice with unilateral, but not bilateral LC damage became amnesic following electroconvulsive shock (ECS) administered 7 days (168 hr) after memory formation. ECS had no effect on memory in LC-lesioned mice when administered 14 days following training. In a second experiment, the temporal relationship between time of memory formation and time of LC damage was found to be critical to the occurrence of this extended period of lability. In a third experiment, we tested the possibility that prolonged trace lability was the result of weaker memory formation as reflected by decreased persistence (i.e. faster forgetting) of the memory. The results indicated equal rates of forgetting for normal and LC-lesioned mice. Present results support the hypothesis that the locus coeruleus complex normally plays an important role in delimiting the time-course of initially labile stages of memory. By inference, these data suggest further that such a delimiting function of the locus coeruleus is mediated through its noradrenergic modulation of other brain regions.
A Pilocytic Astrocytoma Mimicking a Clinoidal Meningioma

Pilocytic astrocytomas and meningiomas are benign, primary brain tumors that may involve the optic tract. Classically, the presence of a dural “tail” sign may differentiate a meningioma from other intracranial lesions. In this report, we describe a mass with the typical appearance of a clinoidal meningioma on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but postoperatively diagnosed as a pilocytic astrocytoma. This case illustrates the rare occurrence of a pilocytic astrocytoma mimicking a meningioma on MRI.
Smoke plume height measurement of prescribed burns in the south-eastern United States

Smokeplumeheightisimportantformodellingsmoketransportandresultingeffectsonairquality.Thisstudy presents analyses of ceilometer measurements of smoke plume heights for twenty prescribed burns in the south-eastern United States. Measurements were conducted from mid-winter to early summer between 2009 and 2011. Approximately half of the burns were on tracts of land over 400ha (1000 acres) in area. Average smoke plume height was ,1km. Plume height trended upward from winter to summer. These results could be used as an empirical guideline for fire managers to estimate smoke plume height in the south-eastern US when modelling and measurement are not available. The average couldbeusedasafirst-orderapproximation,andasecond-orderapproximationcouldbeobtainedbyusingtheaveragefor spring and autumn seasons, and decreasing or increasing by 0.2km the average for winter or summer. The concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 or 10mm (PM2.5 and PM10) within smoke plumes calculatedfromceilometerbackscatterare,80and90mgm � 3 ,andtrenddownwardfromwintertosummer.Largesmoke concentrations are found in the lower portion of smoke plumes for many burns. Smoke plume height shows fast and uniformfluctuationsatminutescalesforalmostallburnsandslowandirregularfluctuationsatscalesfromtensofminutes to hours for some burns. Additional keywords: ceilometer measurement, particulate matter concentration. Received 19 May 2011, accepted 16 July 2012, published online 24 September 2012
Heart disease contributes to high stroke mortality in Poland.

Context: The case-fatality rate for ischemic stroke in Poland are 3 times higher than in the United States. The reason for this difference is uncertain. Objective : To explore whether cardiac comorbidity contributes to high case-fatality rates for ischemic stroke in Poland. Design : Prospective collection of data on ischemic stroke by using a structured data collection instrument. Setting : A regional neurological hospital in Warsaw. Intervention : Standard medical care was provided to all ischemic stroke patients. Outcome measure : Survival at 30 days, stroke lesion size and location by computerized tomographic scan, stroke syndrome. Results : 252 patients with ischemic stroke were registered. Overall 30-day case-fatality rate was significantly higher in the group of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) (28.6% v 13.9%) and congestive heart failure (CHF) (29.1% v 12.7%) than in those without these comorbidities. In patients with either AF or CHF, ischemic lesions seen on computed tomography (CT) scans were more likely to be very large (occupying more than 1 lobe) and were more likely to involve both superficial and deep structures of the brain. Large hemispheric syndromes were more likely in patients with AF (38.5% v 18.5%) and CHF (33.8% v 18.9%) than in those without these comorbidities. Conclusions : Strokes caused by CHF or AF tend to be larger and are more likely to lead to death. The high prevalence of cardiac disease may be one cause of high stroke mortality in Poland
Intelligibility of tracheoesophageal speech in noise.

Summary The purpose of this investigation is to determine the extent to which background noise negatively impacts the intelligibility of tracheoesophageal (TE) speech. Four male TE speakers provided speech samples that were recorded in quiet and in noise conditions. The listener/subjects occupied a sound-treated booth and were presented with two tasks. In Task 1, the subjects were required to transcribe TE speech stimuli recorded in quiet. In Task 2, the subjects were required to transcribe TE speech stimuli recorded in noise. Repeated measures 2 × 4 factorial analyses of variance were calculated for the dataset. The results of the statistical analysis revealed that the TE speech produced in quiet was significantly more intelligible to the listeners than the TE speech produced in noise for three of the four TE speakers. Furthermore, the results seem to support the hypothesis that the activation of a Lombard effect in TE speakers may detract from their overall speech intelligibility.
The Effects of β-Noradrenergic Receptor Blockade on Acquisition of Eyeblink Conditioning in 3-Month-Old F344 Rats☆

There is evidence that blocking β-noradrenergic receptors will cause deficits in some forms of learning. We investigated the effects of systemic injections of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg doses of propranolol on acquisition of delay eyeblink conditioning in 3-month-old Fischer 344 rats. We presented a 3-kHz, 90-dB tone as a conditioning stimulus and a 6 psi airpuff as our unconditioned stimulus to freely moving rats. We monitored eyelid activity using EMG signals. The treatment subjects were injected with either propranolol or saline 0.5 h prior to daily training sessions. Two groups of control subjects, one receiving injections of saline and one receiving injections of 5 mg/kg propranolol, received daily training sessions with unpaired and randomized presentation of the tone and airpuff. Each daily training session for the treatment groups consisted of 27 paired training trials and 3 conditioned stimulus-alone training trials. Rats injected with saline vehicle or with 1 mg/kg propranolol achieved a 60% or better learned response rate within two training sessions. Rats injected with 5 or 10 mg/kg propranolol never achieved a response rate significantly different from animals that received unpaired, random presentations of the tone and airpuff stimuli. These results agree with prior studies from our lab that have shown a dose-dependent effect of β-noradrenergic receptor blockade on learning in rabbit eyeblink conditioning as well as in a runway, motor learning paradigm. We believe that the β-noradrenergic system plays an important role in learning and memory in more than one cerebellar-dependent learning paradigm.
Self-reactive human CD4 T cell clones form unusual immunological synapses

Recognition of self–peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes by CD4 T cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. We analyzed formation of immunological synapses (IS) in self-reactive T cell clones from patients with multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. All self-reactive T cells contained a large number of phosphorylated T cell receptor (TCR) microclusters, indicative of active TCR signaling. However, they showed little or no visible pMHC accumulation or transport of TCR–pMHC complexes into a central supramolecular activation cluster (cSMAC). In contrast, influenza-specific T cells accumulated large quantities of pMHC complexes in microclusters and a cSMAC, even when presented with 100-fold lower pMHC densities. The self-reactive T cells also maintained a high degree of motility, again in sharp contrast to virus-specific T cells. 2D affinity measurements of three of these self-reactive T cell clones demonstrated a normal off-rate but a slow on-rate of TCR binding to pMHC. These unusual IS features may facilitate escape from negative selection by self-reactive T cells encountering very small amounts of self-antigen in the thymus. However, these same features may enable acquisition of effector functions by self-reactive T cells encountering large amounts of self-antigen in the target organ of the autoimmune disease.
High-efficiency silicon RFIC millimeter-wave elliptical slot-antenna with a quartz lens

This paper presents a W-band on-chip elliptical slot antenna fabricated in the IBM CMOS8RF (0.13 µm) process. This antenna has a measured efficiency of 7% and a measured gain of −5.7 dB at 88 – 90 GHz. The measured impedance bandwidth is 3.1%. Although it is not efficient as a standalone element for RFIC applications, the elliptical slot is very promising as a feed for an extended hemispherical lens. Simulated results indicate that the antenna efficiency improves to 30% at 90 GHz using a quartz dielectric lens, with an impedance bandwidth of 4.4%. The simulated gain at 90 GHz is 15 dB when placed on 12 mm diameter lens, ideal for high gain silicon RFIC applications.
A hierarchically controlled, sensory interactive robot in the automated manufacturing research facility

The National Bureau of Standards, Center for Manufacturing Engineering is implementing an experimental factory called the Automated Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF). The AMRF will operate as a small batch machine shop and is currently configured with three machining workstations, a cleaning and deburring workstation and an inspection workstation. Each of these workstations will employ robotic material handling including machine loading and unloading. At present each workstation is at a different stage of completion. The "Horizontal Workstation" which contains a horizontal-spindle N.C. machine tool and one material handling robot has been completely integrated. The material handling robot is a Cincinnati Milacron T3 (hydraulic) which has been enhanced to meet the requirements of the AMRF. This robot has been equipped with a hierarchical robot control system, a 3-D vision system, a watchdog safety system and an instrumented, servo controlled gripper, all of which were developed at the National Bureau of Standards. Each of these systems is described individually together with a description of the enhanced capabilities of the robot with these systems operating as an integrated package.
Primary Esophageal B-Cell Lymphoma

e A man with a history of hemophilia and hepatitis C presented to an outside hospital with hematemesis nd concomitant 6-g/dL drop in hemoglobin. He had a history f solid/liquid dysphagia and odynophagia during the last 6 onths. Initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showed arge blood clots in the proximal esophagus that obstructed the iew. A computed tomography scan of the chest showed a eterogeneous density soft tissue mass within the lumen or rising from the wall of the esophagus, likely a clot distending. sophagogram demonstrated a filling defect in the upper thoacic esophagus compatible with known hematoma, and repeat sophagogram showed a marked decrease in the upper thoracic sophageal filling defect suggestive of decreasing hematoma on ischarge. Two weeks later, he presented to an outside hospital comlaining of 2 days of hematemesis and bright red blood per ectum. EGD demonstrated a possible mass of the upper esophgus, without active bleeding. The patient then presented to our nstitution, where an EGD demonstrated a mass extending rom 20 –25 cm from the incisors, involving 50% of the esophgeal circumference with central ulceration (Figure A) suspiious for squamous cell carcinoma. No active bleeding was ppreciated. Endoscopic ultrasound demonstrated a mass inolving and crossing the muscularis propria (Figure B). Biopsies were obtained, which showed aggressive large B-cell lymphoma (Figure C), immunologically characterized by CD20 and coxpression of CD10 and BCL-6 (Figure D). A positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography scan (Figure E) showed a large, intensely metabolic, active area of thickening of the upper mediastinal esophagus consistent with neoplastic process and no other focal areas of increased activity in the remaining PET scan. This was staged as isolated extranodal large B-cell lymphoma. Thereafter, he received 6 cycles of rituximab– cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunomycin, Oncovin, and prednisone chemotherapy, resulting in resolution of his dysphagia, gastrointesti-
Rural Networks in the United States: Lessons from Three Experiments

A number of states and countries have begun to encourage formation of flexible manufacturing networks among small manufacturing and other firms to respond effectively to local economic crises or to enable smaller firms to compete more effectively in the global economy. A variety of strategic approaches have been employed, including funding organizations with a mandate to organize and support networks, and offering challenge grants to groups of firms to interest them in experimenting with a new organizational approach. This article examines several experiments with network stimulation among rural manufacturing firms in Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington, including results from surveys and other evaluation studies. No clearly superior strategic approach to network stimulation emerges from this review, but preliminary evaluation results suggest that the most productive approach may involve combining the capacity-building, soft network strategy with efforts to build collaborative manufacturing structures aimed...
Vitamin D insufficiency prior to bariatric surgery: risk factors and a pilot treatment study.

OBJECTIVE To assess vitamin D status and the influences of race, sun exposure and dietary vitamin D intake on vitamin D levels, and to evaluate two vitamin D repletion regimens in extremely obese patients awaiting bariatric surgery. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of dietary vitamin D, sun exposure, PTH [intact (iPTH) and PTH(1-84)] and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD; differentiated 25OHD2 and 25OHD3) in 56 obese [body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m(2)] men and women (age 20-64 years). In a pilot clinical trial, 27 subjects with 25OHD levels < 62 nmol/l were randomized to receive ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol for 8 weeks. RESULTS Serum 25OHD was low (mean 45 +/- 22 nmol/l) and was inversely associated with BMI (r = -0.36, P < 0.01). Each BMI increase of 1 kg/m(2) was associated with a 1.3 nmol/l decrease in 25OHD (P < 0.01). BMI, sun exposure, African American race and PTH predicted 40% of the variance in 25OHD (P < 0.0001). Serum 25OHD significantly increased at 4 and 8 weeks in both treatment groups (P < 0.001), whereas PTH(1-84) declined significantly in subjects treated with cholecalciferol (P < 0.007) and tended to decrease following ergocalciferol (P < 0.09). CONCLUSIONS In severely obese individuals, those who are African American, have higher BMI and limited sunlight exposure are at greatest risk for vitamin D insufficiency. These demographic factors can help to identify at-risk patients who require vitamin D repletion prior to bariatric surgery. Commonly prescribed doses of ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol are effective in raising 25OHD. Further investigation is needed to evaluate whether these regimens have differential effects on PTH, and to determine the optimal regimen for vitamin D repletion in the extremely obese patient.
Role of kallikrein-kininogen system in insulin-stimulated glucose transport after muscle contractions

Serum proteins [molecular weight (MW) > 10,000] are essential for increased insulin-stimulated glucose transport after in vitro muscle contractions. We investigated the role of the kallikrein-kinin...
Mechanisms of Transendothelial Migration of Leukocytes

A great deal of progress has been made recently in understanding the molecules and mechanisms that regulate transendothelial migration of leukocytes, or diapedesis, a critical step in the inflammatory response. This review focuses mainly on the active role of the endothelial cell in this process as it occurs at endothelial cell borders. It discusses some of the many molecules that have been reported to play a role in transendothelial migration and asks why so many molecules seem to be involved. The concept is emerging that diapedesis itself can be dissected into sequential steps controlled by specific molecule(s) at the endothelial cell border. Several mechanisms have been shown to play a critical role in transendothelial migration including signals derived from clustering of apically disposed intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, disruption or loosening of adherens junctions, and targeted recycling of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule and other molecules from the recently described lateral border recycling compartment. A hypothesis that integrates the various known mechanisms is proposed.
Surface Roughness Effects on Modeled Atmospheric Vortices

The interaction of a geophysical columnar vortex such as a tornado with a bounding lower surface presents many intriguing problems. Observational studies suggest that the character of the surface may exert some control over vortex formation, and that changes in surface roughness encountered by a translating vortex can result in abrupt transitions in core structure. As an example of the former effect, it has been suggested that the contrast between the smooth ocean surface and the much rougher land surface accounts for the absence over land of a phenomenon directly equivalent to the waterspout. Further, Fujita (1973) has suggested that the “heat island” and the very rough surface offered by large urban complexes accounts for the paucity of tornado occurrences within such areas. Concerning the impact of changing surface roughness on a tornado core, Blechman (1975) describes the rapid reorganization of two different tornadoes from multiple- to single-vortex configurations upon their moving from relatively smooth to much rougher surfaces.
A Critique of Rothman's and Other Standard Community Organizing Models: Toward Developing a Culturally Proficient Community Organizing Framework

This article critiques Rothman's community organizing analysis framework on the basis of (a) attention to culture as a central dynamic shaping community organizing and (b) the exclusion of organizing models endemic to African, Latin, Asian, and Native American (ALANA) communities. Other standard community organizing models are similarly analyzed, along with cross-cultural and culturally centered community organizing models. All models are examined with regard to level of cultural competence and then compared and contrasted with Rothman's original framework. Based on this analysis, a modification of Rothman's community analysis framework is proposed that includes the examination of the cultural world view(s) held in the target community and the ways in which cultural forms are used in organizing. Implications for community practice, research, and teaching are offered to conclude the article.
Effects of Silvicultural Practices on Soil Carbon and Nitrogen in a Nitrogen Saturated Central Appalachian (USA) Hardwood Forest Ecosystem

Silvicultural treatments represent disturbances to forest ecosystems often resulting in transient increases in net nitrification and leaching of nitrate and base cations from the soil. Response of soil carbon (C) is more complex, decreasing from enhanced soil respiration and increasing from enhanced postharvest inputs of detritus. Because nitrogen (N) saturation can have similar effects on cation mobility, timber harvesting in N-saturated forests may contribute to a decline in both soil C and base cation fertility, decreasing tree growth. Although studies have addressed effects of either forest harvesting or N saturation separately, few data exist on their combined effects. Our study examined the responses of soil C and N to several commercially used silvicultural treatments within the Fernow Experimental Forest, West Virginia, USA, a site with N-saturated soils. Soil analyses included soil organic matter (SOM), C, N, C/N ratios, pH, and net nitrification. We hypothesized the following gradient of disturbance intensity among silvicultural practices (from most to least intense): even-age with intensive harvesting (EA-I), even-age with extensive harvesting, even-age with commercial harvesting, diameter limit, and single-tree harvesting (ST). We anticipated that effects on soil C and N would be greatest for EA-I and least with ST. Tree species exhibited a response to the gradient of disturbance intensity, with early successional species more predominant in high-intensity treatments and late successional species more predominant in low-intensity treatments. Results for soil variables, however, generally did not support our predictions, with few significant differences among treatments and between treatments and their paired controls for any of the measured soil variables. Multiple regression indicated that the best predictors for net nitrification among samples were SOM (positive relationship) and pH (negative relationship). This finding confirms the challenge of sustainable management of N-saturated forests.
Geometric progression-free sequences with small gaps

Abstract Various authors, including McNew, Nathanson and O'Bryant, have recently studied the maximal asymptotic density of a geometric progression-free sequence of positive integers. In this paper we prove the existence of geometric progression-free sequences with small gaps, partially answering a question posed originally by Beiglbock et al. Using probabilistic methods we prove the existence of a sequence T not containing any 6-term geometric progressions such that for any x ≥ 1 and e > 0 the interval [ x , x + C e exp ⁡ ( ( C + e ) log ⁡ x / log ⁡ log ⁡ x ) ] contains an element of T , where C = 5 6 log ⁡ 2 and C e > 0 is a constant depending on e . As an intermediate result we prove a bound on sums of functions of the form f ( n ) = exp ⁡ ( − d k ( n ) ) in very short intervals, where d k ( n ) is the number of positive k -th powers dividing n , using methods similar to those that Filaseta and Trifonov used to prove bounds on the gaps between k -th power free integers.
Efficient digit-serial FIR filters with skew-tolerant domino

A novel connection between digit-serial computation and skew-tolerant domino circuit design is exploited to create very efficient implementations of FIR digital filters. In our approach, a digit size of N bits is mapped onto an N-phase overlapping clocking scheme in such a way that N bits are processed in each full clock cycle. In addition, a VHDL-based verification strategy is used to capture the essential time-borrowing behavior of skew-tolerant domino circuits in an accurate and efficient manner. The simulation results show that an 8-tap digit-serial FIR filter constructed with skew-tolerant domino is up to 36% faster than one built using traditional domino circuits.
Collagen, fibrin and collagen-fibrin mixtures as matrix materials for vascular tissue engineering

The mechanical and functional properties of engineered blood vessels are determined largely by the characteristics of the scaffold matrix. In the present study, bovine collagen, rat collagen, bovine fibrin and a 1:1 bovine collagen-fibrin mixture were used to mold vascular constructs containing isolated smooth muscle cells. Mechanical property testing showed that each material had a characteristic stress-strain profile and failure mode. Examination of the linear modulus indicated that bovine collagen was the stiffest material (modulus of 191.4/spl plusmn/ 4.9 kPa), while pure bovine fibrin was the least stiff (27.9/spl plusmn/1.6 kPa). The collagen-fibrin mixture had an intermediate modulus (153.4/spl plusmn/7.0 kPa), while pure rat collagen (39.5/spl plusmn/1.4 kPa) was markedly less stiff than bovine collagen. Ultimate tensile stress was highest for the collagen-fibrin mixture scaffolds (49.7/spl plusmn/3.0 kPa). Bovine collagen alone (36.1/spl plusmn/0.8 kPa) was stronger than rat tail collagen (3.9/spl plusmn/0.1 kPa), and was also stronger than bovine fibrin alone (15.6/spl plusmn/1.2 kPa). Constructs made with fibrin compacted to a greater degree than purely collagen-based constructs, leading to a denser matrix and increased stress values. These studies show that the properties of engineered blood vessels can be modulated by combining different naturally-derived matrix materials.
Structure of the A-Form and B-Form of DNA from Deuterium NMR Line Shape Simulation †

Simulation of experimental solid-state deuterium ( 2 H) NMR spectra of nucleic acid fibers allows one to deduce important microscopic information about the orientation of the base pairs and the helix axis disorder. However, existing interpretations of the 2 H NMR spectra of Na-DNA at low humidity are not in complete agreement with the X-ray results. Here we have successfully explained 2 H NMR spectra of oriented films of both Li-DNA and Na-DNA with the purine bases specifically deuterated at position C8. The transformation of the coupling tensor from the principal axis system to the laboratory frame has been expanded into four subtransformations, including the crystallographically defined base plane tilt and roll angles. Alternative treatments in terms of noncollective or collective helix axis disorder are considered, and the appropriate powder- pattern limits are recovered. The 2 H NMR spectral line shapes have been calculated by using the Monte Carlo method, i.e., by randomly sampling over the static uniaxial distributions of the base pairs and helix axes. The results of the simulations and the structural parameters are in excellent agreement with X-ray diffraction studies, which indicate the presence of either the A-form or B-form of DNA under the given experimental conditions. Only a static distribution of base pairs is needed to account for the spectral line shapes on the 2 H NMR time scale, whereas the effects of faster librational motions are contained in the intrinsic line widths and the effective coupling constants. The present 2 H NMR approach can aid in developing a more comprehensive picture of DNA conformation and dynamics as an adjunct to X-ray crystallography, fluorescence depolarization, and light-scattering methods, and moreover may prove useful in studies of protein -nucleic acid interactions.
Clinical Applications of Xenon/CT Blood Flow Mapping

Cerebral blood flow mapping utilizing the stable xenon/CT methodology has evolved rapidly over the past few years [1, 2, 3]. Currently because of refinements in the mathematical analysis of flow, as well as improvements in the stability and resolution of CT equipment, flow maps with a relatively high degree of spatial and anatomic resolution are being obtained on a routine basis. Examples of the type of information being obtained are demonstrated in the following cases.
Estimating cognitive load using pupil diameter during a spoken dialogue task

We explore the feasibility of using pupil diameter to estimate how the cognitive load of the driver changes during a spoken dialogue task with a remote conversant. The conversants play a series of Taboo games, which do not follow a structured turn-taking nor initiative protocol. We contrast the driver's pupil diameter when the remote conversant begins speaking with the diameter right before the driver responds. Although we find a significant difference in pupil diameter for the first pair in each game, subsequent pairs show little difference. We speculate that this is due to the less structured nature of the task, where there are no set time boundaries on when the conversants work on the task. This suggests that spoken dialogue systems for in-car use might better manage the driver's cognitive load by using a more structured interaction, such as system-initiative dialogues.
Colorblind and Multicultural Prejudice Reduction Strategies in High-Conflict Situations

We tested colorblind and multicultural prejudice-reduction strategies under conditions of low and high interethnic conflict. Replicating previous work, both strategies reduced prejudice when conflict was low. But when conflict was high, only the colorblind strategy reduced prejudice (Studies 1 and 2). Interestingly, this colorblind response seemed to reflect suppression. When prejudice was assessed more subtly (with implicit measures), colorblind participants demonstrated bias equivalent to multicultural participants (Study 2). And, after a delay, colorblind participants showed a rebound, demonstrating greater prejudice than their multicultural counterparts (Study 3). Similar effects were obtained when ideology was measured rather than manipulated (Study 4). We suggest that conflict challenges the tenets of a colorblind ideology (predicated on the absence of group differences) but not those of a multicultural ideology (which acknowledges difference).
Large-scale classroom scheduling

Classroom scheduling is an important part of course scheduling at Purdue University. The objective is to choose meeting rooms and times for each class that maximize student and instructor preferences without creating student, room or instructor schedule conflicts. An approach for solving classroom scheduling problems of practical size has been developed and implemented in CHRONOS, a scheduling support system developed at Purdue and described in this paper. Requirements for CHRONOS derive from the course scheduling process at Purdue and are specified in a mathematical model of the classroom scheduling problem. Database, preprocessing, and search components provide computerized support to decision-makers. Results obtained from preliminary tests and ongoing use scheduling 500 course sections in a set of 31 large lecture rooms are positive. Work is currently under way to implement the system in a client-server environment and improve the qualitative aspects of generated schedules.
Predictive Interaction for Data Transformation

The human work involved in data transformation represents a major bottleneck for today’s data-driven organizations. In response, we present Predictive Interaction, a framework for interactive systems that shifts the burden of technical specification from users to algorithms, while preserving human guidance and expressive power.
DIETHYLENE GLYCOL DISTEARATE EMBEDDING AND ULTRAMICROTOME SECTIONING FOR LIGHT MICROSCOPY.

Diethylene glycol distearate can be used as an embedding medium for light microscopy. Two infiltration changes of about 6 hr each in the melted wax (melting point 47-52 C) are required before the final embedding which is done in 00 gelatin capsules for sectioning in the ultramicrotome by the procedure used in electron microscopy. Serial sections 1-2 μ thick can be cut without difficulty. No cooling devices are necessary for trimming and sectioning at laboratory temperature. Sections rarely become detached from the slides. The staining characteristics of the tissues are the same as when embedded in paraffin. For fluorescence microscopy, essentially the same procedure is followed. Tissues are not distorted and the intracellular structures are well preserved.
Barrier or bridge? The role of transportation in national park visitation by racial and ethnic groups.

A cornerstone of US national parks is their democratic ideal; the country's most iconic history and natural features should be accessible to all. However, this ideal has not yet been fully realized. Racial/ethnic minorities are substantially underrepresented in the national parks, and lack of transportation may contribute to this issue. This study examines national park visitation patterns of three racial/ethnic groups (Hispanic, Black and White) and transportation barriers and incentives to visiting national parks. An Internet-based survey was administered to a stratified panel of New York City residents. The survey found that Blacks had the lowest rate of national park visitation and Hispanics reported the greatest number of transportation constraints (“barriers”) to visiting national parks and the greatest responsiveness to transportation incentives (“bridges”). Whites had the highest rate of park visitation and reported the lowest number of transportation barriers and the lowest responsiveness to tran...
Suppression of c-myc by Anticarcinogenic Protease Inhibitors

Malignant transformation in vitro and in vivo can be prevented by treating carcinogen-exposed cells or animals with a variety of microbial and plant protease inhibitors. As one approach to studying the nature by which protease inhibitors may be preventing malignant transformation, we have performed studies on the effects of protease inhibitors on c-myc expression in proliferating normal and transformed mouse fibroblast cells. Our experiments were designed with the aim of understanding the way in which protease inhibitors might be working in the cell to prevent malignant transformation and determining whether the protease inhibitor effect of reducing transformation yields could be related to the reduction in c-myc RNA levels by protease inhibitors. Additional experiments were also performed, examining the role of c-myc in the cell cycle and determining the effect of antipain on the stability of the c-myc message.
Availability, Contributions, Account Balances, and Rollovers in Account-Based Health Plans, 2006-2009

This paper presents findings from the 2008 and 2009 EBRI/MGA Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey and the 2006 and 2007 EBRI/Commonwealth Fund Consumerism in Health Care Surveys. It examines the availability of HRA and HSA-eligible plans (consumer-driven health plans or CDHPs), as well as employer and individual contribution behavior, time enrolled in such plans, account balances, and rollover behavior. The share of the adult population with private health insurance enrolled in account-based health plans (so-called “consumer-driven” health plans, or CDHPs) remains small but continues to grow. In 2009, 4 percent of the adult population with private health insurance was enrolled in a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) or had a high-deductible plan with a health savings account (HSA), up 1 percentage point from the previous year. An additional 4.9 percent were eligible for an HSA but did not have such an account. Overall, 8.9 percent of adults with private insurance were either in a CDHP or were in a high-deductible plan that was eligible for an HSA, but had not opened an account. Among individuals with traditional employment-based health benefits and a choice of health plan, 39 percent were eligible for a CDHP in 2009, up from 33 percent in 2006. Workers with employee-only coverage have seen their annual employer contributions decrease, while those with family coverage have seen their annual employer contributions increase, such that nearly three-quarters of workers with family coverage receive a contribution of $1,000 or more. Both the amount of money that individuals have accumulated in their accounts and the amounts rolled over from year-to-year have grown: Those reporting a rollover of $1,500 or more increased from 13 percent in 2006 to 31 percent in 2009. The PDF for the above title, published in the November 2009 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the full text of another November 2009 EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: “Retirement Plan Participation and Asset Allocation, 2007.”
Abstract TP314: Moderate-High Intensity Exercise Training Improves Submaximal and Peak Cardiorespiratory Response in Sub-acute Stroke

Purpose: Limited research is available for exercise prescription during the subacute stage of stroke recovery. Peak and submaximal cardiorespiratory response during exercise testing in sub-acute stroke has also not been extensively studied. We assessed the hypothesis that an eight-week aerobic exercise intervention at moderate-high intensity would improve cardiorespiratory response during submaximal and peak effort in sub-acute stroke. Methods: Ten individuals (68.6+40.1 days post-stroke) enrolled in the study and 9 participants completed the exercise intervention. The nine participants were 61.2+4.7 years of age with a total Fugl-Meyer score, 102.2+30.4. Peak exercise testing was done at baseline and post-intervention to assess oxygen consumption (VO2), HR and minute ventilation (VE). A seated stepper was the mode of exercise with exercise intensity at 50-59% of HR reserve (first 4 weeks) and then increased to 60-69% of HR reserve for the last 4 weeks. Paired t-tests were used to assess differences at peak effort. Submaximal performance on the exercise test was assessed using an analysis of variance, with Test Minute (minutes 1-6) and Study Visit (baseline, post-exercise) as within subject factors. P-values Results: At peak effort, VO2, HR and VE were higher post-intervention but only VO2 peak was statistically significant. During submaximal effort, we found VO2 and HR to be lower after the exercise intervention. For VO2 there was no interaction (F5,40=0.95, p=0.40) between Study Visit and Test Minute but we report a main effect of Study Visit (F1,8=8.5, p=0.02). There was not a significant interaction for HR between Study Visit and Test Minute (F5,40=0.28, p=0.92). Nor was there a main effect of Study Visit (F1,8=2.7, p=0.14). VE increased similarly across Test Minute and Study Visits. No interaction of Study Visit and Test Minute were evident nor was there a main effect of Study Visit. Conclusion: This preliminary data demonstrates that an 8-week aerobic exercise intervention shows promise for improving peak and submaximal cardiorespiratory response in sub-acute stroke.
Long workdays versus restdays: assessing fatigue and alertness with a portable performance

A test battery designed to assess psychological/behavioral fatigue was used to compare restdays to a workweek of five 12-hr days at a data entry job simulation. Across both workdays and restdays, t...
Dressing phase in the SL(2) Bethe ansatz

In this paper we study the function $\ensuremath{\chi}({x}_{1},{x}_{2},g)$ that determines the dressing phase that appears in the all-loop Bethe ansatz equations for the $SL(2)$ sector of $\mathcal{N}=4$ super Yang-Mills theory. First, we consider the coefficients ${c}_{r,s}(g)$ of the expansion of $\ensuremath{\chi}({x}_{1},{x}_{2},g)$ in inverse powers of ${x}_{1,2}$. We obtain an expression in terms of a single integral valid for all values of the coupling $g$. The expression is such that the small and large coupling expansion can be simply computed in agreement with the expected results. This proves the, up to now conjectured, equivalence of both expansions of the phase. The strong coupling expansion is only asymptotic but we find an exact expression for the value of the residue which can be seen to decrease exponentially with $g$. After that, we consider the function $\ensuremath{\chi}({x}_{1},{x}_{2},g)$ itself and, using the same method, expand it for small and large coupling. All small and large coupling coefficients ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{(n)}({x}_{1},{x}_{2})$, for even and odd $n$, are explicitly given in terms of finite sums or, alternatively, in terms of the residues of generating functions at certain poles.
Mechanical Analysis of Diving

(1950). Mechanical Analysis of Diving. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 132-144.
The Interaction of a Strong Bore with Small Disturbances in Shallow Water

This paper gives an extension of previous work [2] on weakly nonlinear shallow water waves over a variable bottom to include the effects of strong bores and small surface disturbances. We first consider the interaction of a strong bore with quiescent water over an isolated bottom disturbance to highlight some of the modifications that are introduced in our results for both noncritical and transcritical Froude numbers. We also exhibit the secular effect on the bore trajectory of a bottom disturbance that has a nonzero average. In a second example, we consider the interaction of a strong bore with a small amplitude periodic surface disturbance upstream. We show that downstream of the bore, the wave length of this disturbance increases, whereas its amplitude increases (decreases) depending on whether the bore speed is larger (smaller) than a critical value. We also use this example to illustrate the derivation of the solution and bore trajectory to second order accuracy. All our asymptotic results, obtained in the form of multiple scale expansions, are compared with numerical solutions for a number of illustrative cases.
Discussion on the Applicability of YY0709-2009

This paper gives the advice to estimate which kind of medical device must comply with YY0709-2009 by introducing the risk management theory.It also elaborates the meaning of the priority of the alarm system.It will help the manufactures to decide whether and how that its products comply with YY0709-2009.
The selection of patients with bronchogenic carcinoma for mediastinoscopy.

The records of 112 patients treated at the Ochsner Foundation Hospital with the diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma were reviewed. A new concept for defining the location of central versus peripheral tumors is presented. Criteria important in selection of patients for whom mediastinoscopy is likely to be helpful are cell type, location (peripheral versus central), and radiographic evidence of mediastinal metastasis. The size of the tumor is not a useful criterion except possibly for squamous cell lesions. A high incidence of mediastinal metastasis was found associated with central tumors (63 to 100 per cent) of all cell types and with peripheral lesions (63 per cent) of undifferentiated cell types. A relatively low incidence of mediastinal metastasis was associated with peripheral adenocarcinomas or squamous cell tumors. We would, therefore, recommend mediastinoscopy for all patients with central lesions and those patients with peripheral lesions of an undifferentiated cell type. When correlated with radiographic findings, only 4.6 per cent of peripheral carcinomas of a differentiated cell type with a radio graphically normal mediastinum were found to produce mediastinal metastases, and mediastinoscopy is not recommended. In patients with peripheral tumors of indeterminate cell type, a decision for mediastinoscopy may be influenced by other factors such as the operative risk of a thoracotomy and location of the primary tumor within the lung.