cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of regional contrast access as an additional prognostic factor in pediatric osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this article was to evaluate the utility of a pharmacokinetically modeled measure of regional contrast access, based on dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies after preoperative chemotherapy, as a predictor of disease free survival in osteosarcoma. METHODS The kinetic parameters of a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model of MRI contrast agent accumulation were analyzed in relation to disease free survival in 31 patients who received protocol-based therapy for nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the extremities. The modeled exchange rate of contrast between the plasma and the tumor extravascular extracellular fluid space served as a measure of regional contrast access. The prognostic impact of both the clinically accepted standard of histologic evaluation of tumor necrosis and the regional contrast access were analyzed with tumor size as an influential factor. RESULTS Although the histologic grade of response was not a statistically significant prognostic factor in these patients (P = 0.884), regional contrast access after preoperative chemotherapy was significantly predictive of disease free survival (P = 0.035) in the Cox proportional hazards model. Lower regional access before surgery and smaller tumor size were associated with a better treatment outcome. Log-rank analyses of Kaplan–Meier curves indicated that the impact of regional access was most pronounced in patients with larger tumors (P = 0.052). Higher regional access at presentation also was associated significantly with greater decreases during therapy. CONCLUSIONS Dynamic MRI estimates of regional contrast access after preoperative chemotherapy, when combined with tumor size, holds promise for the early identification of patients at risk of recurrence. The availability of such response predictors could facilitate the development of risk-adapted treatment approaches. Cancer 2001;91:2230–7. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
Nuclear protein kinase activities during the cell cycle of HeLa S3 cells

To ascertain the activity and substrate specificity of nuclear protein kinases during various stages of the cell cycle of HeLa S3 cells, a nuclear phospho-protein-enriched sample was extracted from synchronised cells and assayed in vitro in the presence of homologous substrates. The nuclear protein kinases increased in activity during S and G2 phase to a level that was twice that of kinases from early S phase cells. The activity was reduced during mitosis but increased again in G1 phase. When the phosphoproteins were separated into five fractions by cellulose-phosphate chromatography each fraction, though not homogenous, exhibited differences in activity. Variations in the activity of the protein kinase fractions were observed during the cell cycle, similar to those observed for the unfractionated kinases. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of the proteins phosphorylated by each of the five kinase fractions demonstrated a substrate specificity. The fractions also exhibited some cell cycle stage-specific preference for substrates; kinases from G1 cells phosphorylated mainly high molecular weight polypeptides, whereas lower molecular weight species were phosphorylated by kinases from the S, G2 and mitotic stages of the cell cycle. Inhibition of DNA and histone synthesis by cytosine arabinoside had no effect on the activity or substrate specificity of S phase kinases. Some kinase fractions phosphorylated histones as well as non-histone chromosomal proteins and this phosphorylation was also cell cycle stage dependent. The presence of histones in the in vitro assay influenced the ability of some fractions to phosphorylate particular non-histone polypeptides; non-histone proteins also appeared to affect the in vitro phosphorylation of histones.
A separated crystal, fixed-exit monochromator for X-ray synchrotron radiation

Abstract A separated, two-crystal X-ray monochromator has been designed and constructed at CHESS, the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source. The device is tunable through a wide range of energies (3.5 to 21 keV with Si(111) crystals) by means of a single axis rotational stage, and maintains a fixed height for the exiting monochromatic beam. The system includes a novel design that allows quick changing and accurate repositioning of the monochromating elements. Details of the construction are presented along with the results of the preliminary testing.
Phase diagram in the Nd-Ba-Cu-O system

The subsolidus phase relationship in the Nd-Ba-Cu-O system has been investigated at 890°C in air. In this study, the discrepancies in the published phase diagrams of this system have been clarified. For the BaO-rich region, CO2-free (CO2<3 ppm) air was necessary to synthesize equilibrium phase. Significant results include determination of the solubility limits of 0.04≤χ≤0.6 in Nd1+χBa2−χCu3O7+δ, the existence of a Nd2BaCuO10 solid solution, and discovery of a new phase, NdBa6Cu3Oy, in the BaO-rich region.
Polarization state measurements of terahertz time-domain pulses

A method for polarization state measurements of THz pulses is presented. A calibration scheme is applied to correct for the impact of the non-idealities of the detector. Experimental results show excellent sub-degree angular accuracy with this method.
Marketing Consequences of European Internal Market Unification: An Executive Perspective

SUMMARY The European Union (EU) is now ten years old and many of the hundreds of directives envisioned by its founding members are now in place. From an international marketing perspective, what has the EU's internal market really achieved over the past decade? This study may be the first of its kind to address the marketing implications of the European single market formation from the perspective of the European corporate managers. In particular, the study addresses progress in the harmonization of marketing programs, effectiveness and efficiency of post-unification marketing in the EU and resulting effects on marketing strategy in the EU over ten years. While the results of this study point to significant progress towards a more pan-European marketing strategy, the European executives who participated in our study suggest that results are not uniform over all areas of the marketing function.
The relationship between philosophy and evidence in education

This article explores the ways that philosophy and evidence interact in the exploration of normative questions in philosophy of education. First, the authors provide a description of reflective equ...
Methods for multi-temporal change detection

Recent research in hyperspectral change detection has focused on the use of a single reference scene to identify anomalous changes that may be present in the current test scene by suppressing stationary background using various predictive algorithms. This paper extends such algorithms to the use of multiple reference scenes in an attempt to improve change detection performance in hyperspectral images in what is called multi-temporal change detection (MTCD). Often, an airborne hyperspectral sensor performs multiple reconnaissance passes over a specific spatial area. Consequently, a multi-temporal hyperspectral data set may exist for a spatial area of interest and the potential arises to improve clutter suppression and increase change detection performance by using multiple references. This multi-temporal change detection method, of course, requires precise co-registration of all the scenes being used as pixel level changes are being sought. Ground-based hyperspectral data collected using an imaging spectrometer mounted on a pan and tilt is used to perform this study. This method of collection helps ensure precise co-registration between scenes. The scenes are collected over a period of many months and consequently have different illumination and vegetation conditions present. These natural variations between scenes are not considered anomalous changes and should not be targeted by algorithms. A detection scene is collected as well with an anomalous change introduced to allow for testing. Various multi-temporal change detection approaches are derived using single-reference change detection techniques and simple signal processing knowledge. These methods are discussed and compared using ROC analysis on the data available.
The mechanism of protein folding

Abstract Recent advances in spectroscopy, peptide synthesis, and protein engineering have provided new evidence on the mechanisms of protein folding which supports the hypothesis that there are some events common to the early, middle and late stages of folding. By focusing on these common events rather than the specific differences, the essential aspects of the mechanisms by which the amino acid sequence of a protein directs its rapid and efficient folding to yield the native conformation can be highlighted.
Learning structure of power-law Markov networks

This paper considers the problem of learning the underlying graph structure of discrete Markov networks based on power-law graphs, generated using the configuration model. This paper translates the learning problem into an equivalent channel coding problem and analyzes the necessary conditions in terms of problem parameters. In particular, the exponent of power-law graph is related to the hardness of the learning problem, showing that a greater number of samples is required for exact recovery of discrete power-law Markov graphs with small exponent values. An efficient learning algorithm for accurately reconstructing the structure of Ising model based on power-law graphs is developed. Finally, it is shown that the order-wise optimal number of samples suffices for recovering the exact graph under certain constraints on the Ising model parameters and scalings of node degrees.
A review of error estimation and adaptivity in the boundary element method

Abstract When using the boundary element method, the accuracy of the numerical solution depends critically on the discretization of the boundary into elements (panels). The distribution of the panels is one of the most important decisions taken when analyzing a problem, but still the vast majority of users employ empirical guidelines to distribute the panels. This paper reviews the various adaptive schemes that have been proposed for boundary elements. Numerical results are obtained for infinite fluid flow problems and free surface problems and are used to assess the reliability and effectiveness of each method.
THE RELATIVE MAGNITUDE OF RADIATION AND CONVECTION HEATING IN A MUFFLE KILN1

Rates of Heating by Convection and by Radiation in a Muffle Kiln, 38°×18°× 36° high, were each determined for temperatures from 350° to 800°C from measurements with a steady flow water calorimeter whose surface was first gold plated and then covered with a mixture of platinum black and lamp black. Taking the reflecting powers as 91 and 4 per cent, respectively, for the two surfaces, the radiation heating increases approximately according to the Stefan-Boltzmann fourth power law, while the convection heating comes out proportional to the temperature difference between calorimeter and muffle; that is, C=γ(T-t) where γ= 2.34×10−4 gm. cal./cm.2 sec. The ratio of convection to radiation decreases from about .40 at 350° to .10 at 800°C, so that for the higher temperatures the convection heating may be neglected in rough computations of the rate of heating in such a kiln.
Prolonged urinary retention after collagen periurethral injections: a sequela of humoral immunity.

Background Approximately 3% of candidates for collagen periurethral injections are ineligible because of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction to skin testing. After a negative skin test, physicians believe patients should be free of any adverse clinical events from hypersensitivity reactions. We present a patient who developed prolonged urinary retention from a delayed hypersensitivity reaction after negative skin testing. Case After a negative skin test, a 51-year-old woman underwent collagen periurethral injections for recurrent genuine stress incontinence associated with a fixed bladder neck. After reporting complete resolution of symptoms, she developed complete urinary retention associated with a delayed hypersensitivity reaction at both the skin test and injection sites. Her retention resolved after a year of intermittent catheterization and antibiotics for persistent urinary tract infection. Conclusion Delayed hypersensitivity reactions may be associated with an adverse clinical event in up to 2.5% of patients despite a negative skin test. After skin testing, physicians should counsel their patients accordingly.
Theory of conduction in polysilicon: Drift-diffusion approach in crystalline-amorphous-crystalline semiconductor system&#8212;Part I: Small signal theory

A theory of conduction in polycrystalline silicon is presented. The present approach fundamentally differs from previous theories in its treatment of the grain boundary. This theory regards the grain boundary as amorphous semiconductor in equilibrium contact with crystalline grain. The model explains the electrical properties of polysilicon in terms of the electronic and structural parameters of the material and is in excellent agreement with the experimental data. The formulation is applicable for arbitrary grain size, temperature, doping concentration, and applied voltage. Specifically, the temperature dependence of resistivity is explained in terms of conduction channels inherent in the amorphous grain boundary. Also, this paper explicitly compares the previous emission theories with the present model in terms of voltage partition scheme and I - V predictions.
Oxytocin is elevated in plasma of 10-day-old rats following gastric distension

In adult rats, oxytocin (OT) has been shown to reduce the intake of both food and fluids, and oxytocinergic cells are activated by gastric distension and administration of the intestinal peptide cholecystokinin (CCK-8). These and other findings indicate that OT can play a role in inhibiting ingestion under some conditions. A previous study has shown, however, that oxytocinergic cells are unresponsive to CCK-8 in 2-day-old rats. We report here that OT is elevated in the plasma of 10-day-old rats after induction of gastric distension with both mother's milk and saline. These results indicate that the vagal-hypothalamic axis becomes mature between 2- and 10-days of age in infant rats.
Differences between infrared spectra of atrazine obtained under transmittance and diffuse reflectance modes

Abstract We hypothesized that the surface amino-group of chloro-atrazine particles protonates when exposed to atmospheric moisture and therefore an outer layer of chloro-atrazine colloids was expected to transform to hydroxy-atrazine. To test the hypothesis we compared transmittance infrared (FT-IR) spectra with diffuse reflectance spectra of pure chloro- and hydroxy-atrazine under various treatments and two commercial forms of atrazine, AATREX-4L and AATREX-90. These spectral comparisons indicated that a certain number of chloro-atrazine molecules in the outer-layer of chloro-atrazine crystals transformed to protonated hydroxy-atrazine molecules. This is believed to have practical implications on the fate and mobility of atrazine in the field.
Large global transient decreases of >70 MeV cosmic rays observed at Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 in the outer heliosphere in 2001–2003: The onset of heliospheric 2–3 kHz radio emission and the distance to the heliopause

[1] We have used the onset of well-defined large transient decreases of >70 MeV cosmic rays to mark the arrival of strong interplanetary shocks at the locations of Voyager 2 (V2) and Voyager 1 (V1) in the outer heliosphere. Several of the most prominent events in the time period from 1998 to 2003 are studied. The speed of these shocks shows a significant pattern of slowing down beyond the location of V2. These shocks exhibit average speeds of ∼550–600 km s−1 between the Earth and V2 located between 56 and 68 AU; but between V2 and V1, located ∼18 AU farther out, these average shock speeds appear to have decreased to ∼250–400 km s−1. This decreasing shock speed has important implications regarding the distance to the heliopause as inferred from the turn-on of 2–3 kHz radio emission when these shocks reach this location. A new episode of this radio emission has now been observed by the Iowa group in late 2002, presumably related to strong solar activity occurring ∼570 days earlier in April 2001. The related transient decrease was seen in the >70 MeV cosmic ray data at V2, located at 65 AU, approximately 203 days after the event at the Earth, and at V1, located at 84 AU, approximately 135 days later. These times agree with those inferred from solar wind and magnetic field data. Using these times and a speed profile consistent with the observed slowing down between V2 and V1 puts the heliopause location at 115 ± 5 AU, which is near the inner limit of earlier estimates of its location but well inside the 151–158 AU inferred by the Iowa group for the new 2002 event. This difference is related to the slowing down of the interplanetary shock near the heliospheric termination shock that we find in this paper. Assuming a commonly accepted ratio of 0.75 for the heliospheric termination shock distance relative to the heliopause distance places the average termination shock location in the range ∼83–90 AU or at the distance of V1 between early 2002 and late 2003.
Upregulation of opioid receptor subtypes correlates with potency changes of morphine and dadle

Abstract Chronic treatment with opioid antagonists increases the potency of opioid agonists and produces an increase in brain opioid binding sites. In the present study, 8 day treatment with naltrexone blocked morphine and DADLE analgesia for the entire treatment period and increased μ 1 , μ 2 and δ opioid receptor binding sites in mouse brain. μ 1 and μ 2 binding were increased by 81 and 67%, respectively, while δ binding was increased by 31%. Consistent with these binding changes, the potency of ICV morphine to produce analgesia was increased by over 3-fold, while the potency of ICV DADLE was increased by only 1.7. These findings indicate that relative increases in opioid receptor subtypes agree with pharmacodynamic studies on potency changes of opioid agonists.
TGF-ß/Smad Signaling in Prostate Cancer

Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is the most common type of cancer, excluding skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death in adult men in the United States. The lifetime risk for developing symptomatic prostate cancer is one in five for an American man. A pivotal step in carcinogenesis is a shift in the balance between proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis that favors cell proliferation. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a key negative growth regulator in the normal prostate. Although TGF-beta) inhibits the proliferation of normal prostate cells and functions as a tumor suppressor in early tumorigenesis, it acts as a tumor promoter in later stages of tumor progression. Elevated expression of TGF-beta in prostate cancer cells is associated with poor clinical outcome. Over-expression of TGF-beta aids tumorigenesis by not only stimulating angiogenesis and suppressing the immune system, but also by acting directly on the prostate tumor cells. While prostate cancer cells become resistant to TGF-beta-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis, they retain other TGF-beta-induced responses that enhance tumorgenicity. such as induction of extracellular matrix proteins, cell adhesion proteins and proteases. These direct tumor effects are mediated primarily through Smad signaling. This review addresses the mechanisms by which prostate cancer cells may acquire TGF-beta resistance and promote tumorgenicity. Understanding the mechanisms underlying TGF-beta resistance is important for the identification and development of better diagnostic markers and more effective strategies for treating prostate cancer.
Adaptive mesh refinement for multiscale nonequilibrium physics

In this paper, the authors demonstrate how to use adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) methods for the study of phase transition kinetics. In particular, they apply a block-structured AMR approach to investigate phase ordering in the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations.
Phosphorylation of the anti-HIV compound (S,S)-isodideoxyadenosine by human recombinant deoxycytidine kinase.

Abstract (S,S )-Isodideoxyadenosine [( S,S )-isoddA] is an anti-HIV active compound discovered in our laboratory. However, its cellular mechanism of action, particularly the critical first stage of phosphorylation, is not understood. IsoddA is not phosphorylated by adenosine kinase. Also, because it is not a substrate for adenosine deaminase, it would not be activated by the pathway taken by ddA, i.e. via 5′-nucleotidase phosphorylation of ddI and conversion of ddIMP to ddAMP. However, we have discovered that human recombinant 2′-deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) phosphorylates ( S,S )-isoddA. The enzyme kinetic data revealed that the extent of monophosphorylation of this l -related nucleoside was comparable to that found with ddA. ( S,S )-IsoddATP is among the most potent inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase known, which suggests that the observed low efficiency of phosphorylation of this compound by dCK is a key factor that limits the capacity of human lymphocytes to make ( S,S )-isoddA an exceptionally active anti-HIV agent.
Mitotane (o, p′-DDD)

Summary Mitotane ( o, p′ -DDD) is an isomer of the insecticide DDD and a chemical congener of the insecticide DDT. Its use in the treatment of unresectable adrenal cortical carcinoma was based upon the initial observation of Nelson and Woodward that dogs given the insecticide DDT showed necrosis and atrophy of the adrenal cortex. Mitotane exerts a direct cytotoxic effect on the fascicular and reticular zones of the adrenal cortex. Following intravenous and oral administration, varying concentrations are demonstrable in different tissues and organs like the adipose tissue, adrenals and liver. The compound is excreted in the stool and urine. Clinical trials in 301 patients with inoperable adrenal cortical carcinoma have demonstrated its therapeutic efficacy characterized by objective evidence of tumor regression, decreased steroid excretion and improvement in subjective symptomatology. Toxicities from mitotane are referrable to the gastrointestinal, neuromuscular and dermal systems. Less common side effects involve the eyes, gonitourinary and cardiovascular systems. They are reversible upon reduction of the dose or discontinuation of the drug. The recommended dose schedule is to start the patient at 8–10 g/day in divided doses. The dose should be reduced if severe side effects develop. It has been suggested that steroid replacement therapy be administered concomitantly with the start of mitotane treatment (12, 19) rather than after the appearance of signs of adrenocortical insufficiency or when urinary corticoid excretion is low (2). Though there are no reported data on the use of mitotane following surgical removal of an adrenocortical carcinoma, its potential value as an adjuvant agent (inasmuch as some of these patients subsequently develop recurrence or metastases) deserves some consideration in the future.
A urodynamics protocol to optimally assess men with post-prostatectomy incontinence.

Aims To propose a urodynamic protocol to comprehensively assess all parameters of post prostatectomy incontinence (PPI). Methods Sixty men with a history of PPI after radical prostatectomy prospectively underwent a standardized video urodynamics protocol. A 7F urethral catheter was used for standard cystometry, abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP), and pressure flow measurements. The International Continence Society nomogram classified obstruction and further classification of obstruction was based on fluoro voiding cystourethrography and non-invasive flow rates (free Qmax). Results Twenty-four (40%) men had detrusor overactivity with 8 (13%) also having detrusor overactivity incontinence. Only one patient had impaired compliance. All men had urodynamic stress incontinence, but 21 (35%) men demonstrated it only after removal of the urethral catheter. For men leaking with and without the urethral catheter, the respective ALPP was significantly different, 86.3 and 67 cmH2O, respectively (P = 0.002). The men who leaked only in the absence of the urethral catheter had significantly higher ALPP measurements, P < 0.001. After reclassification using the fluoroscopic images of the bladder outlet and free Qmax, only 13.3% patients were obstructed. Conclusions The proposed urodynamic protocol allows for an optimal assessment of bladder and sphincter dysfunction and outlet obstruction in men with PPI. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thermodynamic properties of trifluoroacetyl fluoride from 14 K to its boiling temperature

Abstract The saturated molar heat capacity of trifluoroacetyl fluoride has been determined from 14 K to its normal boiling temperature of 214.10 K for a sample of 99.97 moles per cent purity. The molar enthalpy of fusion was found to be 1163.8 cal th mol −1 at the triple-point temperature of 113.69 K. The molar enthalpy of vaporization was found to be 4605.0 cal th mol −1 at the normal boiling temperature. The equilibrium vapor pressure of the liquid to 1 atm pressure is represented by the equation.The density of the liquid between 181 and 211 K by the equation: p g cm -3 =2.321-0.00372 T K The entropy of the gas calculated from the calorimetric data is (73.46±0.10) cal th K −1 mol −1 . The potential barrier hindering the free rotation of the trifluoromethyl group and the torsional wavenumber which were calculated to be respectively 1410 cal th mol −1 and 51 cm −1 are in excellent agreement with values of 1390 cal th mol −1 and 50 cm −1 reported from spectroscopic data.
Comparisons of sediment toxicity with predictions based on chemical guidelines

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program-Estuaries and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Bioeffects Surveys provide large data sets with which to test proposed relationships between sediment chemistry and toxicity. The authors conclude that guidelines based on bulk chemistry can provide useful triggers for further analysis but should not be used alone as indicators of toxicity. The sediment quality criteria for nonionic organic compounds proposed by the EPA are exceeded in so few samples that they may be of limited practical value. Toxicity was present in many cases when acid-volatile sulfide (AVS) concentrations exceeded the sum of concentrations of sulfide-insoluble metals. However, there is no way to test whether that toxicity was due to those trace elements. The AVS criterion is much more sensitive to AVS concentration than to trace metal contamination.
Inhibitory effect of Cinnamomum cassia oil on non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli

Abstract Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) have caused numerous foodborne outbreaks. Compared with the most well-known STEC E. coli O157:H7, importance of non-O157 STEC has been underestimated and they have gained far less attention till increasing outbreaks recently. Using natural plant materials as antimicrobial agents is a heated area. Therefore in this study, Cinnamomum cassia, a widely used spice in cuisine, was tested for its antibacterial efficacy on CDC “top six” non-O157 STECs including O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the major component of C. cassia oil was cinnamaldehyde (59.96%). The disk diffusion assay indicated that 20 μL 4% (v/v) C. cassia oil per disk resulted in inhibition zones of 15.0 mm, 18.5 mm, 15.7 mm, 19.3 mm, 18.8 mm, and 25.3 mm for O26:H11, O45:NM, O103:H2, O111:H2, O121:H19, and O145:NT, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration for all tested non-O157 STECs were 0.025% (v/v). Minimum bactericidal concentration was strain dependent, which was 0.05% (v/v) for O26:H11, O121:H19, O145:NT, while 0.1% (v/v) for O45:NM, O103:H2 and O111:H2. Growth kinetics showed that at the low inoculation of approximate 2.5 × 105 CFU/mL, C. cassia oil at the concentration of 0.01875% (v/v) completely inhibited the growth of O26:H11 and O145:NT for at least 24 h, and increased the duration of lag phase of O45:NM, O103:H2, O111:H2, O121:H19 by18, 12, 6, and 16 h, respectively. Including 0.025% (v/v) C. cassia oil completely inhibited the growth of all tested non-O157 STECs for at least 24 h. At high inoculation of 5 × 106 CFU/mL, inhibition effect of C. cassia oil decreased. Death curve showed that including as low as 0.05% (v/v) C. cassia oil could kill non-O157 STECs. 0.1% (v/v) C. cassia oil showed bactericidal effects on all tested non-O157 STECs within 15 min. C. cassia oil at the concentration of 0.15% (v/v) killed all O26:H11, O121:H19 and O145:NT within 30 min, while O45:NM, O103:H2 and O111:H2 at 120, 60, and 60 min, respectively. In conclusion, C. cassia oil can effectively inhibit the growth of non-O157 STECs at concentration as low as 0.025% (v/v). Our data suggest that C. cassia oil has the potential to be used as a natural antibacterial agent in food industry.
Fast z-pinches as dense plasma, intense x-ray sources for plasma physics and fusion applications

As a result of advances in fast pulsed-power technology and cylindrical load fabrication, the Z pulsed-power accelerator at Sandia National Laboratories drives currents approaching 20 MA with a rise time of approximately 100 ns through cylindrically-symmetric loads (typically a cylindrical array consisting of a few hundred wires) to produce plasma densities in excess of , x-ray output energies approaching 2 MJ, radiation pulses as short as 4 ns and peak x-ray powers as high as . More than 15% of the stored electrical energy in the Z pulsed-power accelerator is converted into x-rays. The plasma pressures at peak compression are several TPa with electron temperatures that can exceed 3 keV at containment magnetic fields exceeding 1000 T. Depending on the atomic number and composition of the imploding plasma, these z-pinches can be tailored to produce intense sources of thermal x-rays, keV x-rays or neutrons. Although applications of these x-ray sources have included research in radiation material interaction, equations of state, opacity, astrophysics and x-ray lasers, the principal focus of the present research is to use them for indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion (ICF).
Parent involvement in CBT treatment of adolescent depression: Experiences in the treatment for adolescents with depression study (TADS)

The Treatment for Adolescents With Depression Study (TADS) evaluated the short- and long-term effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) alone, fluoxetine alone, and their combination, relative to pill placebo, and the 12-week treatment effects were recently published (TADS Team, 2004). Results showed that treatment that combined CBT with fluoxetine was significantly more effective than fluoxetine alone or CBT alone or pill placebo. Combining CBT with fluoxetine also provided a protective effect on the slightly increased risk of harm-related events associated with fluoxetine alone compared to placebo (TADS Team, 2004). In this protocol, CBT treatment included individual CBT sessions with the adolescent as well as parent psychoeducation sessions and parent-teen conjoint sessions. The present article describes the background and rationale for the parent component of the TADS CBT treatment. It also describes the 2 parent psychoeducation sessions and the 5 parent-teen conjoint sessions that were available in this modularized treatment protocol. In addition, the boundaries of the parent component are presented; these boundaries differentiate parent-teen conjoint sessions from a broader family systems approach. Finally, challenges to the effectiveness of parent involvement in TADS CBT treatment are described and include parent engagement, parent psychopathology, working with divorced parents and parents from a variety of family constellations and cultural backgrounds. Within a modular, manualized treatment protocol, flexible attention to these very real issues is essential in engaging and retaining.
Modeling stability in neuron and network function: the role of activity in homeostasis.

Summary Individual neurons display characteristic firing patterns determined by the number and kind of ion channels in their membranes. We describe experimental and computational studies that suggest that neurons use activity sensors to regulate the number and kind of ion channels and receptors in their membrane to maintain a stable pattern of activity and to compensate for ongoing processes of degradation, synthesis and insertion of ion channels and receptors. We show that similar neuronal and network outputs can be produced by a number of different combinations of ion channels and synapse strengths. This suggests that individual neurons of the same class may each have found an acceptable solution to a genetically determined pattern of activity, and that networks of neurons in different animals may produce similar output patterns by somewhat variable underlying mechanisms. BioEssays 24:1145–1154, 2002. 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
THE ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC EFFECTS OF INTRAVENOUS VERAPAMIL IN THE INTACT IMMATURE MAMMALIAN HEART

Verapamil (V) is currently utilized in the therapy of cardiac arrhythmias in the neonate and young infant. However, there is little data concerning the electrophysiologic (EP) effects of V on the intact neonatal myocardium and conducting system. We studied the EP effects of intravenous V in doses of 0.075 mg/kg, 0.15 mg/kg and 0.30 mg/kg in 6 neonatal puppies (3-15 days of age) utilizing His bundle recording and programmed stimulation techniques. Verapamil resulted in a dose dependent slowing of sinus cycle length (37 ± 6%, p 0.15 mg/kg. No changes were observed in ventricular ERP or FRP. Compared with data obtained in the adult dog studied by identical protocol, V has more of an effect on the neonatal sinus node and atrium. Suppression of AV nodal conduction appears comparable in both neonatal and adult subjects.
The cannabinoid CB1 receptor is expressed in pancreatic δ-cells

Abstract Antagonists of cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1, CNR1) promote weight loss and decrease hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. While the endocannabinoid system may modulate islet hormone secretion, the cell-type expressing CB1 receptor in islets has not been fully resolved. In this study, we verified receptor gene expression in rodent islets and cell lines and examined the distribution of CB1 receptor in mouse, rat, and human islets by confocal immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy. IF demonstrated CB1 receptor was present in β-cell lines, but co-localized solely with somatostatin in the islet δ-cells of Zucker rats, C57BL/6 mice, and humans; no CB1 receptor expression was observed in α-, β-, or pp-cells. Similarly, a rat somatostatinoma cell line, MSL-G2-Tu6, was found to express CB1 receptor. We also found monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) to be expressed in δ-cells and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) to be expressed in α-cells. The specific expression of CB1 in δ-cells suggests that the ECS may play a role in modulating islet hormone secretion. As there are some differences between our findings and previous reports, further studies, including detailed physiological studies of the effects of the ECS on islet function, are warranted.
Fractal chemical kinetics: Binary steady-state reaction on a percolating cluster

Monte Carlo simulations confirm the conjecture that the order X of the elementary reaction A+A\ensuremath{\rightarrow}products in a fractal medium with random-walk exponent f is given by X=1+${f}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. Specifically for a percolating cluster (f=(2/3), X=(5/2)) we get X=2.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1.
Small-bowel obstruction from an extruded Greenfield filter strut: An unusual late complication

Abstract Recently interest has been shown in liberalizing the indications for insertion of vena caval filters. The convenience of percutaneous insertion by radiologists may further perpetuate this trend. However, filter placement is not without morbidity. We report a unique late complication in which a small-bowel obstruction occurred as a result of volvulus around an extruded filter strut. (J Vasc Surg 1992;16:113–5.)
Korean Immigration Policy Changes and the Political Liberals’ Dilemma.

Recently, Korean low-skilled foreign labor policies have changed in contradictory ways. On the one hand, Korea seems to be moving in a “liberal” direction, because the government is according more rights to foreign workers. On the other hand, Korea seems to be moving in an “illiberal” direction, because the government is according ethnic Korean workers preferential treatment over other foreign workers. I explain this contradictory situation in terms of political liberals’ activism. Korean political liberals’ activism vis-a-vis migrant workers is two-pronged: first, to afford more rights to all migrant workers and, second, to guarantee equal treatment to all ethnic Koreans. Taken separately, each move is in line with the political liberal principle of promoting nonascriptive, universalistic, and equal treatment. Taken together, these two moves are inherently contradictory – one pushes toward ethnicizing trends and the other pushes toward de-ethnicizing trends of immigration policies. This contradiction, which I call the political liberals’ dilemma, divides political liberals and weakens their overall political leverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
GUIDiVa: Automated Discovery and Validation of State-Based GUI Invariants

Applications with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) front-end are ubiquitous, thus it is of great importance to assure the quality of such systems. Model-based GUI testing provides an effective mechanism for automated testing of applications with a GUI. However, most existing model-based GUI test generation techniques produce many infeasible (i.e., Broken) event sequences which are used as test cases. This happens primarily because they ignore behavioral specifications of the GUI under test. In this paper, we present an automated black box framework that reveals an important set of GUI invariants as state-based event constraints. GUIDiVa, an iterative algorithm at the core of our framework, enumerates all possible constraint violations as potential reasons of a test case failure, on the failed event of the infeasible test case. It further selects and adds the most promising constraints of each iteration to a final set based on our notion of constraint Validity Weight. The results of empirical studies on both seeded and nine non-trivial study subjects show that our framework is capable of capturing important aspects of GUI behavior, while considerably reducing the number of insfeasible test cases. Additionally, a human oracle is used to further validate the accuracy of the discovered constraints.
Temperature and magnetic field dependence of critical currents in YBCO coated conductors with processing-induced variations in pinning properties

Several applications of high-temperature super-conducting wire require high currents at intermediate magnetic fields B and over a range of orientations; however, such conditions are at present achievable only at low temperatures (/spl sim/30 K). The goal of this study is to determine the feasibility of higher operating temperatures for these applications by investigating temperature dependent, low- and high-field pinning properties of YBCO coated conductor samples. The YBCO films were grown on RABiTS templates by a PVD ex situ BaF/sub 2/ process. Variations in pinning properties were induced by introducing excess yttrium (Y) in the precursor and controllably increasing the growth rate. The main result is a more uniform dependence of J/sub c/ over all orientations of B, along with high irreversibility field B/sub irr/ and high critical current densities J/sub c/. Results also show that for films with various pinning properties and processed under different conditions the self-field J/sub c/ at 77 K is an effective indicator of performance in the temperatures and fields of interest.
Magnetic backprojection imaging for the assessment of the vascular lumen

The authors point out that blood vessels can operate as electric conductors when small amounts of current are injected. The currents generate magnetic fields which can be detected by Hall effect sensors. By the backprojection of detected magnetic field, the location of the blood stream was obtained with a maximum position error of about /spl plusmn/7.5% in the prototype system. Such magnetic backprojection imaging (MBI) could potentially be utilized to detect the development of atheromatous plaques on the interior lumen of vessels. >
CHANGES IN POLYPEPTIDE CONFORMER POPULATIONS INDUCED BY THE SOLVENT ENVIRONMENT

Changes in the solvent dielectric properties are correlated with changes in polypeptide conformer populations. Gramicidin A, a peptide native to membrane environments, forms a variety of well defined dimeric conformations in relatively low dielectric organic solvents. However, changes in this environment lead to changes in the conformer populations with the lowest dielectric solvents favoring the conformers with the lowest net dipole moment. Such changes were characterized by cross-peak intensities in GCOSY solution NMR spectra. In studying membrane-bound polypeptides, it is very important to recognize that the structure is not dictated by just the amino acid sequence, but that the environment plays a very significant role in defining the polypeptide conformation. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variability in Early Amazonian Tharsis stress state based on wrinkle ridges and strike-slip faulting

We present evidence for a decrease in the magnitude of Tharsis-circumferential compressive stress during the Late Hesperian to the Middle Amazonian based on chronologic changes in the predominant style of faulting in southern Amazonis Planitia. Using high-resolution MOLA topography, we identify a population of strike-slip faults that exhibit Middle Amazonian-aged displacements of regional chrono-stratigraphic units. These strike-slip faults are adjacent to an older population of previously documented Late Hesperian-aged thrust faults (wrinkle ridges). Along-strike orientations of these thrust and strike-slip faults reveal the Tharsis-radial stress to be the area's most compressive remote principal stress and that this stress orientation and magnitude persisted throughout the Late Hesperian to the Middle Amazonian. We show that the change in the predominant style of faulting from thrust faulting to strike-slip faulting during this time requires a decrease of the Tharsis-circumferential compressive stress to a magnitude less than lithostatic load, with negligible change in stress orientation.
Subspace tracking via rigid body dynamics

The problem of estimating or tracking the time-varying principal components of a data covariance is considered. We assert that the incorporation of some notion of subspace motion or dynamics will make possible the application of subspace-based direction-finding or beamforming algorithms in scenarios which otherwise would be considered data-starved. An ordinary differential equation for simple uniform motion in the space of projection matrices is developed. This dynamical model is then used along with the artificial assumption of subspace sphericalization in a Gaussian data model, from which the cost function for maximum-likelihood estimation of subspace motion parameters is derived. Approaches to computing these subspace parameters in the one-dimensional case are proposed.
A Comparative Analysis of the Effect of the Integrated Library System on Staffing Models in Academic Libraries

This analysis compares how the traditional integrated library system (ILS) and the next-generation ILS may impact system and technical services staffing models at academic libraries. The method used in this analysis is to select two categories of ILSs-two well-established traditional ILSs and three leading next-generation ILSs-and compare them by focusing on two aspects: (1) software architecture and (2) workflows and functionality. The results of the analysis suggest that the next-generation ILS could have substantial implications for library systems and technical staffing models in particular, suggesting that library staffing models could be redesigned and key librarian and staffpositions redefined to meet the opportunities and challenges brought on by the next-generation ILS.
The foreign body reaction—an experimental protocol

A comprehensive protocol is presented for the in vivo evaluation of soft tissue foreign body reactions to surgical implants. A number of methods of evaluation and quantitation of the tissue reaction to implants are presented and discussed. A strong plea is made for semi-quantitation of tissue reactions, rather than relying on subjective, qualitative methods.
Surrogate End Points for Clinical Trials of Kidney Disease Progression

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) worsens over time by transitions through a sequence of stages, regardless of the specific cause of kidney damage or rate of progression (Figure 1). Recent guidelines and public health campaigns have focused on early detection and treatment of CKD on the basis of the rationale that treatments that are initiated early in the disease course will have a greater effect on slowing the progression of kidney disease and delaying the onset of kidney failure. At this time, there is a paucity of therapies to slow kidney disease progression, reflecting, in part, the difficulty in selecting appropriate end points for clinical trials to prove the benefits of new interventions. Figure 1 . Conceptual model for stages in the initiation and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and therapeutic interventions. Shaded ellipses represent stages of CKD; unshaded ellipses represent potential antecedents or consequences of CKD. Thick arrows between ellipses represent “risk factors” that are associated with initiation and progression of disease that can be affected or detected by interventions: Susceptibility factors (black), initiation factors (dark gray), progression factors (light gray), and end-stage factors (white). Interventions for each stage are given beneath the stage. Complications refer to all complications of CKD and its treatment (27). Kidney failure (GFR <15 ml/min per 1.73 m2 or the initiation of dialysis or transplantation) is an accepted clinical end point for clinical trials that evaluate the progression of CKD but is usually impractical because many CKD progress slowly and predominantly affect older individuals (Figure 2). A long duration of follow-up therefore would be required and many patients would die of other complications of CKD, such as cardiovascular disease, before reaching kidney failure. Hence, use of surrogate end points could accelerate testing of new therapies, particularly in earlier stages of CKD. The purpose of this …
The Potential for Cross-Functional Contributions to B2B E-Commerce Marketing Initiatives: E-Commerce and Purchasing Professionals

ABSTRACT While there is a great deal of information in the literature linking purchasing personnel with both supply side and distribution side transactions, there is little evidence of their involvement in setting the design and strategic objectives of their own company's e-commerce activities. Yet, these professionals have much to offer marketing personnel who may be charged with developing e-commerce strategy and Websites. This paper suggests a proactive approach that supports the benefits of such cross-disciplinary collaboration between marketing and purchasing professionals within a firm.