cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vibrational spectra of sodium chlorate

Abstract Infrared absorption and reflection spectra and Raman spectra of sodium chlorate have been studied. The features of all spectra are explained in detail. The splitting of one fundamental band is not due to “distortion” of the ClO3− ion. Spectra of other chlorates are discussed. Some general properties of reflection spectra in the vibrational region are discussed, and are used to obtain from the observed reflections values for the absolute intensities and dipole derivatives of the chlorate ion vibrations. Results of a normal co-ordinate analysis of ClO3− are reported which are in disagreement with previous work. Some interesting spectral features of potassium iodide and bromide pellets containing ClO3− and ClO3− are briefly presented.
Evaluation of cytokine modulators for asthma

Th2 cytokines play an important role in producing and maintaining airway inflammation in asthma. As a consequence, there is considerable interest in developing agents that modulate their effects. Therapeutic strategies include decreasing cytokine synthesis or release, blocking their effects by antibodies or soluble receptors, as well as administration of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Initial studies of three of these approaches have shown interesting results. The first is suplatast tosilate, a selective Th2-inhibitor that suppresses the synthesis of IL-4 and IL-5 in vitro. In a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled parallel study, suplatast, given orally TID, improved lung function and symptom control when added to inhaled beclomethasone for 4 weeks and prevented deterioration when the beclomethasone dose was decreased by 50% during a second 4 weeks. The second is CDP840, a second generation phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor, that may decrease the release of cytokines from eosinophils and Th2 lymphocytes. In a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study, CDP840, given orally BID for 9 days, attenuated the late response to allergen by 30% when compared to placebo. The third is a recombinant human soluble IL-4 receptor (altrakincept) that neutralises endogenously produced IL-4. In inhaled steroid-dependent subjects, weekly nebulisation of altrakincept prevented lung function decline and asthma exacerbations after abrupt withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroids. In contrast, studies of anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibodies (mepolizumab and SCH55700) indicate that this strategy only partially depletes eosinophils from the bronchial mucosa and shows no benefit on clinical markers of asthma activity. Of these novel therapeutic approaches, inhibiting Th2 synthesis of IL-4 and IL-5 (suplatast) appears to offer the greatest potential and long-term studies of this approach should be undertaken.
Smartphone use in neurosurgery? APP-solutely!

In the beginning of this millennium, personal digital assistants (PDAs) started to get used increasingly. This also resulted in scientific articles about the added value of their use, including a short humoristic essay about an updated version of the residents’ palmomental reflex.[2] Later, a good review was published by Baumgart et al., which, less than 10 years later, clearly is outdated by the rapid developments in this field.[1] Since the introduction of the iPhone in 2007, things have changed dramatically for the good. Modern smartphones are capable of more than we ever imagined, with a usability that is even better than regular personal computers. We are equipped with multitouch multimedia platforms with excellent audiovisual capacities, GPS tracking systems, accelerometers, high-quality cameras with videoconferencing built-in, persistent internet connection at high speed, and app stores with a large variety of applications that can be downloaded immediately. Tablets have been added to the hardware portfolio, and a variety of operating systems are available based on personal preference. This also led to a large number of medical apps. With that comes the responsibility to classify these apps. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other organizations are demanding for quality assurance programs or certifications because some apps are to be considered as medical devices. To decide upon whether an app is actually a medical device or not, several guidelines are available based on the underlying organization. Besides these top-down regulations, many bottom-up evaluations have been performed. This happens either online by weblogs dedicated to medical apps (e.g., iMedicalApps.com) or by publications in peer-reviewd journals. This article by Zaki and Drazin offers a recent overview of what we need to know about medical apps for neurosurgery. Neurosurgery in the app era: It really is “all in the wrist”!
Bub1 and CENP-F Can Contribute to Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Genome Persistence by Targeting LANA to Kinetochores

The latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) encoded by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is critical for segregation of viral episomes to progeny nuclei and allows for maintenance of the viral genome in newly divided daughter cells. LANA binds to KSHV terminal repeat (TR) DNA and simultaneously associates with chromatin-bound cellular proteins. This process tethers the viral episomes to host chromosomes. However, the mechanism of tethering is complex and involves multiple protein-protein interactions. Our previous proteomics studies which showed the association of LANA with centromeric protein F (CENP-F) prompted us to further study whether LANA targets centromeric proteins for persistence of KSHV episomes during cell division. Here we show that LANA colocalized with CENP-F as speckles, some of which are paired at centromeric regions of a subset of chromosomes in KSHV-infected JSC-1 cells. We also confirm that both the amino and carboxy termini of LANA can bind to CENP-F. Moreover, LANA associated with another kinetochore protein, Bub1 (budding uninhibited by benzimidazole 1), which is known to form a complex with CENP-F. Importantly, we demonstrated the dynamic association of LANA and Bub1/CENP-F and the colocalization between Bub1, LANA, and the KSHV episome tethered to the host chromosome using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Knockdown of Bub1 expression by lentivirus-delivered short hairpin RNA (shRNA) dramatically reduced the number of KSHV genome copies, whereas no dramatic effect was seen with CENP-F knockdown. Therefore, the interaction between LANA and the kinetochore proteins CENP-F and Bub1 is important for KSHV genome tethering and its segregation to new daughter cells, with Bub1 potentially playing a more critical role in the long-term persistence of the viral genome in the infected cell.
Angled oblique sagittal MR imaging of rotator cuff tears: comparison with standard oblique sagittal images.

Objective. To compare the accuracy for diagnosing rotator cuff tears of oblique coronal images supplemented with standard oblique sagittal images versus thinner-section angled oblique sagittal images.
Take the first heuristic, self-efficacy, and decision-making in sport

Can taking the first (TTF) option in decision-making lead to the best decisions in sports contexts? And, is one’s decision-making self-efficacy in that context linked to TTF decisions? The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the TTF heuristic and self-efficacy in decision-making on a simulated sports task. Undergraduate and graduate students (N 72) participated in the study and performed 13 trials in each of two video-based basketball decision tasks. One task required participants to verbally generate options before making a final decision on what to do next, while the other task simply asked participants to make a decision regarding the next move as quickly as possible. Decision-making self-efficacy was assessed using a 10-item questionnaire comprising various aspects of decision-making in basketball. Participants also rated their confidence in the final decision. Results supported many of the tenets of the TTF heuristic, such that people used the heuristic on a majority of the trials (70%), earlier generated options were better than later ones, first options were meaningfully generated, and final options were meaningfully selected. Results did not support differences in dynamic inconsistency or decision confidence based on the number of options. Findings also supported the link between self-efficacy and the TTF heuristic. Participants with higher self-efficacy beliefs used TTF more frequently and generated fewer options than those with low self-efficacy. Thus, not only is TTF an important heuristic when making decisions in dynamic, time-pressure situations, but self-efficacy plays an influential role in TTF.
Cloning of rhesus monkey killer-cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs) from early pregnancy decidua.

: To define the killer-cell Ig-like receptors (KIR) molecules expressed within the decidua in the rhesus monkey, an early pregnancy rhesus decidual library was screened with an oligonucleotide located within the KIR D2 domain. We obtained 26 full-length clones which represented 11 mRNAs. The cDNAs encode proteins containing 2 or 3 Ig domains, and short or long cytoplasmic domains. The long domains contained immunotyrosine inhibitory motifs (ITIM) motifs indicating inhibitory function. Three clones contained single or dinucleotide deletions within the D1 domain, which would result in proteins truncated within this domain. Phylogenetic analysis of the Ig domains supports a D0 – D2 organization of rhesus KIR2DL4.1, similar to human KIR2DL4 and KIR2DL5. The rhesus KIR2DL4.1 transcript contains a long cytoplasmic tail homologous with human KIR2DL4.
Use of smoothness criterion in refining meshes in axisymmetric field problems

Adaptive refinement of finite element meshes has been performed using the bending of electromagnetic fields at element edges as a measure of error, in problems wih translational symmetry. In this paper it is presented how this could be extended to axisymmetric field problems. It is shown that the error estimate given by the inverse tan relationship is the same in electric and magnetic field problems, although in the governing Poisson equation, permittivity appears in the numerator and permeability in the denominator. This allows the same program developed for magnetic field problems to be used with minor modifications for axisymmetric electric field problems.
Partial Contact Head-Disk Interface With Thermal Protrusion

A new partial contact head disk interface (HDI) with thermal protrusion is proposed for magnetic recording with densities of 1 Tbit/in2 and above. This HDI has the advantage of maintaining light contact between the slider and the disk, so that both the bouncing vibration amplitude and the contact force are small compared with a traditional partial contact HDI. The slider’s dynamic simulations are carried out to analyze the effect of various factors within the HDI on the slider’s dynamic performance, including the friction and adhesion between the slider and the disk, the track profile morphology of the disk and the air bearing design. It is found that the bouncing vibration amplitude can be reduced to the level of the flying height modulation (FHM) of a non-contact air bearing slider without thermal protrusion.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Diaphragmatic Paralysis without Bulbar or Limb Paralysis in Multiple Sclerosis

A patient is presented in whom disabling pulmonary symptoms in the absence of other significant disability complicated a long-standing course of MS. Clinical presentation and fluoroscopy confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed atrophy and extensive white matter changes within the cervical cord. This case is unique in that significant respiratory compromise due to cervical spinal cord involvement by MS was dissociated from bulbar dysfunction or profound limb paresis.
A Developmental Stage Hypothesis For Non‐Marital Dyadic Relationships*

Within diverse sets of nonmarital relationships it is postulated that similar developmental stages emerge. Delineation of these stages provides a framework for understanding the many complexities of nonmarital interacting systems. Such a paradigm further helps those who encounter these relationships, either professionally or personally, to face the resulting conflicts in a way which does not impede future growth of the relationships. Five hypothetical developmental stages are presented and applied to two types of nonmarital dyads. Case studies further explain the conceptual model.
527 DRAMATIC CLINICAL RESPONSE TO COFACTOR THERAPY IN ADVANCED METHYLMALONIC ACIDEMIA (MMA)

B12-responsive MMA results from inherited defects in the synthesis of 5′-deoxyadenosyl-cobalamin(cbl), the cofactor required for Methylmalonyl-CoA-mutase (MMM) activity. Homozygotes with these enzyme defects manifest systemic acidosis, failure to thrive, mental retardation, severe hypotonia and death in childhood. The diagnosis of MMA in a 31/2 yr. old, acidotic, retarded girl was confirmed by the findings of massive amounts of urinary methylmalonic acid (mma) and deficient MMM activity in cultured fibroblasts. Somatic cell hybridization studies with other cbl mutants revealed her defect to be in the cbl a complementation group. Dramatic biochemical and clinical responses were observed following protein restriction(P-R) and B12 supplementation (B12S). mma was 30-75 g/gCr. prior to treatment; P-R (1.5g/kg/day)↓ mma to 12g/gCr. by day 8. B12S (1 mg IM/day)↓ mma to 1.5g/gCr. on day 9 and 0.23 g/gCr. by day 14. A trial of 3 g protein/kg/day ↑ mma 10 fold. Subsequently, B12S (10mg p.o./day) and P-R ↓ and maintained mma <1.0g/gCr. for the last 12 mos. Reversal of her growth, neurologic and intellectual deficits has been documented; bone age ↑ from 11/2 to 31/2 yrs., ↓ hypotonia, normalization of EEG, ↑ motor skills and I.Q. ↑ from 66 to 100. These findings support the efficacy of B12S and P-R therapy in untreated advanced MMA.
On the effective potential minimum versus the tree level potential minimum

We analyze the effective potential minimum (true vacuum of the theory) versus the tree level potential minimum in order to decide under which conditions they coincide. A criterion is found. Applications are made to monomial potentials (Coleman-Weinberg type models) and to theN=1 Supergravity Minimal Model.
Radiative Corrections to Electron-Proton Scattering

The radiative corrections to the electron-proton scattering are calculated with the effects of the proton recoil taken into account. We assumed the experimental conditions of Hofstadter et al. at Stanford, namely only the final electrons are momentum-analyzed. The anisotropy in the maximum energy of photons which can be emitted and the radiation from the proton current are the two main effects due to the proton recoil, and both effects are considered. The mesonic effects in the two-photon exchange diagrams are not considered. Other than the uncertainty in the mesonic effects, our formula is good up to about 5 Bev.
A palladium mediated reductive cyclization

Abstract α,ω-bis(Allylic acetates) undergo regioselective intramolecular reductive coupling with hexamethyldistannane catalyzed by pd(O).
Revascularization improves mortality in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

implantation of a BVS, an emerging effective treatment for de-novo coronary artery disease [3] allowed for satisfactory treatment of both the ISR and the in-segment disease. Figure legend: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) appearance pre-implantation of a bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) with significant neointimal proliferation over two layers of stent struts following pre-dilatation to facilitate adequate contrast flow for OCT (Panel A) with significant atheroma also seen at the proximal nonstented segment (Panel B) with balloon related dissection also present. Absorb 3.5 × 18 mm BVS with adequate BVS expansion and apposition over the two previously placed layers of metallic stent struts (Panels C, D and zoomed up image Panel E). Baseline angiographic image before any balloon dilatation (Panel F) shows severe in-stent and significant in-segment stenosis. Final angiographic appearance post BVS was satisfactory (Panel G).
Limb salvage and patency after aortic reconstruction in younger patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this report was to compare patient characteristics, treatment, and outcome in younger and older patients with aortoiliac occlusive disease. Methods: The medical records of 56 patients ≤50 years of age (Group ≤50) were retrospectively reviewed and compared to the records of 128 patients ≥60 years of age (Group ≥60). All patients were examined and treated between April 1987 and April 1994. Postoperatively, they were enrolled in a vascular laboratory surveillance program to serially monitor the status of the vascular reconstruction. Follow-up averaged more than 3 years in both groups and was available on greater than 90% of patients. Results: Patients in Group ≤50 had a higher incidence of smoking (68% versus 51%) and a lower incidence of hypertension (29% versus 50%) than patients in group ≥60 (smoking P = 0.03, hypertension P = 0.007). No other significant differences were noted among cardiovascular risk factors. Preoperative indications for surgery were similar among patients in both groups. An aortoiliac endarterectomy was more commonly used to revascularize the lower extremities in younger patients than in their older counterparts (23% versus 7%, P = 0.002). Graft revisions were more frequently necessary after aortic reconstruction in Group ≤50 than in Group ≥60 (29% versus 8%, P = 0.0003); however patency rates computed by life table analysis were not significantly different. The primary patencies for Group ≤50 and Group ≥60 at 5 years were 64% and 67%, respectively; their secondary patency rates at 5 years were 84% and 89%, respectively. No significant difference was found in major limb amputation (8% in Group ≤50 versus 5% in Group ≥60, P = 0.46). We conclude that aortoiliac reconstruction for occlusive disease can be performed with similar secondary patency and amputation rates in young and old patients. However, close postoperative surveillance and frequent surgical revision are necessary to maintain patency and minimize amputation.
Motivating Environments: A Systemic Analysis of Four Rural High Schools

Motivating environments include elements across the whole school-as-system, with contributions made by teachers, students, administrators, and factors outside the school in the surrounding community. Positive motivating environments can support self-determination and intrinsic motivation of both students and teachers despite a number of risk factors for school failure. This study addresses schoolwide environments that may promote motivation in areas characterized by isolation and resource limitations. The researcher conducted a systemic analysis of motivationally relevant resources and conditions across four rural schools and communities, using teacher, administrator, school and community profile data. The data indicate that external resources (family, institutional, and community) and internal (motivational) resources are critical elements of the motivating environments in these rural high schools. Teachers' and administrators' motivational perceptions shaped by their prior experiences and current contex...
A conserved asparagine makes an essential contact to an RNA adenosine or cytidine.

Abstract Post-transriptional regulation of yeast ribosomal protein L30, RPL30, requires the formation of a complex comprised of RPL30 and its RNA transcript [J. Vilardell and J. R. Warner, Genes & Dev. 8, 211–220 (1994)]. Mutational analysis of both the RNA and the protein reveals that an asparagine-adenosine contact is important. Replacement of the asparagine by alanine weakens binding dramatically, but substitution of the adenosine by cytidine or guanosine slightly increases or decreases respective binding affinities for RPL30. The structure of the complex has been solved by NMR and shows a conserved asparagine in position to form two hydrogen bonds with adenosine's Watson-Crick face [H. Mao, S. A. White and J. R. Williamson, Nat. Struct. Biol. 6, 1139–1147 (1999)]. Asparagine is necessary for this interaction but relatively small differences in binding affinity are measured for three different nucleotides.
Divergent selection for rind penetrometer resistance and its effects on European corn borer damage and stalk traits in corn

Corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield is affected by a number of factors, including stalk lodging and pests such as the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner; ECB). European corn borers contribute to stalk lodging and also cause a direct grain yield reduction through physiological effects that decrease the plant's ability to produce and translocate photosynthates. Although much progress has been made in improving standability, stalk lodging remains a major problem, and breeding for stalk lodging resistance continues to be important, especially if it also plays a role in ECB resistance. Missouri Second Cycle Stiff Stalk Synthetic (MoSCSSS) was selected for stalk strength by using a rind penetrometer. Twelve cycles of bidirectional selection have been completed, which has resulted in increased and decreased stalk strength in the high and low directions of selection, respectively. Selected cycles were evaluated for grain yield, stalk lodging, rind penetrometer resistance, first- and second-generation ECB damage, leaf penetrometer resistance at the whorl stage and anthesis, and stalk traits including crude fiber, cellulose, lignin, and silica. Evaluation showed a decrease in grain yield in both directions of selection. Selection for high rind penetrometer resistance was effective at providing resistance to second-generation ECB damage as well as resistance to stalk lodging. Leaf penetrometer resistance was higher in the high direction of selection at whorl stage, but reversed by anthesis where the low direction of selection had higher leaf penetrometer resistance. Crude fiber, cellulose, and lignin increased in the high direction of selection, but silica decreased in the high direction of selection. Significant correlations between the stalk traits analyzed demonstrated that stalk composition was important in providing rind penetrometer resistance, stalk lodging resistance, and second-generation ECB resistance.
Locating and quantifying ceramic body armor impact forces on a compliant torso using acceleration mapping

This research experimentally implements a new method to identify the location and magnitude of a single impulsive excitation to ceramic body armor, which is supported on a compliant torso. The method could easily be extended to other flexibly supported components that undergo rigid body dynamics. Impact loads are identified in two steps. First, the location of the impact force is determined from time domain acceleration responses by comparing them to an array of reference acceleration time histories. Then based on the estimated location, reference frequency response functions are used to reconstruct the input force in the frequency domain through a least squares inverse problem. Experimental results demonstrate the validity of this method at both low energy excitations, which are produced by a medium modally-tuned impact hammer, and at high energy excitations, which are produced by dropping rods with masses up to 0.6 kilograms from a height of 2 meters. The maximum error in the estimated location or magnitude for the low energy excitations on the 10 cm square ceramic body armor was 7.07 mm with an average error of 1.09 mm. In comparing the estimated force for the low energy excitations to the force recorded by the transducer in the modal impact hammer, the maximum error in the predicted force amplitude was 6.78 percent and the maximum error in the predicted impulse was 6.44 percent. For the high energy excitations, which produced accelerations at the measurement locations up to 50 times greater than that of the low energy excitations, the maximum error in the predicted location of the input force was 15 mm with an average error of 6.64 mm. There was no force transducer to capture the input force on the body armor from the rod, but from non-energy-dissipative projectile motion equations the validity of the solutions was confirmed by comparing the impulses.
Earthquakes: History & measurement

It has taken centuries to grasp the true causes of the planet's rumblings – and only in the 1930s did seismologists agree how to size them up
Comparison of glycopeptide fragmentation by collision induced dissociation and ultraviolet photodissociation

A comparison of the fragmentation pathways of both protonated and deprotonated O-linked glycopeptides from fetuin and κ-casein obtained upon collision induced dissociation (CID) and 193 nm ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) in a linear ion trap is presented. A strategy using non-specific pronase digestion, zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (ZIC-HILIC) solid phase extraction (SPE) enrichment, and nano-liquid chromatography (nano-LC) is employed. UVPD of deprotonated glycopeptides generally produced the greatest array of fragment ions, thus affording the most diagnostic information about both glycan structure and peptide sequence. In addition, UVPD generated unique fragment ion such as Y-type ions arising from cleavage at the N-terminus of proline. CID and UVPD of protonated glycopeptides produced fragment ions solely from glycan cleavages.
The polarographic behaviour of nickel(II) xanthate in ethanol and ethanol-water media

Abstract Nickel(II) in the presence of xanthate undergoes catalytic reduction at the dropping mercury electrode in ethanol and ethanol-water media at potentials more positive than those at which nickel(II) is reduced in the absence of xanthate. The properties of the catalytic wave have been examined and a mechanism that has been proposed previously for other systems that give catalytic reduction waves has been shown to apply [1]. The limiting current of the catalytic wave can be primarily diffusion controlled[1] or kinetically controlled; examples of both types of mechanisms have been found in studies on the reduction of nickel(II) in the presence of bidentate ligands containing two sulfur donor atoms. In the nickel(II) xanthate system, the presence of catalytic hydrogen waves caused difficulties in the interpretation of the polarographic data.
Cyclin overexpression inhibits Smad 3 tumor suppression in breast cancer cells.

CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2008 Abstracts Abstract #5033 Introduction: The transcription factor Smad 3, a member of the TGFβ signaling cascade, contributes to G1 cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cell lines. Overexpression of the cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin E, and its low molecular weight (LMW) counterparts, has been associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Cyclin E has been shown to mediate phosphorylation within or near the linker region of Smad 3 by cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CDK 2), and to inhibit Smad 3 activity in normal mouse fibroblasts and epithelial cells. We hypothesize that overexpression of cyclin E may exert tumorigenic effects in breast cancer cell lines through the functional inhibition of Smad 3 mediated by CDK 2 phosphorylation. Methods: Endogenous levels of Smad 3 and phosphorylated Smad 3 in parental, vector only control, full length (FL), and two LMW forms of cyclin E overexpressing MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines were determined by western blotting. To elucidate the impact of cyclin E overexpression on Smad 3 function, constructs containing an empty vector, WT Smad 3, Smad 3 with a CDK phosphorylation site mutation within the linker region (Thr178), and outside the linker region (Thr8) were co-transfected with a Smad 3 reporter into the panel of MCF-7 cells. CDK2 or scrambled control siRNA was also transfected into the study panel of cells. Smad 3 function was then evaluated by luciferase reporter assays. Results: MCF-7 cells overexpressing FL or LMW cyclin E had a higher level of P- SMAD 3 as compared to the parental and vector only control cells. Total SMAD 3 levels were similar in all cells examined. Transfection of WT Smad 3 elicited an increase in reporter activity in parental and vector control cells, while both FL and LMW forms of cyclin E overexpressing cells were resistant to WT Smad 3 reporter induction. In parental and vector control MCF-7 cells, expression of the Smad 3 Thr178 mutation resulted in a three-fold induction in Smad 3 reporter activity as compared to the WT Smad 3 response. In FL and LMW cyclin E overexpressing cells, induction by the Thr178 mutation was more pronounced, as seen by a 5-fold and 8-fold induction of reporter activity in FL and LMW cyclin E cells, respectively. Transient transfection of the Thr8 mutation failed to evoke a reporter response in any of the panel of MCF-7 cells. MCF-7, FL, and LMW cyclin E cells demonstrated the greatest fold induction of Smad 3 reporter activity when transfected with CDK 2 siRNA. Conclusions: Overexpression of cyclin E may circumvent the growth inhibitory effects of Smad 3 signal transduction through the modulation of Smad 3 function. Specifically, this work indicates that cyclin E mediates Smad 3 inhibition in a CDK 2 dependent fashion in breast cancer cells. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 5033.
Continuation-based control in the implementation of parallel logic programs

Continuations are used to define the flow of messages between low level tasks in a parallel logic programming language. A combination of compiler and runtime operations reduces message traffic by up to 50% when success continuations are passed as parameters in messages that start new processes. Continuations are also the key to fast task switching, a critical operation in this fine grain parallel system. Data from sample programs shows the effectiveness of continuations in reducing message traffic and the speed with which task switches are performed on a typical host architecture.
Mobility of Positive Ions in Liquefied Argon and Nitrogen

Drift velocities of positive ions in liquid argon and liquid nitrogen have been measured for applied electric fields in the range from 0 to 4300 V/cm. These data were taken at pressures of 1 atm and at temperatures corresponding to the respective liquids' boiling points at this pressure. A time-of-flight spectrometer, consisting of an ion source, an electronic shutter, and a final drift space, was used. The ions were produced by the technique of field ionization. This was accomplished by immersing a tungsten point (etched down to a radius of less than 1000 \AA{}) in the respective liquefied gases and applying a high potential to it. The times of flight of the ions across the final drift space were determined by amplifying the ion current and displaying it on an oscilloscope. It was found that step-like changes in the curves of ion mobility versus $E$ occurred in both liquid argon and liquid nitrogen. Five such constant-mobility regions were found in liquid argon and four in liquid nitrogen. These constant mobilities were found to be 6.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, 9.75\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, 8.50\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, 7.75\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, and 7.25\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/V-sec in liquid argon, and 2.50\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$, 1.80\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$, 1.54\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$, and 1.36\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/V-sec in liquid nitrogen. It is suggested that these mobilities may correspond to ionic clusters.
Estradiol regulates class I alcohol dehydrogenase gene expression in renal medulla of male rats by a post-transcriptional mechanism.

Abstract Rat kidney contains alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity which appears to be identical to the class I ADH expressed in liver. Treatment of male rats with estradiol for 10 days induced ADH activity and protein in the kidney approximately 3-fold. This was not the result of suppression of testosterone levels by estrogen, as castration did not increase ADH activity. In situ hybridization of kidney sections showed that ADH transcripts were localized to the medulla, that the basal level of mRNA is very low in the male, and that the induction of ADH mRNA by estradiol was approximately 10-fold. As estimated from Northern blot analysis, the induction of the mRNA was approximately 7-fold. Thus, induction of ADH mRNA substantially exceeded the increase in ADH activity and protein. Since the estradiol-treated rats lost weight relative to the oil-injected controls, the effect of starvation on ADH mRNA in kidney was examined. Starvation decreased kidney ADH activity by about 30% but increased mRNA about 2-fold. Time course experiments demonstrated induction of ADH mRNA by estradiol within 1 h with the maximum level achieved by 24 h. The transcription rate of the ADH gene as assessed by nuclear run-on assays performed at 1 and 24 h after treatment with estradiol was unchanged. We conclude that estradiol induces ADH mRNA in kidney by a post-transcriptional mechanism.
Pleiotropic effects of statins and their clinical significance

A the clinical trials that established the lipidlowering beneficial effects of statins have been completed,1 research elucidating the pathophysiologic processes by which atherogenesis proceeds has also been reported. Atherogenic mechanisms involve significant elements of molecular and cellular activity as oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is taken up by monocyte-derived macrophages in the subendothelium. As a result of lysis of these lipid-laden macrophages, pools of subendothelial cholesterol, capped by lipid-laden macrophages, fibrocytes, and small muscle cells are formed.2 This process of atheroma formation, aided by vasoactive, chemoatttractant, and cellular adhesive molecules, exhibits many of the characteristics of a chronic inflammatory process. Statins have been observed in both in vivo and in vitro experiments to interfere with these processes, decreasing vascular reactivity and the associated cellular inflammatory process.3–5 These effects have been described as “pleiotropic,” meaning producing many effects. These so-called pleiotropic effects of statins have engendered considerable interest for 2 reasons. First, they may exemplify benefits of statins that appear to go beyond lipidlowering effects and, in turn, point the way to the development of new drugs that could potentially depress various critical steps in the atherogenic process. Second, they have the potential to differentiate statins as a class from other lipid-lowering drugs and to differentiate among statins in other terms than lipidlowering efficacy. Although these effects have recently stimulated scientific interest, they have also led to questions and confusion about their clinical relevance. There are many possible ways to subdivide the antiatherogenic effects of statins. A simple way is to consider them in 3 categories (see Table 1): (1) those related directly to endothelial function; (2) those related to cellular processes associated with atherogenesis; and (3) those affecting thrombotic elements and processes.
Anxiolytic-like action in mice treated with nitrous oxide and oral triazolam or diazepam

Abstract Few animal studies have explored the interaction of nitrous oxide (N2O) with a benzodiazepine (BNZ) administered by the oral route, as used in clinical procedures involving “conscious sedation”. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative “anxiolytic-like” and sedative effectiveness of N2O, oral triazolam (TRIAZ; Halcion®) or oral diazepam (DIAZ; Valium®), either alone or in various combinations of drugs and doses. One hundred and twelve Swiss Webster male mice, 35–45 days old, were assigned to 28 groups, each of which contained four mice. The mouse staircase test was used for the assessment of anxiety (number of rearings) and sedation (number of steps ascended). Three doses of oral TRIAZ (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg) or DIAZ (2.0, 3.5, 5.0 mg/kg) were given in combination with room air, or N2O/O2 at a N2O concentration of 25, 50 or 75%. Each mouse was tested once. N2O alone did not reduce NR in any concentration, but caused a significant increase in locomotion. DIAZ without N2O reduced NR only with the middle and high doses, but the addition of N2O significantly enhanced the anxiolytic-like effect of all DIAZ doses. TRIAZ, alone, reduced NR only in the highest dose, but added N2O resulted in anxiolytic-like behavior with all three TRIAZ doses. The sedative effects of the BNZs were extremely variable. Only the middle dose of DIAZ plus 25% N2O unequivocally reduced the number of steps ascended, i.e., caused sedation. TRIAZ lacked the inverted U-shaped dose-response relationship with NR usually seen with DIAZ. TRIAZ, therefore, provides better dose control. This behavioral animal model indicates that the optimal combinations for reduction of anxiety-like behavior with minimal effects on sedation are 0.1 mg/kg oral TRIAZ with 25% N2O or 2.0 mg/kg oral DIAZ with 25% N2O.
Initial Loop and Knot Security of Arthroscopic Knots Using High-Strength Sutures

Purpose: There are many options for arthroscopic knots including the type of knot and suture material used. The current investigation evaluated knot properties using 3 high-strength suture materials tied in 5 common arthroscopic knot configurations. Methods: Four arthroscopic sliding knots including the Roeder, Weston, SMC, and Tennessee Slider and an arthroscopic nonsliding Surgeon's knot were evaluated. Each knot was tied with each of 3 No. 2 polyblended suture types (Fiberwire [Arthrex, Naples, FL], Ultrabraid [Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA], and Orthocord [Mitek, Raynham, MA]). Each configuration was tied 8 times, for a total of 120 samples. Loop security and knot security were then evaluated by using a previously described protocol comparing the different knot types and suture material. Results: With respect to loop security, Orthocord performed better than the other tested suture materials, producing on average smaller knot loops. For the nonsliding Surgeon's knot, there was no difference in loop security observed between suture types. For the Roeder knot, Fiberwire had superior knot security compared with Ultrabraid and Orthocord ( P P P P P Conclusions: Loop security and knot security varied depending on the type of knot tied and suture material used. Arthroscopic sliding knots performed better than the nonsliding Surgeon's knot. Clinical Relevance: Surgeons should try to use sliding knots instead of Surgeon's knots when using polyblend suture material. Differences between the brands in this suture category will change the characteristics of the knots thrown and may ultimately affect tissue fixation.
Status of the video imaging system for detection, tracking, and assessment (VISDTA) scanning sensor program

The video imaging system for detection, tracking, and assessment (VISDTA) is an automatic scanning, wide area, surveillance sensor with built-in change detection and video motion detection features. Recent modifications and performance improvements are described in terms of environmental and mechanical ruggedness, and detection probability. In addition, a VISDTA expansion is described that could convert many fixed-view cameras into change-detection sensors and further into video motion detection (VMD) devices. This modification proposes easy addition of VMD capability to many existing installations. A summary is included of the efforts to transfer VISDTA technology to industry. >
Phase I clinical trial of temsirolimus and vinorelbine in advanced solid tumors

To determine the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of the combination of weekly temsirolimus and every other week vinorelbine in patients with advanced or refractory solid tumors. Patients were treated with intravenous temsirolimus on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 and intravenous vinorelbine on days 1 and 15. Cycles were repeated every 28 days. Nineteen patients were enrolled in the study. Tumor types included lung (5), prostate (2), neuroendocrine of pancreas (1), bladder (2), uterus (3), cervix (4), and vagina (2). All patients had received prior chemotherapy. Four patients were enrolled to dose level I, nine to dose level II, and six to dose level III. Six patients were inevaluable and replaced. Fifty-seven total cycles were administered. There was 1 dose-limiting toxicity at level II (grade 3 anorexia/dehydration) and 2 at level III (grade 3 hypokalemia; grade 4 neutropenia). Two patients died at dose level III; one was study-related with grade 4 neutropenia. Grade 3/4 toxicities observed during the first cycle included neutropenia (2), anemia (1), anorexia (1), dehydration (1), hyperglycemia (1), hypertriglyceridemia (1), and hypokalemia (1). Best response included two patients (prostate and non-small cell lung cancer) with partial response and eight patients with stable disease with median duration of best response of 3.2 months. Temsirolimus 25 mg given days 1, 8, 15, and 22 in combination with vinorelbine 20 mg/m2 given days 1 and 15 every 4 weeks was found to be the MTD. This dose combination is considered feasible in phase II trials.
On particle energization in accretion flows

Two-temperature advection-dominated accretion flow (ADAF) or hot ion tori (HIT) models help to explain low-luminosity stellar and galactic accreting sources and may complement observational support for black holes in nature. However, low radiative efficiencies demand that ions receive a fraction η≥ 99 per cent of energy dissipated in the turbulent accretion. The η value depends on the ratio of particle to magnetic pressure. If modes of dissipation involving compressions at least perpendicular to the magnetic field (like magnetic mirroring) dominate, then even when the pressure ratio is O(1), the required large η can be attained. However, the relative importance of compressible versus incompressible modes is hard to estimate. The plasma is more compressible on larger scales and the relevant length-scale for particle energization can be estimated by equating the longest eddy turnover time (which corresponds to the energy-dominating scale) to the time for which an energy equal to that in the turbulence can be drained into particles. Based on the large scales resulting from this estimate, it is suggested that magnetic mirroring may be important. Also, regardless of the precise η or dissipation mechanism, non-thermal protons seem natural in two-temperature discs because all dissipation mechanisms, and the use of an isotropic pressure, require wave--particle resonances that operate only on a subset of the particles. Finally, it is briefly mentioned how mirroring may help to generate an ADAF or HIT in the first place.
Baryon spectrum in a linear string model

Results are presented on the spectrum of baryon ${\mathrm{SU}}_{6}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}{O}_{3}$ supermultiplets based on a relativistic string model with linear string-length potentials. Calculations are carried out for a four-constituent baryon model as well as the normal three-quark model. Deviations from the conventional harmonic-oscillator spectrum, lack of quark-diquark structure, and the possibility of a low-lying (${56,1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) supermultiplet are discussed.
Evaluating if Energy and Protein Limit Abundance of Hawaiian Moorhen

Food abundance can affect a species' distribution. In many studies of potential food limitation, researchers focus on carrying capacity estimates during the nonbreeding season for temperate species consuming a fixed food source. Estimates of energetic carrying capacity for year-round breeders feeding on a replenishing resource would be more difficult and require much data. To determine whether gathering detailed information on year-round carrying capacity would be an important investment, we conducted an assessment to determine whether there was evidence that energy or protein might limit numbers of the tropical, endangered Hawaiian moorhen (Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis). We compared observed numbers of moorhen at 15 Oahu, Hawaii, USA, wetlands with predicted numbers based on measured energy and protein in food plants and abundance of these food plants in each wetland and on estimates of energy expenditure of moorhen. We made comparisons assuming moorhen are limited by their ability to metabolize food plants, by competition for food, and by estimated costs associated with reproduction. We also compared ranked moorhen abundance and density with ranked energy and protein under different wetland management regimes. Energy values consistently overestimated expected numbers of Hawaiian moorhen at wetlands except for one wetland location (predicted, 3803 6 4856; observed, 6.2 6 10.8). In addition, we detected no significant relationship between moorhen abundance and measures of energy (all r 2 5 0.02-0.73, all P. 0.1) or protein abundance (all r 2 5 0.08-0.50, all P. 0.3). This lack of relationship held once we controlled for wetland area or when we considered whether wetlands were managed for waterbirds. Hawaiian moorhen on Oahu did not appear to be limited by energy, nor did they appear to select sites based on energy or protein, in contrast to many studies relating animal numbers to energy in nonbreeding situations. Consequently, we suggest that researchers and managers explore other potentially limiting factors for Hawaiian moorhen.
Real-time Visual Tracking Using Geometric Active Contours for the Navigation and Control of UAVs

Visual tracking is an important component in the navigation and control of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This paper is concerned with the visual tracking problem for the navigation and control of UAVs and focuses on real-time image processing methods. We review previous research based on geometric active contours which are automatic processes to track object boundaries in an image. Test results and some limitations of the previous tracking system are discussed. Then, a fast and robust implementation of the Chan-Vese active contour model is proposed to overcome these limitations.
Parent preferences and parent choices: the public–private decision about school choice

School choice survey data from the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, a large county‐wide school district, is analysed to examine the characteristics of parents who consider choosing private schools for their children and those who do not. We examine differences in background, including race, educational attainment and socioeconomic status, as well as differences in parent satisfaction with their child’s previous school, parent involvement in school, parents’ priorities in school choice, as well as parents’ social networks. After controlling for background characteristics, we find that parent satisfaction with their child’s previous school was not a predictor of considering a private school. Rather, parent involvement seems to be a more important indicator of whether or not a parent would consider sending their child to a private school. In this case, parents are not ‘pushed’ away from public schools, contrary to much public rhetoric that suggests private schools are somehow inherently ‘better’ than p...