cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rheological properties of inulin–waxy maize starch systems

Abstract The rheological properties of mixed systems of inulin and waxy maize starch (WMS) were studied, as a model of carbohydrate–carbohydrate interactions in foods. Steady shear and oscillatory rheological properties were analyzed using a strain-controlled rheometer. Steady shear data were satisfactorily fitted to the Carreau model. The data were also fitted to the Herschel–Bulkley model. Concentrated inulin gels presented static and dynamic yield stresses. Phase inversion from a WMS-continuous system to an inulin-continuous system, manifested as a sudden change in rheological properties, was observed in samples with a total polymer concentration ≥30% (w/w, w.b.). In order to validate the oscillatory rheological data, some samples were subjected to stress relaxation experiments and both types of data were compared, showing a satisfactory agreement. The Cox–Merz rule, which relates steady shear and dynamic material functions, was not followed by most of the samples. An extended Cox–Merz rule was applied to the analysis of concentrated inulin gels.
Darwin's triumph: Explaining the uniqueness of the human mind without a deus ex machina

In our target article, we argued that there is a profound functional discontinuity between the cognitive abilities of modern humans and those of all other extant species. Unsurprisingly, our hypothesis elicited a wide range of responses from commentators. After responding to the commentaries, we conclude that our hypothesis lies closer to Darwin's views on the matter than to those of many of our contemporaries.
Cortical areas in the medial frontal lobe of the cat delineated by quantitative analysis of thalamic afferents.

The aim of these experiments was to establish the number and location of connectionally distinct areas in the medial frontal lobe of the cat. Thirty deposits of distinguishable retrograde tracers were placed at restricted sites spanning the medial frontal lobe in 16 cats. Following each deposit, the number of retrogradely labeled neurons in each of 17 thalamic nuclei was determined. Variations of the thalamic labeling pattern dependent on the location of the cortical tracer deposit were then analyzed by a quantitative procedure. The results indicate that the medial frontal lobe contains three fundamental divisions: the anterior cingulate area, medial area 6, and the medial prefrontal district. The anterior cingulate area derives its strongest thalamic input from the anteromedial nucleus. Medial area 6 is the target of afferents originating in a dorsolateral sector of the mediodorsal nucleus and in the ventroanterior nucleus. Medial prefrontal cortex is heavily innervated by pathways originating in the core of the mediodorsal nucleus and in the principal ventromedial nucleus. Within each major district, thalamic connectional patterns exhibit graded regional variation, with the result that, whereas the connections of the district are not uniform, it is difficult to define further discrete subdivisions. We discuss these results in relation to previously proposed schemes for parcellation of the cat's medial frontal lobe and conclude that the infralimbic and prelimbic areas (areas 25 and 32) of previous systems are best understood not as discrete areas but as ventral and intermediate sectors of a continuous medial prefrontal domain.
Histochemical study of ribonucleoproteins and mucopolysaccharides in developing bone of normal and tetracycline-treated chick embryos.

The histochemical localization of ribonucleoprotein and mucopolysaccharide components in the developing femurs of normal and tetracycline-treated chick embryos has been described. Tetracycline administration did not appear to affect the formation or character of the fibrous components involved in bone formation, or RNA production. Osteoid was laid down normally but calcification was markedly delayed. The depolymerization of the osteoid, as indicated by metachromasia and PAS staining, which is normally associated with the onset of calcification, was correspondingly delayed. The mucopolysaccharide content of the cartilage model was unchanged by the drug except in the hypertrophic zone. Here an abnormal depolymerization of the matrix occurred gradually, beginning in small areas and progressing to include all the matrix between small groups of cells. Calcification of these regions then took place.
Mechanics of curvilinear electronics and optoelectronics

Abstract Recent advances in materials, mechanics and fabrication strategies have successfully realized high-performance stretchable electronic and optoelectronic systems that are capable of conformally wrapping onto complex, soft, curvilinear surfaces. This capability enables lots of novel applications that were not possible through conventional electronics that is rigid and flat in nature. In this review, we summarize the advances in mechanics of curvilinear electronics and optoelectronics. Three typical forms of curvilinear systems will be discussed, including fixed hemispherical, tunable hemispherical and general curvilinear shapes. These mechanics models and analyses have shown to be very powerful in design and optimization of such systems, and can also provide important insights to the development of other related systems that combine rigid elements with soft substrates.
The development of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and its possible use in adults

Introduction: Worldwide, Streptococcus pneumoniae causes significant morbidity and mortality. The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) has been recommended for use in persons aged 65 years and over and in adults with certain chronic medical conditions. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have been developed for use in infants and children aged less than 5 years, and are being studied for use in adult populations. Areas covered: The different types of pneumococcal vaccines are discussed. Studies comparing PPSV23 and PCVs, as well as the results of the widespread use of 7-valent PCV are covered. The possible extension of the use of 13-valent PCV to adults, particularly to vulnerable populations, is discussed. The MEDLINE database was used to identify relevant studies from literature published in English between January 1977 and January 2011. All studies of adults aged over 18 years were considered for the review. Expert opinion: Elderly individuals and adults with chronic medical condit...
Evaluation of the frontonasal duct in frontal sinus fractures

Successful management of frontal sinus fractures depends on correct identification of structural pathology, which may lead to inflammatory complications. Obstruction of the frontonasal duct is a significant factor predisposing to such complications and its evaluation is thus critical in the management of these fractures. Specific radiographic CT criteria and an intraoperative dye irrigation test are presented to determine the likelihood of frontonasal duct injury. Eighteen cases of frontal sinus fractures are reviewed, which have been treated based on these principles. A scheme is presented outlining the management of frontal sinus trauma using these methods.
An investigation on vibration energy harvesting using nonlinear dynamic principles inspired by trees

Trees exploit intriguing mechanisms such as multimodal frequency distributions and nonlinearities to distribute and dampen the aerodynamically-induced vibration energies to which they are subjected. In dynamical systems, these mechanisms are comparable to the internal resonance phenomenon. In recent years, researchers have harnessed strong nonlinearities, including internal resonance, to induce energetic dynamics that enhance performance of vibration energy harvesting systems. For trees, the internal resonance-like dynamics are evidently useful damping mechanisms in spite of the high variation associated with excitation and structural parameters. Yet for dynamic systems, studies show narrow operating regimes which exhibit internal resonance-based behaviors, suggesting that the energetic dynamics may be deactivated if stochastic inputs corrupt ideal excitation properties. To address these issues, this research evaluates the opportunities enabled by exploiting nonlinear, multimodal motions in an L-shaped energy harvester platform. The system dynamics are probed analytically, numerically, and experimentally for comprehensive insights on the versatility of internal resonance-based behaviors for energy harvesting. It is found that although activating the high amplitude nonlinear dynamics to enhance power generation is robust to significant additive noise in the harmonic excitations, parameter sensitivities may pose practical challenges in application. Discussion is provided on means to address such concerns and on future strategies that may favorably exploit nonlinearity and multimodal dynamics for robust energy harvesting performance.
The Clash of Empires: The Invention of China in Modern World Making – By Lydia H. Liu

Britain's attack on the sovereignty of China is arguably the most conflicted of imperialist enterprises in the nineteenth century. Implicit in the subjugation of China as retribution for having its...
Two Clusters of Galaxies with Radio-quiet Cooling Cores

Radio lobes inflated by active galactic nuclei (AGNs) at the centers of clusters are promising candidates for halting condensation in clusters with short central cooling times because they are common in such clusters. In order to test the AGN-heating hypothesis, we obtained Chandra observations of two clusters with short central cooling times yet no evidence for AGN activity: Abell 1650 and Abell 2244. The cores of these clusters indeed appear systematically different from cores with more prominent radio emission. They do not have significant central temperature gradients, and their central entropy levels are markedly higher than in clusters with stronger radio emission, corresponding to central cooling times ~1 Gyr. Also, there is no evidence for fossil X-ray cavities produced by an earlier episode of AGN heating. We suggest that either (1) the central gas has not yet cooled to the point at which feedback is necessary to prevent it from condensing, possibly because it is conductively stabilized, or (2) the gas experienced a major heating event 1 Gyr in the past and has not required feedback since then. The fact that these clusters with no evident feedback have higher central entropy and therefore longer central cooling times than clusters with obvious AGN feedback strongly suggests that AGNs supply the feedback necessary to suppress condensation in clusters with short central cooling times.
Specific interactions and miscibility of blends of poly(ε‐caprolactam) and sulfonated PEEK ionomer

Sulfonation of poly(oxy-1,4-phenyleneoxy-1,4-phenylenecarbonyl-1,4-phenylene), PEEK, improves its miscibility with poly(ϵ-caprolactam), Nylon-6 (N6). This article describes the thermal transitions and the specific interactions that occur for blends of the free acid derivative (H-SPEEK) and the lithium (Li-SPEEK) and zinc salts (Zn-SPEEK) of sulfonated PEEK (19.2 mol % sulfonation) with N6. The interactions responsible for miscibility were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. For blends of H-SPEEK and N6, miscibility is due to hydrogen bonding between the sulfonic acid and the amide group. For blends of N6 with the salts of SPEEK the specific interaction involves an ion-dipole complex of Li+ with the amide carbonyl or Zn2+ with the amide nitrogen. The relative strengths of the intermolecular interactions for the three types of blends increased as the cation was varied in the order: H+ < Li+ < Zn2+, and the Tgs of the mixtures increased in the same order. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Piezoresistance in p-Type Gallium Antimonide

The piezoresistance effect has been measured in $p$-type gallium antimonide having a hole concentration of approximately 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{17}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ over a temperature range from 77 to 350\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. At 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, the values of the piezoresistance coefficients ${\ensuremath{\pi}}_{11}$, ${\ensuremath{\pi}}_{12}$, and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}_{44}$ are 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$, -2.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$, and 87\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/dyn, respectively. A germanium-type valence band structure is shown to be consistent with both the piezoresistance results and previous magnetoresistance results, whereas none of the many-valley models are consistent with both measurements.
Functional consequences of a novel variant of PCSK1.

Background Common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 with modest effects on PC1/3 in vitro have been associated with obesity in five genome-wide association studies and with diabetes in one genome-wide association study. We here present a novel SNP and compare its biosynthesis, secretion and catalytic activity to wild-type enzyme and to SNPs that have been linked to obesity. Methodology/Principal Findings A novel PC1/3 variant introducing an Arg to Gln amino acid substitution at residue 80 (within the secondary cleavage site of the prodomain) (rs1799904) was studied. This novel variant was selected for analysis from the 1000 Genomes sequencing project based on its predicted deleterious effect on enzyme function and its comparatively more frequent allele frequency. The actual existence of the R80Q (rs1799904) variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. The effects of this novel variant on the biosynthesis, secretion, and catalytic activity were determined; the previously-described obesity risk SNPs N221D (rs6232), Q665E/S690T (rs6234/rs6235), and the Q665E and S690T SNPs (analyzed separately) were included for comparative purposes. The novel R80Q (rs1799904) variant described in this study resulted in significantly detrimental effects on both the maturation and in vitro catalytic activity of PC1/3. Conclusion/Significance Our findings that this novel R80Q (rs1799904) variant both exhibits adverse effects on PC1/3 activity and is prevalent in the population suggests that further biochemical and genetic analysis to assess its contribution to the risk of metabolic disease within the general population is warranted.
One-step site-specific modification of native proteins with 2-pyridinecarboxyaldehydes

The chemical modification of proteins is an enabling technology for many scientific fields, including chemical biology, biophysics, bioengineering and materials science. These methods allow the attachment of strategically selected detection probes, polymers, drug molecules and analysis platforms. However, organic reactions that can proceed under conditions mild enough to maintain biomolecular function are limited. Even more rare are chemical strategies that can target a single site, leading to products with uniform properties and optimal function. We present a versatile method for the selective modification of protein N termini that does not require any genetic engineering of the protein target. This reaction is demonstrated for 12 different proteins, including the soluble domain of the human estrogen receptor. The function of this protein was confirmed through the binding of a fluorescent estrogen mimic, and the modified protein was explored as a prototype for the detection of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in water.
X-bar and R control chart interpretation using neural computing

Abstract This paper formulates Shewhart mean (X-bar) and range (R) control charts for diagnosis and interpretation by artificial neural networks. Neural networks are trained to discriminate between samples Prom probability distributions considered within control limits and those which have shifted in both location and variance. Neural networks are also trained to recognize samples and to predict future points from processes which exhibit long-term or cyclical drift. The advantages and disadvantages of neural control charts compared with traditional statistical process control are discussed.
Motoring along with the bacterial RecA protein

The recombinases of the RecA family are often viewed only as DNA-pairing proteins - they bind to one DNA segment, align it with homologous sequences in another DNA segment, promote an exchange of DNA strands and then dissociate. To a first approximation, this description seems to fit the eukaryotic (Rad51 and Dmc1) and archaeal (RadA) RecA homologues. However, the bacterial RecA protein does much more, coupling ATP hydrolysis with DNA-strand exchange in a manner that greatly expands its repertoire of activities. This article explores the protein activities and experimental results that have identified RecA as a motor protein.
Neuronal Substrates for Choice Under Ambiguity, Risk, Gains, and Losses

Economic forces shape the behavior of individuals and institutions. Forces affecting individual behavior are attitudes about payoffs (gains and losses) and beliefs about outcomes (risk and ambiguity). Under risk, the likelihoods of alternative outcomes are fully known. Under ambiguity, these likelihoods are unknown. In our experiment, payoffs and outcomes were manipulated independently during a classical choice task as brain activity was measured with positron emission tomography (PET). Here, we show that attitudes about payoffs and beliefs about the likelihood of outcomes exhibit interaction effects both behaviorally and neurally. Participants are risk averse in gains and risk-seeking in losses; they are ambiguity-seeking in neither gains nor losses. Two neural substrates for choice surfaced in the interaction between attitudes and beliefs: a dorsomedial neocortical system and a ventromedial system. This finding reveals that the brain does not honor a prevalent assumption of economics--the independence of the evaluations of payoffs and outcomes. The demonstration of a relationship between brain activity and observed economic choice attests to the feasibility of a neuroeconomic decision science.
Old or new red sandstone ? Evolution of a ninteenth century stratigraphic debate, northern Scotland

The Old Red Sandstone crops out on the margins of the Moray Firth, northern Scotland, from Caithness on the north through Sutherland and Ross to Moray on the south. The New Red Sandstone occurs in the vicinity of Elgin, on the southern shore of the Moray Firth. The rocks comprising the Old and New Red Sandstone are lithologically similar and distinguishing them is problematical as fossil material is scarce. The stratigraphic relationship of the Old and New Red Sandstone in northern Scotland, the subject of research and debate since the late eighteenth century, was generally agreed upon by the late nineteenth century. Age determinations were made possible by advances in understanding of the geologic time scale, regional geologic mapping, and by the discovery of fossil fish and reptiles. The resolution of the stratigraphic debate concerning the Old and New Red Sandstones was the result of the collaboration between geologists who lived in the region with distant, metropolitan scientists. Two local geologists...
THEORETICAL DETERMINATION OF ROVIBRATIONAL ENERGIES AND ANOMALOUS ISOTOPIC EFFECT OF WEAKLY BOUND CLUSTER HXeOH

The rovibrational energy levels of HXeOH and its isotopomers have been calculated using a two-layer Lanczos algorithm in Radau-diatom-Jacobi coordinates based on a high level ab initio potential energy surface. The surface is obtained by fitting to 1229 RCCSD(T)/SDB-cc-pVQZ energy points. The equilibrium geometry of HXeOH is determined to have a trans configuration with a nearly collinear HXeO bond angle of 177.32 degrees. The well depth of this minimum is only 0.6123 eV with respect to the OH+Xe+H dissociation limit. The results show that the H–Xe stretching frequency of HXeOH and HXeOD has an anomalous isotopic shift upon 18O isotope substitution, whereas the D–Xe stretch in DXeOH and DXeOD displays a normal isotopic shift. This trend is consistent with the experimental observations in a Xe solid matrix. The present results predict a lower frequency for the H–Xe stretch than was observed in the solid matrix experiment. Either these results are too low or there is a strong blue shift due to the matrix in...
Accelerator-based radiation sources for next-generation radiobiological research

Abstract The Idaho Accelerator Center (IAC) of Idaho State University has developed a unique radiation research facility to answer next-generation radiobiological questions. The IAC has 10 operating research accelerators. These include continuously delivered radiation beams such as a 950 keV electron beam and a 2 MeV light-ion Van de Graaff. The IAC also has a number of pulsed electron linacs which range in energy from 4 to 40 MeV. The most intense amongst them deliver peak dose rates greater than 1012 Gy/s. The operational flexibility of pulsed electron linacs allows control of peak and average dose rate, pulse separation and total dose over many orders of magnitude in these parameters. These high dose rates also allow delivery of large doses on time scales that are very small when compared to biological responses. The spectrum of particle beams that the IAC can deliver includes alphas, protons, neutrons, electrons (betas), and gammas (X-rays). Current radiobiological research at the IAC is focused upon radiation effects in unicellular organisms. The effectiveness of extremely high dose rate electron irradiation for the neutralization of microbes is being investigated. Concurrently, we are characterizing the survival mechanisms employed by microbes when exposed to these extremely high doses and dose rates. We have isolated strains from several diverse species that show increased radiation-resistance over normal populations. In addition, we were the first to demonstrate radiation-induced Bystander effects in unicellular organisms. Because of the numerous and diverse accelerators at the IAC, these and many other novel radiobiological investigations are readily attainable.
Conductive macroporous composite chitosan-carbon nanotube scaffolds.

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used as doping material for three-dimensional chitosan scaffolds to develop a highly conductive, porous, and biocompatible composite material. The porous and interconnected structures were formed by the process of thermally induced phase separation followed by freeze-drying applied to an aqueous solution of 1 wt % chitosan acetic acid. The porosity was characterized to be 97% by both mercury intrusion porosimetry measurements and SEM image analysis. When MWCNTs were used as a filler to introduce conductive pathways throughout the chitosan skeleton, the solubilizing hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of chitosan established stable polymer/MWCNT solutions that yielded a homogeneous distribution of nanotubes throughout the final composite matrix. A percolation theory threshold of ∼2.5 wt % MWCNTs was determined by measurement of the conductivity as a function of chitosan/MWCNT ratios. The powder resistivity of completely compressed scaffolds also was measured an...
Prevalence and correlates of anger attacks: A two site study

Although anger attacks have been described in depressed outpatients, they have not been well studied in other disorders. In Study 1, we examined the prevalence of anger attacks in 50 outpatients with panic disorder. In Study 2, we replicated the initial findings at an independent site and examined the specificity of anger attacks by comparing their occurrence in patients with panic disorder, patients with other non-panic anxiety disorders and patients with a depressive disorder. At both sites, we also explored the relationship between anger attacks and demographic and clinical characteristics, such as gender, presence and severity of depression, and social anxiety measures. In both sites, the prevalence of anger attacks in patients with panic disorder was approximately one-third. However, anger attacks were not unique to panic disorder, with similar rates emerging for patients with other anxiety disorders. Furthermore, patients with depressive diagnoses had twice the prevalence of anger attacks than did anxiety patients. At both sites, those with anger attacks were significantly more depressed and were likely to have either current or past history of major depression. Anger attacks were not associated with social anxiety measures, but were related to cluster B, cluster C and self-defeating personality disorder traits. Our findings support the notion that anger attacks are best conceptualized as an associated feature of depression.
Cavitary Pneumonia Associated with Tularemia

A wide range of microorganisms has been associated with cavitary pneumonia and pulmonary abscess. We present a case of serologically documented tularemia in an animal-hide handler who demonstrated multiple pulmonary infiltrates with cavitation. Inclusion of tularemia in the differential diagnosis of cavitary pneumonia in patients with exposure to animals is emphasized.
AHA/ACC Guidelines for Preventing Heart Attack and Death in Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: 2001 Update A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology

Since the original publication (in 1995) of the American Heart Association (AHA) consensus statement on secondary prevention, which was endorsed by the American College of Cardiology (ACC), important evidence from clinical trials has emerged that further supports the merits of aggressive risk reduction therapies for patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. As noted in that statement, aggressive risk factor management clearly improves patient survival, reduces recurrent events and the need for interventional procedures, and improves the quality of life for these patients. The compelling evidence from recent clinical trials was the impetus …
Higher-level fusion for military operations based on abductive inference: proof of principle

The ability of contemporary military commanders to estimate and understand complicated situations already suffers from information overload, and the situation can only grow worse. We describe a prototype application that uses abductive inferencing to fuse information from multiple sensors to evaluate the evidence for higher-level hypotheses that are close to the levels of abstraction needed for decision making (approximately JDL levels 2 and 3). Abductive inference (abduction, inference to the best explanation) is a pattern of reasoning that occurs naturally in diverse settings such as medical diagnosis, criminal investigations, scientific theory formation, and military intelligence analysis. Because abduction is part of common-sense reasoning, implementations of it can produce reasoning traces that are very human understandable. Automated abductive inferencing can be deployed to augment human reasoning, taking advantage of computation to process large amounts of information, and to bypass limits to human attention and short-term memory. We illustrate the workings of the prototype system by describing an example of its use for small-unit military operations in an urban setting. Knowledge was encoded as it might be captured prior to engagement from a standard military decision making process (MDMP) and analysis of commander's priority intelligence requirements (PIR). The system is able to reasonably estimate the evidence for higher-level hypotheses based on information from multiple sensors. Its inference processes can be examined closely to verify correctness. Decision makers can override conclusions at any level and changes will propagate appropriately.
Time resolution of events in an enzyme's active site at 4 K and 300 K using resonance Raman spectroscopy

ABSTRACT Resonance Raman spectra for enzyme-substrate intermediates of the type R(C=O)NHCH2C(S)S-Papain arereported in solution at 300 K and down to 4 K in ice matrices. Analysis reveals that the overall conformation of thesubstrate-enzyme bonds in the active site remains the same in the range 300 - 4 K but there are important minor spectralchanges. Some of these provide access to information on dynamical fluctuations occurring in the active site. Evidence forclosely lying fluctuating protein states driving fluctuations in the structure of the bound substrate is discussed. 2. INTRODUCTION Resonance Raman (RR) spectra for enzyme-substrate intermediates of the type R(C=O)NHCH2C(=S)S-Papainprovide vibrational data on those bonds in the active site undergoing catalytic transformation1 - namely those associatedwith the chromophoric -C(=S)S- group. Detailed structural and mechanistic information has been obtained from the RRdata and recent attention has focussed on extending the analysis to provide dynamical information. The approach has beento obtain RR spectra for the intermediates from 300 (in solution) to 4 K (in ice matrices) to characterize the effect on thevibrational spectrum of removing thermal energy from the protein matrix. In turn, this provides insight into the role ofthermal energy in driving the catalytic reaction.
Outcome after autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma in patients with preceding plasma cell disorders

Summary A third of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have a preceding diagnosis of plasma cell proliferative disorder (PCPD), mostly monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering MM (SMM) or plasmacytoma. While autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) improves survival in MM, it is not clear if patients with preceding PCPD have a different outcome. We identified 151 patients with preceding PCPD from among 804 patients undergoing SCT, and their outcomes were compared. The response rates, including complete responses, were similar between the groups. Patients with a preceding diagnosis of MGUS had longer time to progression (TTP; 27AE5 months vs. 17AE2 months, P =0 AE01), and longer overall survival (OS) from transplant (80AE2 months vs. 48AE3 months, P =0 AE03) compared to those with de novo myeloma. However no differences were seen among those with a preceding diagnosis of SMM or plasmacytoma in terms of TTP or OS from transplant when compared to those with de novo myeloma. Multivariate analysis indicated that the presence of MGUS prior to myeloma was prognostic for post-transplant relapse independent of other known risk factors. Patients with pre-existing MGUS prior to myeloma diagnosis have a better outcome following HDT, reflecting more indolent disease and a favourable biology than those presenting with de novo myeloma.
Evidence for host resistance in 1,3 bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea treatment induced in syngeneic LSA lymphoma.

The anticancer agent 1,3 Bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-Nitrosourea (BCNU) cures the advanced syngeneic LSA lymphoma of C57BL mice with high efficiency. The cured animals resist further tumor challenge by large numbers of viable syngeneic tumor cells. Growth assays of spleen proliferation of the intravenously inoculated tumor revealed a progressive-regressive pattern of spleen growth after LSA-tumor injection. Lymphoma colony forming units (LCFU) in the spleen initially increased then regressed. In vitro assays of serum showed a alack of cytotoxic activity in mice cured by BCNU. Added spleen, thymus, or bone-marrow cells were similarly ineffective. Spleen and bone-marrow cells from immune mice passively transferred to normal mice showed weak cytotoxic activity against the LSA tumor. BCNU-cured mouse cells were more effective in protection than those cured with Chlorozotocin (CLZ).
Shotgun DNA microarrays and stage-specific gene expression in Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Summary Malaria infects over 200 million individuals and kills 2 million young children every year. Understanding the biology of malarial parasites will be facilitated by DNA microarray technology, which can track global changes in gene expression under different physiological conditions. However, genomes of Plasmodium sp. (and many other important pathogenic organisms) remain to be fully sequenced so, currently, it is not possible to construct gene-specific microarrays representing complete malarial genomes. In this study, 3648 random inserts from a Plasmodium falciparum mung bean nuclease genomic library were used to construct a shotgun DNA microarray. Through differential hybridization and sequencing of relevant clones, large differences in gene expression were identified between the blood stage trophozoite form of the malarial parasite and the sexual stage gametocyte form. The present study lengthens our list of stage-specific transcripts in malaria by at least an order of magnitude above all previous studies combined. The results offer an unprecedented number of leads for developing transmission blocking agents and for developing vaccines directed at blood stage antigens. A significant fraction of the stage-selective transcripts had no sequence homologues in the current genome data bases, thereby underscoring the importance of the shotgun approach. The malarial shotgun microarray will be useful for unravelling additional important aspects of malaria biology and the general approach may be applied to any organism, regardless of how much of its genome is sequenced.
Divergent cytogenetic evolution in Nearctic and Palearctic populations of sibling species in Chironomus (Camptochironomus) Kieffer

Chromosomal polymorphism is described for natural populations of Chironomus pallidivittatus in both the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. The Palearctic populations studied exhibit 24 banding sequen...
Infantile intestinal leiomyosarcoma: Surgical resection (without adjuvant therapy) for cure

A 7-week-old boy presented with a 6-week history of failure to thrive, acute intestinal obstruction, and an apparently irreducible intussusception (noted on contrast enema). He underwent abdominal exploration, during which a cecal mass was identified and resected. The mass proved to be a leiomyosarcoma. Histologically, it was an intermediate-grade malignancy with a predicted 5-year survival rate of 16% to 23% based on data from the adult experience. Three years after resection and without having received adjuvant therapy, he is healthy and free of disease. A review of the literature showed that in infants these tumors are predominantly colonic, compared with the predilection for small intestinal lesions found in the older pediatric and adult populations. Infantile intestinal leiomyosarcomata are rare malignancies that do well if complete surgical excision of the disease can be accomplished. The histological prognostic indicators proposed for intestinal leiomyosarcomas in the adult population cannot be extrapolated to infants because when they occur in infants, they appear to be less aggressive, and these patients do well without adjuvant therapy.
Strain Rate Effects on Mode I Fracture of Unidirectional Carbon Fiber Composites

Unidirectional carbon fiber composites were subjected to the Iosipescu shear test under static and low velocity impact conditions (LVI). Specimens were cut for 00 and 900 test configurations. Static tests were carried out on a hydraulically activated MTS loading frame, where specimens were subjected to uniform straining. LVI tests were conducted on a drop tower facility. The shear response of the specimen was measured for both 00 and 900 specimen configurations. Strain rate effects on interfacial crack toughness were also measured. Pre-notched unidirectional stitched carbon fiber specimens were subjected to a static and LVI three point bend test. The crack propagation velocity was measured with the help of special crack propagation gages and a high resolution digital camera. Load vs. load point displacement was measured for every test. The effect of strain rate on fracture toughness was characterized.
The influence of the Thomson effect on the performance of a thermoelectric power generator

Abstract Closed form analytical solutions are given for the temperature distribution, thermal efficiency, and power output of a fully insulated thermoelectric power generator. The influence of the Thomson effect on performance of thermoelectric power generators is studied for various values of the Thomson coefficient. To facilitate the study, a logarithmic expression for the Seebeck coefficient is introduced. This expression for the Seebeck coefficient makes it possible to study the performance of devices made of materials with different Thomson coefficients, but the same average Seebeck coefficient. The results show that for positive Thomson coefficients, the Thomson effect increases the power output and decreases the thermal efficiency. The thermal efficiency increases and the power output decreases due to negative Thomson coefficients. The results of a numerical example show that serious analytical errors can result by neglecting the influence of the Thomson effect when calculating the performance of a thermoelectric power generator.
Harmonized protocol for the design and interpretation of collaborative studies

Abstract Representatives of twenty international organizations have agreed on a harmonized protocol for the design of collaborative studies that utilizes at least eight laboratories, and five materials. Within-laboratory repeatability is obtained preferably by using split-level and/or blind duplicate test samples. The components of variance are obtained by one-way analysis of variance after removal of outliers by the Cochran extreme variance test and the Grubbs extreme value tests at a probability level of 0.01. Estimates of the mean, relative standard deviations (within- and between-laboratories), and repeatability and reproducibility values are reported before and after removal of outliers.
Bone marrow manifestation of plasmablastic transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a case report

Transformation of low-grade B cell lymphoproliferative disorders to high-grade lymphomas is a well-described occurrence. Transformation is considered the natural course of disease and is thought to result from a clonal evolution. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) most commonly transforms to diffuse large B cell lymphoma, a process known as Richter transformation. Plasmablastic transformation of CLL/SLL is extremely rare. Here, we report a unique case of characteristic plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) and CLL/SLL manifesting concurrently in the bone marrow of a patient with previously diagnosed CLL/SLL. The intimately admixed components represent two distinct morphologic and immunophenotypic populations of PBL and CLL/SLL. Cytogenetic/FISH analysis suggests a clonal evolution. Thus, PBL transformation may represent a new category of Richter transformation.
Response Surface Analysis with Correlated Data: A Nonlinear Model Approach

Abstract Statistical methods for fitting nonlinear functions to data generated by correlated response variates are discussed. Estimation of the model parameters is performed with an iterative two-stage scheme. The estimation procedure accommodates both within-unit and between-unit variability in fitting a response surface. Under regularity conditions the procedure yields asymptotically normal, strongly consistent estimators. If desired a patterned variance-covariance matrix can be assumed and incorporated into the model. The methods are illustrated by an analysis of data from a study of the combined effects of hepatotoxins in which between- and within-subject measurements are recorded.
New structural model of adenoviral cement proteins is not yet concrete

A recent reinterpretation of the refined crystal structure of human adenovirus type 5 (HAdV5) (1) has resulted in the reassignment of minor capsid/cement proteins IX and IIIa. The revised model differs substantially from the prior one, based on recent cryo-EM studies (2). Which model is correct? The answer may affect the assignment of proteins V, VI, and VIII and will affect our understanding of Ad structure and function.
Are cancer stem cells concentrated in more alkaline hypoxic regions of tumors

We wonder if the most viable hypoxic cancer stem cells concentrate in more alkaline regions of tumors, favoring their survival and evolution. Alternately, or in addition, do some cancer stem cells themselves maintain a more alkaline internal environment, achieving the same result. Based upon the response of cultured cells, including stem cells, to a certain degree of hypoxia and of most if not all proliferating cells to a somewhat more alkaline ambient and especially endogenous pH, their survival and proliferation should be favored. The broad outline of the argument, abstracted from a number of the available examples is developed: that the survival of cancer stem cells is favored by these conditions, contributing to their limited response to various therapies and their subsequent development of more malignant properties.
A linear mixed-effects model of wireless spectrum occupancy

We provide regression analysis-based statistical models to explain the usage of wireless spectrum across four mid-size US cities in four frequency bands. Specifically, the variations in spectrum occupancy across space, time, and frequency are investigated and compared between different sites within the city as well as with other cities. By applying the mixed-effects models, several conclusions are drawn that give the occupancy percentage and the ON time duration of the licensed signal transmission as a function of several predictor variables.
Efficient techniques for reducing error latency in on-line periodic BIST

With transient and intermittent operational faults becoming a dominant failure mode in modern digital systems, the deployment of on-line test technology is becoming a major design objective. On-line periodic BIST is a testing method for the detection of operational faults in digital systems. The method applies a near-minimal deterministic test sequence periodically to the circuit under test and checks the circuit responses to detect the existence of operational faults. On-line periodic BIST is characterized by full error coverage, bounded error latency, moderate space and time redundancy. In this paper, we present various techniques to minimize the error latency without sacrificing the full error coverage. These techniques are primarily based on the reordering the test vectors or the selective repetition of test vectors. Our analytical and preliminary experimental results demonstrate that our techniques lead to a significant reduction in the error latency.
Structural Analysis and Mechanical Characterization of Hyaluronic Acid-Based Doubly Cross-Linked Networks

We have created a new class of hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel materials with HA hydrogel particles (HGPs) embedded in and covalently cross-linked to a secondary network. HA HGPs with an average diameter of ∼900 nm and narrow particle size distribution were synthesized using a refined reverse micelle polymerization technique. The average mesh size of the HGPs was estimated to be approximately 5.5 to 7.0 nm by a protein uptake experiment. Sodium periodate oxidation not only introduced aldehyde groups to the particles but also reduced the average particle size. The aldehyde groups generated were used as reactive handles for subsequent cross-linking with an HA derivative containing hydrazide groups. The resulting macroscopic gels contain two distinct hierarchical networks (doubly cross-linked networks, DXNs): one within individual particles and another among different particles. Bulk gels (BGs) formed by direct mixing of HA derivatives with mutually reactive groups were included for comparison. The hydrogel microstructures were collectively characterized by microscopy and neutron scattering techniques. Their viscoelasticity was quantified at low frequencies (0.1−10 Hz) using a controlled stress rheometer and at high frequencies (up to 200 Hz) with a home-built torsional wave apparatus. Both BGs and DXNs are stable elastic gels that become stiffer at higher frequencies. The HA-based DXN offers unique structural hierarchy and mechanical properties that are suitable for soft tissue regeneration.
Re-examination of the factor structure of the Receptive Language scale of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery.

The Receptive Language scale of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery assesses verbal comprehension skills ranging widely in complexity. Although a relatively complex factor structure was anticipated, a previous factor analysis of the scale revealed only one strong factor, phonemic discrimination. The present study re-examined the factor structure of the Receptive Language items using a substantially larger number of subjects with a larger proportion of brain-damaged subjects than in the earlier study. Seven major factors emerged which varied on a dimension of complexity of comprehension from phonemic discrimination through comprehension of complex grammatical relationships. Reasons for the difference in results obtained in the present study are suggested and theoretical implications of the findings are discussed.
Coherentist Theories of Planning are Possible and Useful

Mandelbaum argued against the possibility of a complete general theory of planning set out along the lines of a generalist, a priori, covering-law model. In this article we draw on Miller and Hurle...
Self‐Assembling of Polymer‐Enzyme Conjugates at Oil/Water Interfaces

Interface-binding enzymes are desirable for biphasic reactions in that they offer simultaneous access to substrates dissolved in both phases across the interface. It has been shown that conjugating water-soluble enzymes with hydrophobic polymers facilitated the assembling of enzymes at oil/water interfaces. In this work, the interfacial assembling of alpha-chymotrypsin conjugated with polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), and poly(l-lactic acid) was examined using the pendant drop method. The interface-assembling process of the conjugates from the organic phase followed a similar pattern of that of native alpha-chymotrypsin from the aqueous buffer phase, i.e., the interfacial tension decreased gradually with time. However, when the conjugates were dispersed in the form of particulates in the aqueous phase, in which the conjugate was insoluble, the assembling occurred faster and the interfacial tension quickly approached zero. It was suspected that the assembling in this case involved two steps, i.e., the adsorption of the particulates and the subsequent rearrangement, dissociation, and redispersion of the conjugates at the interface. The effect of other factors, including the polarity of organic solvent and pH and ionic strength of the aqueous phase, was evaluated. It was found that the polar solvent slightly facilitated the assembling, whereas pH and ionic strength showed minimal effects.
Further studies on biodegradation of aliphatic poly (ester-amides)

Two types of aliphatic poly(ester-amides) (PEAs) were subjected to microbial degradation in basal mineral salt broth, under the attack of a yeast, Cryptococcus laurentii, at 20°C. PEA-I copolymers were made by the anionic ring-opening copolymerization of ϵ-caprolactone and ϵ-caprolactam, whereas PEA-II copolymers were synthesized by a two-step polycondensation reaction of hexanediol-1,6, hexanediamine-1,6, and adipolyl chloride. These copolymers were found to be readily degradable under biotic conditions, based on weight loss, GPC, NMR spectroscopy, and tensile property measurements. Compared to abiotic hydrolysis, biodegradation occurred much faster under milder conditions. Furthermore, NMR spectroscopic analysis proved that the biodegradation of poly(ester-amides) involves the enzymatic hydrolysis of ester groups on the backbones of polymers into acid and hydroxyl groups. No breakdown of amide bonds was observed under the given biotic conditions. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.