cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Marked synergy by vertical inhibition of EGFR signaling in NSCLC spheroids shows SOS1 is a therapeutic target in EGFR-mutated cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In non-smokers, this disease is usually caused by a mutation in a protein found on the surface of a cell, called EGFR. In healthy lung cells, these proteins trigger a chain of chemical signals that tell the cells to multiply. However, faulty forms of EFGR make the cells grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumors. Current treatments use EGFR inhibitors that block the activity of these proteins. But cancer cells often become resistant to these treatments by activating other types of growth proteins. One way to overcome this resistance has been by targeting the signaling pathways within individual tumors. But since those pathways differ between tumors, it has been challenging to find a single therapy that can treat all drug-resistant cancer cells. Now, Theard et al. assessed the therapeutic effects of blocking a specific protein inside lung cells, called SOS1, which is involved in growth signaling in all tumor cells. Six different types of human lung cancer cells were used, all of which had faulty forms of EGFR, with three of the cell types showing drug resistance to current therapies. The cancer cells were either exposed to EGFR inhibitors only or to a combination of EGFR and SOS1 inhibitors. The most effective treatment was found to be through combinational therapy, with enhanced killing of drug-resistant cells. Theard et al. further assessed the effect of combinational therapy using cells kept in two different ways. Cancer cells were either grown in a two-dimensional format, with cells forming a single cell layer, or in a three-dimensional format, where cells were multi-layered and grew on top of each other as self-aggregating spheroids. Combinational therapy treatment was only successful when the cells where grown in a three-dimensional format. These findings highlight that future drug development studies should give consideration to the way cells are grown, as it can impact the results. They also provide a steppingstone towards tackling drug resistance in lung cancers that arise from EGFR mutations.
Elastic wrinkling of keratocyte lamellipodia driven by myosin-induced contractile stress

During actin-based cell migration, the actin cytoskeleton in the lamellipodium both generates and responds to force, which has functional consequences for the ability of the cell to extend protrusions. However, the material properties of the lamellipodial actin network and its response to stress on the timescale of motility are incompletely understood. Here, we describe a dynamic wrinkling phenotype in the lamellipodium of fish keratocytes, in which the actin sheet buckles upward away from the ventral membrane of the cell, forming a periodic pattern of wrinkles perpendicular to the cell's leading edge. Cells maintain an approximately constant wrinkle wavelength over time despite new wrinkle formation and the lateral movement of wrinkles in the cell frame of reference, suggesting that cells have a preferred or characteristic wrinkle wavelength. Generation of wrinkles is dependent upon myosin contractility, and their wavelength scales directly with the density of the actin network and inversely with cell adhesion. These results are consistent with a simple physical model for wrinkling in an elastic sheet under compression and suggest that the lamellipodial cytoskeleton behaves as an elastic material on the timescale of cell migration despite rapid actin turnover.
I-RIPRAP Computer Vision Software for Automated Size and Shape Characterization of Riprap in Stockpile Images:

Riprap rocks and large-sized aggregates have been used extensively in geotechnical and hydraulic engineering applications to serve as a key component for erosion/sediment control and scour protecti...
The Establishment of a Construction Union-Based Member Assistance Program: An Interview With Kyle Zimmer.

Kyle Zimmer is the health and safety director and Members Assistance Program director of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478, which represents operating engineers in Connecticu...
Full color waveguide combiner with embedded metagrating

In this work we propose a new type of metagrating solution based on a combination of two diffraction gratings embedded inside the waveguide. We demonstrate that the proposed design has high intensity across a wide angular range and can be used as single waveguide full color combiner for AR application.
Metaprogramming with combinators

There are a wide array of methods for writing code generators. We advocate for a point in the design space, which we call metaprogramming with combinators, where programmers use (and write) combinator libraries that directly manipulate object language terms. The key language feature that makes this style of programming palatable is quasiquotation. Our approach leverages quasiquotation and other host language features to provide what is essentially a rich, well-typed macro language. Unlike other approaches, metaprogramming with combinators allows full control over generated code, thereby also providing full control over performance and resource usage. This control does not require sacrificing the ability to write high-level abstractions. We demonstrate metaprogramming with combinators through several code generators written in Haskell that produce VHDL targeted to Xilinx FPGAs.
Expression of Cell Cycle Proteins Using Recombinant Baculoviruses

The ability to express proteins in heterologous systems has been crucial to the biochemical analysis of many cell cycle regulators. Until recently, bacterial expression systems have reigned supreme due to their ease of use and their ability to produce vast quantities of a desired protein. However, many proteins are recovered from bacteria in an inactive form due either to improper folding or to lack of critical covalent modifications (e.g., phosphorylation or glycosylation).
Business statistics at the top 50 US business programmes

We surveyed fifty leading undergraduate business schools concerning their statistics requirements. We report on many aspects including credit-hours required, topics covered, computer integration, faculty background, teaching pedagogy, textbooks, and recent and proposed changes.
Some Observations on the Use of Criminal Sanctions in Enforcing Economic Regulations

This chapter outlines the special characteristics of economic regulatory legislation relevant to the use of the criminal sanction, to indicate what implications they have for effective use of the criminal law. It suggests relevant concerns in the use of this sanction beyond the goal of enforcing the specific regulatory norm. The kind of economic regulations whose enforcement through the criminal sanction is the subject of this inquiry may be briefly stated: those which impose restrictions upon the conduct of business as part of a considered economic policy. The chapter deals with the relevance of these characteristics in terms of three major problems: the problem of defining the proscribed conduct, the problem of corporate criminality and the problem of moral neutrality. Fixing criminal liability upon the immediate actors within a corporate structure generally poses no special problem. But the immediate actors may be lower echelon officials or employees who are the tools rather than the responsible originators of the violative conduct.
An Assessment of Steam-Explosion-Induced Containment Failure. Part I: Probabilistic Aspects

AbstractA variety of probabilistic models to quantify the likelihood of steam-explosion-induced (α-mode) containment failure from core melt accidents in commercial light water reactors have been proposed in the past. In many respects, these models and associated mechanistic considerations were complementary. Based on this and taking into account recent research efforts in this area, we perceived a need to consolidate a common approach. A new probabilistic framework is proposed for this purpose. Quantification of all inputs required by this framework is carried out, with the support of three companion parts of the study, for the case of a low-pressure core melt scenario in a pressurized water reactor (neglecting multiple explosions). The results support the generally prevalent expectation that steam explosions do not pose a significant threat to containment. To fully appreciate the qualitative limitations on this result all four parts must be carefully studied.
Enzymatic properties of mutant Escherichia coli tryptophan synthase alpha-subunits.

Thirty-nine mutant tryptophan synthase alpha subunits have been purified and analyzed (in the presence of the beta 2-subunit) for their enzymatic (kcat, Km) behavior in the reactions catalyzed by the alpha 2.beta 2 complex, the fully constituted form of this enzyme. The mutant alpha subunits, obtained by in vitro random, saturation mutagenesis of the encoding trpA gene, contain single amino acid substitutions at sites within the first 121 residues of the alpha polypeptide. Four categories of altered residues have been tentatively assigned roles in the catalytic functions of this enzyme: 1) catalytic residues (Glu49 and Asp60); 2) residues involved in substrate binding or orientation (Phe22, Thr63, Gln65, Tyr102, and Leu105); 3) residues involved in alpha.beta subunit interactions (Gly51, Pro53, Asp56, Asp60, Pro62, Ala67, Phe72, Thr77, Pro78, Tyr102, Asn104, Leu105, and Asn108); and 4) residues with no apparent catalytic roles. Catalytic residue alterations result in no detectable activity in the alpha-subunit specific reactions. Substrate binding/orientation roles are detected enzymatically primarily as rate defects; alterations only at Tyr102 result in apparent Km effects. alpha.beta interaction roles are detected as rate defects in all tryptophan synthase reactions plus Km increases for the alpha-subunit substrate, indole-3-glycerol phosphate, only when L-serine is present at the beta 2-subunit active site. A substitution at only one site, Asn104, appears to be unique in its potential effect on intersubunit channeling of indole, the product of the alpha-subunit specific reaction, to the beta 2-subunit active site.
Realized population change for long‐term monitoring: California spotted owl case study

The annual rate of population change (lt) is a good metric for evaluating population performance because it summarizes survival and recruitment rates and can be used for open populations. Another measure of population performance, realized population change (Dt) is an encompassing metric of population trend over a period of time; it is the ratio of population size at an end time period relative to the initial population size. Our first goal was to compare mean l and Dt as summaries of population change over time. Our second goal was to evaluate different methods for estimating these parameters; specifically we wished to compare the value of estimates from fixed effects models, random effects estimates from mixed effects models, and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. Our final goal was to evaluate the use of the posterior distribution of Dt as a means for estimating the probability of population decline retrospectively. To meet these goals, we used California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) data collected on 3 study areas from 1990 to 2011 as a case study. The estimated MCMC median ls for 2 of the study areas were 0.986 and 0.993, indicating declining populations, whereas median l was 1.014 for the third study area, indicating an increasing population. For 2 of the study areas, estimated MCMC median Dts over the 18-year monitoring period were 0.78 and 0.89, suggesting 21% and 11% declines in population size, whereas the third study area was 1.22 suggesting a 22% increase. Results fromDtanalyses highlight that small differences in mean lfrom 1.0 (stationary) can result in large differences in population size over a longer time period; these temporal effects are better depicted by Dt. Fixed effects, random effects, and MCMC estimates of mean and median l and of Dt were similar (� 9% relative difference). The estimate of temporal process variance was larger for MCMC than the random effects estimates. Results from a Bayesian approach using MCMC simulations indicated that the probabilities of a � 15% decline over 18 years were 0.69, 0.40, and 0.04 for the 3 study areas, whereas the probabilities the populations were stationary or increasing were 0.07, 0.22, and 0.82. For retrospective analyses of monitored populations, using Bayesian MCMC methods to generate a posterior distribution of Dt is a valuable conservation and management tool for robustly estimating probabilities of specified declines of interest. 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Combined glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibition and low-dose fibrinolysis for peripheral arterial thrombosis.

This feasibility study evaluated the therapeutic potential of combined GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibition with abciximab and low-dose fibrinolysis with reteplase for treatment of acute femoropopliteal thrombosis. The simultaneous intra-arterial administration of abciximab in conjunction with low-dose reteplase (< or = 0.5 U/hr) was safe in 13 patients; 2 patients experienced major hemorrhagic complication at a reteplase dose of 1 U/hr. The primary success rate was 100%; all patients experienced an excellent clinical response with no clinical evidence of distal embolization. No patient required repeat endovascular or surgical revascularization during mean follow-up of 9.3 months. This promising new thrombolytic strategy for the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease requires further study.
Northern Hemisphere Snow Cover, Indo-Pacific SSTs, and Recent Trend as Statistical Predictors of Seasonal North American Temperature

AbstractMaximum covariance analysis (MCA) forecasts of gridded seasonal North American temperatures are computed for January–March 1991 through February–April 2014, using as predictors Indo-Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs), Eurasian and North American snow-cover extents, and a representation of recent climate nonstationarity, individually and in combination. The most consistent contributor to overall forecast skill is the representation of the ongoing climate warming, implemented by adding the average of the most recent 15 years’ predictand data to the climate anomalies computed by the MCA. For winter and spring forecasts at short (0–1 month) lead times, best forecasts were achieved using the snow-extent predictors together with this representation of the warming trend. The short available period of record for the snow data likely limits the skill that could be achieved using these predictors, as well as limiting the length of the SST training data that can be used simultaneously.
Body mass index and the development of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis in adults with congenital heart disease - a cohort study.

Abstract Introduction Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) is a recognized complication of amiodarone treatment with limited management options. Its predisposing factors are incompletely defined yet a higher prevalence was reported in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Therefore we sought to determine the incidence and risk factors for AIT in adults with CHD. Methods At a tertiary care center we followed a historical cohort of amiodarone-treated CHD patients for the period 1987–2009. Follow-up concluded at AIT diagnosis or with last thyroid assessment on amiodarone. Cumulative incidence of AIT was calculated. AIT association with nutritional status was hypothesized a priori. Results AIT developed in 23/169 patients or 13.6%. The AIT incidence peaked in the 3rd year at 7.7%. AIT patients had a lower body mass index (BMI) at AMIO initiation compared with the rest of the cohort (mean±standard deviation: 21.9±2.9 vs. 25.1±5.0; p 25 (p Conclusions BMI
Who Will Our Students Be? A Futuristic View

Agricultural and applied economics departments must continue to develop and market programs that meet the educational needs of students. This article examines the current composite of students and degree programs. It then goes on to describe our future students and degree programs and examines distance education programs and delivery methods that will be used to reach these students. New degree programs will be offered in agribusiness and resource economics, mostly at the M.S. level. It is apparent that in the future, departments will teach increasing numbers of students at off-campus locations. The profession will experience major growth in distance education programs using a wide variety of delivery methods.
Direct Injection of Autologous Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Improves Myocardial Function

Cell-based therapies have been employed with conflicting results. Whether direct injection of ex-vivo expanded autologous marrow stromal cells (MSCs) would improve the function of ischemic myocardium and enhance angiogenesis is not well defined. In a porcine model of chronic ischemia, MSCs were isolated and cultured for 4 weeks. Sixteen animals were random divided into two groups to receive either direct intramyocardial injection of autologous MSCs, or equal volumes and injections sites of saline. Cine MRI and epicardial echocardiography were performed just prior to the injections and again 6 weeks later at the time of sacrifice at which point tissue was also analyzed. Myocardial function as assessed by regional wall thickening (as measured by dobutamine stress echocardiograms) demonstrated a 40.9% improvement after cell treatment of the ischemic zone (p=0.016) whereas the saline treated animals only had a 3.7% change (p=0.82) compared to baseline. The left ventricular ejection fractions of MSC group showed 19.5% improvement from baseline 35.9+/-3.8% to 42.9+/-5.8% (p=0.049). Increased vascularity was found in the MSC group compared to controls (0.80+/-0.30 vs 0.50+/-0.19 capillary/myocyte ratio, p=0.018). Direct injection of autologous MSCs promotes angiogenesis and enhances the functional improvements following chronic myocardial ischemia. This suggests that the angiogenesis engendered by cell treatment may be physiologically meaningful by improving the contractility of ischemic myocardium.
Particle-based detection of DNA hybridization using electrochemical stripping measurements of an iron tracer

Abstract Two particle-based procedures for monitoring DNA hybridization based on electrochemical stripping detection of an iron tracer are described. The first protocol involves probes labeled with gold-coated iron core–shell nanoparticles, while the second route relies on detecting the iron content of magnetic-sphere tags. In both cases, the captured iron-containing particles are dissolved following the hybridization, and the released iron is quantified by cathodic-stripping voltammetry in the presence of the 1-nitroso-2-naphthol ligand and a bromate catalyst. Both protocols offer high sensitivity, a well-defined concentration dependence, and minimal contributions from non-complementary nucleic acids. The iron-containing particle signal amplifiers thus represent a very useful addition to the arsenal of metal tracers employed in electrical bioassays.
New Gamma Rays in the Neptunium-239 Decay

Two unreported gamma rays of energy 0.44 and 0.49 Mev are assigned to ${\mathrm{Np}}^{239}$ by reason of chemical properties and decay constant. The intensities of these gamma rays relative to a previously reported ${\mathrm{Np}}^{239}$ gamma at 0.334 Mev have been determined to be ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{1}(0.33 \mathrm{Mev}):{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{2}(0.44 \mathrm{Mev}):{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{3}(0.49 \mathrm{Mev})=100:0.40:0.50$. Measured yields (gamma rays per decay) for the 0.44- and 0.49-Mev gammas are 1.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ and 1.9\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ gamma rays per decay. It seems probable that both of these gamma rays originate from a single ${\mathrm{Pu}}^{239}$ level at 0.49 Mev.
Ionic liquid and plasma effects on SiO2 supported Pd for selective hydrogenation of acetylene

Abstract SiO2 supported ionic liquid with Pd systems are investigated for the first time for the selective hydrogenation of acetylene and with the assistance of RF non-thermal plasma procedures to assist/replace the traditional reduction procedure in this study. Supported Pd catalysts loaded with ionic liquids are effective for selective hydrogenation of acetylene in ethylene. The results also suggest that the catalysts with ionic liquids of [BF4] anion usually achieve higher conversion but lower selectivity, and those catalysts with [PF6] anion lower conversion but higher selectivity. Pd/BmimBF4/SiO2 shows a stable yield of ethylene from acetylene during the stability test, however, it decreases slightly after 6 h. On the other hand, although the ethylene yield of Pd/EmimBF4/SiO2 is higher than that of Pd/BmimBF4/SiO2 in the first 3 h, large decrease in selectivity after 3 h results in decrease in overall ethylene yield and with significant activity fluctuations. The selectivity and the overall yield of Pd/EmimBF4/SiO2 with Ar plasma + H2 procedures are more stable than the one with the conventional reduction which shows significant fluctuation throughout the stability testing period. It is apparent that the Ar plasma treatment followed by hydrogen reduction can minimize the fluctuation phenomena of Pd/IL/SiO2 and stabilize their catalytic activity effective for selective hydrogenation of acetylene in ethylene.
Real-time damage monitoring of irradiated DNA

This article presents a microfluidic technique for the real-time analysis of DNA damage due to radiation exposure. A continuous-flow spatial melting analysis was performed every three seconds on a sample of isolated DNA while it was being irradiated. The formation of photoproducts being caused by the UV-C radiation was monitored during the process. Cumulative damage produced distinct changes in the DNA melting curves, characterized by a shifting and broadening of the melting peaks. The design of the microfluidic device, the experimental procedure, and the analysis algorithm and interactive GUI are discussed herein. In addition, the advantages of this system are correlated to specific needs of related scientific studies, such as the investigation of sequence-specific damage susceptibility and the characterization of exposure-damage nonlinearities.
Management of upper esophageal sphincter disorders: indications and complications of myotomy

Since 1951, when it was first used as a treatment for post-poliomyelitis dysphagia, cricopharyngeal myotomy (CPM) has been used in the treatment of various neurogenic, myogenic, structural, and idiopathic disorders. Yet, the efficacy of CPM in treating patients with upper esophageal sphincter (UES) disorders remains controversial. Despite favorable reports regarding its success, too few studies about indications, complications, and outcomes of CPM have been conducted to quell the controversy. Swallowing is accomplished when three primary conditions exist: (1) the cricopharyngeus muscle (CP) relaxes--that is, it is not tonically contracted, (2) the laryngo-hyoid complex elevates in an anterior-superior direction to open the sphincter, and (3) pharyngeal pressure is sufficient to propel a bolus through the open sphincter. CPM is indicated when the second and third conditions are "adequate" but the first is inadequate, thus resulting in pharyngeal dysphagia associated with a defective opening of the UES. UES dysfunction is determined most often through patient history, physical examination, and testing. Patients with Zenker's (pharyngoesophageal) diverticulum, oculopharyngeal dystrophy, or inclusion body myositis are among those reported to have the most positive responses to CPM. Modified barium swallow is the most common measurement of UES dysfunction; manometry also is used, but to a lesser degree because of catheter motion during swallowing. There are four approaches to CPM, including: (1) the external technique, which is indicated when a muscle biopsy or neck exploration is needed; (2) the endoscopic approach, which is reported to work best with patients with Zenker's diverticulum and offers the choice of electrocautery, laser, or the surgical stapler--the last option being the best choice for high-risk patients; (3) balloon dilatation of the UES, a low-risk option that reportedly works best in patients with fibrosis of the CP; and (4) botulinum toxin injection of the CP transcervically or endoscopically, which offers low risk and minimal or no anesthesia. This approach best serves cases of failed relaxation of the CP. Each approach has potential complications, but reports of such are few and rarely severe. In all cases, massive reflux should be controlled before CPM and the patient should be medically stable. Patient selection for CPM remains inadequate. To assess the efficacy of CPM, more multi-institutional outcome studies need to be conducted. In the meanwhile, clinical judgment and selective testing via modified barium swallow are the best methods for identifying patients who may derive the most benefit from CPM.
Optical sensors for the determination of concentrated hydroxide. Characterization of the sensor materials and evaluation of the sensor performance.

Optical sensors for the determination of highly concentrated bases such as NaOH (1−10 M) and materials to make these sensors have been characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, 29Si solid-state NMR, FT-IR, and measurements of film porosity, surface area, and thickness. The bonding character and composition of the Si−Zr mixed oxides−organic polymer composites were evaluated. These studies suggest that there are Si−O−Zr matrixes in the mixed oxides, and that the Si−O−Zr matrixes contribute to the durability of the base sensors in highly alkaline solutions. The performance of these base sensors has been studied in detail as well. These sensors were stable for approximately 120 days, exhibited short response times (typically <10 s), and were fully reversible with minimal hysteresis effects in NaOH−ROH−H2O solutions (R = Me, Et, and i-Pr).
Phonon mode coupling in superconducting LuNi 2 B 2 C

Recently, Kawano et al. reported that an interesting phononlike excitation, localized in q and \ensuremath{\omega}, appears below ${\mathrm{T}}_{\mathrm{c}}$ in the superconducting compound ${\mathrm{YNi}}_{2}$${\mathrm{B}}_{2}$C. This interesting observation led us to perform a series of experiments on the previously studied ${\mathrm{LuNi}}_{2}$ ${\mathrm{B}}_{2}$ C superconducting compound covering a large range of q and \ensuremath{\omega}. We demonstrate that there is no new excitation and that the lowest lying excitations can be associated with the ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{4}$ [\ensuremath{\xi}00] acoustic and optical phonon branches which exhibit pronounced dips at low temperatures for wave vectors close to the Fermi surface nesting vector, ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{\mathrm{m}}$ , characteristic of these compounds. Above ${\mathrm{T}}_{\mathrm{c}}$ , as the temperature decreases the frequencies of both modes in the vicinity of ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{\mathrm{m}}$ decrease and there is a shift of intensity from the upper to the lower mode, an effect characteristic of mode coupling. Below ${\mathrm{T}}_{\mathrm{c}}$ , there is a dramatic decrease in the linewidth of the acoustic mode due to the opening of the superconducting gap.
Determination of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid in urine.

Abstract A specific method is described for the quantitative determination of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic (MOMA) acid in normal urine as well as in patients with pheochromocytoma. The procedure includes extraction of the acid from urine, followed by treatment of the extract with periodate to form vanillin, which is then determined spectrophotometrically.
Religion, Spirituality, and Health: The Research and Clinical Implications

This paper provides a concise but comprehensive review of research on religion/spirituality (R/S) and both mental health and physical health. It is based on a systematic review of original data-based quantitative research published in peer-reviewed journals between 1872 and 2010, including a few seminal articles published since 2010. First, I provide a brief historical background to set the stage. Then I review research on R/S and mental health, examining relationships with both positive and negative mental health outcomes, where positive outcomes include well-being, happiness, hope, optimism, and gratefulness, and negative outcomes involve depression, suicide, anxiety, psychosis, substance abuse, delinquency/crime, marital instability, and personality traits (positive and negative). I then explain how and why R/S might influence mental health. Next, I review research on R/S and health behaviors such as physical activity, cigarette smoking, diet, and sexual practices, followed by a review of relationships between R/S and heart disease, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, immune functions, endocrine functions, cancer, overall mortality, physical disability, pain, and somatic symptoms. I then present a theoretical model explaining how R/S might influence physical health. Finally, I discuss what health professionals should do in light of these research findings and make recommendations in this regard.
Refereed paper: MCF: a malicious code filter

The goal of this research is to develop a method to detect malicious code (e.g. computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and time/logic bombs) and security-related vulnerabilities in system programs. The Malicious Code Filter (MCF) is a programmable static analysis tool developed for this purpose. It allows the examination of a program before installation, thereby avoiding damage a malicious program might inflict. This paper summarizes our work over the last few years that led us to develop MCF.
Electrospinning: Applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering

Despite its long history and some preliminary work in tissue engineering nearly 30 years ago, electrospinning has not gained widespread interest as a potential polymer processing technique for applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery until the last 5-10 years. This renewed interest can be attributed to electrospinning's relative ease of use, adaptability, and the ability to fabricate fibers with diameters on the nanometer size scale. Furthermore, the electrospinning process affords the opportunity to engineer scaffolds with micro to nanoscale topography and high porosity similar to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). The inherently high surface to volume ratio of electrospun scaffolds can enhance cell attachment, drug loading, and mass transfer properties. Various materials can be electrospun including: biodegradable, non-degradable, and natural materials. Electrospun fibers can be oriented or arranged randomly, giving control over both the bulk mechanical properties and the biological response to the scaffold. Drugs ranging from antibiotics and anticancer agents to proteins, DNA, and RNA can be incorporated into electrospun scaffolds. Suspensions containing living cells have even been electrospun successfully. The applications of electrospinning in tissue engineering and drug delivery are nearly limitless. This review summarizes the most recent and state of the art work in electrospinning and its uses in tissue engineering and drug delivery.
SODIUM WASTING WITH NORMAL PLASMA ALDOSTERONE (ALDO) CONCENTRATIONS IN SALT LOSING CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA (SL-CAH)

Subjects (8) with SL-CAH, 21-hydroxylase deficiency, on glucocorticoid therapy were studied after mineralocorticold therapy was discontinued. They had similar neonatal salt wasting. On constant sodium (Na) intake, all demonstrated negative Na balance with increasing plasma renin. Although plasma Aldo was often in normal range, it was low considering the degree of renin elevation, indicating a biosynthetic defect. They may be divided into 3 groups: I-normal Aldo concentrations and relatively effective Na conservation, near normal urinary pregnanetriol (P'triol); II-high Aldo, elevated renin with significant Na loss and high P'triol; and III-low Aldo and Na loss despite high renin. These data indicate that while the most severe salt-losing defects are associated with very low Aldo. clinically significant salt loss on a normal Na intake may result from relative Aldo insensitivity possibly due to steroid antagonists of adrenal origin.
Convergence of hormones and autoinducers at the host/pathogen interface

Most living organisms possess sophisticated cell-signaling networks in which lipid-based signals modulate biological effects such as cell differentiation, reproduction and immune responses. Acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) autoinducers are fatty acid-based signaling molecules synthesized by several Gram-negative bacteria that are used to coordinate gene expression in a process termed “quorum sensing” (QS). Recent evidence shows that autoinducers not only control gene expression in bacterial cells, but also alter gene expression in mammalian cells. These alterations include modulation of proinflammatory cytokines and induction of apoptosis. Some of these responses may have deleterious effects on the host’s immune response, thereby leading to increased bacterial pathogenesis. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes have cohabited for approximately two billion years, during which time they have been exposed to each others’ soluble signaling molecules. We postulate that organisms from the different kingdoms of nature have acquired mechanisms to sense and respond to each others signaling molecules, and we have named this process interkingdom signaling. We further propose that autoinducers, which exhibit structural and functional similarities to mammalian lipid-based hormones, are excellent candidates for mediating this interkingdom communication. Here we will compare and contrast bacterial QS systems with eukaryotic endocrine systems, and discuss the mechanisms by which autoinducers may exploit mammalian signal transduction pathways.
CCD clock register modeling

This paper discusses the design of an RC network model of the parallel clock registers on a charge coupled device. A model has been developed that takes into account the individual pixel capacitance and resistance of the device the line resistance of the polysilicon clock lines and the line-to-line capacitance between adjacent phases. This RC network forms a lossy transmission line that degrades the clock pulses applied to the device as they travel to its center. In the case of high-speed large area CCDs the deterioration in pulse shape can lead to a significant drop-off in charge transfer efficiency (CTE) as a function of distance from the edge of the device. Using SPICE the parallel clock registers of three different CCDs have been simulated. The first device is a large area scientific imager designed to run at relatively slow clock rates. The second CCD is an upgraded version of that device. It includes Aluminum-strapped clock lines to reduce the RC time constant of the clocking structure. The third device is an infrared PtSi imager. The results of the SPICE simulations are used to find the limiting RC time constant of each device and to project its performance as a high-speed imager. 1 .© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Manipulation of Individual Beads Using Submicron Magnetic Features in Microfluidic Channels

We developed a method to manipulate submicron paramagnetic beads in such a way that we not only collectively confine the beads to a specific location inside a microfluidic channel, but also control the positions of the individual beads. The manipulation was based on the attraction force between moving paramagnetic beads and stationary ferromagnetic (e.g., NiFe) features subjected to an external uniform magnetic field. The position of trapped beads was investigated by both theoretical prediction and experimental validation. The control of individual beads in large number allowed us to adjust the number density of beads on a surface as well as optimize the design of the detection elements for the beads.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Kinetics of the reaction of OH with HCl

Measurements results are presented for the rate constant of the reaction OH + HCl yields H2O + Cl determined in a flow tube over the temperature range of 224 to 460 K using resonance fluorescence detection of OH. Stratospheric and reaction kinetic implications are briefly discussed.
Azole chemistry. VI.. tetrazolo[5,4-b] [1,3] thiazinium salts

Cyclodehydration of tetrazolyl γ-keto sulfides, prepared by treatment of β-halo ketones with 5-mereapto-1-substituted-1,2,3,4-tetrazoles (1), gave 1,5-diaryl-7H-tetrazolo[5,4-6 ] [1,3] thiazinium salts in reasonable yields. Reaction of 1 with epoxy bromides afforded 6-hydroxy-1-substiluled-6,7-dihydro-5H-letrazolo[5,4-b] [ 1,3]thiazinium bromides. The spectral properties of the fused thiazinium salts are discussed.
Semiempirical description of energy bands in nickel

The combined interpolation scheme is used to study energy bands in nickel. Parameters are determined by results of photoemission experiments. The Fermi surface is computed and compared with experiment. Explicit formulas are given for some bands along symmetry directions.
Plasma thyroid hormone concentrations in a wintering passerine bird: their relationship to geographic variation, environmental factors, metabolic rate, and body fat.

Abstract Winter acclimatization among passerine birds involves metabolic adjustments that allow for high rates of thermogenesis. In previous studies, we observed geographic variation in the basal metabolic rate (BMR) of overwintering cardinals along a latitudinal gradient at two different longitudinal transects. Because thyroid hormones (THs) are important for metabolic adjustments in endotherms, we determined whether geographic variation in BMR can be explained by variation in thyroid status. We measured total plasma TH (thyroxine [T4] and 3,5,3′‐triiodothyronine [T3]) concentrations by radioimmunoassay in birds from two latitudinal transects extending from approximately 31° to 42°. Birds from both transects had higher plasma THs in the late afternoon than in the early morning. Plasma T3 increased with latitude, while plasma T4 varied such that the southernmost birds and the northernmost birds had higher hormone concentrations than birds at the intermediate latitude. There was no correlation between plas...
3:57 The treatment of large (greater than 70 degrees) thoracic curves in patients with idiopathic scoliosis with posterior instrumentation and arthrodesis

Abstract Purpose of study: The increasing use of thorascopic techniques in deformity surgery has led several authors to advocate anterior release followed by posterior instrumentation when treating “stiff” thoracic curves of 60 to 70 degrees. This study was undertaken to examine our results in these large curves utilizing posterior surgery alone. Methods used: This is a retrospective review of patients 20 years and younger with idiopathic scoliosis and thoracic curves greater than 70 degrees treated with isolated posterior instrumentation and arthrodesis at two institutions from 1989 to 1999. Forty-two patients were identified, and 38 were available for minimum 2-year follow-up. Thirty-four of 38 patients had bend films taken before surgery. All patients were treated with third-generation segmental spinal instrumentation using a varied combination of hooks, wires and screws. of findings: The average age at surgery was 14.5 years (10.7 to 20 years), and the average follow-up was 4.1 years (2 to 11.5 years). The average preoperative thoracic curve was 75 degrees (70 to 88 degrees), and the average bend was 49 degrees (30 to 60 degrees). The average postoperative curve was 28 degrees (12 to 46 degrees), and it was 29 degrees (11 to 48 degrees) at latest follow-up. The average length of surgery was 5.3 hours, mean hospital stay was 8 days and average blood loss was one liter. SRS 22 was available at minimum 2 years in 31 of 38 patients. Mean domain scores were as follows: Pain, 4.25; Self Image, 4.15; Function, 4.18; Mental Health, 4.12; Satisfaction, 4.52 and Total, 4.24. Complications included one pseudarthrosis and one implant removal for late operative site pain. Relationship between findings and existing knowledge: As the morbidity of anterior release has decreased with the use of thorascopic techniques, the indications for using anterior surgery in conjunction with posterior instrumentation and arthrodesis appear to have relaxed. Using isolated posterior surgery, we have been able to at least equal the results reported in the literature by authors using combined approaches. Overall significance of findings: Isolated posterior instrumentation and arthrodesis achieves satisfactory radiographic and patient-based outcomes in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis with thoracic curves of 85 degrees and less without the added expense and morbidity of anterior release. Disclosures: Device or drug: pedicle screws. Status: approved. Conflict of interest: Marc Asher, other support.
Rho-kinase inhibition attenuates calcium-induced contraction in β-escin but not Triton X-100 permeabilized rabbit femoral artery.

K+-depolarization (KCl) of smooth muscle has long been known to cause Ca2+-dependent contraction, but only recently has this G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-independent stimulus been associated with rhoA kinase (ROCK)-dependent myosin light chain (MLC) phosphatase inhibition and Ca2+ sensitization. This study examined effects of ROCK inhibition on the concentration–response curves (CRCs) generated in femoral artery by incrementally adding increasing concentrations of KCl to intact tissues, and Ca2+ to tissues permeabilized with Triton X-100, β-escin and α-toxin. For a comparison, tissue responses were assessed also in the presence of protein kinase C (PKC) and MLC kinase inhibition. The ROCK inhibitor H-1152 induced a strong concentration-dependent inhibition of a KCl CRC. A relatively low GF-109203X concentration (1 μM) sufficient to inhibit conventional PKC isotypes also inhibited the KCl CRC but did not affect the maximum tension. ROCK inhibitors had no effect on the Ca2+ CRC induced in Triton X-100 or α-toxin permeabilized tissues, but depressed the maximum contraction induced in β-escin permeabilized tissue. GF-109203X at 1 μM depressed the maximum Ca2+-dependent contraction induced in α-toxin permeabilized tissue and had no effect on the Ca2+ CRC induced in Triton X-100 permeabilized tissue. The MLC kinase inhibitor wortmannin (1 μM) strongly depression the Ca2+ CRCs in tissues permeabilized with Triton X-100, α-toxin and β-escin. H-1152 inhibited contractions induced by a single exposure to a submaximum [Ca2+] (pCa 6) in both rabbit and mouse femoral arteries. These data indicate that β-escin permeabilized muscle preserves GPCR-independent, Ca2+- and ROCK-dependent, Ca2+ sensitization.
Accessibility: Global Gateway to Health Literacy

Health literacy, cited as essential to achieving Healthy People 2010's goals to "increase quality and years of healthy life" and to "eliminate health disparities," is defined by Healthy People as "the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions." Accessibility, by definition, the aforementioned "capacity to obtain," thus is health literacy's primary prerequisite. Accessibility's designation as the global gateway to health literacy is predicated also on life's realities: global aging and climate change, war and terrorism, and life-extending medical and technological advances. People with diverse access needs are health professionals' raison d'etre. However, accessibility, consummately cross-cultural and universal, is virtually absent as a topic of health promotion and practice research and scholarly discussion of health literacy and equity. A call to action to place accessibility in its rightful premier position on the profession's agenda is issued.
Purification and characterization of acetone cyanohydrin lyase from Linum usitatissimum

The hydroxynitrile lyase (EC 4.1.2.--) which catalyzes the dissociation of the cyanohydrins of acetone and 2-butanone has been isolated and purified from young seedlings of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.). The purification procedure involved precipitation with (NH4)2SO4, chromatofocusing, and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, hydroxylapatite, Sephacryl 200, and Matrex Red A gel columns with a final recovery of 21%. Purification of 136-fold yielded an apparently homogeneous preparation that, in contrast to the lyases isolated from Prunus species, is not a flavoprotein. The subunit molecular weight of 42,000 was estimated by gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The native molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated by gel filtration (HPLC) to be 82,000. The enzyme has a narrow pH optimum around 5.5 and is highly stable at 4 degrees C.
The Collapse of Soviet Communism: A Class Dynamics Interpretation

Concepts of class struggle and social reproduction are used to explain the sudden collapse of Soviet Communism. I explore these ideas by means of the mathematical theory of dynamical systems. Theoretical focus is upon the power of social classes and how this power changes over time. The Soviet bureaucracy gradually divided into two classes, and the power relations between these ruling classes caused a drastic loss of power by both, which is why the Communist system collapsed. Four classes of Soviet society are considered: political class, administrative class, working class, and capitalist class. I examine the reproduction of class power in two-, three-, and four-class systems. Also analyzed are the effects of random perturbations and the particular impact of the August 1991 coup attempt. Wherever possible, graphs are used instead of equations to explain class dynamics. The results indicate that drastic power loss was not the only possible outcome of Soviet class dynamics, which may be why the collapse was so surprising. The class dynamics approach emphasizes multiple historical possibilities and cuts against any rigid class determinism.
An acoustic emission technique for measuring fiber fragment length distributions in the single-fiber- composite test

Abstract This paper describes the application of an acoustic emission (AE) technique for locating the positions of fiber breaks, and thus determining the lenght distribution of the fiber fragments resulting when a composite specimen containing a single fiber is loaded to failure. By means of a micromechanical model, it is possible to determine from the fragmentation lenghts a measure of the interfacial shear strength between the fiber and the matrix. The AE technique also provides a means for characterizing the statistics of fiber strength, particularly for lengths less than 100 fiber diameters. In contrast to existing optical techniques, the acoustic measurements can be automated and are usable with non-transparent matrices. The technique is demonstrated with E-glass fibers embedded in two epoxy blends. A comparison is made of the statistics for the fragment aspect ratios and resulting interfacial shear strength values determined by acoustic emission and optical techniques. Good agreement is found between the results obtained from these two measurement methods.
Radiation-Hardened Electronics and Ferroelectric Memory for Space Flight Systems

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is developing high-tolerance, radiation-hardened electronics for missions in and beyond Low Earth orbit. Ferroelectric-based electronics are highly viable candidates for these electronics because of their inherent radiation-hardened property. Since standard memory devices are prone to damage caused by radiation, ferroelectric memory may provide the needed radiation-tolerance. To test the effectiveness of ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) in Low Earth orbit, a 512 K Ramtron FRAM will be flown on a Low Earth orbit satellite that will be launched by NASA. This paper discusses the advantages of ferroelectric electronics and outlines the Low Earth orbit ferroelectric memory test experiment.