cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Short hairpin RNA targeted to the highly conserved 2B nonstructural protein coding region inhibits replication of multiple serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease virus

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is one of the most contagious agents of animals. Recent disease outbreaks in FMD-free countries have prompted the development of new control strategies that could improve the levels of protection against this virus. We have delivered a plasmid expressing a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) directed against a highly conserved sequence in the 2B nonstructural protein coding region of FMDV RNA to porcine cells. After virus infection, these cells showed a significant reduction in the synthesis of viral RNA and proteins, as well as a decrease in virus yield when compared to control cells. The antiviral effect was sequence specific and not attributable to induction of the interferon pathway. Since FMDV is an antigenically variable virus, we examined the effectiveness of this strategy against multiple serotypes and found that expressed 2B shRNA resulted in efficient silencing of at least 4 FMDV serotypes. Thus, RNA interference may be a potential alternative control strategy to limit the spread of this highly contagious virus in livestock.
Greater rate of decline in maximal aerobic capacity with age in endurance-trained than in sedentary men

To determine the relation between habitual endurance exercise status and the age-associated decline in maximal aerobic capacity [i.e., maximal O2 consumption (V˙o 2 max)] in men, we performed a wel...
The pricing of soft and hard information: economic lessons from screenplay sales

This paper uses a unique data set on screenplay sales to learn how the information content of a sales pitch affects sale prices. This is one of the few studies that analyze “soft information” outside the banking industry. We find that “soft information” proxies, such as the descriptive complexity of a pitch, depress prices, in particular for less experienced writers, supporting the common industry view that high concept (short and simple) screenplays sell better. “Hard information” (measurable experience) variables are priced as well. We also find that large studios shun “soft information”, whereas small companies handle it better, as predicted by most theories. In the last part of the paper, we find that, surprisingly, buyers seem to be able to forecast the eventual success of a project based upon the purchased script, paying more for screenplays which will eventually culminate in more successful movies. In other words, perhaps “somebody knows something”.
Biochemical failure does not predict overall survival after radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer: 10-year results

Objectives. To compare rates of overall survival in men with biochemical failure (bF) to those with no bF after radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer. Methods. Radical prostatectomy was performed in 1132 consecutive patients between June 1986 and September 1998, and bF (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] 0.2 ng/mL or greater) was documented in 213 patients (19%), with a mean follow-up of 56 months (range 1 to 125). Ninety-nine patients were treated with androgen ablation and/or radiation therapy at the time of bF. Kaplan-Meier estimates of bF, metastasis-free survival, and overall survival were generated and compared using the log-rank test. Results. The 10-year overall survival rates for patients with bF (88%) versus no bF (93%) were similar (P = 0.94). The survival rates of patients with bF were not statistically different than those of patients without bF when compared by age older than 65 years, preoperative PSA greater than 10 ng/mL, biopsy or specimen Gleason score 7 or greater, clinical Stage T2b-3, presence of extracapsular extension, positive surgical margins, and seminal vesicle invasion. Patients who received second-line treatment also had a similar 10-year overall survival rate (86%, P = 0.97). For the 213 patients with bF, the metastasis-free survival rate at 10 years was 74%. The overall survival rate for patients with distant metastasis (56%) was markedly lower (P <0.001) than for those without distant metastasis. Conclusions. At 10 years, patients with a PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy for localized disease have an excellent overall survival equivalent to those without a detectable PSA. Within this period, the clinical significance of a detectable PSA needs to be further evaluated.
Aerosol transport and deposition analysis in a demonstration-scale hot-gas filter vessel with alternate designs

Abstract In this paper the effect of design alternation on the particle transport and deposition in industrial hot-gas filter vessels are studied. Particular attention was given to the Siemens—Westinghouse filter vessel at the Power Development Facility, Wilsonville, AL, USA. The gas flow and particle deposition patterns for the current vessel are first evaluated. It is shown that in the present vessel, the majority of large particles (10–30 μm) are removed from the gas stream in the shroud. Then, three alternative filter vessel designs including using a short shroud, one with no shroud and a vessel with a deflector plate are considered. The effects of design alternations on the gas flow and transport and deposition of particles of different sizes are evaluated. The simulation results suggest that it is possible to modify the shroud in a way to allow large particles to deposit on the filters. Thus, the back-pulse process could more easily remove the filter cake.
Harmonic Generation by Means of Grid-Circuit Distortion

The usual vacuum tube harmonic generators are fundamentally high distortion amplifiers operated under conditions of grid bias and plate voltage which, to distort the input voltage wave, utilize the non-linear relation between plate voltage and plate current. This paper gives the result of an investigation into the possibilities of using the non-linear grid voltage-current characteristic to produce harmonics. Grid distortion can be utilized by operating the tube so that the grid goes positive for a part of each fundamental frequency cycle and then inserting in series with the grid lead an impedance across which the grid current impulses produce a voltage drop rich in harmonics, which is then amplified in the plate circuit. The grid circuit distortion harmonic generator has the advantages of producing the harmonic in one circuit and developing the power in another, combined with the very high distortion properties of the grid circuit. The result is that the grid-distortion harmonic generator develops from 100 to over 1,000 times as much power on the higher harmonics as does the usual plate dist rtion generator. Thus, when using a suitable parallel resonant circuit as the distorting grid impedance, a steady output of 135 volts effective has been obtained on the 22nd harmonic from a radio receiving tube. When the grid impedance consists of a large inductance it is possible to generate simultaneously at least 1/20th milliwatts of power on every harmonic up to the 50th.
ENZYMATIC SYNTHESIS OF MOLECULAR COMPLEXES OF POLYANILINE WITH DNA AND SYNTHETIC OLIGONUCLEOTIDES: THERMAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION

The assembly of electronic and photonic materials on biomacromolecules is of tremendous interest for the development of biofunctional nanocomplexes as well as highly selective biosensors. In the context of the use of electrically conducting polymers for sensing, polyaniline (Pani) and polypyrrole have received considerable interest because of their well-known electrical properties. Recently, we have reported an enzyme catalyzed synthetic procedure involving horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for the polymerization of aniline on a calf thymus DNA matrix. The mild reaction conditions involved in the synthesis have provided opportunities for the use of more delicate biomacromolecules as templates. The complexation of Pani with DNA has been found to induce reversible changes in the secondary structure of DNA leading to the formation of an over-wound polymorph. The thermal characterization (melting behavior) of the DNA in the complex and the morphological properties of the complex have provided corroborative evidenc...
Agronomic potential and seed composition of cuphea, an annual crop for lauric and capric seed oils

Cuphea is an herbaceous summer annual plant native to Mexico. The seed oil contains various medium-chain fatty acids which, depending on the species, account for 40 to more than 80% of the total fatty acids. Cuphea oil could be a substitute for conconut- and palm kernel oil because of the high lauric acid content, but also could serve as a natural source of capric acid, which presently comes mainly from petrochemicals.
The Multidimensional Role of Trust in Enabling Creativity within Virtual Communities of Practice: A Theoretical Model Integrating Swift, Knowledge-Based, Institution-Based, and Organizational Trust

Virtual communities of practice are gaining attention among scholars and practitioners as managers and high-level executives look for ways to adapt to an ever-increasing rate of environmental change. These communities have been recognized as a tool for generating new ideas by accessing geographically distributed expertise. As most expert knowledge is tacit and tacit knowledge exchange is what leads to creativity, an understanding of antecedents to tacit knowledge exchange is needed. This manuscript responds by examining the role of trust, a well-known antecedent of creativity, within the context of virtual communities of practice. An interdisciplinary approach led to the development of a multi-level, multi-dimensional model of trust. The authors propose that different dimensions of trust serve as both an antecedent and outcome of creativity in virtual communities of practice, by taking on various forms and roles in the creative process based on tenure of its members.
The role of congestion of transportation networks in urban location and travel choices

Congestion of urban transportation systems results from an equilibrium of location and travel choices with generalized travel costs which increase with vehicle flows as well as other factors. The use of network equilibrium concepts in analyzing urban policies and evaluating alternative plans is examined. Issues arising in the use of network equilibrium models are described, and formulations of urban network prediction and design models are explored.
Critique and Theory Building: Producing Knowledge “From the Kitchen”

Discussion of what constitutes “good” scholarly critique in organisational studies usually emphasises procedural issues. The values guiding critique are seldom discussed. This article characterizes current critical practices as an “ethic of Judgment” and draws from feminist theory to suggest the possibility of critique Informed by an “ethic of care.” The purpose of this comparison is to draw attention to the Important role the values that structure critique play in the development of organisation theory.
Mathematical model that predicts isometric muscle forces for individuals with spinal cord injuries

The ideal functional electrical stimulation (FES) system requires a mathematical model to provide feedforward control of the stimulation parameters such that they are optimal for different individuals across a range of physiological conditions, muscles, and tasks. Recently we tested and validated such a model using able-bodied subjects. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this model applied to persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI). To this end, the isometric force responses of the paralyzed quadriceps femoris muscles of 14 adolescents and young adults were tested. For each subject, the force responses to two six-pulse stimulation trains were used to identify the parameter values of the model and then the model was used to predict the force responses to three train patterns across a range of frequencies in both a nonfatigued and fatigued condition. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between the experimental and predicted force–time integrals and peak forces were above 0.90 for 12 of the 13 stimulation trains tested in the nonfatigued condition and all 13 trains tested in the fatigued condition. The success of our model with SCI subjects leads us to believe that our model may be useful for designing optimal stimulation parameters for standing and ambulation in patients who use FES. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Nonlinear formation of propranolol metabolites in dogs after portacaval transpositions

The formation of four major metabolites of propranolol by the liver was examined at steady state in three dogs that had undergone surgical portacaval transposition, following which injection of drug into the hindlimb delivers the total dose to the liver. Propranolol was infused directly into the liver via a hindlimb vein at dose rates ranging from 1.01 to 6.3 mg/min. In all dogs the formation of 4-hydroxypropranolol, α-naphthoxylactic acid, and propranolol glycol was saturable. Vmax and Km values were determined at steady state by relating the rate of excretion of each metabolite into bile and urine to the blood concentration of propranolol. The formation of propranolol glucuronide was a first order process. The use of a dog with a portacaval transposition has permitted development of a method to estimate, in vivo,the kinetic properties of enzymes responsible for hepatic first-pass metabolism of drugs.
Epidemiologic and economic consequences of the global epidemics of obesity and diabetes

Overweight and obesity, the main drivers of type 2 diabetes, have long been regarded as health risks associated with affluence. Over the last decade, profound changes in the quality, quantity and source of food consumed in many developing countries, combined with a decrease in levels of physical activity among the population, have led to an increase in the prevalence of diabetes and its complications. Here, we present quantitative estimates of the epidemiological and economic impact of obesity and diabetes on developing countries. We provide the economic rationale for public policy action. We stress the importance of creating a roadmap to guide the development of comprehensive policies involving governments and private companies, and emphasize the need for experimentation in building the evidence while testing theories.
Delivery of basic fibroblast growth factor with a pH-responsive, injectable hydrogel to improve angiogenesis in infarcted myocardium

A pH- and temperature-responsive, injectable hydrogel has been designed to take advantage of the acidic microenvironment of ischemic myocardium. This system can improve therapeutic angiogenesis methods by providing spatio-temporal control of angiogenic growth factor delivery. The pH- and temperature-responsive random copolymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-propylacrylic acid-co-butyl acrylate) (p[NIPAAm-co-PAA-co-BA]), was synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. This polymer was a liquid at pH 7.4 and 37 °C but formed a physical gel at pH 6.8 and 37 °C. Retention of biotinylated basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) between 0 and 7 days after injection into infarcted rat myocardium was 10-fold higher with hydrogel delivery versus saline. Following 28 days of treatment in vivo, capillary and arteriolar densities were increased 30–40% by polymer + bFGF treatment versus saline + bFGF or polymer-only controls. Treatment with polymer + bFGF for 28 days resulted in a 2-fold improvement in relative blood flow to the infarct region versus day 0, whereas saline + bFGF or polymer-only had no effect. Fractional shortening determined by echocardiography was significantly higher following treatment with polymer + bFGF (30 ± 1.4%) versus saline (25 ± 1.2%) and polymer alone (25 ± 1.8%). By responding to local changes in pH- and temperature in an animal model of ischemia, this hydrogel system provided sustained, local delivery of bFGF, improved angiogenesis, and achieved therapeutic effects in regional blood flow and cardiac function.
Predicting job performance by use of ability tests and studying job satisfaction as a moderating variable

Abstract This empirically based study of 324 technicans investigated the moderating impact of job satisfaction in the prediction of job performance criteria from ability test scores (Employee Aptitude Survey). The performance measures investigated were unexcused absences, tardiness, cost per project, supervisory ratings, and behaviorally anchored scales developed by technicians in the parts and in the instrument units of the organization. The findings suggest that the type of job satisfaction facet and the performance criterion used are important considerations when examining satisfaction as a moderator. That is, only for some facets and criteria did satisfaction moderate the relationship between predicted and actual performance.
Modem Management of Dental Caries: The Cutting Edge is not the Dental Bur

Treating the disease, not the symptoms, is the change in managing dental caries. As researchers supply the tools, dentists can apply more efficient and realistic methods for better patient care.
Work in progress: Creativity, mindset, and implications for engineering design instruction

As a design-based profession, advances in engineering rely, in part, on the creativity of its practitioners. Therefore, it is important to explore means by which creativity, along with other critical skills, can be nurtured. As part of our research on the teachable nature of creativity, we are investigating the relationship between a person's belief that intelligence and talent are either fixed or can be developed and his/her assessment of changes in his/her creative skills. Preliminary findings indicate that, as may be expected, students with a fixed mindset report no changes. Possible pedagogical implications are discussed.
Decomposition and mapping of generalized spike-wave complexes.

Abstract Objective : To delineate more precisely the electrical fields of spikes versus waves during absence seizures. Methods : Five children with 25 absence seizures were investigated with an expanded electrode array. Spikes were separated from waves by appropriate filtering and current source density maps were obtained from different portions of the waves as well as spikes. In order to detect commonalities for spread of activity, averaging of the complexes was also carried out. Results : The anterior head regions (prefrontal and fronto-polar) show independent activity from the posterior ones (parieto-occipital) for spikes as well as waves. Voltage maps give a simplified and therefore misleading picture. The complexity of the process and propagation of events is best appreciated when current source densities (CSD) are mapped and several head views are available. Spike 1 becomes clearly visible upon filtering, even when it is not apparent from raw tracings, and can be mapped. Conclusions : Future topographic investigations of the SW complex should utilize CSD maps rather than rely entirely on voltages. This applies also to seemingly focal spikes – especially in children – in order to differentiate them from a partial expression of a generalized seizure tendency.
Environmental Health Promotion: Bridging Traditional Environmental Health and Health Promotion

This article highlights the juncture between environmental health and health promotion and underscores the need for health promotion involvement in environmental health practice. It begins with a synopsis of current issues in environmental public health and deficiencies in environmental public health practice that could be partly ameliorated by an increased focus on environmental health promotion. Environmental health promotion lies at the intersection between the two disciplines and can be defined as any planned process employing comprehensive health promotion approaches to assess, correct, control, and prevent those factors in the environment that can potentially harm the health and quality of life of present and future generations. An introduction is also provided to the six articles contained in this special issue focused on environmental health promotion, and a brief discussion of crosscutting themes and issues is presented.
Characterization of the in vitro unscheduled DNA synthesis assay in primary lung cells of the rat.

Abstract The in vitro unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) assay has been evaluated in rat primary lung cells with known genotoxicants. The autoradiographic method was employed to detect UDS in both alveolar macrophages and primary pulmonary cells. Data of a time course study revealed that a high radioactive labeling of DNA repair was achieved after a 16-h incubation with [ 3 H]thymidine. Coupled with low serum (1%), hydroxyurea at the concentration of 20 mM inhibited regular DNA synthesis in primary lung cells in a satisfactory manner (81–88% inhibition). With this protocol, a dose-related increase in UDS was induced by N -methyl- N ′-nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine and 2-aminoanthracene in both rat alveolar macrophages and primary lung cells. The results suggest that primary rat lung cells in culture possess DNA-repair ability and that the UDS assay may be useful for assessing the pulmonary genotoxic effect of chemicals in this cell system.
SkySuite: a framework of skyline-join operators for static and stream environments

Efficient processing of skyline queries has been an area of growing interest over both static and stream environments. Most existing static and streaming techniques assume that the skyline query is applied to a single data source. Unfortunately, this is not true in many applications in which, due to the complexity of the schema, the skyline query may involve attributes belonging to multiple data sources. Recently, in the context of static environments, various hybrid skyline-join algorithms have been proposed. However, these algorithms suffer from several drawbacks: they often need to scan the data sources exhaustively in order to obtain the set of skyline-join results; moreover, the pruning techniques employed to eliminate the tuples are largely based on expensive pairwise tuple-to-tuple comparisons. On the other hand, most existing streaming methods focus on single stream skyline analysis, thus rendering these techniques unsuitable for applications that require a real-time "join" operation to be carried out before the skyline query can be answered. Based on these observations, we introduce and propose to demonstrate SkySuite: a framework of skyline-join operators that can be leveraged to efficiently process skyline-join queries over both static and stream environments. Among others, SkySuite includes (1) a novel Skyline-Sensitive Join (SSJ) operator that effectively processes skyline-join queries in static environments, and (2) a Layered Skyline-window-Join (LSJ) operator that incrementally maintains skyline-join results over stream environments.
Paraganglioma of the hypoglossal nerve.

Objectives To report a case of paraganglioma arising from the hypoglossal nerve and review the anatomy, clinical features, and literature to date. Study design Case report and review of the literature. Methods Case records including paper and electronic chart and imaging reports were reviewed and summarized for the index case. A literature search was performed using pubmed keywords paraganglioma, hypoglossal, chemodactoma, carotid body, and glomus tumor. The available literature on the topic was reviewed and summarized. Results Paragangliomas associated with the hypoglossal nerve were reported in 4 cases over the past 47 years. Our index case presented with similar clinical features compared to those reported in the literature. Imaging with computed tomography and angiography showed a hypervascular mass at the carotid bifurcation, splaying the internal and external carotid arteries. As in previously reported cases, the source of the paraganglioma was only identified intraoperatively. The current case differs from prior reported literature in that the tumor was dissected from the associated hypoglossal nerve which was preserved. The patient clinically had no deficits in articulation or deglutination following excision of the lesion and was able to return to a normal diet within 24 hours of surgery. Conclusions Hypoglossal paraganglioma is a neck mass that may not be distinguishable from more common carotid body or vagus tumors despite the use of multiple imaging modalities. Although XIIth nerve sacrifice may be requires in some instances, nerve preserving surgery, when possible, allows for complete recovery without functional deficits.
Appraising evidence on community integration following brain injury: a systematic review.

A systematic review of the community integration (CI) literature for persons with traumatic brain injury was undertaken to evaluate: (1) How do we best measure CI? (2) Can we predict CI following rehabilitation? (3) Does social and activity participation have an effect on CI? (4) Does CI have an effect on quality of life/life satisfaction? Seventy-two articles were analysed. The results demonstrated: (1) strong evidence supporting the use of the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ), (2) mixed evidence supporting the ability to predict CI, with the prominent predictive variables being severity of injury, age, gender, education, prior work, living environment, cognition, emotional status, functional performance and disability. The literature search was restricted to articles published in English and the heterogeneity in the outcomes, methods, participants and other characteristics not reported. Further research is needed to examine the complex relationship of person, environment and CI. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bursting induced by excitatory synaptic coupling in nonidentical conditional relaxation oscillators or square-wave bursters

This work explains a mechanism through which the introduction of excitatory synaptic coupling between two model cells, one of which is excitable and the other of which is tonically active when uncoupled, leads to bursting in the resulting two-cell network. This phenomenon can arise when the individual cells are conditional relaxation oscillators, in that they can be tuned to engage in relaxation oscillations, or when they are conditional square-wave bursters. The mechanism is illustrated with a model for conditional pacemaker neurons in the pre-B\"otzinger complex as well as with a reduced form of this model. In the relaxation oscillator case, a periodic bursting solution is proved to exist in the singular limit, under a pair of general conditions. These conditions relate the durations of the silent and active phases of the bursting solution to the locations of certain structures in the phase plane, at appropriate synaptic input strengths. Further, additional conditions on the relative flow rates in the silent and active phases are proved to imply the uniqueness and asymptotic stability of the bursting solution.
Pilot study exploring quality of life and barriers to leisure-time physical activity in persons with moderate to severe multiple sclerosis

Background: We sought to assess how impairment (physiological/psychological) and disability (social/environmental) are associated with physical and leisure/recreation activity levels and quality of life (QOL) in people with moderate/severe multiple sclerosis (MS). We conducted a cross-sectional survey at the MS Comprehensive Care Center, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY, of a convenience sample of 43 people (50 eligible) with MS and Expanded Disability Status Scale scores of 6.0 to 8.0. The main outcome measures were QOL measured by MSQOL-54, physical activity measured by Physical Activity Disability Scale, and leisure/recreation activity measured by Nottingham Leisure Questionnaire. We analyzed the canonical correlations among physical and leisure/recreation activity levels and (1) impairment and (2) QOL. Results: Higher levels of physical and leisure/recreation activity were associated with lower levels of apathy and depression and higher levels of cognition, self-efficacy, and QOL (physical and mental). Major barriers reported included fatigue, lack of motivation, and cost. Conclusion: Impairments and social/environmental disabilities create barriers to physical and leisure/recreation activity. Additional research is needed to determine, for people with MS, what supports might increase participation in physical and leisure/recreation activities
Ab interno sclerostomy with a high-powered argon endolaser.

We used a high-energy argon blue-green laser (15-W maximum power output) to create full-thickness sclerostomies from the region of the anterior chamber angle to the subconjunctival space in pigmented rabbits using an ab interno approach. One to four laser pulses delivered through a 300-μm noncontact fiberoptic probe produced patent sclerostomies in all 20 eyes treated using 0.1-second pulse duration and 5 to 14 W of power. No intraoperative complications were encountered. Intraocular pressure, measured in 12 animals, decreased an average of 12 mm Hg in the treated eye relative to the fellow eye on the first postoperative day. The drop in intraocular pressure was associated with formation of a functioning filtration bleb. Intraocular pressure returned to preoperative levels in ten of 12 (83%) of the animals by the fourth postoperative day, and there was an associated flattening of the filtration bleb. Histologic and radioautographic analysis indicated that the effect of the laser was focal. Tissue damage and cellular proliferative response were limited to within approximately 200 μm of the wound margin.
A Review of: “Marianne Novy. Reading Adoption: Family and Difference in Fiction and Drama. Ann Arbor: U of Michigan P, 2005.”

Steven Greenblatt's “confession” in Renaissance Self-Fashioning of his own paranoiac reaction to the request of a man who asked him to mime words not his own, “and moreover words that denied the sh...
Epstein – Barr Virus Positive Large B-Cell Lymphoma Arising in a Patient Previously Treated with Cladribine for Hairy Cell Leukemia

We describe the case of a patient treated with 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine, CdA or Cladribine for hairy cell leukemia who subsequently developed an Epstein Barr virus (EBV)-positive polymorphous large B-cell lymphoma (p-LBCL). The time interval between Cladribine therapy and development of p-BCL was 11 months and morphologically resembled an EBV-positive post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Molecular genetic studies for EBV-clonality by Southern blot hybridization showed a clonal population of infected cells, implying that this was an EBV induced lesion. The chronology of events suggest that Cladribine, a purine analog which has been previously described to induce long-lasting immunodeficiency, can, in some cases, weaken the host defense mechanism to a level at which an innocuous EBV infection may transform the normal lymphoid cells into an aggressive neoplasm. Unlike most methotrexate-related lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs), which undergo spontaneous remission after discontinuation of therapy, LPDs secondary to purine analogs often fails to resolve after discontinuation of therapy and requires additional therapy. Our patient was treated with rituximab following the diagnosis of p-LBCL, with the goal of improving the pancytopenia to permit chemotherapy. However, the patient failed to show any dramatic improvements in counts, developed systemic symptoms and progressive ascites. He expired 3 weeks after a second dose of rituximab. Cladribine is a potent immunosuppressive agent and should be included with the list of immunosuppressive agents that may be associated with EBV-related B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.
Satan: double-edged sword

Who can resist the allure of free software tools-especially software tools designed to do something as important as detect network vulnerabilities? As you might suspect, anything free generally carries a hidden price tag. Security Administrator Tools for Analyzing Networks (Satan) was released as freeware on April 5, 1995 (April 4 on many popular anonymous ftp sites). Developed by Dan Farmer (formerly employed by Silicon Graphics Inc. and now at Sun Microsystems) and Wietse Venema (Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands), it was designed to detect security vulnerabilities in any computer on the Internet. Satan can help discover the relative security issues inherent in your own network as well as security faults on networks outside your administrative domain. To be able to detect vulnerabilities, Satan would have to be run as super user on a Unix system, but with the wide availability of Unix lookalikes on PCs (such as Linux and freeBSD), root execution is not a limiting factor. >
The technology of teaching

More than 60 years ago, in his Talks to teachers on psychology , William James (1899) said: ‘You make a great, a very great mistake, if you think that psychology, being the science of the mind’s laws, is something from which you can deduce definite programs and schemes and methods of instruction for immediate schoolroom use. Psychology is a science, and teaching is an art; and sciences never generate arts directly out of themselves. An intermediary inventive mind must make the application, by using its originality.’ In the years which followed, educational psychology and the experimental psychology of learning did little to prove him wrong. As late as 1962, an American critic, Jacques Barzun (1962), asserted that James’s book still contained ‘nearly all that anyone need know of educational method’. Speaking for the psychology of his time James was probably right, but Barzun was clearly wrong. A special branch of psychology, the so-called experimental analysis of behaviour, has produced if not an art at least a technology of teaching from which one can indeed ‘deduce programs and schemes and methods of instruction’. The public is aware of this technology through two of its products, teaching machines and programmed instruction. Their rise has been meteoric. Within a single decade hundreds of instructional programmes have been published, many different kinds of teaching machines have been offered for sale, and societies for programmed instruction have been founded in a dozen countries. Unfortunately, much of the technology has lost contact with its basic science.
Feedback control of nonlinear systems by extended linearization

For single-input, multiple-output, nonlinear systems, we consider a design method based on the family of linearizations of the system, parameterized by constant operating points. Nonlinear state feedback control laws and observer/state feedback control laws are designed such that the eigenvalues of the family of linearized closed-loop systems are placed at specified values that are locally invariant with respect to the closed-loop operating point. The method is illustrated by application to the problem of automatically balancing an inverted pendulum.
Basic ideas of microwave processing of polymers

The objective of this effort has been to investigate the relationship between polymer structure and microwave absorptivity. Dielectric loss factor, e″, loss tangent, tan δ, and oscillator strength, (eS −- e∞), were used to evaluate potential material processability under applied microwave radiation. Numerous polymeric materials varying in chemical and physical structures were irradiated in a low power (≤ 100W) electric field at 2.45 GHz. Electromagnetic radiation was applied as either traveling or resonant wave modes in cylindrical and rectangular waveguides. In general, heatability was found to be a direct function of the dielectric loss dispersion dependence on temperature and frequency. The dielectric loss factor obtained at low frequency measurements was found to be directly proportional to the heatability of polymers. A WLF plot was used to predict the shift of dielectric loss maxima into or out of the microwave frequency range.
The Origin of Habitats

One of the overarching questions of humanity is the origin of life. When and where did life first emerge? Geologists contribute to this question in many ways. The emergence of life required a hospitable habitat with specific physical and chemical conditions. What were the tectonic conditions
Noninvasive arterial occlusion using MRI-guided focused ultrasound

The purpose of this work was to test the hypothesis that reproducible and sustainable arterial occlusion can be induced by focused ultrasound energy deposition noninvasively within deep tissue. An MRI-compatible focused ultrasound transducer was used to sonicate a branch of the renal artery (diameter about 0.6 mm) in vivo (nine rabbits). An intravenous MRI contrast agent bolus was injected about 30 min and up to 7 days after the sonication. After follow-up, in vitro magnification x-ray angiograms were obtained and the kidneys were fixed in formaldehyde for histologic study. The ultrasound pulses resulted in complete cessation of blood flow, as shown by the gradient echo images. In seven of the nine rabbits, a wedge-shaped unenhanced area was seen at the part of the kidney that was perfused by the vessel after the contrast agent injection. This area extended laterally (outside of the sonicated volume) to the cortical surface of the kidney. The x-ray angiograms showed that the artery was completely occluded. Postmortem histologic evaluation showed an infarcted tissue volume corresponding to the wedge shape seen in the images. This study showed that appropriately focused ultrasound can be used to close arteries noninvasively. This finding has significant clinical potential.
Characterization of polymer electrolyte fuel cells using ac impedance spectroscopy

The ac impedance spectra of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) cathodes measured under various experimental conditions are analyzed. The measurements were carried out in the presence of large dc currents. The impedance spectrum of the air cathode is shown to contain two features : a higher frequency loop or are determined by interfacial charge-transfer resistance and catalyst layer properties and a lower frequency loop determined by gas-phase transport limitations in the backing. The lower frequency loop is absent from the spectrum of cathodes operating on pure oxygen. Properties of measured impedance spectra are analyzed by a PEFC model to probe the effect of ac perturbation. Comparison of model predictions to observed data is made by simultaneous least squares fitting of a set of spectra measured for several cathode potentials. The spectra reveal various charge and mass-transfer effects in the cathode catalyst layer and in the hydrophobic cathode backing. Three different types of losses caused by insufficient cell hydration, having to do with interfacial kinetics, catalyst layer proton conductivity, and membrane conductivity, are clearly resolved in these impedance spectra. The data reveal that the effective tortuous path length for gas diffusion in the cathode backing is about 2.6 times the backing thickness.
Ceramic-Coated Implant Systems:

Practitioners have used hydroxyapatite-coated (HA-coated) endosseous and subperiosteal implants in various forms for many years. These have included root forms in both screw and cylindrical shapes, blades, and subperiosteals. The clinical predictability remains controversial and subject to claims and counterclaims. The early days of dental implantology involving root-form implants recommended their placement in fully edentulous cases only, and anterior to the maxillary sinus and mental foramen. Today's philosophy and rationale of dental implantology include the placement of a single implant replacing a missing natural tooth (especially where the teeth adjacent to the edentulous site have no caries or restorative experience). Implants are used to replace the natural dentition in one quadrant/segment, often preceded or accompanied by ridge augmentation and/or sinus grafting if sufficient bone is not present. So we have to address the clinical predictability of survival in terms of indications, quantity, and...
Post-war management of western forested watershed-lands for water-yield

As we come in contact with post-war plans in the West, most of us are impressed with the stress being placed on development and utilization of water. Every crossroads village seems to have a plan for some project of water development. Cities, counties, States, and regions all have ambitious plans involving use of water, with the zenith approached by the Federal Government in a recently announced three-billion-dollar reclamation plan.
PRODUCTION OF UNCONJUGATED HYPERBILIRUBINAEMIA IN FULL-TERM NEW-BORN INFANTS FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF PREGNANE-3(ALPHA),20(BETA)-DIOL.

WE have previously described a syndrome of severe and prolonged unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia associated with breast feeding in seven full-term new-born infants in whom no other cause of jaundice was found1. The highest serum bilirubin concentrations in these infants were 14.3–24.5 mg per cent and were observed between the 10th and 19th days of life. Following abrupt cessation of breast feeding, hyperbilirubinaemia disappeared in 2–6 days. Milk from the mothers of these jaundiced infants consistently inhibited hepatic glucuronyl transferase activity in vitro, while milk from mothers whose children were normal did not. 150–400 c.c. of milk from three of the mothers was examined in an attempt to identify an inhibitor. In each of the three cases investigated a steroid was isolated and identified as pregnane-3(α), 20(β)-diol. This steroid competitively inhibits glucuronyl transferase activity in vitro. From the quantity of pregnane-3(α), 20(β)-diol isolated from milk, we estimated that the jaundiced infants ingested approximately 1.0 mg of steroid per day.
Spatial Dynamics and Ecosystem Functioning

Classical theory of species dynamics in ecosystems is built on the concept of homogeneous, reciprocal interaction. The concept is borrowed from that branch of physics and chemistry dealing with reaction kinetics of molecules in well-mixed gases and liquids. It idealizes individual entities—no longer molecules but now individuals of a species—as interacting with each other or with their predators or competitors in such a way that each individual has an equal likelihood of interacting with every other individual in the system. There is no spatial structure in the system; in fact, space is assumed to be immaterial to system dynamics.
Stark effect on the oscillator-strength distribution of helium near the ionization limit

The effect of electric fields of strengths up to 30 kV/cm on the absorption spectra of helium near the ionization limit has been investigated in detail with the use of synchrotron radiation from the SURF-II storage ring. In contrast to previous work on the heavier noble gases, the results show a strong dependence on the polarization of the source. A simple theoretical model is developed to explain the results. The relationship between the work reported here and previous theoretical and experimental studies is discussed.
CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW IS DETERMINED BY ARTERIAL PRESSURE AND NOT CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS FLOW RATE

Background. During cardiopulmonary bypass, global hypoperfusion of the brain has been shown to result in ischemic insult and subsequent neurologic injury. Furthermore, outcome after focal cerebral ischemia depends on collateral circulation, which is determined by the parameters of global perfusion. We therefore measured cerebral blood flow during independent manipulations of arterial blood pressure and pump flow rate to determine which of these hemodynamic parameters regulates cerebral perfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods. Seven anesthesized baboons were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass and cooled to 28°C. Pump flow rate and arterial blood pressure were altered in varied sequence to each of four conditions: (1) full flow (2.23 ± 0.06 L·min −1 ·m −2 , mean ± standard deviation) at high pressure (61 ± 2 mm Hg), (2) full flow (2.23 ± 0.06 L·min −1 ·m −2 ) at low pressure (24 ± 3 mm Hg), (3) low flow (0.75 L ·min −1 ·m −2 ) at high pressure (62 ± 2 mm Hg), and (4) low flow (0.75 L ·min −1 ·m −2 at low pressure (23 ± 3 mm Hg). During each of these hemodynamic conditions cerebral blood flow was measured by washout of intracarotid xenon 133 . Results. Cerebral blood flow was greater at high blood pressure than at low pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass both at low flow (34 ± 8.3 versus 14.1 ± 3.7 mL·min −1 ·100 g −1 ) and full flow (27.6 ± 9.9 versus 16.8 ± 3.7 mL·min −1 ·100 g −1 ) ( p Conclusions. These results indicate that cerebral blood flow during moderately hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass is regulated by arterial blood pressure and not pump flow rate.
Effects of in vitro nickel exposure on the macrophage-mediated immune functions of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss )

Nickel is occurs naturally in the geophysical environment. It has become a common byproduct of industrialization. Nickel is released into the atmosphere and coal-burning power plants and trash incinerators, and is also discharged into waste water by industries which convert scrap or new nickel into alloys. The effluent that spreads to streams, rivers, and lakes may disrupt the integrity of the aquatic environment. Excess nickel contamination is hazardous to aquatic ecosystems due to its existence and bioaccumulation. While the adverse health effects associated with nickel exposure have been extensively examined in mammalian systems, very little is known concerning nickel's effects on aquatic organisms. Although trace amounts of nickel are necessary for maintaining the metabolic homeostasis of some vertebrate species, larger amounts of nickel have been shown to be toxic. In addition to being both genotoxic and carcinogenic, nickel modulates immunological functions in a variety of mammalian species. The toxic effects of nickel on the numbers, activity, and ultrastructure of macrophages (M[o]) have been well-studied. A number of other toxic metals such as copper, manganese, and cadmium modulate the immune responses of fish. To appraise the immunomodulating potential of nickel on fish, and to begin to establish baseline parameters of alteredmore » immune function as potential biomarkers of in vivo nickel exposure, elicited peritoneal macrophages from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were treated in vitro with increasing concentrations of nickel sulfate (NiSO[sub 4]). Following exposure, M[o] activities important for maintaining host immunocompetence were evaluated and these include; mobility (random and stimulus-directed), production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), acid phosphatase activity, and phagocytosis. 20 refs., 3 figs.« less
Swelling and plastic behavior of coal devolatilized at elevated pressures of air in the absence and presence of calcium oxide

Abstract Swelling and plastic properties of an lv bituminous coal (PSOC 1197) devolatilized at elevated air pressures (at 60 or 150 K/min) were monitored using a high-pressure microdilatometer. It was observed that the maximum swelling parameter (V8) of the coal was markedly reduced when devolatilized at elevated air pressures, provided that the heating rate of the coal was sufficiently low (60 K/min to 923 K). In marked contrast, at a relatively higher heating rate (e.g., 150 K/min), the swelling of coal at elevated air pressures was closer to Vs obtained in N2 pressures. An implication of this finding is that coal swelling can be very high at actual utilization conditions (rapid heating of coal in air). The reduction in coal Vs at a relatively slow heating rate is attributable, at least in part, to the preoxidation (chemisorption of oxygen to form oxygen crosslinks) of coal during initial heat-treatment in air (before there is significant devolatilization). Devolatilization of coal in the presence of CaO, however, markedly reduced the swelling of coal at various air pressures and heating rates. This reduction in coal swelling is attributed to crosslinking reactions of pyrolyzing coal that have been catalyzed by CaO.