cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intermittent androgen deprivation for clinically localized prostate cancer: initial experience.

Abstract Objectives. To evaluate the use of intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) in the treatment of selected patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. Methods. We report our initial experience with 47 patients (aged 50 to 92 years) treated with IAD for clinically localized prostate cancer (Stage T1c in 3 patients, T2 in 21, T3 in 21, T4 in 1, and unknown in 1). No patient was found to have systemic disease prior to the initiation of therapy. Twenty-seven patients with localized cancers refused local therapy and have been treated with IAD only. Seven patients developed recurrent disease following radiotherapy, 2 following cryotherapy, 8 following radical prostatectomy, and 3 following radical prostatectomy with adjuvant radiotherapy. Mean and median serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) prior to the start of treatment were 20.5 and 8.4 ng/mL, respectively (range 0.6 to 190). Androgen deprivation was continued 1 to 2 months after serum PSA became undetectable or a nadir level was reached. Therapy was then reinstituted after serum PSA reached a predetermined level. Thirty-three patients have been treated with total androgen blockade and 14 have been treated with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist only. Results. Follow-up ranges from 5 to 52 months from the start of treatment (mean 24 months). Patients have received from 1 to 5 treatment cycles (median 2 cycles), with the mean and median cycle lengths being 15 and 14 months, respectively. Eighteen patients are currently on cycle 1, 15 on cycle 2, 11 on cycle 3, 1 on cycle 5, and 1 patient has discontinued treatment after undergoing salvage radical prostatectomy. The mean and median nadir serum PSA on androgen deprivation have been 0.2 and 0.0 ng/mL, respectively. Nadir PSA was reached within an average of 4 months (range 1 to 11) after initiating treatment. The mean serum PSA at the start of cycle 2 was 7.0 ng/mL (range 0.6 to 19.1). Only 1 patient has failed to respond to reinstitution of treatment; this patient was found to have metastatic disease during his second cycle of treatment (time to progression 25 months from the start of IAD). No other patient has demonstrated disease progression during the follow-up period. Patients have spent an average of 47% of the time off of therapy. Conclusions. IAD appears to be a viable treatment option in selected patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. However, the durability and advantage of IAD, if any, over continuous therapy is unknown at present. Consequently, at the present time IAD should be considered an investigative form of treatment for patients with prostate cancer.
Status of credentialing alternative providers within a subset of U.S. academic health centers.

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) clinical services are increasingly provided within conventional health care settings. Objective: To determine how a subset of U.S. academic health centers is credentialing CAM providers. Design: An electronic survey was created focusing on the credentialing method utilized for six specific types of CAM clinical practitioners within academic medical settings. Methods: This survey was electronically distributed to 33 academic health centers in the United States during the summer 2004. Results: Ninety-five percent (95%) of academic centers surveyed provide some CAM clinical care. Acupuncture and massage are most common, with naturopathy and homeopathy least common. State licensure requirements for CAM providers appear to not be well-understood. Most commonly, CAM professionals do not receive full medical staff credentials. Limitations: Results cannot be extrapolated to remaining academic health centers within the United States. Mind–body practitioners ...
Labeling of cells with ferumoxides–protamine sulfate complexes does not inhibit function or differentiation capacity of hematopoietic or mesenchymal stem cells

Two FDA-approved agents, ferumoxides (Feridex), a suspension of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles and protamine sulfate, a drug used to reverse heparin anticoagulation, can be complexed and used to label cells magnetically ex vivo. Labeling stem cells with ferumoxides-protamine sulfate (FePro) complexes allows for non-invasive monitoring by MRI. However, in order for stem cell trials or therapies to be effective, this labeling technique must not inhibit the ability of cells to differentiate. In this study, we examined the effect of FePro labeling on stem cell differentiation. Viability, phenotypic expression and differential capacity of FePro labeled CD34 + hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were compared with unlabeled control cells. Colony-forming unit (CFU) assays showed that the capacity to differentiate was equivalent for labeled and unlabeled HSC. Furthermore, labeling did not alter expression of surface phenotypic markers (CD34, CD31, CXCR4, CD20, CD3 and CD14) on HSC, as measured by flow cytometry. SDF-1-induced HSC migration and HSC differentiation to dendritic cells were also unaffected by FePro labeling. Both FePro-labeled and unlabeled MSC were cultured in chondrogenesis-inducing conditions. Alcian blue staining for proteoglycans revealed similar chondrogenic differentiation for both FePro-labeled and unlabeled cells. Furthermore, collagen X proteins, indicators of cartilage formation, were detected at similar levels in both labeled and unlabeled cell pellets. Prussian blue staining confirmed that cells in labeled pellets contained iron oxide, whereas cells in unlabeled pellets did not. It is concluded that FePro labeling does not alter the function or differentiation capacity of HSC and MSC. These data increase confidence that MRI studies of FePro-labeled HSC or MSC will provide an accurate representation of in vivo trafficking of unlabeled cells.
Similarity solutions in unsteady boundary layer theory in magneto-fluid dynamics

Es werden Ahnlichkeitslosungen der instationaren Grenzschichtgleichung unter Berucksichtigung von Magnetfeldern untersucht. Das aussere Magnetfeld wurde als senkrecht zur Hauptstromung und die elektrische Leitfahigkeit wurde als klein angenommen. Da das Magnetfeld sich mit Raum und Zeit andern kann, erhalt man eine Reihe neuer Ahnlichkeitslosungen. Im wesentlichen kann man funf Falle unterscheiden. Teilweise ist es moglich, ein konstantes Magnetfeld zuzulassen.
The Interpersonal Worlds of Bullies: Parents, Peers, and Partners

Research has yet to examine the social influences of parents, peers, and partners on bullying. This study explored the impact of social relationships on bullies, victims, bully/victims, and uninvolved participants. A sample of 370 college-age participants was asked about bullying, family environment, friends’ illegal behavior, and conflict resolution tactics in romantic relationships. Results indicated controls came from more secure and engaged families. Bully/victims reported friends engaging in more illegal behaviors than victims and uninvolved participants. Bullies and bully/victims reported more psychological coercion from their romantic partner. A logistic regression revealed peer illegal behaviors, psychological aggression, physical assault, and sexual coercion in romantic relationships best predicted bullies from non-bullies (67.3%). Based on these results, the interpersonal world of those involved with bullying significantly impacts behaviors.
Neighborhood electric vehicle charging scheduling using particle swarm optimization

Chargeable electric vehicles are projected to gain increasing market share becoming a significant load in distribution systems. An un-controlled charging of a large number of electric vehicles can potentially lead to problems in distribution circuits including low voltage levels and component overloads. These problems can be avoided by implementing a vehicle charging control scheme. This paper proposes a particle-swarm optimization-based method to centrally control vehicle charging on a neighborhood level. Vehicle charging is scheduled day-ahead for a given distribution system area while minimizing the total charging cost subject to grid and vehicle constraints. The proposed computationally efficient algorithm reduces the charging cost while enforcing voltage or line flow limits applying linear sensitivities. We demonstrate the method in a model of a real meshed 121-bus, 57-vehicle European low voltage distribution system.
Application of ion imaging to the study of unimolecular and bimolecular reactions

We use the photofragment ion imaging technique to investigate the 266 nm photodissociation dynamics of hydrogen iodide. We show the quantitative features of ion imaging by comparing determinations of photofragment recoil velocity distributions, product branching ratios and the HI bond dissociation energy with previously published results. Excellent agreement with previous experimental and theoretical results is obtained. The H atoms produced from this process are then used as reactants in the reaction of H + HI and H + D2. Imaging techniques are used to measure the velocity distributions of the products of these reactions.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dissociation of Acetaldehyde on β-Mo2C To Yield Ethylidene and Oxo Surface Groups: A Possible Pathway for Active Site Formation in Heterogeneous Olefin Metathesis

The dissociative adsorption of acetaldehyde on β-Mo2C was studied using reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy. In contrast to what is observed for all metals previously studied, acetaldehyde undergoes selective carbonyl bond scission on the carbide surface. By comparison to calculated spectra, the surface product is identified as an oxo−ethylidene species. The study thus provides the first extended-range infrared spectrum of a propene metathesis initiator or propagator alkylidene. Aldehydes may be formed in the presence of olefins during the induction period of supported metal oxide olefin metathesis catalysts. Hence, the observed dissociative chemisorption of acetaldehyde suggests a possible answer to the question of how initiator sites are formed in heterogeneous olefin metathesis. This question has never been satisfactorily answered. In the proposed mechanism, aldehydes formed during the induction period subsequently react with the catalyst surface to generate alkylidene sites.
The Response of Luteinizing Hormone Pulsatility to 5 Days of Low Energy Availability Disappears by 14 Years of Gynecological Age

Context: The incidence of menstrual disorders declines during adolescence. The mechanism responsible is unknown. Objective: The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis, formulated a priori, that the dependence of LH pulsatility and ovarian function on energy availability declines with gynecological age (years since menarche). Design: The study was a controlled experiment repeated in two menstrual cycles, performed 2001–2004. Setting: The study was conducted at a university laboratory and general clinical research center. Participants: The study population consisted of healthy, habitually sedentary, young women of normal body composition with 5–8 yr (adolescents, n = 9) and 14–18 yr (adults, n = 10) of gynecological age recruited by advertisement from approximately 9000 women aged 18–34 yr in a college community. Samples were similar in age of menarche, length of menstrual cycle and luteal phase, body size and composition, aerobic capacity, and dietary intake. None were withdrawn due to adverse e...
Solving nonlinear dynamic games via orthogonal collocation: An application to international commodity markets

We develop methods for solving nonlinear stochastic dynamic difference games using orthogonal polynomial collocation techniques. The methods are applied to models of world commodity markets in which governments compete against each other using storage as a strategy variable. The rational expectations equilibrium outcomes under four different game structures are derived numerically and compared using stochastic simulation techniques.
Conformal field theories via Hamiltonian reduction

Constraining theSL(3) WZW-model we construct a reduced theory which is invariant with respect to the new chiral algebraW 3 2 . This symmetry is generated by the stress-energy tensor, two bosonic currents with spins 3/2 and theU(1) current. We conjecture a Kac formula that describes the highly reducible representation for this algebra. We also discuss the quantum Hamiltonian reduction for the general type of constraints that leads to the new extended conformal algebras.
ASL-English Bilingual Classroom: The Families’ Perspectives

Abstract Traditionally, professionals have provided information about deafness and its implications to families from a “hearing perspective,” but not from a “deaf perspective.” With diagnosis, the family is faced with raising a child that does not match its expectations of a “normal” child. Families may experience grieving, non-acceptance of deafness, and confusion created by an abundance of detailed and contradictory information. The purpose of this paper is to examine families’ perspectives about their children’s deafness, language, and education when the children’s educational setting is bilingual. Qualitative methods, specifically interviews and focus group meetings, were used. The findings suggest when information with a “deaf perspective” is provided and certain classroom conditions are present, families are empowered with new attitudes about deafness.
Cefixime (CFX) enables higher plasma exposures of SN-38 to be achieved in pediatric patients receiving oral irinotecan (IRN)

The mechanism of IRN-induced diarrhea has been attributed to local deglucuronidation by enteric bacteria of the metabolite SN-38G to the active metabolite SN-38. In preclinical studies, administration of oral antibiotics with IRN reduced diarrhea. Based on these observations, we performed a Phase I study of the intravenous (IV) formulation of IRN, given orally daily x 5 days (d) for 2 weeks (qdx5x2) in children with refractory solid tumors and evaluated whether concomitant CFX use ameliorates diarrhea and allows further dose-escalation of IRN. We determined the pharmacokinetics (PK) of IRN given both IV and orally in patients who received (n=11) or did not receive CFX (n=20), at a dosage of 8 mg/kg/d, beginning 5 d prior to the start of oral IRN and continuing for the entire 21-d course. Cohorts of 3 to 7 children received dosages of IRN from 15 to 45 mg/m2/dx5x2 without CFX and from 45 to 75 mg/m2/dx5x2 with CFX. Diarrhea was dose-limiting at 45 mg/m2/d without CFX. The population mean and interpatient variance (CV%) IRN lactone clearance was 42.4 L/h/m2 (58%) and bioavailability (F) was 8.2% (94%) across all dosages studied. IRN clearance and F were not significantly altered with CFX co-administration (p>0.5). Plasma SN-38 lactone AUC increased with respect to dose over the entire dosage range (p=0.001). Median (range) plasma SN-38 lactone AUC was 44 (18–77) ng*h/mL at the highest dose level (75mg/m2/d) with CFX (n=4, enrollment at this level ongoing) compared to 12 (4–17) ng*h/mL at the MTD without CFX (40 mg/m2/d; n=7). Fecal beta-glucuronidase activity decreased after 5 d of CFX administration in 3 of 4 patients studied. Plasma total SN38G AUC:SN-38 AUC ratio was not altered with the administration of CFX (p>0.5). Concomitant use of CFX with oral IRN allows higher dosages of IRN to be given, which results in higher plasma exposures to the active topoisomerase-I inhibitor SN-38. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P77–P77; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.292
Work related injuries in Washington State's Trucking Industry, by industry sector and occupation

BACKGROUND: The trucking industry continues to have some of the highest work-related injury and illness rates and costs of any industry in the United States. Until recently, little focus has been placed on addressing non-motor vehicle collision related injuries within the trucking industry. Drivers are exposed to multiple physical risk factors that contribute to occupational injuries in order to complete their job duties, such as loading/unloading freight, decoupling trailers, strapping down loads and ingress and egress from the cab and trailer. About one-fourth of all truck driver injuries in the United States are related to slips, trips, and falls near the truck. PURPOSE: The purpose of this descriptive study is to report on recent injuries in the trucking industry in Washington State. Data are presented by occupation and industry sector, in order to better understand the magnitude of specific injuries in terms of time-loss days and workers' compensation costs. METHODS: All accepted, compensable (time-loss) claims from 2005 to 2010 within the trucking industry in Washington State were reviewed. Counts, rates, median and quartile data are presented. Logistic regression models are presented to identify factors associated with more severe claims. RESULTS: Non-traumatic musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, back and upper extremities are the most frequent injuries across all industry sectors and occupations in the trucking industry. Vehicle related claims had the highest median costs and time loss days and Courier and Messenger claims had the highest risk for higher time loss claims. Injuries varied substantially by sector and within sectors by occupation. CONCLUSION: It is important to review work-related injuries within the trucking industry by sector and occupation in order to maximize limited resources for injury prevention within this important sector. Language: en
Sensitivity-enhanced 2D IPAP, TROSY-anti-TROSY, and E.COSY experiments: alternatives for measuring dipolar 15N-1HN couplings.

Sensitivity-enhanced versions of the IPAP, TROSY-anti-TROSY, and E.COSY experiments for measuring one-bond 15N-1HN couplings are presented. Together with the previously developed sensitivity-enhanced E.COSY-type HSQC experiment they comprise a suite of sensitivity-enhanced experiments that allows one to chose the optimal spectrum for accurate measurement of one-bond 15N-1HN residual dipolar couplings in proteins. Since one-bond 15N-1HN residual dipolar couplings play uniquely important roles in structural NMR, these additional methods provide further tools for improving structure determination of proteins and other biological macromolecules.
A Unified Velocity Model for Digital Microfluidics

This article presents a unified model for the velocity of discrete microdroplets. Simple algebraic expressions for steady-state droplet velocities are presented, as well as exact and approximate transient solutions. Specific results in terms of known experimental parameters are derived for the cases of electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD), dielectrophoresis (DEP), continuous electrowetting (CEW), and thermocapillary pumping (TCP). Model predictions are shown to agree with previously published theoretical and experimental results, giving fluid velocities for a broad range of applications in digitized microfluidics. A relative comparison of the model's predictions for EWOD, CEW, DEP and TCP is also presented.
Rapid gas chromatography-mass spectrometry screening method for human pharmaceuticals, hormones, antioxidants and plasticizers in water

A rapid gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was developed and validated allowing quantification at the ng/l level of 19 analytes in water including human pharmaceuticals, hormones, antioxidants and a plasticizer. On-line continuous liquid-liquid extraction with dichloromethane of 10-401 unfiltered water samples was used to achieve a 10000-40000-fold concentration factor. No sample cleanup or derivatization was required. Recoveries ranged from 57 to 120%. Application of the method to water recycling plant effluent demonstrated the presence of nearly all targeted compounds at ng/l to microgram/l levels. Screening for nontarget compounds in the treated effluent samples indicated the method could be readily extended to include additional analytes.
Automatic mesh update with the solid-extension mesh moving technique

Abstract In computation of fluid–structure interactions involving large displacements, we use a mesh update method composed of mesh moving and remeshing-as-needed. For problems with complex geometries, we need automatic mesh moving techniques that reduce the need for remeshing. We also would like that these mesh moving techniques allow us to control mesh resolution near the fluid–structure interfaces so that we can represent the boundary layers more accurately. In the mesh moving techniques we designed, the motion of the nodes is governed by the equations of elasticity, and mesh deformation is handled selectively based on element sizes and deformation modes. This is helping us reduce the frequency of remeshing. With the solid-extension mesh moving technique presented in this paper, we are also able to limit mesh distortion in thin layers of elements placed near fluid–structure interfaces.
Purification of the phosphofructokinase regulatory factors.

Abstract In this paper, the existence and purification of two species of phosphofructokinase regulatory factor activity are reported. The purification procedure included liver homogenization and ultracentrifugation, a 93 °C heat step on the supernate, precipitation with ammonium sulfate, DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, and Sephadex G-75 (fine) chromatography. Two discrete regions of factor activity were eluted from the DEAE-cellulose column with a 0 to 0.5 m linear NaCl gradient. The lesser anionic fraction was not significantly retarded by DEAE-cellulose at pH 7.6, and was referred to as factor A. The more anionic form, factor B, eluted at about 0.2 m NaCl. The presence of two active fractions was confirmed by separation of factor activity (prior to DEAE-cellulose chromatography) into two discrete species by preparative isoelectric focusing on granulated gel. The isoelectric points were approximately 7.0 for factor B and 8.5 for factor A. Factor A and factor B exhibited quite different elution volumes, i.e., apparent molecular weights, when applied to a Sephadex G-75 column. Rechromatography on a Sephadex G-75 column was used for further purification and estimation of native molecular weight. The gel filtration method yielded a molecular weight of 13,800 ± 1,800 for factor A. Factor A activity eluted as a symmetrical protein peak of constant specific activity, suggesting a homogeneous preparation. For factor B, the absorption at 280 nm and activity profile did not directly overlap. When the peak absorbance at 280 nm was considered, a molecular weight range of 39,000 ± 4,000 was found, and on the basis of activity the molecular weight range was 36,000 ± 4,000. After the final Sephadex G-75 chromatographic step, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis of each SDS-treated factor preparation indicated that factor A, after visualization by silver staining, was homogeneous, with a subunit molecular weight of approximately 12,000. The factor B preparation consisted of two major polypeptides (11,000 and 18,000). The data appeared to support the conclusions that factor B was a dimer of the 18,000-Da subunit, and that the major contaminant was a tetramer of the 11,000-Da subunit.
Herman Jan Phaff: professor, mentor, friend and colleague

Herman Jan Phaff, the father of yeast ecology, was born in the Netherlands in 1913. In his early years, he spent much time in his family's winery, which sparked his interest in microbes. Trained in the famous Delft tradition, Phaff discovered many unrecognized ecological niches of yeast, such as shellfish, rabbit stomach, frass of bark beetles, tree exudates, cactus roots, Capri figs, sewage, Drosophila flies and shrimp. He is also remembered for his pioneering work on the coevolution of yeasts, insects and plants as well as for his work on yeast β-glucanase, which resulted in major advances in the understanding of the nature of the yeast cell wall. Phaff's legacy includes research on pectin degradation by fungal enzymes and the application of molecular approaches to yeast systematics. He discovered and described many yeasts, such as the yeast named in his honor, Phaffia rhodozyma, which led to the establishment of a very important industrial fermentation process yielding high concentrations of the pigment astaxanthin, used throughout the world to provide a natural source of this important carotenoid.
Rnd proteins function as RhoA antagonists by activating p190 RhoGAP.

Abstract Background: The Rnd proteins Rnd1, Rnd2, and Rnd3 (RhoE) comprise a unique branch of Rho-family G-proteins that lack intrinsic GTPase activity and consequently remain constitutively "active." Prior studies have suggested that Rnd proteins play pivotal roles in cell regulation by counteracting the biological functions of the RhoA GTPase, but the molecular basis for this antagonism is unknown. Possible mechanisms by which Rnd proteins could function as RhoA antagonists include sequestration of RhoA effector molecules, inhibition of guanine nucleotide exchange factors, and activation of GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) for RhoA. However, effector molecules of Rnd proteins with such properties have not been identified. Results: Here we identify p190 RhoGAP (p190), the most abundant GAP for RhoA in cells, as an interactor with Rnd proteins and show that this interaction is mediated by a p190 region that is distinct from the GAP domain. Using Rnd3-RhoA chimeras and Rnd3 mutants defective in p190 binding, as well as p190-deficient cells, we demonstrate that the cellular effects of Rnd expression are mediated by p190. We moreover show that Rnd proteins increase the GAP activity of p190 toward GTP bound RhoA and, finally, demonstrate that expression of Rnd3 leads to reduced cellular levels of RhoA-GTP by a p190-dependent mechanism. Conclusions: Our results identify p190 RhoGAPs as effectors of Rnd proteins and demonstrate a novel mechanism by which Rnd proteins function as antagonists of RhoA.
'Johnnie comes marching … where?' Australian gay men, masculinity, HIV/AIDS and sex

Outsiders often see Australia as a place that has achieved a remarkable degree of tolerance for social and cultural difference. It has a reputation for a successful and enlightened national HIV/AIDS strategy and as an important gay tourist spot, particularly during Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Legalized sex between men in all jurisdictions has been achieved, most of it during the era of the HIV epidemic. Reforms in anti-discrimination law and the recognition of gay and lesbian relationships are further examples of significant social change concerning sexuality. These achievements suggest that real gains have been made by gay and lesbian political activism and have been used to indicate that there is a new, more open space for Australian gay people to live their lives, accepted as citizens and treated equally. This is true to some extent, but an analysis of a recent, popular 'reality' television programme, Big Brother , reveals a different picture and suggests that the acceptance of gay men in Aust...
Chemical modifications of the insecticide binding sites on human serum albumin: Role of indole, bilirubin, and fatty acid binding sites

Abstract Interaction of carbamate and organophosphorus insecticides with chemically modified human serum albumin was studied by solubilization and difference spectra of bound insecticides and quenching of albumin fluorescence. Chemical modification involved oxidation of 1 tryptophan and 4 histidine residues, acetylation of 4 tyrosine and 26 lysine residues, and reaction of 7 arginine residues with 1,2-cyclohexanedione. There was a decrease in binding due to modification of arginine, tryptophan, and tyrosine residues and an increased binding due to lysine acetylation. The presence of bilirubin and octanoate also decreased the binding of insecticides. Changes in fluorescence of bound ANS due to binding of insecticides to albumin indicate localized perturbation of albumin conformation. The binding of insecticides was not affected by palmitate at physiological concentrations (molar ratio less than 2) although higher fatty acid concentrations caused a decrease. These preliminary observations suggest that warfarin, indole, and bilirubin sites are probably among the multiple insecticide binding sites.
Micro-PTV Measurement of the Fluid Shear Stress Acting on Adherent Leukocytes In Vivo

Leukocyte adhesion is determined by the balance between molecular adhesive forces and convective dispersive forces. A key parameter influencing leukocyte adhesion is the shear stress acting on the leukocyte. This measure is indispensable for determining the molecular bond forces and estimating cell deformation. To experimentally determine this shear stress, we used microparticle tracking velocimetry analyzing more than 24,000 images of 0.5 μm fluorescent microbeads flowing within mildly inflamed postcapillary venules of the cremaster muscle in vivo. Green fluorescent protein, expressed under the lysozyme-M promoter, made leukocytes visible. After applying stringent quality criteria, 3 of 69 recordings were fully analyzed. We show that endothelial cells, but not leukocytes, are covered by a significant surface layer. The wall shear rate is nearly zero near the adherent arc of each leukocyte and reaches a maximum at the apex. This peak shear rate is 2–6-fold higher than the wall shear rate in the absence of a leukocyte. Microbead trajectories show a systematic deviation toward and away from the microvessel axis upstream and downstream from the leukocyte, respectively. The flow field around adherent leukocytes in vivo allows more accurate estimates of bond forces in rolling and adherent leukocytes and improved modeling studies.
Potential of Alternative Sorbents for Desulphurization : From Laboratory Tests to the Full-Scale Combustion Unit

At present, natural limestone is used for the desulphurization of waste gases from the combustion of fossil fuels. However, it is important to save all primary resources, such as limestone, for the future. The researchers focused on finding alternative sorbents for the purpose of desulphurization in a dry additive method, which would become the alternative for natural limestone. This paper is primarily focused on desulphurization tests of selected substances. Tests were initially conducted on the laboratory scale, followed by pilot and full-scale combustion units.
Sensors and algorithms for small robot leader/follower behavior

Tracked mobile robots in the 20 kg size class are under development for applications in urban reconnaissance. For efficient deployment, it is desirable for teams of robots to be able to automatically execute leader/follower behaviors, with one or more followers tracking the pat+6|+ken by a leader. The key challenges to enabling such a capability are (1) to develop sensor packages for such small robots that can accurately determine the path of the leader and (2) to develop path-following algorithms for the subsequent robots. To date, we have integrated gyros, accelerometers, compass/inclinometers, odometry, and differential GPS into an effective sensing package for a small urban robot. This paper describes the sensor package, sensor processing algorithm, and path tracking algorithm we have developed for the leader/follower problem in small robots and shows the results of performance characterization of the system. We also document pragmatic lessons learned about design, construction, and electromagnetic interference issues particular to the performance of state sensors on small robots.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Objective Categorization of Heavy-Rain-Producing MCS Synoptic Types by Rotated Principal Component Analysis

AbstractIn this research, rotated principal component analysis was applied to the atmospheric fields associated with a large sample of heavy-rain-producing mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). Cluster analysis in the subspace defined by the leading two resulting principal components revealed two subtypes with distinct synoptic and mesoscale characteristics, which are referred to as warm-season-type and synoptic-type events, respectively. Subsequent composite analysis showed that both subtypes typically occurred on the cool side of a quasi-stationary, low-level frontal boundary, within a region of locally maximized low-level convergence and warm advection. Synoptic-type events, which tended to exhibit greater horizontal extent than warm-season-type events, typically occurred downstream of a progressive upper-level trough, along a low-level potential temperature gradient with the warmest air to the south and southeast. Warm-season-type events, on the other hand, occurred within the right-entrance region of ...
COST AUTOMATA, OPTIMALITY AND TOLERANCE

A simple adaption of Dijkstra's algorithm for finding a minimum weight path on a weighted directed graph serves to solve the optimal control problem posed by Arbib for tolerance automata with cost function. Cumulative cost automata and the application of network theory to cost automata are also discussed.
Nitridation of high-purity single-crystal silicon☆

Abstract Single-crystal silicon was nitrided using various time-temperature schedules in an attempt to verify some of the reaction-bonding mechanisms already established for the nitridation of polycrystalline silicon. Several characteristic reaction-bonded Si 3 N 4 morphologies were observed on the silicon, as well as some new morphologic evidence of the formation of β-Si 3 N 4 .
Pelvic lymphadenectomy for staging clinically localized prostate cancer Indications, Complications, and Results in 217 Cases

Abstract We reviewed the findings of 217 consecutive pelvic lymphadenectomies performed in patients with clinically localized prostatic carcinoma focusing particular attention on the importance of completely removing the hypogastric lymph nodes and on the operative complications associated with a more extensive dissection. Metastatic disease was identified in the lymph nodes of 127 patients (58.6 %). The hypogastric nodes were involved in two thirds of the patients with lymph node metastases, and in 29 percent the hypogastric nodes were the only site of metastasis. No increased operative morbidity was documented as a result of extending the level of the pelvic lymphadenectomy to include the lower hypogastric nodes. We conclude that although the lower hypogastric lymph nodes have not been routinely included in most pelvic lymphadenectomies, their removal is important in detecting metastases.
Correlations for viscosity of kraft black liquors at low solids concentrations

The kinematic viscosities of several kraft black liquors from a two-level, four-variables, factorial-designed experiments for pulping slash pine were determined for solids concentrations from 10 to 50% and temperatures up to 80 C by glass capillary methods. The four pulping variables were cooking time, cooking temperature, sulfidity, and effective alkali. Relationships between temperature and kinematic viscosity have been developed by using free volume and absolute rate theories. The results from these two methods have been compared and discussed. A reduced variables method for dilute polymer solutions was used to correlate the viscosity with the combined effect of temperature and solids concentration. The viscosity of black liquor is an important parameter in the design and performance of kraft recovery systems. The energy efficiency will be increased by firing black liquors at higher solids concentrations. To evaporate the liquor most efficiently and to achieve higher concentrations, knowledge of viscosity over a wide range of temperatures and solids concentrations is essential. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of various fundamentally based models for correlating viscosity data of black liquors as a function of temperature and concentration of nonvolatile components in the region in which the liquors behave a Newtonianmore » fluids.« less
Synthesis and optical properties of unsymmetrical conjugated dendrimers focally anchored with perylenes in different geometries.

Two sets of light-harvesting monodendrons with unsymmetrical conjugated phenylacetylene branches and perylene cores, one with π-conjugation from the branches to the core and one without, were synthesized and their photophysical properties were studied by steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic methods. These monodendrons show comparably high fluorescence quantum yields and efficient energy-transfer properties.
A microregulatory analysis of spontaneous human feeding patterns

Thirty male and 54 female students recorded in a diary exactly when and what they ate for four consecutive days. The total energy, carbohydrate, fat and protein composition of the reported meals as well as the duration of the preceding and following intermeal intervals were determined for a variety of meal definitions by a computerized analysis. A model of stomach emptying was used in conjunction with the reported intake to predict the amount of food remaining in the stomach at the beginning and end of each meal. These factors were intercorrelated across all reported meals and averaged across subjects with simple and multiple linear regression analyses. A preprandial pattern of intake regulation was found. Premeal intermeal intervals, prior food intake and the stomach content of protein and fat but not carbohydrate were significantly correlated with the amount ingested in the subsequent meal. No evidence for a postprandial pattern of intake regulation was found. The meal size, its composition and postmeal stomach content were not found to be related to the postmeal intermeal interval. No major relationships were found between subjects sex, age, weight, height or ponderal index and the meal pattern other than that males ate significantly larger meals. These results suggest that when the natural ecological constraints on human feeding behavior are present, it is regulated by adjustments to the amount eaten in a meal rather than to the duration of the interval between meals. Furthermore, the adjustment of meal size is influenced by the amount of fat and protein remaining in the stomach at the beginning of a meal.
Antioxidant Activity of Tea Polyphenols In Vivo: Evidence from Animal Studies

Tea is particularly rich in polyphenols, including catechins, theaflavins and thearubigins, which are thought to contribute to the health benefits of tea. Tea polyphenols act as antioxidants in vitro by scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and chelating redox-active transition metal ions. They may also function indirectly as antioxidants through 1) inhibition of the redox-sensitive transcription factors, nuclear factor-kappaB and activator protein-1; 2) inhibition of "pro-oxidant" enzymes, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, lipoxygenases, cyclooxygenases and xanthine oxidase; and 3) induction of phase II and antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferases and superoxide dismutases. The fact that catechins are rapidly and extensively metabolized emphasizes the importance of demonstrating their antioxidant activity in vivo. Animal studies offer a unique opportunity to assess the contribution of the antioxidant properties of tea and tea polyphenols to the physiological effects of tea administration in different models of oxidative stress. Most promising are the consistent findings in animal models of skin, lung, colon, liver and pancreatic cancer that tea and tea polyphenol administration inhibit carcinogen-induced increases in the oxidized DNA base, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine. In animal models of atherosclerosis, green and black tea administration has resulted in modest improvements in the resistance of lipoproteins to ex vivo oxidation, although limited data suggest that green tea or green tea catechins inhibit atherogenesis. To determine whether tea polyphenols act as effective antioxidants in vivo, future studies in animals and humans should employ sensitive and specific biomarkers of oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and DNA.
Control of Cracking In Bridge Decks: Observations From The Field

Crack surveys of bridge decks, performed over a 10-year period in northeast Kansas as part of three studies, provide strong guidance in identifying the parameters that control cracking in these structures. The surveys involve steel girder bridges—bridges that are generally agreed to exhibit the greatest amount of cracking in the concrete decks. The surveys include monolithic decks and decks with silica fume and conventional concrete overlays. The study demonstrates that crack density increases as a function of cement and water content, and concrete strength. In addition, crack density is higher in the end spans of decks that are integral with the abutments than decks with pin-ended supports. Most cracking occurs early in the life of a bridge deck, but continues to increase over time. This is true for bridges cast in both the 1980s and the 1990s. A key observation, however, is that bridge decks cast in the 1980s exhibit less cracking than those in the 1990s, even with the increase in crack density over time. Changes in materials, primarily cement fineness, and construction procedures over the past 20 years, are discussed in light of these observations. A major bright spot has been the positive effect of efforts to limit early evaporation, suggesting that the early initiation of curing procedures will help reduce cracking in bridge decks.
Asporin, a susceptibility gene in osteoarthritis, is expressed at higher levels in the more degenerate human intervertebral disc

Introduction Asporin, also known as periodontal ligament-associated protein 1 (PLAP1), is a member of the family of small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) family. It is present within the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM), and is reported to have a genetic association with osteoarthritis. Its D14 allele has recently been found to be associated with lumbar disc degeneration in Asian subjects. There have been no studies, however, of this gene's normal immunohistochemical localization within the human intervertebral disc, or of expression levels in Caucasian individuals with disc degeneration.
Spatially recursive dynamics for flexible manipulators

The spatial operator algebra methodology is used to develop efficient spatially recursive algorithms for the dynamics of flexible link manipulators. The operator-based formulation closely parallels that for rigid link manipulators. The computational complexity of the forward dynamics algorithm is linear in the number of links and cubic in the number of modes. >
Barbadians in the Amazon and Cape Verdeans in New England: Contrasts in adaptations and relations with homelands*

(1985). Barbadians in the Amazon and Cape Verdeans in New England: Contrasts in adaptations and relations with homelands. Ethnic and Racial Studies: Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 209-232.
Media Mergers with Preference Externalities and Their Implications for Content Diversity, Consumer Welfare, and Policy

One of the primary concerns regarding media mergers involves their potential adverse effect on content/viewpoint diversity. This paper presents a formal treatment of the influence that within-group consumer preference externalities over media content have on a media outlet’s incentive to engage in product repositioning both before and after merging with another media outlet. We first present a model of consumer behavior under preference externalities and derive aggregate consumer expenditure functions for media output. It is shown that even assuming the merged entity sets a uniform price and content mix across market areas, the relative access to some minority (majority) group subscribers will increase (decrease) post-merger (and vice versa). We derive sufficient conditions under which the merged entity will in fact have an incentive to homogenize its post-merger price/content mix. And while the post-merger repositioning effects arguably suggest the consumer welfare implications of such mergers are ambiguous a priori, it is posited that the observed idiosyncratic preferences for media content among demographic groups may translate into significant losses to consumer welfare in some instances and may also adversely affect some individuals’ participation in civil affairs, such as voting. Finally, the relation of the model to previous empirical work on media mergers and diversity, and the potential for non-traditional policy interventions to offset the competitive harms of such transactions, are also discussed.
Depositional and tectonic evolution of a supradetachment basin: 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of the Nova Formation, Panamint Range, California

The Nova Basin contains an upper Miocene to Pliocene supradetachment sedimentary succession that records the unroofing of the Panamint metamorphic core complex, west of Death Valley, California. Basin stratigraphy reflects the evolution of sedimentation processes from landslide emplacement during basin initiation to the development of alluvial fans composed of reworked, uplifted sections of the basin fill. 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of volcanic units in middle and lower parts of the sequence provide age control on the tectonic and depositional evolution of the basin and, more generally, insights regarding the rate of change of depositional environments in supradetachment basins. Our work, along with earlier research, indicate basin deposition from 11.38 Ma to 3.35 Ma. The data imply sedimentation rates, uncorrected for compaction, of ~100 m Myr−1 in the lower, high-energy part to ~1000 m Myr−1 in the middle part characterized by debris-flow fan deposition. The observed variation in sediment flux rate during basin evolution suggests that supradetachment basins have complex depositional histories involving rapid transitions in both the style and rate of
A puromycin selectable cell line for the enrichment of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived V3 interneurons

Spinal V3 interneurons (INs) are a commissural, glutamatergic, propriospinal neuron population that holds great potential for understanding locomotion circuitry and local rewiring after spinal cord injury. Embryonic stem cells hold promise as a cell source. However, the inevitable heterogeneity resulting from differentiation protocols makes studying post-mitotic stem cell-derived neuron populations difficult because proliferative glia quickly overtake a culture. Previously, an induction protocol for V3 INs was established. However, because of the heterogeneous population resulting from the induction protocol, functional characterization of the induced cells was not possible. A selectable murine transgenic embryonic stem cell (ESC) line (Sim1-Puro) was generated by recombineering. The expression of the puromycin resistance enzyme, puromycin N-acetyl-transferase (PAC), was knocked into the locus of a post-mitotic V3 IN marker (Sim1), allowing Sim1 gene regulatory elements to control PAC expression. The resulting cell line was characterized for Sim1 expression by in situ hybridization, for glutamatergic marker expression by immunocytochemistry and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and for functional maturation by electrophysiology. Puromycin selection significantly enriched the population for V3 INs, allowing long-term characterization. The selected population expressed the neuronal marker β-III tubulin and the glutamatergic neuron marker VGluT2. The selected V3 INs also exhibited appropriate functional maturation, as assessed by electrophysiology, and remained glutamatergic for 2 weeks. The Sim1-Puro cell line provides a simple, high throughput method for generating large numbers of V3 INs from mouse ESCs for future in vitro and cell transplantation studies.