cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corticosteroid toxicity in neuro-oncology patients

Hospital charts from 59 patients with intracranial malignancy or epidural spinal cord compression were reviewed to establish the frequency of clinically important corticosteroid toxicities and to determine treatment or patient characteristics which were predictive for toxicity. Thirty patients (51%) developed at least one steroid toxicity and eleven (19%) required hospital admission for diagnosis and/or management of steroid-related complications. In this retrospective analysis the duration of steroid therapy and the total administered dose predicted for toxicity. Patients with toxicity also had a significant fall in the serum albumin level. Important corticosteroid toxicity occurs frequently in neuro-oncology patients. Further research should be directed at developing non-toxic alternatives to corticosteroids.
Surface interfaces in low temperature water-gas shift: The metal oxide synergy, the assistance of co-adsorbed water, and alkali doping

With new developments in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, interest is growing in fuel processor technology for converting feedstocks to hydrogen. One critical step in the process to convert CO and purify hydrogen is low temperature water-gas shift (LTS). Control of the LTS rate can be achieved by designing catalysts in a way that produces and rapidly decomposes the surface formate anion intermediate. In this account, examples are provided to demonstrate various interfacial phenomena important for achieving these goals. The interface between a metal and a partially reducible oxide promotes surface reduction of the oxide to the low temperature range, generating sites for the low temperature activation of H2O on the oxide. Partial reduction of the oxide and surface activation of H2O at low temperature provide a route for formate production at low temperature. Adjacent co-adsorbed water molecules participate in the transition state of formate decomposition, accelerating the formate turnover rate and altering the selectivity to favor dehydrogenation. The rate-limiting-step involves formate C–H bond scission, with the metal abstracting hydrogen at the interface between metal and oxide, serving as a conduit for hydrogen release. Catalysts may be improved by increasing formate mobility on the oxide; furthermore, the optimization of alkali doping levels can electronically promote formate C–H bond scission.
How a Single T Cell Receptor Recognizes Both Self and Foreign MHC

alphabeta T cell receptors (TCRs) can crossreact with both self- and foreign- major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins in an enigmatic phenomenon termed alloreactivity. Here we present the 2.35 A structure of the 2C TCR complexed with its foreign ligand H-2L(d)-QL9. Surprisingly, we find that this TCR utilizes a different strategy to engage the foreign pMHC in comparison to the manner in which it recognizes a self ligand H-2K(b)-dEV8. 2C engages both shared and polymorphic residues on L(d) and K(b), as well as the unrelated QL9 and dEV8 peptide antigens, in unique pair-wise contacts, resulting in greater structural complementarity with the L(d)-QL9 complex. In the structure of an engineered, high-affinity 2C TCR variant bound to H-2L(d)-QL9, the "wild-type" TCR-MHC binding orientation persists despite modified TCR-CDR3alpha interactions with peptide. Thus, a single TCR recognizes two globally similar, but distinct ligands by divergent mechanisms, indicating that receptor-ligand crossreactivity can occur in the absence of molecular mimicry.
The Sawfly Genus Hemichroa Stephens : A Review of Species (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae)

Adults and larvae of the six species of the sawfly venus Hemichroa are keyed and discussed. Reprentatives are found in Eurasia and North America. . orientalis Rohwer is a new synonym of H. crocea Fourcroy), and H. amelanchieridis Rohwer and H. thoracicus Harrington are new synonyms of H. militaris (Cresson). The larvae feed on the foliage of Alnus, Betula, Corylus, Salix, Crataegus, Amelanchier, and Prunus.
Trainees' Perceptions of Types of Instructional Practices Modeled in an Urban Teacher Education Program

The need for teachers who are prepared to work with the increasingly diverse population of special education students in urban areas has become critical. Accordingly, teacher educators must seek to improve the effectiveness of their programs. Urban trainees will need to be competent in a wide range of research-based instructional practices, and teacher educators can introduce these practices to trainees by modeling them in teacher education courses. In order to investigate current practice, this study examined urban trainees' (N=249) perceptions of the frequency and importance of teaching methods modeled in their professional training. The results of a survey suggested that little variety of instructional practices was erycployed and that trainees tended to value most those approaches most frequently used. The expansion of research and training efforts in this area is recommended.
Local anesthesia in minor lacerations: Topical TAC vs lidocaine infiltration

To evaluate a solution of tetracaine (0.5%), adrenaline 1:2,000, and cocaine (11.8%) as a topical anesthetic in the repair of minor lacerations, a prospective randomized study was performed comparing it with lidocaine infiltration. One hundred fifty-eight patients of a primarily pediatric age group were treated in the emergency department of Madigan Army Medical Center. Anesthetic efficacy was subjectively evaluated. Other variables observed were patient/parent acceptance of the anesthesia, time required for surgical repair, and wound complication rates. No significant difference was found in the anesthetic efficacy of topical TAC and lidocaine infiltration. Time for surgical repair was significantly reduced, and patient acceptance of topical TAC was markedly improved over lidocaine infiltration. Wound complication rates were not significantly different. This form of anesthesia has definite benefits for the emergency physician because it results in a more manageable patient, with subsequent reduction in physician time required to treat minor lacerations in pediatric patients.
Processing vocal signals for recognition during antiphonal calling in tamarins

The ability to recognize a conspecific signal is essential to communication. In addition to recognizing the type of call, receivers extract a range of information from the signal about the producer, including identity, sex and dialect. Despite the apparent ease with which this is accomplished, few available data address the computational processes underlying recognition. While it is possible that recognition of the signal and its information content occur in a single stage of processing, different components of the signal may be processed separately. Here we present a series of experiments designed to examine this issue in the cottontop tamarin, Saguinus oedipus. Using the tamarins' natural vocal response to hearing their species-specific combination long call (CLC), antiphonal calling, we presented tamarins with manipulated and unmanipulated CLCs and measured both the number of antiphonal responses and the latency to produce an antiphonal call. Results indicated that recognition of the call type and recognition of the caller occur in separate computational stages of signal processing. These data provide insights into how sensory information is organized by a call recognition system.
Whole brain group network analysis using network bias and variance parameters

The disruption of normal function and connectivity of neural circuits is common across many diseases and disorders of the brain. This disruptive effect can be studied and analyzed using the brain's complex functional and structural connectivity network. Complex network measures from the field of graph theory have been used for this purpose in the literature. In this paper we have introduced a new approach for analyzing the brain connectivity network. In our approach the true connectivity network and each subject's bias and variance are estimated using a population of patients and healthy controls. These parameters can then be used to compare two groups of brain networks. We have used this approach for the comparison of the resting state functional MRI network of pediatric Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) patients and healthy subjects. We have shown that a significant difference between the two groups can be found. For validation, we have compared our findings with three well known complex network measures.
On the Measurement of Competitive Strategy: Evidence From a Large Multiproduct U.S. Firm

Measures of strategy made at the product and business level were compared using data from a large multiproduct U.S. firm. The business-level results were not found to be good indicators of product-...
A systematic effect in hadron mass calculations

In our attempt to reproduce recent work by Hamber and Parisi we have discovered some important aspects of Monte Carlo calculations of the mass spectrum of lattice QCD. In particular, we find that, for typical values of the input parameters, the hadron propagators reach their asymptotic form only at a lattice distance which is larger than that available in previous calculations. This will have some numerically important effects on the results. We also suggest the use in certain cases of nonperiodic boundary conditions which can increase the maximum available distance on a given lattice.
Chemical crosslinking and LC/MS analysis to determine protein domain orientation: application to AbrB.

To fully understand the modes of action of multi-protein complexes, it is essential to determine their overall global architecture and the specific relationships between domains and subunits. The transcription factor AbrB is a functional homotetramer consisting of two domains per monomer. Obtaining the high-resolution structure of tetrameric AbrB has been extremely challenging due to the independent character of these domains. To facilitate the structure determination process, we solved the NMR structures of both domains independently and utilized gas-phase cleavable chemical crosslinking and LC/MSn analysis to correctly position the domains within the full tetrameric AbrB protein structure.
Cellular mechanics study in cardiac myocytes using PDMS pillars array

This paper presents cellular mechanics study in isolated cardiac myocytes using a micro-molded polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pillars array. The PDMS pillars were fabricated using a specialized micro-molding process where template fabrication and polymer replication were minimized. The spring constant of the subject pillars was determined considering the enlarged root and scallop-like notches. The cellular mechanical force was derived from displacements of individual pillars upon multiplication with the locally determined spring constant. Experiments were conducted to achieve the subcellular force distribution within single cardiac myocyte. Furthermore, the force response of isolated cardiac myocytes upon an isoproterenol perfusion was in situ monitored. The measurements conform to the effect of applied chemical stimulus, suggesting that this approach has the physiology and pathophysiology potential to be a basis for subcellular mechanics study in cardiomyopathy field.
Disability-Free Life among the Elderly in the United States: Sociodemographic Correlates of Functional Health

This article examines the sociodemographic factors associated not only with the length but also the quality of life. Although much research has examined dependency or the reliance on other individu...
TCF1 and β-catenin regulate T cell development and function

T cell factor-1 (TCF1) critically regulates T cell development. However, signals that control TCF1 function in developing and mature T cells remain unknown. TCF1 along with β-catenin activates gene transcription and in cooperation with Groucho family of proteins mediates gene repression. It has been established that the β-catenin-dependent gene expression is often downstream of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. We have genetically manipulated the β-catenin gene and generated mutant mice that have shown an essential role for β-catenin and TCF1 during pre-T cell receptor (TCR) and TCR-dependent stages of T cell development. We have also demonstrated a function for TCF1 and β-catenin downstream of TCR signaling in the differentiation of mature CD4 T cells into T helper lineages.
Differential immunogenicity of vaccinia and HIV-1 components of a human recombinant vaccine in mucosal and blood compartments

Mucosal immune responses induced by HIV-1 vaccines are likely critical for prevention. We report a Phase 1 safety and immunogenicity trial in eight participants using the vaccinia-based TBC-3B vaccine given subcutaneously to determine the relationship between HIV-1 specific systemic and gastrointestinal mucosal responses. Across all subjects, detectable levels of blood vaccinia- and HIV-1-specific antibodies were elicited but none were seen mucosally. While the vaccinia component was immunogenic for CD8 + T lymphocyte (CTL) responses in both blood and mucosa, it was greater in blood. The HIV-1 component of the vaccine was poorly immunogenic in both blood and mucosa. Although only eight volunteers were studied intensively, the discordance between mucosal and blood responses may highlight mechanisms contributing to recent vaccine failures. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
PHASES OF CONFLICT IN SMALL GROUP DEVELOPMENT: A MARKOV ANALYSIS

Previous research on conflict emanates from a variety of theoretical perspectives and yields inconsistent conclusions. The purpose of this study was to describe the nature of conflict and communication by answering the following question: How does conflict function in the process of achieving group consensus? Transcriptions of classroom groups were subjected to a Markov statistical analysis. The results of the study indicated that phases of conflict are present throughout group interaction. Three phases were discovered and designated as interpersonal conflict, confrontation, and substantive conflict. During the interpersonal conflict phase, conflict is indirect and probably stems from individual differences. While conflict is direct and most abundant during the confrontation phase, it functions positively (i.e., generates interpretation) and facilitates decision making during the substantive conflict phase. Results from this analysis suggest numerous implications concerning the nature of conflict and communication.
The Gaussian wiretap channel with noisy public feedback: Breaking the high-SNR ceiling

A multiple-antenna Gaussian wiretap channel in which the number of antennas at the source is not larger than that at the eavesdropper is considered. Without feedback, the secrecy capacity over such a channel generally converges to a constant at high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). A half-duplex secure protocol allowing the destination to actively broadcast random keys over insecure channels is proposed. It is shown that using multiple antennas at the destination is instrumental in achieving a secrecy rate that grows linearly with log SNR. The pre-log factor of the secrecy rate, i.e. the secure degree of freedom, is characterized, revealing an interesting interplay between the numbers of antennas at the three communication nodes.
Indomethacin—Its Rightful Place in Treatment

Abstract Indomethacin has been in clinical use for 7 years and has aroused more interest, controversy, and discussion than any other antirheumatic agent since the corticoids. Good to excellent resu...
Agulhas leakage into the Atlantic estimated with subsurface floats and surface drifters

Surface drifters and subsurface floats drifting at depths near 800 m were used to study the pathways of warm, salty Indian Ocean water leaking into the South Atlantic that is a component of the upper limb of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC). Four drifters and 5 floats drifted from the Agulhas Current directly into the Benguela Current. Others looped for various amounts of time in Agulhas rings and cyclones, which translated westward into the Atlantic, contributing a large part of Indian Ocean leakage. Agulhas rings translated into the Benguela Current, where they slowly decayed. Some large, blob-like Agulhas rings with irregular shapes were found in the southeastern Cape Basin. Drifter trajectories suggest these rings become more circular with time, eventually evolving into the circular rings observed west of the Walvis Ridge. Agulhas cyclones, which form on the north side of the Agulhas Current south of Africa, translated southwestward (to 6°E) and contributed water to the southern Cape Basin. A new discovery is a westward extension from the mean Agulhas retroflection measured by westward drifting floats near 41°S out to at least 5°W, with some floats as far west as 25°W. The Agulhas extension appears to split the South Atlantic Current (SAC) into two branches and to transport Agulhas water westward, where it is mixed and blended with eastward-flowing water from the western Atlantic. The blended mixture flows northeastward in the northern branch of the SAC and into the Benguela Current. Agulhas leakage transport was estimated from drifters and floats to be at least 15 Sv in the upper 1000 m, which is equivalent to the transport of the upper layer MOC. It is suggested that the major component of the upper layer overturning circulation in the Atlantic is Agulhas leakage in the form of Agulhas rings.
Lower Bounds for Coin-Weighing Problems

Among a set of n coins of two weights (good and bad), and using a balance, we wish to determine the number of bad coins using as few measurements as possible. There is a known adaptive decision tree that answers this question in O((log(n))2) measurements, and a slight modification of this decision tree determines the parity of the number of bad coins in O(logn). In this article, we prove an Ω(\sqrt{n}) lower bound on the depth of any oblivious decision tree which solves either the counting or the parity problem. Our lower bound can also be applied to any function of high average sensitivity, which includes most random functions and most random symmetric functions. With a slight generalization of this result, we derive lower bounds for the size of threshold circuits for a wide class of Boolean functions.We demonstrate an exponential gap between the nonadaptive and adaptive coin-weighing complexities of the counting and parity problems. We prove a tight Θ(logn) bound on the adaptive coin-weighing complexity of the parity problem.
Energy calculations for isomeric structures of deoxycytidine-3′-monophosphate

Abstract The extended Huckel theory is applied to the DNA nucleotide deoxycytidine-3′-monophosphate. Energy minima are obtained for the observed B and C conformations but not for the observed A form of DNA.
Mixing static and dynamic flowtime estimates for due-date assignment

Abstract Prediction of job flowtimes is important from the perspectives of both providing internal control and customer satisfaction. More specifically, accurate and precise flowtime prediction can facilitate proper timing for the release of materials and resources, improved accuracy of delivery dates to customers, and identification of jobs that require expediting. The objective of this paper is to introduce a new approach to flowtime prediction which improves performance quality over that found in existing dynamic flowtime estimation models. This new approach, mixed flowtime estimation, incorporates both static and dynamic flowtime estimates into a single, flowtime prediction model. In this investigation, mixed and dynamic models are compared experimentally using computer simulation of a job shop under various congestion conditions and dispatching heuristics. The results of this investigation reveal that the mixed flowtime prediction models provide significant improvements in job shop due-date estimation performance. Statistically significant performance improvements are obtained in both the average lateness and fraction tardy jobs for mixed estimates. Specifically, average lateness is reduced by 25% in the balanced shop and 40% in the bottleneck shop. This improvement enables a corresponding increase in the accuracy of job flowtime estimates, and, hence, due-date assignment accuracy. Due-date performance improvements are observed for each scheduling heuristic investigated.
Carbon Disulfide and N,N-Diethyldithiocarbamate Generate Thiourea Cross-Links on Erythrocyte Spectrin in Vivo

CS2, a known neurotoxicant, is used in the viscose production of rayon and is also a decomposition product of N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate, a metabolic product of the drug disulfiram used in alcohol aversion therapy. Previous in vitro investigations have demonstrated the ability of CS2 to cross-link proteins through thiourea, dithiocarbamate ester, and disulfide structures. Although in vivo studies have supported protein cross-linking as both a mechanism of neurotoxicity and a potential biomarker of effect, the chemical structures responsible for CS2-mediated protein cross-linking in vivo have not been elucidated. In the present study, the structure of one type of stable protein cross-link produced on erythrocyte spectrin by CS2 in vivo is determined. Rats were exposed to 50, 500, and 800 ppm CS2 for 13 weeks by inhalation or to 3 mmol/kg N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate administered orally on alternating days for 8 weeks. Erythrocyte spectrin preparations from control and exposed rats were hydrolyzed using 6 N H...
Does gently clearing the nasal passage affect odor identification

Identifying scents in a wine’s bouquet is considered one of the most important steps in the process of wine tasting. An individual’s ability to successfully do this is dependent on the sense of smell; thus, altering the nasal microenvironment could have a powerful effect on the wine tasting experience. In the present study, we examined olfactory performance in healthy participants who cleared their nasal cavity before odorant presentations. Fifty undergraduate participants were assessed with a standardized test of olfaction requiring the recognition of a battery of odors. Half of these participants cleared mucus from their nasal cavities (by gently blowing their noses) prior to the assessment. No difference was found in performance between those who cleared their nasal passages and those who did not. Further, data were not different than known population data from the test. These data suggest that gently clearing the nasal cavity before presentation of odorants bears no effect on the ability to perceive those odor qualities.
The challenges of constraint-based test generation

We describe the challenges underlying the design of a constraint-based test generator for functional verification of hardware. We show how these challenges are addressed by IntelliGen™ -- a constraint-based test generator by Cadence Design Systems.
Clinical applications of pulmonary function and graphics

Abstract Pulmonary function and mechanics testing are emerging as a valuable tool to aid clinical decision making in the management of ventilated infants. Although there are as yet no published randomized controlled trials to suggest that pulmonary mechanics testing reduces mortality or morbidity, it has – in conjunction with clinical, radiological, and blood gas monitoring – changed neonatal ventilation from ‘good judgement’ to ‘informed judgement’. It is not surprising that pulmonary graphics are increasingly being used as a tool for assessment of patient status, therapeutic evaluation, and management guidance of infants who become dependent on ventilator. A working knowledge of pulmonary graphics also improves understanding of pulmonary physiology and pathophysiology, and their responses to mechanical ventilatory support. Recent advances in microprocessor technology for on-line analysis of pulmonary mechanics have made such evaluations easily available for bedside clinical application.
A Finite-Difference Method for Boundary Layers with Reverse Flow

A closed-form equation is obtained which describes the average pressure acting at n equally-spaced points located around the circumference of a body of revolution with an angle of attack in hypersonic flow. It is found that when n 3, the average normalized pressure depends only upon the local body slope and the total angle of attack, and is independent of both the aerodynamic roll angle and the number of points.
Branching ratio for the production of I2Psol12) in the photodissociation of I2

Abstract The production of atomic iodine in the ground (2Pfrsol|3/2) and electronically excited (2P 1 3 ) states following laser-induced photodissociation of I2 the region 425–498 nm was monitored directly by resonance spectroscopy. The branching ratio for iodine atom formation. R = [I(2P 1 2 )]/[I(2P 3 2 )], is above 0.5 in the region 495–498 nm in agreement with the recent observation of laser action on the atomic transition at 1315 nm following photolysis of I2 using a dye laser. The present experiments permitted deconvolution of the I2 continuous absorption spectrum below 498 into contributions from the B3 Πo,u → X 1Σg+ and 1Πtu → X1σg− transitions.
A fully non-iterative technique for phase equilibrium and density calculations of CO2+brine system and an equation for CO2

Abstract Carbon sequestration is a big environmental issue these days. For geologic sequestration of CO2 accurate and time-efficient estimation of phase equilibrium between CO2 and brine is an important concern. As we know any phase equilibrium or mutual solubility calculations require iterations in order to attain desired convergence in fugacity measurements from which equilibrium compositions are obtained. In this paper a fully non-iterative technique is proposed for calculating phase equilibrium compositions of CO2 in brine water and that of H2O in CO2 rich phase for the temperature and pressures ranges of 20–40 °C, 1–400 bar, respectively. Brine salinity is tested up to 4 molality. As an essential part of this computation process, an empirical volume explicit equation for CO2 having only 8 parameters is presented. The volumetric data and calculated results of phase compositions using this equation are compared with the literature values. They exhibit good agreement with less than 2% deviation. A modified scheme of CO2+brine density calculation is also shown. More so, computational efficiency following the non-iterative technique against using Equation of State (EoS) in reservoir simulation is compared. This shows that the proposed technique can be even more than 1000 times faster than conventional phase equilibrium computation after integrating with numerical simulation of CO2 flow in reservoir.
Insolation patterns on synchronous exoplanets with obliquity

Abstract A previous paper [Dobrovolskis, A.R., 2007. Icarus 192, 1–23] showed that eccentricity can have profound effects on the climate, habitability, and detectability of extrasolar planets. This complementary study shows that obliquity can have comparable effects. The known exoplanets exhibit a wide range of orbital eccentricities, but those within several million kilometers of their suns are generally in near-circular orbits. This fact is widely attributed to the dissipation of tides in the planets. Tides in a planet affect its spin even more than its orbit, and such tidally evolved planets often are assumed to be in synchronous rotation, so that their rotation periods are identical to their orbital periods. The canonical example of synchronous spin is the way that our Moon always keeps nearly the same hemisphere facing the Earth. Tides also tend to reduce the planet’s obliquity (the angle between its spin and orbital angular velocities). However, orbit precession can cause the rotation to become locked in a “Cassini state”, where it retains a nearly constant non-zero obliquity. For example, our Moon maintains an obliquity of about 6.7° with respect to its orbit about the Earth. In comparison, stable Cassini states can exist for practically any obliquity up to ∼90° or more for planets of binary stars, or in multi-planet systems with high mutual inclinations, such as are produced by scattering or by the Kozai mechanism. This work considers planets in synchronous rotation with circular orbits, but arbitrary obliquity β ; this affects the distribution of insolation over the planet’s surface, particularly near its poles. For β = 0 , one hemisphere bakes in perpetual sunshine, while the opposite hemisphere experiences eternal darkness. As β increases, the region of permanent daylight and the antipodal realm of endless night both shrink, while a more temperate area of alternating day and night spreads in longitude, and especially in latitude. The regions of permanent day or night disappear at β = 90 ° . The insolation regime passes through several more transitions as β continues to increase toward 180°, but the surface distribution of insolation remains non-uniform in both latitude and longitude. Thus obliquity, like eccentricity, can protect certain areas of the planet from the worst extremes of temperature and solar radiation, and can improve the planet’s habitability. These results also have implications for the direct detectability of extrasolar planets, and for the interpretation of their thermal emissions.
Corona structures on Venus: Models of origin

The present study assesses the mantle diapir models of corona origin using the basic characteristics of coronas: relatively raised topography, annuli of compressional ridges, volcanism, and peripheral trough. Both rising and and sinking diapirs are modeled quantitatively. Rising mantle diapirs are caused by heating at depth, while sinking mantle diapirs may result from cooling or a phase change causing increased density and negative buoyancy at the base of the lithosphere. The hotspot model is most consistent with the major characteristics of coronas, with gravitational relaxation occurring as a modificational process. The sinking mantle diapir produces dominant central compression that is not observed at coronas. Higher-resolution image and altimetry data from Magellan can be used to distinguish more fully between the two models. Coronas in various states of formation and degradation can be identified in the Venera 15/16 data, suggesting that the process may be continuing today.
Effect of Pattern of Administration of Bovine Growth Hormone on Lactational Performance of Dairy Cows

Bovine growth hormone was administered to Holstein cows (late lactation) in a 4 X 4 Latin square design. Treatments were 1) control, subcutaneous injection of placebo, 2) subcutaneous injection of 25 IU growth hormone every 2nd d, 3) daily subcutaneous injection of 25 IU growth hormone, 4) continuous subcutaneous infusion of 25 IU/d growth hormone. Daily profiles of growth hormone in plasma consisted of: 1) a relatively constant concentration averaging 4.5 ng/ml for control, 2) a single peak of 21 to 25 ng/ml followed by a steady decline to baseline for treatments involving daily or alternate day injection (in the latter case concentrations maintained at baseline during the 2nd d after injection), and 3) a relatively constant elevation to 10.6 ng/ml for the continuous subcutaneous infusion. Total growth hormone in plasma increased in proportion to average daily dose of exogenous growth hormone. Milk yield responses in the daily injected and infused groups did not differ and averaged 28% over controls. Gross efficiency (milk energy/consumed energy) was increased 16% by daily administration of 25 IU growth hormone. Responses to the alternate day injection were approximately half those predicted for an average dose of 12.5 IU/d. No particular pattern in plasma growth hormone concentration need be attained to achieve lactational response to exogenous growth hormone. However, extending the interval between injections beyond 24 h may diminish the response per unit of growth hormone injected.
Meta-design and cultures of participation: transformative frameworks for the design of communication

Meta-design (transcending other design disciplines such as user-centered design and participatory design) is focused on "design for designers". It provides foundations for a fundamental shift from consumer cultures (specialized in producing finished goods to be consumed passively) to cultures of participation (in which all people are provided with the means to participate actively in personally meaningful activities). These frameworks explore and support new approaches for the design, adoption, appropriation, adaptation, evolution, and sharing of artifacts by all participating stakeholders. Meta-design and cultures of participation are not dictated by technology alone: they are the result of incremental shifts in human behavior and social organizations.
Pro-resolving lipid mediators are leads for resolution physiology

Advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that bring about the resolution of acute inflammation have uncovered a new genus of pro-resolving lipid mediators that include the lipoxin, resolvin, protectin and maresin families, collectively called specialized pro-resolving mediators. Synthetic versions of these mediators have potent bioactions when administered in vivo. In animal experiments, the mediators evoke anti-inflammatory and novel pro-resolving mechanisms, and enhance microbial clearance. Although they have been identified in inflammation resolution, specialized pro-resolving mediators are conserved structures that also function in host defence, pain, organ protection and tissue remodelling. This Review covers the mechanisms of specialized pro-resolving mediators and omega-3 essential fatty acid pathways that could help us to understand their physiological functions.
Epidermal growth factor receptor and tumor response to radiation: in vivo preclinical studies.

Abstract Purpose Evidence is rapidly mounting that dysregulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is one of the underlying mechanisms of more aggressive tumor behavior and increased tumor resistance to cytotoxic agents, including radiotherapy (RT). This has led to extensive preclinical and clinical studies aimed at developing effective treatment strategies that counteract EGFR-mediated signaling. In this article, we review preclinical studies, primarily from our laboratory, addressing the role of EGFR in tumor radioresponse and the use of C225, a human-mouse chimeric anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, to improve the results of RT. Methods and materials Mouse carcinomas were used to study the influence of EGFR on tumor radioresponse. EGFR expression was assessed by Western blot analysis, and cDNA transfection experiments were performed to determine a causal relationship between EGFR and tumor cell radioresistance. A431 human tumor xenografts growing in nude mice were used to test whether blockade of EGFR with C225 anti-EGFR antibody enhances tumor radioresponse. Results Our studies showed that high levels of EGFR were associated with decreased tumor radiocurability of murine carcinomas. The causal role of EGFR in mediating cellular resistance to RT was demonstrated by transfecting the EGFR cDNA into the cells with low levels of EGFR. The EGFR-high expression-transfected clones became more resistant to RT. RT activated EGFR and its downstream signaling pathways in radioresistant, but not in radiosensitive, tumors, which can be regarded as an adaptive response to radiation damage. Additional studies investigated whether blockade of EGFR and inhibition of EGFR-mediated downstream signaling can be exploited for therapeutic purposes. The results described here showed that treatment of human tumor xenografts with C225 can markedly enhance the tumor response to RT, as assessed by both tumor growth delay and the tumor cure rate. Conclusion The findings from our in vivo preclinical studies suggest that overexpression of EGFR could serve as a predictor of tumor treatment outcome by RT and as a therapeutic target to enhance the efficacy of RT. This therapeutic strategy is currently being explored in patients with head-and-neck cancers.
Efficient Parallelization of the Stochastic Simulation Algorithm for Chemically Reacting Systems On the Graphics Processing Unit

The small number of some reactant molecules in biological systems formed by living cells can result in dynamical behavior which cannot be captured by traditional deterministic models. In such a problem, a more accurate simulation can be obtained with discrete stochastic simulation Gillespie's stochastic simulation algorithm - SSA. Many stochastic realizations are required to capture accurate statistical information of the solution. This carries a very high computational cost. The current generation of graphics processing units GPU is well-suited to this task. In this paper we describe our implementation and present some computational experiments illustrating the power of this technology for this important and challenging class of problems.
Impact of T status and N status on perioperative outcomes after thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer.

Objective We sought to evaluate the effect of tumor size, location, and clinical nodal status on outcomes after thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer. Methods All patients who underwent attempted thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer between June 1999 and October 2010 at a single institution were reviewed. A model for morbidity including published risk factors as well as tumor size, location, and clinical N status was developed by multivariable logistic regression. Results During the study period, 916 thoracoscopic lobectomies met study criteria: 329 for peripheral, clinical N0 tumors ≤3 cm and 504 for tumors that were central, clinical node positive, or >3 cm. Tumor location could not be documented for 83 patients. Conversions to thoracotomy occurred in 36 patients (4%); patients with clinically node-positive disease had higher conversion rates (11 conversions in 153 clinical N1 to N3 patients [7.2%] vs 25 in 763 clinical N0 patients [3.3%, P = . 03]. Overall operative mortality was 1.6% (14 patients) and morbidity was 32% (296 patients). Although patients with larger tumors ( P = . 006) and central tumors ( P = . 01) had increased complications by univariate analysis, tumor size >3 cm ( P = . 17) and central location ( P = . 5) did not predict significantly overall morbidity in multivariate analysis. Clinical node status did not predict increased complications by univariate or multivariate analysis. Significant predictors of morbidity in multivariable analysis were increasing age, decreasing forced expiratory volume in 1 second, prior chemotherapy, and congestive heart failure. Conclusions Thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancers that are central, clinically node positive, or >3 cm does not confer increased morbidity compared with peripheral, clinical N0 cancers that are
ROBUST MAPPING OF BRAIN SURFACE MESHES ONTO A UNIT SPHERE

Complex shapes - such as the surface of the human brain - may be represented and analyzed in frequency space by a spherical harmonics transformation. A key step of the processing chain is introducing a suitable parametrization of the triangular mesh representing the brain surface. This problem corresponds to mapping the surface on a unit sphere. An algorithm is described that produces an optimal combination of an area- and angle-preserving mapping. A multi-resolution scheme provides the robustness required to map the highly detailed and convoluted brain surface
Skin disease and stigma in emerging adulthood: impact on healthy development.

Background:Visible skin disorders can limit healthy psychosocial development in several domains owing to the stigma these disorders create.Objective:To assess if emerging adults with acne and eczema perceive stigma in diverse developmental domains resulting from their visible skin conditions.Methods:A convenience sample of 336 emerging adults attending a diverse public university in northern California completed a Web-based survey. Multivariate modeling was used to determine if eczema and acne result in perceived stigma.Results:The mean (SD) age of respondents was 20.1(1.5) years; most were white (43.2%) and female (62.5%). Almost half (47%) reported acne and 16.4% reported eczema. The likelihood of experiencing perceived stigma was 1.6 (95% CI 1.13–2.27, p < .001) times higher for those with eczema compared to those without eczema, and the likelihood of experiencing perceived stigma was 3.19 (95% CI 2.41–4.22, p < .0001) times higher for those with acne compared to those without acne.Conclusions:Our find...
Media Use and Political Trust in an Emerging Democracy: Setting the Institutional Trust Agenda in Kosovo

Even though the consequences of media use for political trust are a saturated target of research, empirical studies that examine media content are limited to the effects of negative news and strategic framing on Western audiences. This study explores how agenda-setting effects on institutional attributes and performance prime citizens’ trust in political institutions in a transitional society. Drawing on survey and content analysis data, it suggests that the most important dimension of political trust is media priming of institutional efficiency and honesty. Whereas perceptions of economic performance have a significant positive relationship with trust in institutions, perceptions of political performance do not show any significant correlation with political trust.
Of marginal kinetic terms and anomalies

Certain special kinetic terms in supersymmetric field theories lead to exactly marginal operators in the sense of renormalization flow. Such terms are shown to arise naturally in 2-dimensional σ-models describing 4-dimensional superstring compactification, but many other models can also contain them. They are closely related to chiral gauge and gravitational anomalies on one hand and Ricci-flatness on the other.
Mechanical Properties of Excimer Laser Modified Titanium Surfaces

Excimer laser processing enables both thermally-driven transformations and the incorporation of solutes into the surface of materials through melting and diffusional mixing. We have examined the effect of excimer laser processing on the microstructure and surface mechanical properties of titanium alloys. Changes in the surface hardness due to laser processing were studied using a Nanoindenter™. Alloying experiments using both mixing of evaporated surface layers of boron and laser gas alloying in air and in nitrogen all result in changes in the surface hardness of the material. Alloying with boron results in an amorphous surface which is somewhat harder than the as polished surface. Laser processing in air and pure nitrogen results in incorporation of oxygen and nitrogen and the development of fine precipitates of TiO and TiN respectively. Substantial increases in surface hardness result due to solution and precipitation mechanisms. Nanoindenter™ data from several depths in the material are correlated with microstructure and solute concentration to illuminate the strengthening mechanisms involved.
Environmental pollutants and disease in American children: estimates of morbidity, mortality, and costs for lead poisoning, asthma, cancer, and developmental disabilities.

In this study, we aimed to estimate the contribution of environmental pollutants to the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and costs of pediatric disease in American children. We examined four categories of illness: lead poisoning, asthma, cancer, and neurobehavioral disorders. To estimate the proportion of each attributable to toxins in the environment, we used an environmentally attributable fraction (EAF) model. EAFs for lead poisoning, asthma, and cancer were developed by panels of experts through a Delphi process, whereas that for neurobehavioral disorders was based on data from the National Academy of Sciences. We define environmental pollutants as toxic chemicals of human origin in air, food, water, and communities. To develop estimates of costs, we relied on data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Health Care Financing Agency, and the Practice Management Information Corporation. EAFs were judged to be 100% for lead poisoning, 30% for asthma (range, 10-35%), 5% for cancer (range, 2-10%), and 10% for neurobehavioral disorders (range, 5-20%). Total annual costs are estimated to be $54.9 billion (range $48.8-64.8 billion): $43.4 billion for lead poisoning, $2.0 billion for asthma, $0.3 billion for childhood cancer, and $9.2 billion for neurobehavioral disorders. This sum amounts to 2.8 percent of total U.S. health care costs. This estimate is likely low because it considers only four categories of illness, incorporates conservative assumptions, ignores costs of pain and suffering, and does not include late complications for which etiologic associations are poorly quantified. The costs of pediatric environmental disease are high, in contrast with the limited resources directed to research, tracking, and prevention.
Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Transfer to Normal and Atherosclerotic Arteries A Novel Approach

Abstract Previous studies of gene transfer to blood vessels in vivo have relied on intraluminal, catheter-based methods for delivery of adenoviral and other vectors. In this study, topical application of a replication-deficient adenoviral vector was used as an alternative method of gene transfer to the vessel wall. We administered recombinant adenovirus (1.0 to 1.5×1010 pfu/mL) containing the nuclear targeted bacterial β-galactosidase gene topically to arteries in normal and atherosclerotic cynomolgus monkeys. Topical administration was achieved by injection of adenoviral suspension within the periarterial sheath. Segments of femoral and carotid arteries were examined histochemically after staining with 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-d-galactopyranoside 1 day after treatment with the adenovirus. After topical administration of virus, β-galactosidase activity was observed in ≈20% of cells in the adventitia in both normal and atherosclerotic arteries. There was no detectable β-galactosidase activity in cells of the intima or media. Thus, topical application provides an alternative method for gene transfer to blood vessels in vivo. This approach, which does not require interruption of blood flow and does not disrupt the endothelium, may be useful for studies of vascular biology and perhaps gene therapy in both normal and atherosclerotic vessels.
Spatiotemporal Properties of Layer V Neurons of the Rat Primary Somatosensory Cortex

Animals in their natural environments actively process spatiotemporally complex sensory signals in order to guide adaptive behavior. It therefore seems likely that the properties of both single neurons and neural ensembles should reflect the dynamic nature of such interactions. During exploratory behaviors, rats move their whiskers to actively discriminate between different tactile features. We investigated whether this dynamic sensory processing was reflected in the spatial and temporal properties of neurons in layer V of the ‘whisker area’ in the rat primary somatosensory cortex. We found that the majority of layer V neurons had large (8.5 ± 4.9 whiskers) spatiotemporal receptive fields (i.e. individual cells responded best to different whiskers as a function of post-stimulus time), and that the excitatory responses of surround whiskers formed a spatial gradient of excitation that seemed to reflect the greater use of the ventral and caudal whiskers during natural behaviors. Analyses of ensembles of layer V neurons revealed that single-whisker stimuli activated a portion of layer V that extends well beyond a single cortical column (average of 5.6 barrel cortical columns). Based on these results, we conclude that the rat primary somatosensory cortex does not appear to operate as a static decoder of tactile information. On the contrary, our data suggest that tactile processing in rats is likely to involve the on-going interactions between populations of broadly tuned neurons in the thalamocortical pathway.