cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the (in)accuracy of economic observations: An assessment of trends in the reliability of international trade statistics

Abstract Previous investigations which evaluated the accuracy of trade statistics were generally based on the partner country approach, i.e., a given country's reported exports (imports) were compared with a partner's reported imports (exports) with the objective of identifying major value differences and the reasons for these discrepancies. The present study employs a new methodology that focuses on the internal consistency of trade statistics. Four key questions are addressed: (1) are the data reported under different classification schemes (like SITC Revision 1 and 2) consistent at points where there are perfect correspondences between product groups: (2) are trade totals consistent with the sum of values reported for lower level products; (3) is total trade consistent with the sum of trade reported with individual partner countries; and (4) are trade values compiled by one reporting organization (United Nations) consistent with those of an alternative (IMF) agency. By performing these consistency tests annually from the early 1960s this study is able to assess trends in the reliability of trade data. The tests results should be extremely disquieting for data users. Differences of 100 percent (or more) are observed in some countries' (supposedly directly comparable) SITC Revision 1 and 2 trade totals with the average discrepancy for all developing countries' exports exceeding 60 percent in the early 1980s. Second, total trade figures are frequently found to be inconsistent with trade data for component products (i.e., the sum of trade in (say) three- or four-digit SITC products is often considerably more, or less, than a country;s reported trade) and such discrepancies persist in some country's data for more than 20 years. Third, there has been a clear deterioration in reporting the origin or destination of trade since 1980 as over 30 percent of developing countries' imports or exports are not properly allocated. Fourth, different international agencies sometimes report trade values for specific countries that differ by 100 percent or more. Such discrepancies appear especially important for the least developed countries, but there is evidence that the differences for all countries widened over the last decade.
REFORMATION OF NUCLEOLI AFTER ETHIONE-INDUCED FRAGMENTATION IN THE ABSENCE OF SIGNIFICANT PROTEIN SYNTHESIS

The rat liver nucleolus, after fragmentation induced by ethionine treatment, has been found to undergo complete reformation by adenine in the presence of a dose of cycloheximide sufficient to cause inhibition of protein synthesis by 90–95%. In contrast, actinomycin D given along with adenine was followed by the appearance of a small compact mass containing only the fibrillar component with no evident granules. This structure resembled pseudonucleoli seen in the anucleolate mutant of Xenopus laevis or in certain early stages of amphibian oocytes. Actinomycin D administered 2 hr after adenine induced a segregation of the fibrillar and granular components of nucleoli similar to that induced in the normal nucleolus. The implications of these findings in relation to nucleolar organization are briefly discussed.
Decomposition of methyl formate on W(100), W(100)-(5 × 1)C, and W(100)-CO(β) surfaces

Abstract The decomposition of methyl formate was examined using temperature-programmed reaction spectroscopy under ultrahigh vacuum conditions on single-crystal W(100), W(100)-CO(β), and W(100)-(5 × 1)C surfaces. The W(100) surface was highly selective toward formation of CO(β) and hydrogen from methyl formate. Hydrocarbon species, including methane, were produced on this surface from a complex with a stoichiometric excess of hydrogen only after the CO(β) states were saturated by cracking methyl formate. Passivation of the surface by adsorption of CO to form the W(100)-CO(β) surface prior to exposure to HCOOCH3 shifted the selectivity in favor of H2CO and CH3OH. Methyl formate decomposition on this surface followed a reaction pathway different from that on the W(100) surface: no hydrogen-excess surface complex was formed, and no methane was produced on the W(100)-CO(β) surface. Passivation of the surface by formation of the carbide chemilayer also shifted the selectivity toward hydrocarbon formation. The reaction pathways observed on the W(100) and W(100)-CO(β) surfaces both took place on the W(100)-(5 × 1)C surface, and methane was again evolved as on the W(100) surface via a complex involving an excess of hydrogen. This unusual complex appears to involve multiple methoxy groups and surface tungsten atoms which stabilize the excess hydrogen.
Mitochondrial DNA disorders.

Over 100 pathogenic point mutations and 200 deletions, insertions, and rearrangements have been identified since the first mitochondrial DNA mutations were described in 1988. About 60% of the point mutations affect mitochondrial tRNAs, 35% affect polypeptide subunits of the respiratory chain, and 5% affect mitochondrial ribosomal RNAs. The clinical phenotypes of mitochondrial tRNA disease span the spectrum of all known oxidative phosphorylation disorders and include MELAS, MERRF, Leigh syndrome, PEO, deafness, diabetes, sideroblastic anemia, myoclonus, skeletal myopathy, cardiomyopathy, and renal tubular acidosis. Mutations in respiratory chain proteins encoded by mtDNA result in phenotypes ranging from exercise intolerance to blindness, ataxia, dystonia, dementia, and Leigh syndrome.
743 PRENATAL IDENTIFICATION OF AN ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY HETEROZYGOTE

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an X-linked disorder associated with the accumulation of saturated very long chain fatty acids, particularly hexacosanoate (C26). Cultured skin fibroblasts show an increased ratio of C26 to C22 fatty acid (Annals of Neurol. 7:542, 1980). Fibroblast clones from ALD heterozygotes show two types of cells, one with a normal C26 to C22 ratio, the other with a ratio similar to the ALD hemizygote (Migeon,B.R. et al. Am. Journal of Hum. Genetics 32:157A, 1980). We have studied a large kindred which included heterozygotes for both ALD and an electrophoretic variant for G6PD, and found that in this kindred the ALD trait was associated with the G6PDA variant. One woman known to be ALD heterozygote by clonal analysis and G6PD type A had an elective abortion for reasons unrelated to ALD. A female fetus was found to have the G6PDA electrophoretic variant, and the fetal liver contained 5-10 times more C26 than did controls. Duplicate cultured amniotic fluid cells had a C26 to C22 ratio of 1.23 and 1.75 compared to 0.167 ± .094 (SD) in 16 control cultures. Ability to identify prenatally the ALD heterozygote makes it likely that it will be possible to achieve the prenatal identification of the ALD hemizygote.
Global failure criteria for positive/electrolyte/negative structure of planar solid oxide fuel cell

Due to mismatch of the coefficients of thermal expansion of various layers in the positive/electrolyte/negative (PEN) structures of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), thermal stresses and warpage on the PEN are unavoidable due to the temperature changes from the stress-free sintering temperature to room temperature during the PEN manufacturing process. In the meantime, additional mechanical stresses will also be created by mechanical flattening during the stack assembly process. In order to ensure the structural integrity of the cell and stack of SOFC, it is necessary to develop failure criteria for SOFC PEN structures based on the initial flaws occurred during cell sintering and stack assembly. In this paper, the global relationship between the critical energy release rate and critical curvature and maximum displacement of the warped cells caused by the temperature changes as well as mechanical flattening process is established so that possible failure of SOFC PEN structures may be predicted deterministically by the measurement of the curvature and displacement of the warped cells.
Carbon adsorption of phenol from aqueous solutions in the presence of other adsorbates

Abstract Experiments of fixed-bed carbon adsorption of phenol from aqueous solutions in the presence of three other adsorbates were made for the purposes of: (a) validating the multicomponent adsorption algorithm of Wang and Tien and (b) exploring the application of the method developed by Tien and coworkers in characterizing the adsorption affinity of background organics in fixed-bed calculations. The experimental results were found to give good agreement with predictions based on the Wang-Tien algorithm. Predictions made with the use of the characterization results were found to be marginally accurate. It is apparent that affinity characterization based on batch experiment results is not adequate if there is a strong competitive adsorption behavior among the various adsorbates.
Some past vignettes of and future prospects for Main Group chemistry

Abstract The present article traces, from the author's perspective, some of the important developments in the chemistry of the Group 13 and 15 elements that have taken place over the past three decades. Included in the review are compounds that feature multiple bonding between heavier Main Group elements, the coordination chemistry of Group 13 and 15 carbene analogues, and novel ring systems involving these elements. Some materials science and medicinal aspects of this area of chemistry are also presented.
Interaction between the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase and mTOR Signaling Pathways

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been referred to as an "energy sensor" because it binds to and is regulated by both AMP and ATP. The binding of AMP to AMPK allows it to be phosphorylated by upstream kinases, resulting in its activation. In contrast, the binding of ATP prevents its activation. AMPK regulates a multitude of metabolic processes that cumulatively function to maintain cellular energy homeostasis through repression of a number of energy-consuming processes with simultaneous enhancement of energy-producing processes. One downstream AMPK target that has been recently identified is the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a positive effector of cell growth and division. The focus of the present review is to briefly summarize current knowledge concerning the regulation of mTOR signaling by AMPK.
FlipADAM: a potential new SPECT imaging agent for the serotonin transporter.

Abstract Introduction Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging of the serotonin transporter (SERT) in the brain is a useful tool for examining normal physiological functions and disease states involving the serotonergic system. The goal of this study was to develop an improved SPECT radiotracer with faster kinetics than the current leading SPECT tracer, [ 123 I]ADAM, for selective SERT imaging. Methods The in vitro binding affinities of (2-(2′-((dimethylamino)methyl)-4′-iodophenylthio)benzenamine) (FlipADAM) ( 1c ), were determined using Hampshire pig kidney cells stably overexpressing the serotonin, norepinephrine (NET) or dopamine transporter (DAT). Localization of [ 125 I]FlipADAM ( 1c ) was evaluated through biodistribution and autoradiography in male Sprague Dawley rats, and the specificity of binding was assessed by injecting selective SERT or NET inhibitors prior to [ 125 I]FlipADAM ( 1c ). Results FlipADAM ( 1c ) displayed a high binding affinity for SERT ( K i =1.0 nM) and good selectivity over NET and DAT binding (43-fold and 257-fold, respectively). [ 125 I]FlipADAM ( 1c ) successfully penetrated the blood brain barrier, as evidenced by the brain uptake at 2 min (1.75% dose/g). [ 125 I]FlipADAM( 1c ) also had a good target to non-target (hypothalamus/cerebellum) ratio of 3.35 at 60 min post-injection. In autoradiography studies, [ 125 I]FlipADAM ( 1c ) showed selective localization in SERT-rich brain regions such as the thalamic nuclei, amygdala, dorsal raphe nuclei and other areas. Conclusion [ 125 I]FlipADAM ( 1c ) exhibited faster clearance from the brain and time to binding equilibrium when compared to [ 125 I]2-(2′-((dimethylamino)methyl)-phenylthio)-5-iodophenylamine [ 125 I]ADAM ( 1b ) and a higher target to non-target ratio when compared to [ 125 I]5-iodo-2-(2′-((dimethylamino)methyl)-phenylthio)benzyl alcohol [ 125 I]IDAM ( 1a ). Therefore, [ 123 I]FlipADAM ( 1c ) may be an improved SPECT tracer for imaging SERT.
Dynamics of interacting populations

Abstract A biological population can be viewed as a distributed parameter dynamical system. The dynamics of host-parasite systems are investigated by coupling populations via age specific interactions; analysis and simulation results are compared with experiments performed on a laboratory ecosystem. A number of novel dynamical effects emerge from the model which have some interesting ecological consequences.
Preliminary report of a phase I study of combined fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery and conventional external beam radiation therapy for unfavorable gliomas

Abstract Purpose: To determine the tolerance and toxicities of fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (FSRS) given in combination with conventional external beam radiation therapy (CEBRT). Methods and Materials: From March 1995 to September 1998, 14 patients with previously unirradiated and unfavorable glioma (malignant glioma, n = 8; unfavorable low-grade glioma, n = 5; and recurrent glioma, n = 1) were stratified into 3 groups according to tumor volume (TV) to determine the initial FSRS dose schedule: Group A ( n = 3): TV ≤ 5 cc (7 Gy × 2 pre- and post-CEBRT]; Group B ( n = 6): 5 cc n = 5): 15 cc Results: All patients were able to complete CEBRT without interruption or experiencing disease progression. Unacceptable toxicity has been limited to patients in groups B (grade 4, n = 2/6) and C (grade 4, n = 2/5). Eight patients required reoperation, with 3 (38%) having necrosis without evidence of tumor. Eleven patients (79%) have had objective partial (≥50% reduction, n = 2) or minor (>20% reduction, n = 9) imaging response. Follow-up ranged from 9 to 51 months (median 15 months), with 7 patients alive at 22–51 months. Conclusions: Imaging response and the ability of these patients with unfavorable intracranial gliomas to complete therapy without interruption or experiencing disease progression is very encouraging. Excessive toxicity of combined FSRS and CEBRT as evaluated thus far in this study was seen for patients with group B/C lesions. Evaluation of this novel treatment strategy with dose modification is ongoing.
The comet/solar wind transition region at Giacobini-Zinner

An account is given of the electron density, temperature and flow speed measurements made during the encounter with Comet Giacobini-Zinner by the Los Alamos plasma electron experiment on the ICE spacecraft. Between about 70,000 and 120,000 km from the nucleus of the comet, ICE found a region in which the solar wind flow speed decreased and the temperature increased by factors of about two. This transition region was characterized by large fluctuations in the plasma parameters and by highly variable electron velocity distributions. Electron temperature and density variations through the transition region reveal that ICE never crossed a short-scalelength bow shock during the encounter, although the scalelength for the gross transition in plasma properties is not incompatible with a shock dominated by the length scales of cometary ions. However, many of the electron distributions in the transition region and sheath are similar to those seen behind weak collisionless shocks elsewhere in the heliosphere. A model of the comet/solar wind interaction is suggested in which a standing shock exists sunward of the ICE trajectory, but, due to large variations in the upstream conditions, it is highly variable and perhaps only intermittent along the flanks.
Sleep loss, circadian mismatch, and abnormalities in reorienting of attention in night workers with shift work disorder

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Permanent night-shift workers may develop shift-work disorder (SWD). In the current study, we evaluated neurophysiological and behavioral indices of distractibility across times prior to the night shift (T1), during night hours (T2), and after acute sleep deprivation (T3) in permanent hospital night workers with and without SWD. METHODS: Ten asymptomatic night workers (NW) and 18 NW with SWD participated in a 25-h sleep deprivation study. Circadian phase was evaluated by dim-light salivary melatonin onset (DLMO). Objective sleepiness was evaluated using the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). Electrophysiological distractibility was evaluated by brain event-related potentials (ERP), whereas behavioral distractibility was evaluated by performance on a visual task in an auditory-visual distraction paradigm. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Comparisons of ERP results were performed by repeated-measures analysis of variance, and t-tests were used where appropriate. A Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of variables (MLST, Stanford Sleepiness Scale, and DLMO) that deviated from normal. RESULTS: First, in the SWD group, the reorienting negativity ERP amplitude was significantly attenuated compared to that in the NW group. Second, the SWD group had shorter MSLT during night shift hours (4.8 ± 4.9 min) compared to that in NW (7.8 ± 3.7 min; U = 47; z = -2.1; P Language: en
LOW-REDSHIFT Lyα SELECTED GALAXIES FROM GALEX SPECTROSCOPY: A COMPARISON WITH BOTH UV-CONTINUUM SELECTED GALAXIES AND HIGH-REDSHIFT Lyα EMITTERS* , ** , ** *

We construct a sample of low-redshift Lyα emission-line selected sources from Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) grism spectroscopy of nine deep fields to study the role of Lyα emission in galaxy populations with cosmic time. Our final sample consists of 119 (141) sources selected in the redshift interval z = 0.195-0.44 (z = 0.65-1.25) from the FUV (NUV) channel. We classify the Lyα sources as active galactic nuclei (AGNs) if high-ionization emission lines are present in their UV spectra and as possible star-forming galaxies otherwise. We classify additional sources as AGNs using line widths for our Lyα emitter (LAE) analysis. These classifications are broadly supported by comparisons with X-ray and optical spectroscopic observations, though the optical spectroscopy identifies a small number of additional AGNs. Defining the GALEX LAE sample in the same way as high-redshift LAE samples, we show that LAEs constitute only about 5% of NUV-continuum selected galaxies at z ~ 0.3. We also show that they are less common at z ~ 0.3 than they are at z ~ 3. We find that the z ~ 0.3 optically confirmed Lyα galaxies lie below the metallicity-luminosity relation of the z ~ 0.3 NUV-continuum selected galaxies but have similar Hα velocity widths at similar luminosities, suggesting that they also lie below the metallicity-mass relation of the NUV-continuum selected galaxies. We show that, on average, the Lyα galaxies have bluer colors, lower extinctions as measured from the Balmer line ratios, and more compact morphologies than the NUV-continuum selected galaxies. Finally, we confirm that the z ~ 2 Lyman break galaxies have relatively low metallicities for their luminosities, and we find that they lie in the same metallicity range as the z ~ 0.3 Lyα galaxies.
Optimal Control of Random Vibration in Shell Structures With Embedded Piezoelectric Components

The state covariance assignment (SCA) method of Skelton and associates is applied in the present investigation to the optimal random vibration control of large scale complicated shell structures with embedded piezoelectric components. It provides a direct approach for achieving performance goals stated in terms of the root-mean-square (RMS) values which are common in many engineering system designs. The large scale shell structures embedded with piezoelectric components of complicated geometrical configurations are approximated by the hybrid strain or mixed formulation based lower order triangular shell finite element developed in the present investigation. This shell finite element has three nodes every one of which has seven degrees of freedom (dof). The latter include three translational dof, three rotational dof, and one electric potential dof. The element is a better alternative to those based on the displacement formulation and that hinged on the truly hybrid strain formulation. Representative results applying the SCA method for a shell panel embedded with piezoelectric components are included to demonstrate its simplicity of use and efficiency of implementing the proposed approach.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
New Approaches to Melanoma Prevention

Skin cancer is a major public health concern, and tanning remains a modifiable risk factor. Multidimensional influences, including psychosocial, individual, environmental, and policy-related factors, create the milieu for individuals to engage in tanning. Parents and physicians can modify the behavior of teens and young adults using strategies based on harm reduction. Environmental and policy-related factors similar to those used to limit smoking by restricting access of minors to cigarettes in the United States in the 20th century need to be created. Federal regulations can restrict direct advertising and the excise tax can be increased to a prohibitive amount. Social networking may assist with affect regulation.
Reflux in duplicated ureters: Treatment in children

Abstract Reflux is more common in duplicated than in nonduplicated ureters. Since reflux may cause recurrence or persistence of urinary infection and destruction of renal parenchyma, the surgical treatment of ureteral duplication with reflux may be the most important aspect of management of children with such a pathologic picture. Available surgical procedures include ureteral reimplantation, heminephroureterectomy, pyelopylostomy with removal of dilated distal ureter, primary nephro-ureterectomy of both segments, nephro-ureterectomy secondary to primary heminephrectomy, and removal of refluxing ureteral stump remaining from previous heminephrectomy. In 28 children treated surgically for refluxing duplicated ureters, the most frequently used technique was ureteral reimplantation (17 cases). Excellent results were obtained in the majority of the 28 patients.
Chaperone-mediated autophagy regulates T cell responses through targeted degradation of negative regulators of T cell activation

Chaperone-mediated autophagy selectively targets single cytoplasmic proteins for degradation. Macian and colleagues show that such autophagy is induced by engagement of the TCR to target negative regulators of T cell activation.
Improving validation practices in "omics" research.

“Omics” research poses acute challenges regarding how to enhance validation practices and eventually the utility of this rich information. Several strategies may be useful, including routine replication, public data and protocol availability, funding incentives, reproducibility rewards or penalties, and targeted repeatability checks.
Frictional-faulting model for harmonic tremor before Redoubt Volcano eruptions

Volcanic tremor can be caused by small earthquakes occurring within the volcano. Mechanical modelling of volcanic tremor generated at Redoubt Volcano, Alaska, suggests that high-frequency tremor is the result of stick–slip motion in faults within the volcano conduit.
Measurements of thick target fission yields as a probe of fission excitation functions for deep sub-barrier energies

Abstract A close-geometry experimental technique has been developed and used to measure thick target fission yields for protons on 238 U from 4.2 to 12 MeV. Fission fragments were detected at back angles by an annular photo-voltaic detector in coincidence with γ-ray registered in large NaI(Tl) detector. The neutron induced fission background was monitored by a detector on the downstream side of the thick target. Measured yields compare well with those calculated from published thin target cross sections. This method has the required sensitivity to carry out measurements at still lower energies where recent measurements give conflicting findings.
Metabolic acidosis stimulates intestinal glutamine absorption.

Glutamine is an essential nutrient for cell integrity during acidotic states such as shock, but the effect of extracellular pH on intestinal mucosal cell glutamine uptake is poorly understood. The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the intracellular signaling pathways involved in controlling intestinal glutamine transport during acidosis. Lowering the pH in the cell culture medium resulted in an increase in glutamine transport activity in a time- and pH-dependent fashion. Chronic acidosis (pH 6.6 for 48 hours) resulted in a twofold increase in glutamine transport activity (1.63 ± 0.25 nmole/mg protein/ minute in acidosis vs. 0.78 ± 0.11 nmole/mg protein/minute in control) and a threefold increase in glutamine transport gene ATB messenger RNA levels. This acidosis-induced increase in glutamine transport activity was due to a stimulation of transporter maximal transport capacity (Vmax 13.6 ± 0.73 nmole/mg protein/minute in acidosis vs. 6.3 ± 0.46 nmole/mg protein/minute in control) rather than a change in transporter affinity (Km = 0.23 ± 0.02 mmol/L glutamine in acidosis vs. 0.19 ± 0.02 mmol/ L glutamine in control). This acidosis-stimulated glutamine transport activity was blocked by actinomycin-D or cycloheximide. Cellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) MEK1/2 and p42/44 levels were elevated in acidotic cells, and the acidosis-induced glutamine transport activity was blocked by the MAPK MEK 1 inhibitor PD 98059. Acidosis stimulates glutamine transport in Caco-2 cells via signaling pathways that lead to transcription of the glutamine transporter gene and translation of functional transporters. Mitogen-activated protein kinases are key intracellular regulators involved in this signal transduction cascade. An increased availability of glutamine to cells subjected to redox stress may help in maintaining cellular integrity.
No Nastas'ias on the Volga: Soviet Women Veterans and Folkloric Self-Representations

“No Nastas’ias on the Volga: Soviet Women Veterans andFolkloric Self-Representations” investigates how the Sovietwomen pilots of the 46th Guards Regiment who served in WorldWar II employed folkloric imagery to represent themselves inwartime poetry and in memoirs published between 1960 and 2002.The article argues that the women’s employment of this imagerygives insight into how they constructed their collective identity,how they negotiated shifting expectations for gender, and how, inthe twentieth century, they interpreted folkloric images theyinherited from the past. The author’s approach bridges disparatebodies of scholarship in the fields of folkloristics, gender studies,and history. The author analyzes the meanings of both the imageswhich the pilots appropriated—the bogatyr’ [the male knight],witch, and to a lesser extent, the eagle and swallow—as well as akey folkloric personage whom memoirists ignored: the polianitsa[woman knight]. In a broader context, this article elucidates how amarginalized, silenced cohort used its cultural heritage to create aunified identity, carve a place for itself in a larger collectivememory, and how its utilization of cultural tools evolved with thepassage of time.
Worker authenticity in group work

The article focuses on the issue of worker authenticity in working with groups. It is suggested that authenticity is an important ingredient in the helping relationship and that the social worker needs to encounter the members as a human being who is willing to reveal himself rather than as a professional, playing a role. While the importance of the worker being genuine is highlighted, attention is also given to those situations when it may be inappropriate for the worker to disclose personal thoughts and feelings. The author suggests specific guidelines based on timing, appropriateness, and motivation.
Effects of feed water temperature on separation performance and organic fouling of brackish water RO membranes

Data are presented from a series of laboratory experiments designed to evaluate separation performance and humic acid fouling for two RO membranes treating brackish water at temperatures of 15, 25, and 35°C. A model is proposed that considers changes only to solute and solvent properties. Model results and experimental data confirm that solute concentration polarization decreases, while water permeability and salt permeability increase with temperature. Overall, higher feed water temperature reduces energy consumption and observed salt rejection to a greater extent than that predicted by the model, which suggests that RO transport models must be developed for predicting changes in solution and membrane properties. At all temperatures, salt rejection increases after introduction of humic acid, probably due to membrane modification and sealing of thin film defects. Humic acid colloidal size decreases with increasing temperature. At higher temperatures, humic acid rejection is lower (as measured by TOC) due to changes in the membrane structure and in the fraction of dissolved TOC. Flux decline is much more severe at 15°C, but practically identical at 25 and 35°C. The mass of humic acid accumulated on the membranes is essentially the same at all temperatures, but specific cake resistance increases as temperature decreases; hence, specific cake resistance increases with increasing humic acid colloid size. These results have important implications for engineering efforts to mitigate membrane fouling and reduce energy consumption in brackish water desalination.
Notch size effects in HCF behavior of Ti–6Al–4V

Abstract The high cycle fatigue (HCF) behavior of Ti–6Al–4V is investigated for cylindrical specimens having three sizes of geometrically similar circumferential V-notches, each with an elastic stress concentration factor, K t , of approximately 2.78. A step loading technique for obtaining a point on a constant life (10 6 cycles) Haigh diagram from a single test specimen was implemented. Tests were performed at stress ratios of R =0.1, 0.5, and 0.8 for specimens machined from two different product forms of Ti–6Al–4V, bar and plate forgings. Results indicate that while there is a definite notch size effect in the Ti–6Al–4V bar within the range of notch sizes tested, little or no such effect exists in the plate.
Adaptation to water restriction through dietary selection in weanling rats.

Abstract For each of five pair of diets, 20 weanling rats were equally divided into ad lib and restricted water groups. Caloric density, palatability, as well as nutrient composition of the diet pairs were manipulated. Though lower in absolute food intake than controls, water-restricted rats took a larger proportion of their food from diets lower in protein content and higher in fat content, regardless of caloric content or palatability. The results demonstrate both a quantitative and qualitative dietary adaptation to water restriction.
Immunotherapy of metastases of human neoplastic cells grown in immunodeficient mice

Hereditarily athymic (nude) and asplenic-athymic (lasat) mice were inoculated neonatally with 107 K-562 pluripotential leukemia cells of human origin. Meningeal infiltration and/or multiple metastases were found in the lungs, kidneys, and lymph nodes in nearly 60% of mice. Twice as many lasat mice as nude mice had meningeal and lymph node infiltrations. This result indicates that the spleen of nude mice influences the infiltrations and/or the distribution of metastases. Metastases of K-562 cells were found as early as 10 days and as late as 115 days of age. Goat immune gamma (γ)-globulin, prepared from antiserum to K-562 cells and absorbed with peripheral leukocytes and bone marrow cells from normal individuals, markedly diminished the incidence of metastases of K-562 cells. About 16% of the mice treated with immune γ-globulin had metastases in the lungs only. All mice receiving the immune γ-globulin had peripheral monocytosis and lymphocytosis as well as a hyperplasia of the bone marrow monocytic series. Immune γ-globulin may lyse heterotransplanted leukemia cells by direct binding to leukemia cells in the presence of complement and/or may activate antibody-dependent effector cells, for example macrophages or killer cells, which would destroy the transplanted leukemia cells.
The Maroons of Prospect Bluff and their quest for freedom in the Atlantic world

In The Maroons of Prospect Bluff, historian Nathaniel Millett presents a remarkably thorough and exceptionally detailed account concerning the inhabitants of the Negro Fort and its context within t...
Surface preparation of the S-1 Spheromak flux core liner

Different methods of preparing the S-1 Spheromak flux core liner for exposure to plasma (i.e. cleaning and polishing techniques) were studied with the goal of reducing the net impurity resources available for contaminating the plasma during Spheromak formation. The S-1 Inconel 601 liner is described together with an analysis of topography and surface and/or near-surface composition of various Inconel samples subjected to mechanical, electrochemical and chemical preparation techniques. The general conclusion based on the analysis of the samples is that the different techniques are roughly competitive on the basis of surface composition, while less preparation tends to give better results in terms of the criteria mentioned above. This has helped to simplify the liner preparation.
Exploiting Site−Site Interactions on Solid Support to Generate Dimeric Molecules

“Intra-site” olefin cross-metathesis on solid support leads to nearly quantitative yields of dimeric molecules.
Cooperative non-specific DNA binding by octamerizing lambda cI repressors: a site-specific thermodynamic analysis.

Abstract Relationships between dimerization and site-specific binding have been characterized previously for wild-type and mutant c I repressors at the right operator ( O R ) of bacteriophage lambda DNA. However, the roles of higher-order oligomers (tetramers and octamers) that are also formed from these c I molecules have remained elusive. In this study, a clear correlation has been established between repressor oligomerization and non-specific DNA-binding activity. A modification of the quantitative DNase I footprint titration technique has been used to evaluate the degree of saturation of non-specific, O R -flanking λ DNA by c I repressor oligomers. With the exception of one mutant, only those repressors capable of octamerizing were found to exhibit non-specific DNA-binding activity. The non-specific interaction was accurately modeled using either a one-dimensional, univalent, site-specific Ising lattice approximation, or a more traditional, multivalent lattice approach. It was found that non-specific DNA-binding by repressor oligomers is highly cooperative and energetically independent from site-specific binding at O R . Furthermore, the coupling free energy resolved for non-specific binding was similar to that of site-specific binding for each repressor, suggesting that similar structural elements may mediate the cooperative component of both binding processes. It is proposed that the state of assembly of the repressor molecule modulates its relative affinity for specific and non-specific DNA sequences. These specificities are allosterically regulated by the transmission of assembly-state information from the C-terminal domain, which mediates self-association and cooperativity, to the N-terminal domain, which primarily mediates DNA-binding. While dimers have a high affinity for their cognate sites within O R , tetramers and octamers may preferentially recognize non-specific DNA sequences. The concepts and findings developed in this study may facilitate quantitative characterization of the relationships between specific, and non-specific binding in other systems that utilize multiple modes of DNA-binding cooperativity.
Effect of timing of metastasis/disease recurrence and histologic differentiation on survival of patients with advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND. Patients with advanced gastric cancer have a median survival (MS) of <9 months. It is unclear whether the MS of patients who have advanced cancer at the time of diagnosis (synchronous, Group A) is different from that for patients who develop advanced cancer after curative surgery (metachronous, Group B). It was hypothesized that survival would be similar. METHODS. The medical records of all patients treated at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center who were in either Group A or Group B were reviewed. Survival of patients was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. A Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate hazards ratios that were adjusted for the effects of location of recurrence, histologic differentiation, patient sex and age, the location of the primary tumor, and timing of disease recurrence (Group A or Group B) on survival. RESULTS. In all, 773 consecutive patients qualified for the analysis. The distribution of age, race, histologic differentiation, and primary tumor location was similar in both groups. The MS of Group A (n = 603 patients) and Group B (n = 170 patients) was the same (7.6 months). Similarly, the location of the primary tumor and patient sex were found to have no impact on survival. Patients with poorly differentiated tumors (World Health Organization grade 3 or 4) were found to have a shorter survival compared with those with well-differentiated or moderately differentiated tumors (grade 1 or 2; P = .004). Patients with distant metastases had a shorter survival (P = .01) than those with locoregional disease recurrence. CONCLUSIONS. The data show that MS is similarly poor in patients with advanced gastric cancer with synchronous metastasis (Group A) or those with metachronous metastasis/disease recurrence (Group B). Poor differentiation and anatomically distant site of metastasis were found to impact MS adversely. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Currency of coverage in the MLA international bibliography

Couverture de la bibliographie internationale MLA sur les publications dans le domaine de la litterature et du langage. MLA = Modern Language Association
The pediatric arrest.

Tonight a girl, 8 years old or so, lies unresponsive in the emergency department. I do not treat children. They are small, and they seem fragile and medically mysterious to me. I do not know how to...
HIV-related metabolic comorbidities in the current ART era.

Despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-infected individuals have residual chronic immune activation that contributes to the pathogenesis of HIV infection. This immune system dysregulation is a pathogenic state manifested by very low naive T-cell numbers and increased terminally differentiated effector cells that generate excessive proinflammatory cytokines with limited functionality. Immune exhaustion leaves an individual at risk for accelerated aging-related diseases, including renal dysfunction, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis. We highlight research that clarifies the role of HIV, ART, and other factors that contribute to the development of these diseases among HIV-infected persons.
Bone Density in Peripubertal Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorders

We determined whether bone mineral density (BMD) is lower in boys with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) than controls, and also assessed variables that may affect BMD in ASD. BMD was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 18 boys with ASD and 19 controls 8–14 years old. Boys with ASD had lower BMD Z-scores at the spine, hip and femoral neck, and differences at the hip and femoral neck persisted after controlling for maturity and BMI. Vitamin D intake from food and in serum were lower in ASD subjects, as was exercise activity. We conclude that BMD is lower in peripubertal boys with ASD and may be associated with impaired vitamin D status and lower exercise activity.
Cutting Edge Research Updates

Abstract The most important research findings pertain to a better understanding of the timing and progression of biochemical and cellular events occurring during the developmental stage of laminitis. Using molecular biological techniques, a critical gene was identified for the upregulation of the thrombo-spondin motif known as aggrecanase-1. Aggrecan and other large polysulfated proteoglycans are important components of the lamellar structure; therefore with the presence of aggrecanase identified as one of the earlier occuring substances present in laminitis, this and other chemokines and cytokines may play an important role in lamellar tissue failure.
Attainment of the theoretical minimum input power for injection locking of an unstable-resonator KrF laser.

We report attaining a ratio of output to injected power as high as 108 in a KrF system, the limit being reached when injected power equals the noise per mode in the resonator. We find that, because of coherence effects, adjustment of the cavity length for correct value of the equivalent Fresnel number can change the threshold power for frequency locking by at least 2 orders of magnitude. The laser’s locked bandwidth is <0.1 A, and the line can be tuned over a range exceeding 10 A. The beam divergence is near (i.e., 1.5×) the diffraction limit.
Stimulating Lymphotoxin β Receptor on the Dendritic Cells Is Critical for Their Homeostasis and Expansion

The increased number of dendritic cells (DCs) inside lymphoid tissue may contribute to the enhanced priming of lymphocytes. The homeostasis of splenic DCs has mostly been attributed to their migration to the spleen via the chemokine microenvironment induced by lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) signaling on splenic stromal cells. In this study we show that the lack of direct LTβR signaling on DCs is associated with the reduction of the number of DCs in the spleen independently of chemokine gradients. LTβR−/− mice have reduced DCs and reduced BrdU incorporation on DCs, and fewer DCs from LTβR−/− mice are detected in the spleen. Furthermore, increased expression of LIGHT (homologous to lymphotoxin, exhibits inducible expression, competes with herpesvirus glycoprotein D for herpes virus entry mediator on T cells) on T cells, a member of the TNF family (TNFSF14) and a ligand for LTβR, could dramatically increase the number of T cells and DCs, which leads to severe autoimmune diseases in a LTβR-dependent fashion. In vitro, LIGHT could directly promote accumulation of bone marrow-derived DCs. Furthermore, intratumor expression of LIGHT can dramatically expand DCs in situ, and inoculation of DCs into tumor tissues enhanced tumor immunity. Therefore, LTβR signaling on DCs is required for their homeostasis during physiology and pathological conditions, and increased LIGHT-LTβR interaction could stimulate DC expansion for T cell-mediated immunity.
Understanding Masculinity in Undergraduate African American Men: A Qualitative Study

This study reports findings on views of masculinity with undergraduate Black men, which included interviews and focus groups (N = 46) with participants ranging in age from 18 to 22 years. Specifically, this study explored how Black men define being a man and being a Black man. Undergraduate Black males at a historically Black college and university (N = 25) and a predominately White institution (N = 21) in the Southeastern United States were recruited to participate in this study. Through the use of thematic analysis, findings indicated that three levels of masculinity exist for Black men: what it means to be a man, what it means to be a Black man, and who influences male development. Implications and recommendations for future research and practice are discussed.
An evaluation of thresholding techniques in fMRI analysis

This paper reviews and compares individual voxel-wise thresholding methods for identifying active voxels in single-subject fMRI datasets. Different error rates are described which may be used to calibrate activation thresholds. We discuss methods which control each of the error rates at a prespecified level alpha, including simple procedures which ignore spatial correlation among the test statistics as well as more elaborate ones which incorporate this correlation information. The operating characteristics of the methods are shown through a simulation study, indicating that the error rate used has an important impact on the sensitivity of the thresholding method, but that accounting for correlation has little impact. Therefore, the simple procedures described work well for thresholding most single-subject fMRI experiments and are recommended. The methods are illustrated with a real bilateral finger tapping experiment.
Hemoglobinuria in Rats: A sensitive Test of Renal Filtering and Absorption of Peg-Hemoglobin, a Red Blood Cell Substitute

Hemoglobinuria, defined as hemoglobin or hemoglobin subunits in the urine, is an easily monitored, sensitive indicator of renal handling of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes. Hemoglobin tetramer dissociation increases filtration by the kidneys. When the rate of filtration exceeds reabsorption, hemoglobinuria occurs. This study investigates the renal filtration and absorption of polyethylene glycolmodified bovine hemoglobin by monitoring for hemoglobinuria in several model systems.
Cost-Effectiveness and Cost Thresholds of Generic and Brand Drugs in a National Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment Program in China.

Chronic liver disease and liver cancer associated with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are leading causes of death among adults in China. Although newborn hepatitis B immunization has successfully reduced the prevalence of CHB in children, about 100 million Chinese adults remain chronically infected. If left unmanaged, 15–25% will die from liver cancer or liver cirrhosis. Antiviral treatment is not necessary for all patients with CHB, but when it is indicated, good response to treatment would prevent disease progression and reduce disease mortality and morbidity, and costly complications. The aim of this study is to analyze the cost-effectiveness of generic and brand antiviral drugs for CHB treatment in China, and assessing various thresholds at which a highly potent, low resistance antiviral drug would be cost-saving and/or cost-effective to introduce in a national treatment program. We developed a Markov simulation model of disease progression using effectiveness and cost data from the medical literature. We measured life-time costs, quality adjusted life years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), and clinical outcomes. The no treatment strategy incurred the highest health care costs ($12,932-$25,293) per patient, and the worst health outcomes, compared to the antiviral treatment strategies. Monotherapy with either entecavir or tenofovir yielded the most QALYs (14.10–19.02) for both HBeAg-positive and negative patients, with or without cirrhosis. Threshold analysis showed entercavir or tenofovir treatment would be cost saving if the drug price is $32–75 (195–460 RMB) per month, highly cost-effective at $62–110 (379–670 RMB) per month and cost-effective at $63–120 (384–734 RMB) per month. This study can support policy decisions regarding the implementation of a national health program for chronic hepatitis B treatment in China at the population level.
Collaboration in Cargo Transportation

We discuss two forms of collaboration in cargo transportation: carrier alliances in sea and air cargo, and shipper collaborations in trucking. After discussing the current industry settings that make such collaborations beneficial, we present a set of questions that need to be answered in the collaborative setting. These questions deal with issues such as (i) what is the maximum benefit the collaboration can achieve? (ii) How should these benefits be allocated? (iii) What membership rules and regulations will increase the sustainability of a given alliance? We provide a set of models for resolving these issues and analyze the properties of the solutions obtained from them.