cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
381 MATERNAL ABO BLOOD GROUP B: A POSSIBLE PREDISPOSING FACTOR TO COLONIZATION WITH GROUP BSTREP TOCOCCI

In a prospective study of maternal genital colonization with Group B streptococci (GBS) at the time of onset of labor, epidemiological data, including ABO blood group were recorded for the 1062 patients studied. 124 (11.7%) of these patients had cervical cultures positive for GBS. A significantly higher incidence of the blood group B was noted in the colonized population compared to the total population studied (28% vs. 16.4% p<.005, X2=8.43, ldf). Estimated risk of being colonized at onset of labor for a woman whose blood group is B was twice that of those with group O or A. The data was further analyzed with respect to factors influencing the incidence of both the blood group B, i.e. race,and group B streptococcal colonization i.e. absence of antenatal care & preterm labor. Increased incidence of colonization in the unregistered population (37%) and in those delivered at ≤ 32 weeks gestation (53%) vs. 11.7% in the total population studied failed to account for the association between the blood group B and GBS colonization. The presence of ABO isohemaglutinnins in the cervical secretions has been reported (Gershowitz,Solish,* 1963). On the basis of our findings we postulate a local (cervical) Anti-B antibody interaction with GBS which may suppress colonization.Thus, absence of Anti-B antibody in the cervical secretions of women whose blood group is B, may predispose them to Group B streptococcal colonization.(*Proc.Soc.Exp.Biol.&Med.108-645)
MO‐G‐BRE‐07: Risk Assessment of Surface Image Guided Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Purpose: To develop a process map detailing the steps in the clinical workflow for surface imaging guided stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), conduct a failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) based on the process map, and perform fault tree analysis (FTA) on the steps with the highest risk priority number (RPN). Methods: A multi-disciplinary team was assembled to develop a comprehensive process map listing the steps from initial consult to final treatment of a patient receiving surface image guided SRS. This process map represents the ideal workflow that would lead to successful treatment. An FMEA was conducted to determine the failure modes for each of the surface imaging related steps in the workflow and their relative risks. The risk priority numbers were calculated as the product of the occurrence, severity, and lack of detectability. The failure modes were ranked by RPN to determine the relative risk of the various steps in the process, and FTA was used to identify the potential causal relationships Results: The SRS process map contained over 90 steps, resulting in an FMEA with over 150 failure modes - about 25% associated with surface imaging. Based on the FMEA, the steps with the highest RPN were related to image registration, target delineation, and image handling. Surface imaging processes had considerably lower RPNs on average due to the high detectability of failure. Conclusion: The process map and FMEA presented in this work has reinforced the importance of image registration and target delineation in SRS. Clinicians considering proactive quality management of their SRS and/or surface imaging programs should be able to use the process map and FMEA as a template for their analyses. Although the occurrence rate and detection efficiency are dependent on the policies and procedures of an institution, the steps with the greatest RPN should not vary greatly.
Natural History of Tetralogy of Fallot in Infancy Clinical Classification and Therapeutic Implications

We employ a classification system for tetralogy (TF) that correlates clinical findings with the nature and severity of right ventricular (RV) outflow obstruction. Group 0 infants are acyanotic, Group 1 and 2 infants have intermittent or mild cyanosis with hypoxic spells, Group 3 infants have severe cyanosis without spells, and Group 4 infants have severe cyanosis and pulmonary artery (PA) hypoplasia without spells. Since 1964, 59 infants were identified as having TF, documented by catheterization. Contrary to previous reports, the majority (40 of 59) were acyanotic (Group 0) at birth. Cyanosis and hypoxic spells subsequently developed at mean ages of 6.1 and 13.4 mo respectively, due to increasing muscular infundibular hypertrophy, as well as fibrosis and growth failure of the RV outflow tract, due to diminished pulmonary blood flow. At catheterization (mean age 12.7 mo) only two were still in Group 0. An understanding of the progressive nature of TF suggests that infants in groups 1-3 can have total corr...
Necessary conditions for the existence of conditional moments of stable random variables

Let (X1, X2) be a symmetric α-stable random vector with 0 < α < 2. Its distribution is characterized by a finite measure Г on the unit circle called the spectral measure. It is known that if Г satisfies some integrability condition then the conditional moment E[|X2|p|X1 = x] can exist for α ⩽ p < 2α + 1. The paper shows that this sufficient condition is also necessary in the cases α < p < 2α + 1 if either 0 < α ⩽ 12 or 1 < α ⩽ 32, α < p ⩽ 2 if 12 < α ⩽ 1 and α < p ⩽ 4 if 32 < α < 2. It also provides a sufficient and necessary condition for the existence of E[|X2|α|X1 = x] (i.e. p = α) for 0 < α < 2.
Differences in quality of care among non-safety-net, safety-net, and children's hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To understand factors associated with pediatric inpatient safety events, we test 2 hypotheses: (1) scarce resources (as measured by Medicaid burden) in safety-net hospitals relative to non–safety-net hospitals result in higher rates of safety events; and (2) higher levels of severity and more chronic conditions in patient populations lead to higher rates of safety events within hospital category and in children’s hospitals in comparison with non-children’s hospitals. METHODS: All nonnewborn pediatric hospital discharge records, which met criteria for potentially experiencing at least 1 pediatric quality indicator (PDI) event (using Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s 2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample and PDI) and weighted to represent national level estimates, were analyzed for patterns of PDI events within and across hospital categories by using bivariate comparisons and multivariable logit models with robust SEs. The outcome measure “ANY PDI” captures the number of pediatric discharges at the hospital level with 1 or more PDI event. RESULTS: High Medicaid burden does not seem to be a factor in the likelihood of ANY PDI. Severity of illness (adjusted odds ratio high relative to low, 15.12) and presence of chronic conditions (adjusted odds ratio 1 relative to 0, 1.78; relative to 2 or more, 3.38) are the strongest predictors of ANY PDI events. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the patient population served, rather than hospital category, best predicts measured quality, underscoring the need for robust risk adjustment when incentivizing quality or comparing hospitals. Thus, problems of quality may not be systemic across hospital categories. * Abbreviations: AHRQ — : Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality aOR — : adjusted odds ratio NIS — : Nationwide Inpatient Sample PDI — : pediatric quality indicator POA — : present on admission PSI — : patient safety indicator
Astrophysics: Weighing in on neutron stars

The more massive a neutron star is, the greater the constraints it places on the nature of the matter at its core. The discovery of a new mass record holder has strengthened those constraints considerably. See Letter p.1081 New observations of the binary millisecond pulsar J1614-2230 have identified one of its components as the most massive neutron star for which a precise mass is known — nearly 20% greater than previous highest values. Neutron stars are composed of the densest form of matter known, and millisecond pulsars are rotating neutron stars. The observed range of neutron star masses has hitherto been too narrow to rule out many predictions of 'exotic' non-nucleonic components, but this pulsar weighs in at around two solar masses, ruling out almost all currently proposed equations of state involving exotic hyperon or boson condensates.
Entropic Attraction of Polymers toward Surfaces and Its Relationship to Surface Tension

Experimental methods for estimating entropic attraction parameters, Ue (attraction of chain ends) and Uj (repulsion of branched points), are important for quantifying surface enrichment of arbitrarily branched polymer components in blends. Measurements of Ue and Uj are also important for determining points of reversal of enrichment, where a small linear or branched species with higher surface energy is preferentially enriched at the surface of a blend with a chemically different, yet miscible polymer. In this article, we show that measurements of polymer surface tension as a function of molecular weight provides a simple tool for quantifying their entropic attraction to surfaces. Specifically, we show that in the limit of high molar mass the surface tension γ of a branched polymer with ne ends and nj branch points varies as γ|Mw ≅ γ|∞ + [ρbRT(neUe + njUj)]/Mw, where Mw is the molecular weight of the polymer, ρb is the bulk density, R is the gas constant, and T is the temperature. Surface tension values pr...
Appetite responds to changes in meal content, whereas ghrelin, leptin, and insulin track changes in energy availability.

Context: It is uncertain how between-meal variations in energy availability and physiological changes in ghrelin, leptin, and insulin affect appetite. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the influence on human appetite of the meal size and its nutrient content or changes in energy availability and concentrations of ghrelin, leptin, and insulin. Design: We conducted a crossover study manipulating meal size and energy availability through exercise energy expenditure and iv nutrient replacement (TPN). Setting: The study was performed at a Clinical Research Center. Participants: Ten healthy postmenopausal women (age, 59.7 ± 1.5 yr; mean body mass index, 26 kg/m2) were studied. Interventions: We conducted trials based on different morning meal size (418 vs. 2090 KJ), presence or absence of exercise energy expenditure (2273 to 2361 KJ), energy replacement by TPN (1521 to 1538 KJ), and a midday ad libitum meal. Main Outcome Measures: Changes in hunger, fullness, midday ad libitum food consumption, and concentrations of ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and metabolic fuels were measured. We also performed midday meal tests for the presence of caloric compensation. Results: Appetite was influenced by the size and energy content of the meals, but not by variation in energy availability which also did not trigger consummatory compensation. Exercise reduced hunger and increased fullness. Ghrelin, leptin, and insulin responded to changes in energy availability but not to meal size. Appetite was unaffected by physiological changes in ghrelin, leptin, or insulin. Conclusions: During rest, appetite is influenced by the size and energy content of meals, but it bears no homeostatic relationship to between-meal changes in energy availability due to small meals, exercise, or TPN, or concentrations of ghrelin, leptin, and insulin.
Introduction: Family enterprises and family life

Among the questions in the field of family history that require more systematic attention is the complex interaction between families and the small-scale economic institutions in which their member...
An approach for the synthesis of nakamuric acid.

The biosynthesis of dimeric pyrrole–imidazole alkaloids is likely mediated by enzyme-catalyzed reversible single-electron transfer (SET) cycloaddition. We now show that Ir(ppy)3 can promote SET-mediated formal [2+2] and [4+2] cycloaddition reactions of pyrrole–imidazole alkaloids-related substrates under photolytic conditions. This biomimetic approach is useful for the construction of the core skeleton of nakamuric acid and sceptrin.
Judeo-Persian deverbatives in -šn and -št

The starting point of this presentation of data is the modern Persian deverbative nominal abstract in -es. These are freely formed in Persian from the present stems of verbs. A trustworthy standard source on the origin of this suffix is P. Horn, “Neupersische Schriftsprache”, Grundriss der Iranischen Philologie, I, 182
A technique for electrically stimulating extrusion of spermatophores from the lobster, Homarus americanus

Abstract A technique for electrically inducing spermatophore extrusion from live lobsters ( Homarus americanus ) is described. When a 12-V stimulus is applied around the coxa of the fifth walking leg, a single spermatophore is extruded through the gonopore. The sperm in extruded spermatophores are morphologically normal and undergo normal acrosome reactions. The technique provides a ready source of viable sperm for in vitro studies on fertilization and for artificial insemination of freshly molted female lobsters. The spermatophore itself is a natural package for sperm storage and may be useful in the future development of lobster sperm banks.
Nemaline myopathy, an integrated study: selective extraction.

Abstract Low ionic strength extraction of glycerinated skeletal muscle containing nemaline rods removes Z lines before rods or M lines. Low ionic strength extraction also removes Z lines in nemaline muscle more rapidly than in control muscle. Partial extraction of nemaline rods uncovers a highly ordered filament lattice consisting of a set of longitudinal filaments and another set of filaments that pass obliquely to the longitudinal filaments. Spacing and intercepts of the filaments in this lattice are responsible for the longitudinal and transverse periodicities seen in the intact rod. The structure in the rod lattice between adjacent minor transverse periods appears similar to the structure of native Z lines and permits the interpretation that the nemaline rod is a lateral polymer of Z-line subunits. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of the low ionic strength extracts of nemaline muscle, done both in denaturing (SDS) and nondenaturing solvents, reveals that the extracts contain α-actinin and tropomyosin, but do not contain large quantities of new or unknown proteins. Nemaline rods may owe their resistance to low ionic strength extraction to their highly ordered, crystalline lattice, to their sequence of very stable longitudinal filaments, or to both these features. Large deposits of spherical, 200-A particles in nemaline muscle were identified as glycogen.
Using low resolution gamma detectors to detect and differentiate 239Pu and 235U fissions

When 239 Pu and 235 U undergo thermal neutron- induced fission, both produce significant numbers of beta-delayed gamma rays with energies in the several megaelectron volt range. Experiments using high energy- resolution germanium detectors have shown that it is pos- sible to distinguish the fission of 239 Pu from that of 235 U. It is desirable to detect the presence of 235 Uo r 239 Pu using detectors that are less expensive and more rugged than high purity germanium detectors. To this end we demonstrate how differences in the energy spectrum and decay rates of the beta-delayed gamma rays can be used to identify 239 Pu and 235 U using low resolution plastic and liquid scintillator detectors. Experimental data are used to identify differences in the spectra and also to test the identification algorithms. Results to date are very promising.
Use of high-risk human papillomavirus testing in patients with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions

BACKGROUND The role of testing for high-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) when triaging women with a cytologic diagnosis of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) has not been well established. The objective of the current study was to correlate the status of HR HPV with the incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 and more severe lesions (CIN 2+) on tissue follow-up in women with LSIL. METHODS A total of 1046 women with LSIL and HR HPV testing were identified in the database of a large teaching hospital within a 12-month period. HR HPV testing was performed using the Hybrid Capture 2 assay with 1 relative light unit/cutoff as the cutoff. RESULTS Of the 1046 women with LSIL and concurrent HR HPV testing, 82.3% tested positive for HR HPV, 91.1% of whom were women aged < 30 years and 73% of whom were women aged ≥ 30 years (P < .001). Cytologic and/or histologic follow-up was available in 979 (93.6%) women; 25.5% had negative follow-up, 62.5% were found to have CIN 1 lesions, and 12.0% had CIN 2+ lesions. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of HR HPV status as a marker of CIN 2+ lesions were 98.3% and 98.9%, respectively. The colposcopy rate was 73.3% and 96.9% for women aged ≥ 30 years and women aged < 30 years, respectively (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS Using 1 RLU/CO as the cutoff value, HR HPV testing was found to be highly sensitive for detecting CIN 2+ lesions in women with LSIL. The colposcopy rate was significantly lower in women aged ≥ 30 years compared with women aged < 30 years. Triaging with HR HPV testing may be indicated in women aged ≥ 30 years with LSIL cytology, but not in women aged < 30 years. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Drug dosing control in clinical pharmacology

In this paper, the potential applications of control technology to clinical pharmacology are discussed, specifically the control of drug dosing. The use of closed-loop control for clinical pharmacology can significantly advance the understanding of the effects of pharmacological agents and anesthetics, as well as advance the state-of-the-art in drug delivery systems. In addition to delivering sedation to critically ill patients in an acute care environment, potential applications of closed-loop control include glucose, heart rate, and blood pressure regulation.
Learning how to respond to current events: Partner journals between U.S. preservice teachers and children

Abstract The representation of a variety of stakeholders' voices during the deliberation of public issues is vital for the proper functioning of a liberal democracy. This qualitative study examined an activity involving deliberation among children and preservice teachers in the United States. In the activity that we call partner journals, children were partnered with preservice teachers as pen pals to deliberate shared current events texts. Data included partner journals, written reflections from preservice teachers, and interviews with the children's teachers. All students gained perspective consciousness of someone with a different social positioning, a higher-order thinking skill vital to social justice and democratic education. The issues of teacher disclosure and power were particularly important to preservice teachers. Findings suggest implications for future research on partner journals with other partnerings of different social positionings.
Radiative corrections to fixed target Møller scattering including hard bremsstrahlung effects

We present a calculation of the complete $\mathcal{O}(\ensuremath{\alpha})$ electroweak radiative corrections to the M\o{}ller scattering process ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}},$ including hard bremsstrahlung contributions. We study the effects of these corrections on both the total cross section and polarization asymmetry measured in low energy fixed target experiments. Numerical results are presented for the experimental cuts relevant for E-158, a fixed target ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ experiment being performed at SLAC; the effect of hard bremsstrahlung is to shift the measured polarization asymmetry by $\ensuremath{\approx}+4%.$ We briefly discuss the remaining theoretical uncertainty in the prediction for the low energy M\o{}ller scattering polarization asymmetry.
Targeting neovascular pericytes in neurofibromatosis type 1

Apart from tumor-driven neovascularization, a less-appreciated consequence of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the hyperproliferation of vascular mural cells (pericytes). This study aims at establishing a role for pericytes in NF1, and determining whether interference with the function of a key pericyte component (NG2 proteoglycan) inhibits NF1 tumor neovascularization. Neovascularization in NF1 was studied in Nf+/+(control), Nf1+/-, and Nf1-/-embryos at E-10, ischemia-induced retinal angiogenesis model in 24 eyes of Nf1+/-, Nf1+/+mice, and in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) derived from NF1 patients (ST88-14, NMS-2PC) orthotopically grown in nude mice (Crl: nu/nu). The anti-angiogenic effect of intracorneal polymer pellets containing anti-NG2 neutralizing antibody was quantified in the nude-mouse corneal angiogenesis model in which angiogenesis was induced by xenografting NMS-2PC tumor into the corneal stroma of 22 eyes. By using confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and BrdU proliferation assay, the pericyte/endothelium ratios and proliferation rates were measured. Activated pericytes were present at the leading tip of the angiogenic sprouts. Pericytes showed continuous investment of endothelium in both NMS-2PC and ST88-14 MPNST tumor xenografts. Mean corneal angiogenesis induced by NMS-2PC tumor grafts in NG2-antibody treated eyes was 1.491 and 3.186 mm2 in isotype-matched non-immunoglobulin treated eyes (control) (P=0.0002). A total of 193.8 vascular nuclei (a measure of ischemia-induced retinal angiogenesis) was present in angiogenic retinal tufts in Nf1+/- mice compared to 89.23 in Nf1+/+ mice (control) (P<0.0001). Mean pericyte/endothelium investment ratios were 1.015, 1.380, and 2.084 in control, Nf1+/-, and Nf1-/-embryos, respectively. Pericytes were 23% (control), 49% (Nf1+/-), and 69% (Nf1-/-) BrdU-positive. Endothelial cells from the same embryos were 29% (control), 47% (Nf1+/-), and 62% (Nf1-/-) BrdU-positive. Angiogenesis is accelerated in NF1 due to hyperproliferation of pericytes and endothelial cells. Mitotically activated NG2-positive pericytes, and endothelial cells may serve as potential therapeutic targets in NF1.
A Dual-Mode Routing Algorithm for an Autonomous Roving Vehicle

A dual-mode algorithm for routing an unmanned autonomous roving vehicle designed to explore the uncertain terrain of other planets is presented. The algorithm consists of a global mode, which uses dynamic programming and terrain information available from photo reconnaissance data to determine a nominal optimal path, and a local mode, which routes the vehicle around obstacles whose presence, location, and extent are not known in advance. Gaussian probability density functions are used to simulate terrain for examples that illustrate the performance of the algorithm.
Nanosphere Lithography: Fabrication of Large-Area Ag Nanoparticle Arrays by Convective Self-Assembly and Their Characterization by Scanning UV−Visible Extinction Spectroscopy

This work employs UV-visible extinction spectroscopy as a new spectral mapping technique to characterize self-assembled polystyrene microsphere samples produced by convective self-assembly (CSA). This spectroscopic technique was successfully used to analyze the periodic particle arrays produced by the polystyrene template, yielding a detailed characterization of each sample. The CSA-prepared samples proved to be more uniform across a sample as well as more reproducible than previous sample preparation techniques. For the first time, a detailed characterization and quantitative evaluation of the entire sample has been performed by spectroscopic mapping.
Salicylate-selective electrode based on a biomimetic guanidinium ionophore.

A biomimetic strategy was employed in the development of oxoanion-selective ionophores containing the guanidinium functional group. These ionophores mimic the selective interaction observed between arginine residues of proteins and oxoanions. In previous work, it was demonstrated that a structurally rigid guanidinium ionophore exhibited excellent hydrogen sulfite selectivity (Anal. Chem. 1994, 66, 3188−3192). Herein, we describe guanidinium-containing ionophores that are selective for the oxoanion salicylate. The ability to rationally design anion-selective electrodes through this biomimetic strategy, and to both alter selectivity and improve response characteristics through structural changes to the ionophore, has been demonstrated. 1H-NMR complexation and modeling studies were used to examine and correlate the selectivity observed with the structure of the guanidinium compounds.
Excluding the Cycle Geometries of the Kuratowski Graphs from Binary Geometries

Etude des geometries binaires ne contenant pas comme mineur la geometrie des cycles M (K 5 ) du graphe complet K 5
Characterization of the Archaeal Community in a Minerotrophic Fen and Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism-Directed Isolation of a Novel Hydrogenotrophic Methanogen

Minerotrophic fen peatlands are widely distributed in northern latitudes and, because of their rapid turnover of organic matter, are potentially larger sources of atmospheric methane than bog peatlands per unit area. However, studies of the archaeal community composition in fens are scarce particularly in minerotrophic sites. Several 16S rRNA-based primer sets were used to obtain a broad characterization of the archaeal community in a minerotrophic fen in central New York State. A wide archaeal diversity was observed in the site: 11 euryarchaeal and 2 crenarchaeal groups, most of which were uncultured. The E1 group, a novel cluster in the order Methanomicrobiales, and Methanosaetaceae were the codominant groups in all libraries and results of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis. Given its abundance and potential hydrogenotrophic methane contribution, the E1 group was targeted for culture attempts with a low-ionic-strength medium (PM1). Initial attempts yielded Methanospirillum-dominated cultures. However, by incorporating a T-RFLP analysis as a quick selection tool for treatments and replicates, we were able to select an enrichment dominated by E1. Further dilutions to 10(-9) and tracking with T-RFLP yielded a strain named E1-9c. E1-9c is a novel coccoid hydrogenotrophic, mesophilic, slightly acidophilic methanogen and is highly sensitive to Na(2)S concentrations (requires <0.12 mM for growth). We propose E1-9c as the first representative of a novel genus in the Methanomicrobiales order.
A small Soret effect in spreading center gabbros

Our recent suggestion that there is a small Soret imprint recorded in the crystallization of gabbros from spreading center magma chambers has been disputed by Elthon and Casey. They make two claims. I. There is no F o An anomaly relative to crystal fractionation in gabbro mineral chemistry which would require something as exotic as the Soret effect for its explanation; II. The Soret effect would not produce the anomalies actually observed in orthopyroxene mineral chemistry and in phase appearance anyway. We feel that I is based on inappropriate and misleading data comparisons and that II is based on misunderstandings of mass balance and convection as well as inaccurate arithmetic. Amplification of our reasons for rejecting the Elthon and Casey claims is presented below. Nevertheless, their general point that these anomalies (in mineral chemistry and phase appearance) may be due to some process other than the Soret effect has merit, as we noted in our original paper. We therefore also discuss below some additional features and tests of applicability of a Soret hypothesis to spreading-center gabbros. Finally, we re-emphasize the small magnitude of the Soret effect as it may be manifest in these rocks. This emphasis was overlooked by Elthon and Casey and many other readers of our paper.
Promoting Implementation Success Through the Use of Continuous Systems-Level Assessment Strategies

Successful implementation of school-wide positive behavior support requires a continuous evaluation of program data. It also requires an ongoing review of how those data relate to organizational st...
Prostate cancer molecular markers GSTP1 and hTERT in expressed prostatic secretions as predictors of biopsy results

Abstract Objectives To develop noninvasive diagnostic tools for the early detection of prostate cancer (PCa). Current screening for PCa lacks sensitivity and specificity. Two molecular markers, telomerase activity and aberrant methylation of the glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) promoter, are found in more than 90% of PCa specimens. Additionally, these markers can be detected in bodily fluids such as urine and postprostatic massage urethral washes. Methods Expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) from men being evaluated for PCa were analyzed for human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression (the critical factor for telomerase activity) and GSTP1 methylation status. The results were compared with the prostate needle biopsy findings. Results EPS could be obtained from 86% of all subjects, and 90% of these samples yielded sufficient RNA and/or DNA for assaying. hTERT expression from EPS (n = 49) had 36% sensitivity and 66% specificity, and GSTP1 methylation from EPS (n = 58) had 46% sensitivity and 56% specificity for the detection of PCa. The combined analysis (n = 32) of hTERT and GSTP1 had 73% sensitivity and 43% specificity, giving a positive predictive value of 40% and a negative predictive value of 75%. Conclusions These results demonstrate that EPS can be successfully obtained and easily tested for hTERT expression and GSTP1 methylation. Tests with a high negative predictive value, such as our combination assay results, could be useful in augmenting current PCa diagnostic procedures. For example, the examination of EPS for hTERT and GSTP1 methylation in patients with an elevated prostate-specific antigen level might be used in predicting which patients will have negative biopsies. The use of this assay could potentially eliminate up to 30% of costly and invasive needle biopsies.
Corticosterone Regulation of Tryptophan Hydroxylase in Midbrain of the Rat

The tryptophan hydroxylase activity in the rat midbrain decreases after adrenalectomy and is restored by treatment with corticosterone. Cycloheximide, adminiistered intracisternally, prevents the restoration of the enzyme activity by corticosterone. Cycloheximide administration to adrenalectomized rats resutlts in a further decrease in the enzyme activity. an indication that the enzyme has a rapid turnover even in the absence of corticosterone.
Iron-kober reagent: A more sensitive stable reagent for the determination of Alpha- and Beta-estradiols*

Minute quantities of iron markedly affect the development of characteristic colors of estrogens in the Kober reaction. Detailed study of these effects on the yellow and red phases of the Kober colors produced by α- and β-estradiols resulted in development of a new iron-containing phenolsulfonic acid type reagent for these estrogens. The reagent is characterized by much higher sensitivity for α-estradiol and a lower sulfuric acid content than is usual in Kober reagents. It is stable for months. The diluted reagent is highly sensitive for β-estradiol but does not give a color with α-estradiol. Analytical procedures are presented for the determination of α-estradiol and β-estradiol in mixtures containing up to 30 μg. of total estradiols. Results of analysis of such mixtures including laboratory-prepared oil solutions, show very good precision and accuracy. Analyses of typical commercial α-estradiol preparations (oil solution, aqueous suspension, tablets) yield precise results in good agreement with those obtained by the infrared method. The colorimetric method is presented in conjunction with a simple extraction procedure intended primarily for application to those pharmaceutical α-estradiol preparations essentially free of phenolic estrogens other than the estradiols. Its application in combination with partition chromatography to more complex estrogenic pharmaceuticals will be described in a later report.
Chlorophyll destruction in the presence of bisulfite and linoleic acid hydroperoxide

Abstract Chlorophyll was rapidly destroyed in the presence of bisulfite and linoleic acid hydroperoxide. Both bisulfite and linoleic acid hydroperoxide were required for chlorophyll destruction and both were consumed in the reaction; however, there was no oxygen requirement. Chlorophyll destruction occurred most readily in the slightly acidic pH region with little destruction occurring above pH 8. The free radical scavengers, hydroquinone and α-tocopherol, were very effective at inhibiting chlorophyll destruction, but the singlet oxygen quenchers, β-carotene, 2,5-dimethylfuran and 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran, were only slightly effective. The addition of metal chelators indicated that metals were not participating in the reaction. The evidence indicates that chlorophyll was destroyed by a free radical mechanism. Based on the present results and that of others, it is suggested that chlorophyll was destroyed via oxidation by the alkoxy radical which was produced during the decomposition of linoleic acid hydroperoxide by bisulfite.
Developing an Accurate CFD Based Gust Model for the Truss Braced Wing Aircraft

The increased flexibility of long endurance aircraft having high aspect ratio wings necessitates attention to gust response and perhaps the incorporation of gust load alleviation. The design of civil transport aircraft with a strut or truss-braced high aspect ratio wing furthermore requires gust response analysis in the transonic cruise range. This requirement motivates the use of high fidelity nonlinear computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for gust response analysis. This paper presents the development of a CFD based gust model for the truss braced wing aircraft. A sharp-edged gust provides the gust system identification. The result of the system identification is several thousand time steps of instantaneous pressure coefficients over the entire vehicle. This data is filtered and downsampled to provide the snapshot data set from which a reduced order model is developed. A stochastic singular value decomposition algorithm is used to obtain a proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). The POD model is combined with a convolution integral to predict the time varying pressure coefficient distribution due to a novel gust profile. Finally the unsteady surface pressure response of the truss braced wing vehicle to a one-minus-cosine gust, simulated using the reduced order model, is compared with the full CFD.
Photon Monte Carlo Simulation for Radiative Transfer in Gaseous Media Represented by Discrete Particle Fields

Monte Carlo ray-tracing schemes have been developed for the evaluation of radiative heat transfer for problems, in which the participating medium is represented by discrete point masses, such as the flow field and scalar fields in PDF Monte Carlo methods frequently used in combustion modeling. Photon ray tracing in such cases requires that an optical thickness is assigned to each of the point masses. Two approaches are discussed, the point particle model (PPM), in which the shape of particle is not specified, and the spherical particle model (SPM) in which particles are assumed to be spheres with specified radiation properties across their volumes. Another issue for ray tracing in particle fields is the influence region of a ray. Two ways of modeling a ray are proposed. In the first, each ray is treated as a standard volume-less line. In the other approach, the ray is assigned a small solid angle, and is thus treated as a cone with a decaying influence function away from its centerline. Based on these models, three different interaction schemes between rays and particles are proposed, i.e., line-SPM, cone-PPM and cone-SPM methods, and are compared employing several test problems.
Techniques used in improving the radiance validation of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) observations with the Scanning High-Resolution Interferometer Sounder (S-HIS)

The ability to accurately validate high spectral resolution infrared radiance measurements from space using comparisons with a high altitude aircraft spectrometer has been successfully demonstrated (Tobin, et al. 2006). A comparison technique which accounts for the different viewing geometries and spectral characteristics of the two sensors was introduced, and accurate comparisons were made for AIRS channels throughout the infrared spectrum. Resulting brightness temperature differences were found to be 0.2 K or less for most channels. Continuing work on additional cases has shown some channels to have brightness temperature differences larger than 0.2 K. Atmospheric contribution from above the aircraft is a suspected factor in producing the larger differences. The contribution of upper atmosphere HNO3 and O3 are studied as contributors to the brightness temperature differences. Improved forward model calculations are used to understand and compensate for the above aircraft atmospheric contribution. Results of this effort to understand the observed temperature differences are presented. The methodology demonstrated for the NASA AIRS instrument is expected to be used in the validation of the CrIS sensor radiances from the operational NPP/NPOESS platforms and the IASI sensor radiances from the METOP platforms.
Segmental genomic replacement by Cre-mediated recombination: genotoxic stress activation of the p53 promoter in single-copy transformants

Genotoxic stress results in transcriptional activation of the p53 promoter. To gain more detailed information on genotoxic induction of the p53 promoter at a uniform genomic locus, we have developed an efficient strategy for replacing a defined genomic segment in mouse NIH 3T3 cells with exogenous transfected DNA using a 'double lox' targeting strategy mediated by Cre DNA recombinase. The strategy utilizes a pair of heterospecific lox sites engineered both into the genome and onto the targeting DNA. This allows direct replacement of genomic DNA by a Cre-catalyzed double crossover event. p53-CAT reporter constructs were site-specifically placed into the genomic target 20-fold more efficiently by double lox recombination than by Cre-mediated single crossover insertional recombination, and the absolute frequency of site-specific double lox targeting exceeded the frequency of transformation due to random illegitimate recombination of transfected DNA into the genome. Resulting targeted single-copy integrants of the p53-CAT reporter show strong genotoxic induction by mitomycin C, and a dynamic range of induction that exceeds that seen in transient transfection assays. The double lox strategy is generally applicable to Cre-mediated genomic targeting in any cell and should be of particular utility in the site-specific targeting of DNA into embryonic stem (ES) cells for the production of gene-modified mice.
Identification of L-ary CPFSK in a fading channel using approximate entropy

In this paper we study approximate entropy as the feature to distinguish within the class of L-ary continuoustime FSK in the presence of correlated fast fading and additive white Gaussian noise. Support vector machines are employed to distinguish the signals. One benefit of using support vector machines is that they require very few realizations for training. Moreover, no a priori information is required about carrier amplitude, carrier phase, symbol rate and pulse shape. Performance of the approximate entropy feature classified by support vector machines is compared to the performance of wavelet-based feature classified by support vector machines.
The phase behavior and solubility relations of the benzene‐water system

In order to contribute to knowledge of the nature of the phase behavior of partially miscible liquid systems, a study of the benzene-water system was undertaken. The pressures at liquid- and vapor-phase boundaries of fifteen mixtures of benzene and water were determined within the temperature range of 200 to 357°C. Along with a complete numerical tabulation, these data are presented graphically as pressure-temperature, pressure-composition, and temperature-composition phase diagrams to show the nature of the boundaries. Up to the three-phase critical end point, the benzene-water system develops in a manner usually ascribed to a partially miscible system in which the vapor compositin at a point of univariance lies intermediate to the two liquid compositions. The three-phase critical end point occurs at 1,364 1b./sq. in. abs. and 268.3°C., and the composition of the critical phase is 25.8 weight % water, with the remaining liquid phase 92.8 weight % water. The pressure, temperature, and composition of the critical solution end point are deduced as 2,300 1b./sq. in. abs., 306.4°C., and 59 weight % water, respectively. At temperatures between these two critical points the phase behavior is likened to that of a dense gas or fluid dissolved in a liquid. Definite limiting values of temperature and pressure are assignable to this behavior by the extension of the three-phase curve up to the critical solution end point. This extended curve is not a phase boundary, but the temperature and pressure at a given point on the curve represents in a mixture of fixed composition the limit of mutual solubility of the benzene-rich fluid phase and the water-rich phase. At a temperature above or a pressure below the given point the liquid phase begins to vaporize. Above the critical solution end point the vapor-liquid phase boundaries are like those of a normal binary mixture.
Piketty and Friends: Capitalism, Inequality, Development, Territorialism

Capital in the Twenty-First Century. Thomas Piketty. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2014. $39.95 (ISBN 9780674430006).The Atlas of Economic Complexity: Mapping Paths to P...
Ceramic breeder materials

The breeding blanket is a key component of the fusion reactor because it directly involves tritium breeding and energy extraction, both of which are critical to development of fusion power. The lithium ceramics continue to show promise as candidate breeder materials. This promise was recognized by the International Thermonuclear Reactor (ITER) design team in its selection of ceramics as the first option for the ITER breeder material. Blanket design studies have indicated properties in the candidate materials data base that need further investigation. Current studies are focusing on tritium release behavior at high burnup, changes in thermophysical properties with burnup, compatibility between the ceramic breeder and beryllium multiplier, and phase changes with burnup. Laboratory and in-reactor tests, some as part of an international collaboration for development of ceramic breeder materials, are underway. 32 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
The expression and function of G-proteins in experimental intimal hyperplasia

G-proteins are membrane-bound signal transduction proteins which couple extracellular receptor signals to various effectors. This study examines the expression and the function of G-proteins (alpha i, alpha s, alpha q, and alpha o) in experimental intimal hyperplasia. Vein bypass grafts were placed in 30 New Zealand White rabbits and were harvested after 28 d. The contralateral jugular veins served as controls. Isometric tension studies were performed on rings from veins and vein grafts (n = 10), and Western blot and mRNA analyses were performed in another 20 vessels. There was a fivefold increase in alpha q, a 2.7-fold increase in the alpha i2, and a 3.3-fold increase in alpha s expressions in vein grafts compared with veins. Detectable expression of alpha i3 was observed in vein grafts but not in jugular veins. In addition, there was a 3.8-fold increase in beta subunits in the vein grafts compared with the veins. mRNA for alpha s, alpha i3, and alpha i2 were all elevated in the vein grafts. No detectable levels of the alpha i1 protein or its mRNA were present in either veins or vein grafts. Contractile responses in the veins were not inhibited by pertussis toxin. The contractile responses to norepinephrine were enhanced by twofold, and the responses to serotonin developed de novo in vein grafts compared with veins. The contractile responses to both norepinephrine and serotonin were only partially inhibited by pertussis toxin in the vein grafts even though there was 100% ADP ribosylation with pertussis toxin in both veins and vein grafts. These data suggest that intimal hyperplasia is associated with increased or novel expression of G-proteins in vivo which occur simultaneously with the development of pertussis toxin-sensitive contractile responses. Changes in G-proteins at a transcriptional level or at the level of RNA stability may be involved in the response of smooth muscle cells to injury and to intimal hyperplasia formation.
On Perfect P-polynomial Table Algebras

The Bose–Mesner algebra of the association scheme of the ordinary n-gon has the following remarkable properties: (i) It has a P-polynomial structure with respect to every faithful basis element; and (ii) Any closed subset generated by a basis element has a P-polynomial structure with respect to this basis element. C-algebras or table algebras that have these two properties are called perfect P-polynomial C-algebras or table algebras. By applying and extending some of the techniques developed in Xu (2006), we will give a classification of perfect P-polynomial table algebras in terms of intersection matrices. As a direct consequence of this classification, we will prove that a standard real integral table algebra (A, B) with |B| ≥ 6 is a perfect P-polynomial table algebra if and only if it is exactly isomorphic to the Bose–Mesner algebra of the association scheme of the ordinary (2|B|−2)-gon or (2|B|−1)-gon. This result generalizes part of the main theorem in Xu (2006). We will present examples revealing th...
Test–retest changes on scholastic aptitude tests are not related to g

Abstract This research examined the relation between test–retest changes on scholastic aptitude tests and g-loaded cognitive measures (viz., college grade-point average, Wonderlic Personnel Test, and word recall). University students who had twice taken a scholastic aptitude test (viz., Scholastic Assessment Test or American College Testing Program Assessment) during high school were recruited. The aptitude test raw scores and change scores were correlated with the g-loaded cognitive measures in two studies. The aptitude test change scores (which were mostly gains) were not significantly related to the cognitive measures, whereas the aptitude test raw scores were significantly related to those measures. Principal components analysis indicated that the aptitude test change scores had the lowest loading on the g factor, whereas the aptitude test raw scores and the cognitive measures had relatively high loadings on the g factor. These findings support the position that test–retest changes on scholastic aptitude tests do not represent changes in g. Further research is needed to determine the non-g variance components that contributed to the observed test–retest changes.
Robust forecast combinations

Abstract Forecast outliers commonly occur in economic, financial, and other areas of forecasting applications. In the literature of forecast combinations, there have been only a few studies exploring how to deal with outliers. In this work, we propose two robust combining methods based on the AFTER algorithm ( Yang, 2004a ). Our approach utilizes robust loss functions in order to reduce the influence of outliers. Oracle inequalities for certain versions of these methods are obtained, which show that the combined forecasts automatically perform as well as the best individual among the pool of original forecasts. Systematic simulations and data examples show that the robust methods outperform the AFTER algorithm when outliers are likely to occur and perform on par with AFTER when there are no outliers. Comparison of the robust AFTERs with some commonly used combining methods also shows their potential advantages.
Carbon tetrachloride: plastic properties.

The shear strength of solid carbon tetrachloride was measured from 187° to 247°K. A 25-percent discontinuity was observed at the solid- solid transition, at about 225°K. This transition exhibited a distinct hysteresis. The shear strength of both the high- and low-temperature forms increased very rapidly as the temperature was lowered. There was no evidence of a rhombohedral high-temperature phase.