cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
18F-FDG PET/CT evaluation of patients with ovarian carcinoma.

Purpose The role of 18F-FDG PET has been studied in ovarian carcinoma, but its sensitivity and specificity calculations are based on dedicated PET acquisition, not PET/CT in the majority of the published studies. Therefore, we were prompted to review our experience with PET/CT in the management of patients with ovarian carcinoma. Materials and methods This is a retrospective study of 43 women with ovarian carcinoma, 27–80 years old (average: 53.9±7.8), who had whole-body PET/CT at our institution from 1 January 2003 to 31 August 2006. We reviewed the patients' outcomes from medical records and compared them to the interpretation of the PET/CT scans. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using a 2×2 table with pathology results (79.1% of the patients) or clinical follow-up (20.9% of the cases) as the ‘gold standard’. Confidence interval (CI) estimations were performed using the Wilson score method. Results All patients had advanced stage ovarian cancer and the study was requested for re-staging. A total of 60 scans were performed: 30 patients had one scan, nine patients had two scans and four patients had three scans. The administered doses of 18F-FDG ranged from 381.1 to 769.6 MBq (average: 569.8±73.3). PET/CT had a sensitivity of 88.4% (95% CI: 75.1–95.4) and a specificity of 88.2% (95% CI: 64.4–97.9) for detection of ovarian cancer. The SUV max of the detected lesions ranged from 3 to 27 (average: 9.4±5.9). The CA-125 tumor marker ranged from 3 to 935 kU/ml (average: 265.2) in patients with positive scans and 4–139 kU/ml (average: 17.1) in patients with negative scans. This difference was statistically significant (P value: 0.0242). Conclusion This study confirms the good results of 18F-FDG PET/CT for identification of residual/recurrent ovarian cancer, as well as for distant metastases localization. PET/CT should be an integral part in evaluation of patients with high-risk ovarian cancer or rising values of tumor markers (CA-125), prior to selection of the most appropriate therapy.
Attractive interactions between colloids at the oil–water interface

The effects of salts and surfactants on the interaction force between colloidal polystyrene latex particles confined to a decane–water interface are measured directly using optical tweezers. After adding 0.25 M NaCl, 0.25 M NaCl and 0.1 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to the aqueous sub-phase, or 25 μM sorbitan monooleate (SPAN 80) to the decane super-phase, the strong repulsive force between particles is reduced and an attractive force becomes significant. The magnitude and dependence of the attraction on particle separation is consistent with a capillary quadrupole interaction. Similar interaction forces between polystyrene latex doublet particles at a pristine interface are measured, however, the anisotropic particles exhibit only a long-range attraction that is approximately two orders of magnitude stronger than spherical colloids. These results confirm the presence of long-range capillary attractions and provide a guide for manipulating colloidal interactions with additives or particle shape at fluid interfaces to control suspension structure and surface rheology.
Glass-ionomer cement film thickness and working time

Reports on film thickness for adhesive glass-ionomer cements have not been consistent, and confusion exists relative to proper working times. In this investigation, film thickness was measured over a range of times for three glass-ionomer cements by using a traditional ADA glass plate technique and a simulated clinical cementation technique with castings and dies. The cements were examined from 60 seconds to 255 seconds from the start of mix. Results indicated that the simulated clinical technique generally provided less film thickness. No significant differences in film thickness were found between the brands of cement through 240 seconds with film thickness ranging from 7.24 to 20.5 microns. Greater differences between the cements were observed with the ADA technique beyond 135 seconds from the time of mix. Relative to film thickness, working times would appear to be greater than previously reported for glass-ionomer cements.
A simple special-purpose interval-duration timer for acoustic research

A special-purpose interval-duration timer is described. The device is designed to interface with commercially available psychophysical packages, to be used in time interval calibration. The extremely low cost of materials justifies the construction of this essentially single-purpose device.
Distributed testing against independence with multiple terminals

Motivated by distributed learning with big data sets problems, we study a distributed testing against independence problem with multiple terminals. We connect the problem at hand to a source coding with multiple helpers problem, which is open in general. We fully characterize the rate region of the source coding with multiple helpers problem under a certain Markovian condition. Using this rate region characterization, we obtain a single-letter characterization of the optimal error exponent for the type 2 error probability under the type 1 error probability and communication rates constraints.
High Bandwidth Constant Current Modulation Circuit for Carrier Lifetime Measurements in Semiconductor Lasers

In this paper we present a novel implementation of high bandwidth constant modulation current circuit to the traditional small signal optical response technique used to determine the differential carrier lifetime of a semiconductor laser. This circuit is designed for the voltage to current conversion and to deliver a constant modulation current to the laser diode. The circuit rectifies parasitic effects of high value surface mount resistor at high frequencies used in the impedance independent optical technique and also has lower crosstalk. The application of this circuit can be generalized where the requirement arises for a high bandwidth constant modulation current circuit.
THYMECTOMY IN NEWBORN PIGS.

Summary The effects of neonatal thymectomy were studied in the pig. No differences were found in the pattern of rejection of allografts of skin or in the production of antibody in response to Salmonella pullorum antigen between control animals and animals that underwent total thymectomy within 48 hours of birth. Allografts were applied within the first week of life, and thymectomized and nonthymectomized animals rejected them in about eight days. Production of serum antibodies, tested when the pigs became 2 months of age, was found to be equal in all animals. No “wasting” was observed up to one year after the operation, and both control and thymectomized animals had higher concentrations of lymphocytes in the blood when 2 months of age than at birth. Various theories to account for these findings are discussed, and some comments are made about the observation that newborn pigs can reject allografts within a few days after birth even though other authors have shown that they are, in some other respects, relatively incompetent immunologically.
Exploring the potential role of neuromodulatory drugs in radical prostatectomy patients.

Since the introduction of the nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (RP), potency preservation rates of between 20% and 90% have been reported. It is irrefutable that the nerve-sparing status of an RP is predictive of recovery of erectile function. Bilateral nerve sparing is associated with superior spontaneous and oral therapy-assisted recovery of erectile function compared to unilateral nerve sparing, which in turn is more likely to lead to functional erections than non-nerve-sparing surgery. Neural regeneration is the mechanism by which erectile function improves over time following RP. Although the degree of neural trauma that occurs intraoperatively is a determinant of long-term recovery of neural function, biological factors involved in neural regeneration are likely important determinants of the completeness of neural recovery. Furthermore, these biological factors are likely a major reason for the interindividual variation in recovery of erectile function after this operation. Recently, the development of rat models of cavernous nerve injury has facilitated the study of neuroprotective and neuroregenerative agents. This paper reviews the current knowledge on pharmacological neuro-modulation as it pertains to the radical pelvic surgery patient. The animal evidence is highly supportive of such agents' having a positive impact on erectile function recovery after RP. Human trial data are awaited.
Dynamic response of conventional and hot isostatically pressed Ti–6Al–4V alloys: experiments and modeling

Abstract This paper presents the results of a systematic comparative study of the dynamic thermomechanical response of Ti–6Al–4V alloys with three different microstructures. Two of the alloys are produced by the hot isostatically pressed technique using rapidly solidified granules, with one alloy milled prior to hot pressing. Experiments are performed over a broad range of strain rates, 10−3– 7000 s −1 , and initial temperatures, 77–1000 K. Depending on the test temperature, compressive strains of 10–60% are achieved. The microstructure of the undeformed and deformed specimens is investigated, using optical microscopy. The dependence of the flow stress on the temperature and the strain rate is examined for various strains and it is related to the corresponding material microstructure. The results show that adiabatic shearbands develop at high strain rates, as well as at low strain rates and high temperatures. Depending on the test temperature, shearbands initiate once a sample is deformed to suitably large strains. The flow stress is more sensitive to temperature than to the strain rate. Based on these results and other published work, the thermally activated mechanisms associated with the dislocation motion are identified. The physically based model proposed by Nemat-Nasser and Li (1997) for OFHC copper, is suitably modified and applied to this class of titanium alloys. In the absence of dynamic strain aging, the model predictions are in good accord with the experimental results. Comparing the results for the three considered Ti–6Al–4V alloys, with different microstructures, it is found that the initial microstructural features affect only the magnitude of the threshold stress and the athermal part of the flow stress, but not the functional dependence of the thermally activated part of the flow stress on the temperature and the strain rate.
Robust out-of-sample inference

This paper presents analytical, empirical and simulation results concerning inference about the moments of nondifferentiable functions of out-of-sample forecasts and forecast errors. Special attention is given to the measurement of a model's predictive ability using the test of equal mean absolute error. Tests for equal mean absolute error and mean square error are used to evaluate predictions of excess returns to the S & P 500 composite. Simulations indicate that appropriately constructed tests for equal mean absolute error can provide more accurately sized and more powerful tests than inappropriately constructed tests for equal mean absolute error and mean square error.
Inhibition of mammalian succinate dehydrogenase by carboxins

Abstract Carboxin (5,6-dihydro-2-methyl-1,4-oxathiin-3-carboxanilide), a systemic fungicide, is known to inhibit the oxidation of succinate selectively in a variety of fungi and bacteria. Except for one report, the action of carboxin and of structurally related oxathiin derivatives on mammalian succinate dehydrogenase have not been investigated, however. In the present study, the inhibition of succinate oxidation by a number of carboxin derivatives have been studied using inner membrane preparations, purified particulate preparations (Complex II), and soluble preparations from beef heart. The site of action of carboxins has been studied by using a variety of electron acceptors. It has been concluded that carboxins inhibit mammalian succinate dehydrogenase by reacting at the same site as thenoyltrifluoroacetone but are effective at far lower concentrations. The maximal extent of inhibition by carboxins varies with the type of catalytic assay used and, in general, parallels the extent of inactivation brought about by cyanide, as if both types of agents modified the environment of an iron-sulfur component in the enzyme, presumably the superoxidized (HiPIP) Fe-S cluster.
Secondary structures of rat lipolytic enzymes: Circular dichroism studies and relation to hydrophobic moments

Abstract To explore the secondary structures of lingual and pancreatic lipases, circular dichroism measurements were performed. Maximum average ellipticities were used to calculate the percentage of α-helices, β-sheets, and random coils. Lingual lipase had an ellipticity of −20235±140 deg cm 2 /dmol(mean±SE) at 220nm suggesting 60% α-helix, 20% β-sheet and 20% random coil structure, but the mean ellipticity for pancreatic lipase was −14093±82 deg cm 2 /dmol (mean ±SE) at 210nm suggesting a 34.8% α-helical, 25% β-sheet and 40% random coil secondary structure. An α-helical stretch of residues with a large hydrophobic moment (“globular” α-helix by hydrophobic moment plot) from amino acids 382 through 389 at the COOH-terminal end of lingual lipase was noted. This sequence, absent in pancreatic lipase, may account for the avid binding of lingual lipase to fat emulsion particles.
Neuronal localization of Cav1.2 L-type calcium channels in the rat basolateral amygdala

L-type high-voltage-activated calcium channels are involved in the conduction and integration of electrical activity and associative long-term potentiation in the basolateral amygdalar complex (BLC). However, little is known about the neuronal localization of these channels in this brain region. We used immunohistochemical techniques to determine which cell types in the BLC express the Ca(v)1.2 subtype of L-type calcium channels. Immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated that Ca(v)1.2 calcium channels were mainly found in somata and dendrites of pyramidal neurons that exhibited immunoreactivity for calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK). Only a few parvalbumin-positive and calretinin-positive interneurons exhibited Ca(v)1.2 immunoreactivity. The presence of high levels of Ca(v)1.2 immunoreactivity in BLC pyramidal cells is consistent with physiological findings showing that calcium entry through L-type calcium channels in pyramidal cell dendrites in the lateral amygdala is required for associative LTP and the conversion of synaptic events into long-term emotional memory.
Using the Whip-Mix face-bow with condylar articulators

Abstract The problems associated with Snow face-bows for condylar articulators have been discussed. A method of overcoming these shortcomings by adapting the Whip-Mix face-bow to such an articulator has been presented.
Hemodynamic effects of isoproterenol infusion in patients with normal and diseased mitral valves.

Hemodynamic effects of isoproterenol infusion were studied in 26 patients with and without mitral valve disease undergoing combined right and left heart catheterization. The heart rate and cardiac output rose while the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and total peripheral resistance fell, regardless of the status of the mitral valve. Infusion produced little change in the mean arterial blood pressure and the diastolic filling period per minute. While the mean left atrial and pulmonary artery pressures fell in patients with normal or insufficient valves, these pressures rose in patients with mitral stenosis. Stroke volume tended to rise in all patients but those with mitral stenosis. In patients with combined mitral stenosis and insufficiency the insufficiency appeared to modify the hemodynamic response associated with mitral stenosis. The presence of a lowered end-diastolic pressure in the left ventricle and an increased pressure in the left atrium in patients with stenosis suggests that isoproterenol has a direct or reflex effect on the left ventricle during diastole.
The role of gastric stasis in the genesis of gastric ulceration following fundoplication.

Gastric ulceration is a cause of significant morbidity in approximately 3% of patients undergoing fundoplication. The etiology of this complication remains unsettled. A patient who presented with gastric ulceration following fundoplication is described. Gastric emptying of solids was markedly delayed (28% retention at 120 minutes; normal range, 3–17%). The integrated gastrin response to 180 g of lean meat (368%) demonstrated marked derangement of the antrat gastrin mechanism (normal, 44±8%). Metoclopramide therapy resulted in normalization of gastric emptying (13% retention at 120 minutes), while the integrated gastrin response showed a decided decrease (257%). This patient clearly implicates gastric stasis and hypergastrinemia secondary to vagal dysfunction as a contributing factor in the etiology of gastric ulceration following fundoplication. The question as to whether this vagal dysfunction is a preexisting condition or the result of operative manipulations remains unresolved.
Survival Outcomes and Tumor IMP3 Expression in Patients with Sarcomatoid Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid histology (SmRCC) is associated with poor survival. No data is available from randomized trials on the efficacy of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in SmRCC. We identified SmRCC patients from a single institutional database. To identify predictive and prognostic biomarkers, immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis was performed on the tumor samples for downstream targets of VEGF and mTOR pathways. Survival outcomes were stratified by IHC analysis, extent of sarcomatoid component, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), and Heng risk criteria. Twenty-seven patients with SmRCC were included. First line therapy included targeted therapy (n = 19), immunotherapy (n = 4), cytotoxic chemotherapy (n = 1), and no treatment (n = 3). Median OS was 8.2 months (95% CI 3.8-14.2 months). Median survival in months, based on MSKCC and Heng risk groups, was favorable 89.3 versus 84.5, intermediate 9.5 versus 12.7, and poor 3.9 versus 5.1. None of the IHC markers predicted outcomes of treatment with VEGF or mTOR inhibitors. Only tumor IMP3 expression was associated with inferior OS, although not statistically significant (IMP3 negative 14.2 versus IMP3 positive 4.9 months; HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.16-1.21; P = 0.12). The study was limited by small sample size.
Interdisciplinary Professional Education Collaborative Workshop: 7–10 December, 1997, Orlando, Florida, USA

(1998). Interdisciplinary Professional Education Collaborative Workshop: 7–10 December, 1997, Orlando, Florida, USA. Journal of Interprofessional Care: Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 337-337.
An examination of the mechanisms involved in the oxidation of the aligned eutectic alloy Ni3Al-Ni3Nb

The aligned eutectic alloy Ni3Al -Ni3Nb at 1155°C exhibits an initial very rapid rate of oxidation which rate eventually decreases to a very significantly lower level. This decrease in the rate of oxidation has been shown to be associated with the formation of an aluminum oxide layer. The work reported here was conducted to determine both how such a layer forms in oxidation at 1155°C as a function of time and which elements are the active diffusing species in the oxidation process.
Enacting solidarity and ambivalence: Positional identities of Arab American women

In this research, I investigate how a group of Arab American women constructed their identities through their talk during focus group discussions. The research is based on a sociocultural view of identity as primarily social, and inclusive of the positions and roles that a person takes during moment-to-moment interaction and discourse (Bucholtz and Hall, 2005). This is compatible with a view of identity and discourse as interrelated and interdependent (Norton, 2000). I relied heavily on Bucholtz and Hall’s (2005) proposed framework for analyzing identities in talk. The results indicated that the women’s positionings of themselves through talk were characterized by affiliation toward each other and were imbued with ambivalence and uncertainty, thus pointing toward identities in the making.
The Influence of Voltage Sensor Activity on Arclight Dynamics

Many genetically-encoded voltage indicators have been developed based on voltage-sensitive phosphatases. One of the most promising of these indicators is Arclight, largely due to its substantial signal in response to voltage changes. Although it is evident that the fluorophore is fundamentally following the voltage sensor movement, the fluorescence change is comprised of multiple components; how these fluorescence components reflect voltage sensor movement remains poorly understood. Using simultaneous electrophysiological and optical recordings of oocytes expressing wild-type and mutant Arclight constructs, we investigated the influence of altered voltage sensor behavior on Arclight fluorescence. We found that the latency before fluorescence change onset correlated with gating charge movement, and that the fluorescence change following prolonged depolarizations showed alterations in kinetics and thermodynamics consistent with voltage sensor relaxation. Other features of fluorophore movement, however, were less obviously coupled to voltage sensor dynamics. These results may help guide future attempts to optimize the properties of Arclight and related fluorescent proteins. Support: NIH GM030376.
Prevalence of high-risk indications for influenza vaccine varies by age, race, and income.

Estimates of the proportions of the population who are at high risk of influenza complications because of prior health status or who are likely to have decreased vaccination response because of immunocompromising conditions would enhance public health planning and model-based projections. We estimate these proportions and how they vary by population subgroups using national data systems for 2006-2008. The proportion of individuals at increased risk of influenza complications because of health conditions varied 10-fold by age (4.2% of children 64 years). Age-specific prevalence differed substantially by gender, by racial/ethnic groups (with African Americans highest in all age groups) and by income. Individuals living in families with less than 200% of federal poverty level (FPL) were significantly more likely to have at least one of these health conditions, compared to individuals with 400% FPL or more (3-fold greater among 64 years). Among children, there were significantly elevated proportions in all regions compared to the West. The estimated prevalence of immunocompromising conditions ranged from 0.02% in young children to 6.14% older adults. However, national data on race/ethnicity and income are not available for most immunocompromising conditions, nor is it possible to fully identify the degree of overlap between persons with high-risk health conditions and with immunocompromising conditions. Modifications to current national data collection systems would enhance the value of these data for public health programs and influenza modeling.
Nephrotic syndrome associated with gastric cancer

A patient whose nephrotic syndrome was controlled by steroids and cyclophosphamide was found to have gastric cancer. After removal of the tumor and discontinuing the steroid therapy, no recurrence of the clinical signs of nephrotic syndrome appeared, but moderate proteinuria persisted. The literature regarding the association of nephrotic syndrome with malignancies is reviewed.
Causes and potential remedies of brittle fracture failure of composite (nonceramic) insulators

Existing brittle fracture models have been reviewed and their applicability to explain the in-service brittle fracture failure of composite (nonceramic) insulators is evaluated. It is shown that the only brittle fracture model that can explain all aspects of the brittle fracture process is a model based on the formation of nitric acid solutions in-service. The chemical cause of brittle fracture is identified in this work and recommendations are made on how to avoid brittle fracture in-service by proper selection of composite insulator rods resistant to brittle fracture. An attempt is made to clarify misconceptions that exist in the literature regarding the causes of brittle fracture and the most suitable prevention methods.
Identification of amacrine subtypes that express the atypical cadherin celsr3

We previously identified Celsr3, an atypical cadherin, as essential for normal inhibitory circuit formation in the inner retina. Its absence during retinal development leads to increases in GABA receptor numbers on ON-bipolar cell terminals and consequent changes in retinal physiology, but does not cause obvious cell spacing or synaptic lamination defects. This study focuses on defining the subset of amacrine cells that express celsr3 during development of the wild type zebrafish retina. We have developed a BAC transgene expressing EGFP under the control of celsr3 promoter, Tg(celsr3:EGFP). Similar to the retinal expression of the endogenous gene, the transgene is expressed in amacrine, ganglion and bipolar, but not horizontal or photoreceptor cells. We transiently expressed the BAC in zebrafish larvae and categorized 104 celsr3 expressing amacrine cells based on their shape, arborization and lamination. Ten different amacrine cell types express Tg(celsr3:EGFP). These include narrow, medium and wide-field types of varicose cells. There are many multistratified cells, including one not previously identified and a few specific types of monostratified amacrine cells. Non-varicose amacrine cells do not express the transgene. We propose that celsr3 expression in varicose amacrine cells is key to this molecule's function in circuitry formation during retinal development. The BAC transgene we have developed provides a useful tool to study Celsr3 function.
Prolactin levels in ovariectomized Brahman, Brahman × Hereford and Hereford cows following a 20 mg dose of estradiol-17β

Abstract Six Brahman (B), six Brahman × Hereford (B×H) and six Hereford (H) chronically ovariectomized cows were injected intramuscularly with 20 mg of estradiol-17β (E2). The cows were bled via coccygeal vessel puncture immediately before E2 injection, every 2 hr from 0 to 8 hr post-injection, every hr from 9 to 24 hr post-injection and every 2 hr from 26 to 36 hr post-injection. Serum prolactin (PRL) concentrations were quantitated by a validated radioimmunoassay. All cows exhibited a PRL surge following the E2 injection. A PRL surge was defined as a sustained elevation in PRL of at least one standard deviation above the level of PRL before the rise. Nadir levels of PRL prior to the surge did not differ significantly between breeds. Time (hr) to the onset of the E2-induced PRL surge was 5.0, 5.0 and 6.2 in B, B×H and H, respectively (P .10) or B and H (P>.10). Duration (hr) of the PRL surge did not differ significantly between breeds (B, 19.3; B×H, 20.5; H, 21.2). Overall, bleeding period effects (P
Dielectric behaviour of hardened cement paste systems

The hydration of Portland cement involves initial dissolution of CaO, CaSO4.1H20 or CaSO4-2H20, alkaline contents and aluminate phases etc. This is followed by the reaction of C3S and C2S with free water and formation of C-S-H, calcium hydroxide (CH), ettringite and other minor compounds, which bridge the individual particles and fill up the capillary pores. These reactions promote formation of a rigid microstructure and strength development. The stability of C-S-H depends on the variation of environmental conditions as evidenced by changes in morphology, interfacial regions, pore structure and intrinsic strength. These characteristics can be studied by means of impedance or conductance measurements. Electrical methods are considered as a nondestructive, rapid way to determine the physical properties, such as strength, porosity and permeability. Electrical conductivity measurement (ECM) [14] and a.c. impedance spectroscopy (ACIS) [5-15] have been used in cement and concrete hydration investigations. Information on hydration behaviour and microstructural development was obtained. These studies indicated that certain parameters obtained from ECM and ACIS are very sensitive to microstructural characteristics of cement paste and concrete. Dielectric constant measurement (DCM) is one of the most popular methods of characterizing solid materials because it is easier to apply than chemical analysis techniques. The electrical, as well as physical and structural, characteristics of hydrated cement systems can be evaluated. There is a paucity of data [16-20] reported on the dielectric properties of cement and concrete, especially at RF frequencies. In this study, the dielectric properties of hardened cement paste at various water/cement ratios were investigated over the frequency range from 1 MHz to 1 GHz. This preliminary work revealed that the dielectric constant value of hydrated cement paste varies indirectly with original water/cement ratio. Type 10 Portland cement was used. The chemical composition (wt%) was as follows: SiO 2 19.83; CaO 61.21; Fe203 3.20; A1203 4.18; MgO 4.09; SO3 3.93; Na20 0.45; K20 0.82. Fresh cement was mixed at various water/cement ratios from 0.3 to 0.7 and cast in cylindrical moulds, 3 cm diameter × 6 cm. The samples were cured in 100% relative humidity environment for 24 h and subsequently immersed in saturated lime solution for 1 year. Cement paste samples were sliced to form 3 mm thick discs and
Voltage-dependent block of calcium channel current in the calf cardiac Purkinje fiber by dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists.

We have investigated the mechanisms of blockade of calcium channel current by the dihydropyridines, e.g. nisoldipine, nitrendipine, and nicardipine. Membrane current was recorded in isolated calf Purkinje fibers using a two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique, and voltage protocols were designed to identify voltage- and use-dependent block by these compounds systematically. Our results show that calcium channel blockade by dihydropyridine derivatives is strongly modulated by membrane potential. Block is more pronounced when current is measured from depolarized holding potentials, but in contrast to verapamil, this voltage-dependent block occurs in the absence of repetitive depolarizations. Use-dependent block by dihydropyridines is observed at pulse frequencies greater than 1 Hz. Our results suggest that dihydropyridines bind preferentially to the inactivated state of the calcium channel, and that the development of use-dependent block is related to the ionization constants of the compounds. Furthermore, binding is approximately one thousand times stronger to inactivated channels than to resting channels. This state-dependent difference in binding affinities may account for the previously reported contrast between electrophysiological and binding data for these compounds.
Immiscible two-phase fluid flows in deformable porous media

Abstract Macroscopic differential equations of mass and momentum balance for two immiscible fluids in a deformable porous medium are derived in an Eulerian framework using the continuum theory of mixtures. After inclusion of constitutive relationships, the resulting momentum balance equations feature terms characterizing the coupling among the fluid phases and the solid matrix caused by their relative accelerations. These terms, which imply a number of interesting phenomena, do not appear in current hydrologic models of subsurface multiphase flow. Our equations of momentum balance are shown to reduce to the Berryman–Thigpen–Chen model of bulk elastic wave propagation through unsaturated porous media after simplification (e.g., isothermal conditions, neglect of gravity, etc.) and under the assumption of constant volume fractions and material densities. When specialized to the case of a porous medium containing a single fluid and an elastic solid, our momentum balance equations reduce to the well-known Biot model of poroelasticity. We also show that mass balance alone is sufficient to derive the Biot model stress–strain relations, provided that a closure condition for porosity change suggested by de la Cruz and Spanos is invoked. Finally, a relation between elastic parameters and inertial coupling coefficients is derived that permits the partial differential equations of the Biot model to be decoupled into a telegraph equation and a wave equation whose respective dependent variables are two different linear combinations of the dilatations of the solid and the fluid.
Synthesis of 2-arylindole derivatives and evaluation as nitric oxide synthase and NFκB inhibitors

Development of small molecule drug-like inhibitors blocking both nitric oxide synthase and NFκB could offer a synergistic therapeutic approach in the prevention and treatment of inflammation and cancer. During the course of evaluating the biological potential of a commercial compound library, 2-phenylindole (1) displayed inhibitory activity against nitrite production and NFκB with IC50 values of 38.1 ± 1.8 and 25.4 ± 2.1 μM, respectively. Based on this lead, synthesis and systematic optimization have been undertaken in an effort to find novel and more potent nitric oxide synthase and NFκB inhibitors with antiinflammatory and cancer preventive potential. First, chemical derivatizations of 1 and 2-phenylindole-3-carboxaldehyde (4) were performed to generate a panel of N-alkylated indoles and 3-oxime derivatives 2–7. Second, a series of diversified 2-arylindole derivatives (10) were synthesized from an array of substituted 2-iodoanilines (8) and terminal alkynes (9) by applying a one-pot palladium catalyzed Sonogashira-type alkynylation and base-assisted cycloaddition. Subsequent biological evaluations revealed 3-carboxaldehyde oxime and cyano substituted 2-phenylindoles 5 and 7 exhibited the strongest nitrite inhibitory activities (IC50 = 4.4 ± 0.5 and 4.8 ± 0.4 μM, respectively); as well as NFκB inhibition (IC50 = 6.9 ± 0.8 and 8.5 ± 2.0 μM, respectively). In addition, the 6′-MeO-naphthalen-2′-yl indole derivative 10at displayed excellent inhibitory activity against NFκB with an IC50 value of 0.6 ± 0.2 μM.
The electrodynamics of the heavy fermion state of CeAl3

Abstract We have evaluated the optical conductivity of CeAl3 by combining complementary experimental techniques to cover the spectral range from dc to 3 eV. We observe a narrow resonance in the correlated heavy fermion state and evaluate the temperature dependence of the effective mass.
Electron Microscope Study of Effect of Benzalkonium Chloride and Edetate Disodium on Cell Envelope of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract Electron micrographs of Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown in nutrient broth or broth containing subinhibitory concentrations of benzalkonium chloride indicate that benzalkonium chloride at 50 and 100 μg/ml strips off the outer cell membrane. Cells grown in the presence of edetate disodium, 50–100 μg/ml, had convoluted surfaces (wavy in cross section). Cells damaged by growing on nutrient agar containing benzalkonium (200 μg/ml), when subsequently grown for 16 hr in nutrient broth, produced cells with apparently normal outer layers. Similar cells grown on nutrient agar plus benzalkonium (500 μg/ml) when grown for 16 hr in nutrient broth had normal resistance to edetate disodium lysis, but cells grown overnight in broth plus benzalkonium (500 μg/ml) showed increased sensitivity to edetate disodium lysis. Cells grown on nutrient agar in the presence of benzalkonium (800 μg/ml) grew in broth plus benzalkonium (10 μg/ml) without stripping of their external membrane, but replicate inocula into broth plus benzalkonium (10 μg/ml) and edetate disodium (50 μg/ml) produced cells with structural damage to the outer layers of the cell envelope.
Bending burning matches and crumpling burning paper

In this work, we present a freeform deformation guided by physically based processes to model bending of objects when burning. Specifically, we can simulate the bending of burning matches, and the folding of burning paper interactively.
INHIBITION OF GROWTH BY BENZENE HEXACHLORIDE ISOMERS AND PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF GLUCOSE AS MEASURED BY CELL COUNTING TECHNIQUE.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of benzene hexachloride isomers on root growth and the antagonism of these effects by selected chemical compounds. Interest has developed in gamma benzene hexachloride because it is highly toxic to insects (40). Five isomers of benzene hexachloride have been isolated (19) and the structural properties of most of them are well understood (40). The gamma and delta isomers cause mitotic arrest at metaphase (8, 9, 13, 28, 30). The toxicity of the gamma isomer, known commercially as Lindane, has been studied extensively (8, 14, 18, 23, 28, 34, 38), but little work has been done on the delta isomer (8, 38). Benzene hexachlorides possess certain properties characteristic of typical narcotic compounds, two of which are the lack of polar groups in the molecule and the limited solubility in water. Owing to the lack of polar groups, it would be predicted that benzene hexachloride (BHC) molecules would accumulate preferentially in the lipid phase boundaries of the protoplast (2). Following such accumulation, changes in cell structure and organization may occur which greatly influence the direction and rate of chemical reactions (13, 33). One of the first reported antagonists of gamma benzene hexachloride was meso-inositol (9, 12, 22, 27). Earlier, this finding was of interest because of the supposed structural analogy between gamma benzene hexachloride and the biologically important inositols. It now appears, however, that the delta isomer, and not the gamma isomer, is isomorphous with mesoinositol (17). D'Amato (12), on the other hand, reported a delaying action of meso-inositol on the C-mitotic and C-tumor action of gamma benzene hexachloride, which occurred at 15 to 19? C, but not at 26 to 27? C. D'Amato also observed a delaying action of sucrose and other sugars and ascribed these effects to a change in permeability to the BHC. Antagonisms of this type are suggestive of those observed against x-radiation by sodium cyanide (3), thiourea (31) and vitamin ? (41). Levan and ?stergren (30) have discussed the mechanism of C-mitotic action at some length. These workers describe C-mitotic action as a narcosis of those factors which govern growth by cell division, and C-tumor action as a narcosis of those factors which govern growth by cell tension. C-tumor formation has a threshold separate from C-mitosis (37). Mc-
Theory and practice of the measured equation of invariance

The measured equation of invariance (MEI) is a simple technique used to derive finite difference type local equations at mesh boundaries, where the conventional finite difference approach fails [1,2]. The equation is derived based on the fact that it is invariant to the incident fields. Finite difference and finite element equations are examples of such local linear equations satisfying such invariance, but they are derived from the conventional wave equations. MEI is an example of alternatives to the wave-equation-based local discrete equations. Conventionally, finite difference or finite element meshes span from boundary to boundary, or to any surface where an absorbing boundary condition can be simulated. It was demonstrated that the MEI technique can be used to terminate meshes very close to the object boundary and still strictly preserves the sparsity of the finite difference equations. It results in dramatic savings in computing time and memory needs. In this paper, the basic theory of the MEI method will be presented. We shall show that MEI can be readily applied to boundary value problems of elliptical partial differential equations, such as, Laplace equations, wave equations and Maxwell's equations resulting in great savings in both storage and cpu time over the conventional methods.
The neural organization of perception in chess experts

The human visual system responds to expertise, and it has been suggested that regions that process faces also process other objects of expertise including chess boards by experts. We tested whether chess and face processing overlap in brain activity using fMRI. Chess experts and novices exhibited face selective areas, but these regions showed no selectivity to chess configurations relative to other stimuli. We next compared neural responses to chess and to scrambled chess displays to isolate areas relevant to expertise. Areas within the posterior cingulate, orbitofrontal cortex, and right temporal cortex were active in this comparison in experts over novices. We also compared chess and face responses within the posterior cingulate and found this area responsive to chess only in experts. These findings indicate that the configurations in chess are not strongly processed by face-selective regions that are selective for faces in individuals who have expertise in both domains. Further, the area most consistently involved in chess did not show overlap with faces. Overall, these results suggest that expert visual processing may be similar at the level of recognition, but need not show the same neural correlates.
Can evolution be taught with confidence

F ew scientific theories have been attacked as persistently as that of evolution. It has been attacked on social grounds, on religious grounds, and, most recently, on grounds that purport to be scientific. I shall deal here only with the last category, consisting of allegations that evolution hasn't actually taken place, or assertions that the evidence for its occurrence is weak, unconvincing, or even nonexistent. Such contentions have frequently led to the claim that evolution is merely a "theory" which can be properly taught in the science classrooms of our public schools alongside other "theories" more consonant with traditional religious accounts. In support of such proposals it has even been suggested that there is a religio-scientific view called "creationism," capable of offering a challenge to evolution on its own ground. To be sure, as a public question, the issue of whether creationist doctrine can be taught in the public schools seems to have been laid to rest. In the 1987 term, in Edwards v. Aguillard, the Supreme Court answered that it may not. Nonetheless, the fragmented character of the American body politic has often led to the rekindling of old issues by presenting them in new permutations or venues. What's more, lingering questions stemming from this controversy which continue to persist about evolution's scientific validity may, if unanswered, confuse the public and have serious effects on the freedom and effectiveness with which the subject can be taught. Consequently, there is still reason to make sure the air has been thoroughly cleared. I would like to approach the question of the scientific adequacy of evolutionary theory in two ways. First, I wish to show that the structure of the theory of evolution parallels those areas of modern science that cause little controversyphysics and chemistry, for example-so that objections brought against evolution on philosophical or conceptual grounds must either also be brought against physics and chemistry, or acknowledged as empty. Second, I want to demonstrate that while it is one thing to acknowledge that one's objection to evolutionary theory is based on religious faith, any suggestion that it is collapsing under the weight of significant scientific criticism is clearly in error. One of those to suggest that the anti-evolutionists may indeed have some valid points to make is the distinguished social critic Irving Kristol, whose view has been seconded by Peter Shaw, a vice president of the National Association of Scholars. In a piece entitled "Room for Darwin and the Bible," in The New York Times (September 30, 1986), for example, Kristol argues that biology texts are dogmatically written and taught in a way that unnecessarily antagonizes religious believers. While Kristol understands that creationism is unscientific, and doesn't believe that the biblical account of creation should be taught in the
Development of a supplier selection model using fuzzy logic

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a tool for decision makers to help them with selection of the appropriate supplier.Design/methodology/approach – Companies often depend on their suppliers to meet customers' demands. Thus, the key to the success of these companies is selection of the appropriate supplier. A methodology is proposed to address this issue by first identifying the appropriate selection criteria and then developing a mechanism for their inclusion and measurement in the evaluation process. Such an evaluation process requires decision maker's preferences on the importance of these criteria as inputs.Findings – Human assessments contain some degree of subjectivity that often cannot be expressed in pure numeric scales and requires linguistic expressions. To capture this subjectivity the authors have applied fuzzy logic that allows the decision makers to express their preferences/opinions in linguistic terms. Decision maker's preferences on appropriate criteria as well as his/her perception of t...
Correction of the Enzymatic and Functional Deficits in a Model of Pompe Disease Using Adeno-associated Virus Vectors

Pompe disease is a lysosomal storage disease caused by the absence of acid α-1,4 glucosidase (GAA). The pathophysiology of Pompe disease includes generalized myopathy of both cardiac and skeletal muscle. We sought to use recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors to deliver functional GAA genes in vitro and in vivo. Myotubes and fibroblasts from Pompe patients were transduced in vitro with rAAV2-GAA. At 14 days postinfection, GAA activities were at least fourfold higher than in their respective untransduced controls, with a 10-fold increase observed in GAA-deficient myotubes. BALB/c and Gaa−/− mice were also treated with rAAV vectors. Persistent expression of vector-derived human GAA was observed in BALB/c mice up to 6 months after treatment. In Gaa−/− mice, intramuscular and intramyocardial delivery of rAAV2-Gaa (carrying the mouse Gaa cDNA) resulted in near-normal enzyme activities. Skeletal muscle contractility was partially restored in the soleus muscles of treated Gaa−/− mice, indicating the potential for vector-mediated restoration of both enzymatic activity and muscle function. Furthermore, intramuscular treatment with a recombinant AAV serotype 1 vector (rAAV1-Gaa) led to nearly eight times normal enzymatic activity in Gaa−/− mice, with concomitant glycogen clearance as assessed in vitro and by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Care for Child Development: Basic Science Rationale and Effects of Interventions

The past few years have witnessed increasing interest in devising programs to enhance early childhood development. We review current understandings of brain development, recent advances in this field, and their implications for clinical interventions. An expanding body of basic science laboratory data demonstrates that several interventions, including environmental enrichment, level of parental interaction, erythropoietin, antidepressants, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, hypothermia, nutritional supplements, and stem cells, can enhance cerebral plasticity. Emerging clinical data, using functional magnetic resonance imaging and clinical evaluations, also support the hypothesis that clinical interventions can increase the developmental potential of children, rather than merely allowing the child to achieve an already predetermined potential. Such interventions include early developmental enrichment programs, which have improved cognitive function; high-energy and high-protein diets, which have increased brain growth in infants with perinatal brain damage; constraint-induced movement therapy, which has improved motor function in patients with stroke, cerebral palsy, and cerebral hemispherectomy; and transcranial magnetic stimulation, which has improved motor function in stroke patients.
HEART OF THE CITY

As loudly lauded as it is vigorously questioned, the City of London is a critical financial hub. Beverly Goldberg ventures into the heart of the City.