cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer Models for Management Science

From the Publisher: Computer Models for Management Science, Third Edition, is the highly anticipated revision of the best-selling management science courseware. The manual explains how to formulate problems for the computer solution, how to prepare the data for easy input, and how to read the computer output.
The 1:1 charge-transfer complex dibenzo­tetra­thia­fulvalene–pyromellitic dianhydride (DBTTF–PMDA)

The title charge-transfer (CT) complex, C10H2O6·C14H8S4, composed of donor dibenzo­tetra­thia­fulvalene (DBTTF) and acceptor pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), forms a mixed stacking pattern along the [-110] direction. The constituent mol­ecules occupy crystallographic inversion centers. They are nearly parallel and lie ca.3.41 A from each other. The crystals exhibit a high degree of donor/acceptor overlap [88.20 (4)%] in the long direction of the DBTTF and PMDA mol­ecules as compared with 51.27 (5)% in the shortest direction of the mol­ecules.
On the Lyapounov Exponents of Schrödinger Operators Associated with the Standard Map

It is shown that Schrodinger operators defined from the standard map have positive (mean) Lyapounov exponents for almost all energies.
Equivalence of topologies and Borel fields for countably-Hilbert spaces

We examine the main topologies—weak, strong, and inductive— placed on the dual of a countably-normed space and the -fields generated by these topologies. In particular, we prove that for certain countably-Hilbert spaces the strong and inductive topologies coincide and the -fields generated by the weak, strong, and inductive topologies are equivalent. 1. Introduction and Objectives In this paper we study the weak, strong, and inductive topologies on the dual of a countably-normed space. We see that under certain conditions the strong and inductive topologies coincide (and are also equivalent with the Mackey topology, which is introduced later). We also examine and compare the -fields generated by these topologies to see that under reasonable conditions all the -fields are in fact equivalent.
Gated large-bandwidth soft-x-ray continuum generation on the leading edge of the driver pulse

Soft-x-ray continuum radiation is experimentally produced by high-harmonic generation on the leading edge of the laser pulse. Ionization gating implies isolated attosecond pulses can be generated with larger bandwidth, tunable wavelength, and longer driver pulses.
Outcome of Active Surveillance and Endocrine Therapy Alone for DCIS.

Objective : There are currently no nonsurgical options offered to patients with DCIS. The purpose of this study was to assess clinical outcome in a cohort of women declining surgery for pathologically proven ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who have opted for endocrine therapy and clinical/radiographic follow-up. Methods: Between 2003 and 2008, 52 women with ER-positive DCIS enrolled in an IRB-approved single-arm study of 3 months of neoadjuvant enodocrine therapy. The study design included definitive surgical excision. However, 9 women withdrew from the parent study at completion of 3 months and declined surgery, opting instead for a plan of active surveillance, with the intent to proceed with conventional therapy in the event of disease progression or radiographic suspicion for invasive disease. All women were amenable for follow up every 6 months with diagnostic mammography and breast MRI, and wished to continue endocrine therapy, despite unproven benefit in this setting. Endocrine treatment consisted of tamoxifen for premenopausal women or an aromatase inhibitor for postmenopausal women. Each patient was informed of the current treatment guidelines for DCIS, as well as the increased future probability for invasive cancer in the absence of standard treatment for DCIS. Results : The median age of the cohort was 48 years (41-60 years) at enrollment. Of these, 5 women were premenopausal on Tamoxifen, and 4 were post menopausal (3 on letrozole and 1 on arimidex). At the time of analysis, median follow up was 23 months (range 9-66 months). During follow up, 4 patients proceeded with surgery either electively (1 patient) or due to changes at imaging (3 patients). Two of these patients had node-negative invasive breast carcinoma identified at surgery, measuring 6 mm and 4 mm. Five patients have elected to continue surveillance (median follow up 34 months; range 10-66 months), and have had either stable disease or continued regression based on both mammographic and MRI criteria. Four patients remain on endocrine therapy. The patient with longest follow up has had almost complete resolution of radiographic abnormalities at 6 years of surveillance. Conclusion : In this pilot cohort, two-thirds of women who continued endocrine therapy and surveillance for ER-positive DCIS had radiographically stable disease or regression with short-term follow up. Women who initially declined surgery elected to undergo excision in the face of radiographic progression. Active surveillance with endocrine therapy for ER-positive DCIS is feasible, and a well-informed patient cohort is essential to minimize risk. The impact of such an approach on long-term morbidity is unknown, but requires further investigation. Ongoing efforts to improve the detection of invasive cancer in women with DCIS are expected to facilitate such an approach. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 954.
Synthesis and Application of Chiral Conjugated Polymers and Dendrimers

1,1’-Binaphthyl-based chiral polymers and dendrimers have been synthesized and their potential applications have been explored. These materials have shown a variety of interesting properties such as electroluminescence, optical nonlinearity, enantioselective catalysis and chiral sensing.
Mycotic Aneurysm of the Thoracic Aorta Caused by Aspergillus fumigatus

A 54-year-old diabetic patient had unexplained fever and embolic occlusion of the splenic, right renal, right hypogastric, right superficial femoral, and left popliteal arteries. Aspergillus fumigatus was recovered from a femoral clot. An aortogram revealed a mycotic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta to be the source of the infected emboli. Surgical excision of the aneurysm and therapy with amphotericin B were unsuccessful.
Transport characteristics of in vitro perfused proximal convoluted tubules.

Proximal convoluted tubules reabsorb the bulk of the sodium chloride and water present in the glomerular filtrate. In addition, the major portion of filtered bicarbonate, phosphate, glucose, and amino acids are reabsorbed in this nephron segment. All of this transport is accomplished isosmotically and without a measureable change in intraluminal sodium concentration. However, despite the absence of changes in luminal fluid osmolality and sodium concentration, important changes in luminal fluid constituents do occur. As will be discussed in this study and that of Barfuss and Schafer on the pars recta [1], these changes in luminal fluid constituents are felt to be an important determinant of transport events in late portions of the proximal convolution and in pars recta.
Three Days of Incubation May Be Sufficient for Routine Blood Cultures with BacT/Alert FAN Blood Culture Bottles

BacT/Alert FAN blood culture bottles have been shown to enhance the recovery of bacteria and yeast from blood compared with standard BacT/Alert bottles. It is well established that standard BacT/Alert blood culture bottles require no more than 5 days of incubation for the detection of routine bacteria and yeast. It is less clear, however, whether FAN bottles also routinely require 5 days of incubation. To address this question, we recently reviewed the results of 17,887 blood culture sets collected in FAN blood culture bottles at Geisinger Medical Center. Of these cultures, 1,780 were positive for bacteria or yeast, yielding a total of 1,242 clinically significant isolates. The numbers of isolates recovered on days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were as follows: (values in parentheses are percentages of total significant isolates): 877 (71%), 269 (22%), 65 (5%), 18 (1%) and, 13 (1%), respectively. In total, 97.5% of all clinically significant isolates were detected in the first 3 days of incubation. Of the 31 significant isolates detected on day 4 or 5 of incubation, 17 were detected in concurrent blood cultures within the first 3 days of incubation. Chart reviews were conducted for the 13 patients with the remaining 14 isolates detected on day 4 or 5 to determine whether therapy was changed due to this blood culture result. Therapy was changed for only 1 patient. These results suggest that it may not be necessary to routinely incubate FAN blood culture bottles for more than 3 days.
Radiobiology of the Skin: Review of Some Effects on Epidermis and Hair

Significant doses of ionizing radiation produce an acute skin reaction characterized by erythema, epilation, and dry or moist desquamation with or without erosions. These early acute changes are dose-dependent and reflect damage to the germinative cells of the epidermis and to the cutaneous vasculature. Studies in the pig, for example, have shown that the degenerative phase of cell loss (2-3 weeks) results from reproductive failure in germinative cells and a sharp reduction in the proliferation rate of basal cell "survivors." D0 values for epidermal cells in different species generally range from 100-140 rads. Cell maturation and ascension rates in the suprabasilar layers are largely unaffected. A regenerative phase of cell replacement, characterized by sharply increased cell replication rates, occurs from the 3rd to 5th postradiation weeks. The postregenerative phase of hyperplasia reflects a temporary overshoot of cell density above control levels; a subsequent decrease in hyperplasia indicates feedback control of cellular proliferation. Postradiation changes in the highly proliferative anagen hair matrix cell populations result in hair dysplasia, slowed growth rates, impaired metabolic processes, and alopecia. Dosages of 700-800 rads or more induce some degree of permanent hair loss. G0 telogen matrix cells are 2-3 times more radioresistant than proliferating anagen matrix cells, but may "store" radiation damage for prolonged periods. Altered matrix cell uptake of amino acids, the incidence of dysplasia, and the degree of alopecia occurring after irradiation have all been used as quantitative biological end-points for the general study of cellular radiation effects, as well as studies on the enhancement of or protection against radiation damage provided by certain pharmacologic or physical agents.
Predation by Bembidion quadrimaculatum (Coleoptera: Carabidae) on Delia antiqua (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)

Bembidion quadrimaculatum L. is one of the most common carabids in Michigan onion fields and feeds on onion maggot, Delia antiqua (Meigen), eggs and first instars as well as a number of other prey. Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of B. quadrimaculatum as a predator of the onion maggot. Up to 25 onion maggot eggs per day were consumed per B. quadrimaculatum adult. Consumption of eggs and first instars increased with temperature. Predation was higher when eggs were placed on the soil surface than for eggs placed 1 cm deep (70% versus 17.5%). In field cage studies, B. quadrimaculatum reduced onion maggot numbers by up to 57%. B. quadrimaculatum may therefore be an important biological control agent for the onion maggot.
Totally polarized electrons from photoionization of outer p12 subshells of rare gases: a relativistic random phase approximation calculation☆

Abstract Photoelectrons ejected from the outer p 1 2 subshells of the rare gases Ar, Kr, and Xe are shown to be totally polarized at certain energies in the vacuum ultraviolet region of the spectrum. These photoelectrons may provide a favorable source of polarized electrons.
Duration and extent of the great auroral storm of 1859.

The great geomagnetic storm of August 28 through September 3,1859 is, arguably, the greatest and most famous space weather event in the last two hundred years. For the first time observations showed that the sun and aurora were connected and that auroras generated strong ionospheric currents. A significant portion of the world's 200,000 km of telegraph lines were adversely affected, many of which were unusable for 8 hours or more which had a real economic impact. In addition to published scientific measurements, newspapers, ship logs, and other records of that era provide an untapped wealth of first hand observations giving time and location along with reports of the auroral forms and colors. At its height, the aurora was described as a blood or deep crimson red that was so bright that one "could read a newspaper by." At its peak, the Type A red aurora lasted for several hours and was observed to reach extremely low geomagnetic latitudes on August 28-29 (-25") and on September 2-3 (-18"). Auroral forms of all types and colors were observed below 50" latitude for -24 hours on August 28-29 and -42 hours on September 2-3. From a large database of ground-based observations the extent of the aurora in corrected geomagnetic coordinates is presented over the duration of the storm event.
Comparison of Flutamide and Emcyt in Hormone-Refractory Metastatic Prostatic Cancer

Abstract A prospective randomized trial for metastatic prostatic cancer in 220 patients who were refractory to hormone therapy was conducted by the National Prostatic Cancer Project from 1984 to 1985. As of July, 1986, the evaluation of these patients reflected no difference in response to either estramustine phosphate (Emcyt) or flutamide. Toxicities were minimal, and the observed survival and progression-free survival intervals were noteworthy in view of the overall prospects for such patients. Future studies dealing with specific quality of life issues to be indicated by our results.
Electrochemistry of porphyrins and related macrocycles

The electrochemistry of metallomacrocycles is known to depend on a variety of factors, some of which are related to the nature of the macrocycle, some to the central metal ion and some to the solution conditions. This present paper presents a brief overview of metalloporphyrin and metallocorrole redox reactivity while outlining the most important structural factors which influence the reversible half-wave potentials for oxidation or reduction of these complexes in non-aqueous media.
Non-Lipschitzian dynamics for neural net modelling

Failure of the Lipschitz condition in unstable equilibrium points of dynamical systems leads to a multiple-choice response to an initial deterministic input. The evolution of such systems is characterized by a special type of unpredictability measured by unbounded Liapunov exponents. Possible relation of these systems to future neural networks is discussed.
Determinação do estoque de segurança em um sistema de estoque de revisão periódica, com demanda correlacionada em série

Consideramos um modelo de reabastecimento de estoque com revisao periodica junto a uma doutrina operacional encomende-ate-R para o caso de prazos deterministicos de reposicao e um processo de demanda estocastica com covariância estacionaria. Derivamos um metodo para fixar o estoque de seguranca a fim de obter a probabilidade da falta de estoque desejada quando a funcao de autocovariância de uma demanda Gaussiana e conhecida. Dado que o metodo nao requer que modelos parametricos de series temporais sejam ajustados aos dados, ele e facilmente posto em pratica. Ademais, o metodo tem se mostrado assimptoticamente valido quando a funcao de autocovariância da demanda e estimada com dados historicos. Os efeitos dos varios niveis de demanda autocorrelacionada no indice de falta de estoque sao demonstrados em situacoes em que a autocorrelacao de demanda e ignorada ou desconhecida pelo gerente de estoque. Similarmente, os efeitos no nivel de estoque de seguranca sao demonstrados para varios niveis de autocorrelacao.
Olfactory and gustatory sensory changes to tobacco smoke in pregnant smokers.

Models of smoking behavior change include addiction, social, and behavioral concepts. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of two biologic factors, olfactory and gustatory responses to tobacco smoke, as potentially powerful contributors to smoking behavior change among pregnant women. Data were obtained from 209 pregnant smokers. The majority of women reported olfactory (62%) and gustatory (53%) aversions to tobacco. Aversions first appeared during the first trimester of pregnancy. Women who experienced olfactory aversions were more likely also to experience gustatory aversions. Olfactory aversions were associated with women smoking less. Aversions to tobacco smoke are common among pregnant smokers, are associated with women smoking less, and could help explain pregnant women’s smoking patterns.
Molecular Orbital Modeling of Water Adsorption on a Tetrasiloxane Ring

A water molecule hydrogen bonded to a surface SiOH group produces an IR vibrational transmission peak (ν3) at 2.82 μm. Water was adsorbed into the pores of a metal alkoxide derived silica gel monolith, and the increase in the wavelength of the first vibrational overtone (2ν3) of this peak was measured as a function of the adsorbed water content W (g H2O/g SiO2). The peak shifted from 1.390 to 1.420 μm as W increased by 0.14 g/g. Intermediate Neglect of Differential Overlap (INDO) Molecular Orbital (MO) theory was used to model this process. The effect of a H2O molecule, hydrogen bonded to a hydroxylated tetrasiloxane ring, on the structure of the ring and the water molecule was investigated. The bond length of the O-H group H-bonded to the water molecule increased, as expected from the increase in wavelength of the 2ν3 IR peak.
The effect of phenothiazines and their metabolites on prostaglandin production by rat basophilic leukemia cells in culture

Abstract Seven clinically important phenothiazine drugs (chlorpromazine, promazine, triflupromazine, thioridazine, fluphenazine, trifluoperazine and perphenazine) stimulated synthesis of PGE 2 and PGF 2α in RBL-1 cells in culture. Structural differences in the side chain at N10 had little effect on their activities.Some of the metabolites also were active, in keeping with the clinical observation that phenothiazines may have. antipsychotic effects long after the parent compound has been eliminated from the circulation. Among the chlorpromazine metabolites, methoxy substituents on the phenothiazine nucleus did not strikingly affect stimulating activity. Monohydroxy derivatives were slightly more effective than the parent compound; there was little difference between hydroxy substitution at 7 or 8 position. The 7,8 dioxo, the N-oxide, the sulfoxide, and the 7-OH glucuronide derivatives were inactive.
Highly reliable enhanced nitride interface process of barrier low-k using ultra-thin SiN with moisture blocking capability

We developed a highly reliable enhanced nitride Interface (ENI) process of barrier low-k using an ultra-thin SiN (UT-SiN) for 40-nm node devices and beyond. The UT-SiN (3nm) exhibits stable thickness uniformity and an excellent moisture blocking capability. By using this process, a lower effective k and high via yields were obtained. Compared to the conventional SiCN bi-layer process, 5x via electro-migration improvement, 50x time dependent dielectric breakdown improvement and no stress induced voiding failure within 1000h were observed. The ENI process was analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. From these analyses, we propose the mechanism for these reliability performance improvements.
Effect of toxicants on algal sinking rates

A fluorometric technique was used to measure sinking rates of Scenedesmus acuminatus following exposure to Cl and Cu. Observed rates became larger in proportion to chemical dosage. The maximum values were 6.4 x ambient at 7.5 g m−3 chlorine and 7.0 x ambient at 40 g m−3 Cu. In comparison a maximum increase in sinking rate of 5.4 x ambient was achieved with 49 g m−3 alum. Microscopic observations indicated that cell lysis and flocculation resulted from exposure of algal cells to toxicants.
The Hippo signaling pathway and translational opportunities for brain cancers

Merlin/NF2 tumor suppressor protein is a cytoskeleton-binding protein that modulates the activity of the Hippo pathway [5]. Investigating the activity of YAP1 in the mouse liver, Zhang and colleagues defined a functional role between Merlin/NF2 tumor suppressor and the Hippo pathway. The inactivation of Nf2 in the mouse liver led to YAP1 activation and to the formation of hepatocellular carcinoma [6]. Loss of NF2 tumor suppressor gene is a wellcharacterized genetic alteration in several cancers, largely in cancers of the CNS [7], prompting the attention on the importance of the Hippo pathway in the development of these cancers. In meningiomas, loss of Merlin activity is also associated with nuclear localization and YAP1 activation, and leads to the development of cells with a characteristic transformed phenotype [8]. In addition, deregulation of the Hippo pathway seems to be associated with several human cancers not associated with NF2 loss. Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms
HIV sexual risk behavior in older black women: a systematic review.

Abstract Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major public health concern in the United States, particularly among older Black women who comprise approximately 40% of the newly diagnosed cases among women. This systematic review sought to answer the research question: What are the sexual practices in older Black women associated with HIV risk? Methods CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Knowledge electronic databases were searched for English-language research studies published between 2003 and 2013 that focused on the HIV sexual risk practices of Black women over the age of 50. Using PRISMA guidelines, two reviewers independently reviewed and appraised the quality of relevant articles; agreement of select studies was achieved by consensus. Results Among the 3,167 articles surveyed, 9 met inclusion criteria. The majority (88%) were quantitative, observational studies. All nine articles addressed at least one of three factors that contribute to HIV sexual risk: Behavioral (inconsistent condom use and multiple sexual partners), psychological (risk perception, depression/stress, trauma, and self-esteem issues), and social factors (economics, education, and drugs/alcohol use). Outcome measures varied across studies. Conclusion Although this systematic review appraised few studies, findings suggest that many older Black women are engaged in HIV risk-taking practices. Clinicians and researchers need to be aware of the HIV risk practices of older Black women to improve health outcomes through education, effective communication and risk appraisal.
Oncogenes, Cell Cycle Genes and the Control of Cell Proliferation

The reproduction of animal cells is regulated by growth factors in the environment and the gene and gene products that respond to and interact with these growth factors. The genes that play a role in cell reproduction can be grouped under the term of growth–related genes and include cellular oncogenes, wild type alleles of cell cycle mutants and growth–regulated genes. The extent of cell proliferation in a population of cells is determined largely at the G0–G1 interface. Although it has been customary to study the regulation of cell proliferation in the early stages of the G0 to S transition, evidence seems to indicate we have been looking in the wrong place and the critical, proliferation–specific events may occur in mid or late G1.
Changes in Production and Nutrient Cycling across a Wetness Gradient within a Floodplain Forest

Floodplain forest ecosystems are highly valuable to society because of their potential for water quality improvement and vegetation productivity, among many other functions. Previous studies have indicated that hydrology influences productivity but that the relationship between hydroperiod and productivity is a complex one. Consequently, we compared multiple indexes of productivity, nutrient circulation, and hydroperiod among three communities on the Flint River floodplain, Georgia, that differed in terms of inundation frequency. We hypothesized that (a) the wettest community would have the lowest total net primary production (NPP) values because of saturated soil conditions; (b) as wetness increases, nutrient circulation in litterfall would decrease because of the hypothesized lower productivity in the wetter community; and (c) as wetness increases, internal translocation would become more efficient. The study site was partitioned into three wetness types—somewhat poorly drained (SPD), intermediate (I) and poorly drained (PD). We found that belowground biomass was greatest on the SPD, litterfall was similar for all three sites, and that woody biomass current annual increment (CAI) was greatest in the PD community. However, when the three variables were totaled for each site, the PD had the greatest NPP, thus disproving hypothesis (a). For hypothesis (b), we observed that P content in litterfall, although not significant, followed the predicted trend; nitrogen (N) content displayed the opposite pattern (PD > I > SPD). As wetness increased, internal translocation became more efficient for phosphorus (support for hypothesis [c]), but the SPD community was more efficient at retranslocating N (contradiction of hypothesis [c]).
Citicoline mechanisms and clinical efficacy in cerebral ischemia.

Citicoline, an intermediate in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), has shown beneficial effects in various CNS injury models and neurodegenerative diseases. PtdCho hydrolysis by phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion yields arachidonic acid (ArAc) and lyso-PtdCho. ArAc oxidative metabolism results in formation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides. Lyso-PtdCho could inhibit activity of cytidine triphosphate-phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (the rate-limiting enzyme in PtdCho biosynthesis), resulting in impaired PtdCho synthesis. Citicoline significantly increased glutathione levels and attenuated release of ArAc and the loss of PtdCho, cardiolipin, and sphingomyelin following transient cerebral ischemia. These effects could be explained by an effect of citicoline on PLA(2). Based on these observations, a mechanism has been hypothesized. This Mini-Review summarizes recent experimental data on the effects of citicoline in cerebral ischemia and evaluates several factors that might have hindered efficacy of citicoline in stroke clinical trials in the United States. Clinical stroke trials of citicoline in Europe and Japan have demonstrated beneficial effects. U.S. trials shown only marginal effects, which might be due to the 24 hr time window, the dose and route of administration, and the stringency of the primary outcome parameters. Recent evaluation of U.S. clinical data suggests that reduction of infarct growth may be a more sensitive measure of the citicoline effect than improvement on the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) by > or =7 points. The citicoline neuroprotective mechanism has not been clearly identified, and its potential in stroke treatment might still be fully recognized in the United States. The clinical efficacy of citicoline should be examined further in light of the recent phase III stroke clinical trials and experimental data for cerebral ischemia.
Stimulation of growth hormone secretion in children with X-linked hypophosphatemia

X-linked hypophosphatemia is characterized by low serum phosphorus, relative vitamin D deficiency and rickets. Despite adequate metabolic control with oral phosphate and vitamin D therapy, patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia have short stature. Whether growth hormone (GH) deficiency plays a role in short stature in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia is not known. The purpose of this report was to investigate the response of GH to sequential paired pharmacological stimulation in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia. Basal GH was 3.8±0.7 ng/ml, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) was 225±38 ng/ml and IGF binding protein-3 was 3.0±0.2 mg/l in 16 children studied with X-linked hypophosphatemia. In response tol-dopa and arginine hydrochloride stimulation, serum GH rose to above 7 mg/ml in all patients. Thus, the short stature in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia is not due to a GH/IGF-I secretory defect.
Methylarsonous acid causes oxidative DNA damage in cells independent of the ability to biomethylate inorganic arsenic.

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) and its toxic methylated metabolite, methylarsonous acid (MMAIII), both have carcinogenic potential. Prior study shows iAs-induced malignant transformation in both arsenic methylation-proficient (liver) and methylation-deficient (prostate) cells, but only methylation-proficient cells show oxidative DNA damage (ODD) during this transformation. To further define whether arsenic methylation is necessary for transformation or ODD induction, here we chronically exposed these same liver or prostate cell lines to MMAIII (0.25–1.0 μM) and tested for acquired malignant phenotype. Various metrics of oncogenic transformation were periodically assessed along with ODD during chronic MMAIII exposure. Methylation-deficient and methylation-proficient cells both acquired a cancer phenotype with MMAIII exposure at about 20 weeks, based on increased matrix metalloproteinase secretion, colony formation, and invasion. In contrast, prior work showed iAs-induced transformation took longer in biomethylation-deficient cells (~30 weeks) than in biomethylation-proficient cells (~18 weeks). In the present study, MMAIII caused similar peak ODD levels at similar concentrations and at similar exposure times (18–22 weeks) in both cell types. At the approximate peak of ODD production, both cell types showed similar alterations in arsenic and oxidative stress adaptation factors (i.e., ABCC1, ABCC2, GST-π, SOD-1). Thus, MMAIII causes oncogenic transformation associated with ODD in methylation-deficient cells, indicating that further methylation is not required to induce ODD. Together, these results show that MMAIII and iAs cause an acquired malignant phenotype in methylation-deficient cells, yet iAs does not induce ODD. This indicates iAs likely has both genotoxic and non-genotoxic mechanisms dictated by the target cell’s ability to methylate arsenic.
Social interactions in myxobacterial swarming.

Swarming, a collective motion of many thousands of cells, produces colonies that rapidly spread over surfaces. In this paper, we introduce a cell-based model to study how interactions between neighboring cells facilitate swarming. We chose to study Myxococcus xanthus, a species of myxobacteria, because it swarms rapidly and has well-defined cell–cell interactions mediated by type IV pili and by slime trails. The aim of this paper is to test whether the cell contact interactions, which are inherent in pili-based S motility and slime-based A motility, are sufficient to explain the observed expansion of wild-type swarms. The simulations yield a constant rate of swarm expansion, which has been observed experimentally. Also, the model is able to quantify the contributions of S motility and A motility to swarming. Some pathogenic bacteria spread over infected tissue by swarming. The model described here may shed some light on their colonization process.
A comparison of cerebrospinal fluid in normal and chemically bursectomized chickens (Gallus domesticus).

Abstract 1. 1. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected from the subarachnoid space adjacent to the sinus rhomboidalis which is located in the intumescentia lumbalis region of the spinal cord. 2. 2. The total protein of pure CSF in chemically bursectomized birds was lower than in controls while the CSF-chloride content of these two groups of chickens was similar (146–147 mequiv./1).
Paper electrophoresis of serum proteins in infantile toxicosis.

Summary The electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins has been studied in 30 infants suffering from toxicosis. During the stage of acute dehydration the main changes were a moderate or marked increase of alpha globulin, particularly of the α2 fraction and a decrease of albumin. In some cases there was also an increase of the gamma globulin. During recovery the alpha globulin decreases while albumin increases. However, the return to normal of the electrophoretic pattern is not always achieved when clinical recovery occurs. The absolute amounts of total serum proteins have also been estimated and their significance has been discussed. Electrophorese sur papier des proteines du serum au cours de la toxicose. L'aspect electrophoretique des proteines du serum a eteetudie chez 30 ehfants presentant une toxicose. Au cours de la periode de deshydratation aigue, on a pu noter une augmentation nette des alphaglobulines (en particulier la fraction alpha 2), et une diminution de l'albumine. Dans quelques cas, on a pu noter aussi une augmentation des gammaglobulines. La diminution des alphaglobulines, et l'augmentation de l'albumine est survenue avec la guerison. Neanmoins, le retour a la normale de la courbe d'electrophorese n'est pas toujours acheve au moment de la guerison elinique. Papierelektrophorese von Serum-Protein bei Sauglingstoxikose. Die Elektrophoresebefunde von Serumproteinen sind bei 30 an Toxikose leidenden Sauglingen untersucht worden. Wahrend des Stadiums der akuten Dehydration waren die Hauptveranderungen eine massige oder ausgepragte Zunahme des Alpha-Globulins, insbesondere der α2-Fraktion und eine Abnahme des Albumins. In einigen Fallen be-stand auch eine Zunahme des Gamma-Globulins. Wahrend der Genesung nimmt das Alpha-Globulin ab, wahrend das Albumin ansteigt. Jedoch ist der Ruckgang zum nor-malen elektrophoretischen Bild nicht immer vollendet wenn die klinische Genesung eintritt. Electroforesis en papel de las proteinas sericas en la toxicosis. Se estudiaron las imagenes electroforeticas de las proteinas sericas en 30 lactantes afectos de toxicosis. Durante el periodo de deshidratacion aguda, los cambios mas notables fueron un moderado o marcado aumento de la alfa globulina, especialmente de alfa 2. Durante la convalecencia, la fraecion alfa globulina disminuyo mientras au-mentaba la albumina. Sin embargo, la vuelta a la imagen electroforetica normal no siempre es completa al ocurrir, la mejoria clinica.
Effect of dietary energy intake and exogenous porcine growth hormone administration on circulating porcine growth hormone concentration and response to human growth hormone-releasing factor administration in growing swine

Abstract In a 2 × 2 treatment array (n = 4 pigs/treatment), the effect of feed intake (ad libitum vs. restricted to 60% ad libitum) and the daily administration of excipient buffer or porcine pituitary-derived growth hormone (GH) at a dose of 100 μg/kg body weight per day on serum GH profile and human growth hormone-releasing factor (hGRF) response were examined in barrows weighing 55 kg. Feed intake treatment was implemented from 25 to 55 kg live weight. Buffer or GH treatment was implemented for 10 d before sampling. After GH treatment, the integrated serum GH concentration area was 25% greater in barrows fed restrictively. Data are consistent with the suggestion that GH dose to improve the efficiency of lean tissue deposition be adjusted according to feeding regimen. The serum GH response to hGRF was also altered by level of feed intake. The ad libitum feeding of buffer-treated animals resulted in a monophasic serum GH response to hGRF, whereas barrows fed restrictively had a biphasic response to hGRF. Together, these data suggest that feed intake pattern alters GH secretion and as such could influence the practical implementation of somatotropin as a metabolism modifier in swine.
Convergence of theS-matrix

An investigation is made of the convergence of the field-theoretic perturbation expansion of the elements of theS-matrix. For a theory characterized by a coupling linear in the boson field, it is established that if a cut-off is introduced in momentum space, then the transition amplitude for any given process over a finite-time interval, is bounded term by term by an exponential series. The extension of the method to interactions which are not linear, is, for several cases, also included. The implications of the result for theories without a cut-off is discussed from a qualitative point of view.
Lack of effect of treatment with human recombinant-tumour necrosis factor (HrTNF) on the binding of quinidine to alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP).

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is known to be a key mediator in the acute phase response and its administration has been shown to cause a five fold increase in serum alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) concentration in the rat. Since, in man, plasma AGP level determines the protein binding of many important drugs (e.g. narcotic analgesics, phenothiazines, antiarrhythmics, calcium channel blockers) likely to be given to patients who will be treated with TNF, it is important to determine if TNF treatment of humans causes a similar increase in AGP concentration and drug binding. Therefore, the plasma protein binding of quinidine and the serum level of AGP were studied over a 4 day period in each of five cancer patients who were treated with human recombinant-tumour necrosis factor (HrTNF) using a dosage schedule of 6-8 x 10(+5) units/m2 daily for 5 days. It was observed that the quinidine binding ratio (the quotient of bound and free concentration in plasma) was highly correlated with the plasma concentration of AGP (r = 0.818) and that the mean pretreatment AGP concentration in the patients was about three times that found in normal subjects. However, no effects of the TNF treatment regime used in the present study could be demonstrated on either plasma AGP concentration or quinidine free fraction. These observations allow the tentative conclusion that HrTNF does not cause a significant increase in serum AGP level in cancer patients whose baseline AGP concentration is high. However, further study of the relationship between TNF treatment and serum AGP level is needed.
Dynamic behavior of the interface between two solid phases in an elastic bar

Using the continuum mechanical model of solid-solid phase transitions of Abeyaratne and Knowles, this paper examines the large time dynamical behavior of a phase boundary. The problem studied concerns a semi-infinite elastic bar initially in an equilibrium state that involves two material phases separated by a phase boundary at a given location. Interaction between the phase boundary and the elastic waves generated by an impact at the end of the bar and subsequent reflections is studied in detail, and an exact solution of the dynamical problem, which is governed by a nonlinear resursive formula, is obtained. It is shown that the phase boundary reaches a new equilibrium state for large time. Numerical calculations based on the recursive formula are carried out to illustrate analytical results.
Nonlocal Order in Gapless Systems: Entanglement Spectrum in Spin Chains

We show that the entanglement spectrum can be used to define non-local order in gapless spin systems. We find a gap that fully separates a series of generic, high ``entanglement energy'' levels, from a flat band of levels with specific multiplicities defining the ground state, and remains finite in the thermodynamic limit. We pick the appropriate set of quantum numbers and partition the system in this space, corresponding to a nonlocal real-space cut. Despite the Laughlin state being bulk gapped while the antiferromagnetic spin chain state is bulk gapless, we show that the $S=\frac{1}{2}$ Heisenberg antiferromagnet in one dimension has an entanglement spectrum almost identical to that of the Laughlin Fractional Quantum Hall state in two dimensions, revealing the similar field theory of their low-energy bulk and edge excitations, respectively. We also discuss the dimerization transition from entanglement gap scaling.
Electro-optic phase modulator for phased-array applications

An electrooptic phase modulator which can be used to provide tapered amplitude and phase to drive phased array antenna is proposed. The beam steering can be achieved by modulating it with one signal. Computer aided design and layout tools have been developed to facilitate the development of waveguide modulators. Low-loss waveguide structures have been found using simulation programs.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF SHAPE VARIATION IN TYPE AND MODERN POPULATIONS OF MERIDION (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)

Subtle differences in valve morphology can indicate sexually isolated populations in diatoms (Bacillariophyceae). Shape descriptors, like Legendre coefficients, have been used to quantify differences in valve outline so that morphologically distinct groups can be recognized. Legendre coefficients were used as shape descriptors to quantify differences in valve outline among five populations in the genus Meridion Ag. Two novel populations of Meridion from North America, a North American population of M. constrictum Ralfs, type material for M. circulare (Greve.) Ag., and type material of M. constrictum were included in this analysis. Results of a principle components analysis and discriminate analyses on the shape descriptors of all five populations support the hypotheses that the two novel North American populations are undescribed taxa within Meridion and that the North American M. constrictum can be considered Meridion constrictum sensu stricto. A new taxon, Meridion hohii Rhode, is described. There appears to be greater diversity within the genus Meridion than is currently recognized.
A review of the day–night task: The Stroop paradigm and interference control in young children

Abstract The day–night task is a widely used measurement of interference control in young children between ages 3 and 7. This integrative review examines the development of interference control by describing day–night task performance. We outline essential task demands and task variants, describe theoretical explanations of performance, highlight key methodological concerns relevant to future research, and speculate upon the neural events that likely correspond to distinct components of task performance. The review concludes with suggestions for future investigation.
Intravascular ultrasound-guided percutaneous coronary interventions in contemporary practice

Intravascular ultrasound imaging has been pivotal in the understanding of coronary artery disease and the development of percutaneous coronary intervention. The ability to analyse vessel walls and measure atherosclerotic lesions more accurately has enabled the field of invasive cardiology to overcome the limits of angiography. In fact, intravascular ultrasound measurements correlate with functional measurement of coronary blood flow, as a result interest in their use for the diagnosis of lesion severity in ambiguous lesions and for left main trunk analysis has grown. On the interventional side, intravascular ultrasound is used to determine the major predictors of restenosis and stent thrombosis, which are the main pitfalls of percutaneous coronary intervention. In the bare-metal stent era, intravascular ultrasound-guided percutaneous coronary intervention was associated with a reduction in restenosis rates because it enabled identification and treatment of the risk factors for complications. Although drug-eluting stents have provided a great technological advance in percutaneous coronary intervention, further reducing the rate of in-stent restenosis, they have not abolished restenosis completely; intravascular ultrasound has also been used in this setting to identify the mechanisms responsible for drug-eluting stent restenosis. As in the bare-metal stent era, identification of the predictors of restenosis and stent thrombosis and their subsequent treatment may offer the promise of improved outcome in the drug-eluting stent era. This review focuses on the potential benefit of intravascular ultrasound-guided percutaneous coronary intervention with regard to restenosis and stent thrombosis in the bare-metal stent and drug-eluting stent eras.
Economic design of product specifications for a complete inspection plan

Abstract In a complete inspection plan, all outgoing items are subject to inspection, and the items failing to conform to the predetermined specifications are reworked so that their quality characteristics are exactly equal to the expected value (target value). This paper presents an economic model to determine the most profitable specifications for the complete inspection plan with the considerations of (a) economic loss caused by quality deviations, (b) rework cost, and (c) inspection cost. The solution to the cases in which the inspection cost is a constant provides important insights of the model. A detailed solution procedure is also given to a model in which the inspection cost is a linear function of the width of the specifications, the quality characteristic is normally distributed, and other loss and cost functions are assumed of a quadratic or linear form.
Dual-task performance in right- and left-handed adults: a finger-tapping and foot-tapping study

The dual-task paradigm has been used extensively to study laterality, with concurrent verbalization interfering with right finger-tapping in right handers. Only a few studies have used this paradigm to study interference patterns in left handers and have found inconsistent results. The dual-task paradigm has not been used to study interference effects with concurrent verbalization and foot-tapping. The objective of this study was to use this paradigm to assess whether verbal interference produces different effects on finger- and foot-tapping rate for right handers as compared to left handers. 12 right-handed and 12 left-handed men were studied, each with uncrossed hand and foot dominance, i.e., all individuals were either right handed and right footed or left handed and left footed. Subjects performed finger- and foot-tapping tasks with and without verbal interference. A significant relationship was found between handedness and finger and foot-tapping rate; individuals with a stronger right-hand preferenc...
Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating a Group Therapy for Underserved Populations

This article presents the case of a mindfulness-based group therapy that was implemented in a residential treatment facility. The case presented comprised a group of adolescent males with disruptive behavior disorders. The group was designed to be appropriate for the unique demographics of the clients, with the intent to help the clients enhance and develop improved impulse control skills. The contents of the group were gathered and adapted from various mindfulness-based therapies. Attending the presented mindfulness group was found to produce increases in self-reported mindfulness skills and improvements in behavioral compliance. Recommendations are made for running similar groups.
Popular Culture in Political Cartoons: Analyzing Cartoonist Approaches

To what extent do political cartoonists use popular culture references to make sense of political culture? Seeing images in 2004, depicting Vice President Dick Cheney as Darth Vader from Star Wars, John Edwards as the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, and John Kerry as Frankenstein's monster, it is clear that some editorial cartoonists make connections between our popular culture and our political culture. Why, and with what possible consequences?