cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of perceived technological incongruence on perceptions of fit between countries, products, and attributes

When products are associated with specific countries, the associated countries influence consumers' product evaluations. One potential moderator of these country effects is the perceived fit between the product, the country, and any differentiating attributes. This paper presents evidence that perceived incongruence between product or attribute technologies and country capabilities influences perceived fit. Perceived fit between products and attributes was found to benefit from technological congruence. Perceived fit between countries and products or attributes was found to asymmetrically favor higher technology capability countries regardless of the level of technological incongruence.
The synthesis of three isotopomers of 2‐methyl‐2‐(4‐[3‐[1‐(4‐methylbenzyl)‐5‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐[1,2,4]triazol‐3‐yl]propyl]phenoxy)propionic acid, a potent and selective peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha agonist

Although fenofibrate (1a) is commercially available and clinically effective in lowering serum triglycerides, its activity and sub-type selectivity at the PPARα receptors are only moderate; therefore, there exists a need for more potent and sub-type selective PPARα agonists. To that end, discovery efforts have identified 2-methyl-2-(4-[3-[1-(4-methylbenzyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]propyl]phenoxy)propionic acid (2), a potent and selective human PPARα receptor agonist. In support of pre-clinical ADME studies and bioanalysis, three isotopomers of 2 have been synthesized. The results of these efforts are described below. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Koenoline, a further cytotoxic carbazole alkaloid from Murraya koenigii

Abstract Koenoline, a carbazole alkaloid, has been isolated from the root bark of Murraya koenigii for the first time as a natural product. Its structure was established as 1-methoxy-3-hydroxymethylcarbazole by analysis of spectroscopic data and was confirmed by partial synthesis from murrayanine isolated from M. siamensis roots. Koenoline exhibited cytotoxic activity against the KB cell-culture test system.
Queering Orientalism: the East as Closet in Said, Ackerley, and the Medieval Christian West

The reinscription in Said's Orientalism of the divisions and silences of western Orientalist discourse is perhaps nowhere more problematic than in the area of gender, a subject on which Said's work has surprisingly little to say. Further, when Said discusses the work of "homosexual" authors, he keeps the open secret of hotnoeroticism safely in the closet. This essay proposes a queering of the construct of Orientalism, as it is set forth in Said's work and as it may be seen to function in instances of Orientalist performance where the figure of cross-dressing allows for complex negotiations between the West and an eroticized Eastern Other.
Microperoxisomes in retinal epithelium and tapetum lucidum of the American opossum.

Abstract Microperoxisomes were localized in the pigmented retinal epithelium and tapetum lucidum of the retina of the American opossum by ultrastructural cytochemistry. The membrane bound organelles had a granular matrix and varied in size (0·10-0·35 μm). Associations between the limiting membrane of the organelle and smooth endoplasmic reticulum were common, whereas fusion of the limiting membrane of one microperoxisome with another was infrequent. They exhibited electron opaque reaction product following incubation in diaminobenzidine and hydrogen peroxide for the localization of the peroxidatic activity of catalase. Microperoxisomes of the pigmented retinal epithelium and tapetum lucidum were similar in size, shape, location and number. They may be involved with transport, storage and turnover of tapetal lipid as well as associated with maintenance of photoreceptor outer segment membrane renewal.
Irregular Fractions of the 2 n Factorial Experiments

The development of fractional replicate plans which consist of irregular fractions of factorial experiments is presented. The method of constructing irregular fraction plans is developed for the general s n factorial experiment. However, the plans which are found to be of greatest practical value are plans for the 3/2 m replicate of the 2 n experiment. Although these plans introduce correlations between some of the estimates, the correlations do not affect individual tests on the parameters. Some irregular fraction plans permit the estimation of main effects and two-factor interactions with fewer trials than is required with an orthogonal plan. A straightforward procedure for obtaining estimates of the main effects and “important” interactions and estimates of their variances, covariances and correlation coefficients is presented for the 3/2 m replicate plans.
Modeling high‐viscosity, melt‐phase, condensation polymer reactors with a time‐scales analysis

Mathematical models for simultaneous reaction and mass transfer occurring in the manufacture of high-viscosity, condensation polymers are considered. The specific example of polycondensation of polyethylene terephthalate is examined. Reactor performance is estimated by using a kinetic expression modified by an effectiveness factor. The effectiveness factor is correlated against a ratio of two characteristic times, one identified as the time scale of mixing and the other identified as the time scale of reaction. The time scale of mixing is estimated from experimental mixing data, thereby avoiding the use of potentially inaccurate mixing assumptions. In place of reaction experiments, overall reaction rates are generated using a more detailed mixing-cell model. The effectiveness factor correlation is compared against previous models. Because the correlation is based on predicted reaction rates rather than experimentally measured reaction rates, the value of the present work lies in the demonstration of the time scales modeling technique. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Drug-induced male sexual dysfunction. An update.

Impotence, defined as the consistent inability to maintain an erect penis of sufficient rigidity for sexual intercourse, has been estimated to affect 10 million American men. An age dependence has been shown to exist, with 25% of men over age 65 affected. A large body of clinical experience and published reports in the literature link many commonly prescribed drugs with sexual dys-function.
Representation of sound pressure and particle motion information in the midbrain of the goldfish

1. Averaged evoked responses from multiple electrodes in the goldfish midbrain (torus semicircularis) area were recorded in response to acoustic stimulation by loudspeaker and to direct vertical vibration of the head. 2. Relative pressure and displacement sensitivity was such that in the far field, the response to sound pressure would dominate the response to particle motion by 40-90 dB. 3. Swimbladder deflation caused a flat (70-1000 Hz) loss in pressure sensitivity ranging from 20 to over 50 dB, and led to an enhanced response to vibration at low frequencies. 4. The goldfish midbrain is not homogeneous with regard to relative pressure and motion sensitivity.
Learning and production costs: An application of a cost prediction model to a fighter airframe program☆

Abstract This research reports on the application of a cost prediction model to a fighter airframe program. The model considers the effects of learning and production rate changes on discounted program cost. The results indicate that this application compares favorably with those of other programs reported previously.
Accurate Acoustic Network Calibration Using the Global Positioning System

This paper describes the use of the Global Positioning System to determine the geodetic coordinates of a network of underwater acoustic transponders. Software was developed to integrate the global positioning system with an acoustic system for deployment and subsequent calibration of the network of transponders. A single least squares adjustment, combining all the observations was used to solve for the transponder coordinates. The velocity of sound in water was also determined from the observations. Finally some results of a recent survey are quoted.
A Feedback Control Strategy for a Multi-Product Manufacturing System

A single facility that can produce only one part-type at a time is to be controlled to produce N part-types subject to a known demand rate for each part-type. The dynamics of facility operation are described in terms of continuous-valued variables representing the input buffer contents and the output production errors and in terms of a discrete-valued variables representing particular part-producing states. A feedback controller strategy is derived using phase-plane projections of the facility state space.
Chloride cycling in two forested lake watersheds in the west-central adirondack mountains, New York, U.S.A.

The chemistry of precipitation, throughfall, soil water, ground water, and surface water was evaluated in two forested lake-watersheds over a 4-yr period to assess factors controlling Cl− cycling. Results indicate that Cl− cycling in these watersheds is more complex than the generally held view of the rapid transport of atmospherically derived Cl− through the excosystem. The annual throughfall Cl− flux for individual species in the northern hardwood forest was 2 to 5 times that of precipitation (56 eq ha−1), whereas the Na+ throughfall flux, in general, was similar to the precipitation flux. Concentrations of soil-water Cl− sampled from ceramic tension lysimeters at 20 cm below land surface generally exceeded the Na+ concentrations and averaged 31 μeq L−1, the highest of any waters sampled in the watersheds, except throughfall under red spruce which averaged 34 μeq L−1. Chloride was concentrated prior to storms and mobilized rapidly during storms as suggested by increases in streamwater Cl− concentrations with increasing flow. Major sources of Cl− in both watersheds are the forest floor and hornblende weathering in the soils and till. In the Panther Lake watershed, which contains mainly thick deposits of till (>3 m), hornblende weathering results in a net Cl− flux 3 times greater than that in the Woods Lake watershed, which contains mainly thin deposits of till. The estimated accumulation rate of Cl− in the biomass of the two watersheds was comparable to the precipitation Cl− flux.
Seawater circulation through the flank of the Florida platform: evidence and implications

Dense biological communities at the base of the Florida Escarpment depend on energy provided by reduced compounds for bacterial chemosynthetic production. Sharp gradients in the concentrations of CH4, H2S, NH4+, SO42−, Cl−, Na+, Mg2+, Sr2+, I− and seabed 226Ra2+ exist in the sediments underlying these communities. The compositions of this fluid departs from that of normal seawater, indicating the importance of microbial and diagenetic reactions within the escarpment before it is advected to the seafloor. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the seep fluids range from 0.70920 (∼seawater) to 0.70773, which requires addition of light (Mesozoic) strontium. δ18O values (−0.3 to 0.1% SMOW) and °D values (2–6% SMOV) of these waters are similar to normal seawater values and do not indicate that either meteoric processes or gas hydrates are involved in the genesis of the seeping fluid. Concentrations of Cl−, Ca2+ and Na+ suggest that the fluids which arrive at the seafloor are a mixture of mostly seawater with 4–7% formation brine from within the Florida-Bahama Platform. Mesozoic brines within the Florida Platform occupy levels above the scarp base. A density-driven flow system in implied which involves Mesozoic platform brines that are greatly diluted by seawater entrained through the flanks of the platform. The observed depletion of sulfate in the seeping fluids requires that sulfate reduction must occur in the platform within the zone where the recharging seawater and platform brines mix. In order to produce the high concentrations of biogenic methane observed, methanogenesis is inferred to be occuring within the platform in a zone where sulfate reduction has gone to completion. The zone where the mixing of brine and seawater occurs should be cooled by the flushing seawater and heavily corroded by under saturation occurring as a result of the mixing. The platform interior mixing is non-conservative because of the addition of light (Mesozoic) Sr2+ and the relative depletion in Mg2+ with espect to Cl−, Ca2+ and Na2+ concentrations. The inferred uptake of Mg2+ and concurrent depletion of SO42− on the flanks of this margin.
Sudden Cardiac Death and Preparticipation Screening: The Debate Continues—In Support of Electrocardiogram-Inclusive Preparticipation Screening

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of death in young athletes during exercise, and there is international agreement among major medical and sporting bodies that young athletes should undergo preparticipation cardiovascular screening. However, there is currently no universally accepted screening protocol, and substantial debate exists about what constitutes the ideal approach to preparticipation screening. The primary objective of preparticipation screening is the detection of intrinsic structural or electrical cardiovascular disorders that predispose an athlete to SCD. Considerable evidence exists suggesting that screening athletes with only a history and physical examination leaves most athletes with a serious underlying cardiovascular disease undetected and, thus, cannot adequately achieve the primary objective of screening. Preparticipating cardiovascular screening inclusive of an electrocardiogram (ECG) greatly enhances the ability to identify athletes at risk and is the only model shown to be cost-effective and may reduce the rate of SCD. The major obstacle to ECG screening in the United States is the lack of a physician workforce skilled in interpretation of an athlete's ECG. However, recent studies have demonstrated a capacity to distinguish physiologic ECG alterations in athletes from findings suggestive of underlying pathology that is both feasible and has a low false-positive rate. Efforts are underway to increase physician education in ECG interpretation. After 2 decades debating the proper screening strategy to identify athletes at risk, the weight of scientific evidence suggests that a screening program inclusive of ECG is the only strategy that merits promotion.
The United States Armed Forces and Their “Bowl” Games From 1942 to 1967 An Example of Organizational Innovation in Action

The collective information produced by this academic pursuit supports the goal of identifying the determinants of innovation and the process of intrafirm diffusion regarding organizational innovation. The U.S. military created 111 American football “bowl” games across six continents in 18 countries and 46 host cities from 1942 to 1967. Using the historical method through an ex post facto historical institutionalism interpretive lens, this study found the U.S. Armed Forces, through the dynamic capabilities of its top officers and officials, organized “bowl” games as product innovation and used football as process innovation to manage the massive mobilization and training of men for the various war efforts of that period. Within, we discovered (a) the resolution of crisis, (b) the emergence and recruitment of leaders, (c) the creation/use of novelty, and (d) the capacity to adapt revealed the military “bowl” game phenomenon and American football existed as critical ingredients for organizational innovation ...
Characteristics of global and regional drought, 1950–2000: Analysis of soil moisture data from off‐line simulation of the terrestrial hydrologic cycle

[1] Drought occurrence is analyzed over global land areas for 1950-2000 using soil moisture data from a simulation of the terrestrial water cycle with the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) land surface model, which is forced by an observation based meteorological data set. A monthly drought index based on percentile soil moisture values relative to the 50-year climatology is analyzed in terms of duration, intensity and severity at global and regional scales. Short-term droughts (<= 6 months) are prevalent in the Tropics and midlatitudes, where inter-annual climate variability is highest. Medium term droughts (7–12 months) are more frequent in mid- to high-latitudes. Long term (12+ months) droughts are generally restricted to sub-Saharan Africa and higher northern latitudes. The Sahel region stands out for having experienced long-term and severe drought conditions. Severe regional drought events are systematically identified in terms of spatial coverage, based on different thresholds of duration and intensity. For example, in northern Europe, 1996 and 1975 were the years of most extensive 3- and 12-month duration drought, respectively. In northern Asia, severe drought events are characterized by persistent soil moisture anomalies over the wintertime. The drought index identifies several well-known events, including the 1988 US, 1982/83 Australian, 1983/4 Sahel and 1965/66 Indian droughts which are generally ranked as the severest and most spatially extensive in the record. Comparison with the PDSI shows general agreement at global scales and for these major events but they diverge considerably in cooler regions and seasons, and especially in latter years when the PDSI shows a larger drying trend.
Management of Lower-Pole Caliceal Stones

A series of 205 urologists answered questions about their choice of treatment for lower-caliceal stones. The preferred approaches were extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) for stones 2 cm. For stones of 1 to 2 cm, 65% preferred SWL and 30% would advise PCNL. Thus, SWL is recommended for lower-caliceal stones more frequently than is justified by published success rates. Continued efforts need to be made to inform practicing urologists regarding the most appropriate therapy for patients with lower-pole stones >1 cm.
Workload vs scheduling policies in a dual-resource constrained job shop

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to report on research conducted to examine the effectiveness of different scheduling policies in a dual-constrained job shop under various workload conditions. The standard assumption in most job shop scheduling research has been that a 90% utilization of the shop is achieved. However, since shop utilization levels vary widely, it was hypothesized that scheduling policies that are optimum under one load condition might not be as effective under other load conditions. The model for this simulation experiment represented a job shop constrained by both labor and machines. The shop contains four machine centers with random routing of jobs through the shop. Shop workload was defined at three levels: 70, 85 and 99% utilization. Four machine scheduling rules and three labor assignment rules were tested for each of the shop workload levels, with mean job flow time as. the performance criterion. The results of the 3 × 4 × 3 factorial experiment showed that the advantage of the SPT (shortest processing time) machine scheduling rule over other rules is diminished dramatically when shop utilization is reduced from 99 to 85% or below. This same observation holds for other rules considered. The LNQ (longest queue length) labor assignment rule outperformed other rules at the 99% utilization level, but yielded no significant difference in performance at the 85% and below workload levels.
Abstract 3321: Using NLPs to study EGFR structure, activation, and inhibition

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA The mammalian ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase family is critical for the development and maintenance of a variety of tissues. Though not completely understood, the mechanism of ErbB receptor activation involves the binding of ligand to the extracellular domain leading to a conformational change that allows dimerization and phosphorylation to initiate downstream signaling pathways. Mutations, amplification, and aberrant activation of these receptors lead to oncogenesis and tumor progression in several cancer types, including lung, breast, and colon. Current ErbB-targeted therapies include monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. These treatments are initially effective but many tumors develop resistance, necessitating the discovery of a more specific and efficient drug. Studying the ErbB receptors is often difficult because of their large size and poor water solubility. Here we report success in assembling EGFR into nanolipoprotein particles (NLPs) to study activation and inhibition of the correctly-folded, full-length, and active receptor. NLPs are ∼20 nm cell membrane analogs composed of an apolipoprotein surrounding a lipid bilayer. We produced a homogenous population of EGFR-NLPs, by FLAG-purification of EGFR from mammalian cells, which are of the correct size, phosphorylated, and can be quantified. Furthermore, these EGFR-NLPs can be utilized as a novel target in a one-bead-one-compound (OBOC) screen of small molecules and peptides to identify unique therapeutics. Studies of ligand binding, kinase activity, and EGFR structure are ongoing. Future directions are to incorporate disease-relevant EGFR mutations into NLPs. The T790M mutation is of particular interest because it is a treatment-induced mutation observed in half of all non small cell lung cancers and confers resistance to current ErbB-targeted therapies. Citation Format: Tiffany M. Scharadin, Matthew Saldana, Michael Schlein, Steven Hoang-Phou, Denise Trans, Dennis Chang, Wei He, Kit Lam, Kermit L. Carraway, Matthew A. Coleman, Paul T. Henderson. Using NLPs to study EGFR structure, activation, and inhibition. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3321. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3321
A pilot study of alterations in high energy phosphoryl compounds and intracellular pH in unmedicated adolescents with bipolar disorder

Abstract Background Several lines of evidence suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction underlies the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder, including prior studies indicating abnormalities in phosphometabolites. We examined abnormalities in biomarkers of cellular metabolism including adenosine triphosphate and adenosine diphosphate as well as the pH levels in the anterior cingulate (ACC) and left ventrolateral prefrontal cortices (VLPFC) of adolescents with bipolar disorder. Method Nineteen unmedicated manic and 14 unmedicated euthymic bipolar adolescents as well as 20 healthy adolescents underwent 1 H and 31 P magnetic resonance spectroscopy scans. Intracellular pH levels and concentrations of phosphometabolites were compared among groups. Results A significant reduction in pH i was found in the ACC of manic adolescents compared to healthy subjects ( p =0.03) but not in the left VLPFC. There was no difference in concentration of adenosine triphosphate in the ACC or the left VLPFC among groups. However, compared to healthy subjects, adenosine diphosphate was significantly lower in manic subjects in the ACC ( p =0.01) and in euthymic subjects in the left VLPFC ( p =0.02). Limitations This was a cross-sectional study with a modest sample size. A longitudinal study of a larger number of bipolar adolescents who are treatment naive would clarify the impact of mood state on metabolic function. Conclusion These results are suggestive of abnormal cellular metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.
Modulation Spectroscopy As A Technique For Semiconductor Characterization

In modulation spectroscopy the optical spectra of a solid is modified in some manner by the periodic variation of the measurement condition. This modulated perturbation gives rise to sharp, differential-like optical features in the region of photon energies where optical excitation processes occur. Changes in reflectance or transmittance as small as 10-6 - 10-7 can be observed using phase-sensitive detection. The extensive fundamental experimental and theoretical work done in this area during the past 15 years has provided the necessary framework to develop the technique into a powerful tool for materials, device and processing characterization. In this paper we review a number of the applica-tions of modulation spectroscopy including determination of topographical variations in composition and carrier concentration, the nature of potentials and strains at hetero-junction interfaces, properties of the space-charge region including the semiconductor/ electrolyte interface, ion-implanted (including laser-annealed) semiconductors polariza-tion properties of ferroelectric materials, etc.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Integrating histology and MRI in the first digital brain of common squirrel monkey, Saimiri sciureus

This effort is a continuation of development of a digital brain atlas of the common squirrel monkey, Saimiri sciureus, a New World monkey with functional and microstructural organization of central nervous system similar to that of humans. Here, we present the integration of histology with multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) atlas constructed from the brain of an adult female squirrel monkey. The central concept of this work is to use block face photography to establish an intermediate common space in coordinate system which preserves the high resolution in-plane resolution of histology while enabling 3-D correspondence with MRI. In vivo MRI acquisitions include high resolution T2 structural imaging (300 μm isotropic) and low resolution diffusion tensor imaging (600 um isotropic). Ex vivo MRI acquisitions include high resolution T2 structural imaging and high resolution diffusion tensor imaging (both 300 μm isotropic). Cortical regions were manually annotated on the co-registered volumes based on published histological sections in-plane. We describe mapping of histology and MRI based data of the common squirrel monkey and construction of a viewing tool that enable online viewing of these datasets. The previously descried atlas MRI is used for its deformation to provide accurate conformation to the MRI, thus adding information at the histological level to the MRI volume. This paper presents the mapping of single 2D image slice in block face as a proof of concept and this can be extended to map the atlas space in 3D coordinate system as part of the future work and can be loaded to an XNAT system for further use.
Polyphosphate enhances fibrin clot structure

Polyphosphate, a linear polymer of inorganic phosphate, is present in platelet dense granules and is secreted on platelet activation. We recently reported that polyphosphate is a potent hemostatic regulator, serving to activate the contact pathway of blood clotting and accelerate factor V activation. Because polyphosphate did not alter thrombin clotting times, it appeared to exert all its procoagulant actions upstream of thrombin. We now report that polyphosphate enhances fibrin clot structure in a calcium-dependent manner. Fibrin clots formed in the presence of polyphosphate had up to 3-fold higher turbidity, had higher mass-length ratios, and exhibited thicker fibers in scanning electron micrographs. The ability of polyphosphate to enhance fibrin clot turbidity was independent of factor XIIIa activity. When plasmin or a combination of plasminogen and tissue plasminogen activators were included in clotting reactions, fibrin clots formed in the presence of polyphosphate exhibited prolonged clot lysis times. Release of polyphosphate from activated platelets or infectious microorganisms may play an important role in modulating fibrin clot structure and increasing its resistance to fibrinolysis. Polyphosphate may also be useful in enhancing the structure of surgical fibrin sealants.
Analysis of Fruit and Vegetable Cost and Quality Among Racially Segregated Neighborhoods in Brooklyn, New York

The increasing rate of obesity in America has raised concerns about the availability of nutritional foods. Studies that address food cost and quality are limited; therefore, these analyses attempt to document differences in cost and quality of produce in economically diverse areas of Brooklyn, New York. Although prices were consistently lower in low-income areas and no consistent trends emerged regarding quality, limited produce availability in predominantly black neighborhoods significantly hampered results. Cost and quality were factors found to be indivisibly linked to store type and produce availability. Further studies must assess all of these factors in tandem for a comprehensive portrait of local food environments.
Asynchronous Stochastic Approximation Algorithms for Networked Systems: Regime-Switching Topologies and Multiscale Structure

This work develops asynchronous stochastic approximation (SA) algorithms for networked systems with multiagents and regime-switching topologies to achieve consensus control. There are several distinct features of the algorithms: (1) In contrast to most of the existing consensus algorithms, the participating agents compute and communicate in an asynchronous fashion without using a global clock. (2) The agents compute and communicate at random times. (3) The regime-switching process is modeled as a discrete-time Markov chain with a finite state space. (4) The functions involved are allowed to vary with respect to time; hence, nonstationarity can be handled. (5) Multiscale formulation enriches the applicability of the algorithms. In the setup, the switching process contains a rate parameter $\varepsilon>0$ in the transition probability matrix that characterizes how frequently the topology switches. The algorithm uses a step-size $\mu$ that defines how fast the network states are updated. Depending on their r...
Identification of antibiotics using small molecule variable ligand display on gold nanoparticles

Here we describe the use of simple 1-pot thiol exchange reactions to generate a library of mixed ligand-coated gold nanoparticles that was screened for antibiotic activity. A library of 120 nanoparticle conjugates was assembled and antibiotic activity toward E. coli was determined and found to depend upon the combination of thiols assembled onto the nanoparticles. The most active conjugate displayed 99.9% growth inhibition at 0.5 μM.
066 Direct Comparison of Adenoviral and Adeno‐Associated Viral Vectors for Efficiency of Gene Transfer in Ischemic Wound

Tissue ischemia is a common occurrence in many disease processes including chronic wounds, stroke, solid tumors, and myocardial infarction. The application of gene delivery for healing of wounds has demonstrated increasing therapeutic promises in animal models. Adenoviral vectors have been successfully used for gene delivery to the ischemic wound. However, these vectors typically demonstrate short, transient transgene expression while eliciting significant cytotoxic immune response. Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) do not have those limitations; however, scant information is available about their transfection efficiency under low-oxygen tension. The goal of this study was to compare AAV vector with adenoviral vector in terms of relative efficiency of gene delivery and cytotoxic immune response in ischemic wounds. Reporter constructs Ad5-LacZ and AAV-LacZ (108 pfu/wound) were injected onto the dermis of rabbit ear prior to creation of ischemic wounds. Wounds were harvested at postoperative day 10. Frozen sections of the wounds were fixed in cold acetone and stained with an in situ β-gal staining kit. Intense expression of β-gal was observed with both vectors; however, transduction rates with AAV vector was approximately 10-fold lower than Adenovirus. Unlike Adenovirus, no noticeable inflammatory cell infiltration was observed with AAV injection. Even when the dosage of AAV was increased to 109 pfu/wound inflammatory cell infiltration remained negligible. Thus our data indicates that both AAV and adenoviral vectors are suitable to use in gene-therapy experiments in ischemic tissues. The particular advantage of AAV is the ability to transfect with higher doses while at lower dose maximal transfection rate seems to be more with Adenovirus.
Knockdown of Chk1, Wee1 and Myt1 by RNA interference abrogates G2 checkpoint and induces apoptosis.

Mammalian cells undergo cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage due to the existence of multiple checkpoint response mechanisms. One such checkpoint pathway operating at the G1 phase is frequen...
Focused interviews with Sudanese Americans: perceptions about diet, nutrition, and cancer.

Abstract Background This study explored perceptions regarding diet, nutrition and cancer among Sudanese-Americans; and generated information for response options, components to questions, and actual questions for a pre-conceptualized diet, nutrition and cancer-related questionnaire to be used on this population. Methods In a descriptive, qualitative study, data were collected from four focus group discussions with Sudanese-Americans ( N = 18). Results Most participants were fearful of cancer, associating it with death. Stress, genetics, and pesticides in vegetables were given as major causes of cancer. Fatalism towards cancer pervaded among a few participants. Male participants did not believe that dietary factors could be helpful in cancer prevention, while the females believed fried, fatty, smoked and fast foods could lead to cancer. Factors perceived as influencing food choices included money, cultural traditions and social class. Cultural tradition was perceived as the major barrier to changing food habits. Frying, stewing, grilling, boiling and fermenting were the most common food preparation methods reported. Conclusion Perceptions regarding dietary practices, nutrition and cancer among Sudanese-Americans, some of which might have been overlooked were identified. The focus groups generated response options, components to questions, and actual questions for a pre-conceptualized diet, nutrition and cancer-related questionnaire to be used on Sudanese-Americans.
Modeling uncertainty using partial information

Abstract We are concerned here with the issue of representing the available information, which is often only partial, about the value of a variable. We consider the Dempster–Shafer belief structure and describe a number of different semantics that can be associated with it. Among these is a probabilistic interpretation in which some of the information is not available, we do not have all the distributions. This probabilistic interpretation leads us to consider a view involving selecting balls from an urn. Using this urn framework as a representation of our partial knowledge about the value of a variable leads to number of different uncertainty representations depending upon what information is assumed known.
Three-dimensional crack-tip fields in four-point-bending copper single-crystal specimens

The three-dimensional near-tip fields in copper single crystals loaded in four-point bending are characterized numerically. For comparison purposes, the corresponding plane-strain fields are also computed numerically and their asymptotic behavior determined semi-analytically. On the basis of these analyses, we investigate: (i) the dependence of the fields on the hardening law; (ii) the degree of correlation between surface and interior fields in finite specimens; and (iii) the degree of correlation between plane-strain and three-dimensional fields. In particular, we endeavor to ascertain the extent to which surface observations of near-tip fields in single crystals, such as those obtained by Moire interferometry, are representative of interior fields, and the extent to which these are representative of plane-strain fields. Our calculations reveal marked differences in the pattern of slip activity in the interior and on the surface of the specimen. These discrepancies, in turn, result in significant variations in the state of stress and strain. These observations suggest that, for the test geometries under consideration, surface observations provide only an indirect measure of conditions in the interior, and point to a need for the development of experimental techniques enabling the direct observation of interior fields.
A semianalytical method for solving equations describing the transport of contaminants in two-dimensional homogeneous porous media

The two-dimensional convection-dispersion equation with most complex boundary and initial conditions does not have an exact analytical solution and is therefore solved numerically. However, the solutions obtained with several traditional finite difference or finite element techniques typically exhibit spurious oscillation or numerical dispersion when convection is dominant. The semianalytical model proposed in this paper avoids such oscillations and numerical dispersion when convection dominates. The semianalytical model is the solution of (n + m - 1)-order ordinary differential equations that are derived from the two-dimensional convection dispersion equation. The semianalytical model describes the contaminant concentration as a function of time and space, the space is reflected in parameters n and m. The results calculated with the semianalytical model are in good agreement with those obtained from the exact solution of a corresponding two-dimensional convection-dispersion equation, but the semianalytical model greatly simplifies the computation, making solutions for complex boundary and initial conditions possible.
MO-D-L100J-07: Improved Deformable Image Registration Using Hybrid Models: An Application to Solitary Pulmonary Nodule

Purpose: To present a fast and robust hybrid deformable image registration algorithm (Juggler) for target motion estimation, automated segmentation and internal target volume (ITV) generation in 4DCT lungimaging.Method and Materials: The Juggler algorithm utilizes two alternating separately optimized diffusion models: one for low gradient features (soft tissues), the other for high gradient features (bony anatomy). Clinical lungimaging, acquired from 4DCT, consisted of free breathing CT and 10 phased CT sets. Comparison with three other conventional algorithms (demons, accelerated demons, and free‐form deformation method) was carried out using both simulated data and clinical 4DCT. Algorithm validation was carried out using comparison of 1) displacement vectors (for simulated data), 2) correlation coefficient, 3) difference imaging, and 4) vector streamlines. Clinical efficacy of Juggler was evaluated by visual inspection of anatomical structures mapped from the reference onto target imaging using the deformation map. Tumor motion/ deformation was determined using image moments. Results: For simulated data, Juggler achieved the highest correlation coefficient and minimum error. Its unique alternating mechanism greatly improved the convergence rate, resulting in at least 40% reduction in iterations. For 256×256×80 imaging, Juggler required <3 min for 50 iterations using Pentium‐4 3.2 GHz PC. For clinical 4DCT, Juggler performed best based on correlation coefficient and visual inspection. We used Juggler for generating ITV, and autosegmenting normal structures onto the phased CTs based on the initial segmentation on the reference CT.Conclusion: Juggler demonstrated the benefits of utilizing multiple diffusion models into a single unified model. Initial experiments indicated Juggler achieved the fastest rate of convergence per iteration, and overall superior registration based on correlation coefficient, difference imaging and error analysis. Its success in autosegmentation and ITV generation make this highly promising in implementation of adaptive radiation therapy. With new computer hardware, <30sec computation times are expected.
Behavioral tape recorder

Abstract An audio tape recorder may be used to record behavior as an on-off event in time by connecting a phone jack to a normally closed switch through an unshielded two-lead cable. Actuation of the switch either by an observer or a subject-activated apparatus will produce a 60 Hz noise (buzz) on tape. Uses and applications of this recording technique to behavioral research and therapy are discussed.
Morphology of oriented carbon fibers

Abstract Longitudinal microtome sections were obtained from two specimens of PAN-based commercial carbon fibers using three different cutting directions with respect to the fiber axis orientation. Evidence is presented that secondary features larger than the graphite fibril (i.e. 15–150 A) seen in thin sections of these fibers were artifacts due to the interaction of the knife with the carbon fiber.
The effectiveness of balneotherapy in chronic low back pain

The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of balneotherapy plus physical therapy versus only physical therapy in patients with chronic low back pain. In this trial, 81 patients with low back pain were followed up in two groups. Patients in group I (n = 44) were treated with physical therapy alone. Patients in group II (n = 37) were treated with balneotherapy in addition to the same physical therapy protocol in group I. Patients in both groups were given a home-based standardized exercise program. The following parameters were measured: visual analog scale (0–10 cm), fingertip-to-floor distance (cm), Oswestry Disability Index, and Short Form 36 quality of life scale. First evaluations were done at the time of enrollment, and second evaluations were done after accomplishment of a 3-week treatment program. There were no significant differences between the two groups for the sociodemographic features. All of the measured parameters improved in both groups. However, improvements in pain, functionality, and quality of life scores were found to be superior in the balneotherapy plus physical therapy group. For the patients with chronic low back pain, balneotherapy plus physical therapy is more effective, compared to physical therapy alone.
The effect of diet on thermogenesis in acquired lipodystrophy

Abstract We tested the effect of variation of intake of carbohydrate, fat, protein, and total calories on the metabolic rate and thyroid hormones in an 18-yr-old female with total acquired lipodystrophy and a 23-yr-old normal female control subject. The lipodystrophic subject's resting metabolic rates, when expressed as W/m 2 body surface area, were elevated and varied directly with the caloric intake. The metabolic rates were highest after 3 days of the protein-supplemented diet and lowest after a 3 day fast. Serum triiodothyronine (T 3 ) concentrations of the lipodystrophic subject were within the normal range but varied directly with the caloric content of the diet. T 3 was highest during the period of protein supplementation and lowest after the 3 day fast. The resting metabolic rate rose beyond the normal range in the control subject only after 3 days of the protein-supplemented diet and fell to low normal values after the 3 day fast. In contrast to the finding in the lipodystrophic subject, T 3 concentrations were stable after each 3–6 day dietary alteration. We conclude that there is relative metabolic lability in the lipodystrophic subject, and this may be related to the diminished capacity to store energy as fat. Metabolic rates, when calculated as W/kg estimated lean mass, were normal in the lipodystrophic subject, consuming reduced amounts of food (1800 cal/day). The role, if any, of T 3 in modulating these processes is unclear. The subject with lipodystrophy may demonstrate a form of dietary-induced thermogenesis.
Is a picture really worth a 1000 words

One of the biggest challenges in glioma management is accurately tracking tumor response to treatment. While direct tissue assessment might be ideal, repeat surgery is not always feasible and subject to sampling error. Consequently, MRI (or less ideally CT) is the surrogate tool for tracking changes in tumor in response to therapy. However, there are clear limitations to MRI which, in reality, is just a picture and we do not always know what biological process or processes that picture symbolizes.
The effect on dose of kilovoltage x-rays backscattered from lead

Abstract Dose enhancement on the backscatter side of a soft tissue/high Z material interface is known to exist for megavoltage x-ray beams. Caused by an increase in backscattered electron fluence, the enhancement persists for short distances upstream of the interface, equal to the range of these electrons. Since photon interaction cross sections are small, there is little photon backscatter at these energies. Consequently, beyond the range of the backscattered electrons, the dose upstream is unaffected by the presence of the interface. A similar dose enhancement has been reported for kilovoltage beams. In this case, due to the very low energy of the backscattered electrons, the enhancement persists for a very short upstream distance. Since photon interaction cross sections at keV energies are relatively large, there is also a substantial backscattered photon fluence. This experimental work investigates the effect of these photons on dose at distances upstream from a water/lead interface beyond the range of the backscattered electrons. Measurements of ionization charge, as a function of interface distance and field size for 60, 100, and 250 kV beams, were made with a parallel plate chamber at a fixed depth. A significant underdose was found upstream of the interface compared to a homogeneous water medium. For example, with the 100 kV beam and a 15 × 15 cm 2 field the measured underdose is 23% at 3 mm and 14% at 1.5 cm 2 upstream of the interface. The effect decreases with field size. In fact, for a 2 × 2 cm 2 field the upstream dose in unaffected by the interface. Detailed results for this and the other two beams are presented along with backscatter factor measurements for lead. An explanation for the observed underdose is also for the observed underdose is also presented.
The determination of cobalt in cobalt-platinum alloys

Abstract The separation and analysis of cobalt-platinum alloys by ion exchange or hydrazine reduction are superior to the usual techniques of hydrogen sulfide precipitation or base metal reduction. Cobalt is determined by controlled potential electrodeposition.
Protein adsorption to teflon: Effect on apparent molecular area of dipalmitoyl lecithin

Abstract The surface tension-area isotherms and the dynamic cyclic compression-expansion behavior of dipalmitoyl lecithin in Teflon troughs are affected by the presence of protein adsorbed on the Teflon. Proteins, including cytochrome c and bovine serum albumin, affected the surface tension behavior when actually present in the subphase or when the trough had previously been used with proteins and cleaned in the usual manner. Only a vigorous wiping of the Teflon surface was found to eliminate the effect of the adsorbed protein.
Polarization of 2- to 4-MeV neutrons scattered by deuterons

Abstract The polarization of 2 to 4-MeV neutrons scattered by deuterons has been measured by observation of the right-left asymmetry induced in the scattering of polarized neutrons. Results at several energies and scattering angles yield negligibly small values (less than 7 %) in agreement with theoretical estimates.