cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age Trouble: A Timely Subject in American Literary and Cultural Studies

What exactly is the trouble with age? Over the last thirty years of studies in American literature and culture, the analyses of gender, race, and sexuality have become transformatively central and integral to the field. Indeed, one can hardly think about American literature anymore without engaging the social and symbolic relations systems constituted by these categories or their histories. And yet, we have hardly scratched the surface of age, arguably the one other major bodily rubric for sorting and classifying modern subjects. To be sure, there is a thriving subfield for the study of children’s literature. Likewise, by way of British cultural studies, youth culture has found a modest niche in American studies. Yet even within these two rather marginal and ghettoized areas of investigation, let alone outside of them, systematic investigations of age as an organizing cultural category are still rare and underappreciated when they appear. This is unfortunate for several reasons. As Kathleen Woodward notes, the signification of gender, race, and sexuality are profoundly altered by aging (x). Even more, age serves as a crucial axis of social and semiotic difference in its own right, with tremendous implications not only for the life courses and conditions of individuals and populations, but also for the metaphors, figures, and narratives by which we are ideologically governed. Only in the last decade has “age” begun to enter the field as a belated category of inquiry, pushed from three principal directions: first, incisive feminist investigations of the culture of aging; second, a broadening of the cultural studies approach to youth
A Primal Simplex Specialization for the Equal Flow Problem

Abstract This paper presents a primal simplex specialization for the equal flow problem. This approach is motivated by a desire to exploit the special structure of the side constraints and to maintain as much of the characteristics of pure network problems as possible. The simplex computations are discussed and a starting solution based on the subgradient optimization technique is presented. Our implementation is tested on problems with up to 1500 nodes, 6600 arcs and 600 equal flow pairs. These problems are also solved using MPSX and another specialized code for the equal flow problem. We present Computational experience which indicates that our approach is well suited for problems with up to 150 side constraints. As the number of pairs increased, MPSX with an advanced start procedure, performed better than our specialized code.
Design development of a deployable tertiary mirror for Keck

The University of California Observatories will design and construct a deployable tertiary mirror (named K1DM3) for the Keck 1 telescope, which will complement technical and scientific advances in the area of time-domain astronomy. The K1DM3 device will enable astronomers to swap between any of the foci on Keck 1 in under 2 minutes, both to monitor varying sources (e.g. stars orbiting the Galactic center) and catch rapidly fading sources (e.g. supernovae, flares, gamma-ray bursts). In this paper, we report on the design development during our in-progress Preliminary Design phase. The design consists of a passive wiffle tree axial support system and a diaphragm lateral support system with a 5 arcminute field-of-view mirror. The mirror assembly is inserted into the light path with an actuation system and it relies on a kinematic mechanism for achieving repeatable, precise positioning. This project, funded by an NSF MRI grant, aspires to complete by the end of 2016.
Controlling Formaldehyde Exposures in an Academic Gross Anatomy Laboratory

This report describes efforts over a more than a 15-year period to improve air quality and reduce exposures to formaldehyde during anatomical dissections at the Yale University School of Medicine, including first-year medical student gross anatomy classes. During this time, a number of steps were taken to improve general ventilation system efficiency and work practices in the original facility. Subsequently, during the design phase for a new research and teaching building, a new anatomical laboratory was planned to incorporate 42 individually ventilated dissection tables. The tables were customized from a commercially available design to operate at lower volumetric airflow rates while still providing a high degree of formaldehyde containment. Air monitoring performed throughout this time period showed progressive reductions in formaldehyde exposure as ventilation modifications were made. However, significant reductions only occurred after the installation of the ventilated tables. Personal and area exposu...
Membrane-associated hemolysin activities in mycoplasmas

Mycoplasmas are cell wall-less organisms that require membrane precursors for growth. Activities involved in the acquisition of these materials have been hypothesized as mycoplasmal virulence factors because of the effects these activities might have on host cells. Twenty-nine species or strains of mycoplasmas were examined for membrane-associated hemolysis activity similar to that previously identified in Mycoplasma pulmonis. Membrane-associated hemolytic activity was found in most mycoplasma species, but the amount of activity varied between and within the species. All of the arginine-utilizing mycoplasmal species, one M. pulmonis strain, one Acholeplasma species, and the intracellular human pathogens M. penetrans and M. fermentans ssp. incognitus were devoid of activity. The wide distribution of the membrane-associated hemolysis activity suggests that it may be important to the survival of the organism.
Response of Steers to Two Levels of Saliva Added Intraruminally

Abstract Steers weighing 462 to 490kg with parotid and rumen fistulas were used to evaluate metabolic effects of substituting NaHCO 3 (150 meq/liter) solution for saliva, volume for volume, and of adding supplemental saliva to rumen of dairy cattle during 14-day periods. Steers on all treatments received the same ration with allowances divided equally between 6 am and 6 pm feedings. Supplemental saliva increased saliva dry matter (P Although feed intakes by steers were similar for all treatments, supplemental saliva added intraruminally reduced total volatile fatty acid concentration in rumen liquor to 81.3 meq/liter compared to 115.8 for controls and 111.2 for the NaHCO 3 substitution (P 3 substituted, and saliva supplemented steers were 6.57, 6.51, and 6.98, respectively.
Laser cooling of trapped ytterbium ions with an ultraviolet diode laser

We demonstrate an ultraviolet diode laser system for cooling of trapped ytterbium ions. The laser power and linewidth are comparable to those of previous systems based on resonant frequency doubling, but the system is simpler, more robust, and less expensive. We use the laser system to cool small numbers of ytterbium ions confined in a linear Paul trap. From the observed spectra, we deduce final temperatures of <270 mK.
Long-Lived Delocalized Electron States in Quantum Dots: A Step-Scan Fourier Transform Infrared Study

Visible light-induced IR absorption in colloidal CdSe quantum dots is observed by step-scan FTIR spectroscopy. Size dependence and the effect of surface modification are investigated. The introduct...
On the relationship between therapist experience and psychotherapy outcome.

Abstract The question of whether a relationship exists between the therapists' level of experience or training and psychotherapy outcome has numerous implications for clinical training and practice. A comprehensive examination and meta-analysis of available research suggests that answers to this question are complex and problematic. The present review considers the question of the relationship between experience and outcome as it relates to a number of therapist, client, treatment, and methodological variables. This paper also considers past attempts by reviewers to summarize studies that sought to address this issue. In addition, it examines variables that helped predict whether a study's results favored (to varying degrees) experienced clinicians versus less-trained persons. A discussion of prominent methodological problems and recommendations for future research is also offered.
Stability of a short Rayleigh length laser resonator

Motivated by the prospect of constructing a short Rayleigh length free-electron laser in a high-vibration environment, we demonstrate the use of a collection of rays to study the effect of mirror vibration and distortion on the behavior of the fundamental optical mode of a cold-cavity resonator. We find that the ray collection accurately describes both on-axis and off-axis optical beams. We show that a tilt or transverse shift of a mirror causes the optical mode to rock about the original resonator axis, while a longitudinal mirror shift or a change in the mirror's radius of curvature causes the beam diameter at a mirror to successively dilate and contract on the mirror. Results are in excellent agreement with analytic calculations and wave front propagation simulations as long as the mirrors remain large with respect to the beam diameter.
Protective action of passively transferred immune serum and immunoglobulin fractions against tissue invasive stages of the dwarf tapeworm, Hymenolepis nana.

Abstract Serum from mice which received a single oral infection of Hymenolepis nana eggs acquired significant immune activity against subcutaneously growing larvae of this parasite within 7 days, and the maximum level, which was reached by 14 days, was maintained at least 14 days longer. Serum immune activity was manifested by inhibition of larval development at stage I. The time of onset of serum potency demonstrated by passive transfer paralleled the onset of significant resistance to subcutaneous challenge in mice orally infected with a comparable egg dose, and it was concluded these phenomena were causally related. After gel filtration of potent serum, antiparasite activity was found to be associated with the IgG (7S) immunoglobulin fraction.
Observation of multiple Vinen states in He II counterflow

In an extensive investigation of the thermal resistance of He II contained in both metal and glass capillary tubes, we have observed a curious and highly reproducible fine structure heretofore not reported. This fine structure, exhibited only in the metal tubes, can be satisfactorily accounted for by assuming the existence of two distinct distributions of vorticity, each described by the Vinen theory. The significant difference in the thermal resistance between glass and metal tubes has serious implications toward critical velocity measurements.
EARLY INTRODUCTION OF CEREAL FEEDING INCREASES ADIPOSITY OF INFANTS. † 695

The AAP recommends introducing cereal (C) into infant diet at 4-6 months(mos) of age. In practice, parents often begin C before 4 mos. Shifting a balanced diet to a carbohydrate-enriched diet may promote fat storage. We hypothesized that infants fed formula+cereal from 3 mos become heavier and have increased fat mass vs. controls fed formula alone.Methods: 12 male term formula fed infants were randomized to receive C beginning at 3 (n=6) or 5 (n=6) mos of age. Weight (wt, kg) and length (cm) were measured at birth, 3, 4, & 5 mos of age.%Fat was assessed by total body electrical conductance (TOBEC) at 3, 4 & 5 mos.Results:(mean ± SEM) Birth weight, GA and race did not differ by group. Both wt (p=0.002) and%fat (p=0.006) were significantly higher in the cereal group by repeated measures regression analysis (BMDP 5V).Conclusion: Early introduction of cereal to infant diet resulted in increased weight attributable to increased fat mass. Speculation: Increased adiposity in infants fed cereal early is due to replacement of protein rich formula with carbohydrate. This may be relevant to the development of obesity later in life. (Funded by NIDDK #DK46204)Table
Immobilization of uranium in the presence of Fe0(s): Model development and simulation of contrasting experimental conditions

Abstract A geochemical model is developed for the immobilization of U in the presence of metallic Fe. Zero-valent iron (ZVI) serves as a reducing agent inducing the reductive-precipitation of U, and ZVI corrosion products can serve as absorbing agents for U. The numerical model developed allows the complex interactions of U in solution in differing concentrations to be examined, under variable pH and redox conditions, with or without carbonate, in the presence of ZVI of different size and surface area. It incorporates Fe corrosion, Fe(II) and Fe(III) corrosion product formation, reductive-precipitation of U from the soluble U(VI) valence to the poorly soluble U(IV) valence, adsorption/de-sorption of U onto the Fe oxide corrosion products, and aqueous speciation. The processes of Fe corrosion and reductive precipitation of U are simulated as non-equilibrium, an improvement over other geochemical models. The reductive-precipitation process may use either ZVI or Fe(II) as the reducing agent. The model is calibrated using 3 separate sets of experimental data from published literature that cover a wide range of redox conditions. Sensitivity of the model predictions to variations in input parameters is examined. The simulation results show that the different published experimental results can be explained by different solution chemistries in the studies, specifically O 2 and CO 2 availability and pH, and the amount and surface area of the metallic Fe. With this numerical model the behavior of U in ZVI containing systems over a range of conditions realistic for groundwater can be investigated. By synthesizing observations across several experimental studies, it will lead to a broader understanding of the processes controlling U immobilization under varied geochemical conditions.
What Makes a Problem Real: Stalking the Illusive Meaning of Qualitative Differences in Gifted Education

Is there a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? During the course of my involvement in the gifted child movement, I have observed a never-ending quest to define those things uniquely or qualitatively different about the types of curricular experiences which should be recommended for gifted and talented students . Indeed, the term "qualitative differentiation" has emerged as one of the field's major contemporary cliches . More attention has been given to this search for our identity than any other issue in theoretical literature concerning giftedness, with the possible exception of the age-old concern of who are the gifted and talented . Like searches for the fountain of youth and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, this quest for the meaning of qualitative differentiation has largely eluded us . This has resulted in a great deal of controversy and confusion about one of the major issues that could very well determine whether our field survives as an entity in special education . As I stated in an earlier article appearing in a previous issue of this journal (Renzulli,1980), if we are going to survive and prosper as a specialized field of knowledge, we must become as adept at defining those things for which we stand as we have been in dealing with the educational practices we oppose . My own attempt to deal with the issue of qualitative differdnces in learning was largely put forth in The Enrichment Triad Model (Renzulli, 1977) . In the intervening years I have given a considerable amount of thought as to whether or not Triad had the "power" to stand up to the very criticisms described in the early chapters of that book . A good deal of that thought was stimulated by two main influences . First and foremost have been the experiences I have gained as a result of the many Triad-based programs which have developed over the years . It has been my good fortune to have become directly or indirectly involved in many of these programs . Through them I have learned a great deal about "what works," and also what we are capable of delivering in view of our own abilities and resources . These experiences have enabled me to reflect further upon the Triad Model, as well as other models that have been proposed to guide programming for gifted students . Because I am a pragmatist in the tradition . ofJohn Dewey, I believe that theories or models' aren't worth a plug nickel unless they can give specific and practical direction to the Joseph S. Renzulli
The role of gesture in children's learning to count.

The role of spontaneous gesture was examined in children's counting and in their assessment of counting accuracy. Eighty-five 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds counted 6 sets of 2-, 4-, and 6-object arrays. In addition, children assessed the counting accuracy of a puppet whose gestures varied as he counted (i.e., gesture matched the number words, gesture mismatched the number words, no gesture at all). Results showed that the correspondence of children's speech and gesture varied systematically across the age groups and that children adhered to the one-to-one correspondence principle in gesture prior to speech. Moreover, children's correspondence of speech and gesture, adherence to the one-to-one principle in gesture, and assessment of the puppet's counting accuracy were related to children's counting accuracy. Findings are discussed in terms of the role that gesture may play in children's understanding of counting.
In vivo effects of nonionic and ionic contrast media on beta-thromboglobulin and fibrinopeptide levels

Nonionic contrast media are suggested to cause increased thromboembolism (in vivo), platelet aggregation and procoagulant effect (in vitro) as compared with ionic contrast media. To study these effects in vivo, 30 consecutive patients undergoing routine angiography were prospectively randomized to three groups of 10 patients each. Group A received diatrizoate (ionic, high osmolality), Group B ioxaglate (ionic, low osmolality) and Group C iohexol (nonionic, low osmolality). In vivo platelet alpha-granule release and fibrin-1 formation were measured by radioimmunoassay of beta-thromboglobulin and fibrinopeptide A in peripheral venous samples. Levels were estimated at three stages during the procedure: before and after left ventriculography and after coronary angiography. No differences were noted (p = NS) when the ratios of beta-thromboglobulin and fibrinopeptide A were compared among the three groups. These data suggest that the newer nonionic contrast media do not demonstrate enhanced systemic platelet activation or fibrin formation as compared with standard ionic contrast media. However, larger randomized clinical studies are necessary to conclusively establish the suggested thromboembolic potential of nonionic contrast media.
EFFECTS OF WATER VELOCITY ON THE ARCHITECTURE AND EPIPHYTES OF CLADOPHORA GLOMERATA (CHLOROPHYTA)

The architecture of the filamentous green alga Cladophora glomerata (L.) Kutz. and the composition of this alga’s epiphytes [primarily the diatoms Epithemia turgida (Ehrenb.) Kutz., Epithemia sorex Kutz., and Cocconeis pediculus Ehrenb.] were examined in different velocity regimes. After transferring algal-bearing cobbles among velocities, the efects ofchanges in velocity were also examined. Cladophora branching pattern did not initially dzffer among slow, medium, and fast velocities, indicating that stable water velocities did not affect branchingpattern. Two weeks after cobble transfer, Cladophora in fast velocity had fragmented more (i.e. had fauerjlainents and fewer branch points per length ofjlament and had a higher percentage of unbranched jlaments) than Cladophora in slow velocity. Fragmentation was greatest in tufts moved from slow velocity, suggesting velocity-associated dayerences in susceptibility to breakage. Epiphytic assemblage composition differed among slow, medium, and fast velocities and between locations on the jlament (base and apex). Cocconeis pediculus dominated where exposure to high velocity was greater filament apices in medium and fast velocities), whereas the Epithemia spp. dominated where lower velocities occurred filament bases in all velocities and apices in slow velocity). Two weeks afer the cobble transfer, the translocated diatom assemblages had changed and the original pattern of diatom distribution was restored. Key index words: architecture; Bacillariophyceae; branching pattern; cyanobacterial endosymbionts; Cladophora glomerata; Cocconeis pediculus; Epithemia Streams contain a mosaic of patches in which water velocity varies in space and time. On a coarse scale, spatial variation in velocity occurs, for example, between riffles and pools, and temporal variation occurs between spring runoff from snow melt and summertime base flow. At a finer scale, velocities vary around the edges of stones and, because of turbulence, the velocity at a single point on the streambed fluctuates widely. Further, these patches are affected by their velocity histories. Past velocities affect local substratum particle size and can affect
Toxicity After External Beam Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: An Analysis of Late Morbidity in Men With Diabetes Mellitus

Objective To investigate the influence of diabetes mellitus (DM) on late genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity in patients treated with external beam radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer. Materials and Methods A total of 626 men were treated with curative-intent RT for prostate cancer from 1988 to 2008. Using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk category, the patients were considered to have low-risk (30%), intermediate-risk (42%), or high-risk (28%) prostate cancer. The median radiation dose was 74 Gy; 45% received androgen deprivation therapy for a median of 4 months. Late GU and GI Radiation Therapy Oncology Group toxicity was recorded prospectively at each visit after external beam RT. The median follow-up period was 55 months. Results Of the 626 men, 102 (16%) had DM that was controlled by diet (8%), oral medications (52%), or insulin (39%). The patients with DM were more likely to receive intensity-modulated RT and androgen deprivation therapy and to have a shorter follow-up duration ( P ≤.05 for all). Univariate analyses demonstrated that greater radiation dose, baseline urinary dysfunction, intensity-modulated RT, and DM were associated with grade 2 or greater GU toxicity, and transurethral resection of the prostate and DM were associated with grade 3 or greater GU toxicity. In addition, androgen deprivation therapy use, age ≥70 years, and anticoagulation were associated with grade 2 or greater GI toxicity, and age ≥70 years and anticoagulation were associated with grade 3 or greater GI toxicity. The multivariate analyses for late toxicity demonstrated a greater risk of grade 2 or greater (relative risk 1.36, P = .10) and grade 3 or greater GU toxicity (relative risk 2.74, P = .04) with DM. Conclusion A greater incidence of late GU toxicity was seen in patients with DM treated for prostate cancer. This relationship might be useful when considering the treatment of patients with DM, especially those receiving dose-escalated RT or with a history of transurethral resection of the prostate.
Modal Analysis Of Circular Plates With A Free Edge And Three Simple Interior Supports

Abstract The Green function for the free vibration of a circular plate with a free edge is determined by modal analysis and used to derive the characteristic equation and mode shapes for a circular plate with a free edge and interior, simple supports. The inclusion of the effect of elasticity at the support or a concentrated mass, rather than a point support, on the form of the characteristic equation is discussed. The method is investigated by determining the natural frequencies of a circular plate with a free edge and a central, elastic, simple support or a central, concentrated mass and results are compared with previously published values. The method is then applied to determining the natural frequencies and mode shapes of a circular plate with a free edge and three interior, simple supports on a circle concentric with the plate center. Natural frequencies for many values of the support radius are tabulated and the mode shapes for a particular case illustrated.
GCN2 protein kinase is required to activate amino acid deprivation responses in mice treated with the anti-cancer agent L-asparaginase.

Asparaginase depletes circulating asparagine and glutamine, activating amino acid deprivation responses (AADR) such as phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (p-eIF2) leading to increased mRNA levels of asparagine synthetase and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β homologous protein (CHOP) and decreased mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. The objectives of this study were to assess the role of the eIF2 kinases and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum resident kinase (PERK) in controlling AADR to asparaginase and to compare the effects of asparaginase on mTORC1 to that of rapamycin. In experiment 1, asparaginase increased hepatic p-eIF2 in wild-type mice and mice with a liver-specific PERK deletion but not in GCN2 null mice nor in GCN2-PERK double null livers. In experiment 2, wild-type and GCN2 null mice were treated with asparaginase (3 IU per g of body weight), rapamycin (2 mg per kg of body weight), or both. In wild-type mice, asparaginase but not rapamycin increased p-eIF2, p-ERK1/2, p-Akt, and mRNA levels of asparagine synthetase and CHOP in liver. Asparaginase and rapamycin each inhibited mTORC1 signaling in liver and pancreas but maximally together. In GCN2 null livers, all responses to asparaginase were precluded except CHOP mRNA expression, which remained partially elevated. Interestingly, rapamycin blocked CHOP induction by asparaginase in both wild-type and GCN2 null livers. These results indicate that GCN2 is required for activation of AADR to asparaginase in liver. Rapamycin modifies the hepatic AADR to asparaginase by preventing CHOP induction while maximizing inhibition of mTORC1.
A discrete time stochastic growth process for human populations accommodating marriages

Abstract A discrete time stochastic growth process for human populations accommodating marriages is introduced. In the introduction the motivations underlying the formulation of the model are discussed and the basic random functions of the process are defined in Sec. 2. The basic random functions of the model change because of deaths, marriages, the dissolutions of couples, and births, and Sects. 3, 4, 5, and 6 are devoted to stochastic processes describing these aspects of population dynamics. Finally, Sec. 7 is devoted to the derivation of a system of nonlinear renewal type equations satisfied by the mean functions of the process. The techniques used in the construction of the population process introduced in this paper are related to those used in the construction of multitype age-dependent branching processes.
A simple model for linking life tables by survival-mortality ratios.

Patterns of variation in mortality can be studied by measuring changes in selected life table functions. A model is proposed in which the rate of change over time in the life table survivorship probability at any age has been assumed as proportional to the product of its own value and its complementary probability or the probability of dying by that age, where the proportion is the same for all ages and depends only on the time duration between successive life tables. The end result is that the logit functions of the survivorship probabilities at two points in time are linearly related with a slope of one. The projecting power of the model has been tested by using U.S. life tables for the years 1950 and 1970 as well as Coale and Demeny's regional model life tables. In the latter case, the model produced surprisingly close matches even when the expectations of life differed by as much as 20 years.
Community Psychology Perspectives on Social Capital Theory and Community Development Practice

Concepts and research from community psychology can inform community development practice by reframing social capital theory. Social capital (SC) is generally defined and measured at the interpersonal, community, institutional, or societal levels in terms of networks (bridging) and norms of reciprocity and trust (bonding) within those networks. SC should be analyzed in a multi-level ecological framework in terms of both individual psychological and behavioral conceptions (sense of community, collective efficacy—or empowerment, neighboring, and citizen participation) and institutional and community network-level conceptions. Excessive concern for social cohesion undermines the ability to confront or engage in necessary conflict, and thus, it dis-empowers the community. Instead of emphasizing social cohesion, “network-bridging” opportunities to increase power, access, and learning should be emphasized. Institutional and community network analysis shows how SC operates at those levels and where to target ser...
Motion aftereffect magnitude as a measure of the spatio-temporal response properties of direction-sensitive analyzers

Abstract After an observer views an adapting pattern moving uniformly in one direction for a prolonged period of time, a stationary pattern will-appear to move in the opposite direction. In the present experiments observers inspected spatially periodic, adapting patterns which were moved at different speeds in different experimental conditions. The magnitude of the motion aftereffect which was generated in each condition was measured. There was an interaction between pattern characteristics and adapting speed. For a variety of patterns the temporal frequency, rather than the velocity, of the adapting patterns was the critical determinant of aftereffect magnitude. The psychophysical results suggest (1) that the responses of direction-sensitive analyzers in humans are controlled by the temporal frequency of drifting patterns rather than their velocity, and (2) that the peak response frequency of direction-sensitive analyzers is about 5 Hz under low photopic levels of illumination.
290. Prolegomenon to a Phase II Study of an ICP34.5/ICP47 Deleted Herpes Simplex Virus Containing the Coding Sequence for GM-CSF in Patients with Melanoma

OncovexGM-CSF is a replication competent herpes simplex type-1 virus deleted for the ICP34.5 neurovirulence factor to allow for selective replication in tumor cells. The vector is also deleted for ICP47, the role of which is to block antigen presentation to MHC class I and II molecules by blocking the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP1 and TAP2). The deletion alters the regulation of US11 such that it is brought under the control of the promoter which usually regulates ICP47 thereby functioning as an immediate early (IE) gene rather than as a late (L) gene. By blocking PKR phosphorylation, US11 enhances tumor cytotoxicity without affecting pathogenicity. GM-CSF is inserted in place of both the genes encoding for ICP34.5. Phase I studies of intratumoral injections of OncovexGM-CSF, at 106, 107, and 108 pfu/mL, in patients with melanoma have been completed establishing the safety and feasibility of the vector with necrosis of tumor observed in seronegative and seropositive patients.
Biochemical and hematologic changes after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors: experience in 83 procedures.

Abstract Purpose To determine the frequency and severity of various abnormal laboratory tests after percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of liver tumors and to estimate the correlation between laboratory test values and volumes of tumor and ablated tissue. Materials and Methods Biochemical and hematologic laboratory values of 83 computed tomography-guided RF ablations of liver tumors were reviewed retrospectively at baseline, 0–6, 6–12, 12–24 hours, and 1–2 weeks, assessed for significant changes, and correlated with tumor, total ablation, and ablative margin (consisting of ablated nontumoral liver parenchyma and calculated by subtracting tumor volume from ablation volume). Results Mean total ablation volume was 26.6 mL (range, 3.14–1020.5 mL). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values exceeded normal range after 78 (93.9%) procedures and peaked at 12–24 hours (mean, 321 U/L). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values exceeded normal range after 58 (69.9%) procedures and peaked at 12–24 hrs (mean, 220 U/L). Bilirubin levels increased after 34 (41%) procedures (mean maximal increase, 1.1 mg/dL) and peaked at 12–24 hours in 13 (36%). Peak AST (r = 0.3), peak ALT (r = 0.3), and peak bilirubin (r = 0.3) levels correlated only with ablation margin volume. Three patients with severely elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels had biliary complications. Platelets decreased below 100,000/μL ( n = 5) only when the preprocedural level was Conclusions Changes in laboratory values after percutaneous RF ablation of liver tumors are common and usually mild and self-limited. Peak aminotranferase levels and bilirubin values correlate with ablative margin volume and, along with elevated alkaline phosphatase, when severe, may be a harbinger of biliary complications.
IMPROVING PATIENT CARE

The “Bicycle Process” is a systematic approach that requires health care providers to establish their own minimal standards of patient care. Any performance below their minimally accepted level is called a performance deficit. Educational programs are instituted for each performance deficit after which their performance is remeasured. To be successful the process requires at least the cooperation of physicians, administrators, boards of trustees and medical record analysts. At one children's hospital attempting to institute the “Bicycle Process”, the staff created 54 standards of care for 3 commonly encountered conditions (meningitis, asthma and pneumonitis). Performance deficits were shown for 34 standards before and 29 standards after the educational programs. Of the 29 remaining deficits, 20 showed improvement, 6 worsened and 3 remained unchanged. Thus, the “Bicycle Process” can lead to significant improvements in patient care and warrants close inspection by all who render patient care.
Constitutive expression of the barley HvWRKY38 transcription factor enhances drought tolerance in turf and forage grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge)

WRKY proteins constitute a family of transcription factors involved in many plant processes, including responses to biotic and abiotic stress. A constitutive HvWRKY38 expression cassette was introduced into apomictic bahiagrass cultivar ‘Argentine’ by biolistic gene transfer. HvWRKY38 integration and expression was detected in transgenic bahiagrass plants and their apomictic seed progeny by Southern blot, PCR and quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis, respectively. Transgenic and wildtype plants were grown hydroponically to allow uniform dehydration and rehydration treatments and measure whole plant relative water content and biomass. Transgenic bahiagrass plants retained water better during dehydration, recovered faster and produced more biomass following rehydration and survived severe dehydration stress under controlled environment conditions in contrast to non-transgenic plants. The observed dehydration tolerance is very desirable in perennial grasses like bahiagrass, where seasonal droughts affect establishment, persistence or productivity. Our results confirm the regulatory role of HvWRKY38 in dehydration tolerance.
Assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction with quantitative gated SPECT : accuracy and correlation with first-pass radionuclide angiography

Background Quantitative gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT [QGS]) software is widely used for the assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Potentially confounding variables that may affect the accuracy of quantitative analysis of LVEF remain undefined. This study evaluated the accuracy of QGS as a means of determining LVEF in a wide range of LVEF values; evaluated the effect of extracardiac activity, count statistics, heart size, and perfusion defects on the accuracy of QGS LVEF; and compared QGS LVEF obtained at rest with that obtained after stress.
In Vitro Suppression of the Normal Mitogenic T Lymphocyte Response by Steady State Sickle Cell Disease Sera

This study is part of a long term evaluation of sickle cell disease (SCD) as a paradigm for immunosuppression. Serum was obtained from 43 SCD patients during the steady (healthy) state. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), separated by density gradient were obtained from 8 normal healthy donors. PBMC were utilized in assays directly or as a source for obtaining, total T (CD3) and helper T (CD4) cell populations separated by specific T cell columns. Standard in vitro phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation of lymphocyte cultures was done with culture media containing 10% SCD serum, as compared to normal pooled O, Rh+ (O+) serum. Mitogenic responses were expressed as mean counts per minute (cpm) and stimulation index of triplicate cultures. Results revealed PHA responses were positive in all experiments when a standard stimulation index of 10 or greater was used as a test parameter for comparison. Positive results were demonstrated in 43/43 (100%) of triplicate cultures regardless of serum type in all experiments. Conversely, by using mean cpm as the test criterion, suppression of PHA response was shown in SCD serum supplemented cells as follow; 36/43 (84%) of PBMC, 35/43 (81%) of CD3 and 37/43 (86%) of CD4 cultures. The degree of suppression ranged from > 10% to 98% in individual experiments, as compared to O+ serum. Inhibitors of normal T lymphocyte in vitro PHA response appear to be present in a significant percentage of SCD sera even during the healthy state of disease. Type 2 cytokines which suppress cell mediated immunity would seem to be the most likely inhibitory agents.
Methods of Calculation of Radial Wave Functions and New Tables of Coulomb Functions

In connection with the tabulation of Coulomb wave functions special methods of obtaining numerical results having an accuracy of about one percent have been developed and are reported. Some of the methods are applicable also to other problems. Many of them are concerned with the calculation of the second solution of an ordinary differential equation of second order making use of the first solution. The present paper contains an introduction to the use of new Coulomb Functions tables which cover ranges of parameters required for the calculation of nuclear reactions of protons, deuterons and alpha-particles from hydrogen to oxygen in the energy range of a few Mev. The ranges covered are 0 to 6 for $\ensuremath{\rho}$, 0 to 3.98 for $\ensuremath{\eta}$. For alpha-particles the tables suffice for the treatment of reactions up to about 10 Mev for $Z=9(F) \mathrm{and}5$ Mev for $Z=2(\mathrm{He})$. For protons the tables cover an energy range of roughly 4 times that for alpha-particles.
Short RNA molecules with high binding affinity to the KH motif of A-kinase anchoring protein 1 (AKAP1): implications for the regulation of steroidogenesis.

One of the key regulators of acute steroid hormone biosynthesis in steroidogenic tissues is the steroidogenic acute regulatory (STAR) protein. Acute regulation of STAR production on the transcriptional level is mainly achieved through a cAMP-dependent mechanism, which is well understood. However, less is known about the posttranscriptional regulation of STAR synthesis, specifically the factors influencing the destiny of the Star mRNA after it leaves the nucleus. Here, we show that the 3′-untranslated region of Star mRNA interacts with the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K-homology (KH) motif of the mitochondrial scaffold A-kinase anchoring protein 1 (AKAP1) in vitro with a moderate affinity as measured by EMSAs. A mutation that mimics the phosphorylation state of the KH motif at a specific serine either did not alter, or had a negative impact on, protein-RNA binding under these conditions. The KH motif of AKAP1 binds short pyrimidine-rich RNA molecules with a stable hairpin structure as demonstrated by in vitro selection. AKAP1 also interacts with STAR mRNA in a dibutyryl-cAMP-stimulated human steroidogenic adrenocortical carcinoma cell line in vivo. Therefore, we propose a model in which AKAP1 anchors Star mRNA at the mitochondria, thus stabilizing the translational complex at this organelle, a situation that might affect STAR production and steroidogenesis. In addition, we suggest that the last 216 amino acid residues of AKAP1 might participate in the degradation of STAR and other nuclear-encoded mitochondrial mRNAs through interaction with a RNA-induced silencing complex, specifically with the argonaute 2 protein.
Preferences of three blackbird species for sunflower meats, cracked corn and brown rice

Abstract We offered sunflower meats, cracked corn and brown rice to individuals and small groups ( n = 4–5) of red-winged blackbirds ( Agelaius phoeniceus ), yellow-headed blackbirds ( Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus ) and common grackles ( Quiscalus quiscula ) to determine their food preference. Common grackles (sexes combined) preferred cracked corn over sunflower meats and brown rice. Male and female yellow-headed blackbirds preferred brown rice or a combination of brown rice and cracked corn or sunflower meats. Female red-winged blackbirds chose brown rice; whereas, male red-winged blackbirds did not show a consistent food preference. Either brown rice or a brown rice and cracked corn combination should be used to bait blackbirds.
The Stained Glass Ceiling: Career Attainment for Women Clergy

Despite formal acceptance, women clergy have faced subordination in practice in many Protestant denominations. Previous theory has located this disparity in a distinction between the bureaucratic or tightly coupled elements of denominational organization and those that are cultural or loosely coupled, predicting that, as the innovation of ordained women becomes routinized over time, gender disparities among the clergy will diminish. To examine this thesis, priests in the Episcopal church in 1999 (n = 15,056) are examined for career gender inequality in status of position. Status is measured by independent rankings of the prestige of 15 position titles by experts and randomly selected clergy (n = 22) producing a highly reliable scale (inter-respondent alpha is.99). I find that: women clergy are over-represented in subordinate positions and those having lower status; this inequality is remarkably constant and undiminished over time and throughout the clergy career; and occurs only in congregational, not administrative, positions. All three findings are confirmed in a smaller sample of clergy in another female-ordaining denomination, the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. These findings confirm yet also suggest limitations to the predictions using organizational theory. I argue that, in addition to organizational dynamics, the analogy of family relationships may also be fruitful for understanding gender in modern religious denominations
High-pressure thermoelasticity of body-centered-cubic tantalum

We have investigated the thermoelasticity of body-centered-cubic (bcc) tantalum from first principles by using the linearized augmented plane wave and mixed-basis pseudopotential methods for pressures up to 400 GPa and temperatures up to 10 000 K. Electronic excitation contributions to the free energy were included from the band structures, and phonon contributions were included using the particle-in-a-cell (PIC) model. The computed elastic constants agree well with available ultrasonic and diamond-anvil cell data at low pressures, and shock data at high pressures. The shear modulus ${c}_{44}$ and the anisotropy change behavior with increasing pressure around 150 GPa because of an electronic topological transition. We find that the main contribution of temperature to the elastic constants is from the thermal expansivity. The PIC model in conjunction with fast self-consistent techniques is shown to be a tractable approach to studying thermoelasticity.
Halting the Erosion of Qatars' Barchan Dunes: A Study on the Synergy Between Ripple Motion, Moisture Retention and Microbial Growth within Barchans and How it Can be Exploited to Stop the Erosion of an Active Dune

Abstract Barchan dunes in Qatar are restricted to the southeastern region of the country. They are currently a disappearing natural habitat due to the northwesterly Al Shamal winds, which are scouring the landscape and spreading desertification, as they pass. This research aims to understand whether the synergy between the physical transport of dust, moisture retention and microbial growth beneath the dune surface, could be exploited to stop erosion of an active dune. Microbial communities at the surface down to 30cm below have been quantified using direct counts of live/dead cells through fluorescent stains, culturing sand microbes in media selective for general heterotrophs, fungi and/or cyanobacteria, and by conducting culture-independent phylogenetic characterization based on 16S/18S rRNA analysis. Current results show that there is more genetic material found in barchans at depths between 15 to 30 cm deep than at the surface, due to the cooler, moister, and UV-protected sand below the surface. Isolated colonies sequenced from barchans include Arthrobacter and Marmonicola sp., which are typical of bacteria associated with soils. Capacitance and thermal probes recording the humidity and temperature were deployed just beneath the sand surface. For the first time, diurnal variations of temperature and humidity profiles below a dune surface have been recorded. A correlation for migration velocity of Qatar dunes west of Umm Said was established. We anticipate that greater understanding of dune biology will lead to the development of new engineering technology to stabilize Barchans.
PRICING ANOMALIES IN THE MARKET FOR DIAMONDS: EVIDENCE OF CONFORMIST BEHAVIOR

Some goods are consumed not just for their intrinsic utility but also for the impression their consumption has on others. We analyze the market for such a commodity—diamonds. We collect data on price and other attributes from the inventories of three large online retailers of diamonds. We find that people are willing to pay premiums upward of 18% for a diamond that is one-half carat rather than slightly less than a half carat and between 5% and 10% for a one-carat rather than a slightly less than one-carat stone. Since a major portion of larger gem-quality diamonds are used for engagement rings, such an outcome is consistent with Bernheim’s model of conformism, where individuals try to conform to a single standard of behavior that is often established at a focal point. In this case, prospective grooms signal their desirability as a
Putative environmental-endocrine disruptors and obesity: a review.

Purpose of the review—There has been a substantial increase in the prevalence of obesity in the last several decades. Recent evidence suggests that endocrine disrupting chemicals, e.g. halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, may cause perturbations in endogenous hormonal regulation and alter other mechanisms involved in weight homeostasis, which may lead to weight gain by increased volume of adipose tissue. Synthetic chemicals derived from industrial processes are suspected to play a contributory role. Yet of the approximately 70,000 documented synthetic chemicals, few have been examined to determine their effects on the endocrine system. Recent findings—The present study examines prior laboratory, epidemiological and experimental research findings. Data demonstrate migration of endocrine disruptors in the environment and are beginning to catalogue their effects on adiposity. We present postulated relationships between these chemicals, their mechanisms of action, and the obesity epidemic. Summary—Endocrine disruptors may adversely impact human and environmental health by altering physiological control mechanism. Obesity, which is known to increase medical costs and reduce quality and length of life, may be increasing as a function of endocrine disruptor exposure. This merits concern among scientists and public health officials and warrants additional vigorous research in this area.