cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase III multicenter trial of high-dose gadoteridol in MR evaluation of brain metastases.

PURPOSE To assess the efficacy and safety profile of high-dose (0.3 mmol/kg cumulative dose) gadoteridol in patients with suspected central nervous system metastatic disease. METHODS We studied 67 patients using an incremental-dose technique. Patient monitoring included a medical history, physical examination, vital signs, and extensive laboratory tests within 24 hours before and after the MR examination. Precontrast T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo studies were performed, followed by intravenous injection of 0.1 mmol/kg of gadoteridol. T1-weighted images were acquired immediately after and at 10 and 20 minutes after injection. At 30 minutes an additional 0.2 mmol/kg of gadoteridol was administered (0.3-mmol/kg cumulative dose), and T1-weighted images were acquired. Cases demonstrating abnormal MR findings were assessed for efficacy by unblinded and blinded reviewers and were analyzed quantitatively. RESULTS Three adverse effects in two patients were considered to be related to gadoteridol administration. No adverse effects were serious; all self-resolved. Forty-nine cases showed abnormal MR findings and were included in the efficacy analysis. A significantly greater number of lesions was seen on the high-dose as opposed to the standard-dose images. Blinded and unblinded readers identified 5 and 8 patients, respectively, with solitary lesions on standard-dose examination and multiple lesions on high-dose examination. Two patients who had normal standard-dose findings had lesions identified on high-dose studies. Quantitative analysis of 133 lesions in 45 patients demonstrated significant increases in lesion signal intensity on high-dose studies when compared with standard-dose studies. CONCLUSION Gadoteridol can be safely administered up to a cumulative dose of 0.3 mmol/kg. High-dose contrast studies provide improved lesion detectability and additional diagnostic information over studies performed in the same patients with a 0.1-mmol/kg dose and aid in patient diagnosis and treatment. High-dose gadoteridol study may facilitate the care of patients with suspected central nervous system metastasis.
The relationship of residual feed intake and visceral organ size in growing lambs fed a concentrate- or forage-based diet.

Abstract We hypothesized that a portion of the individual differences observed for feed efficiency in ruminants can be attributed to gastrointestinal tract (GIT) size, which would vary based on diet type. The objective of this study was to determine GIT and visceral organ size in high and low efficiency growing lambs fed either a concentrate or forage-based diet. Growing wethers ( n =82; 51.3±1.2 kg body weight [BW]) were fed a concentrate (CONC; 12.1% crude protein [CP], 17.6% neutral detergent fiber [NDF], 2.98 Mcal/kg metabolizable energy [ME]) or forage-based pelleted diet (FOR; 16.2% CP, 36.3% NDF, 2.31 Mcal/kg ME) for 49 d. Individual intake was measured with the GrowSafe System to determine residual feed intake (RFI). The 20% highest efficiency (low RFI, n =8) and 20% lowest efficiency (high RFI, n =8) lambs from each diet were slaughtered (66.6±2.3 kg BW; n =32 total), and the viscera was dissected and weighed. Data were analyzed as a 2×2 factorial with RFI class (high efficiency vs. low efficiency), diet type (FOR vs. CONC), and their interaction in the model. Organ masses were not affected ( P >0.10) by the RFI class x diet type interaction. High efficiency lambs tended to have greater ( P =0.09) pancreas and spleen actual mass than low efficiency lambs, although RFI class did not affect ( P >0.15) other organ actual (g) or relative (g/kg BW) mass. Lambs fed FOR had greater ( P ≤0.01) actual and relative reticulum, omasum, large intestinal, and kidney mass and tended to have greater ( P ≤0.09) actual and relative small intestinal masses compared with lambs fed CONC. However, lambs fed CONC had greater ( P ≤0.05) actual rumen, heart, liver, and relative rumen mass than lambs fed FOR. All other visceral organ masses were unaffected ( P >0.11) by diet type. Diet type, RFI class, and their interaction did not affect small intestinal length ( P >0.10). Results of this study suggest that visceral organ size in growing lambs is more affected by diet type than individual feed efficiency. Based on this data, pancreas and spleen sizes may play a role in efficiency of feed utilization in lambs, however.
Labeling matched sums with a condition at distance two

Abstract An L ( 2 , 1 ) -labeling of a graph G is a function f : V ( G ) → { 0 , 1 , … , k } such that | f ( x ) − f ( y ) | ≥ 2 if x and y are adjacent vertices, and | f ( x ) − f ( y ) | ≥ 1 if x and y are at distance 2. Such labelings were introduced as a way of modeling the assignment of frequencies to transmitters operating in close proximity within a communications network. The lambda number of G is the minimum k over all L ( 2 , 1 ) -labelings of G . This paper considers the lambda number of the matched sum of two same-order disjoint graphs, wherein the graphs have been connected by a perfect matching between the two vertex sets. Matched sums have been studied in this context to model possible connections between two different networks with the same number of transmitters. We completely determine the lambda number of matched sums where one of the graphs is a complete graph or a complete graph minus an edge. We conclude by discussing some difficulties that are encountered when trying to generalize this problem by removing more edges from a complete graph.
The Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale: An Examination of the Personality Traits and Disorders Associated With the LSRP Factors

There are several self-report measures of psychopathy, most of which use a two-factor structure. There is debate regarding the convergence of these factors, particularly with regard to Factor 1 (F1), which is related to the interpersonal and affective aspects of psychopathy; Factor 2 (F2) is related to the social deviance associated with psychopathy. This study examines the relations between the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy (LSRP) factors and personality traits and disorders (PDs) in an undergraduate sample (n = 271). LSRP Factor 1 is related to an antagonistic interpersonal style (i.e., low Agreeableness; high Narcissistic PD and ratings of prototypical psychopathy), whereas Factor 2 is more strongly related to negative emotionality (i.e., Neuroticism), disinhibition (i.e., low Conscientiousness) and a broad array of PD symptoms. The authors interpret these findings in the context of alternative measures of psychopathy and suggest that the LSRP is a reasonable, albeit imperfect, measure of psychopathy.
Targeting the trimolecular complex.

Class II major histocompatibility molecules (MHC) confer disease risk for multiple autoimmune disorders including type 1 diabetes. The interaction between the components of the trimolecular complex (CD4+ T cell receptors, self-peptide, and MHC class II molecules) plays a pivotal role in autoimmune disease pathogenesis. The development of therapies targeting various components of the trimolecular complex for the prevention of type 1 diabetes is actively being pursued. This review focuses on the components of the anti-insulin trimolecular complex, registers of insulin peptide binding to ‘diabetogenic’ MHC class II molecules, and therapies targeting each component of the trimolecular complex.
The effect of cooling on cellular changes during the freeze-thaw cycle

Abstract Progressive changes to MRC-5 and CHA cells during the cooling process were measured by thawing samples of cells in 10% DMSO from various points in the cooling phase between +20 ° and −196 °C. The results showed that the period of phase transition was not the part of the cooling process in which cells were most susceptible to freeze-thaw damage. Indications were that most cell damage, as measured by the release of radiochromate, occurred between −30 ° and −80 °C. The possibility that cell survival from freeze-thaw cycles could be improved by the use of different cooling rates at different stages of the cooling process was investigated.
Maternal recognition of pregnancy in the rabbit.

Conceptuses were removed by extrusion through incisions in the uterus on Days 11, 12 and 18 post coitum (p.c.). Pseudopregnant does at Days 11 and 12 and pregnant does at Day 18 were sham-operated and served as controls. Blood samples were collected before and daily for 3 days after conceptus removal. Serum progesterone profiles of does whose conceptuses were removed on Day 11 p.c. were identical to those of intact pseudopregnant and sham-operated pseudopregnant controls. Conceptus removal on Days 12 or 18 p.c. resulted in a precipitous decline (P less than 0 X 01) in progesterone levels within 48 h. LH levels were low (less than 1 ng/ml) in all groups before and after surgery and there were no significant differences between treated and control rabbits. These data demonstrate that the maternal recognition of pregnancy occurs by Day 12 of gestation and that conceptus removal does not result in an alteration in serum LH levels.
Relation of clinical presentation, stenosis morphology, and operator technique to the procedural results of rotational atherectomy and rotational atherectomy-facilitated angioplasty.

BACKGROUNDRotational atherectomy using the Rotablator has recently become available to treat coronary stenoses. This study was performed to determine the relation of patient characteristics, stenosis morphology, and operator technique to procedural outcome to gain insight into which patients might be best treated with this device.METHODS AND RESULTSFour hundred stenoses from 316 patients randomly selected from the initial Rotablator experience at three major referral institutions were analyzed. Angiographic data were assessed at a central angiographic laboratory using standardized morphological criteria and caliper measurement. Patients were somewhat more elderly than most percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)-treated groups (mean age, 64 +/- 11 years), 74% were men, and the lesions treated were often complex (modified American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association lesion type A, 24%; B1, 40%; B2, 30%; and C, 6%). Elective adjunctive PTCA was used for 82% of stenoses treated. Pr...
In vitro rheumatoid factor synthesis in patients taking second-line drugs for rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients whose unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells produce high levels of IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF) in vitro have more severe disease activity. RA patients being treated with second-line agents, including gold salts, penicillamine, or methotrexate, tend to be low producers or nonproducers of IgM-RF in vitro. The possibility that low production or nonproduction of IgM-RF in vitro may be explained by treatment with second-line agents alone, irrespective of disease activity, was analyzed in 133 RA patients whose disease status was assessed by multiple laboratory and clinical measures. The results indicate that treatment with second-line agents and in vitro IgM-RF synthesis are independently associated with disease activity.
Biodegradation of Oil and Dispersed Oil by Arctic Marine Microorganisms

As oil exploration and shipping routes expand in Arctic regions, the potential for oil to enter these cold water environments increases. Therefore it becomes important to understand how the indigen...
Teaching the placebo effect.

To the Editor: In a letter to the editor in the April 2014 issue of Academic Psychiatry [1], Shaligram et al. described a pilot course focused on teaching brief psychotherapeutic interventions to residents, for use during a 15-min medication management appointment. As a psychiatrist who works at a teaching hospital supervising residents for medication management and psychotherapy, I was impressed with their aim to integrate teaching of these important skills into standard practice. In reading this letter, however, I felt that they left out one additional impact that their instructional technique might be having. Use of brief therapeutic interventions could enhance the therapeutic alliance. They could also be used to intentionally trigger the placebo effect. A distinction should be made between a placebo and placebo effect. A placebo is often described as an “inert substance”; however, the placebo effect goes beyond the use of placebo; it is that aspect of treatment that is not attributable to specific pharmacologic or physiologic properties. Whether we are using an active medication or a validated form of therapy, the placebo effect probably accounts for more of our therapeutic effect than we would care to admit. Krupnick et al. showed a robust association between therapeutic alliance and improvement in both drug and placebo condition in a National Institute of Mental Health study [2]. A recent meta-analysis involving 200 research reports and more than 14,000 treatments found a strong correlation between therapeutic alliance and positive outcomes [3]. Many factors help trigger the placebo effect. The ones supported most frequently by empirical evidence include (1) positive expectancy on the part of the patient, (2) positive belief on the part of the health care professional, and (3) quality of patient-physician relationship or therapeutic alliance [4]. These are the factors we can teach to our learners to maximize their effectiveness. Unfortunately, the placebo effect often invokes a negative response among practitioners, perhaps because it is associated Acad Psychiatry (2015) 39:122 DOI 10.1007/s40596-014-0225-5
An interactive, smart notepad for context-sensitive information seeking

We are building an interactive, smart notepad system where users enter brief notes to drive a dynamic information-seeking process. In this paper, we focus on describing our work from two aspects: 1) dynamic interpretation of user notes in context to infer a user's information needs, and 2) automatic generation of data queries to satisfy the inferred user needs. Compared to existing information systems, our work offers three unique contributions. First, our system allows users to focus on what to retrieve instead of how, since users can use brief notes to express their information needs without worrying about specific retrieval details. Second, users can use notes to efficiently request multiple pieces of information at once instead of issuing one query at a time. Third, users can easily update any part of their notes to obtain new or updated information. Whenever a user's notes are modified, our system automatically detects and evaluates all affected note sections to retrieve new or updated information. Our preliminary evaluation shows the promise of this work.
Integrin αvβ3 as a Target in the Prevention of Neointimal Hyperplasia

Although major advances have been made in the prevention and treatment of restenosis following coronary and peripheral interventions, the persistent complications of thrombosis and reintervention remain a mainstay for repeat hospitalizations in this patient population. For many years, a ubiquitous cell surface receptor called α v β 3 integrin was the target of investigators in the prevention of restenosis because its interaction with the extracellular matrix was believed to coordinate the migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from the media to the intima, the seminal event in the formation of intimal occlusive lesion. After the publication of uniformly positive animal studies demonstrating that α v β 3 integrin blockade led to a significant reduction in new intimal (neointimal) lesion formation, early clinical trials supported the association of avoidance of target lesion revascularization and the use of antagonists to the SMC integrin α v β 3 and its related platelet integrin α IIb β 3 . However, a series of clinical trials subsequently demonstrated that these antagonists did not necessarily prevent revascularizations by inhibiting intimal hyperplasia per se. Additional animal studies subsequently showed that, indeed, in the setting of pre-existing SMCs in the intimal lesion (ie, atherosclerotic plaque, fatty streaks), inhibiting SMC migration by way of β 3 integrin blockade was an ineffective approach in the prevention of intimal hyperplasia and restenosis. However, given the wealth of basic and clinical information on the α v β 3 integrin and its antagonists, we discuss in this article our new approach to this old solution by targeting a new clinical problem of early failure arteriovenous access for hemodialysis. Given the uniqueness of arteriovenous access in that there are essentially no significant atherosclerotic lesions in the artery and vein prior to the anastomosis, the seminal event of the migration of SMCs from the media to the neointima could by targeted once again with β 3 integrin antagonists.
Graft polymerization of N-tert-butylacrylamide onto polypropylene during melt extrusion and biocidal properties of its products

Functionalization of polypropylene (PP) by radical graft polymerization with N-tert-butylacrylamide (NTBA) was successfully conducted during melt extrusion, and the grafted products were employed as precursors of biocidal N-halamine polymers. Graft polymerization conditions, including monomer and initiator concentrations, addition of a comonomer styrene (St), were studied. Fourier transformed spectroscopy (FTIR) results and nitrogen analysis confirmed the graft polymerization on PP backbone during the reactive extrusion. The results also indicated that increase in initiator concentration led to more PP chain scission and reduction in mixing torque or polymer chain length. As the monomer concentration rose, grafted monomer content in the products improved, revealing increased grafting copolymerization in the system. Addition of St as a comonomer adversely affected grafting of NTBA, but significantly prevented polymer chain scission. This may be due to lower tendency of NTBA for copolymerization. The halogenated products exhibited potent antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli, and the antimicrobial properties were durable and regenerable. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Therapeutic apheresis in malignancy.

: Plasmapheresis (PP), staphylococcal protein A immunoadsorption (SPI), and extracorporeal photochemotherapy (EP) have been utilized in cancer treatment for about 20 years. PP removes immune complexes and induces a temporary increase in T4/T8 ratio, natural killer cell activity, and blastogenic responses. SPI removes immune complexes, enhances lymphocytic responses, and activates complement. EP increases lysis of circulating lymphoma cells by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and increases tumor necrosis factor production by host monocytes. PP induces partial remission in about 28% of patients, but this remission is short lived. SPI gives similar results. Addition of PP to chemotherapy has been reported to prolong survival in patients with multiple myeloma. EP appears useful in treating cutaneous T cell lymphomas with 25% of patients achieving complete response and 50% of patients attaining partial remission. Thus, PP and SPI induce short-lived immune responses, but have no proven clinical utility. EP may be useful in the treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphomas.
Collembola population levels 7 years after installation of the North Carolina Long Term Soil Productivity Study

Summary Collembola are among the most abundant microarthropods in terrestrial ecosystems and have been shown to affect litter decomposition and nutrient release rates. Previous work on the Croatan National Forest Long Term Soil Productivity (LTSP) study indicated organic matter removal and vegetation control treatments affected collembolan populations. The present study isolated important factors within these treatments and determined if differences in collembolan populations by treatment persisted over time. Collembolans were extracted from litter and enumerated on both a per area and volume basis for 1 year. Litter volume, quality, and nutrient concentration, in addition to treatment effects of organic matter removal, soil compaction and vegetation control were tested against numbers of Collembola. Organic matter removal and vegetation control treatments had a significant negative effect on populations during the late spring, summer, and early fall months, whereas compaction had no significant effect. Physical litter characteristics, nitrogen, phosphorous, and carbon to nitrogen ratio were consistently significantly correlated to collembolan populations. Results indicate removal of the fermentation and humus (F, H) layers not only decrease the volume of living space but also make Collembola more susceptible to dry periods, and this effect continues even after reestablishment of the forest floor litter.
Characteristics of Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of the Ear Treated Using Mohs Micrographic Surgery

BACKGROUNDMohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is used to treat squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) for tissue conservation.OBJECTIVETo examine characteristics of patients with SCCIS of the external ear treated using MMS.METHODSA retrospective review from 2005 to 2011.RESULTSWe identified 173 cases o
State and Society: Some Reflections on Theory and Theory-Building

This paper begins with a selective review of theories relevant to the state–society relationship. The review focuses on the mode by which competing theories are constructed. Three factors which affect theory-building are considered: Assumptions about the intention of the state; the function and capacity of the state; and the forms of alliance, allegiance, and conflict. It is argued that each of these competing theories is valid under specific circumstances and it is suggested that they are not necessarily mutually exclusive but can be complementary at a given point in time. With these reflections on theory and theory-building as background, Klak's comment on an earlier paper is evaluated.
Mechanisms of suppression of poly I:C-induced activation of NK cells by ethanol

Abstract We have previously reported that ethanol (EtOH) decreases polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) and interleukin-2 (IL-2)-induced upregulation of natural killer (NK) cell lytic activity in mice. The present study was designed to determine if decreased production of or response to interferon-α (IFN-α) is involved and if this is associated with inhibited upregulation of perforin or granzyme B. Treatment of mice with poly I:C upregulated IFN-α and granzyme B, but not perforin, in the spleen. Administration of EtOH before poly I:C prevented the upregulation of IFN-α and granzyme B and decreased perforin levels. EtOH exposure in vivo rendered splenocytes less able to respond to IFN-α upon in vitro exposure to poly I:C. Exogenous IFN-α only partially prevented this decreased response. Thus, decreased production of and response to IFN-α as well as decreased levels of granzyme B and perforin are implicated in the diminished activation of NK cell lytic function in EtOH-treated mice.
Flame zone studies IV—microstructure and material transport in a laminar propaneair flame front

Abstract Experimental data for a stoichiometric, built1 4 atm, propaneair flame are presented. The data include gas velocity normal to the flame front and stream tube area parallel to the flame front measured by the particle-track technique, and a derived temperature profile. Also included is a set of sampled composition profiles for all stable species present obtained with a quartz microprobe and mass spectrometric analysis. The total flux due to both convection and diffusion has been calculated for each species. The data are examined in terms of conservation of mass.
A comparison of robust estimators in simple linear regression

The mean squared errors of various estimators of slope, intercept, and mean response in the simple linear regression problem are compared in a simulation study. A weighted median estimator of slope proposed by Sievers (1978) and Scholz (1978) and two intercept estimators based upon it are found to perform well for most error distributions studied. Theil's (1950) estimator of slope and two intercept estimators based on it are preferable for certain heavily contaminated error distributions.
Privacy- and integrity-preserving range queries in sensor networks

The architecture of two-tiered sensor networks, where storage nodes serve as an intermediate tier between sensors and a sink for storing data and processing queries, has been widely adopted because of the benefits of power and storage saving for sensors as well as the efficiency of query processing. However, the importance of storage nodes also makes them attractive to attackers. In this paper, we propose SafeQ, a protocol that prevents attackers from gaining information from both sensor collected data and sink issued queries. SafeQ also allows a sink to detect compromised storage nodes when they misbehave. To preserve privacy, SafeQ uses a novel technique to encode both data and queries such that a storage node can correctly process encoded queries over encoded data without knowing their values. To preserve integrity, we propose two schemes--one using Merkle hash trees and another using a new data structure called neighborhood chains--to generate integrity verification information so that a sink can use this information to verify whether the result of a query contains exactly the data items that satisfy the query. To improve performance, we propose an optimization technique using Bloom filters to reduce the communication cost between sensors and storage nodes.
Prosocial and aggressive behaviours of preschoolers at play in secular and church‐based day care

The frequency of prosocial and aggressive behaviors during free play was observed for 40 children (20 boys and 20 girls, 3.5 to 4.5 years) in two types of centers, secular and church‐based. The research question at issue was whether moral philosophy in the two church‐based centers would result in the occurrence of more prosocial and fewer aggressive behaviors during free play compared to frequencies found for two secular centers. Among males in both types of settings the frequency of both prosocial and aggressive behaviors during free play showed no differences as a function of attending secular or church‐based centers. However, girls showed significantly more prosocial behaviors, four times as many as males in the church centers and twice as many as males in the secular centers. Aggressions of males were twice as frequent compared to females in the church settings, and three times as frequent in the secular settings. Thus, any effects of church‐based versus secular settings may be confounded by different...
Racing carbon atoms. Atomic motion reaction coordinates and structural effects on Newtonian kinetic isotope effects.

Intramolecular 13C kinetic isotope effects were determined for the dimerization of methacrolein. Trajectory studies accurately predict the isotope effects and support an origin in Newton’s second law of motion, with no involvement of zero-point energy or transition state recrossing. Atomic motion reaction coordinate diagrams are introduced as a way to qualitatively understand the selectivity.
The Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Nitrogen-Doped Graphene

The oxygen reduction reaction on a graphene sheet with 6.3 % doping of nitrogen is analyzed using density functional theory calculations. It is found that all intermediates involved in the oxygen reduction reaction bind on the carbon atom next to the nitrogen dopant. The first reduction step to produce the OOH* intermediate is only moderately downhill in free energy while further reduction to O* and OH* are more exothermic. The reduction from step from O* to OH* is found responsible for the experimentally observed overpotential.
Quantification of topoisomerase-DNA complexes in leukemia cells from patients undergoing therapy with a topoisomerase-directed agent

Several clinically important drugs utilized in cancer chemotherapy inhibit type I (Topotecan) or type II (amsacrine, etoposide) DNA topoisomerases by stabilizing the formation of DNA-topoisomerase complexes (topoisomerase-DNA cross-links). In various cell lines, the magnitude of drug-induced DNA-protein cross-link production correlates with the magnitude of cytotoxicity induced by the drugs. We developed a simple filter-binding assay that can measure drug-induced DNA-protein crosslinks in leukemia cells obtained directly from patients because the assays most widely used for assessment of drug-induced DNA-protein cross-links in cells [sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)/KCl precipitation and alkaline elution] are not readily applicable for use on patient material. HL-60 human leukemia cells or freshly isolated patients' leukemia cells were incubated with Topotecan, etoposide, or amsacrine; lysed with SDS; and applied to nitrocellulose filters in a low-salt buffer. DNA is retained on the filter only if it is covalently bound to protein. The amount of DNA retained on the filter is quantified by hibridization to thealu sequence of DNA, which is distributed ubiquitously in the human genome. Using radiolabeled cells, we compared the filter-binding assay directly with the SDS/KCl precipitation assay in the detection of etoposide-or amsacrine-induced DNA-protein cross-links in HL-60 cells and amsacrine-resistant HL-60/AMSA cells. Both the SDS/KCl precipitation assay and the filter-binding assay detected etoposide-induced DNA-protein cross-links in HL-60 and HL-60/AMSA cells and detected a greater frequency of amsacrine-induced DNA-protein cross-links in HL-60 cells than in HL-60/AMSA cells. The filter-binding assay detected DNA-protein cross-links in freshly isolated leukemia cells exposed to Topotecan in vitro. The ratios of DNA retention for Topotecan-treated versus untreated cells from leukemia patients ranged from 1.8 to 11.5. The heterogeneity of this detected cross-linking was as might be expected if the assay were predictive of the antileukemic action of Topotecan, which is variable. This new filter-binding technique may be useful for predicting the sensitivity of individual patients' tumors to drugs that inhibit type I or type II DNA topoisomerases.
Anisotropic Compressive Properties of Passive Porcine Muscle Tissue

Abstract The body has approximately 434 muscles, which makes up 40-50% of the body by weight. Muscle is hierarchical in nature and organized in progressively larger units encased in connective tissue. Like many soft tissues, muscle has nonlinear visco-elastic behavior, but muscle also has unique characteristics of excitability and contractibility. Mechanical testing of muscle has been done for crash models, pressure sore models, back pain, and other disease models. The majority of previous biomechanical studies on muscle have been associated with tensile properties in the longitudinal direction as this is muscle's primary mode of operation under normal physiological conditions. Injury conditions, particularly high rate injuries, can expose muscle to multiple stress states. Compressive stresses can lead to tissue damage, which may not be reversible. In this study, we evaluate the structure-property relationships of porcine muscle tissue under compression, in both the transverse and longitudinal orientations at 0.1 s-1, 0.01 s-1, or 0.001 s-1. Our results show an initial toe region followed by an increase in stress for muscle in both the longitudinal and transverse directions tested to 50% strain. Strain rate dependency was also observed with the higher strain rates showing significantly more stress at 50% strain. Muscle in the transverse orientation was significantly stiffer than in the longitudinal orientation indicating anisotropy. The mean area of fibers in the longitudinal orientation shows an increasing mean fiber area and a decreasing mean fiber area in the transverse orientation. Data obtained in this study can help provide insight on how muscle injuries are caused, ranging from low energy strains to high rate blast events, and can also be used in developing computational injury models.
3D Crystallographic and morphological analysis of coarse martensite: Combining EBSD and serial sectioning

Abstract This investigation combines EBSD analysis with serial sectioning to allow for direct, quantitative investigations into the 3D morphology and 3D crystallography of coarse martensite crystals formed in HSLA-100 steel. It is shown how the 3D crystallography can be represented both qualitatively within the 3D reconstructions, and quantitatively by constructing a crystallographic interface normal distribution (CIND). The CIND indicates that the coarse martensite crystals display four distinct facets, of which the specific crystallographic directions are determined for the three largest facets.
An efficient multilevel optimization method for engineering design

An efficient multilevel deisgn optimization technique is presented. The proposed method is based on the concept of providing linearized information between the system level and subsystem level optimization tasks. The advantages of the method are that it does not require optimum sensitivities, nonlinear equality constraints are not needed, and the method is relatively easy to use. The disadvantage is that the coupling between subsystems is not dealt with in a precise mathematical manner.
Regression techniques for material identification in hyperspectral data

Identification of materials in hyperspectral imagery is a fundamental analysis task. Materials are often identified by building pixel models using a library of reference spectra along with a regression technique. This paper describes several regression techniques that are useful in modeling hyperspectral pixels, demonstrates the characteristics of the algorithms on simulated data, and compares the strengths and weaknesses of the techniques
High-resolution computed tomography patterns of diffuse interstitial lung disease with clinical and pathological correlation

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is the radiological imaging technique best suited to revealing changes in lung structure. Various HRCT findings, taken together, can represent typical patterns. These patterns, in conjunction with the anatomical distribution of findings and with clinical data, can narrow the differential diagnosis of diffuse interstitial lung disease and, in many cases, indicate the correct diagnosis with a high degree of accuracy. The most common HRCT patterns seen in cases of diffuse interstitial lung diseases are the nodular pattern, linear/reticular opacities, cystic lesions, ground-glass opacities and consolidations. This article reviews the correlations between HRCT patterns and pathologic findings, summarizing the most common causes, as well as detailing the methods of investigation employed in order to diagnose the most common types of chronic diffuse lung disease.
Transmission-line analog of electron stream in solid-state plasmas

Transmission-line analogs of the space-charge waves and the electroacoustic waves propagation in solid-state plasmas have been developed. Normal modes have also been defined. These transmission analogs provide the base for description of wave interactions in solid-state plasma by coupled-mode theory.
Scaffolding preservice teachers’ WebQuest design: a qualitative study

This study examined how participating preservice teachers reported their perceptions and use of different scaffolds provided to support their WebQuest design. Sixteen preservice teachers participated in a succession of course activities designed to guide WebQuest design and development. Results indicated that while participants followed, adapted, and combined many scaffolds as they designed their WebQuests, they discounted other design supports as redundant, unnecessary, or too time-consuming. Implications for research and practice are described.
Conformation of 4-methylcyclohexanone by microwave spectroscopy

Abstract The microwave spectrum of 4-methylcyclohexanone has been observed in the frequency region from 18.0 to 26.5 GHz. Both a -type and c -type transitions in the ground state and a -type transitions in four excited states have been assigned. The ground state rotational constants are determined to be A = 4034.39 ± 0.06 MHz, B = 1455.46 ± 0.01 MHz, and C = 1174.06 ± 0.01 MHz. From these data, it is shown that the most stable conformer exists in the chair form with the methyl group in the equatorial position.
Exploring effects of the keyword method on limited English proficient students' vocabulary recall and comprehension

Abstract This study examined effects of the keyword (English and Spanish) method in comparison with the rehearsal method on the vocabulary learning of fifth‐grade students with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Following an intervention program, sixty 5th‐graders with LEP took a vocabulary recall test and a sentence completion test over two time intervals: immediate and one‐week delayed. Multivariate repeated measures were implemented employing test (vocabulary recall and sentence completion) and time (immediate and delayed) as within‐subject factors, and group (keyword Spanish, keyword English, and rehearsal) as a between‐subject factor. Significant main effects were observed for time and test as well as for the interaction of test and group. No statistically significant effects occurred for the interaction of time and group, the interaction of time and test, or the interaction of time, test, and group. Scheffe post hoc tests revealed that students in both keyword groups outperformed their counterparts ...
The privatization of security: Modern conflict, globalization and weak states

Privatized Defense Service Providers (PDSPs) have emerged as a firmly entrenched feature of contemporary international politics. Placing blame on PDSPs for the woes associated with state disintegration in Africa mistakes symptoms for causes. Failure to establish strong institutional foundations and professional armies when foreign aid resources were more plentiful has undermined the ability of states to respond to the challenges posed by guerrilla insurgencies that proliferated in the wake of the end of the Cold War. Caught between the old anti‐intervention norm, the new permeability of their borders, demands for reform and disinterest on the part of former sponsors, regimes under stress have limited options. PDSPs do not necessarily provide the answer to the problems generated. Assertions of possibilities tend to outpace capabilities and ignore political limitations. In terms of regulation, national legislation,not a new international convention is the appropriate response.
Introducing Energy Efficiency Metrics for Server and Data Centers

New servers and data center metrics are introduced to facilitate proper evaluation of data centers power and cooling efficiency. These metrics will be used to help reduce the cost of operation and to provision data centers cooling resources. The most relevant variables for these metrics are identified and they are: the total facility power, the servers’ idle power, the average servers’ utilization, the cooling resources power and the total IT equipment power. These metrics can be used to characterize and classify servers and data centers performance and energy efficiency regardless of their size and location.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A novel approach to incorporate fused heteroaromatic chromophores into polythiophenes

A novel polythiophene, containing pendant fused heteroaromatic chromophores, has been synthesized by electrochemical polymerization of a new thiophene monomer, 3-(2-indolizinothiophene). The structural characterization and electrochemical properties of the monomer are described.
Budget Process Reform: Waiting for Godot

The unraveling of the budget process described by Irene Rubin will have extraordinary consequences for the long-term budget outlook facing the nation. The retirement of the baby boom generation will prompt unprecedented and unsustainable structural fiscal imbalances for decades to come. Early policy action on the spending and revenue sides of the budget is critical to avert fiscal and economic crisis and to phase in changes in order to avoid precipitous and politically perilous actions in the future. Yet such actions constitute what amounts to a politically unnatural act, as one generation of political leaders is asked to make sacrifices in current policies benefiting future generations. Budget process reforms can serve to highlight the salience of these issues and help deal with the significant political hurdles faced by decision makers in making these intertemporal budgeting trade-offs. Ironically, the need for budget rules and processes has intensified as policy makers have become more vulnerable to polarized political parties, ever more watchful media, and mobilized interest groups. Budget rules and processes can help policy makers cope by protecting their ability to make the hard choices that will be necessary. The pressures for budget process reform will accelerate as the current financial crisis increases near-term budgetary pressures, promoting greater alignment between near-term and long-term fiscal problems.
Wall-coated open-tubular column chromatography on an organo-clay stationary phase.

Abstract Wall-coated open-tubular (WCOT) column chromatography is shown to be a viable tool to measure hydrocarbon interactions with an organo–clay as the stationary phase. In this paper, we report the heats of interaction for a series of hydrocarbons ( n -alkanes of C 6 –C 12 , and cyclohexane) on a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-modified Laponite-RD clay. The measurements were performed with a new WCOT method that we have developed, and also a conventional packed-column approach. Although the measurements from both techniques yield the same values of enthalpy (on the basis of our statistical analysis), we argue that WCOT column chromatography gave the more reliable results, with lower uncertainties and better chromatographic behavior.
Evaluating the efficacy of adaptive management approaches: is there a formula for success?

Within the field of natural-resources management, the application of adaptive management is appropriate for com plex problems high in uncertainty. Adaptive management is becoming an increasingly popular management-decision tool within the scientific community and has developed into two primary schools of thought: the Resilience-Experi mentalist School (with high emphasis on stakeholder involvement, resilience, and highly complex models) and the Decision-Theoretic School (which results in relatively simple models through emphasizing stakeholder involvement for identifying management objectives). Because of these differences, adaptive management plans implemented under each of these schools may yield varying levels of success. We evaluated peer-reviewed literature focused on incorporation of adaptive management to identify components of successful adaptive management plans. Our evaluation included adaptive management elements such as stakeholder involvement, definitions of management objectives and actions, use and complexity of predictive models, and the sequence in which these elements were applied. We also defined a scale of degrees of success to make comparisons between the two adaptive management schools of thought. Our results include the relationship between the adaptive management process documented in the reviewed literature and our defined continuum of successful outcomes. Our data suggest an increase in the number of published ar ticles with substantive discussion of adaptive management from 2000 to 2009 at a mean rate of annual change of 0.92 (r 2 = 0.56). Additionally, our examination of data for temporal patterns related to each school resulted in an increase in acknowledgement of the Decision-Theoretic School of thought at a mean annual rate of change of 0.02 (r 2 = 0.6679) and a stable acknowledgement for the Resilience-Experimentalist School of thought (r 2 = 0.0042; slope = 0.0013). Identifying the elements of successful adaptive management will be advantageous to natural-resources managers considering adaptive management as a decision tool.
Carbon Monoxide Suppresses Membrane Expression of TLR4 via Myeloid Differentiation Factor-2 in βTC3 Cells

Islet allografts from donor mice exposed to CO are protected from immune rejection after transplantation via the suppression of membrane trafficking/activation of TLR4 in islets/β cells. The molecular mechanisms of how CO suppresses TLR4 activation in β cells remain unclear and are the focus of this study. Cells of the insulinoma cell line, βTC3, were stably transfected with pcDNA3-TLR4-YFP and pDsRed-Monomer-Golgi plasmids and used to identify the subcellular distribution of TLR4 before and after LPS stimulation by confocal microscopy. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that TLR4 mainly resides in the Golgi apparatus in βTC3 cells when in a quiescent state. LPS stimulation led to a rapid trafficking of TLR4 from the Golgi to the cell membrane. Physical interaction between TLR4 and myeloid differentiation factor-2 (MD-2) was confirmed by immunoprecipitation. Depleting MD-2 using small interfering RNA or blocking the N-glycosylation of cells using tunicamycin blocked membrane trafficking of TLR4. Pre-exposing cells to CO at a concentration of 250 parts per million suppressed membrane trafficking of TLR4 via inhibiting its glycosylation and the interaction between TLR4 and MD-2. In conclusion, MD-2 is required for the glycosylation of TLR4 and its consequent membrane trafficking in βTC3 cells. CO suppresses membrane activation of TLR4 via blocking its glycosylation and the physical interaction between TLR4 and MD-2.
Inflammation and ER Stress Downregulate BDH2 Expression and Dysregulate Intracellular Iron in Macrophages

Macrophages play a very important role in host defense and in iron homeostasis by engulfing senescent red blood cells and recycling iron. Hepcidin is the master iron regulating hormone that limits dietary iron absorption from the gut and limits iron egress from macrophages. Upon infection macrophages retain iron to limit its bioavailability which limits bacterial growth. Recently, a short chain butyrate dehydrogenase type 2 (BDH2) protein was reported to contain an iron responsive element and to mediate cellular iron trafficking by catalyzing the synthesis of the mammalian siderophore that binds labile iron; therefore, BDH2 plays a crucial role in intracellular iron homeostasis. However, BDH2 expression and regulation in macrophages have not yet been described. Here we show that LPS-induced inflammation combined with ER stress led to massive BDH2 downregulation, increased the expression of ER stress markers, upregulated hepcidin expression, downregulated ferroportin expression, caused iron retention in macrophages, and dysregulated cytokine release from macrophages. We also show that ER stress combined with inflammation synergistically upregulated the expression of the iron carrier protein NGAL and the stress-inducible heme degrading enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) leading to iron liberation. This is the first report to show that inflammation and ER stress downregulate the expression of BDH2 in human THP-1 macrophages.