cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrated and reusable in-plane microfluidic interconnects

A concept for reusable, in-plane polymer microfluidic interconnects that are directly integrated into microfluidic systems is reported. Convenient, on-demand world-to-chip interfaces are established by utilizing a pin-and-socket approach in which commercially available non-coring syringe needles are manually inserted through predefined polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) septa integrated at the inlets/outlets of microchannels. Receptacles for the septa were batch-fabricated in a single layer of SU-8 that also formed microchannels in the microfluidic system. Due to the self-sealing nature of PDMS, the septa were used repeatedly and withstood multiple needle insertions and removals without leakage. Needle pull-out force was modeled as debonding in a fiber/matrix system and evaluated experimentally both in single and multiple pull-out studies. Results were compared with other published interconnects of similar construction. Interconnects were also evaluated under pressurized conditions and tested to failure. The simple format of these interconnects is readily adapted to many microfluidic fabrication processes and thus can be easily incorporated into existing microfluidic systems.
Bridging Curriculum with Creative Development: Creative Characteristics Models

The creative Cgaracteristics Moels (A,B, & C) are proposed as guidelines in a curriculum for a systematic development of children youth, and adults who learn to function creativelyand may be better prepared todeal with alternative futures. These models, based upon research and literature about creative persons and their behaviors, characterize creative tendencies from early developmental stages through later life fourd in persons who make significant original breakthroughs Applications of the models may be developed by teachers as a means so integrating creativity into any curricular area.
Magnetic field enhancement of high- T c superconducting pancake coils by Mu metal sheets

High permeability ring-shaped mu metal sheets have been used to enhance magnetic fields in the bore of Bi-based high-T c superconducting coils. The central magnetic fieldB 0, generated by pancake coils placed between mu metal sheets, was measured at liquid nitrogen temperature 77 K. The increasing rate (IR) of the central magnetic fieldB 0 for single pancake coils was from 15 to 63% by using a 0.1 mm thick mu metal sheet. IR was decreased when the originalB 0 value increased. The thickness of mu metal sheets also affected IR. It was found that IR increased as the number of mu metal sheets was increased. In a test double-pancake coil IR reached 101%,B 0 was enhanced from 902 to 1815 G, when the total thickness of mu metal sheets on the top and bottom surface of the coil was 2.0 mm. These results indicate that the well-designed high-permeability materials can significantly enhance the magnetic fields generated by high-T c superconducting coils and magnets.
Impact of coronary computed tomographic angiography findings on the medical treatment and control of coronary artery disease and its risk factors.

Although coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) has high diagnostic accuracy and increasing evidence of prognostic value for coronary artery disease (CAD), its downstream clinical impact is not established. In this study, the association of findings on CCTA with subsequent treatment and control of CAD risk factors was assessed in 208 consecutive symptomatic outpatients without known CAD who underwent CCTA. Blood pressure (BP), lipid levels, and CAD medications were compared before and after CCTA (mean follow-up period 8.1 ± 6.6 months). CAD severity on CCTA was graded as absent, mild (1% to 49%), moderate (50% to 69%), or severe (≥70%) stenosis. In patients with absent, mild, moderate, and severe CAD on CCTA, aspirin was initiated in 0%, 14%, 36%, and 15%; statins were initiated or increased in 4%, 23%, 44%, and 42% of patients; and BP medications were initiated or increased in 16%, 10%, 26%, and 38% of patients (p
Genetic epidemiology: successes and challenges of genome-wide association studies using the example of age-related macular degeneration.

With increasing evidence of importance of genetic factors and gene-environment interactions in the etiology of common eye-related disorders, identification of genetic variation associated with a disease risk may help provide insight into the mechanism of disease pathogenesis and reveal novel targets for preventive and therapeutic interventions. Family-based studies have identified genomic regions associated with highly penetrant genes related to rare familial forms of eye diseases. However, late onset complex phenotypes, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), appear to be polygenic, with the involvement of multiple genes, with varying levels of effect. It has been estimated that about 90% of sequence variants in humans are differences in single bases of DNA, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). According to dbSNP, (available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/SNP) more than 14 million uniquely mapped SNPs have been identified and assembled into a genome-wide database. The HapMap effort (available from: http://hapmap.org) allowed reducing the number of SNPs required for the examination of the entire genome to roughly a million representative SNPs, also called tagging SNPs, making genome scan approaches finding regions with genes that affect diseases more efficient and less costly. During the past several years, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been designed to assess association between traits and large numbers of DNA sequence variants distributed across the genome and detect novel disease-associated pathways using an unbiased hypothesis-free approach. By design, GWAS are aimed at identifying common SNPs with allele frequency of >5% that may only modestly increase the disease risk consistent with the common variant-common disease hypothesis of disease pathogenesis. Currently, 561 GWAS have been reported and catalogued at http://www.genome.gov/gwastudies. More than 250 genetic loci in which common variants were reproducibly associated with a number of polygenic traits have been identified during the last two years only (reviewed in 1). However, despite significant successes achieved by GWAS, their inconsistency is a generally recognized limitation.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in the Hawaiian endemic shrub Schiedea adamantis (Caryophyllaceae) and amplification in related species and genera

Schiedea adamantis is a rare, perennial shrub endemic to the Hawaiian island of Oahu where it consists of a single population. Using a nonradioactive protocol, 12 microsatellite primers were developed that consisted of di-, tri-, penta- and hexanucleotide repeats. Using multiplexed reactions, all but two primers exhibited polymorphism with an average of 3.67 alleles per primer. Most primers also amplified in 28 additional Schiedea species, revealing wide applicability across the genus; eight and nine primers also amplified in Honckenya peploides and Silene lanceolata, respectively, related genera in the Caryophyllaceae. This is the first known report of microsatellite primers developed in Schiedea.
Changes in serum concentrations of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque) phosphorylcholine-reactive protein (PRP) in response to inflammatory agents, low temperature-shock and infection by the fungus Saprolegnia sp.

Abstract Channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque) produce a 100-kDa serum protein referred to as phosphorylcholine-reactive protein (PRP). PRP appears homologous to human C-reactive protein (CRP) i.e. it is an acute phase pentraxin with calcium-dependent reactivity with phosphorylcholine. In this study a immunoassay was employed to quantify PRP levels in sera of pond-raised catfish collected at monthly intervals (January 1990 to January 1992) from ponds in Mississippi. Serum PRP was also measured in laboratory-maintained catfish exposed to physical, environmental, or chemical stressors and for catfish infected with the fungus Saprolegnia sp. For pond-raised catfish the average level of serum PRP was 2·42 ± 0·85 mg ml -1 for healthy animals and 1·74 ± 0·94 mg ml -1 for those infected with Saprolegnia sp. In general PRP levels were maximal in summer and minimal in winter, coincident with similar extremes in pond-water temperature. Levels of serum PRP for laboratory-maintained catfish were higher and more variable (3·8 ± 2·4 mg ml -1 ) than those for pond-raised fish. Within 2-4 days after injection with turpentine, serum PRP levels in laboratory-maintained catfish rose to concentrations as high as 10·6mg ml -1 , representing an 18-fold increase over pre-injection levels. In contrast, fish injected with pneumococcal C-polysaccharide or Saprolegnia sp. fungal homogenate exhibited transient decreases in serum PRP levels. Concentrations of serum PRP for catfish subjected to low temperature-shock decreased 14% compared to pre-shock values by day 6 and 86% by day 18. In contrast, by day 6 fish subjected to low temperature-shock and subsequently infected with Saprolegnia sp. exhibited PRP levels 57% lower than healthy fish and 50% lower than healthy, low temperature-shocked fish. Several lines of evidence suggest that reduced levels of serum PRP induced by low temperatures may play a major role(s) in determining the increased susceptibility of channel catfish to infection by Saprolegnia sp. during the winter months.
The Discourse of Deference and Its Impact on Tourist–Host Power Relations

As tourist-sending organizations involved in humanitarian-oriented tourism, like volunteer and sustainable tourism, become more aware of the criticisms regarding their activities, and thus more concerned about their impacts, they increasingly utilize a discourse that encourages their participants’ deference toward the host populations. While discourse is acknowledged as integral to tourism, rarely are the behavioral impacts of discourse evaluated, and the discourse of deference circulating among tourists has never been examined. By looking at the specific case of the Presbyterian Church of the United States and a group of U.S. Presbyterian missionaries traveling to Cuba, this article provides an example of (1) what the discourse of deference is; (2) how it circulates, becomes internalized, and influences behavior; and (3) how those behavioral changes impact tourist–host power relations. Ultimately, this case provides awareness about the discourse of deference that circulates in broader, humanitarian-orien...
Soleus H-reflex measures in patients with focal and generalized dystonia

Abstract Objective : The purpose of this study was to examine neurophysiological characteristics of dystonia patients using electromyographic soleus H-reflex methods. Methods : Thirty normal healthy individuals were compared to 27 patients with focal (cervical) or generalized dystonia. Three H-reflex assessment methods were included: the ratio of maximum H-reflex to direct muscle potential ( H / M ratio); vibration inhibition ( H v / H c ratio); and H-reflex recovery curves (HRRC). Results : Average H / M ratios between groups were not statistically significant. The average H v / H c ratio for the generalized dystonia group was significantly greater than the focal dystonia and normal groups. Average values of the HRRC showed the generalized dystonia group had significantly greater disinhibition than the focal dystonia and control groups during the early inhibition phase. The HRRC for the focal dystonia group was greater than normal and more similar to the generalized dystonia group during the late phases of the recovery curve. The average value of the localized late facilitation phase for the focal dystonia group was significantly greater than the control group and less than the generalized dystonia group. No differences were observed between groups for the average localized late inhibition phase of the recovery curve. Conclusions : Soleus H-reflex measures identified neurophysiologic differences between generalized dystonia, cervical dystonia and normal conditions. Significance : This methodology enables analysis of the underlying characteristics of dystonic pathologies using soleus H-reflex methods rather than upper extremity H-reflex techniques.
Time-dependent changes in extinction behavior and stress-induced reinstatement of drug seeking following withdrawal from heroin in rats

Rationale and objectives: Footshock stress reliably reinstates heroin seeking in rats, but the time course of the development of this effect following drug withdrawal is not known. Here we studied the effect of intermittent footshock stress on reinstatement of heroin seeking following different withdrawal periods (1–66 days). We also studied whether changes in corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) mRNA in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) are correlated with this reinstatement after 1 day and 6 days of heroin withdrawal. Methods: Rats were trained to self-administer heroin (9 h/day; 0.1 mg/kg per infusion) for 10 days. Tests for extinction behavior and footshock-induced reinstatement of heroin seeking were then conducted after 1, 6, 12, 25, or 66 days of heroin withdrawal. On the test day, rats were given five to ten 60-min extinction sessions until they reached the extinction criterion of less than 15 responses per 60 min on the lever previously associated with heroin. Rats were then exposed to intermittent footshock (0.8 mA; 10 min), and lever-pressing behavior was recorded for 120 min. Results: Reinstatement of lever-pressing behavior by footshock followed an inverted U-shaped curve with maximal responding after 6 days and 12 days of heroin withdrawal. Surprisingly, footshock did not reinstate lever-pressing behavior on day 1 of withdrawal. Lever pressing during extinction, prior to exposure to footshock, also followed an inverted U-shaped curve, with higher responding after 6, 12, and 25 days of heroin withdrawal. Finally, compared with control groups not exposed to shock, CRF mRNA levels in response to footshock were increased in the CeA (day 1 of withdrawal) and the dorsal BNST (day 1 and day 6), but not in the ventral BNST. Conclusions: The duration of the heroin withdrawal period is an important factor in the manifestation of (1) footshock stress-induced reinstatement of heroin seeking and (2) extinction of the heroin-reinforced behavior. Finally, the time-dependent changes in footshock stress-induced reinstatement following withdrawal from heroin were not correlated with alterations in CRF mRNA in the CeA and BNST.
Adrenal histoplasmosis manifested as Addison's disease: unusual CT features with magnetic resonance imaging correlation.

Disseminated histoplasmosis is one of the rare causes of adrenal insuciency. It is commonly associated with bilateral adrenal enlargement that has been reported on computed tomography (CT) [1±4]. We present a case of adrenal histoplasmosis in a patient with Addison's disease, who underwent both CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen. In this case, enhanced CT ®ndings were unusual, showing homogeneous texture of the adrenal lesions at presentation and interval enlargement with liquefaction developed during antibiotic therapy. MRI ®ndings of adrenal histoplasmosis are not widely known.
Thermal implications of high SARs in the body extremities at the ANSI-recommended MF-VHF safety levels

Surface-temperature elevation of the wrist and the ankle sections were measured for a healthy human subject at room temperature (22-25 degrees C) for a variety of RF currents and SARs (specific absorption rate) in the frequency band 1-50 MHz. The observed highest rates of temperature increase in degrees C/min are given by the best-fit relationships: 0.0045*SAR in W/kg for the ankle section and 0.0048*SAR for the wrist section, the latter being involved for conditions of contact with ungrounded bodies like cars, trucks, fences, etc. Since ankle-section SARs on the order of 182-243 W/kg and wrist-section SARs as high as 1045 W/kg have previously been projected for the E fields recommended in the ANSI C95.1-1982 safety guide, fairly high rates of temperature increase are anticipated. >
Que le watcha los cabrones: Marking the 30th Anniversary of Luis Valdez's Zoot Suit

Pomona College's production of Luis Valdez's Zoot Suit , arguably the most important piece of Chicano Theatre, makes it starkly clear that, 30 years after its premiere, the play's confrontation of institutionalized racism and xenophobia remains viscerally relevant in a contemporary war-strewn context.
Rab2 Interacts Directly with Atypical Protein Kinase C (aPKC) ι/λ and Inhibits aPKCι/λ-dependent Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase Phosphorylation

Atypical protein kinase C iota/lambda (PKCiota/lambda) is essential for protein transport in the early secretory pathway. The small GTPase Rab2 selectively recruits the kinase to vesicular tubular clusters (VTCs) where PKCiota/lambda phosphorylates glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). VTCs are composed of small vesicles and tubules and serve as transport intermediates that shuttle cargo from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi complex. These structures are the first site of segregation of the anterograde and retrograde pathways. When Rab2 binds to a VTC subcompartment, the subsequent recruitment of PKCiota/lambda and soluble components, including COPI (coatomer and ADP-ribosylation factor), results in the release of retrograde-directed vesicles. Because Rab2 stimulates PKCiota/lambda membrane association in a dose-dependent manner, we investigated whether the two proteins physically interact. Using a combination of in vivo and in vitro assays, we found that Rab2 interacts directly with PKCiota/lambda and that this interaction occurs through the Rab2 amino terminus (residues 1-19) and the PKCiota/lambda regulatory domain. A mutant lacking the PKCiota/lambda binding domain (Rab2N'Delta19) was functionally characterized. In contrast to Rab2, Rab2N'Delta19 failed to recruit PKCiota/lambda to normal rat kidney microsomes in a quantitative binding assay. To determine whether Rab2 modulates the ability of PKCiota/lambda to phosphorylate GAPDH, an in vitro kinase assay was supplemented with Rab2 or Rab2N'Delta19. Rab2 inhibited PKCiota/lambda-dependent GAPDH phosphorylation, whereas no effect was observed when the assay was performed with the aminoterminal truncation mutant. These results suggest that a downstream effector recruited to the VTC stimulates PKCiota/lambda-mediated GAPDH phosphorylation by alleviating the inhibition imposed by Rab2-PKCiota/lambda interaction.
Does the Maturity Mix of Government Borrowing Impact Municipal Bond Rates

The possibility that government borrowing may crowd out private borrowing has been widely discussed in the popular press and extensively analyzed by researchers. The Clinton Administration's “Operation Twist,” resulting in increased reliance on short‐term securities to fund the Federal deficit, highlights the impact of the maturity structure of Treasury debt issues on interest rates. This paper examines the relationship between changes in the maturity distribution of Treasury issues and Moody's twenty year AA municipal bond yield. Briefly, I find changes in the maturity structure of outstanding Treasury securities Granger‐cause changes in the Moody's twenty‐year AA municipal bond yield. The results suggest that changes in the maturity structure of Treasury borrowing will impact the interest expense of municipal debt issues and therefore the rate of return earned by holders of municipal securities.
The precautionary approach in fisheries management: the devil is in the details

Abstract The William and Lenore Mote International Symposium ‘Targets, thresholds and the burden of proof in fishery management' was held at the Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, USA, from 30 October to 2 November 2000.
Electrical conductivity and rheology of carbon‐filled liquid crystal polymer composites

One emerging market for electrically conductive resins is for bipolar plates for use in fuel cells. Adding carbon fillers to thermoplastic resins increases composite electrical conductivity and viscosity. Current technology often adds as much of a single type of carbon filler as possible to achieve the desired conductivity, while still allowing the carbon-filled thermoplastic matrix material to be extruded and molded into a bipolar plate. In this study, varying amounts of two different types of carbon, one carbon black and one synthetic graphite, were added to Vectra A950RX liquid crystal polymer. The resulting single filler composites were then tested for electrical conductivity and rheological properties. The electrical conductivity followed that typically seen in polymer composites with a percolation threshold at 4 vol % for carbon black and at 15 vol % for synthetic graphite. Over the range of shear rates studied, the viscosity followed a shear-thinning power law model with power-law exponent (n − 1) = −0.5 for neat Vectra A950RX and (n − 1) = −0.7 for highly filled composite materials. Viscosity increased with increasing filler volume fraction for all shear rates. The viscosity–enhancement effect was more rapid for the composites containing carbon black when compared with those containing synthetic graphite. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2680–2688, 2006
Left to their own devices: ad hoc genres and the design of transmedia narratives

In this paper, we apply a writing, activity, and genre research (WAGR) framework to explore how research participants designed complex transmedia narratives during a two-semester experiential learning course that was conducted in concert with a major state museum. We focus here on two specific cases from our larger ethnographic study to illustrate participants' self-directed, adaptive development and use of situated genre ecologies to mediate their work. In doing so, we describe how participants navigate among genres and artifacts within a minimum of three overlapping genre assemblages to design transmedia narratives: (1) the course genre assemblage, (2) their discipline-specific assemblage, and (3) their individual genre ecology. We explore individual genre ecologies in detail, describing how participants frequently incorporated ad hoc genres into their workflow as a way of navigating the expectations and genre norms of broader, overlapping assemblages.
Species, sets, and the derivative nature of Philosophy

Concepts and methods originating in one discipline can distort the structure of another when they are applied to the latter. I exemplify this mostly with reference to systematic biology, especially problems which have arisen in relation to the nature of species. Thus the received views of classes, individuals (which term I suggest be replaced by “units” to avoid misunderstandings), and sets are all inapplicable, but each can be suitably modified. The concept of fuzzy set was developed to deal with species and I defend its applicability. Taxa at all levels are real and participate in biological processes. Analysis of cause and pattern provides the deep structure in which metabiology is grounded; violation of this principle has led to diverse errors in biology.
Simulation of the detailed regulation of glycolysis in a heart supernatant preparation.

Abstract A study of the regulation of the glycolytic pathway has been carried out by simulating in detail the behavior of three glycolyzing beef heart supernatant preparations. Enzyme activity profiles as well as kinetic data on glycolytic intermediates and adenine nucleotides were obtained in the laboratory using glucose-6-phosphate as a substrate. Phosphoglycerate mutase appears to be the limiting enzyme, while triosephosphate isomerase, the most active enzyme when measured separately, is relatively inactive in the complete system. A model consisting of 74 simultaneous differential equations representing 107 chemical reactions were fitted to these results. Incorporated into this model were detailed models of 13 enzymes and crude models of the pentose shunt and ATPase. For most data points, the fit appears fairly good. Most of the enzyme models show strong inhibition as glycolysis proceeds. Individual enzymes were modeled with data from the literature obtained from isolated enzymes. The action of only one enzyme could be satisfactorily simulated without some modification in the form of additional activations, inhibitions, and enzyme-enzyme interactions. This model suggests that the activity of many enzymes is a function of several glycolytic intermediates or products arranged to slow the rate of glycolysis as glycolytic products pile up.
Induction of metallothionein-I and metallothionein-II in rats by cadmium and zinc.

Abstract In this study, induction of the isoforms of metallothionein (MT) by Cd and Zn was determined with a high-performance liquid chromatography method. Rats were injected (sc) with Cd (1–100 μmol/kg) or Zn (100–10,000 μmol/kg) and concentrations of MT-I and MT-II in liver, kidney, and pancreas were measured 24 hr later. In control rats, only MT-II was detected in liver, whereas both forms were detected in kidney. In liver, Cd treatment increased MTs at all dosages tested such that concentrations of MT-I and MT-II were approximately equal. Zn (100–1000 μmol/kg) increased concentrations of MT-II about three times higher than MT-I, but higher dosages increased both isoforms to similar levels. Time-course experiments indicated that, at all times after Cd administration (30 μmol/kg), concentrations of MT-I and MT-II in liver were similar. However, with Zn treatment (1000 μmol/kg), MT-II levels were three times higher than MT-I at all times after 6 hr. In kidney, no differences in induction of the isoforms was observed following Cd or Zn treatment. In pancreas, Zn (300–10,000 μmol/kg) induced MT-I and MT-II to similar levels. Thus, in liver and kidney, Cd induced MT-I and MT-II similarly over a wide range of dosages. However, Zn treatment preferentially increased hepatic MT-II at low dosages but induced MT-I and MT-II to similar levels at high dosages. In contrast, Zn induced MT-I and MT-II to similar levels in kidney and pancreas.
The medially based myocutaneous upper eyelid flap for lateral nasal defect reconstruction

Through and through defects of the lateral nose are most commonly the sequella of exterpative procedures performed for the eradication of malignant processes involving the nose and midface area. Such surgical defects can often be managed primarily or secondarily with the use of advancement flaps and local rotational flaps, such as the nasolabial and forehead flaps. However, when such reconstructive options are not available in a particular patient as a result of previous surgery, other options must be explored when contemplating midface reconstruction in patients with lateral nasal defects. The goal of this report is to illustrate, via a case report, the utility of a newly devised myocutaneous upper eyelid flap for the reconstruction of large through and through lateral nasal defects. This rather novel technique proved to be a reliable surgical alternative for the reconstructive challenges posed by patients with recurrent carcinoma of the midface.
Is age less than 1 year a high-risk category for orthotopic liver transplantation?

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine if age less than 1 year is a high risk group for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Retrospective analysis was done of patients with liver failure who received OLT. Comparison was made between patients aged 1 year with regard to survival, allograft survival, hepatic artery thrombosis, and medical status at OLT. Between January 1, 1987 and September 30, 1991, 46 children received OLT. Fifteen (35%) were 1 year was 91%. Allograft survival in children 1 year (37 allografts required for 29 survivors). Retransplantation was required in 5 of 15 children 1 year. Medical status in children 1 year at the time of transplant. Children with chronic stable liver disease represented 60% of children 1 year. Children requiring hospitalization represented 26% of children 1 year. Children in intensive care represented 13% of children 1 year. Survival for all status groups was similar. Hepatic artery thrombosis occurred in one child 1 year. No statistical difference ( χ 2 analysis) was found by age between the categories evaluated. Previous reports indicate a survival in children
“Lift Every Voice and Sing”: the public relations efforts of the NAACP, 1960–1965

Abstract The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has been credited in recent years as a crucial force in securing equal rights for African Americans in the United States, particularly during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the early 1960s [Black Scholar 19 (1988) 9; J. South. History 59 (1993) 1; Historian 55 (1993) 453]. Indeed, Watson [Historian 55 (1993) 453] argues “no other organization contributed more to making the U.S. Constitution responsive to the needs of all citizens.” Yet, during the early 1960s, while its leaders were engaged in the battle for equality under the law for African Americans, they fought on another front as well: maintaining their position as the preeminent civil rights organization in the eyes of African Americans [Historian 55 (1993) 453].
A human analogue of discrimination contrast

In the present study, one group of human Ss received differential reward conditioning for accurately tracing numbered-nonnumbered star patterns, whereas a second and third control group received either just small or large reward in both discriminanda, respectively. The present study replicated the findings of previous animal contrast studies in that a significant negative S—contrast effect, as well as a trend towards a negative S+ contrast effect, was shown.
High-dose cytosine arabinoside therapy for refractory leukemia

Fifty-seven patients with refractory acute leukemia were treated with high-dose cytosine arabinoside to establish the maximum tolerated dose and duration and to determine the antileukemic activity. The maximum tolerated regimen was found to be 3 g/sq m every 12 hr for 6 days. At this dose, nonhematologic toxicity was limited to conjunctivitis in approximately half of the patients, and liver toxicity (transient elevations in transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, or bilirubin) was frequently observed, but neither was dose-limiting. Extending the duration of treatment to 8 days resulted in excessive diarrhea and skin toxicity (painful erythema with bullae), while increasing the dose to 4.5 g/sq m q. 12 hr for 6 days resulted in severe cerebellar toxicity. Myelosuppression was severe, but was not related to the intensity of treatment; granulocyte recovery occurred a median of 28 days (range 22-40 days) after initiating therapy, and platelet recovery occurred after a median of 25 days (range 16-41 days). Antileukemic activity was evaluable in the 46 patients who survived at least 3 wk. Complete remissions were obtained in 1 of 6 patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in accelerated phase and 1 of 3 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. A more detailed analysis of response was possible for the 37 evaluable patients with acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia: 70% of these patients responded, with 51% complete remissions. The median unmaintained response was 4 mo (range 2-26+ mo). The complete response rate was higher in patients who received at least 12 doses of high-dose cytosine arabinoside compared to shorter regimens [17/28 (61%) versus 2/9 (22%), p less than 0.05]. Resistance to cytosine arabinoside in conventional doses was documented in 11 patients, 5 of whom responded (2 complete remissions) to high-dose regimens. We conclude that high-dose cytosine arabinoside in the maximally tolerated regimen of 3 g/sq m every 12 hr for 6 days has substantial antileukemic activity in patients refractory to standard therapy. Durable unmaintained remissions can be achieved, even in patients who fail to respond to cytosine arabinoside in conventional doses.
Health-related quality of life by level of physical activity in arthritic older adults with and without activity limitations.

Background: This study examined the association between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and physical activity (PA) among adults with arthritis. Methods: National 2003 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey data for 51,444 adults, age ≥50 y, with physician-diagnosed arthritis were used to analyze the relationships between PA, self-reported health, HRQOL, and activity limitations related to arthritis. Results: The percentage of older adults with or without an activity limitation who reported fair/poor health or poor HRQOL was significantly higher in inactive persons compared to those who met PA recommendations (p < .0001). Older adults with and without limitations attaining either recommended or insufficient levels of PA were 39% to 70% less likely to report ≥14 unhealthy mental or physical days compared to inactive older adults (p < .0001). Conclusion: Participation in PA at the recommended level was strongly associated with improved perceived health and higher levels of HRQO...
A Mixed Integer Linear Optimization Framework for the Identification and Quantification of Targeted Post-translational Modifications of Highly Modified Proteins Using Multiplexed Electron Transfer Dissociation Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Here we present a novel methodology for the identification of the targeted post-translational modifications present in highly modified proteins using mixed integer linear optimization and electron transfer dissociation (ETD) tandem mass spectrometry. For a given ETD tandem mass spectrum, the rigorous set of modified forms that satisfy the mass of the precursor ion, within some tolerance error, are enumerated by solving a feasibility problem via mixed integer linear optimization. The enumeration of the entire superset of modified forms enables the method to normalize the relative contributions of the individual modification sites. Given the entire set of modified forms, a superposition problem is then formulated using mixed integer linear optimization to determine the relative fractions of the modified forms that are present in the multiplexed ETD tandem mass spectrum. Chromatographic information in the mass and time dimension is utilized to assess the likelihood of the assigned modification states, to average several tandem mass spectra for confident identification of lower level forms, and to infer modification states of partially assigned spectra. The utility of the proposed computational framework is demonstrated on an entire LC-MS/MS ETD experiment corresponding to a mixture of highly modified histone peptides. This new computational method will facilitate the unprecedented LC-MS/MS ETD analysis of many hypermodified proteins and offer novel biological insight into these previously understudied systems.
Ultrafast transport nonlinearity in ultrawide-band long-wavelength p-i-n photodetectors under high illumination

Summary form only given. We present the study of an ultrawide-band long-wavelength p-i-n vertical illuminated photodetector under high illumination using an electro-optic (EO) sampling technique. Our structure design utilizes an InGaAs/InP double heterostructure with a 180-nm-thick absorption layer and 3-/spl mu/m/sup 2/ active area. Graded bandgap layers were inserted at the hetero-interfaces to minimize carrier trapping and to reduce series resistance. The diode RC time constant and parasitic capacitance of the detector were minimized by undercut etching and by using an air-bridged metal. A record 120-GHz bandwidth for long-wavelength detectors was obtained under low illumination.
Incorporation of 14C-Amino Acids into Egg Proteins by the Laying Hen,,

Abstract LAYING hens have been fed and injected with various radioactive compounds in order to investigate the synthesis of egg constituents as well as to produce labeled egg materials for use in subsequent experimentation. Mandeles and Ducay (1962) injected laying hens with 14 C-lysine and 14 C-glutamic acid and examined the radioactivity in the conalbumin, ovalbumin, and lysozyme protein fractions of the egg white. Following a single injection of the two amino acids, peak activities in the egg white proteins were observed in the second egg produced after injection. The rates at which labeled amino acids were incorporated into the conalbumin and ovalbumin fractions were similar, but higher than for the lysozyme fraction. These observations in conjunction with results obtained with oviduct minces (Mandeles and Ducay, 1962) suggested that the time or rate of synthesis for these proteins varied during the egg laying cycle and that the oviduct was the common site of…
Growth Failure in International Adoptees

Psychosocial growth failure, represented by significant suppression of height, weight, and head circumference at the time of adoption, is highly prevalent in children who are adopted internationally. The effects of institutional deprivation are more profound in children with a higher baseline risk of growth impairment (low birth weight or high risk for prenatal alcohol exposure). Nutritional insufficiency and social deprivation both contribute to the etiology of psychosocial growth failure within institutional care settings. Their relative importance and the consequent clinical presentations relate to the age of the child, with inadequate nutrition contributing more in infancy and early childhood and depression of hypothalamic-pituitary-end organ function, particularly the GH-IGF-1 axis, becoming more important as children age. Both malnutrition and deprivation are associated with suppression of the GH-IGF-1 axis. Children who have experienced institutional care are at an increased risk of medical, developmental, and behavioral problems. Therefore, international adoptees should be carefully evaluated at the time of arrival into their new home country and followed closely as they make the transition to their new home environment. They should be monitored for adequate auxologic and neurocognitive catch-up over time. Children not making appropriate progress should be referred for specialty evaluation. Growth failure at the time of adoption, along with catch-up growth in height and weight, is a risk factor for early and/or more rapid progression through puberty in girls leading to a compromise in final height. There is also reason for concern that children with psychosocial growth failure may be at increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Even if growth recovers, persistent abnormalities of the endocrine system or the presence of micronutrient deficiencies during critical periods of development could potentially influence or be responsible for the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional sequelae of early childhood deprivation. Infants of low birth weight are particularly vulnerable to the effects of nutritional and social deprivation. This significant impact of psychosocial growth failure on low birth weight infants extends beyond the plight of institutionalized children to the millions of impoverished children worldwide. Psychosocial deprivation within any caregiving environment during early life is as detrimental as malnutrition and must be viewed with as much concern as any severely debilitating childhood disease.
Physical lumping methods for developing linear reduced models for high speed propulsion systems

A method that allows the development of both high-order large perturbation models and low-order small perturbation models of high-speed propulsion systems is presented. The large perturbation models have a clear nonlinear state space representation as compared with the usual computational fluid dynamics methods. The small perturbation models are easily obtained, given the propulsion system operating point. This modeling approach should be very useful in control system design and essentially parallels that developed by A. Chicatelli and T. T. Hartley (1990). >
Multifactorial regulation of IGF‐I gene expression

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a highly conserved 70-residue circulating peptide with diverse biological effects. In mammals IGF-I is an essential mediator of normal postnatal growth and its expression is influenced by hormonal, nutritional, tissue-specific, and developmental factors. Recent studies have demonstrated that the IGF-I gene is more complicated than might have been predicted from its simple protein sequence. In rats and in humans the single-copy six-exon gene is transcribed by adjacent promoters into nascent RNAs with different 5' leader sequences that undergo both alternative RNA splicing and differential polyadenylation to yield multiple mature transcripts. These observations suggest that trophic agents may modulate expression of IGF-I at any of several nodal points. In this report we review several of the mechanisms responsible for regulating production of IGF-I in the rat. During neonatal development IGF-I gene transcription is progressively activated, leading to a rise in both hepatic IGF-I mRNA and in serum IGF-I. The induction of IGF-I expression is limited to mRNAs directed by promoter 1, the more 5' of two rat IGF-I gene promoters, and precedes the ontogenic appearance of liver growth hormone (GH) receptors, indicating that mechanisms independent of GH activate IGF-I expression during early postnatal life. By contrast, in adult GH-deficient rats, a single intraperitoneal injection of GH causes a prompt rise in IGF-I gene transcription that is mediated equivalently by promoters 1 and 2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Community-Based Versus Institutional Supportive Housing: Perceived Quality of Care, Quality of Life, Emotional Well-Being, and Social Interaction

Numerous options for residential supportive housing are available for people who need long-term care. Some options are categorized as institutional while others are designated community-based; the movement to rebalance the long-term care system emphasizes the latter category. This study examines the experiences of 150 residents of two types of community-based supportive housing—assisted living (AL) and residential care homes (RCHs)—and one institutional category—nursing homes (NHs). Examining a wide range of both quantitative and qualitative outcomes, overall results show that AL residents have the best experiences and NH residents report the worst outcomes, with RCHs residents varying in the middle. However, other factors such as age, perceived health, involvement in the decision to move to the residence, and length of time in the residence, eliminate the independent effect of housing type, per se. Efforts to provide high-quality supportive housing should focus on these key factors.
Training sequences design for symbol timing estimation in MIMO correlated fading channels

In This work, the problem of training sequence design for symbol timing estimation in MIMO channels is addressed. In particular, we consider correlated fading between antennas. The optimal training sequences are derived by minimizing the modified Cramer-Rao bound (MCRB) with respect to the training data. It is found that when the transmit pulse is a root raised cosine pulse and there is no correlation among antennas, the optimal training sequences resemble the Walsh sequences. Furthermore, it is also found that the the impact of not knowing the antenna correlations when designing training sequences is very small.
Acid precipitation: controversy over policy options

Acid precipitation is a complex and controversial issue. Its potential longterm adverse effects on the environment are not fully understood nor scientifically documented. This has resulted in disagreement on the choice of appropriate policy options. This paper develops a systematic and structured framework to analyze the consequences of following alternative strategies. It focuses attention on the major points of contention in the debate and specifically considers the uncertainties involved in the policymaking process. The methodology developed can serve as a tool in evaluating alternative policies and to test the roboustness of alternative assumptions.
Preclinical modeling of EGFR inhibitor resistance in head and neck cancer

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is widely expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and can activate many growth and survival pathways within tumor cells. Despite ubiquitous EGFR expression, therapies targeting the receptor are only modestly effective in the treatment of HNSCC. A consistent mechanism of resistance to EGFR targeting agents has not yet been identified in HNSCC likely due, in part, to the paucity of preclinical models. We assessed the in vitro and in vivo responses of a panel of 10 genotypically validated HNSCC cell lines to the EGFR inhibitors erlotinib and cetuximab to determine their validity as models of resistance to these agents. We defined a narrow range of response to erlotinib in HNSCC cells in vitro and found a positive correlation between EGFR protein expression and erlotinib response. We observed cross-sensitivity in one HNSCC cell line, 686LN, between erlotinib and cetuximab in vivo. We attempted to generate models of cetuximab resistance in HNSCC c...
Diagnosis of Personality Disorders in Cocaine-Dependent Individuals

The authors explored the relationship between personality disorder (PD) and cocaine use. Diagnostic interviews for PD were performed at baseline and 12 weeks (study termination) in 47 cocaine-dependent individuals entering a pharmacologic treatment trial; 68% met criteria for a PD at baseline, 51% at study termination. In comparing baseline and termination PD, 22 individuals had no change in the number of PDs, 6 had more, and 17 had fewer. The group with an increase in the number of PD diagnoses had more positive urine drug screens than either of the other groups and more cocaine use by self-report. Personality disorders appear to be common in cocaine-dependent individuals but may be affected by cocaine use and withdrawal.
Low energy scattering phase shifts for meson-baryon systems

In this work, we calculate meson-baryon scattering phase shifts in four channels using lattice QCD methods. From a set of calculations at four volumes, corresponding to spatial sizes of 2, 2.5, 3, and 4 fm, and a pion mass of m_pi ~ 390 MeV, we determine the scattering lengths and effective ranges for these systems at the corresponding quark masses. We also perform the calculation at a lighter quark mass, m_pi ~ 230 MeV, on the largest volume. Using these determinations, along with those in previous work, we perform a chiral extrapolation of the scattering lengths to the physical point after correcting for the effective range contributions using the multi-volume calculations performed at m_pi ~ 390 MeV.
Measuring Student Engagement in a Flipped Athletic Training Classroom

Context: Active learning describes any instructional approach that fosters student engagement in the content and is believed to promote critical thinking more fully than do traditional lecture formats. Objective: Investigate student engagement, specifically professional relevance and peer interaction, with active learning techniques used in a flipped classroom format. Design: An exploratory study utilizing both quantitative and qualitative survey instruments. Setting: Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited undergraduate entry-level athletic training program. Patients or Other Participants: Seventeen students (11 females, 6 males) of at least sophomore level, enrolled in the lower extremity orthopaedic assessment course in the athletic training program. Main Outcome Measure(s): A mixed-method analysis was used. Quantitative questionnaires were analyzed with comparisons of medians and the Friedman test for nonparametric analysis. Qualitative questionnaires were coded using ded...