cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of long-term monotherapy with enalapril, metoprolol, and digoxin on the progression of left ventricular dysfunction and dilation in dogs with reduced ejection fraction.

BACKGROUNDRecent clinical trials have suggested that therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in asymptomatic patients with reduced left ventricular (LV) function can significantly reduce the incidence of congestive heart failure compared with patients receiving placebo. In the present study, we examined the effects of long-term monotherapy with enalapril, metoprolol, and digoxin on the progression of LV systolic dysfunction and LV chamber enlargement in dogs with reduced LV ejection fraction (EF).METHODS AND RESULTSLV dysfunction was produced in 28 dogs by multiple sequential intracoronary microembolizations. Embolizations were discontinued when LVEF was 30% to 40%. Three weeks after the last embolization, dogs were randomized to 3 months of oral therapy with enalapril (10 mg twice daily, n = 7), metoprolol (25 mg twice daily, n = 7), digoxin (0.25 mg once daily, n = 7), or no treatment (control, n = 7). As expected, in untreated dogs, LVEF decreased (36 +/- 1% versus 26 +/- 1%, P < .001) an...
Cable elbow connector calibration for switching transients voltage measurements

Measurement of switching transient voltages appearing at various locations of Underground residential distribution (URD) power cables are vital for the online monitoring and diagnostics of cable insulation condition. The cable elbow connectors are manufactured with capacitive voltage test points to indicate the power frequency voltage on the cable conductor. The cable elbow connector voltage test points are proposed to measure switching transient voltages in cables. The test points are also used to measure standard lightning impulse. Using this technique, less expensive cable elbow connectors can be calibrated and installed widespread in underground residential distribution power cables for surge voltage transient measurements.
Armed replicating adenoviruses for cancer virotherapy

Conditionally replicating adenoviruses (CRAds) have many advantages as agents for cancer virotherapy and have been safely used in human clinical trials. However, replicating adenoviruses have been limited in their ability to eliminate tumors by oncolysis. Thus, the efficacy of these agents must be improved. To this end, CRAds have been engineered to express therapeutic transgenes that exert antitumor effects independent of direct viral oncolysis. These transgenes can be expressed under native gene control elements, in which case placement within the genome determines the expression profile, or they can be controlled by exogenous promoters. The therapeutic transgenes used to arm replicating adenoviruses can be broadly classified into three groups. There are those that mediate killing of the infected cell, those that modulate the tumor microenvironment and those with immunomodulatory functions. Overall, the studies to date in animal models have shown that arming a CRAd with a rationally chosen therapeutic transgene can improve its antitumor efficacy over that of an unarmed CRAd. However, a number of obstacles must be overcome before the full potential of armed CRAds can be realized in the human clinical context. Hence, strategies are being developed to permit intravenous delivery to disseminated cancer cells, overcome the immune response and enable in vivo monitoring of the biodistribution and activity of armed CRAds.
A randomized, prospective, pharmacoeconomic trial of tacrolimus versus cyclosporine in combination with thymoglobulin in renal transplant recipients.

Background To date, the clinical trials of tacrolimus (TAC) versus cyclosporine modified (CsA), have not defined which agent is more cost-effective for immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients especially in a quadruple immunosuppressive regimen. Methods The objective of this randomized, prospective study was to compare the clinical and economic outcomes of TAC versus CsA, in a regimen that consisted of Thymoglobulin induction, an antimetabolite, and prednisone. Between December 2000 and October 2002, 200 patients were enrolled and randomized in a 2:1 fashion (TAC n=134, CsA n=66). Results At 1 year, acute rejection (4% TAC vs. 6% CsA), patient survival (TAC 99% vs. CsA 100%), and graft survival (95% TAC versus 100% CsA, P=0.059) were similar. Serum creatinine levels were lower in the TAC group compared with the CsA group (1.3+/-0.3 vs. 1.6+/-0.7 mg/dL, P=0.03). The incidence of CMV infection was similar between the groups and two patients, both in the TAC arm, developed malignancy. Anti-hypertensive requirement (32% TAC vs. 32% CsA) and the incidence of posttransplant diabetes mellitus (4% TAC vs. 2% CsA) were similar. Pretransplant, fewer TAC patients received dyslipidemia treatment (40% TAC vs. 67% CsA, P=0.0005), while more CsA patients were able to discontinue these medications posttransplant (absolute change 25% TAC vs. 47% CsA). Total 12-month medication costs were similar (17,723 +/- 11,647 dollars TAC vs. 16,515 +/- 10,189 dollars CsA). Conclusions When combined with Thymoglobulin induction, an antimetabolite, and corticosteroids, TAC and CsA are comparable in safety, efficacy, and cost in renal transplantation.
Binding of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies inhibits the acetylcholine receptor mediated cation flux.

Abstract A fast kinetics, spectroscopic technique has been applied to the study of the transient cation flux associated to the binding of cholinergic agonist to native acetylcholine receptor (AcChR)-rich membrane vesicles in presence of anti-AcChR antibodies. The technique is based on the collisional quenching of an intravesicularly trapped fluorophore by externally added Tl + which substitutes for physiologically occurring cations. Presence of polyclonal Fab fragments from goat anti-AcChR antibodies bound to the membrane AcChR promotes a 80–90% inhibition on the observed rate constants of Tl + influx. The observed inhibition process appears to follow a non-competitive pattern between antibody and cholinergic ligand binding, suggesting that in the AcChR protein the antigenic sites responsible for ion translocation may be other than those involved in ligand binding.
Structural and Dynamic Process Family Risk Factors: Consequences for Holistic Adolescent Functioning

This study utilized a dynamic cumulative family risk model to explain changes in adolescent functioning. We used a person-centered approach to detect patterns of academic, emotional, and behavioral functioning and the stability of these patterns using two waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N= 10,173). Four adjustment profiles emerged at both time points. Although most (91%) adolescents remained in the same classifications at both waves, some experienced shifts in functioning. Changes in family process risk factors predicted these shifts in adjustment, whereas changes in structural risk factors predicted stable adjustment. We concluded that even short-term changes in family processes are significant sources of risk for some adolescents.
Banking 3.0—Designing financial regulation systems: The case for simple rules☆

Abstract In the past quarter century, financial innovation and deregulation have increasingly pushed the banks into shadow banking, magnifying the risks and leaving the regulators bereft of the tools needed to analyze and manage an increasingly complex and interconnected system. The purpose of the new regulatory process should be to return banks their intermediation function. However, the system has to focus on simplicity, and its purpose has to be to promote effective risk management, transparency and accountability by changing incentives without burdening the banking system with crippling capital and regulatory requirements.
Histochemical and thin layer chromatographic analyses of neutral lipids in Leucochloridiomorpha constantiae (Trematoda) adults

Abstract Histochemical and thin layer Chromatographic studies were made on neutral lipids in adult Leucochloridiomorpha constantiae (Trematoda) obtained from the bursa of Fabricius of experimentally infected domestic chicks. Oil Red O staining of adults revealed neutral lipids in the suckers, parenchyma and eggs, and trace amounts in the cecal epithelium and lumina of the gut. TLC analysis detected triglycerides and free sterols as the major neutral lipid fractions of adults. Lesser amounts of free fatty acids, cholesterol esters, mono- and diglycerides were also found.
Surface electronic properties of Fe(100)

The band dispersion and magnetic exchange splitting of surface states and surface resonances on Fe(100) are extensively studied using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Surface-sensitive features in photoemission spectra are observed along the $\stackrel{-}{\ensuremath{\Delta}}$, $\stackrel{-}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}$, and $\stackrel{-}{Y}$ directions of the two-dimensional Brillouin zone. Polarized light from the Tantalus storage ring is used to separate excitations from even- and odd-symmetry initial states along the $\stackrel{-}{\ensuremath{\Delta}}$ and $\stackrel{-}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}$ directions. Features identified as surface states are analyzed in relation to bulk electronic states of the same symmetry and spin projected onto the two-dimensional Brillouin zone. Binding energies and dispersion of the features identified as surface states are in good agreement with recent slab calculations over most of the two-dimensional Brillouin zone probed by the experiments. Several surface states and resonances are observed which do not appear to have been predicted theoretically. The results reported in this paper represent an attempt to provide a comprehensive experimental evaluation of the ability of current generation slab calculations to correctly predict surface electronic properties of magnetic surfaces.
Optical Crystallographic Properties of Organic Compounds. III. Esters of p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid *†

Abstract The following optical crystallographic data for five esters of p -hydroxybenzoic acid have been determined: The principal indices of refraction, α , β , and γ ; the birefringence, B; the optic sign; the type and extent of dispersion; elongation; habit; crystal system; extinction; and the α β γ 3 . The size of the optical axial angle, 2 V , has been calculated from the indices of refraction, α , β and γ . The optical orientation has been noted when constant. The optical crystallographic constants allow rapid identification of the esters of p -hydroxybenzoic acid. The methyl ester can be readily recognized by the extremely strong anomalous dispersion and the small optic axial angle. The benzyl ester can be distinguished from the rest of the group by the positive optical character. The other three esters can also be rapidly identified by a combination of constants.
Serum and Salivary IgG and IgA Response to Initial Preparation Therapy

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare IgG and IgA concentration in both serum and unstimulated whole saliva obtained prior to any therapy and following initial preparation therapy (IPT) in 15 healthy adult dentulous patients, five each of periodontal disease Classes I, II and III. During the first visit before therapy, 10 ml of whole blood and 5 ml of saliva were obtained. Serum protein electrophoresis was conducted to rule out immunoglobulinopathies. Radial cell immunodiffusion endpoint technique was employed on serum and saliva to determine IgG and IgA in mg/dl. Following IPT, achievement of plaque control and 3 weeks after any dental instrumentation, 10 ml of blood and 5 ml of saliva were obtained from each patient and IgG and IgA in mg/dl were determined. The following are trends that were observed: greater decrease in IgG and IgA in serum and saliva following IPT in Class I periodontal patients than in other classes; saliva was a better indicator of local humoral response than serum ...
Rapid Solid-State Precursor Synthesis of Non-Oxide Ceramics

Rapid self-sustaining solid-state precursor methods have proven to be an effective route to non-oxide ceramics. With the appropriate choice of precursors, fine powders of crystalline BN, AIN as well as composites such as TiB 2 -TiN-BN can be formed easily within seconds. These materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis (XPS, EDS, and conventional chemical methods). The synthetic techniques will be discussed along with characterization and numerical simulation results. Further applications of this technique will be proposed.
Effect of electromagnetic ion cyclotron wave normal angle distribution on relativistic electron scattering in outer radiation belt

[1] We present the equatorial and bounce-averaged pitch angle diffusion coefficients for the scattering relativistic electrons by He+-mode electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves. Both the model (prescribed) and self-consistent distributions over the wave normal angle are considered. The main results of our calculation can be summarized as follows: First, in comparison with field-aligned waves, intermediate and highly oblique waves decrease the bounce-averaged scattering rate near the edge of the loss cone by up to orders of magnitude if the electron energy does not exceed a threshold (∼2–5 MeV) depending on specified plasma and/or wave parameters. Second, for greater electron energies, oblique waves operating the ∣n∣ > 1 resonances are more effective and provide the same bounce-averaged diffusion rate near the edge of the loss cone as field-aligned waves do.
Quantifying the Qualitative: Measuring the Insight Experience

No scales currently exist that measure variability in the insight experience. Two scales were created to measure two factors hypothesized to be key drivers of the insight experience: insight radicality (i.e., perceived deviation between previous and new problem representations) and restructuring experience (i.e., the subjective experience of the problem representation being restructured). Data were collected online in two studies using a Mechanical Turk sample (N = 212) and a Zoomerang sample (N = 168) that reported on past experiences working to solve a challenging problem at work. Insight radicality and restructuring experience each positively correlated with and accounted for unique variance in (a) the nature of insight experiences (e.g., intensity), (b) insight terminology used to describe them (e.g., “a breakthrough”), and (c) perceived insight impact (e.g., on field/discipline). The 2 scales accounted for unique variance in these variables both individually and above and beyond improved processing f...
Surface mass transport of alumina

The kinetics of thermal grooving at the intersection of rhombohedral twin boundaries with the\((10\bar 10)\) plane in aluminium oxide were measured from 1773 to 2273 K. Analysis of the data using the model of Mullins showed that surface diffusion was the dominant mechanism for mass transport. The results were compared with other similar published work on alumina, and the following equation for surface diffusion was determined: $$D_s (cm^2 sec^{ - 1} ) = 4.05 x 10^5 exp - (452kJ mol^{ - 1} /RT).$$
Block-effective macrodispersion for numerical simulations of sorbing solute transport in heterogeneous porous formations

Abstract Heterogeneity is prevalent in aquifers and has an enormous impact on contaminant transport in groundwater. Numerical simulations are an effective way to deal with heterogeneity directly by assigning different hydraulic property values to each numerical grid block. Because hydraulic properties vary on different scales, but they cannot be sampled exhaustively and the number of numerical grid blocks is limited by computational considerations, the dispersive effects of unmodeled heterogeneity need to be accounted for. Dispersion tensors can be used to model the dispersion caused by unmodeled heterogeneity. The concept of block-effective macrodispersion tensors for modeling the effects of small-scale variability on solute transport introduced by Rubin et al. [Rubin Y, Sun A, Maxwell R, Bellin A. The concept of block-effective macrodispersivity and a unified approach for grid-scale- and plume-scale-dependent transport. J Fluid Mech 1999;395:161–80] is extended in this paper for use with reactive solutes. The tensors are derived for reactive solutes with spatially variable retardation factors and for solutes experiencing spatially uniform rate-limited sorption. The longitudinal block-effective macrodispersion coefficient is largest for perfect negative correlation between the log-hydraulic conductivity and the retardation factor. Because dispersion tensors, as they are usually implemented in numerical simulations, produce symmetric spreading, the applicability of the concept depends on the portion of the plume asymmetry caused by small-scale variability. The presented results show that the concept is applicable for rate-limited sorption for block sizes of one and two integral scales.
Properties of athletic mouth protectors and materials

The properties of a variety of mouth protectors and sheet materials used to fabricate custom mouth protectors were determined in order to recommend limits for a specification. Hardness, water sorption, water solubility, impact absorption, and tear strength were measured, and limits for these properties were suggested.
A phenomenological model of fluctuation electron microscopy for a nanocrystal/amorphous composite

Fluctuation electron microscopy (FEM) is a quantitative electron microscopy technique in which we use the variance V of spatial fluctuations in nanodiffraction as a function of the diffraction vector magnitude k and real-space resolution R to detect medium-range order in amorphous materials. We have developed a model for V(k, R) from a nanocrystal/amorphous composite, which is an idealized form of the medium-range order in various amorphous materials found by previous FEM measurements. The resulting expression for V(k, R) as a function of the nanocrystal size, nanocrystal volume fraction, and the sample thickness connects the FEM signal to well-defined aspects of the material's structure, emphasizes the need for samples of controlled thickness, and explains in some cases the relative height of peaks in V(k). We give an example of interpreting FEM data in terms of this model using recent experiments on amorphous Al88Y7Fe5.
Palatability and Texture of Ground Meat Patties Made with Varying Amounts of Pork and Turkey

Meat mixtures were prepared containing pork lean and turkey lean in ratios of 0/100, 33/67, 100/0 and a constant fat content. Blends were prepared with and without a commercial seasoning-antioxidant mixture (SA) and evaluated after 0, 3, 6 or 9 days (4°C) storage or 0, 14 or 28 days (-20°C) storage. Flavor intensity scores for blends containing up to 67% turkey were not different (P > 0.05); however, 100% turkey patties had lower flavor intensity scores. Off-flavor and firmness scores were not affected by blend for products containing between 33% and 100% pork lean, while storage had no effect on off-flavor in products containing SA. Juiciness was not affected by blend or storage. Results indicate acceptable patties can be made from blends of pork and turkey containing relatively high levels of turkey.
Evaluating the efficacy of a biofeedback intervention to reduce children's anxiety

This study explored the reduction of anxiety with children using a combination of electromyograph and thermal biofeedback techniques. One hundred and fifty children (7th and 8th graders) were identified by teachers as anxious and randomly assigned to biofeedback intervention and no-intervention groups. Biofeedback intervention subjects received 6 sessions of thermal training and 6 sessions of electromyographic training over a 6 week period. A post-test anxiety scale demonstrated a significant reduction in both state and trait anxiety. This study suggested biofeedback as a viable intervention which might be coordinated and provided by psychologists to reduce anxiety in children.
300mA adjustable LDO with 10µA ground current

This paper presents an adjustable 300mA CMOS LDO built in a double-metal 0.5µm 16V CMOS technology. It uses a low-current bandgap which needs only 1.5µA. It includes a symmetrical op amp configured as voltage follower, having a built-in adaptive bias behavior. The circuit consumes 10µA without load, less than 40 µA at full load, and uses a 1.25V voltage reference. Dropout voltage at 300mA is typical 200mV. Input voltage range is 2.3V to 7V.
Interatrial groove tear: An unusual complication of balloon atrial septostomy

The authors present an unusual complication of the balloon atrial septostomy procedure performed in a neonate with D-transposition of the great arteries. Cardiac tamponade developed shortly after the balloon atrial septostomy procedure and the infant was found to have a tear in the superior aspect of the left atrium, parallel to the interatrial groove. The tear was successfully sutured and may have been caused by the greater pull-back force needed if the catheter balloon is maximally distended for the first pull-back.
Deoxygenations of (silox)3WNO and R3PO by (silox)3M (M = V, Ta) and (silox)3NbL (silox = tBu3SiO): Consequences of Electronic Effects

Article discussing deoxygenations of (silox)3 WNO and R3PO by (silox)3M (M = V, Ta) and (silox)3NbL (silox = tBu3SiO) and consequences of electronic effects.
Political ideology and leisure policy in the United Kingdom

There is no well-developed literature on the relationship between leisure policy and political ideology. Three political ideologies — liberalism, conservatism and socialism — are examined for their core values and social policy implications. An attempt is made to construct liberal, conservative and socialist leisure policies, deduced from their ideological positions and current writings and policy statements of key thinkers. It is concluded that leisure is best characterized as falling within a social democratic tradition of policy outcomes which reflect pragmatic and ideological compromises.
Use of reproductive health services among young men, 1995.

Abstract Purpose: To analyze the extent to which teenage males receive preventive reproductive health services and identify demographic and health factors associated with their receipt. Methods: Bivariate and multivariate analyses of nationally representative data from the 1995 National Survey of Adolescent Males were conducted using logistic regression to determine which factors predicted whether teenagers had a physical examination and whether they discussed reproductive health topics with a medical professional, had a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test, or had a sexually transmitted disease (STD) test. Results: Although 71% of males aged 15–19 years received a physical examination in the past year, only 39% of them received any of the three reproductive health services. Less than one-third of all young men discussed reproductive health with their doctor or nurse. Among sexually experienced males, one-sixth had an STD test and one-quarter an HIV test. In multivariate analysis, males who had a physical examination were more likely to have an STD or HIV test, but were no more likely to discuss reproductive health topics. Minority and low-income youth were more likely to receive these reproductive health services, as were young men with multiple sex partners and those with health problems. Conclusions: In general, the proportion of teenage men receiving reproductive health services is low, although levels are higher among minority youth and certain groups at risk. To reduce rates of teen pregnancy and STDs, physicians and nurses need to incorporate reproductive health care into routine health services for teenage males, as well as females.
Filtered and Nonfiltered Cigarette Ignition of Cotton Upholstery Fabrics

Mean smoldering temperatures and burn times were determined in order to test for differences between filtered and nonfiltered cigarettes on various upholstery fabric treatments when uncovered and covered with a sheeting material. Cigarettes were burned on four cotton upholstery fabrics over a fiberglass substrate, and on the fiberglass substrate without fabric. Smoldering temperatures were obtained by eight thermocouples positioned in the abutment of a small sample mockup similar to the fabric classification tester described in the Proposed Standard for the Flammability of Upholstered Fur niture recommended to the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission by its staff. Results showed that covered cigarettes produced significantly higher temperatures compared to uncovered cigarettes. Finished cotton fabrics produced higher smoldering temperatures and required more burn time than loom-state cotton fabrics. Highest recorded mean temperatures were not produced near the butt end of the nonfiltered cigarette but at the center of the covered filtered cigarette. Both cigarette types produced irregular burning patterns on the various fabric structures.
Identification of anthraquinone markers for distinguishing Rubia species in madder-dyed textiles by HPLC

The anthraquinone components of the roots of various species of madder (Rubia spp.) have been used for millennia as red colorants in textiles, carpets and other objects. Although many species of Rubia are known, only a few of them have been used widely for dyeing. Furthermore, though nearly 70 anthraquinones have been found in Rubia species, only a few of these occur consistently at relatively high levels. Knowledge of the plant dyestuffs is helpful for establishing the location of production, production method and/or history of the dyed object. Using plant material and dyed textile fibers obtained from a number of sources, and HPLC with photodiode array and mass spectrometric detection for analysis, we have been able to identify marker anthraquinones that permit differentiation of the more common species of madder used for dyeing in Eurasia. Textiles dyed with all of the species examined contain varying amounts of purpurin, but only those dyed with Rubia akane contain large amounts of 6-hydroxyrubiadin (1,3,6-trihydroxy-2-methylanthraquinone) or its glycosides. Textiles dyed with R. tinctorum contain primarily alizarin, whereas those dyed with R. cordifolia and R. peregrina contain mostly purpurin, munjistin and pseudopurpurin, but little or no alizarin or 6-hydroxyrubiadin. The latter two species cannot reliably be distinguished from each other, however. The plants themselves often contain glycoside precursors not usually seen in the dyed materials.
A multi-resolution hidden markov model for optimal detection, tracking, separation, and classification of marine mammal vocalizations

We employ the multi-resolution hidden Markov model (MRHMM) to develop an improved algorithm for modeling marine mammal wandering tone vocalizations (whistles). A vocalization is modeled by a series of time segments in which the signal has a constant frequency rate (chirps). Rather than using chirps of uniform length, the segments are allowed to be of variable size, thus adapting to both short rapid changes in frequency rate as well as long segments of constant rate. The method supports the goals of finding the single best segmentation or the average joint probability density function of the data over all possible segmentations, weighted by the a priori probability of each segmentation. The probability density function (PDF) projection theorem is used to allow likelihood comparisons in the raw data domain. Simulated data and recorded marine mammal vocalizations are used to demonstrate the technique.
No-scale supergravity confronts experiment

We present a numerical study of the complete parameter space of the minimal supersymmetric unified model when the seed of supersymmetry breaking is a universal gaugino mass (m12), as is the case in typical no-scale supergravity models. After imposing all consistency and experimental constraints on the model, we obtain a rather range of the allowed values of m12: 100≲m12≲300 (400) GeV for μ>0 (μ<0). This scenario predicts all supersymmetric particle masses to be below 1 TeV, with all the sleptons below 290 GeV. In fact, the choice of just three parameters, namely mt, tan β, and m12, completely determines all masses and couplings in the model, and hence makes it a highly predictive and testable scenario.
The efficacy and toxicity of combination therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. A meta-analysis.

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of combination therapy, compared with single second-line drug therapy, in rheumatoid arthritis. Methods. This study was a meta-analysis of published trials that evaluated combinations of full-dose second-line drugs and compared them with single second-line drugs at full dose. Using a random effects model, we summarized the difference between improvement with combination therapy and improvement with single-drug therapy. Results. Five trials that met inclusion criteria, which contained 749 entering patients and 516 completing patients, were identified. The mean ± SEM difference in improvement in tender joint count between combination and single-drug therapy at end of trial (24–52 weeks) was 2.4 ± 0.7 joints (out of 60) (P < 0.001). At end of trial the difference between therapies in swollen joint counts was 1.0 ± 1.2 joints (P = 0.42). The difference in grip strength improvement was 3.7 ± 4.3 mm Hg (P = 0.40), and for erythrocyte sedimentation rate it was 3.4 ± 3.1 mm/hour (P = 0.27). In general, the differences in efficacy between combination and single-drug therapy were clinically marginal. Nine percent more combination therapy-treated patients experienced side effect-related discontinuation of therapy than patients receiving single-drug therapy (P = 0.008). Conclusion. Combination therapy, as it has been used in recent clinical trials, does not offer a substantial improvement in efficacy, but does have higher toxicity than single drug therapy. These combination therapy regimens are not recommended for widespread use. Other more aggressive regimens with additional drugs or higher drug doses than have been studied might be more efficacious, but with an even higher rate of toxicity.
The teaching portfolio in US teacher education programs: what we know and what we need to know

Abstract Teaching portfolios have become commonplace in the US in teacher education programs, in the process of granting an initial teaching license, in teacher recertification, and in National Board certification. This paper focuses on the use of teaching portfolios in preservice teacher education programs and analyzes the various ways in which portfolios have been conceptualized and implemented. A conceptual framework is proposed to enable researchers to describe the conditions of portfolio use. A presentation of the conditions of portfolio use will enable a greater understanding of the ways in which teaching portfolios impact teacher development and the quality of teacher assessments under different conditions of use. The paper concludes with a discussion of the key issues that have emerged in the use of teaching portfolios in preservice teacher education in the US.
Helical tomotherapy simultaneous integrated boost provides a dosimetric advantage in the treatment of primary intracranial tumors.

Abstract Objective: The research quantitatively evaluates the dosimetric advantage of a helical tomotherapy (HT) intensity-modulated radiation therapy simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) compared to a conventional HT sequential (SEQ) boost for primary intracranial tumors. Methods: Hypothetical lesions (planning target volumes or PTVs) were contoured within computed tomography scans from normal controls. A dose of 50 Gy was prescribed to the larger PTV1, while the boost PTV2 received a total of 60 Gy. HT SEQ and HT SIB plans were generated and compared. We evaluated the mean brain dose, the volume of normal brain receiving 45 Gy (V45), the volume of normal brain receiving 5 Gy (V5), and the integral dose. In addition, patients who were treated with the HT SEQ technique were replanned with the HT SIB technique and compared. Results: The average reduction in mean brain dose with the HT SIB plan compared to the composite HT SEQ plan was 11·0% [standard error (SE): 0·5]. The reductions in brains V45 an...
Citric acid modified agricultural by-products as copper ion adsorbents

Agricultural by-products, base-extracted and reacted with citric acid (CA), were compared to demonstrate their ability to adsorb copper ions (Cu2+) from solution. Soybean hulls exhibited the highest copper ion uptake (1.44 mmol/g) of the 12 biomaterials tested. The by-products with the highest bulk densities (>0.6 g/cm3), namely pecan, black walnut, and English walnut shells, showed the lowest copper ion uptake after citric acid modification. Those materials with a bulk density less than 0.6 cm3/g and a low lignin content had the best potential of becoming ion exchange resins using citric acid modification. There appeared to be a linear inverse relationship between total negative charge and lignin content. Chemical modification of these materials results in a low cost value-added product which can benefit industry.
A general mechanism for competitor-induced dissociation of molecular complexes

Departure of ligands from cell surfaces can be slowed by rapid rebinding to nearby receptors. Here, the authors use single-molecule experiments and theory to show that rapid rebinding also can slow dissociation of an isolated molecular complex, allowing binding competitors to significantly raise dissociation rates.
Efficient alignment of RNAs with pseudoknots using sequence alignment constraints

When aligning RNAs, it is important to consider both the secondary structure similarity and primary sequence similarity to find an accurate alignment. However, algorithms that can handle RNA secondary structures typically have high computational complexity that limits their utility. For this reason, there have been a number of attempts to find useful alignment constraints that can reduce the computations without sacrificing the alignment accuracy. In this paper, we propose a new method for finding effective alignment constraints for fast and accurate structural alignment of RNAs, including pseudoknots. In the proposed method, we use a profile-HMM to identify the "seed" regions that can be aligned with high confidence. We also estimate the position range of the aligned bases that are located outside the seed regions. The location of the seed regions and the estimated range of the alignment positions are then used to establish the sequence alignment constraints. We incorporated the proposed constraints into the profile context-sensitive HMM (profile-csHMM) based RNA structural alignment algorithm. Experiments indicate that the proposed method can make the alignment speed up to 11 times faster without degrading the accuracy of the RNA alignment.
Estradiol reduces basal and cytokine induced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) on binding of monocytes to human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) with or without cytokine induction. Methods: Confluent monolayers of HAECs were incubated with or without E2 for 48 h prior to the monocyte adhesion assay. In studies with cytokines, 1 ng/ml tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), 20 U/ml interleukin-1β (IL-1β) or both were added to the culture medium for the final 24 or 4 h. For the measurement of monocyte adhesion, 3H-thymidine labeled human THP-1 monocytes (4×105 cells per well) were added to the confluent monolayer of HAECs and incubated at 37 °C for 90 min. The unbound THP-1 cells were removed by gentle washing, and bound cells were digested with NaOH and quantified by measuring radioactivity. Results: When HAECs were pretreated for 48 h with E2 the basal adhesion of THP-1 cells was reduced by an average of 28%. Estrogen significantly reduced cytokine-induced adhesion by 30–35% when the cytokines were added for 4 h. When the cytokine treatment was prolonged to 24 h, pretreatment of HAECs with E2 had no effect on THP-1 cell adhesion. Conclusions: E2 reduces basal and short-term cytokine induced monocyte binding to HAECs. Since monocyte adhesion to vascular endothelial cells is one of the initial steps in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, E2 may mediate vascular protection by reducing monocyte-endothelial cell binding in the early stages of atherogenesis.
Therapeutic Anthropology: Response to Shiloh's Proposal

Acknowledgments. This report is an abbreviated version of a paper given at the Canadian Ethnology Society meetings, February 21, 1976, Victoria, British Columbia. The author thanks Ross MacPhee, Vernon Kobrinsky, Usher Fleising, David Kelley, and John Pfeiffer for encouragement. 1 The presentation style belies a reification of brain activity in conscious terms for operations done unconsciously. Such a description leads one toward the conclusion that the brain
Vitamin C Stability during Preparation and Storage of Potato Flakes and Reconstituted Mashed Potatoes

High performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was used to follow losses of L-ascorbic acid (AsA) in the processing and serving of fortified mashed potatoes. Cumulative losses of AsA were: 56% for adding AsA to freshly mashed potatoes at 251 ppm (wet basis); 82% drum-drying the potatoes; 82% storing the flakes 4.3 months at 25°C., and 96% reconstituting mashed potatoes and holding them 30 min on a steam table. The mashed potatoes at the point of ingestion would contain 10 ppm AsA (wet basis), and one serving size (100g) would provide 2% of the adult RDA. Fortification with equivalent levels of magnesium L-ascorbate 2-mono-phosphate (AsMP) or sodium L-ascorbate 2-polyphosphate (AsPP) gave overall cumulative losses of 20 or 32%, respectively. Such reconstituted mashed potatoes contained 201 ppm and 171 ppm AsA respectively, and one serving would provide about 33% of the RDA of vitamin C.
Relationship of reported oral symptoms and signs versus daily vitamin E consumption.

Abstract In terms of the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin E, more than 75 per cent of this professional group (dentists and wives) fall short. The present oral health status (as derived from the Oral Health Index Questionnaire) of those consuming the suboptimal quantity of vitamin E as judged by dietronic analysis is significantly worse.
The Total Synthesis and Anti-Fertility Activity of 6-Silasteroids

Abstract 4,4-Dimethyl-6-methoxy-4-sila-1-tetralone (2) was prepared by a modified literature procedure and converted to 3-methoxy-6,6-dimethyl-6-silaestra-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaen-17β-yl acetate (5c). Catalytic hydrogenation of 5c gave 3-methoxy-6,6-dimethyl-6-silaestra-1,3,5(10),8-tetraen-17β-yl acetate (6b), and its 14-iso- and Δ1,3,5(10),8(14) isomers, the proportions varying with the catalyst and solvent. Reduction of 6b with lithium-liquid ammonia, and O-demethylation, gave 6,6-dimethyl-6-silaestradiol (8b). Reduction of the 3-methyl ether of 8b with lithium-liquid ammonia-t-butanol and hydrolysis afforded 3-keto-6,6-dimethyl-6-silaestr-1(10)-en-17β-ol (15), which was catalytically reduced to its 1,10α-dihydro derivative 17. The 5,6 SiC bond of 8b, 15 and their derivatives was cleaved by boron tribromide, aq. ethanolic hydrogen fluoride, and other reagents, providing a series of 5,6-seco-6,6-dimethyl-6-silasteroids. X-ray crystallographic analysis of 17 and the 17α-ethynyl derivative of 15 confirmed the stereochemical assignments. None of the compounds which were subjected to uterotropic, anti-uterotropic, or post-coital assays, showed significant activity. A partially completed synthesis of 6-silaestradiol (21a) is described.
Negative impact of depression on outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease: mechanisms, treatment considerations, and future directions.

Summary. Depressive symptoms are common in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, and are associated with increased cardiac risk. Although an important relation exists between depression and CAD prognosis, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are poorly understood. Additionally, evidence including the recently published ENRICHD (Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease Patients) trial suggests that depression treatments do not lower recurrent cardiac risk. The reason for the observed lack of benefit with depression treatment in CAD patients is unclear. In this review, we discuss the impact of depression in CAD patients, the possible mechanisms involved, the studies that have examined the effects of psychological and antidepressant therapies on recurrent cardiac events, and the direction that future research should take.
Operating regime decomposition using neural networks

This article addresses the problem of identification of a nonlinear process operating over a wide range of conditions. The global space is divided into multiple local regimes, a nonlinear model is developed for each regime, and a quadratic programming-based algorithm is used to ensure smooth transition between the regimes on-line. The use of nonlinear models as opposed to linear models reduces the number of local regimes needed. Neural networks are used to model these regimes because of their strong ability to capture nonlinearity, and their combination with the switching algorithm improves transient performance. The performance of the method is demonstrated on an exothermic CSTR and a pH neutralization process.
Wind-induced drift currents

Systematic measurements of drift currents below and of airflows above an air-water interface have been made under various wind conditions. The current near but not immediately below the water surface is found to follow a Karman-Prandtl (logarithmic) velocity distribution. The current immediately below the water surface varies linearly with depth. The transitions of the current boundary layer to various regimes appear to lag behind, or to occur a t a higher wind velocity than, those of the airflow. The fraction of the wind stress supported by the wave drag seems to vary with the wind and wave conditions: a large fraction is obtained at low wind velocities with shorter waves and a small fraction is obtained a t high wind velocities with longer waves. At the air-water interface, the wind-induced current is found to be proportional to the friction velocity of the wind. The Stokes mass transport, related to wave characteristics, is only a small component of the surface drift in laboratory tanks. However, in terms of the fraction of the wind velocity, the mass transport increases, while the wind drift decreases, as the fetch increases. The ratio between the total surface drift and the wind velocity decreases gradually as the fetch increases and approaches a constant value of about 3·5% at very long fetches.
Engineering biodegradable and multifunctional peptide-based polymers for gene delivery

The complex nature of in vivo gene transfer establishes the need for multifunctional delivery vectors capable of meeting these challenges. An additional consideration for clinical translation of synthetic delivery formulations is reproducibility and scale-up of materials. In this review, we summarize our work over the last five years in developing a modular approach for synthesizing peptide-based polymers. In these materials, bioactive peptides that address various barriers to gene delivery are copolymerized with a hydrophilic backbone of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) using reversible-addition fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. We demonstrate that this synthetic approach results in well-defined, narrowly-disperse polymers with controllable composition and molecular weight. To date, we have investigated the effectiveness of various bioactive peptides for DNA condensation, endosomal escape, cell targeting, and degradability on gene transfer, as well as the impact of multivalency and polymer architecture on peptide bioactivity.
A contextual classifier based on Markov random fields and robust M-estimates

Presents a maximum a posteriori classifier in conjunction with modified M-estimates. Since spatially adjacent pixels likely belong to the same class, the authors use the Markov random field model to characterize the discrete field containing the individual pixel classifications. The complexity of the model is restricted to Markov random field since each point is dependent only on its neighbors. Each pixel is classified into one of the classes in the possible class set such that a posteriori probability is maximized by the assigned class. Optimization is performed using iterated conditional modes to alleviate computational load. Iterations continue to update each individual pixel until no more updates occur for all pixels. In defining the conditional density functions of the observations, the authors use modified M-estimates because of their distributional robustness. Mean and covariance are, therefore, derived from a robust criterion. Consequently the modified M-estimates yield more accurate and robust initial classification than maximum likelihood estimates. The initial classification is of importance since the iterated conditional mode converges to a local minimum. Applying this approach to multispectral remote sensing data, the authors substantiate their method by comparing the overall classification performances with that of a conventional maximum likelihood classifier. >
ENSO AND PDO VARIABILITY AFFECT DROUGHT-INDUCED FIRE OCCURRENCE IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN SUBALPINE FORESTS

Understanding the effect of variation in climate on large-fire occurrence across broad geographic areas is central to effective fire hazard assessment. The El Nino- Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) affect winter tem- perature and precipitation regimes in western North America through mid-latitude tele- connections. This study examines relationships of ENSO and the PDO to drought-induced fire occurrence in subalpine forests of three study areas across the Rocky Mountains: Jasper National Park (JNP, northern Rockies), Yellowstone National Park (YNP, central Rockies) and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP, southern Rockies) over the 1700-1975 period. Large-scale climatic anomalies captured by ENSO (NINO3) and PDO indices had differ- ential effects on large-fire occurrence across the study areas. Superposed epoch analysis (SEA) showed that large fires in RMNP occurred during extreme La Nina years, while the PDO, although predominantly negative during fire years, did not depart significantly from the mean. In YNP and JNP, neither ENSO nor PDO indices were significantly different from the mean during large-fire years, although fires tended to occur during El Nino and positive PDO years. Constructive phases (years of combined warm (positive) or cool (neg- ative) phases) of ENSO and the PDO were significantly associated with large-fire occurrence across the Rockies, even though these large-scale climatic anomalies were not significant when considered singly in SEAs. Combined warm phases (positive PDO during El Nino) co-occurred with large fires in the central and northern Rockies, while the combined cool phases (negative PDO during La Nina) appeared to promote large fires in the southern Rockies. Almost 70% of large fires in RMNP burned during La Nina events that coincided with a negative PDO, although these phases co-occurred during only 29% of the 1700- 1975 period. Spatial teleconnection patterns between drought, PDO and ENSO across west- ern North America independently support the sign and strength of relationships between these climatic anomalies and subalpine fire occurrence along a broad north-south gradient of the Rockies. Forecasts of ENSO that are dependent on the expected PDO phase suggest promise for fire hazard prediction across the West.