cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High prevalence of chronic venous disease among health care workers in the United States.

Abstract Background Health care workers spend extended times standing and walking short distances and are at risk for development of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). We conducted a hospital-wide venous screening program designed to measure the prevalence of and risk factors for clinical manifestations of CVI and ultrasound evidence of venous reflux or obstruction in health care workers. We also determined their risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods Free venous screening and education were offered to all hospital employees; the program started in April 2016, and results are presented from the first year. Demographics, medical history, and use of compression stockings were recorded. A physical examination determined the clinical class of the Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) classification for clinical disease, and an ultrasound test evaluated for reflux or obstruction in the common femoral vein, popliteal vein, and saphenofemoral junction. The Caprini score was recorded to evaluate risk of DVT. Descriptive statistics were reported, and logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis of risk factors. Results We enrolled 636 participants (1272 legs); 93.0% were women. The median age was 42 years (interquartile range, 31-52 years), mean body mass index was 29.2 ± 6.6 kg/m2, and most participants were white (49.1%) or African American (39.5%); 18% reported having hypertension, 7.1% had diabetes, and 6.1% were current smokers. The majority reported occasional leg pain (72.7%) and evening leg swelling (42.3%). Only 2.7% used daily compression stockings. Clinical evidence of CVI was present in at least one leg in 69.1% (C1, 49.0%; C2, 17.7%; C3, 1.9%; C4, 0.2%; C5, 0.2%). Venous reflux was present in at least one leg in 82.1%; obstruction was rare (0.2%). Reflux in either the superficial (saphenofemoral junction) or the deep (femoral or popliteal) venous system was present in the majority (71.0%) of patients with CVI (clinical class ≥C1). Reflux and white race were risk factors for clinical disease; clinical disease, age, female sex, and white race were risk factors for reflux. On the basis of the Caprini score, 14.1% of participants were in the highest risk category for DVT when experiencing a high-risk situation (including 2.2% with history of DVT). Conclusions Prevalence of clinical CVI and venous reflux is high among health care workers despite a low frequency of cardiovascular comorbidities. Increased awareness about CVI and DVT and preventive strategies for venous disease must be instituted in this high-risk cohort.
After Words: Negotiating Participant and Portraitist Response in the Study "Aftermath".

In this essay, Pei Pei Liu identifies the act of unveiling a completed portrait to solicit participant response as central to the conceptualization of portraiture. While this explicit extension of ...
Readmission and mortality among heart failure patients with history of hypertension in a statewide database.

Objective was to examine the temporal trends in readmission and mortality of heart failure (HF) patients with history of hypertension. This study includes 51 141 patients with history of hypertension who were discharged with a first diagnosis of HF between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2014. Data were obtained from the Myocardial Infarction Data Acquisition System (MIDAS), a statewide database of all hospitalizations for cardiovascular (CV) disease in New Jersey. The temporal trends of mortality, rates of HF-specific readmission, and all-cause readmissions up to 1 year after discharge were examined using multivariable logistic regression. The difference in all-cause mortality at 3 years between patients who were readmitted compared to those who were not readmitted at 1 year was examined. The number of patients with history of hypertension and HF remained unchanged during the study period. Male gender, black race, comorbidities, and admission to non-teaching hospitals were predictors of HF readmission and CV mortality (P < .05 for all). Readmission rate for any cause increased during the study period (P < .001) while rates of HF readmissions and mortality remained relatively unchanged. Patients that had been readmitted within a year exhibited a significantly higher 3-year mortality (P < .001). CV mortality among HF patients with history of hypertension did not change significantly between 2000 and 2014, while the rates of all-cause readmission increased. Patients who were readmitted had higher 3-year mortality (P < .001) than those who were not.
Abstract 1212: Quantitative ancestry analysis in Hispanic uveal melanoma patients reveals novel disease susceptibility loci

Uveal Melanoma (UM) is the most common eye cancer in adults and leads to metastatic death in up to half of patients. The molecular landscape of UM has been extensively characterized, and this information is now widely used in clinical management. Research interest in UM has expanded dramatically in the past decade, with landmark genomic studies highlighting its unique and deadly clinical and molecular characteristics however this pool of genetic data has been performed almost entirely in white non-Hispanic patients of European ancestry. Hispanics are the second most common ethnic group affected by UM, and one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the U.S. Individuals who self-identify as Hispanic. This study included 141 patients with posterior uveal melanomas, 72 who self identified as White non-Hispanic, 61 as Hispanic, 4 as Black non-Hispanic, 2 as Asian non-Hispanic, and 2 as Other/Multiracial non-Hispanic. In order to by-pass ethnic and cultural variables that influence self reporting demographic information, global and local ancestry was assessed. Leukocyte DNA from each patient was genotyped, generating whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profiles. Quality control was performed keeping only bi allelic SNPs and SNP call rate of >98%. Global ancestral estimates, using greater than 100,000 SNPs, were calculated against reference samples from West African, East Asian, European, and Native American ancestral populations. ADMIXTURE was used to estimate the ancestral proportions among the UM patients. Greater than 500,000 SNPs were phased and local ancestral calls were calculated on each patient. The genetic structure of individual patient samples revealed a diverse ancestral admixture among self-reported Hispanic patients with UM. Significant differences in global European ancestry were shown between Class 1A and Class 1B patients, where Class 1B patients were more European (P = 0.0087). Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference between the three groups9 european ancestry showing that Class 1A, Class 1B, and Class 2 distributions are not all the same (P=0.035). Patients with higher European ancestry are also more likely to be PRAME-positive (P=0.02). For local ancestry analysis, a linear regression was performed at each haplotype. A significance threshold of 0.000694 was established after correction for the mean number of ancestral switches in the cohort. Two regions on chr20 reached genome wide significance (P Citation Format: Daniel Alexander Rodriguez, Margaret I. Sanchez, Christina L. Decatur, J. William Harbour. Quantitative ancestry analysis in Hispanic uveal melanoma patients reveals novel disease susceptibility loci [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 1212.
J Marion Sims and the ‘forgotten women of gynaecology’

L. Lewis Wall comments on the surgical operations conducted by Dr J Marion Sims and the ethics surrounding his work
Analytical and Experimental Studies on Dynamic Loads in Airplane Structures During Landing

Two assumptions are made in the analytical method for determining the transient stresses in airplane structures during landing. The first assumption, that the landing impact forces are independent of the response of the structure, is justified by a simple analytical study. The second assumption, that the damping and aerodynamic forces can be neglected, is verified by comparing the results of wind-on and wind-off drop tests of a model wing in a wind tunnel. The total transient stress is considered to be the sum of the stresses that would result if the system were restrained against vibrating and the additional stresses that result from the vibratory motion. This method has been made more suitable for practical application by the use of a transient analyzer. The drop tests also provide an experimental check on the analytical method.
Minimal Linear Invariants

To protect sensitive information in a cross tabulated table, it is a common practice to suppress some of the cells. A linear combination of the suppressed cells is called a linear invariant if it has a unique feasible value. Because of this uniqueness, the information contained in a linear invariant is not protected. The minimal linear invariants are the most basic units of unprotected information. This paper establishes a fundamental correspondence between minimal linear invariants of a table and minimal edge cuts of a graph constructed from the table. As one of several consequences of this correspondence, a linear-time algorithm is obtained to find a set of minimal linear invariants that completely characterize the linear invariant information contained in individual rows and columns.
Glutamate-induced calcium transient triggers delayed calcium overload and neurotoxicity in rat hippocampal neurons

Glutamate-induced changes in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were recorded in single rat hippocampal neurons grown in primary culture by employing the Ca2+ indicator indo-1 and a dual- emission microfluorimeter. The [Ca2+]i was monitored in neurons exposed to 100 microM glutamate for 5 min and for an ensuing 3 hr period. Ninety-two percent (n = 64) of these neurons buffered the glutamate- induced Ca2+ load back to basal levels after removal of the agonist; thus, the majority of cells had not lost the ability to regulate [Ca2+]i at this time. However, following a variable delay, in 44% (n = 26) of the neurons that buffered glutamate-induced Ca2+ loads to basal levels, [Ca2+]i rose again to a sustained plateau and failed to recover. The changes in [Ca2+]i that occur during glutamate-induced delayed neuronal death can be divided into three phases: (1) a triggering phase during which the neuron is exposed to glutamate and the [Ca2+]i increases to micromolar levels, followed by (2) a latent phase during which the [Ca2+]i recovers to a basal level, and (3) a final phase that begins with a gradual rise in the [Ca2+]i that reaches a sustained plateau from which the neuron does not recover. This delayed Ca2+ overload phase correlated significantly with cell death. The same sequence of events was also observed in recordings from neuronal processes. The delayed Ca2+ increase and subsequent death were dependent upon the presence of extracellular Ca2+ during glutamate exposure. Calcium influx during the triggering phase resulted from the activation of both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors as indicated by studies using receptor antagonists and ion substitution. Treatment with TTX (1 microM) or removal of extracellular Ca2+ for a 30 min window following agonist exposure failed to prevent the delayed Ca2+ overload. The delayed [Ca2+]i increase could be reversed by removing extracellular Ca2+, indicating that it resulted from Ca2+ influx. The three phases defined by changes in the [Ca2+]i during glutamate-induced neuronal toxicity suggest three distinct targets to which neuroprotective agents may be directed.
The Quality of Democracy in Eastern Europe: Public Preferences and Policy Reforms

How does democracy work in the new democracies of Eastern Europe? Do the people actually rule as one would expect in a democracy or do the legacies of communism and the constraints of the transition weaken popular control? This book presents a new framework for conceptualizing and measuring democratic quality and applies this framework to multiple countries and policy areas in the region. It defines democratic quality as the degree to which citizens are able to hold leaders accountable for their performance and keep policy close to their preferences. Its surprising conclusion, drawn from large-N statistical analyses and small-N case studies, is that citizens exercise considerable control over their rulers in Eastern European democracies. Despite facing difficult economic circumstances and an unfavorable inheritance from communism, these countries rapidly constructed relatively high-quality democracies.
Hyperechogenicity of Substantia Nigra: A Potential Disease Progression Marker in Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease (EOPD) (P6.065)

Objective: To test the hypothesis that substantia nigra (SN) hyperechogenicity can be used as a biomarker for disease progression from stage I to stage II in EOPD patients, a sub-population with the highest risk of motor complications. Background: Many studies have shown that SN hyperechogenicity could be a biomarker for established PD and that hyperechogenicity remains stable with an area >0.2cm2 in advanced PD patients (H&Y stage II or greater). But the value of SN hyperechogenicity as a disease progression marker in stage I EOPD patients has not been previously reported. Materials and Methods: A total of 27 stage I EOPD patients who met UK brain bank criteria for PD as determined by MDS-UPDRS assessments were offered this prospective single blind study. Twenty-seven patients were consented, 3 patients had poor acoustic window, 1 patient dropped out and the remaining 23 patients completed the study. Blinded transcranial sonographic (TCS) evaluation (KV) using a Siemens Acuson Sequoia ultrasound system (2.5 MHz transducer) were performed and planimetric measurements of SN hyperechogenicity >0.2 cm2 was classified as significant. Results: All 23 patients had significant SN hyperechogenicity with a mean of 0.267 ± 0.003 cm2 on the mesencephalon contralateral to the hemiparkinsonian side compared to SN hyperechogenic area of 0.09 ± 0.016 cm2 on the ipsilateral side. Mean total MDS-UPDRS part III scores at the initial visit was 7.7 ± 0.55 and parkinsonism was unilateral in all patients. Periodic blinded follow-up TCS evaluations demonstrated that ipsilateral SN hypercheogenicity gradually increases in area in these patients to exceed the 0.2 cm2 prior to developing state II disease as determined by MDS-UPDRS part III testing. Conclusion: SN hypercheogenicity may help monitor disease progression from stage I to stage II in EOPD patients and serve as an additional guide to choose therapies that avoid or mitigate PD motor complications. Study Supported by: Charles Dana Foundation, Brain Repair Research Fund and the American Parkinson Disease Association Disclosure: Dr. Krishnaiah has nothing to disclose. Dr. Venkiteswaran has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shivkumar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gilmour has nothing to disclose. Dr. Harid has nothing to disclose. Dr. Saadi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Subramanian has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience, USMedWorld, and UCB Pharma as a speaker board member. Dr. Subramanian has received research support from Ipsen, and Allergan Inc.
For the Control of Municipal Documents.

The growing need for bibliographic control and collection of local documents is analyzed and related to the stand taken by several national professional associations from 1910 to the present. The failure in adequate treatment of municipal documents is evidenced when compared to the coverage of state publications. A list of bibliographic services for both state and city documents is included. Several efforts to improve this situation are underway, and the possibility of eventually microfilming city documents by a central clearinghouse has been suggested.
TeleSign: a sign language telecommunication system

TeleSign is a natural language telecommunication system for deaf and other users of a sign language (such as American Sign Language). It enables real-time telephone sign language communication. It operates on a 32-bit portable computer system with standard modem communication capabilities. TeleSign consists of an instrumented glove worn on the dominant hand of each signing participant. The glove measures the position and motion of the fingers. In addition, an absolute position and orientation sensor is worn on both wrists of each signer. The finger, hand, and wrist data from one signer are used to construct a corresponding dynamic three-dimensional graphic image of the hand and arm (in second-person perspective) on the computer screen of a second signer. On the screen the graphic hands and arms move in front of a graphic image of a human head and torso to provide position reference. >
Design and synthesis of a fluorescent muscarinic antagonist

The design and concise synthesis of a fluorescent tolterodine-BODIPY (boron dipyrromethene) conjugate is described which possesses potent antimuscarinic activity. This derivative illustrates proof-of-concept for the preparation of other useful fluorophoric antimuscarinic agents which have potential utility in receptor occupancy studies and high throughput screens.
Identification of novel genes associated with alginate production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa using mini-himar1 mariner transposon-mediated mutagenesis.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative, environmental bacterium with versatile metabolic capabilities. P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen which establishes chronic pulmonary infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The overproduction of a capsular polysaccharide called alginate, also known as mucoidy, promotes the formation of mucoid biofilms which are more resistant than planktonic cells to antibiotic chemotherapy and host defenses. Additionally, the conversion from the nonmucoid to mucoid phenotype is a clinical marker for the onset of chronic infection in CF. Alginate overproduction by P. aeruginosa is an endergonic process which heavily taxes cellular energy. Therefore, alginate production is highly regulated in P. aeruginosa. To better understand alginate regulation, we describe a protocol using the mini-himar1 transposon mutagenesis for the identification of novel alginate regulators in a prototypic strain PAO1. The procedure consists of two basic steps. First, we transferred the mini-himar1 transposon (pFAC) from host E. coli SM10/λpir into recipient P. aeruginosa PAO1 via biparental conjugation to create a high-density insertion mutant library, which were selected on Pseudomonas isolation agar plates supplemented with gentamycin. Secondly, we screened and isolated the mucoid colonies to map the insertion site through inverse PCR using DNA primers pointing outward from the gentamycin cassette and DNA sequencing. Using this protocol, we have identified two novel alginate regulators, mucE (PA4033) and kinB (PA5484), in strain PAO1 with a wild-type mucA encoding the anti-sigma factor MucA for the master alginate regulator AlgU (AlgT, σ22). This high-throughput mutagenesis protocol can be modified for the identification of other virulence-related genes causing change in colony morphology.
Walt Whitman: An American Civil War Nurse who Witnessed the Advent of Modern American Medicine

Most people know Walt Whitman as a poet. “Leaves of Grass” has been widely celebrated as his most important work. 1 However, few know that Whitman was a voluntary nurse in the American Civil War. S...
Fucoidan is a non-anticoagulant inhibitor of intimal hyperplasia.

We previously reported that heparin inhibits the proliferation of fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC), in part, by binding to and increasing the antiproliferative activity of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). We now report that certain other polyanions which are structurally distinct from heparin, such as fucoidan and polyinosinic acid, are more avid ligands for TGF-β1 and more potent antiproliferative agents than heparin. Fucoidan possessed more potent antiproliferative activity than heparin against rat and bovine aortic SMC in vitro, though possessing much lower anticoagulant activity than heparin. Furthermore, fucoidan suppressed in vivo intimal hyperplasia when continuously infused into rats subjected to balloon-catheter injury. Unlike heparin, which also suppressed intimal hyperplasia, fucoidan did not cause systemic anticoagulation. Thus, fucoidan may be useful as a non-anticoagulant inhibitor of post-angioplasty intimal hyperplasia.
Shock-elicited flight response in chickens as an index of morphine analgesia

Abstract Morphine influence on a flight response elicited by wing shock was examined in 17-day-old chickens. The chickens received either morphine (30 mg/kg) or saline on two days and were tested for responsivity to wing shock 30 min after each injection. On a third day all chickens received saline injections and were tested again. Tests consisted of delivering wing shock at increasing intensity to determine the threshold of a species-typical flight response. Morphine significantly increased the flight response threshold on the first test (analgesia), but not on the second test. Shock intensity values required to elicit the flight response in morphine and saline groups did not differ significantly on the third test when all birds received saline. In contrast to previous evidence, these results demonstrate morphine analgesia in chickens using a dose that approximates the analgesic dose range reported for other species.
Directional fidelity as a foraging constraint in the western harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex occidentalis

Understanding the foraging behavior of an animal is critically dependent upon knowledge of the constraints on that animal. In this study, I tested whether fidelity to foraging direction acts as a behavioral constraint to foraging western harvester ants, Pogonomyrmex occidentalis. Individual P. occidentalis foragers showed strong fidelity to foraging route and direction. Directional fidelity in this population was not related to trunk trail use, food specialization, colony activity levels, or mortality risks. Directional fidelity constrained individual foraging decisions; when colonies were offered seeds of different quality in 2 directions, individuals did not switch directions to obtain the energetically more rewarding seeds. Colony-level recruitment was increased for energetically more profitable seeds, indicating that colonial responses may compensate for the constraints of directional fidelity on individual foragers.
Interstellar absorption lines in the spectrum of Gamma Velorum

Copernicus scans of selected interstellar absorption lines in the UV spectrum of Gamma Vel are analyzed, together with ground-based data, to obtain column densities for various ion states of C, N, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ar, Ca, Mn, Fe, and CO. N I and O I are fitted to a single empirical curve of growth with a velocity parameter (b) of 8 km/s; Mg II, Si II, P II, S II, Mn II, and Fe II are fitted to another curve with b between 3 and 9 km/s. Abundance determinations relative to H I show that: (1) C, N, P, S, and Ar are probably close to their solar values; (2) O may be depleted by about a factor of 2; (3) Mg, Al, Si, Cl, Mn, and Fe are depleted by a factor of 4 or more: (4) Al is depleted by at least a factor of 10 in the H II region; and (5) both N V and O VI are present, but not C IV. The N V/O VI ratio implies that the electron temperature in the H II region is about 275,000 K.
Geometry of alluvial fans: Effect of discharge and sediment size

The slope of an alluvial fan increases with increasing debris size and sediment concentration in the flow, and decreases with increasing discharge. Laboratory studies suggest that the discharge which controls this slope, or dominant discharge, is that which is equalled or exceeded one quarter to one third of the time that flow occurs on the fan. In contrast, the dominant discharge in perennial alluvial rivers is equalled or exceeded only about 5 per cent of the time that flow occurs in the river. The dominant discharge on fans increases with increasing debris size, reflecting the importance of threshold stress. The slope of some natural and most laboratory alluvial fans is steepest on the flanks and gentlest along the axis. Consideration of the momentum of water debouching onto a fan at its apex suggests that the difference in slope between axis and flank should be greatest on steep fans composed of relatively non-cohesive materials because on such fans higher discharges tend to flow down the axis, whereas lower discharges can be turned to course down the flanks. On fans with gentle slopes or composed of more cohesive material the higher discharges can also be turned toward the flanks, so on such fans the difference in slope between the axis and flank is less pronounced. Field and laboratory observations support this interpretation. Because deposition at any one time on an alluvial fan is localized, some areas aggrade while others remain at a fixed elevation. This process is treated as a Markov process with the probability of diversion from an area of active deposition into an adjacent lower area increasing as the height of the active area above the mean or ‘ideal’ surface increases. Analysis of data from laboratory and natural fans suggests that the amplitude of such surface irregularities is greater on fans composed of coarser material. The data on natural fans also suggest an increase in amplitude of the irregularities with increasing fan area.
An experimental assessment of herbivory and nutrient effects on a small-scale in a coral reef macroalgal community

Abstract Understanding spatial variation in top–down vs. bottom–up control may help resolve some of the conflicts among research findings on the controlling processes of marine plant communities. In this study, I manipulate herbivory and nutrient limitation on assembled communities of coral reef macroalgae. I conducted two identical 10-day manipulative experiments 20 m and 12 days apart and measured change in biomass of the 4 assembled species, Padina boryana (Thivy), Halimeda opuntia (L. J.V.Lamouroux), Galaxaura divaricata (L. Huisman and R.A.Townsend), and Dictyota bartayresiana (J.V.Lamouroux). I found that the response of all individual species varied markedly between the two sites. Between the two sites, P. boryana and D. bartayresiana responded differently to manipulations whereas H. opuntia and G. divaricata differed in growth magnitude and variance. The difference in final biomass between the two sites was most pronounced for the opportunistic algal species, suggesting small-scale spatial variation might be more important for these types of macroalgae. The constant environmental conditions during the study period suggest that small-scale spatial differences may affect the processes controlling community structure.
Histology and ultrastructural features of the odontogenic keratocyst.

In comparison to other cysts of the jaws, the odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is unusual because it shows characteristic clinical features, including potentially aggressive behavior, high recurrence rate, and an association with the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. The defining histologic feature—the presence of parakeratin—is unique among the myriad inflammatory and developmental cysts that occur in the jaws. The presence of keratin coupled with other characteristic histologic findings is so distinctive that microscopic diagnosis is usually obvious. At outset, it is important to define two specific entities under discussion. Histologically, the OKC is composed of parakeratinized stratified squamous epithelium but may rarely show foci of orthokeratinization. This cyst occurs sporadically or may be associated with the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. By contrast, the orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst (OOC), as the name implies, is composed exclusively of epithelium that shows orthokeratinization. Although initially believed to be a subtype of OKC, it is established that it has clinical, histologic, and biologic features that set it apart from the OKC. This cyst does not occur in association with the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. This article will review the histological and ultrastructural features of the OKC and the OOC.
Evaluation of recombinant human interleukin-12 in patients with recurrent or refractory ovarian cancer: a gynecologic oncology group study.

Objective. The goal of this study was to estimate the antitumor activity and toxicity of recombinant human interleukin-12 (rhIL-12) in patients with recurrent or refractory epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods. From December 1997 to March 1999, patients with recurrent or refractory epithelial ovarian cancer were entered on a Gynecologic Oncology Group phase II study of intravenous rhIL-12. All patients had measurable disease, had a performance status of 0-2, and had failed first-line platinum-based chemotherapy regimen. Eligible patients received rhIL-12, 250 ng/kg IV bolus, as a single dose on Day 1 followed by a 2-week rest period, with subsequent cycles administered daily for 5 days followed by a 16-day rest period per cycle, until disease progression or adverse effects prohibited further therapy. Results. Twenty-eight patients were entered and evaluable for toxicity, while 26 were evaluable for response. The median age was 59.5 years (range: 45-77). The median number of cycles was 2 (range: 1-9). There were no complete responders; however, one patient (3.8%) was a partial responder and 13 patients (50%) had stable disease. Grade 4 myelotoxicity occurred in 21% of patients. Two patients experienced capillary leak syndrome: one grade 2 and one grade 4. Conclusion. As a single agent, rhIL-12 is tolerable and shows a low response rate in recurrent epithelial cancer with measurable disease.
Quantitative Electrochemical and Electrochromic Behavior of Terthiophene and Carbazole Containing Conjugated Polymer Network Film Precursors: EC-QCM and EC-SPR

A comparative analysis of the copolymerization behavior between an electro-active terthiophene and a carbazole moiety of a conjugated polymer precursor was investigated using electrochemical and hyphenated electrochemical methods. Five different precursor polymers were first synthesized and characterized using NMR, IR, and GPC. The polymers include homopolymers of individual electro-active groups (P3T, P-CBZ) and different compositions of 25, 50, and 75% (P3TC-25, P3TC50, and P3TC-75) with respect to the two electro-active groups. Since the oxidation potentials of terthiophene and carbazole lie very close to each other, highly cross-linked copolymer films of varying extent were produced depending on the composition. The copolymerization extent was found to be dependent primarily on the amount of the terthiophene, which in this case provided for a more efficient carbazole polymerization and copolymerization than with just carbazole alone (homopolymer). The extent of copolymerization, electrochromic properties, and viscoelastic changes was quantitatively investigated using a number of hyphenated electrochemistry techniques: spectro-electrochemistry, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance studies (EC-QCM), and electrochemical surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (EC-SPR). Each technique revealed a unique aspect of the electrocopolymerization behavior that was used to define structure-property relationships and the deposition/copolymerization mechanism.
Angular-correlation test of CPT in polarized positronium

Polarized triplet positronium, formed in the ground state with a polarized slow-${e}^{+}$ beam, is used for an experimental test of CPT (charge-conjugation\char21{}parity\char21{}time-reversal) invariance. The angular correlation S^\ensuremath{\cdot}k${^}_{1}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}k${^}_{2}$ was measured (where S is the positronium spin angular momentum and \ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathrm{k}}_{1}$\ensuremath{\Vert}g\ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathrm{k}}_{2}$\ensuremath{\Vert}g\ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathrm{k}}_{3}$\ensuremath{\Vert} are the momenta of the three decay \ensuremath{\gamma} rays). It is expected to have zero amplitude if CPT is conserved. No effect was found in the experiment at the 2.3% level of uncertainty in the coefficient of the angular correlation. Information gained from a study of the systematic effects, along with straightforward improvements in the apparatus, would allow a 0.1% measurement. Other possible angular correlations using polarized and aligned positronium, including tests of CP invariance, are discussed.
Narrow-Resonance in e - e - Scattering due to Additional Gauge Boson

It now appears phenomenologically that the third family may be essentially different from the first two. Particularly the high value of the top quark mass suggests a special role. In the standard model all three families are treated similarly [becoming exactly the same at asymptotically high energies] so I need to extend the model to accommodate the goal of a really different third family. In this article I describe one such viable extension, the 331 model which predicts bileptonic gauge bosons.
Response to open commentaries for "propranolol and the prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder: Is it wrong to erase the 'sting' of bad memories?"

We are happy to have this opportunity to respond to the very thoughtful and interesting open peer commentaries. While we will not have the space to engage with each commentator individually, we hav...
Multi-period model for disruptive events in interdependent systems

This paper develops the Multi-Period Model for Disruptive Events in Interdependent Systems (MPMDEIS). The analysis is divided into two principal periods: (1) an event period that lasts for the duration of the active perturbation and results in the degradation of the interdependent systems, and (2) a recovery period during which the systems evolves to a new equilibrium. The event period perturbation is modeled as a shock that cascades among the interdependent systems and reduces their production capacity. The state of the systems at the end of the event period is specified by its operational unavailability vector, which is given by the initial perturbation strength vector multiplied by an exponential matrix with the interdependency matrix P as the exponent. The coefficients of P represent the relative contribution of the loss of capacity of one system to the loss of another system as the perturbation propagates from one to the other. The quantification of the shock and interdependencies is critical for the realistic assessment of the inflicted damage and formulating effective defensive strategies against terrorist attacks, natural hazards, and technological failures or accidents. The recovery period depends on the implemented response actions and it can be modeled using a systems dynamics approach. The standard economic input-output tables are unlikely to be appropriate for the events of interest. However, there are probabilistic risk analysis techniques such as eliciting expert opinions and analytic methods which can be used to reliably assess these data. The MPMDEIS is compared with the Inoperability Input-Output Model (IIM) and Dynamic Input-Output Inoperability Model (DIIM) and it is demonstrated to avoid IIM and DIIM assumptions that can lead to significant errors for disruptive events in interdependent systems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 9: 281– 295, 2006This is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Physiologic Mastectomy via Flank Laparotomy

Physiologic mastectomy can be used as a salvage procedure in cases of chronic suppurative mastitis, gangrenous mastitis, or chronic, severe mastitis associated with organisms liberating endotoxin or exotoxin. The surgical technique involves ligation of the major arterial blood supply (external pudendal artery) to the corresponding half of the mammary gland, which results in decreased systemic absorption of toxins and gland atrophy. The technique is performed with the cow standing, and it is relatively atraumatic. This procedure is a simple, yet effective alternative to radical mastectomy for unresponsive mastitis cases in genetically or otherwise valuable cattle.
Extension theory for lattice Green functions.

A method is presented of using the known Green functions or densities of states (DOS) for a given Hamiltonian H to find Green functions or DOS for any lattice Hamiltonian ${H}_{e}$ in the algebra of H, or ${H}_{e}$=f(H). The procedure is further developed to permit using the known Green functions and DOS of two Hamiltonians H and K to obtain those of any Hamiltonian ${H}_{e}$ in the algebra generated by the direct products H\ensuremath{\bigotimes}I and I\ensuremath{\bigotimes}K. The method does not depend on translation symmetry, and rather general extension formulas are derived. Several analytical and numerical results are presented as examples. Green functions well known for the nearest-neighbor lattice Hamiltonian in one dimension are used to solve a one-dimensional (1D) second-neighbor model, a 1D model with infinite range, a 2D model on a square lattice with first-, second-, and third-neighbor interactions, a 2D square-lattice model with edges and corners, and a simple-cubic lattice Hamiltonian with surfaces, edges, and corners in three dimensions. Green functions for the threefold-coordinated Sierpi\ifmmode \acute{n}\else \'{n}\fi{}ski lattice Hamiltonian treated by O'Shaughnessy and Procaccia are extended to the treatment of a Sierpi\ifmmode \acute{n}\else \'{n}\fi{}ski model with first and second neighbors, and then are further extended to treat a new fractal Hamiltonian on the Cartesian product of two Sierpi\ifmmode \acute{n}\else \'{n}\fi{}ski lattices. Green functions of the 1D Fibonacci lattice treated by Kohmoto are extended to the treatment of quasiperiodic Fibonacci plaid lattices in two and three dimensions. These lattices are quasiperiodic and admit inflation-deflation transformations, but do not have interesting or forbidden rotation symmetry.
Ultrastructure of the ventral papillae ofQuinqueserialis quinqueserialis (Trematoda: Notocotylidae)

Ultrastructural studies were conducted on the ventral papillae of the notocotylid trematodeQuinqueserialis quinqueserialis (Barker and Laughlin, 1911). Each papilla is covered by a thin syntegument, highly convoluted in the apical region but becoming spinose marginally. Bulbous and ciliated sensory receptors, the latter possessing a cilium with a 9+9 microtubule arrangement, occur infrequently in the apical syntegument. Large pyriform cells, forming the bulk of each papilla, underlie the syntegument but are connected to it by tight junctions. Pyriform cells contain numerous elongate mitochondria with extensive cristae but lack secretory organelles. Osmoregulatory ducts extend into each papilla and are joined to pyriform cells by tight junctions. These observations suggest that papillae are nonglandular and may function in nutrient absorption.
SUPERSYMMETRY BREAKING FOR THE OBSERVABLE SECTOR IN SUPERSTRING MODELS

We discuss the supersymmetry breaking in four-dimensional supergravity models from superstrings including perturbative or non-perturbative string σ-model corrections. It is found that various soft supersymmetry breaking terms can appear with values of the order ofm3/2 even at the tree level of effective field theory and of string theory.
"Reanalysis and confirmation of positive latitude gradients for anomalous, helium and galactic cosmic rays measured in 1975–1976 with Pioneer 11""

Reanalysis of the 1975-1978 observations from Pioneer 10, Pioneer 11, and IMP 8 confirm earlier reports of a positive latitude gradient during this period for low-energy anomalous helium and, possibly, for low-energy Galactic protons. The observations are most consistent with an intensity distribution that is asymmetric with respect to the heliographic equatorial plane, rather than symmetric, as had been assumed in the earlier reports, and as would be most naturally consistent with currently available models for the solar modulation. Attempts to relate the intensity to the relative positions of the spacecraft with respect to the interplanetary equatorial neutral sheet yield no improvement in the organization of the data.
Synthesis of a new class of bidentate Lewis acids based on boronic esters and zirconocene

Abstract Hydrozirconation of various alkenylboronic esters 1 with H(Cl)ZrCp 2 produces a new class of bidentate Lewis acids as crystalline solids or oils, 2 , in 81-96% yield. Products 2 were characterized by IR, NMR, and in selected cases elemental analysis.
The essential role of reconfiguration capabilities in the implementation of HIV-related health information exchanges

Abstract Purpose To understand the dynamic capabilities that enabled the six demonstration projects of the Information Technology Networks of Care Initiative to implement health information exchanges (HIEs) tailored to their local HIV epidemics and regional care systems. Methods We conducted 111 semi-structured interviews with project staff and information technology (IT) specialists associated with the demonstration projects, staff from community-based organizations and public health agencies collaborating in the design and implementation of the HIEs, and providers who used each HIE. The dynamic capability framework guided analyses. In the context of a HIE, the framework's components include information systems (the actual technological exchange systems and capacity to update them), absorptive capacity (the ability to implement an operating HIE), reconfiguration capacity (the ability to adapt workflows and clinical practices in response to a HIE), and organizational size and human resources (characteristics likely to affect a clinic's ability to respond). Results Across the projects, we found evidence for the importance of three dynamic capabilities: information systems, reconfiguration capacity, and organizational size and human resources. However, of these three, reconfiguration capacity was the most salient. Implementation outcomes at all six of the projects were shaped substantially by the degree of attention dedicated to reworking procedures and practices so that HIE usage became routine. Conclusion Electronic information exchange offers the promise of improved coordination of care. However, implementation of HIEs goes beyond programing and hardware installation challenges, and requires close attention to the needs of the HIEs end-users. Providers need to discern value from a HIE because their active participation is essential to ensuring that clinic and agency practices and procedures are reconfigured to incorporate new systems into daily work processes.
User Perceptions of Facebook Games

The popularity of social network sites have helped build and popularize the social (network) game genre. Presently, there are reports that social games are still growing in the established video ga...
Apollo 13 Guidance, Navigation, and Control Challenges

Combustion and rupture of a liquid oxygen tank during the Apollo 13 mission provides lessons and insights for future spacecraft designers and operations personnel who may never, during their careers, have participated in saving a vehicle and crew during a spacecraft emergency. Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) challenges were the reestablishment of attitude control after the oxygen tank incident, re-establishment of a free return trajectory, resolution of a ground tracking conflict between the LM and the Saturn V S-IVB stage, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) alignments, maneuvering to burn attitudes, attitude control during burns, and performing manual GNC tasks with most vehicle systems powered down. Debris illuminated by the Sun and gaseous venting from the Service Module (SM) complicated crew attempts to identify stars and prevented execution of nominal IMU alignment procedures. Sightings on the Sun, Moon, and Earth were used instead. Near continuous communications with Mission Control enabled the crew to quickly perform time critical procedures. Overcoming these challenges required the modification of existing contingency procedures.
G34.24+0.13MM: A Deeply Embedded Proto-B-Star

By means of millimeter and submillimeter imaging, we have identified a massive protostellar object that coincides with a methanol maser and is not detectable in the continuum at centimeter wavelengths. Located 84" (1.5 pc) southeast of the ultracompact H II (UCHII) region G34.26+0.15, the new object G34.24+0.13MM was discovered in a wide-field 350 μm continuum image obtained with the Submillimeter High Angular Resolution Camera (SHARC) at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO). Interferometric imaging at 225.7 and 110.7 GHz continuum has determined more precisely the position and angular diameter (2".0, or 7600 AU) of the object. No source was detected at that position in 1.2-3.7 μm imaging or 10 and 20 μm photometry. Our observations are consistent with a cool dust core with temperature ~50 K, total gas mass 100 M_☉, and total luminosity in the range of 1600-6300 L_☉. Considering the high luminosity and lack of compact radio continuum emission, we conclude that this core probably contains a deeply embedded proto-B star.
Viscosity and density of CuO nanolubricant

Abstract This paper presents liquid kinematic viscosity and density measurements of a synthetic polyolester based copper (II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticle dispersion (nanolubricant) at atmospheric pressure for a temperature range from approximately 288 K to 318 K. The polyolester was a commercially available chiller lubricant. The CuO particles were approximately 30 nm diameter, spherical, and well dispersed in the lubricant. Viscosity and density measurements were made for the pure base lubricant along with three nanolubricants with differing nanoparticle mass fractions (2.9%, 5.6% and 39.2%). The viscosity and the density were shown to increase with respect to increasing nanoparticle mass fraction. Correlations of the viscosity and the density are presented as a function of temperature and nanoparticle concentration. The measurements are important for the design of nanolubricants for heat transfer and flow applications.
The strategic planning matrix—a quantitative approach

Abstract This article introduces a new strategy formulation analytical tool called the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM). QSPM represents an objective approach for evaluating and choosing among alternative strategies in both small and large organizations. Several practical applications of QSPM are provided. The positive features and practical limitations of QSPM are described. A number of useful tips for effective strategy formulation are presented.
Search for dark matter

Abstract The non-luminous matter which constitutes probably more than 90% of the mass of the universe cannot be any particle presently known to us in the Standard Model of particle physics. Significant experimental limits have already been set on a wide range of masses and interactions of proposed candidate dark matter particles: light neutrinos, axions, shadow matter, and weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) of both Majorana and Dirac types. Majorana WIMPs (Majorana neutrinos, sneutrinos, photrinos, higgsinos, zinos), as well as a small mass range of Dirac WIMPs, could accumulate in the sun, and high energy neutrinos from their annihilation products could be observed in proton decay detectors. These experiments eliminate sneutrinos and Majorana neutrinos between 10 and 20 GeV/c 2 . Other limits on these particles are set by direct detection through scattering off Ge or Si nuclei. In this way the UCSB/LBL/UCB/Saclay experiments limit Dirac neutrinos to the mass range 4–11 GeV/c 2 , Cosmions (which would also solve the solar neutrino problem) to 4–6 GeV/c 2 , and generally eliminate Dirac WIMPs between 11 GeV/c 2 and 6 TeV/c 2 .