cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategies to minimize complications during intraoperative aneurysmal hemorrhage: a personal experience.

Background The occurrence of intraoperative rupture (IOR) of an aneurysm is one of the most precarious moments in microsurgery, and the management of IOR profoundly affects operative outcomes. Methods The authors describe their personal experiences during the past decade with managing intraoperative aneurysm rupture for microsurgical treatment of complex cerebral aneurysm procedures. Results Steps to avoid and manage IOR depend on the stage of the operation or phase of dissection and on aneurysm location and configuration. The point at which IOR occurs dictates the management options available. The rupture of the aneurysm itself usually does not cause death or disability, but the subsequent actions performed by the surgeon can make the difference between a good and poor outcome. Major complications are caused by the surgeon's premature reaction placing a permanent clip in the face of torrential bleeding without adequate visualization, leading to vascular and cranial nerve injuries. Short videos are provided to illustrate the technical nuances to minimize complications. Conclusions Accurate knowledge of the anatomy of the aneurysm and surrounding vasculature is the keystone to prevention and treatment of IOR. Most importantly, the surgeon must not rush prematurely to apply a permanent clip blindly in an effort to stop the hemorrhage.
Comparison of asymptotic forms of the wave function for double ionization

Abstract We investigate and compare two asymptotic wave functions for atomic double ionization in the region where the distance between the escaping electrons is small when compared to the distance from the nucleus. The first of the forms was derived by Alt and Mukhamedzhanov and solves the three body Schrodinger equation to an order of 1/ r 2 . The second wave function was derived by Engelns, Klar and Malcherek for use in all asymptotic regimes. These forms will be compared numerically and analytically.
Levels of calcium and soluble collagen in turkey egg shell membranes.

Abstract 1. 1. This experiment examined the effects of weeks in egg production and type of housing confinement of turkey hens on calcium and soluble collagen levels in egg shell membranes; and discussion was given to their apparent relationship to gas exchange in turkey eggs. 2. 2. The high level of acid-soluble collagen in inner and outer egg shell membranes of aging caged hens compared with the same aged floor-penned hens may have a relationship with the low hatchability generally recognized in caged hens. 3. 3. The levels of calcium found in the outer shell membrane are low and appeared to decrease with the age of the hen. 4. 4. There were no differences over time in levels of total collagen and neutral salt-soluble collagen (newly formed collagen) found in egg shell membranes of turkey hens confined in cages or floor pens. 5. 5. It is suggested that the acid-soluble collagen levels found in inner shell membranes may have a relationship in limiting respiratory gas exchange during latter incubation time, and thus limit embryo survival.
Lift Losses for Fin-Body Gaps in Transonic and Supersonic Speeds: Data Correlation and Modeling

Abstract : An algebraic model is established to predict fin lift losses due to fin-body gaps for missiles and projectiles in transonic and supersonic speeds. The model is based on 2 distinct correlations which were established using wind tunnel results. The first correlation is for transonic speeds (0.8 0.08). This extends the Author's earlier work which was valid only for gap heights, /D < 0.08. The 2nd correlation is for both small and large gaps at supersonic speeds (1.2 < M<4). Both correlations use the physical parameters of the fin as well as the flow conditions. Results obtained using these correlations are very satisfactory when compared with the data that they represent. The correlations cover all shapes of fin planforms with moderate aspect ratios (0.5 to 4.0) and all heights of streamwise gaps. A factor which represents the effects of the fin in producing lift (normal force for the body- fin combination) in the presence of a finbody gap is computed. This factor provides a direct estimate of the fin lift losses which, in turn, is to be used to determine the static stability of the missile or finned projectile. The present model includes viscosity and fin support interference effects based on actual wind tunnel measurements which encompass both effects. The present analysis uses very simple algebraic models which can be easily implemented in any fact aerodynamic prediction code for missiles and projectiles. Accuracy of the model is + or - 7.0% based on all the cases considered.
Reduced chemical kinetics for propane combustion

It is pointed out that a detailed chemical kinetics mechanism for the combustion of propane consists of 40 chemical species and 118 elementary chemical reactions. An attempt is made to reduce the number of chemical species and elementary chemical reactions so that the computer run times and storage requirements may be greatly reduced in three-dimensional gas turbine combustion flow calculations, while maintaining accurate predictions of the propane combustion and exhaust emissions. By way of a sensitivity analysis, the species of interest and chemical reactions are classified in descending order of importance. Nineteen species are chosen, and their pressure, temperature, and concentration profiles are presented for the reduced mechanisms, which are then compared with those from the full 118 reactions. It is found that 45 reactions involving 27 species have to be kept for comparable agreement. A comparison of the results obtained from the 45 reactions to that of the full 118 shows that the pressure and temperature profiles and concentrations of C3H8, O2, N2, H2O, CO, and CO2 are within 10 percent of maximum change.
Nicotine Increases Spatiotemporal Complexity of Ventricular Fibrillation Wavefront on the Epicardial Border Zone of Healed Canine Infarcts

BACKGROUND: The influence of a pharmacologic agent on wavefront dynamics during ventricular fibrillation (VF) in a setting of remodeled and healed myocardial infarction (MI) remains poor explored. We hypothesized that nicotine, by virtue of its complex direct and indirect cardiovascular effects, increases wavefront complexity during VF. Specifically, we sought to determine whether nicotine increases the number and complexity (approximate entropy) of wavelets during stage II VF in hearts with healed MI. METHODS AND RESULTS: The left anterior descending coronary artery was permanently occluded in five mongrel dogs and wavefront dynamics during VF studied 5 to 6 weeks after occlusion in the open-chest anesthetized state. VF was induced by rapid pacing and the activation pattern mapped on the surviving epicardial border zone (EBZ) of the left ventricle with a plaque (3.2 x 3.8 cm) having 477 bipolar electrodes 1.6 mm apart. VF was mapped before and 20 minutes after 5 µg/kg/min nicotine infusion. Nicotine with a mean arterial plasma concentration of 127 +/- 76 ng/mL (range 57 to 240 ng/mL) significantly (P <.01) increased the number of wavelents from 3.8 +/- 0.4 to 5 +/- 0.41. The increased number of wavelets was caused by an increase (P <.01) in the spontaneous breakup of wavefronts from 4.1 +/- 0.9 times/s to 6.9 +/- 1.1 times/s. Wavebreak over the EBZ was functional in nature as no breakup occurred during normal sinus rhythm. Approximate entropy, a measure of complexity, significantly (P <.01) increased after nicotine administration from 0.23 +/- 0.02 to 0.28 +/- 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine increases the number of wavelets and their complexity during VF by promoting spontaneous wavebreak over the EBZ of healed MI.
Alvin Gouldner and the Sociology of Knowledge: Three Significant Problem Shifts*

One thing is certain, a man might feel: the building of this bridge will never be completed, but my life will surely have its end. A man might therefore risk a running leap from the unfinished edge to the shore that he thinks he sees ahead. Perhaps he has seen right and has estimated his own powers correctly. In which event, applause. Perhaps he has badly miscalculated on both counts. In which event, a certain dampness sets in. Maybe he can swim back to safety, even if somewhat less than applauded. In any event, he has found out how far he can see and how well he can jump. Even if he is never heard from again, perhaps those who are still dawdling at the edge will learn something useful (Gouldner, 1973).
The role of cranial computed tomography in the immediate post-cardiac arrest period

Patients who initially survive cardiac arrest are often admitted to an intensive care unit comatose and on mechanical ventilation. It is not clear whether or not a screening cranial computed tomography (CT scan) is necessary in the immediate post-arrest period. We hypothesized that there may be clinically relevant information gleaned from head CT scans obtained early in the post-arrest period that could affect immediate management of these patients, even when non-neurologic causes of cardiac arrest are suspected. A retrospective data analysis was conducted of all survivors (age >18 years) of non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) who underwent non-contrast head CT (NCHCT) within the first 24 h of admission. A total of 84 patients were identified and 51 (60.7%) met the inclusion criteria. As much as 45 (88.2%) patients in the total cohort had an NCHCT negative for ICH or herniation; of this group, 39 (76.5%) had a normal NCHCT, while six (11.8%, 95% CI: 5.1–23.8%) demonstrated varying degrees of cerebral edema or loss of gray–white matter distinction consistent with anoxic brain injury, but without herniation. Six patients (11.8%, 95% CI: 5.1–23.8%) exhibited findings consistent with either an ICH (with or without herniation) or herniation without an ICH. Four (7.8%) of these patients had an ICH without herniation, one had an acute SAH with edema and herniation, and one had frank herniation due to massive cerebral edema. The overall incidence of any kind of intracranial hemorrhage in our cohort was 9.8% (95% CI: 3.8–21.4%). In this cohort of post-cardiac arrest patients who underwent cranial computed tomography, 11.8% of patients had clinically significant abnormalities identified. The exact role of neuroimaging in this population is still in evolution, and further prospective evaluation is warranted.
Unique Genetic Counseling Considerations in the Pediatric Oncology Setting

Genetic counseling in the pediatric oncology setting involves unique challenges. Various ethical and psychosocial considerations must be taken into account when evaluating minors for hereditary cancer syndromes. Factors that often must be addressed in this setting include issues surrounding if and when to consider genetic testing in affected individuals, limited data and guidelines regarding surveillance or management, predictive testing in at risk minor relatives, access to care, and family dynamics. This paper reviews some of the important considerations for genetic counseling in the pediatric cancer genetics setting using examples from Li–Fraumeni syndrome, constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome, SDH-related hereditary paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma, hereditary retinoblastoma, and familial adenomatous polyposis. Common genetic counseling challenges include identifying appropriate patients for evaluation, helping families with genetic testing decisions and options, determining appropriate clinical management, and incorporating the future directions of hereditary cancer syndromes in pediatric care.
The N-terminus of rodent and human MAD1 confers species-specific stringency to spindle assembly checkpoint

The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) guards against chromosomal mis-segregation and the emergence of aneuploidy. SAC in higher eukaryotes includes at least 10 proteins including MAD1-3, BUB1-3, and Msp1. A long-standing observation has been that rodent cells are more tolerant of microtubule toxins than primate cells indicating that SAC function is more relaxed in the former than the latter. Here, we report on an unexpected functional difference between the rodent and human MAD1 component of the respective SAC. Ectopic expression of human MAD1 in mouse and hamster cells corrected a relaxed SAC to a more stringent form. Our findings posit MAD1 as a species-specific determinant which influences the stringency of cellular response to microtubule depolymerization and spindle damage.
Pentobarbital: stereospecific actions of (+) and (-) isomers revealed on cultured mammalian neurons

Stereoisomers of the barbiturate anesthetic pentobarbital were applied to mouse spinal neurons growing in tissue culture. Intracellular recordings of neuronal membrane properties revealed that the (+) and (-) isomers caused direct changes in membrane potential and conductance on some but not all of the cells tested. The action of the (+) isomer was predominantly excitatory, whereas the (-) isomer produced predominantly inhibitory responses. The (-) isomer was considerably more effective in potentiating inhibitory responses to the transmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid. The results show that pentobarbital has multiple effects on neuronal excitability and demonstrate the presence of stereospecific sites of barbiturate action on central neurons.
The use of animal tests in risk assessment for immunotoxicology.

Abstract The design and content of a screening battery using a ‘tier’ approach for detecting potential immunotoxic compounds in mice has been described (M. I. Luster et al., Fundamental and Applied Toxicology 1988, 10 , 2–19). The database generated from these studies, which consists of over 50 selected compounds, has been analysed in an attempt to improve future testing strategies and provide information to aid in developing future quantitative risk assessment for immunotoxicity. In a recent study it was shown that as few as two or three immune parameters were needed to predict immunotoxicants in mice (M. I. Luster et al., Fundamental and Applied Toxicology 1992, 18 , 200–210). The analyses described here focus on the use of this database to develop statistical models that examine the qualitative and quantitative relationship(s) between the immune function and host resistance tests. The conclusions derived from these analyses are as follows: (1) A good correlation exists between changes in the immune tests and altered host resistance, in that there were no instances where host resistance was altered without affecting one or more immune test(s). However, in some instances immune changes occurred without corresponding changes in host resistance. (2) No single immune test could be identified that was fully predictive for altered host resistance, although most assays were relatively good indicators (i.e. 70%). Several others, such as proliferative response to lipopolysaccharide and leucocyte counts, were found to be relatively poor indicators for host resistance changes. (3) The ability to resist infectious agent challenge is dependent on the degrees of immunosuppression and the quantity of infectious agent administered. (4) Logistic and standard regression modelling using one extensive chemical data set from the immunosuppressive agent, cyclophosphamide, indicated that most immune function-host resistance relationships followed linear rather than linear-quadratic (threshold-like) models. For most of the relationships this could not be confirmed using a large chemical data set and, thus, a more mechanistically based approach for modelling will need to be developed.
Achieving generalization with general versus specific self-instructions: Effects on academically deficient children

Teacher-referred academically deficient children were randomly assigned to a general self-instruction training group, a specific self-instruction training group, or a didactic training group. Subjects in each group were trained on addition problems. Maintenance and generalization were measured by performance on the Peabody Individual Achievement Test (PIAT), an academic skill rating scale (ASRS), and a mathematics skill test. Children in the specific self-instruction training group improved significantly relative to other training groups on the PIAT math subtest, but not on measures of generalization. Children in the general self-instruction training group significantly improved their performance relative to children in other groups on the PIAT spelling and general information subtests. The results were discussed in terms of efficacy of general self-instruction training procedures for achieving generalization of problem-solving skills.
Effect of RNAase III cleavage on translation of bacteriophae T7 messenger RNAs

Most bacteriophage T7 messenger RNAs are cut at specific sites by a host enzyme, RNAase III. Such cleavages do not occur in RNAase III-deficient host strains, but T7 is able to grow in such strains, and all but a few T7 proteins are made at essentially the same rate in RNAase III− as in RNAase III+ strains. The exceptions are the gene 0·3 protein, an early protein, and a few late proteins. Cleavage of the early messenger RNAs by RNAase III greatly stimulates the production of the 0·3 protein, both in vivo and in cell-free protein synthesizing systems, but has relatively little effect on synthesis of the other four early proteins. The in vitro experiments demonstrate that the products of RNAase III cleavage are active messenger RNAs and not inactive intermediates in a degradation process.
Growth Inhibition of Estrogen-Dependent and Estrogen-Independent MXT Mammary Cancers in Mice by the Bombesin and Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Antagonist RC-3095

BACKGROUND Many breast cancers are estrogen independent, and even in patients who initially respond to estrogen suppression therapy, the regression is often temporary. We have recently shown that antagonists of bombesin and gastrin-releasing peptide, including RC-3095, inhibit the growth of pancreatic, colonic, and prostatic cancers in experimental animals. This effect was associated with a substantial decrease in epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor levels in pancreatic and colon cancers. PURPOSE In view of these findings, we investigated the effects of our synthetic bombesin and gastrin-releasing peptide receptor antagonist D-Tpi6,Leu13 psi (CH2NH)-Leu14 bombesin(6-14) (RC-3095) on the growth of hormone-dependent and hormone-independent MXT mouse mammary cancers in vivo. METHODS Female (C57BL x DBA/2)F1 mice bearing estrogen-dependent or estrogen-independent MXT mammary carcinomas were treated with small doses (20 micrograms/d) of RC-3095 administered from osmotic minipumps. Separate groups of mice with estrogen-independent tumors received RC-3095, bombesin, or gastrin-releasing peptide(14-27) at 20 micrograms/d. We determined tumor volume and weight, mitotic index, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions, an indicator of tumor cell proliferation. Levels of receptors for EGF and bombesin were measured in tumor membrane fractions. RESULTS Growth of both estrogen-dependent and estrogen-independent MXT breast cancers was significantly inhibited by RC-3095. Bombesin or gastrin-releasing peptide had no effect on the growth of estrogen-independent tumors. Inhibition of tumor cell proliferation was indicated by a 45%-65% reduction in tumor volume, a 35%-58% reduction in tumor weight, and statistically significant decreases in argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region counts after treatment with RC-3095. In estrogen-independent cancers, tumor inhibition was associated with a decrease in the capacity of EGF receptors from 0.21 +/- 0.016 pmol/mg membrane protein in controls to 0.03 +/- 0.003 pmol/mg membrane protein in the RC-3095-treated group. CONCLUSIONS This is the first demonstration of inhibitory effects of bombesin and gastrin-releasing peptide antagonists on the growth of breast cancers in vivo. IMPLICATIONS These findings suggest that bombesin antagonists should be considered for breast cancer therapy.
Demonstration of collateral circulation to the lungs with angiocardiographic studies in congenital heart disease

Abstract Two cases of cyanotic congenital heart disease with extensive central and peripheral collateral circulation are presented. Filling of the pulmonary arteries via these collaterals was demonstrated by angiocardiography. A third patient with obliterative pulmonary hypertension had very prominent bronchial arteries but failed to show gross flow from bronchial to pulmonary arteries, either on angiographic or postmortem injection. The enlarged bronchial arteries in this patient probably functioned as collateral circulation to the peripheral lung deprived of pulmonary artery flow by advanced obliterative changes.
ATR Is Not Required for p53 Activation but Synergizes with p53 in the Replication Checkpoint

Abstract ATR (ataxiatelangiectasia and Rad-3-related) is a protein kinase required for survival after DNA damage. A critical role for ATR has been hypothesized to be the regulation of p53 and other cell cycle checkpoints. ATR has been shown to phosphorylate p53 at Ser15, and this damage-induced phosphorylation is diminished by expression of a catalytically inactive (ATR-kd) mutant. p53 function could not be examined directly in prior studies of ATR, however, because p53 was mutant or because cells expressed the SV40 large T antigen that blocks p53 function. To test the interactions of ATR and p53 directly we generated human U2OS cell lines inducible for either wild-type or kinase-dead ATR that also have an intact p53 pathway. Indeed, ATR-kd expression sensitized these cells to DNA damage and caused a transient decrease in damage-induced serine 15 phosphorylation of p53. However, we found that the effects of ATR-kd expression do not result in blocking the response of p53 to DNA damage. Specifically, prior ATR-kd expression had no effect on DNA damage-induced p53 protein up-regulation, p53-DNA binding, p21 mRNA up-regulation, or G1 arrest. Instead of promoting survival via p53 regulation, we found that ATR protects cells by delaying the generation of mitotic phosphoproteins and inhibiting premature chromatin condensation after DNA damage or hydroxyurea. Although p53 inhibition (by E6 or MDM2 expression) had little effect on premature chromatin condensation, when combined with ATR-kd expression there was a marked loss of the replication checkpoint. We conclude that ATR and p53 can function independently but that loss of both leads to synergistic disruption of the replication checkpoint.
Delay Estimation for Two Objects by Using Blind Beamforming on a Randomly Distributed Sensor Array

In this paper we propose a new method to determine the time difference of arrivals (TDOAs) for two objects. Using the estimation of TDOAs and the known algorithms such as least square (LS) or constrained least square (CLS), we can determine the locations of the two objects simultaneously. The main contribution is to determine the eigen vectors that are close to the received signals, based on the minimum error criteria. Two eigen vectors are selected by this method, where each is used to estimate TDOAs for corresponding source. Simulation results indicate that this method yields accurate performance, with most, if not all, of the estimated TDOA values are identical to the original ones, for different source locations.
IQ-RUDP: coordinating application adaptation with network transport

Our research addresses the efficient transfer of large data across wide-area networks, focusing on applications like remote visualization and real-time collaboration. To attain high performance in the real-time exchange of data across collaborating machines and end users, we are developing and evaluating methods and techniques for coordinating application-level with network transport-level adaptations of data communication. Specifically, complementing previous work on TCP-friendly communication and on adaptive transport protocols, our approach is to strongly coordinate application-level with transport-level changes in communication behavior, so as to best meet application needs without violating fairness in network resource usage. The approach is evaluated with the IQ-ECho middleware, which implements the distribution of scientific data to remote collaborators. Using IQ-ECho, application-level adaptations like selective data down-sampling are triggered by transport-level information provided by the instrumented IQ-RUDP protocol underlying IQ-ECho's communications. The application- to network-layer exchange of information necessary for such coordinated adaptations is implemented with ECho attributes, which provide a lightweight way for an application to provide quality of service information and to describe its adaptation to the transport layer.
Experimental Exposure of Adult San Marcos Salamanders and Larval Leopard Frogs to the Cercariae of Centrocestus formosanus

Abstract: The gill parasite Centrocestus formosanus (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) is an exotic parasite of concern in Texas because it has been shown to infect multiple threatened and endangered fish species. The purpose of this study was to determine if C. formosanus could present a threat to larval anurans, as well as threatened neotenic salamanders endemic to the spring-fed systems of Texas. We exposed adults of the San Marcos salamander Eurycea nana (Caudata: Plethodontidae) and tadpoles of the Rio Grande leopard frog Lithobates berlandieri (Anura: Ranidae) to the cercariae of C. formosanus. The San Marcos salamander showed no signs of metacercarial infection, suggesting that E. nana may be refractory to C. formosanus cercariae. Centrocestus formosanus readily infects the gills of leopard frog tadpoles, but the metacercariae apparently died prior to reaching maturity in our tadpoles.
[Me2Si] Ansa bridged complexes of permethyltitanocene: synthesis and structural characterization of fulvene derivatives with trialkylidenemethane character†

A series of permethylated [Me2Si] ansa bridged titanocene complexes has been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray doffraction; the dialkyl complexes [Me2Si(C5Me4)]TiR2 are thermally unstable towards elimination of alkane (RH), thereby yielding fulvene derivatives [Me2Si(C5Me4)(C5Me3CH2)]TiR.
Contrasting Ohlsson's Resubsumption Theory With Chi's Categorical Shift Theory

Ohlsson's proposal of resubsumption as the dominant process in conceptual, or nonmonotonic, change presents a worthy challenge to more established theories, such as Chi's theory of ontological shift. The two approaches differ primarily in that Ohlsson's theory emphasizes a process of learning in which narrower, more specific concepts are subsumed by more general, abstract categories through recognition of similarities, whereas Chi's theory emphasizes the dissociation of overly general categories through the recognition of differences. We examine the evidence for both theories and consider the educational implications of each. Overall, though subsumption almost certainly plays a role in nonmonotonic change, we maintain, on the basis of evidence from cognitive science and developmental psychology, that dissociation accounts for a greater portion of the re-representational processes underpinning changes in the structure of learner's knowledge.
Robust controller design for inverter-interfaced distributed generators considering islanded operation of a microgrid

Microgrids consist of multiple distributed generators, which are normally integrated via power inverters and can employ various sustainable energy resources. Therefore, the microgrid is a new promising concept for future power systems with improved energy security, reliability, quality of power, and energy efficiency. To this end, microgrids should survive during severe power system abnormalities so that the sub-areas in the microgrids can be protected all the time. This paper focuses on a robust controller design scheme for inverter-interfaced distributed generators considering various operating modes and loading conditions of microgrids. Especially, during the island mode, the voltage and system frequency can easily change due to instant power mismatch between distributed generators and loads in the microgrid. This paper presents the design procedure of a robust optimal controller against exogenous disturbances such as voltage and frequency variation in microgrids. L 1 robust control theory is applied to optimize the robust controller and a Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm is used to solve the optimal problems.
No evidence of intelligence improvement after working memory training: A randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Numerous recent studies seem to provide evidence for the general intellectual benefits of working memory training. In reviews of the training literature, Shipstead, Redick, and Engle (2010, 2012) argued that the field should treat recent results with a critical eye. Many published working memory training studies suffer from design limitations (no-contact control groups, single measures of cognitive constructs), mixed results (transfer of training gains to some tasks but not others, inconsistent transfer to the same tasks across studies), and lack of theoretical grounding (identifying the mechanisms responsible for observed transfer). The current study compared young adults who received 20 sessions of practice on an adaptive dual n-back program (working memory training group) or an adaptive visual search program (active placebo-control group) with a no-contact control group that received no practice. In addition, all subjects completed pretest, midtest, and posttest sessions comprising multiple measures of fluid intelligence, multitasking, working memory capacity, crystallized intelligence, and perceptual speed. Despite improvements on both the dual n-back and visual search tasks with practice, and despite a high level of statistical power, there was no positive transfer to any of the cognitive ability tests. We discuss these results in the context of previous working memory training research and address issues for future working memory training studies.
Commercial organ transplantation in the Philippines.

Countries throughout Asia promote themselves as leading destinations for international travelers seeking inexpensive healthcare. India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Thailand are all trying to attract greater numbers of what their promotional campaigns call “medical tourists.” Government tourism initiatives, hospital associations, medical tourism companies, and individual hospitals advertise hip and knee replacements, spinal surgery, cosmetic surgery, and other medical procedures. In contrast to most nations marketing treatments to international patients, the Philippines differentiates itself by selling “all inclusive” kidney transplant packages. Patients from other countries travel to the Philippines and receive kidneys purchased from poor individuals.
NC algorithms for recognizing chordal graphs and k trees

The authors present parallel algorithms for recognizing the chordal graphs and k trees. Under the PRAM (parallel random-access-machine) model of computation with concurrent reading and writing allowed, these algorithms take O(log n) time and require O(n/sup 4/) processors. The algorithms have a better processor bound than an independent result by A. Edenbrandt (1985) for recognizing chordal graphs in parallel using O(n/sup 3/m) processors. >
Benzimidazolium surfactants for modification of clays for use with styrenic polymers

Abstract Nanocomposites of polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer (ABS) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS) were prepared with two new homologous benzimidazolium surfactants used as organic modifications for the clays. The morphology of the polymer/clay hybrids was evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), showing good overall dispersion of the clay. The thermal stability of the polymer/clay nanocomposites was enhanced, as evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. From cone calorimetric measurements, the peak heat release rate of the nanocomposites was decreased by about the same amount as seen for other organically-modified, commercially available clays.
Reversible covalent inhibition of eEF-2K by carbonitriles

eEF-2K is a potential target for treating cancer. However, potent specific inhibitors for this enzyme are lacking. Previously, we identified 2,6-diamino-4-(2-fluorophenyl)-4H-thiopyran-3,5-dicarbonitrile (DFTD) as an inhibitor of eEF-2K. Here we describe its mechanism of action against eEF-2K, on the basis of kinetic, mutational, and docking studies, and use chemoinformatic approaches to identify a similar class of carbonitrile-containing compounds that exhibit the same mechanism of action. We show that DFTD behaves as a reversible covalent inhibitor of eEF-2K with a two-step mechanism of inhibition: a fast initial binding step, followed by a slower reversible inactivation step. Molecular docking suggests that a nitrile group of DFTD binds within 4.5 A of the active site Cys146 to form a reversible thioimidate adduct. Because Cys146 is not conserved amongst other related kinases, targeting this residue holds promise for the development of selective covalent inhibitors of eEF-2K.
Structural MR image processing using the brains2 toolbox

Medical imaging has opened a new door into biomedical research. In order to study various diseases of the brain and detect their impact on brain structure, robust and user friendly image processing packages are required. These packages must be multi-faceted to distinguish variations in size, shape, volume, and the ability to detect longitudinal changes over the course of an illness. This paper describes the BRAINS2 image processing package, which contains both manual and automated tools for structural identification, methods for tissue classification and cortical surface generation. These features are described in detail, as well as the reliability of these procedures.
The role of maternal toxicity in lovastatin‐induced developmental toxicity

The role of maternal toxicity in lovastatin-induced developmental toxicity in rats was examined in a series of studies. The first study administered lovastatin at 100, 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg/day (mkd) orally to mated rats from Gestation Day (GD) 6 through 20. Maternal toxicity was observed as transient dose-related body weight losses at the initiation of dosing; there were also deaths and/or morbidity at 400 and 800 mkd. These toxicities occurred in conjunction with forestomach lesions. Mean fetal weights were decreased in all groups (−5 to −16%), and the incidence of skeletal malformations, variations, and incomplete ossifications was increased. The 2 highest doses produced the most severe maternal and developmental effects. Using the same dosages, the second study avoided gestational maternal weight losses and morbidity by starting treatment 14 days before mating with dosing continued to GD 20. There were transient dose-related body weight losses after the start of dosing and deaths in the 400- and 800-mkd groups; however, there was no evidence of maternal toxicity during gestation. Developmental toxicity was evident only as slight, but generally significant (p≤0.05) decreases in mean fetal weights in groups given ≥200 mkd (−2 to −5%). Significantly, no skeletal abnormalities were observed. A third study administered the pharmacologically active metabolite of lovastatin subcutaneously at dose levels that matched oral maternal drug exposures. In the high-dose group, maternal weight gain and mean fetal weight were slightly decreased but there were no treatment-related skeletal abnormalities. Finally, a series of toxicokinetic studies assessed whether the 2 different developmental toxicity profiles were due to differences in drug exposure between the developmentally toxic and non-toxic dosing regimes. The data showed that groups with no skeletal abnormalities had maternal and embryonic/fetal drug concentrations similar to or even greater than the groups with fetal abnormalities. These results indicate that fetal skeletal abnormalities observed at lovastatin dose levels ≥100 mkd are not due to a direct teratogenic effect, but are the result of excessive maternal toxicity, which most likely involves a nutritional deficiency associated with forestomach lesions and reduced maternal food intake. Birth Defects Res B 71:111–123, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Kinetics of short- and long-range B2 ordering in the pair approximation

The kinetic master equation is developed in the pair approximation to study disorder{r arrow}B2 order transformations in bcc binary alloys. Coupled sets of rate equations for the pair variables are obtained for atom movements by either the direct interchange mechanism or the vacancy mechanism. Numerical integrations provide the nonequilibrium relaxations of short- and long-range order (SRO and LRO), and the vacancy balances between the two sublattices. For binary alloys, disorder{r arrow}order transformations were studied for all combinations of interatomic interaction strengths, activation barrier heights, and alloy stoichiometry variations. After a transient vacancy relaxation, all cases began with a quick relaxation of SRO, followed later and independently by the growth of LRO and additional SRO. There were some variations in kinetic path through SRO and LRO, moderate variations in overall kinetics, and large variations in vacancy balance. Some non-physical aspects of kinetics in the pair approximation are discussed.
Ginger: An Overview

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the more commonly used herbal supplements. Although often consumed for culinary purposes, it is taken by many patients to treat a variety of conditions. Ginger has been shown to be effective for pregnancy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting. There is less evidence to support its use for motion sickness or other types of nausea and vomiting. Mixed results have been found in limited studies of ginger for the treatment of arthritis symptoms.
Measuring tissue PO2 with microelectrodes.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses measuring tissue PO 2 with microelectrodes. Measurements with excellent spatial and temporal resolution can be obtained with microelectrodes. As a consequence of miniaturization, polarographic currents are smaller, requiring careful electromagnetic shielding and the use of more sensitive electrometers. PO 2 microelectrodes have proven to be extremely valuable tools for understanding O 2 metabolismand transport to different organs and tissues.Concepts related to O 2 electrode theory, PO 2 microelectrode designs and fabrication methods, and an overview of recessed metal alloy microelectrodes , are described are discussed. Basic concepts are described for miniaturized Clark-type PO 2 microelectrodes, etched metal needle-type microelectrodes, hypodermic needle electrodes, and surface PO 2 electrodes, along withapplications of microelectrodes in in vivo tissue PO 2 distributions, analysis of steady-state PO 2 gradients, validation of in vivo optical measurements, and clinical measurements.
How Silicon Valley Has Eliminated Trade Secrets (and Why This is Efficient

There is a tension or incompatibility between our stylized picture of work in Silicon Valley and the law of trade secrets and proprietary information. Professional work in Silicon Valley involves employees changing jobs frequently, either to rival firms or startups (see AnnaLee Saxenian, Regional Advantage), while the law of trade secrets conceptualizes all information about how to do jobs, that is not generally known, as the property of the employer, and awards employers injunctions and damages against departing employees who disclose or might disclose such trade secrets. It is obvious that Silicon Valley could not have developed its high velocity labor market if California courts vigorously enforced trade secrets law. Based on pilot interviewing, the paper concludes that Silicon Valley employers rarely sue departing employees because local judges and juries dislike such suits, rarely awarding relief, while plaintiff firms pay for such suits in diminished internal morale and recruiting ability. While California law "on the books" does not materially differ from other jurisdictions', and while nearly all technical and scientific employees sign standard agreements on trade secrets, invention assignment, and proprietary information, such agreements are not effectively judicially enforceable. This state is probably not inefficient according to current models of incomplete contracting. It may approximate Fritz Machlup's observation that an efficient patent system would be one in which rightsholders would overestimate the strength of their monopolies (and thus make further investments), while imitators would underestimate the same strength (so not delay imitation).
Reflections on the Importance of Experimental Results to All Mechanicists, Especially Theoreticians

All too often, mechanicists divide themselves into two camps, theoreticians and experimentalists. This unfortunate state of affairs denies us the essential two-sided, realistic view of important physical problems. We must realize that theory cannot exist without suitable experiments, and that experiments cannot be properly designed or used in engineering practice without some form of theory. Thoughtful, penetrating interaction between theoretician and experimentalist is crucial. The truly effective experimentalist must have a strong theoretical background. The truly effective theoretician must have at least a rudimentary, if not a strong, experimental background. Of course, the ideal mechanicist would be neither a theoretician nor an experimentalist, but both simultaneously! The important factor is cross-talk between the two points of view with the objective of achieving a unified view of a phenomenon and its model that can be used to treat behavior beyond that which was observed in experiments. This paper is about the elements that go into making up the unified viewpoint. Those elements include appreciation of the actual characteristics of the phenomenon studied as determined by experimental techniques and how those charcteristics help develop and refine every theory. The point is that experiment is the driving force behind theory.
Particular Passions: Talks with Women Who Have Shaped Our Times. By Lynn Gilbert and Gaylen Moore. New York: Clarkson N. Potter-Crown, 1981. 352 pp. Hardbound, $19.95; Softbound, $10.95.

(1983). Particular Passions: Talks with Women Who Have Shaped Our Times. The Oral History Review: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 154-155.
The Impact Fraction of Steel Shots

Characteristics of impact fracture of particles was experimentally investigated by shot life tester of centrifugal blowing force type.Cast steel shots and glass beads were used for test particles.The relation between the weight and the diameter frequency distribution of fractured particles was obtained.It was found that ductile cast steel shots had three stages of fracture process, while bridle glass beads had one stage of it.
The Seventeen-Year Overnight Wonder: George Mitchell and Unlocking the Barnett Shale

June 2012 The Journal of American History 229 Just as the discovery of oil at Spindletop near the Texas coast in 1901 launched a new chapter in the development of the American petroleum industry, a century later the opening of massive natural gas production in north Texas from a geological formation called the Barnett Shale has begun a new era in world energy. Drilling in the Barnett Shale since 2000 touched off an urban gas boom throughout the greater Fort Worth metropolitan area. Far more significant, however, the Barnett Shale bonanza has revealed the incredible petroleum potential in shale formations throughout the United States. “Shale booms” have materialized in places as far flung as south Texas, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania, as well as overseas. Shale production could offer the United States far greater energy independence than anyone could have anticipated a decade ago, but the technology essential to it has also generated environmental apprehensions and controversy. As is so often true in the history of American petroleum exploration, the pioneer wildcatter to open the Barnett Shale was an independent prospector, the Houstonian George Mitchell, who spent seventeen years and millions of dollars to obtain natural gas from the formation. His story demonstrates how independent oilmen do business and why they remain important in an industry best known for its giant players. Mention the petroleum industry and most Americans are likely to think of Big Oil— the major multinational companies such as ExxonMobil—but the American oil industry has always included a majority of small participants that are not vertically integrated and are usually regionally focused. In the nineteenth century, the term independent in the oil industry referred to any firm or operator that existed outside John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil empire; by the 1920s it had come to stand for the smaller members of the oil and gas industry. Most domestic wildcat exploration—the search for oil and gas in areas far from existing production or in rock formations considered unlikely for commercial success—has been done by independents, perhaps because they usually do not have to justify unconventional projects to conservative boards of directors. Independent individual prospectors such as Patillo Higgins at Spindletop and Columbus Marion “Dad” Joiner in east Texas were free to challenge industry orthodoxy and brought in spectacular discoveries. Most independents, however, are not in the game to obtain giant finds. With The Seventeen-Year Overnight Wonder: George Mitchell and Unlocking the Barnett Shale
THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE PHILADELPHIA CHROMOSOME IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC MYELOGENOUS LEUKEMIA.

Thirteen patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia continued to have the Ph1 chromosomes in 90-100 per cent dividing marrow cells during drug-induced clinical remissions. The Ph1 chromosome was present in erythroid as well as granulocytic marrow cells, and possibly in megakaryocytes. The presence of Ph1 chromosomes was also studied in cultures of peripheral blood. In six patients in relapse, 40 per cent of metaphases contained the Ph1 chromosome, and the percentage of these cells corresponded roughly to the relative frequency of immature granulocytes in the blood. In contrast, during remission, few or no Ph1 chromosomes were found in peripheral blood cultures, presumably because in the absence of immature granulocytes the dividing cells in the cultures originate from lymphocytes, as they do in normal blood. It is suggested that the Ph1 chromosome usually arises in a precursor cell common to the erythroid, granulocytic, and megakaryocytic, but not the lymphoid series of hemopoietic cells.
Super-giant magnetoresistance at room-temperature in copper nanowires due to magnetic field modulation of potential barrier heights at nanowire-contact interfaces

We have observed a super-giant (~10 000 000%) negative magnetoresistance at 39 mT field in Cu nanowires contacted with Au contact pads. In these nanowires, potential barriers form at the two Cu/Au interfaces because of Cu oxidation that results in an ultrathin copper oxide layer forming between Cu and Au. Current flows when electrons tunnel through, and/or thermionically emit over, these barriers. A magnetic field applied transverse to the direction of current flow along the wire deflects electrons toward one edge of the wire because of the Lorentz force, causing electron accumulation at that edge and depletion at the other. This lowers the potential barrier at the accumulated edge and raises it at the depleted edge, causing a super-giant magnetoresistance at room temperature.