cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and cardiac safety of adjuvant trastuzumab-based chemotherapy regimens for HER2-positive early breast cancer

Abstract Background Trastuzumab-based adjuvant therapy has become the standard of care for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-positive early breast cancer (EBC). Both anthracycline- and non-anthracycline-containing trastuzumab regimens are approved in the United States, but cardiotoxicity is increased with anthracycline-containing regimens. Design This paper reviews published and reported efficacy and cardiac safety data from the adjuvant trastuzumab trials [National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) B-31/North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) N9831, Breast Cancer International Research Group (BCIRG) 006, Herceptin Adjuvant (HERA), FinHer, and Programme Adjuvant Cancer Sein (PACS) 04]. Results The addition of trastuzumab to adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved disease-free survival (from 24% to 58%) in five of the six trials. Overall survival was significantly improved (23%–35%) in the large trials. In NSABP B-31/ NCCTG N9831, 5.0%–6.6% of patients who received doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) were unable to receive trastuzumab. Cardiac event rate was highest in the anthracycline-containing trastuzumab arms (1.9%–3.8%) and lowest with the regimen of docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab (TCH) (0.4%). Conclusions Incorporation of trastuzumab into anthracycline and non-anthracycline adjuvant chemotherapy regimens has substantially improved outcomes in HER2-postive EBC. The TCH regimen has the lowest rates of cardiac dysfunction, but uncertainty exists regarding the relative efficacy of TCH compared with anthracycline-containing trastuzumab regimens. Cardiac risk factor assessment can aid in selection of trastuzumab-based adjuvant therapy regimens.
The importance of adenosine deaminase for lymphocyte development and function.

Deficiency in the enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA) in humans manifests primarily as severe lymphopenia and immunodeficiency, resulting in death by 6 months of age, if untreated. In this review, we discuss phenotypical, biochemical, and metabolic hallmarks of the disease, and describe a mouse model in which levels of ADA can be biochemically and genetically manipulated. This model provides exciting possibilities for uncovering the mechanisms by which this purine catabolic enzyme affects lymphopoiesis.
WE-A-BRB-01: Accurate Dosimetric Characterization of a Fully Loaded 20 Mm COMS I-125 Eye Plaque Using Specially Designed GAFCHROMICTM Film

Purpose: The majority of eye plaques used in the U.S. are of Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) design with I‐125 brachytherapy seeds. Treatment planning is usually done using the TG‐43 formalism, not accounting for the gold alloy backing and Silastic insert, which significantly reduce the dose, as calculated by BrachyDose Monte Carlo (MC) (www.physics.carleton.ca/clrp/eye_plaque/). Dosimetric characterization of a fully loaded 20 mm COMS plaque using radiochromic film is reported. Methods: A 20 mm COMS eye plaque was uniformly loaded with 24 6711 I‐125 seeds at 6.75 U/seed. Measurements were performed using specially designed single layer GAFCHROMIC EBT1 film sandwiched perpendicular to the plaque's central axis at depths 0 – 19 mm between inserts of a Solid Water “eye” phantom located at the center of a 30×30×30 cm3 full scatter Solid Water phantom. The films were calibrated using a 6711 I‐125 seed in Solid Water, applying the TG‐43 formalism. Results: Dose distributions in planes perpendicular to the central axis of the plaque are radially isotropic and uniform. Measured depth dose on central axis as well as off‐axis profiles, agree well with the results of MC. At 3 mm from the inner sclera, the measured dose rate is 12.5% lower than TG‐43 dose rate in homogenous water, similar to 11.9% for MC. The thin flexible film enabled measurements of the dose at the surface of the plaque. Results on duplicate films agree within 5.5%. Conclusions: GAFCHROMIC film in a Solid Water phantom is a convenient, accurate, and reproducible dosimeter for I‐125 eye plaque dosimetry.Dose measurements on the inner surface of the plaque enable precise assessment of the scleral dose and its homogeneity, and of the active area of the plaque for coverage determination. This work validates the MC simulations about the dose reduction effect by the plaque's backing and insert. In‐Kind support of materials provided by Oncura, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL and by International Specialty Products, Inc., Wayne, NJ
Treatment of rats during pubertal development with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin alters both signaling kinase activities and epidermal growth factor receptor binding in the testis and the motility and acrosomal reaction of sperm.

Abstract Different doses of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) (0.1, 1, 5, and 10 μg/kg body wt) were administered ip to 21-day-old male Sprague–Dawley rats. Control animals received the same volume of the vehicle (acetone:corn oil, 1:19). Body weight and daily food intake were recorded during the 90-day time course of the study. Random samples of five rats were sacrificed at 34, 49, 62, and 90 days of age. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in whole testis was measured, as were the activities of c-Src kinase, protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), mitogen-activated protein 2 kinase (MAP2K also termed as Erk2), protein kinase A (PKA), and protein kinase C (PKC). Testicular tissue from 90-day-old rats was evaluated for histopathology, and sperm numbers in whole testis were counted to estimate daily sperm production. The motility of sperm in the vas deferens and caudal segments of the epididymis of 90-day-old rats was measured by computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and the function of the sperm was tested by assessment of acrosome reactions. A dose of 10 μg/kg resulted in testicular atrophy and histopathologic examination revealed a decrease in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules. Sertoli cell nuclei were clearly seen, but the spermatogonial population was totally absent. Lower doses of TCDD did not affect testicular histology, but doses as low as 1 μg/kg significantly decreased testicular sperm numbers and affected some sperm functions (motility parameters and acrosome reactions) in 90-day-old rats. Significant decreases in EGFR were found in 34-day-old rats and this effect on EGFR was sustained until the end of the experiment (90 days). Although TCDD significantly increased c-Src kinase activity in immature and mature rats, opposite effects of TCDD on activities of PTK, PKA, and PKC were found in 34-day-old rats vs 49-, 62-, and 90-day-old rats. When 10 μg TCDD/kg was administered to 21-day-old rat, 24-h after c-Src kinase inhibitor geldanamycin, there was no testicular atrophy and no change in the daily sperm production was found. These findings provide evidence for involvement of Src kinase signaling and EGFR in the mechanism by which TCDD disrupts testicular development and subsequently affects testis function.
Cerebellar stimulation as a CS.

Abstract Electrical stimulation of the cerebellum was used as the CS in a two-way avoidance task. The current level was at 10 μA below the threshold for forced movement with the maximum level arbitrarily set at 400 μA. The results indicate that stimulation of any area in the cerebellum can serve as an effective CS.
Role of Raman Scattering on Correlated Photon Pairs Generated Through Four-Wave Mixing

We discuss photon-pair correlation under the combined effects of four-wave mixing and Raman scattering inside optical fibers and silicon waveguides. Our theory is vectorial in nature and includes all polarization effects.
The ACGME case log: general surgery resident experience in pediatric surgery.

Background General surgery (GS) residents in ACGME programs log cases performed during their residency. We reviewed designated pediatric surgery (PS) cases to assess for changes in performed cases over time.
Capillary electrochromatography and capillary electrochromatography-mass spectrometry for the analysis of DNA adduct mixtures

Capillary electrochromatography (CEC) is an emerging technique that can be applied to the separation of neutral compound mixtures and provides a versatile alternative to micellar electrokinetic chromatography. In this paper, CEC is applied to the separation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and in vitro reaction products of PAH deoxynucleoside adducts. Some unique features related to CEC, such as convenience of stopping the flow, nanoliter flow rate, and low sample consumption, are discussed. On-column focusing in CEC can be conducted by introducing the analytes in a solution of lower solvent strength followed by elution with a stronger mobile phase, in a manner analogous to that used in normal HPLC (e.g., a 10-fold preconcentration factor can be readily achieved). Coupling of CEC to mass spectrometry for the detection of a relatively dilute DNA adduct mixture solution (10-6 M) using the on-column focusing method is also presented.
Seasonal Homes and the Local Property Tax: Evidence from New York State

This study examines the growth of seasonal (i.e., second or vacation) homes and their impact on local property tax rates using evidence from towns and villages in New York State between 1990 and 2000. We find that a greater concentration of seasonal homes in a municipality is associated with a lower effective property tax rate in towns, and a higher rate in small and rural villages. An alternative measure of tax burden, property taxes as a percentage of median household income, is not related to the presence of seasonal homes in towns but is positively related in small and rural villages. Our findings for towns contradict the findings of an earlier study by Fritz (1982) that found that an increase in town property allocated to vacation homes was significantly associated with an increasing property tax rate, although our findings for villages supports his findings.
Genetics in Dystonia: An Update

The past year has been extremely successful with regard to the genetics of dystonia, with the identification of four new dystonia genes (CIZ1, ANO3, GNAL, and TUBB4A). This progress was primarily achieved because of the application of a new technology, next-generation DNA sequencing, which allows rapid and comprehensive assessment of a patient’s genome. In addition, a combination of next-generation and traditional Sanger sequencing has expanded the phenotypic spectrum associated with some of the dystonia plus (ATP1A3) and paroxysmal (PRRT2) loci. This article reviews the newly identified genes and phenotypes and discusses the future applications of next-generation sequencing to dystonia research.
Protection against ischemic acute renal failure by prostaglandin infusion

We have shown that intravenous infusion of epinephrine (4ug/kg/min for 6 hours) into mongrel dogs consistently produces renal hemodynamic and histopathologic characteristics of ischemic acute renal failure (ARF). This study describes renal responses that were modified by intravenous infusion of prostaglandin E (PGE2)(10 ug/min) one hour before and during a 6 hour infusion of epinephrine (4 ug/kg/min). Two groups of animals were studied: Group I (epinephrine alone) and Group II (epinephrine + PGE2). Urine volume, glomerular filtration rate, urinary sodium excretion rate, urine osmolality, and serum urea nitrogen were measured. Renal tissues were studied using light and electron microscopy. While urine volume or glomerular filtration rate decreased significantly in both groups, they were slightly but significantly better in Group II than Group I. Urine osmolality significantly decreased in Group I but significantly increased in Group II. Group I animals became azotemic (mean serum urea nitrogen, 27 ± 1 mg/dl), whereas Group II animals showed serum urea nitrogen at the upper limits of normal (mean 20 ± 2 mg/dl). The difference was significant (P <.01). Severe acute tubular lesions were a consistent feature in Group I. Tubular lesions were less severe and infrequent in Group II animals. While mitochondrial dark bodies (electron microscopy) characterized tubular lesions in Group I, fewer mitochondria contained dark bodies in Group II animals. These dark bodies appear to be calcium and constitute a definitive sign of ischemia. Therefore, this study indicates that PGE2 attenuates epinephrine-induced tubular ischemia and injury and ARF which may be attributed to excessive solute excretion or to inhibition of calcium influx into tubular mitochondria.
Nonlinear mechanics of the lung

Abstract This article deals with the normal, healthy effects of nonlinearity in pulmonary physiology. Nonlinearity occurs in every problem in pulmonary physiology. It enters principally because the constitutive equations (stress-strain relationships of the blood vessels and airways) are nonlinear, and because flow is coupled with wall deformation in a significant feedback-controlled way. We consider these effects in blood circulation, gas flow, and water flow in the lung. Then we discuss the dynamics of the lung, and the trauma that may occur when the stress became excessive. Finally, we touch upon the subject of growth and change that occur in the lung when the stress level deviates from the normal range. The nonlinear law of remodeling is what keeps man and animal at their normal beautiful best.
Floral evolution: Attractiveness to pollinators increases male fitness

Because availability of resources often limits seed or fruit set, increased visits by pollinators may not always lead to increases in maternal reproduction. This observation has led evolutionary biologists to hypothesize that a plant's ability to attract pollinators may have its primary impact on male fitness achieved through the fertlization of ovules. This interpretation of angiosperm reproductive ecology is supported by field experiments. Pollinating insects strongly discriminated between two Mendelian petal-color morphs in Raphanus raphanistrum, a widespread, self-incompatible crucifer. In experimental populations composed of petal-color homozygotes. color discrimination by naturally occurring pollinators had no statistically significant effect on relative maternal function (fruit and seed production) in the two morphs. In contrast, yellow-flowered individuals were far more successful as fathers (pollen donors) than were the less visited whites. These results suggest that the evolution of floral signals such as petal color may be driven primarily by selection on male function.
Aluminum toxicity among other views on the etiology of Alzheimer disease

Abstract This commentary proposes that aluminum toxicity must be viewed as only one among several co-factors in the etiology of Alzheimer disease. It provides a brief overview of the major clusters of studies concerned with identifying the cause(s) of this disorder.
Lattice dynamics and elastic properties of corundum by the self-consistent atomic deformation method

We apply a recently developed density-functional method based on localized densities to study electronic, structural, elastic, optical, and vibrational properties of $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{Al}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}.$ Although our approach is generally less accurate than conventional band-structure methods, calculation of polarization, and related properties is greatly simplified and our results are in reasonably good agreement with experiment and other theoretical calculations. We also assign the symmetry of zone center and other high-symmetry phonon modes and calculate the variation of the zone-center mode frequencies as a function of wave vector direction.
Birchall and Benwell. Murder in a Canadian swamp.

On 21 February 1890, two woodsmen working in densely wooded Blenheim Swamp in southern Ontario, Canada, stumbled upon the dead body of a young Englishman who had been killed by two gunshot wounds to the head. He was identified as Frederick Benwell by a married couple, the Birchalls, who had traveled with him and another man, Pelly, from England to New York City by ship about 1 week before. The Birchalls lied regarding Benwell's subsequent movements. Questioning Pelly revealed to Detective John Murray that both Pelly and Benwell had replied separately to Birchall's advertisement for young men of means to become partners with him in a large Canadian farm, a deposit first being required. Birchall had been observed taking Benwell from Buffalo, New York, to Blenheim Swamp, for in reality there was no farm. There he had shot Benwell, leaving the body partially exposed. He then tried unsuccessfully to lure Pelly to his death in Niagara Falls. The Birchalls were arrested. Reginald Birchall was tried, convicted, and hanged. His attempt, including murder, to turn the so-called farm pupil colonization scheme to his own benefit had been frustrated by the dogged work of the master Canadian detective Murray. Language: en
Iterative and recursive matrix theories

Abstract Matrix theories are algebraic theories (in the sense of Lawvere) in which each morphism p: [m] → [n] is an m × n matrix of morphisms pij: [1] → [1]. We develop the iterative matrix theories in which systems of linear equations have solutions and the recursive matrix theories in which systems of polynomial equations have solutions. There are intimate connections with formal power series as developed in formal language theory: the iterative matrix theories are based on rational sets of formal power series and the recursive matrix theories are based on algebraic sets of formal power series. The motivation is the applications of these matrix theories to the study of computer program behavior.
Effect of angiotensin and phenoxybenzamine on release of norepinephrine in vessels during sympathetic nerve stimulation

Abstract The release of norepinephrine during symphatetic stimulation was determined in experiments involving perfusion of the paw and gracilis muscle at constant flow. During stimulation at 20 c/s a greater increase in concentration of norepinephrine was obtained in the venous effluent of the muscle than in the paw, especially when sampling early after the start of stimulation. One minute later during stimulation, the change in concentration in the paw was greater, but still less than that in muscle. During infusion of angiotensin intra-arterially (0·5-1μg/min) stimulation at 20 c/s elicited a small but greater release of norepinephrine in the paw but not in muscle. The vasoconstrictor response in the paw tended to be increased, and that in muscle to be decreased at this time. After the intra-arterial administration of phenoxybenzamine (1·5–14 mg) the change in concentration of norepinephrine elicited during sympathetic stimulation in the paw and muscle effluent was greatly increased and the vasoconstrictor response reduced. After the intra-arterial administration of imipramine (10–15 mg) in the paw only, a similar increased release during sympathetic stimulation resulted.
Inhibition of Protein Synthesis in Rat Intestinal Slices by Tetracycline

THE tetracycline group of drugs have been found to inhibit protein synthesis in in vitro systems composed of ribosome and supernatant fractions derived from microbial as well as mammalian cells1–3. It has also been reported that chlortetracycline reduces the in vivo incorporation of 35S-methionine into liver, spleen, kidney, and gastric mucosa proteins in the rabbit4. In this report tetracycline was administered to rats and intestinal slices were later tested in vitro for incorporation of 14C-L-leucine into protein. Tetracycline clearly inhibited protein synthesis by rat jejunal slices.
A Study Of The Characteristics Of An Omnidirectional Vision Sensor

An omnidirectional vision navigation system has interesting characteristics and potential applications for the guidance of a mobile system. Experimental results and the analysis on the linearity between the zenith angle and the image location of an object, on the error due to the effect of relative motion, and on the time requirement for processing an image are described in this paper. The significance of this work is to add to the knowledge of the characteristics of the omnidirectional vision navigation system designed for the guidance of a mobile robot.
Immunoelectron microscopic study of tubulin and microtubule-associated proteins after transient cerebral ischemia in gerbils.

Differential vulnerability of microtubule components to cerebral ischemia has been reported previously. We investigated the disintegration of microtubules using immunoelectron microscopy for α-tubulin and microtubule-associated protein 1A and 2 (MAP1A and 2). Mongolian gerbils were subjected to bilateral carotid occlusion for 10 to 30 min and reperfusion for up to 72h following ischemia for 10 min. After ischemia for 10 min, some dendrites in the stratum moleculare of the subiculum-CA1 region lost immunoreaction products for α-tubulin and MAPs. Loss of the reaction products spread to the medial CA1 region during progressive ischemia for 30 min. In some dendrites, electron-dense precipitates for MAPs were dispersed in the dendritic cytoplasm with little reaction product on microtubules and without alteration of the reaction for α-tubulin. After recirculation, loss of electron-dense precipitates for α-tubulin and MAPs, as well as disintegration of microtubules, propagated further to the medial CA1 region and to the proximal dendrites. The present study demonstrated prompt disintegration of microtubules with rapid disappearance of the reaction for MAPs which seemed to be caused by detachment of MAPs from the microtubule cores.
CERTAIN EARTHWORKS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS

inches in height, and the latter of corresponding depth. There is commonly but one trench; sometimes, however, a trench appears upon either side of the embankment. The usual height from the bottom of the trench to the top of the embankment is 2 to 4 feet, and the distance from the outer edge of the trench to the opposite edge of the embankment averages about 13 feet. The embankments were doubtless originally somewhat higher and the trenches deeper. Their combined measurements were probably about the 566
Phase I/II clinical trial of anti-OX40, radiation and cyclophosphamide in patients with prostate cancer: immunological analysis.

Meeting abstracts OX40, a member of the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor superfamily is a potent co-stimulatory molecule. OX40 engagement increases T cell proliferation, effector function and survival. Pre-clinical studies have shown that OX40 agonist synergizes with radiation and cyclophosphamide to
The Welfare State and the Cultural Reproduction of Gender: Making Good Girls and Boys in the Job Corps

In this paper we examine theoretical arguments about cultural reproduction and resistance in the context of the welfare state. We argue that the welfare state reproduces gender stratification structurally by replicating a gendered division of labor and culturally by inculcating an ideological framework that sustains that division of labor. We illustrate our arguments through an historical study of the War on Poverty, a key period in the history of the welfare state. The Job Corps, a core anti-poverty program, trained young men and women in basic skills and prepared them for jobs in the skilled trades. While job training for young, African-American women emphasized middle-class, homemaking skills, young men received training in the skilled trades. This training enabled men to challenge racial discrimination in the labor market but concentrated women's labor — paid and unpaid — in the realm of domestic status production and consumption.
A perspective on regulatory paradigms: The case of IRS and Sarbanes-Oxley approaches to executive compensation-related regulation

Abstract In this paper we explore two regulatory paradigms, with an emphasis on the regulation of executive compensation. An example of the traditional rule-based paradigm is Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) in which a tax-deductible cap was passed into law to limit executive compensation. We demonstrate that this approach yielded mixed results. While stronger pay/performance sensitivity has been documented, Section 162(m) appears to have actually exacerbated the level of executive compensation. We contrast the rules-based paradigm with an alternative paradigm illustrated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in which the US Congress introduced a series of corporate governance initiatives into federal securities law. The transformation of the mode of regulatory intervention as reflected by SOX is shown to be fully consistent with recent changes in the generally accepted conceptual framework for financial reporting.
Incorporation of Drosophila TAF110 into the yeast TFIID complex does not permit the Sp1 glutamine-rich activation domain to function in vivo.

Background Acidic activation domains function across eukaryotic species, and hence stimulate transcription by a conserved molecular mechanism. In contrast, glutamine-rich activation domains function in flies, mammals, and fission yeasts but not in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The glutamine-rich activation domain of Sp1 interacts with TAF110, and it has been suggested that this interaction is important for transcriptional activation. S. cerevisiae does not contain a homologue of TAF110, suggesting a potential mechanism to account for the failure of glutamine-rich activation domains to stimulate transcription. Results Here, we have artificially recruited Drosophila TAF110 into the yeast TFIID complex by fusing it to yeast TBP. The resulting TFIID complex supports normal cell growth, but it is unable to mediate Sp1-dependent activation. Conclusions Thus, the interaction of glutamine-rich activation domains with TAF110 is insufficient for transcriptional activation in vivo, indicating that other targets within the PolII machinery are necessary.
Temperature and Soil Water Effects on Dormancy and Mortality of Subterranean Clover Seed

Germination tests were conducted to investigate possible causes for a reeslablishment failure of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.).«Mount Barker» subterranean clover seeds were germinated on blotters and on the soil surface or at 1 cm depth in nonfumigated and fumigated soil at four constant temperatures for 14 d, followed by constant 15°C for 8 d. Fumigation had no erect on germination. Germination on blotters was reduced to < 11.1% at 25 and 30°C, compared with 94.5 at 15°C. Emergence of seedlings was reduced to 37.9 % at 30°C, compared with 92.5 % at 15°C. Emergence of seedlings at 30°C from soil was greater after 14 d than germination on blotters. In a second experiment, seeds buried 1 cm were germinated at soil water levels ranging from 0.0 to 0.816 kg kg −1 . Temperatures were 15 or 30°C for 7 d, then 15°C for 7 d more. Seeds failed to germinate at either temperatures in dry or saturated soil. Emergence after 7 d was reduced at 30°C compared with 15°C at soil moisture levels from 0.204 to 0.544 kg kg -1 . After 7 more d at 15°C, emergence was similar between temperatures at soil moisture levels from 0.0 to 0.544 kg kg −1 . Under saturated soil conditions, 28.5 and 80.8 % of the seed rotted at 15 and 30°C, respectively. Our results suggest that subterranean clover seeds can survive in posture soil for 14 d in an embryo dormant condition during the summer, unless the soil is satured, in which case soft seeds tend to decay
Effect of Trace Impurity Levels on the Viscosity of Vitreous Silica

Etude de l'influence d'Al 2 O 3 (25 a 350 ppm molaire) et d'oxyde alcalin (1,0 a 75 ppm molaire) sur la viscosite dans le domaine de transformation de la silice vitreuse. La viscosite augmente avec le rapport molaire Al 2 O 3 /oxyde alcalin jusqu'a 8 puis reste constante pour des valeurs du rapport plus elevees
Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis from breast cancer treated with intrathecal topotecan with concomitant intravenous eribulin

We present a patient with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis from breast cancer treated with intrathecal topotecan and intravenous eribulin. The regimen was well tolerated and provided clinical stability in a patient with progression on a prior intrathecal chemotherapy regimen.
Retinopatía de la prematuridad y oxigenoterapia: una relación cambiante

INTRODUCCION El uso del oxigeno se introdujo en la practica neonatal en ausencia de estudios de distribucion aleatoria. La dosis no se cuantifico bien y asi continua en algunos lugares. Ademas, los niveles de oxigenacion del recien nacido no se midieron sistematicamente hasta que pudo disponerse de analisis para los gases en sangre arterial, muestras capilares, presion parcial de oxigeno (PO2) transcutanea (TcPO2) y, mas recientemente, monitorizacion de la saturacion de oxigeno (SaO2) con pulsioximetria (SpO2). Sin embargo, es uno de los tratamientos que se emplean con mas frecuencia en las unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN), muchas veces sin limites o controles, como se ha mencionado repetidamente en libros, editoriales y articulos, algunos muy recientes, en diciembre de 2003 y febrero de 20041,2. La relacion entre presion parcial arterial de oxigeno (PaO2) y saturacion es “cambiante”, como se describio hace muchos anos. La relacion entre prematuridad, oxigeno y retinopatia del prematuro (retinopathy of prematurity, ROP) ha sido estudiada por muchos autores3-8. Sin embargo, durante los ultimos 63 anos, la historia de este proceso y sus interrelaciones sigue evolucionando. Nuestro objetivo consiste en actualizar algunos de los temas de interes en estas relaciones cambiantes. En esta revision se incluye, con mas o menos detalle, la definicion de retinopatia del prematuro, sus grados de intensidad, los temas no resueltos de su tratamiento, algunos aspectos historicos, la poblacion de riesgo y los factores de riesgo asociados. Tambien se debaten las dificultades de establecer estadisticas precisas en la retinopatia del prematuro (tasas y variabilidad entre los distintos centros y naciones), el significado del problema y la fisiopatologia de la retina en desarrollo. Terminaremos aportando los datos mas precisos disponibles acerca de la relacion entre los diferentes niveles de oxigenacion (PaO2, TcPO2, SpO2) y los cambios rapidos y la “fluctuacion” de la oxigenacion sobre la retinopatia del prematuro. Tambien se describe como un proceso de educacion y puesta en practica de guias para modificar la practica clinica se asocia con una influencia clinicamente significativa en la prevencion de algunos de los casos mas graves de retinopatia del prematuro. Por ultimo, se presentan brevemente los comentarios finales y algunos estudios futuros que en la actualidad se hallan en fase de planificacion.
Noninvasive determination of healing of major lower extremity amputation: The continued role of clinical judgment

Various tests are used preoperatively to differentiate patients who require an above-knee amputation (AKA) from those whose vascular supply is adequate to heal a below-knee procedure (BKA). This 15-month study of 109 amputations compared four of these methods: segmental Doppler systolic pressure measurements, transcutaneous oxygen measurement (tcPO2), fluorescein angiography, and skin thermometry. There were 66 BKAs (85% healed primarily) and 43 AKAs (93% healed primarily). The actual level of amputation was determined by the operating surgeon without consideration of the preoperative test results, and the incidence of healing was then related to the test parameters. The average skin temperature at the amputation site was higher (93.7 degrees F) in the group that healed primarily compared with those who required operative stump revision (89.9 degrees F) (p less than 0.001). The mean midcalf tcPO2 was also higher in the BKA group that healed (PO2 = 36.6 mm Hg) compared with those who failed (PO2 = 16.4 mm Hg) (p less than 0.001). Qualitative skin fluorescence was less successful in differentiating success from failure. Of the 63 BKAs that fluorescein predicted would heal, eight failed (13%). Doppler pressures at the thigh, popliteal, midcalf, or ankle level were unreliable in predicting healing of a BKA. Formulation of indexes relating absolute pressures to the brachial systolic pressure did not improve the value of this examination. From this review it is concluded that the skin temperature and tcPO2 obtained at the site of proposed amputation were the most reliable prognostic noninvasive examinations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Teaching Economic Principles Interactively: A Cannibal's Dinner Party

Abstract The author describes techniques that he uses to interactively teach economics principles. He describes an experiment on market entry and gives examples of applications of classroom clickers. Clicker applications include (a) collecting data about student preferences that can be used to construct demand curves and supply curves, (b) checking students’ knowledge of central concepts, and (c) playing interactive games that illustrate economic concepts.
Taurine uptake in isolated retinas of normal rats and rats with hereditary retinal degeneration.

Abstract Kinetic analysis reveals two processes for the uptake of taurine in the isolated rat retina. One process, designated as a high affinity uptake mechanism, has an apparent Michaelis constant ( K m ) of 50 μ m and a maximum velocity of uptake ( V max ) of 0·3 nmol/mg dry wt/min. The other process, designated as a nonsaturable uptake mechanism, has a rate constant of 0·53 nmol/mg dry wt/min/m m taurine in the medium. Retinas from normal rats, studied at ages 22–180 days, and from Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats with normal or reduced numbers of photoreceptor cells, studied at ages 22–45 postnatal days, show both mechanisms at a time when photoreceptor cell function is detectable in vivo with the electroretinogram (ERG). Retinas from 180-day-old photoreceptorless RCS rats retain the nonsaturable uptake mechanism for taurine but do not show the high affinity uptake mechanism at a time when the number of photoreceptor cells is greatly reduced and no photoreceptor function can be detected with the ERG. The high affinity uptake mechanism is selectively lost in isolated normal rat retinas with mechanical disruption of photoreceptor cells and is inhibited to a greater extent than the nonsaturable mechanism by ouabain and reduced temperature. These studies support the idea that the high affinity uptake mechanism for taurine in rat retinas depends on the presence of viable photoreceptor cells.
Layer-by-Layer Deposition of Thermoresponsive Microgel Thin Films

We report investigations of the assembly of thermoresponsive, 4-acrylamidofluorescein-modified (indicated by an asterisk) poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (pNIPAm-co-AAc*) microgel thin films via a traditional alternate layer deposition protocol. In this work, pNIPAm-co-AAc* microgels have been synthesized and incorporated into thin films by alternatively exposing glass slides functionalized with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane to pNIPAm-co-AAc* microgels, which act as polyanions, and poly(allylamine hydrochloride), which acts as a polycation. Using this method, pNIPAm-co-AAc* microgel thin films have been constructed as confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. Investigations were also conducted on the effect of the microgel deposition temperature on the film morphology and thermoresponsivity. In addition, the thermoresponsivities of the pNIPAm-co-AAc* microgel thin films were studied with respect to the microgel layer number, microgel deposition conditions, and pH. As expected from the solution beh...
Invariant tori for two-dimensional non-integrable Hamiltonians

Abstract The invariant tori of a two-dimensional non-integrable Hamiltonian form families which can be parametrized by the energy and the rotation number. Within each family, the variation with energy is continuous, and the variation with rotation number is governed by the KAM theorem and is everywhere discontinuous. In order to calculate the tori numericaly, we approximate them by highly winding periodic orbits, and we give a criterion for the validity of this approximation. For one particular Hamiltonian, we study the family of tori which connects two distinct families of periodic trajectories. As a by-product of this calculation, we draw the curve bounding the “mostly regular” region, on a plot whose coordinates are the two partial periods of the tori.
AMERICA'S CHANGING METROPOLITAN REGIONS

America's metropolitan areas continue to serve distinct functionalnodal regions. For each region the metropolis is the single most important center of economic organization and culture diffusion. But the classic model of metropolis and region is changing. Business and migration linkages appear to be more national than regional. The regional metropolis is decentralizing and dispersing. The resource-based economy of the region has ceased to support most of the economic growth of the metropolis; meanwhile the metropolis lends increasing economic support to the surrounding region. The existing political-geographic framework is not suited to these changes. National policies are likely to be directed increasingly to management and organizational reforms which recognize both the nature and the inertia of the evolving urban-regional system, and aim to make it work better.
Efficient Targeting of Fatty-Acid Modified Oligonucleotides to Live Cell Membranes through Stepwise Assembly

Lipid modifications provide efficient targeting of oligonucleotides to live cell membranes in a range of applications. Targeting efficiency is a function of the rate of lipid DNA insertion into the cell surface and its persistence over time. Here we show that increasing lipid hydrophobicity increases membrane persistence, but decreases the rate of membrane insertion due to the formation of nonproductive aggregates in solution. To ameliorate this effect, we split the net hydrophobicity of the membrane anchor between two complementary oligonucleotides. When prehybridized in solution, doubly anchored molecules also aggregate due to their elevated hydrophobicity. However, when added sequentially to cells, aggregation does not occur so membrane insertion is efficient. Hybridization between the two strands locks the complexes at the cell surface by increasing net hydrophobicity, increasing their total concentration and lifetime, and dramatically improving their utility in a variety of biomedical applications.
Education in Implant Dentistry

Currently, relatively few dentists are qualified to practice implant dentistry; the demand for dental implants may soon exceed the profession's capacity to deliver this type of treatment. Accordingly, there is a salient need for national standards of education in the field. Implant education varies widely for practicing dentists, postdoctoral students, and predoctoral students. Although many schools are starting to teach implant dentistry in their predoctoral curricula, clinical and laboratory experience is limited. There are not enough trained professors, funding for new departments is limited, and change is often met with resistance. It is anticipated that within the decade, schools will establish departments, divisions, or sections dedicated to education in implant dentistry, despite these obstacles.
What Does Comparative Religion Compare

The term "comparative religion" has disparate meanings. It can refer to the comparison either of whole religions or of specific elements within religion like creation myths, earth gods, and shamans. Alternatively, the term can refer to the study of those who do the comparing. When the term refers to the study of "comparers" from all disciplines, it is equivalent to theories of religion. When the term refers to "comparers" in religious studies alone—persons I call "religionists"—it is identical with the history and phenomenology of religion. Of the hundreds of books on comparative religion, many have been studies of religions or aspects of religion themselves. Others have been studies of theorists of religion. Still others have been studies of historians and phenomenologists of religion. Among contemporary surveys of theorists of religion, Eric Sharpe's Comparative Religion is probably the best known. Other well-known contemporary surveys, some of them selections from theorists themselves, include Jan de Vries' The Study of Religion: A Historical
The role of turboprops in China’s growing aviation system

Abstract The Chinese aviation system is in a period of rapid growth, with significant growth in second tier and emerging cities. Lower density cities could be well served by regional aircraft, either regional jets or turboprops, which offer different qualities and a different future for Chinese aviation. Turboprops offer a high level of fuel efficiency compared with regional jets which may improve the cost economics for carriers and reduce the air quality and climate impacts of a growing aviation system in a region where air quality and greenhouse gas emissions are a serious concern. However, regional jets are known for their superior quality of service and faster travel speeds. We begin with a spatial analysis of existing Chinese short-haul aviation networks and find that turboprops are deployed in limited number and are dispersed throughout the country. Their limited use, however, is not because of their cost economics. For the existing regional jet network we estimate the trade space of fuel and time for the replacement of regional jets with turboprops and find that all regional jet routes in China would generate savings if replaced with turboprops. We next establish future short-haul aviation routes between new and emerging airports and estimate the likelihood that a turboprop will be used. The finding that the most viable turboprop markets are spatially dispersed through the country validates considering turboprop investment at the state-level as a component of the established Chinese aviation sustainability initiative.
Immobilization of chicken liver fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase on CNBr-activated Sepharose.

Chicken liver fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase is readily immobilized on CNBr-activated Sepharose. The immobilization alters some enzymatic properties. They include broader pH activity curve, loss of activation by K+ or NH 4 + , increased resistance to inactivation by trypsin, decreased sensitivity to AMP inhibition, and loss of cooperative interaction among AMP-binding sites. The immobilized enzyme retains about 38% or 19% of the specific activity of the native enzyme when the activity is measured in the absence or presence of K+, resepctively.
Depression and immune function: central pathways to morbidity and mortality.

Objective: The increased morbidity and mortality associated with depression is substantial. In this paper, we review evidence suggesting that depression contributes to disease and death through immune dysregulation. Method: This review focuses on recent human studies addressing the impact of depression on immune function, and the health consequences of those changes. Results: There is growing evidence that depression can directly stimulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines that influence a spectrum of conditions associated with aging, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, periodontal disease, frailty, and functional decline. Additionally, depression can down-regulate the cellular immune response; as a consequence, processes such as prolonged infection and delayed wound healing that fuel sustained proinflammatory cytokine production may be promoted by depression. Conclusions: These direct and indirect processes pose the greatest health risks for older adults who already show age-related increases in proinflammatory cytokine production. Thus, aging interacts with depression to enhance risks for morbidity and mortality.
Personal digital assistants as cognitive aids for high school students with autism: Results of a community-based trial

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of personal digital assistants (PDAs) as task management tools in a sample of transition-age high school students with autism. Method: The group included twenty-two high school students selected from locales across the Commonwealth of Virginia, all of whom carry a diagnosis of autism and exhibit difficulties in performing everyday tasks due to cognitive-behavioral problems. Participants were trained by an occupational therapist to use PDAs as task management tools and participants and their parents completed self-assessments of occupational performance (using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)) before training and eight weeks after training concluded. At the post-assessment, PDAs were examined for recorded appointments and other entries, as evidence of participants' usage, and participants were asked to demonstrate programming the PDA for reminder alarms and other functions, as a measure of their retention of training. Results: Eight weeks after completion of training, the group demonstrated statistically significant improvement on COPM occupational performance and satisfaction with occupational performance scores, all PDA calendars showed reminder alarms scheduled for each day of the week across the eight week post-training period and all participants demonstrated the ability to respond to reminder alarms appropriately. Also, eight weeks after training, most participants (18 of 22 or 82%) were able to program device software, as trained, demonstrating retention of training and suggesting everyday use of the device. All participants attested to everyday device use and said that the device had improved their independence in performing functional activities. Conclusion: A brief training intervention utilizing PDAs as cognitive aids is associated with improved self-ratings of performance and satisfaction in everyday life tasks among a group of high school students with autism. This group also demonstrated retention of training when reassessed eight weeks later, and their devices showed calendar entries across the eight weeks that suggest everyday use.
Improving membrane performance via bentonite polymer nanocomposite

article i nfo Article history: Traditional (non-treated) sodium bentonite has been shown to exhibit substantial semipermeable membrane behavior, or the ability to restrict the migration of solutes. However, partial or complete degradation of the membrane behavior due to diffusion of invading salt cations into the sodium bentonite also has been observed. In this study, a polyacrylate modified bentonite, referred to as a bentonite polymer nanocomposite, or BPN, was evaluated as a potential substitute for sodium bentonite for the purpose of providing increased resistance to salt degradation of membrane behavior. The membrane behavior of the BPN was measured in the laboratory by establishing differences in salt concentrations ranging from 4.7 to 54 mM KCl across specimens contained in either rigid-wall or flexible-wall cells under closed-system boundary conditions. The measured membrane efficiency coefficients, ω, for the BPN specimens were greater than those previously reported for specimens containing sodium bentonite under similar testing conditions. For example, the measured ω values for the BPN specimens ranged from 109% to 433% of those previously reported for the specimens containing traditional sodium bentonite, depending on the initial porosity or initial effective stress of the specimen, the concentration ofKCl,andthetypeoftestcell(rigidvs. flexible),anddespitetheBPNspecimensnotbeing flushedofsolublesalts prior to membrane testing as in the case of the specimens containing sodium bentonite. Thus, the BPN exhibited substantially improved membrane behavior under conditions that presumably were more adverse with respect to soluble salts than those previously reported for specimens containing a sodium bentonite. However, the potential role that any excess low molecular weight polymer in the BPN may have played in affecting the results is uncertain, such that additional testing of the BPN is warranted to better understand the long-term behavior of the BPN.