cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic concerns in vascular surgery: A survey of the role of age, resource consumption, and outcome in treatment cost

Abstract Surgical hospital payment issues and socioeconomic concerns are likely to attract more attention in the future, especially regarding access and the quality of surgical care. We analyzed all peripheral vascular surgical admissions ( n = 1240) by age treated at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center from 1985 to 1987. Hospital cost and length of stay per patient increased with age, as did losses under diagnostic related group (DRG) prospective hospital payment. Hospital cost by hospital service showed considerable variation by age category; outliers, mortality, and the number of diagnoses and procedures generally rose with age. Use of hospital resources, such as emergency or surgical intensive care unit admission, or the need for blood or plasma products was high in general for patients undergoing peripheral vascular surgery. This study demonstrates a number of findings regarding the socioeconomic factors for hospitalized patients undergoing peripheral vascular surgery. Surgical health policy analysis of this specialty vis-a-vis current changes proposed to the federal medicare DRG system in the U.S. Congress and Health Care Financing Administration suggests a relatively greater impact on the specialty of peripheral vascular surgery demonstrated in this study by the use of higher resources of the same. (J Vasc Surg 1989;9:479–86.)
Essential roles of ERKs and p38K in up-regulation of GST A1 expression by Maotai content in human hepatoma cell line Hep3B

It is widely accepted that the consumption of alcohol may lead to hepatic injuries such as hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. However, consumption of Maotai, one of the famous liquors in China, is found to have no obvious relevance with hepatic injury as ordinary white wine does in both epidemiological and histopathological studies. Present study used human hepatoma cell line Hep3B to address the mechanisms involved in the resistance of alcohol-induced hepatic injury by Maotai liquor. We found that exposure of Hep3B cells to Maotai residue without ethanol (MRWE) resulted in the increased GST A1 anti-oxidant responsive element (ARE) transcriptional expression, while MRWE treatment did not affect Nrf-2-dependent transcriptional activity. Those findings were further confirmed at all time points and doses tested, suggesting that GST A1 transcription was regulated by MRWE via an Nrf-2-independent pathway. Consistent with GST A1 induction, the phosphorylation of c-Jun, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and p38 kinase (p38 K), were also observed in MRWE-treated Hep3B cells. Furthermore, pretreatment of cells with either PD98059 (an inhibitor specific for MEK1/2-ERKs pathway) or SB202190 (an inhibitor specific for p38 K) led to a significant decrease in the induction of GST A1 transcriptional expression by MRWE treatment. Our results indicate that certain content in MRWE is able to induce GST A1 ARE transcriptional expression, which may provide protective effects for hepatic cells by antagonizing the oxidative stress derived from ethanol via an ERKs- and p38 K-dependent pathway.
Towards simulation-based business process management: towards simulation-based business process management

Simulation and optimization of business processes can provide a basis for Business Process Management.
Heme-dependent dioxygenases in tryptophan oxidation.

Abstract l -Tryptophan is an essential amino acid for mammals. It is utilized not only for protein synthesis but also for the biosynthesis of serotonin and melatonin by the serotonin pathway as well as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide by the kynurenine pathway. Although the kynurenine pathway is responsible for the catabolism of over 90% of l -tryptophan in the mammalian intracellular and extracellular pools, the scientific field was dominated in the last century by studies of the serotonin pathway, due to the physiological significance of the latter’s catabolic intermediates and products. However, in the past decade, the focus gradually reversed as the link between the kynurenine pathway and various neurodegenerative disorders and immune diseases is increasingly highlighted. Notably, the first step of this pathway, which is catalyzed by heme-dependent dioxygenases, has been proven to be a potential target for immune regulation and cancer treatment. A thorough understanding of the intriguing chemistry of the heme-dependent dioxygenases may yield insight for the drug discovery of these prevalent illnesses. In this review, we survey enzymatic and mechanistic studies, initially started by Kotake and Masayama over 70 years ago, at the molecular level on the heme-dependent tryptophan dioxygenation reactions.
Acidic ethanol extraction of cottonseed

Ethanol (EtOH) is being evaluated as an alternate solvent to hexane for the extraction of glanded cottonseed. Hot EtOH, needed for efficient oil and aflatoxin extraction, binds gossypol to protein. However, this binding can be minimized by acidifying aqueous EtOH with a tribasic acid, such as phosphoric or citric. While this solvent extracts oil and gossypol, it does not affect EtOH’s ability to extract aflatoxin. The defatted cottonseed meals produced from this process contained 0.03% total gossypol (which is lower than meal prepared by most other processes) and the aflatoxin content was reduced from 69 to 2.9 ppb. These are preliminary results and additional research is needed to determine commercial feasibility. The removal of essentially all gossypol from an extracted meal has the potential to expand the use of cottonseed meal as a feed, increasing its value to both the cotton farmer and the seed processor.
Liberation Theology After the End of History: An Exchange

Book Reviewed in this article: Daniel M. Bell, Liberation Theology After the End of History: The Refusal to Cease Suffering
Thermoelastic Ultrasonic Actuator With Piezoresistive Sensing and Integrated Through-Silicon Vias

This paper presents technology development toward the goal of a micromachined acoustic proximity sensor for real-time cavity monitoring of underwater high-speed super-cavitating vehicles. Low-resistance polysilicon-based through-silicon vias (TSVs) have been integrated with the device to enable backside contacts for drive and sense circuitry. The sensor and vias were fabricated in a complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor compatible process using deep reactive ion etching, producing a 1-mm-diameter composite diaphragm and 20-μm-diameter high-aspect-ratio TSVs on a silicon-on-insulator wafer. The diaphragm incorporates a central resistive heater for thermoelastic actuation and diffused piezoresistors for sensing acoustic pressure perturbations. Electrical, mechanical, and acoustic characterizations of the device indicate a transmitter source level of 50 dB (ref 20 μPa) at an operating frequency of 60 kHz, a flat-bandwidth receiving sensitivity of 0.98 μV/(V · Pa), a flat frequency response over the measured range of 1-20 kHz, a linear response from 60 to 140 dB, negligible leakage current for the junction-isolated diffused piezoresistors (<; 14 pA at -10 V), low interconnect resistance of 14 Ω, and a minimum detectable pressure of 31.9 dB for a 1-Hz bin centered at 60 kHz, at a bias of 9 V.
Animal models of diabetes mellitus: physiology and pathology.

Abstract Contents. I. Introduction. II. Chemically induced diabetes in animals . A. Alloxan. B. Streptozotocin. C. Biochemistry of chemically induced diabetes. D. Pathology of chemically induced diabetes. 1. Pancreatic pathology. 2. Renal pathology. 3. Ocular pathology. 4. Nerve pathology. III. Spontaneous diabetes in animals . A. The Chinese hamster. B. The BB/W rat. C. The db and ob mouse. D. The guinea pig. E. Macaca nigra. F. Additional models of spontaneous diabetes. IV. Virus-induced diabetes in animals .
Programming language constructs for which it is impossible to obtain good hoare-like axiom systems

Hoare-like deduction systems for establishing partial correctness of programs may fail to be complete because of (a) incompleteness of the assertion language relative to the underlying interpretation or (b) inability of the assertion language to express the invariants of loops. S. Cook has shown that if there is a complete proof system for the assertion language (e.g. all true statements of the assertion language) and if the assertion language satisfies a certain natural expressibility condition, then sound and complete axiom systems for a fairly large subset of Algol may be devised. We exhibit programming language constructs for which it is impossible to obtain sound and complete sets of Hoare-like axioms even in this special sense of Cook's. These constructs include (i) recursive procedures with procedure parameters in a programming language which uses static scope of identifiers and (ii) coroutines in a language which allows parameterless recursive procedures. Modifications of these constructs for which it is possible to obtain sound and complete systems of axioms are also discussed.
Evaluating exclusionary interventions

In evaluation research, some interventions are designed to affect both the subjects that receive the intervention and those that do not. Preferred provider organizations (PPOs) are an example, because if they are successful, PPOs will direct patients away from non-preferred providers towards preferred providers. When the intervention affects all subjects, the excluded group cannot serve as a control group if one wishes to estimate the experience of subjects in the absence of the intervention. That estimate must come from subjects completely unaffected by the treatment.
Update on uterine artery embolization for symptomatic fibroid disease (uterine artery embolization)

Transcatheter embolization of the uterine arteries for symptomatic fibroid disease has become an increasingly important alternative treatment. It is highly effective and well tolerated by most patients. Most notably, uterine artery embolization is associated with a short recovery period and is uterine sparing. To ensure the best chance for a safe and successful procedure, Interventional Radiologists should have familiarity with uterine artery anatomy, state of the art embolization techniques, and optimal patient selection and post procedure management.
Substitutional effects on the electrical properties of the purple bronze Li0.9Mo6O17

Abstract Dopant-level substitution of tungsten for molybdenum in Li 0.9 Mo 6− x W x O 17 solid solutions is shown to have a large effect on the electrical transport properties, which might be attributed to W interfering with the overlap of t 2g 4d Mo and π 2p orbitals forming the conduction band. With increasing concentration of W, the metal-to-metal transition broadens and shifts to higher temperature. At ∼6 at.% W content the material becomes semiconducting. Effects on the electronic properties are much less dramatic by alkali metal substitution in (Na 1− x Li x ) 0.9 Mo 6 O 17 alloys, since the alkali metals are only indirectly involved in the formation of the band structure. With x = 0, 0.25 and 0.5 the electrical resistivity behaves similar to Na 0.9 Mo 6 O 17 . At x = 0.75 the electrical transport properties are nearly identical to that Li 0.9 Mo 6 O 17 and the supercond uctivity at 2 K is still observed.
Metastable phase formation and enhanced diffusion in f.c.c. alloys under high dose, high flux nitrogen implantation at high and low ion energies

The use of elevated target temperatures near 400 °C during high flux ion implantation of N2+ at energies ranging from 60 keV to 0.4 keV leads to a metastable, f.c.c. high nitrogen solid solution phase induced in austenitic (f.c.c.) Cr-containing stainless steels. This phase has not been produced in an f.c.c. Ni-Fe alloy containing no Cr. Penetration depths of the N are significantly larger than expected on the basis of known diffusion coefficients of N in Cr-containing stainless steels or in pure f.c.c.-Fe. X-ray diffraction data suggest unusual differences in N penetration and concentration depending on the f.c.c. grain orientation. Consideration is given to possible residual stresses induced by N expansion of the lattice and to the anisotropic elastic constants for austenitic stainless steels. The amount of N in interstitial solid solution approaches 40 at.% under the lower energy, higher flux conditions, but only in the (200) crystallographic planes parallel to the surface. The N-expanded f.c.c. phase with the highest amount of N is found by conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy to be magnetic in AISI 304 and 310 stainless steels. A comparison of our results with those from related methods such as conventional plasma ion nitriding and pulsed plasma ion implantation is made to demonstrate that the observed metastable solid solution phase is often produced by other methods provided that appropriate temperatures and processing times are used. The similar penetration depths of N in the f.c.c. Cr-containing stainless steels for the various methods are consistent with thermal diffusion and metastable solubility that are enhanced by the Cr. The metastability is associated with the low Cr mobility below about 450 °C and the strong N-Cr bond. Evidence for vacancy-enhanced diffusion is not found and we see at present no advantage to using ion energies higher than about 2 keV at these elevated temperatures for producing surfaces with optimized tribological behavior based on the extremely high strength, metastable, N solid solution phase.
Seasonal patterns in permeable sediment and water-column biogeochemical properties on the inner shelf of the Middle Atlantic Bight

Abstract This study examines the responsiveness of permeable shelf sediments to seasonal factors affecting cycles of organic matter deposition and erosion. At a site on the inner continental shelf within the Middle Atlantic Bight (39°27′N, 74°14′W; water depth 13 m), sediment inventories of chlorophyll, phaeopigments, and fine particles enriched in organic matter are reported from SCUBA diver-collected cores retrieved during six cruises conducted over 2 years. These measurements provide little evidence for substantial seasonal variation in rates of organic matter accumulation, in spite of the potential for the sinking of large phytoplankton blooms associated with summer upwelling/downwelling events, or for wave orbital motion to cause both phytodetritus and benthic algae to be trapped in sand ripples. Sediment permeability, porosity, grain size, and extracellular proteolytic activity in both coarse and fine fractions showed little seasonality. Instead, a negative correlation between chlorophyll in surface sediments and bottom-water pools ( r 2 =0.56) was observed. Furthermore, overlays of other water-column properties with results of a principal component analysis of sediment variables suggest benthic–pelagic biogeochemical cycling is forced primarily by sediment resuspension events. Wave and current observations made during this study and during previous long-term experiments in the study area show that sediment resuspension stems from bottom stresses produced by both persistent irregular wind-waves and by very intense storm waves that occur in all seasons.
Field-modulated microwave surface resistance in a single-crystal Tl2Ca2BaCu2O8 superconductor.

We report magnetic-field-modulated microwave surface resistance in a single-crystal ${\mathrm{Tl}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Ca}}_{2}$${\mathrm{BaCu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{8}$ superconductor. At a fixed temperature, as the applied magnetic field is varied, the observed signal has two features: an intense sharp peak at low field and a broad maximum at high field. The peak field defined for the broad maximum does not have the same temperature dependence as the irreversiblity line determined from dc magnetization measurement. The results are analyzed on the basis of recent theoretical models. It is found that the flux-flow resistivity ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}_{\mathit{f}}$\ensuremath{\propto}B for B${\mathit{B}}_{\mathrm{peak}}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}_{\mathit{f}}$=const for Bg${\mathit{B}}_{\mathrm{peak}}$. Scaling of the data at different T and B gives a universal function for the surface resistance.
Release of lead from crystal decanters under conditions of normal use.

Abstract The pattern of release of lead (Pb) from crystal was investigated using new and used decanters. Two decanters in use prior to this study yielded significantly less Pb into sherry than did a decanter during its initial use. Pb concentrations in sherry after storage for 2 months reached 50, 163 or 1410 μg/litre in decanters previously used for 20, or for 10 yr, or a new decanter, respectively. The new decanter imparted progressively less Pb through normal use. Pb concentration was assayed in sherry during a series of three separate sampling periods, each 2 months in duration. The Pb concentration at the end of each period was 1410, 330 or 150 μg/litre respectively. These data are consistent with ceramic chemistry theory, which predicts that leaching of Pb from crystal is self-limiting exponentially as a function of increasing distance from the crystal—liquid interface. The results of this investigation support the concept that sufficient ageing of Pb crystal prior to use reduces, to acceptable levels, the human health risk to adults associated with consumption of beverages stored in Pb crystal decanters.
Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in a tetraplegic patient

A tetraplegic patient with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is presented. The presence of an obstructing renal calculus, infection and non-visualisation on the excretory urogram were findings which are similar to others reported in the literature and suggest the diagnosis. Nephrectomy seems to be the treatment of choice because of the severe renal destruction associated with the infection.
Regulation of the myo-inositol and betaine cotransporters by tonicity

Cells of the hypertonic renal medulla accumulate high concentrations of the non-perturbing osmolytes myo-inositol, betaine, and taurine, and are thereby protected from the perturbing effects of hypertonicity. Kidney-derived MDCK cells accumulate high levels of these three non-perturbing osmolytes when cultured in hypertonic medium and have been used to study their accumulation. The increase in the intracellular concentration of these non-perturbing osmolytes is the result of an increase in the abundance of the mRNA for the specific cotransporter for each osmolyte and the ensuing increase in the activity of the three specific sodium coupled transporters. The increased abundance of mRNA for the myo-inositol and the betaine cotransporters is driven by an increase in the rate of transcription of their genes. We have identified a 13 basepair cis-acting element in the 5' flanking region of the gene for the betaine cotransporter. The element is an enhancer that mediates the transcriptional response to hypertonicity. The protein(s) that binds to the tonicity responsive element is much more active in hypertonic than in isotonic cells, and is in all likelihood the mediator of the transcriptional response to changes in tonicity.
Single electron tunneling of nanoscale TiSi2 islands on Si

Nanoscale TiSi2 islands are formed by electron beam deposition of a few monolayers of titanium on an atomically clean silicon surface followed by in situ annealing at high temperatures (800–1000 °C). The lateral diameter of typical islands are ∼5 nm, and they form a nanoscale metal–semiconductor interface. Direct probing of the electrical characteristics of these islands on both p- and n-type Si substrates was performed using ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy and scanning tunneling spectroscopy. With the vacuum between the tip and the island as a second tunnel junction, we thus form a double-junction system for observation of single electron tunneling (SET) effects. Moreover, the small dimensions of the system allow room temperature observation. The results showed features in the I–V spectra attributed to single electron tunneling. Features were more evident when the island–Si junction was in reverse bias. For substrates with a thin epitaxial layer of intrinsic Si, the tunneling related featu...
Harvesting singlet fission for solar energy conversion: one- versus two-electron transfer from the quantum mechanical superposition.

Singlet fission, the creation of two triplet excitons from one singlet exciton, is being explored to increase the efficiency of solar cells and photo detectors based on organic semiconductors, such...
Effective mass in nuclei and the level density parameter

Abstract The influence of momentum and frequency dependence of the nuclear mean field Σ on the level density parameter a is studied. By introducing a local quasiparticle effective mass we determine the volume, surface and curvature coefficients of a, expressed as a = a V A + a S A 2 3 + a c A 1 3 . It is found that the magnitude of ac is significant due to the very nature of the surface. A purely momentum dependent field Σ determined from the nonlocality of the optical potential gives a level density close to a self-consistent Thomas-Fermi description with Skyrme III forces. An explicit frequency dependence of Σ mainly influences as, enhancing it considerably for medium and heavy nuclei.
Infant robotic pyeloplasty: Comparison with an open cohort

Abstract Objective To present our experience with infant pyeloplasty, comparing outcomes between robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) and open pyeloplasty (OP). Materials and methods A retrospective review was performed of all children Results A total of 70 infants (51 boys and 19 girls) were identified, with nine RALP and 61 OP performed. Median age was 9.2 months (range, 3.7–11.9 months) for RALP and 4.1 months (range, 1.0–11.6 months) for OP ( p = 0.005). Median weight was 8 kg (range, 5.8–10.9 kg) for RALP and 7 kg (range, 4–14 kg) for OP ( p = 0.163). Median operative time was 115 min (range, 95–205 min) for RALP and 166 min (range, 79–300 min) for OP ( p = 0.028). Median hospital stay was 1 day (range, 1–2 days) for RALP and 3 days (range, 1–7 days) for OP ( p p p Conclusions Infant RALP was observed to be feasible and efficacious with shorter operative time, hospital stay, and narcotic utilization than OP.
Low power array multiplier design by topology optimization

Left-to-right (L-R) linear array multiplication provides an interesting alternative to the conventional right-to-left (R-L) array multiplication as L-R computation has the potential of saving power and delay. This paper presents topology optimization techniques for low-power L-R array multipliers. These techniques include: interconnect reorganization, addition modules other than 3-to-2 carry save adders for PP reduction, and split array architectures. Our experiments indicate that interconnect reorganization can be a primary choice for L-R array multipliers if power is the critical concern. L-R schemes with optimized interconnect achieve the least power consumption in most cases with relatively small delay. When small power-delay product is the main goal, the more complex split array architectures are good candidates.
Effect of l-dopa administration on rabbit lens and erythrocytes

Abstract Effect of feeding high dosage of l -dopa and a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor, l -isomer of α-hydrazino-α-(3,4-dihydroxybenzyl) propionic acid monohydrate, on the red blood cells and lens of rabbit eye was studied. The plasma l -dopa level increased after feeding l -dopa to rabbits. However, feeding dopa decarboxylase inhibitor along with l -dopa prolonged the persistence of high levels of l -dopa in plasma. Only very small amounts of l -dopa could be detected in the aqueous humor of rabbits fed l -dopa + inhibitor. Dopa decarboxylase activity was totally absent from the lens and was very slight in the red cells. l -Dopa alone or along with dopa decarboxylase inhibitor did not have any effect on the red cell survival in rabbits. Even 5 times the physiological level of plasma l -dopa found after feeding l -dopa + dopa decarboxylase inhibitor did not have any appreciable effect on red cell glutathione in vitro . Feeding l -dopa alone or l -dopa with dopa decarboxylase inhibitor has no cataractogenic effect.
Protein Families That Mediate Ca2+ Signaling in the Cardiovascular System

Abstract Five protein families are known to participate in the signaling cascades that enable calcium ions (Ca 2+ ) to regulate functions in the cardiovascular system. Ca 2+ signaling is involved in muscle contraction, pacemaking, and perhaps cell growth and differentiation. Recent evidence about the molecular properties of Ca 2+ regulatory proteins has suggested possibilities for new therapeutic agents, including T-type Ca 2+ channel blockers for patients with cardiovascular disease. This article reviews new information about Ca 2+ signaling in the heart, vascular smooth muscle, and other tissues. (Am J Cardiol 1996;78(suppl 9A):2-6)
Subcellular distribution of androgen binding sites in cultured Sertoli cells before and after exposure to androgens

Abstract When rat Sertoli cells in culture were exposed to [3H]-labeled androgen over 20 min at 34°C, the concentration of [3H]-androgen-receptor complex in the cytosol fraction rapidly increased and then declined. Over this same interval, total (i.e. occupied plus unoccupied) receptor levels, measured by an exchange assay, also declined. A substantial proportion of the receptor remaining in the cytosol after 20 min was bound to steroid. Concomitant with these changes, the cytosol/nuclear ratio of specifically bound steroid rapidly declined as label accumulated in the paniculate fraction. By 20 min, nuclear bound label often exceeded cytoplasmic receptor depletion. Some cytosol receptor may adhere to particulate matter and be present in the Triton X-100 washes of the crude nuclear pellet. In cells not exposed to androgen, a substantial number of unoccupied, tightly bound nuclear androgen binding sites of high affinity were measured by incubation of washed pellets with labeled steroid at 0°C. Following exposure to labeled steroid at 34°C, the net number of unoccupied nuclear binding sites declined. These data indicate that while some specifically bound steroid in the Sertoli cell nuclear fraction arises from translocation of cytosol receptor complexes, steroid probably also binds to previously unfilled nuclear binding sites.
Microwave-assisted cyanation of an aryl bromide directly on a metal-organic framework

A microwave-assisted postsynthetic modification (PSM) reaction on a metal−organic framework (MOF) has been realized. Cyanation of the Zr4+-based UiO-66-Br was achieved with CuCN and microwave irradiation to produce UiO-66-CN. This protocol represents a notable example of PSM on an aryl halide MOF producing a cyano-functionalized MOF.
Bifurcation control of rotating stall with actuator magnitude and rate limits: Part I-model reduction and qualitative dynamics

Nonlinear qualitative analysis is performed on the Moore-Greitzer model to unfold a geometric picture of the effects of actuator magnitude saturation, bandwidth, and rate limits on active control of rotating stall in axial compressors with bleed valves.
Trancranial Doppler in stroke

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) has been extensively used in various clinical situations, and in the last two decades has established its role in the management of patients with cerebrovascular disease and stroke. Based on the Doppler principle, it uses ultrasound waves to insonate the blood vessels supplying the brain to obtain hemodynamic information. Anatomic abnormalities of vascular occlusion, stenosis and spasm can be indirectly derived. Intracranial arterial disease is an important cause of ischemic stroke and TCD can detect these with a fair amount of sensitivity and specificity. In hemodynamically significant extracranial internal carotid artery disease, TCD shows significant abnormalities in flow dynamics of the anterior circulation and abnormalities of cerebral vasomotor reactivity. A distinct advantage of TCD is the ability to monitor blood flow in a blood vessel over prolonged periods of time, which has shown microembolic signals in acute ischemic stroke, carotid artery disease, atrial fibrillation and during angiography. In acute ischemic stroke, TCD can be used to elucidate stroke mechanisms, plan and monitor treatment, and determine prognosis. In an era when stroke is increasingly being recognized as an emergency requiring immediate treatment, TCD may be capable of providing rapid information about the hemodynamic status of the cerebral circulation, within the time frame of the rather small 'therapeutic window'. TCD predicts vasospasm with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity and because of its non-invasive nature repeated assessments can be performed after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Cancer Cure with Organ Preservation Using Radiation Therapy

In 1987, the American Cancer Society has anticipated that 965000 new cases of invasive cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. About 40% of those patients can be treated for cure with organ preservation using radiation therapy. The basic biologic background for such an approach to the problem has become well established. The clinical data to substantiate the validity of the concept date from 1902 until the present. Organ preservation has become a major and important concept in the management of the patient with invasive cancer. New and innovative techniques for treatment are enabling the organ to be preserved, the cancer to be cured, and appropriate cosmesis and function to be preserved. Many tumor sites are appropriate for this treatment technique, including breast, eye, larynx, prostate, soft tissue sarcomas, etc.
Catholic University’s law library emphasizes space, style and technology

Reviews some of the critical issues to consider when designing an academic law library in the United States from the programming phase to furniture design. Describes how the Judge Kathryn J. DuFour Law Library was conceived as the largest segment of the new Catholic University of American law building. Discusses methods of forecasting space requirements. Focuses on important issues for consideration in modern law libraries such as proper lighting, sufficient power and requirements for electronic data in offices and at reading room carrels. Highlights how law libraries use computer laboratories. Describes key features of the library plan and how good architecture and furniture craftsmanship can marry traditional style with technology. Concludes with student and staff reactions.
Spontaneous sympathetic activity in experimental heart-failure

Es wird bestatigt, dass der Katecholamingehalt des Herzmuskels bei Herzinsuffizienz abnimmt; ein kompensatorischer Anstieg der Reflexaktivitat des sympathischen Nervensystems besteht hingegen nicht.
Beyond the Label: Relationship Between Community Therapists’ Self-Report of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Orientation and Observed Skills

Policy-makers, payers, and consumers often make decisions based on therapists’ reported theoretical orientations, but little is known about whether these labels represent actual or potential skills. Prior to CBT training, therapists (n = 321) reported theoretical orientations. Experts rated CBT competency using the Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale Therapy at pre-, mid-, and post-training. CBT- and non-CBT identified therapists showed equivalent, non-competent baseline CBT skills. CBT-identified therapists showed greater CBT skills at mid-training, but by end of training, groups evidenced equivalent achieved competency. Baseline CBT orientations were neither valid, nor useful markers of later competency. Policy, clinical and research implications are discussed.
Oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in rodent tissues: Impact of diet, water and ontogeny

Abstract Stable oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δD) isotope compositions in heterotroph tissues are known to reflect the seasonal variation of meteoric water intake and dietary inputs. However, the magnitude of the seasonal signal recorded in different tissues of ecological and geological significance has not been fully established. In addition, the effects of organism age and body size on tissue δ18O and δD values remain unexplored. This paper examines carbonate and phosphate oxygen (δ18O) from tooth enamel, and the oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δD) values from the bone collagen, subcutaneous fat, and hair of rats raised on a monotonous diet approaching constant hydrogen and oxygen isotopic composition and local drinking water. The rats were of two age classes, post-weaning (40 g) and mature (375 g), and from two different hydrological regions (Houston, Texas, USA and Germantown, New York, USA) having dissimilar tap water isotopic values but a single food source with nearly identical hydrogen and oxygen values. Significant differences in the tissue δD and δ18O of post-weaning and mature rats were found; however these ontogenetic differences did not completely obscure the contribution of drinking water δ18O and δD. Animals raised under different hydrological regimes had distinct tissue δD and δ18O values. Apatite(carbonate), apatite(phosphate), hair, collagen and subcutaneous fat δ18O reflect varying proportions of the difference in drinking water δ18O values. Phosphate oxygen in enamel apatite appears most sensitive to drinking water δ18O differences, while subcutaneous fat of adult rats appears to best reflect the differences in the δD of the drinking water sources. An examination of the statistical significance associated with the isotopic differences in δD and δ18O between the Texas and New York rat tissues suggests that differences in the isotopic composition of local water of less than 2.5‰ in δ18O and 10–20‰ in δD may be invisible in tissue values of archeological, palaeontological, or ecological interest unless isotopically distinct food resources contribute to regional isotopic separations.
Electronic and optical properties of 4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b']bithiophene derivatives and their 4-heteroatom-substituted analogues: a joint theoretical and experimental comparison.

The electronic and optical properties of 2,6-dialkyl and 2,6-bis(5-alkyl-2-thienyl) derivatives of the fused-ring systems 4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b′]bithiophene, 4,4-di-n-hexyl-4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b′]bithiophene, 4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b′]bithiophene-4-one, 4-alkyl and 4-aryldithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole, 4-phenyldithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]phosphole, 4-phenyldithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]phosphole 4-oxide, dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene, dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene 4-oxide, and dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene 4,4-dioxide have been compared to those of the analogous unbridged 5,5′-substituted 2,2′-bithiophene derivatives using electrochemistry, UV−visible absorption and emission spectroscopy, and DFT and TD-DFT calculations. The planarization in the fused-ring compounds means that the methylene-bridged cyclopentabithiophenes are more readily oxidized than their unbridged bithiophene analogues. In each case, the bridging group (X) lies on a nodal plane of the HOMO; accordingly, within each series of fuse...
Understanding one's place in the watershed: How earth science can inform perceptions about the future of the New Orleans region

Abstract The Gulf Coast region will continue to be influenced by natural events including hurricanes, tornadoes, river flooding, as well as development of barrier islands and the elimination of wetlands and coastal wetland forests. These factors need to be placed in the context of rising sea levels, changing temperatures, and modified weather patterns resulting from global climate change. Even though the public focus and news media are currently following the reconstruction of New Orleans, it is urgent that the circumstances leading to the hurricane disaster be placed into a broader public understanding of anthropogenic changes in river systems within the US and the world. Earth sciences can inform our perceptions only if our society begins to understand our position and responsibilities in the wider realms of “place,” locally, regionally, and globally. Earth sciences should be taught as an integrated whole in courses. Two issues in particular must be understood: biotic integrity of watersheds and sustainable use of water resources.
Preparation and Dissolution Characteristics of Several Fast-Release Solid Dispersions of Griseofulvin

A marked increase of dissolution rates and attainments of supersaturation of griseofulvin were found when dispersed in the matrices of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000, 6000, 20,000, pentaerythritol, pentaerythrityl tetraacetate, and citric acid by the fusion or solvent methods. The exact physical nature of these dispersion system are not determined. It is believed, however, that some griseofulvin is molecularly and/or colloidally dispersed in the PEG polymers due to their highly viscous and supercooling effect which will retard the nucleation and growth of griseofulvin precipitation during the solidification process. Pentaerythritol and pentaerythrityl tetraacetate which are globular compounds with the high degree of deformation of crystal lattice allowed are believed to form limited or complete solid solutions with griseofulvin. The melt of griseofulvin-citric acid mixture is highly viscous. It required several days of standing at 37° in order to transform to a form (glassy) which could then be pulverized. The resultant glass solution is believed to represent a new class of physical modification of drugs exhibiting strikingly fast dissolution rate of griseofulvin.
The adsorption of thiophene and tetrahydrothiophene on several faces of platinum

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, TPD, and HREELS were used to investigate the adsorption and desulfurization of thiophene and tetrahydrothiophene on Pt(111), Pt(100), and Pt(210). On all of these surfaces, thiophene was found to desulfurize at 350 K to form a multiply-bound cyclic structure which dehydrogenated above 400 K. Tetrahydrothiophene appears to undergo ring opening upon adsorption on Pt(100)5×20 at 175 K. Heating to 350 K causes desulfurization of the molecule and the formation of a C 4 species identical to that produced by thiophene desulfurization on platinum. Implications of these results are discussed.
Profits and nitrate leaching under irrigated corn: a simulation

The economic impact of reducing the amount of nitrate leached out of the root zone under irrigation in the arid West was examined. The economic incentives of irrigation management were evaluated under the assumptions of both profit-maximizing and utility-maximizing (in reducing cost and effort expended in irrigation) decision-making criteria. The results indicate that there is a coincidence of interests of the farmer and the environment provided some leaching occurred. If no leaching is allowed, profit decreases markedly. Both behaviors result in less nitrate leaching than less profitable or less utility-producing irrigating practices.
Arterial oxygen desaturation in adult dental patients receiving conscious sedation

Abstract Forty-six adults undergoing dental procedures were monitored with a pulse oximeter for hypoxemia. Thirty-six patients received various amounts and combinations of central nervous system depressant drugs (barbiturates, sedatives, and narcotics) in addition to local anesthetics to produce a state of conscious sedation. Twenty-eight patients in the latter group received supplemental oxygen. Ten subjects served as a control group and received only local anesthesia without supplemental oxygen. Continuous monitoring by pulse oximetry revealed 151 episodes of mild, 132 of moderate, and 33 of severe arterial oxygen desaturation, although clinical signs of hypoxemia were absent. Patients with a body mass index > 30 or those with a smoking history > 30 pack-years were particularly prone to arterial oxygen desaturation.
Centromere Function and Nondisjunction Are Independent Components of the Maize B Chromosome Accumulation Mechanism

Supernumerary or B chromosomes are selfish entities that maintain themselves in populations by accumulation mechanisms. The accumulation mechanism of the B chromosome of maize (Zea mays) involves nondisjunction at the second pollen mitosis, placing two copies of the B chromosome into one of the two sperm. The B chromosome long arm must be present in the same nucleus for the centromere to undergo nondisjunction. A centromere, containing all of the normal DNA elements, translocated from the B chromosome to the short arm of chromosome 9 was recently found to be epigenetically silenced for centromeric function. When intact B chromosomes were added to this genotype, thus supplying the long arm, the inactive centromere regained the property of nondisjunction causing the translocation chromosome 9 to be differentially distributed to the two sperm or resulted in chromosome breaks in 9S, occasionally producing new translocations. Translocation of the inactive B centromere to chromosome 7 transferred the nondisjunction property to this chromosome. The results provide insight into the molecular and evolutionary basis of this B chromosome accumulation mechanism by demonstrating that nondisjunction is caused by a process that does not depend on normal centromere function but that the region of the chromosome required for nondisjunction resides in the centromeric region.
Deformation behavior of solder alloys under variable strain rate shearing & creep conditions

The rate-dependent deformation behavior of Sn3.8AgO.7Cu Pb-free alloy and Sn-Pb eutectic alloy under constant and variable shearing strain rates and creep conditions was studied systematically with thin-walled specimens using a biaxial servo-controlled tension-torsion material testing system. The shearing tests were conducted at strain rates between 10/sup -6//sec to 10/sup -1//sec. Variable strain rate tests were also conducted for sudden strain rates change and stress relaxation to study the post-yielding flow stress dependency on stress. Shearing creep tests were carried at room temperatures under a variety of stress level. It is believed that such a fundamental study of deformation behavior of solder alloys under complex stress conditions is important to understand effects of soldering processes and microstructures on solder interconnect reliability, and also to implement sophisticated 3D time-dependent nonlinear FEM analyses on electronic packages and assemblies.
Socioeconomic and behavioral risk factors for mortality in a national 19-year prospective study of U.S. adults.

Many demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral risk factors predict mortality in the United States. However, very few population-based longitudinal studies are able to investigate simultaneously the impact of a variety of social factors on mortality. We investigated the degree to which demographic characteristics, socioeconomic variables and major health risk factors were associated with mortality in a nationally-representative sample of 3,617 U.S. adults from 1986-2005, using data from the 4 waves of the Americans’ Changing Lives study. Cox proportional hazard models with time-varying covariates were employed to predict all-cause mortality verified through the National Death Index and death certificate review. The results revealed that low educational attainment was not associated with mortality when income and health risk behaviors were included in the model. The association of low-income with mortality remained after controlling for major behavioral risks. Compared to those in the “normal” weight category, neither overweight nor obesity was significantly associated with the risk of mortality. Among adults age 55 and older at baseline, the risk of mortality was actually reduced for those were overweight (hazard rate ratio=0.83, 95% C.I. = 0.71 – 0.98) and those who were obese (hazard rate ratio=0.68, 95% C.I. = 0.55 – 0.84), controlling for other health risk behaviors and health status. Having a low level of physical activity was a significant risk factor for mortality (hazard rate ratio=1.58, 95% C.I. = 1.20 – 2.07). The results from this national longitudinal study underscore the need for health policies and clinical interventions focusing on the social and behavioral determinants of health, with a particular focus on income security, smoking prevention/cessation, and physical activity.
Bubble domain propagation and sensing

A review is given of the state of the art of propagation and sensing means for bubble domain devices. In the past three years, bit density has increased a thousandfold, from 2000 bits/in2to 2 million bits/in2. Drive field requirements and sensor efficiency have remained nearly constant. A unified theory of device design is only now beginning to appear, but experimental evidence so far suggests that devices with submicron bubbles and 100 million bits/in2are only a matter of time.
Adaptive polling schemes for an ATM bus

The authors consider a high-speed ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) bus, which can serve a small number of stations ( >
Modeling the nonlinearity of superconducting strip transmission lines

The use of the Ginzburg-Landau (GL) theory to predict the nonlinear behavior in a superconducting stripline resonator as a function of input current is reported. A method for calculating the nonlinear inductance and the fractional change in the resonant frequency ( Delta f/f) of a stripline resonator is presented. By solving the GL equations inside the superconducting strip, the spatial variation of the number density of superconducting electrons and, hence, the spatial variation of the magnetic penetration depth are obtained for different values of input current. First, an infinite parallel plate transmission line is considered where the one-dimensional GL equations are solved. The two-dimensional case of a stripline is then considered. Nonlinear inductances are calculated as functions of input current for different superconducting striplines. Comparisons of the calculated Delta f/f with measurements for YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ stripline resonators show excellent agreement. >
CONSEQUENCES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNDER THE KLIEG LIGHTS

This article deals with an open government innovation that many cities are adopting: television coverage of city council meetings. Based on survey data from Wichita, Kansas, which has had such coverage for over a decade, it is shown that less-educated, lower-income, and minority individuals watch the coverage at least as much as the more-advantaged segments of the community. Reasons for interest in the coverage on the part of the disadvantaged are explored. The “knowledge gap” and “videomalaise” arguments suggest possible unintended and undesirable consequences of the broadcasts, but neither argument is found to be applicable in this case.
Is S-nitrosylation of Cochlear Proteins a Critical Factor in Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity?

Abstract S-nitrosylation is a redox-sensitive protein modification, which is a highly specific, but reversible mechanism that regulates several signal transduction cascades. Oxidative stress plays a causal role in the ototoxic effects of an anti-neoplastic drug, cisplatin. Despite emerging evidence implicating nitroxidative stress as a critical factor in cisplatin toxicity, the significance of the cochlear protein S-nitrosylation in cisplatin ototoxicity is yet to be understood. In the present study, a 16-mg/kg dose of cisplatin, induced a significant shift in the amplitudes of distortion product otoacoustic emissions, a measure of outer hair cell activity, in Wistar rats, 3 days post-treatment. These ototoxic effects were accompanied by significant increases in the S-nitrosylation of at least three cochlear proteins. Biological significance of these S-nitrosylated proteins was indicated by their immunolocalization in organ of Corti, stria vascularis, and spiral ganglions, which are known cochlear targets...