cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantum chemical study of the mechanism of action of vitamin K carboxylase in solvent

We investigate the post-translational generation of Gla (γ-carboxy glutamic acid) from Glu (glutamic acid) by vitamin K carboxylase (VKC) in solvent. VKC is thought to convert vitamin K, in the vitamin K cycle, to an alkoxide-epoxide form, which then reacts with CO(2) to generate an essential ingredient in blood coagulation, γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla). The generation of Gla from Glu is found to be exergenic (-15 kcal/mol) in aqueous solution with the SM6 method. We also produced the free energy profile for this model biochemical process with other solvent methods (polarizable continuum model, dielectric polarizable continuum model) and different dielectric constants. The biological implications are discussed.
Effects of selenium levels in ewe diets on selenium in milk and the plasma and tissue selenium concentrations of lambs

Abstract The objective of this 504 day experiment was to evaluate and compare the effects of six levels of dietary selenium (Se) on ewes’ milk and the Se status of their lambs prior to weaning. Sodium selenite was added to a basal diet to provide 0.2 (control), 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 mg/kg dietary Se for ewes during gestation and lactation over two lambings. Colostrum Se ranged from 257 to 3542 μg/L and increased linearly as dietary Se increased ( P P 12 mg/kg Se produced higher milk Se than controls. Blood samples were collected from lambs before nursing and at 3, 28, and 56 days of age to evaluate plasma Se concentrations. At birth, lamb plasma Se ranged from 74 to 775 μg/L and was affected ( P P P
Seasonal Activity and Relative Abundance of Amblyomma americanum in Mississippi

Ecological investigations of the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.), were conducted in 3 adjacent 60-m2 plots, located in Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Noxubee County, Mississippi. Ticks were collected weekly from July 1992 to July 1993 by flagging randomly selected lanes. During the year, larval ticks were collected first in early July, with peak numbers in September, and they were collected no later than late October. Nymphal ticks were collected from mid-March to late October, with peak numbers occurring in mid-May and early August. Adult ticks were found initially in early March, with peak numbers from mid-May to mid-June and were no longer collected by late August. Analyses of meteorological data indicated that the most influential parameter on tick activity was humidity.
Airborne radioactivity measurements from the chernobyl plume

Airborne gamma-ray measurements were made aboard the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) DC-3 and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) King Air research aircraft before and during the first passage of the Chernobyl radioactive cloud over the west coast of the North American continent. Measurements were made from Anchorage, Alaska south to Reno, Nevada. Calculated trajectories were used to estimate the location of the Chernobyl plume. The in-situ gamma-ray analysis systems first detected the cloud on May 8, 1986. Subsequent analysis of concurrently collected air filters indicated that the leading edge of the plume was just reaching the west coast of the United States on May 6, 1986. The ratios of the observed volatile radionuclides (131I and134Cs normalized to137Cs) agreed with the reported discharge ratio.
Spatial mapping of 23Na NMR signals by two-dimensional rotating frame imaging.

The reconstruction of two-dimensional spatial images with 0.5-mm resolution using radio frequency gradients generated by an NMR coil system rotated about the sample is demonstrated for 23Na. The method retains chemical shift, should be capable of mapping T1 and T2 information, and might offer sensitivity advantages for nuclides with short T2. © 1990 Academic Press, Inc.
Interactivity Versus Interaction: What Really Matters for State Legislature Web Sites?:

The Internet, not unlike previous communication technologies, has been predicted to dramatically change the nature of democracy. The interactive nature of Web sites, in particular, is seen as the basis for a new cyberdemocracy. Although the definition of interactivity is less than precise, an evaluation of state legislature Web sites finds them lacking many features that could be considered interactive. Furthermore, the degree of a site’s interactivity was not strongly correlated to a site’s use. Web sites can also foster interaction, both on- and off-site, through interactive and noninteractive features. When sites were examined for their potential to foster interaction, there was a strong relationship with site use. The current focus on interactivity may obscure the potential to promote interaction and lead to an overemphasis on interactive features that are sometimes nothing more than high-tech gimmicks.
Coleridge: Nature, the Conversation Poems and the Structure of Meditation

Recherche d'une structure formelle commune a ces poemes. Manifestation de l'imagination romantique: sur un rapport entre les poetes metaphysiques et les romantiques. L'association de l'image de nature: vision de la nature comme force spirituelle.
Development and Long‐Term In Vivo Evaluation of a Biodegradable Urethane‐Doped Polyester Elastomer

We have recently reported upon the development of crosslinked urethane-doped polyester (CUPE) network elastomers, which was motivated by the desire to overcome the drawbacks presented by crosslinked network polyesters and biodegradable polyurethanes for soft tissue engineering applications. Although the effect of the isocyanate content and post-polymerization conditions on the material structure-property relationship was examined in detail, the ability of the diol component to modulate the material properties was only studied briefly. Herein, we present a detailed report on the development of CUPE polymers synthesized using diols 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 methylene units in length in order to investigate what role the diol component plays on the resulting material's physical properties, and assess their long-term biological performance in vivo. An increase in the diol length was shown to affect the physical properties of the CUPE polymers primarily through lowered polymeric crosslinking densities and elevated material hydrophobicity. The use of longer chain diols resulted in CUPE polymers with increased molecular weights resulting in higher tensile strength and elasticity, while also increasing the material hydrophobicity to lower bulk swelling and prolong the polymer degradation rates. Although the number of methylene units largely affected the physical properties of CUPE, the choice of diol did not affect the overall polymer cell/tissue-compatibility both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, we have established the diol component as an important parameter in controlling the structure-property relationship of the polymer in addition to diisocyanate concentration and post-polymerization conditions. Expanding the family of CUPE polymers increases the choices of biodegradable elastomers for tissue engineering applications.
Investigation of Light Interaction With Transient Expanding Thick Flames

Optical behavior of spherical flames has been investigated using Shadowgraph method. A mathematical model has been developed to predict the intensity profile of refracted light beams interacting with a transient expanding thick flame. Experimental facilities have been built to visualize transient expanding spherical flames. Facilities include a cylindrical chamber with two end glasses for optical observation. Shadowgraph pictures of flame propagation have been taken using a high speed Charged Coupled Device camera. Flame edge has been located using the mathematical model and it has been compared to experimental measurements. Experimental results are in very good agreement with those predicted by the theoretical model.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Creation of a Bacterial Cell Controlled by a Chemically Synthesized Genome

We report the design, synthesis, and assembly of the 1.08-mega-base pair Mycoplasma mycoides JCVI-syn1.0 genome starting from digitized genome sequence information and its transplantation into a M. capricolum recipient cell to create new M. mycoides cells that are controlled only by the synthetic chromosome. The only DNA in the cells is the designed synthetic DNA sequence, including "watermark" sequences and other designed gene deletions and polymorphisms, and mutations acquired during the building process. The new cells have expected phenotypic properties and are capable of continuous self-replication.
Examination of battery-related electric vehicle track and field measurements

The US Department of Energy Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Program activities include on-the-road evaluation of electric vehicles (EVs) by site operators at several locations throughout the US. Daily vehicle operation and maintenance logs and energy input data are recorded by these site operators, which provide useful operating information about the EV fleet of more than 500 vehicles. However, in evaluating improved products and components or in assessing the capabilities of vehicles equipped with different batteries, more detailed engineering data are required. To acquire the needed data and to better understand the differences in performance observed under field and laboratory conditions, an onboard instrumentation system is essential. Such a system is discussed.
Self assembly of mixtures of collagen α-chains☆

Abstract As part of an effort to understand the mechanism of assembly of collagen polypeptide chains into triple-helical rod shaped molecules, we have assessed the role of the proportions of α1 to α2 chains in the starting solutions in determining the composition of renatured collagen. Solutions of different ratios of α1 and α2 chains, one of which was labelled with [14C]- or [3H]glycine, were renatured to form triple-helical, rod-shaped molecules, then cross-linked intramolecularly with formaldehyde. Specific radioactivity measurement and chromatographic elution profiles demonstrated that the composition of the resultant molecules, (α1)3, (α1)2α2, α1(α2)2 and (α2)3, depended on the relative proportions of α chains in the starting solution.
Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Responsive to Anakinra

We describe a 3-month-old infant who presented to our institution with interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist deficiency (DIRA), which consists of neutrophilic pustular dermatosis, periostitis, aseptic multifocal osteomyelitis, and persistently high acutephase reactants. Skin findings promptly improved upon initiation of treatment with anakinra (recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist), and the bony lesions and systemic inflammation resolved with continued therapy.
Quality and safety considerations in stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy: Executive summary

In summary, SRS and SBRT require a team-based approach, staffed by appropriately trained and credentialed specialists. SRS and SBRT training should become a required part of radiation oncology residency training and of Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs accredited clinical medical physics training. SRS and SBRT require significant resources in personnel, specialized technology, and implementation time. A thorough feasibility analysis of resources required to achieve the clinical and technical goals must be performed and discussed with all personnel, including medical center administration. Because various disease sites may have different clinical and technical requirements, feasibility and planning discussions are needed prior to undertaking new disease sites. Treatment of SRS/SBRT patients should adhere to established national guidelines. Acceptance and commissioning protocols and tests must be developed to explore in detail every aspect of the individual and integrated systems with the goal of ensuring safe and effective operation. A comprehensive quality assurance program, encompassing all clinical, technical, and patient-specific treatment aspects, must be developed to ensure SRS and SBRT are performed in a safe and effective manner. Patient safety in radiation therapy is everyone's responsibility. Professional organizations, regulators, vendors, and end-users must demonstrate a clear commitment to working closely together to ensure the highest levels of safety and efficacy in stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy.
Organizing attention: Responses of the bureaucracy to agenda disruption

Federal agencies are routinely confronted with requests from policymakers that they must address in some manner. These range from routine directives to cut through red tape to exceptional demands to alter policy priorities. We theorize that how attention is organized by public bureaucracies affects their responses. We draw on a variety of scholarship about public bureaucracies to develop a theory about the bureaucratic organization of attention and its consequences. In illustrating these notions, we trace federal agency attention to the threat of terrorism as it gained prominence on the national policy agenda over the 1980s to 1990s and became a prominent issue after the terrorist attacks of 2001. The consequences of the Department of Homeland Security's centralized attention to the terrorism threat suggest a paradox of issue attention. Though concentration of authority at the top of the organization holds the prospect of control over the substance and speed of policymaking, this control is highly circumscribed by the limits of attention faced by all organizations.
DIAGNOSING PREGNANCY, IN UTERO LITTER SIZE, AND FETAL GROWTH WITH ULTRASOUND IN WILD, FREE-RANGING WOLVES

We document the accuracy, efficacy, and safety of ultrasound in estimating reproductive characteristics of gray wolves(Canislupus)incentralAlaska.Weexamined68adultfemalewolveswithultrasoundduringlateMarchand early April to diagnose pregnancy and litter size. Seventy-two percent were pregnant. We compared ultrasound diagnoses with postmortem embryo or placental scar counts in 14 females that died within 10 months of being examinedbyultrasound;allultrasoundandpostmortemexaminationsagreedinthediagnosesofpregnancy.Among 12 pregnant females, 6 agreed exactly in fetal count, 11 were within 1 fetus, and all were within 2 fetuses. In the postmortem sample we detected a decline in average placental scar color density between mid-September and midFebruary. Radiocollared females were monitored from the air to estimate denning rates. Distance from the den declined as parturition approached, but few females localized near dens before parturition. Among 46 pregnant femalesdiagnosedbyultrasound,80.4%enteredandremainedatdens,15.2%failedtoenterdens,and4.4%denned but abandoned the den within 1 week. None of the females diagnosed as nonpregnant entered dens. We present modelsoffetalgrowthfromultrasoundmeasurementsofembryonicvesiclediameters(EVD)orcrown‐rumplength (CRL) of in utero fetuses. CRL was a better predictor of gestational age (r 2 ¼ 0.92) than was EVD (r 2 ¼ 0.79). We found no evidence that capture of females during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy affected denning or productivity.
Angels and Demons Are Among Us Assessing Individual Differences in Belief in Pure Evil and Belief in Pure Good

We conducted five studies to demonstrate that individuals' beliefs in pure evil (BPE) and in pure good (BPG) are valid and important psychological constructs. First, these studies together demonstrated that BPE and BPG are reliable, unitary, and stable constructs each composed of eight theoretically interdependent dimensions. Second, these studies showed that across a wide variety of different measures, higher BPE consistently related to greater intergroup aggression (e.g., supporting the death penalty and preemptive military aggression) and less intergroup prosociality (e.g., opposing criminal rehabilitation, proracial policies, and beneficial social programs), while higher BPG consistently related to less intergroup aggression (e.g., opposing proviolent foreign relations and torture) and greater intergroup prosociality (e.g., supporting criminal rehabilitation and support for diplomacy). In sum, these studies evidence that BPE and BPG relate to aggressive and prosocial orientations toward others and have strong potential to advance current theories on prejudice, aggression, and prosociality.
Self-Monitoring and Value-Expressive vs. Utilitarian Ad Effectiveness: Why the Mixed Findings?

Abstract Ad researchers have been concerned with the impact of self-monitoring on ad appeal preference for the last decade. It was originally proposed that high self-monitors (people with a great tendency to react to situational social cues) should favor value-expressive appeals which demonstrate the social image that can be attained by using the product, and low self-monitors should favor utilitarian appeals. After ten years and many empirical studies, there is only weak support for this proposal. A critical review of previous findings indicates that the mixed results may have occurred because the self-monitoring scale is multidimensional, but researchers use it as a unidimensional scale. In addition, differences between types of image appeals and types of products have been largely ignored. Furthermore, theoretical justifications of the proposed relationship between self-monitoring and ad preference have varied and been inconsistent between researchers. This paper proposes that there are protective and ...
The palliation of esophageal carcinoma

There has been limited success in treating esophageal carcinoma over the last 40 years. Despite improvements in radiation therapy, surgical approaches, and chemotherapy, the mortality rate from this disease has shown little change. In the majority of patients, palliation is the major issue that must be addressed. A wide variety of modalities are currently available for this purpose. The lack of comparative studies of these modalities limits our ability to make specific general recommendations. An approach to patients with esophageal carcinoma should be multidisciplinary, using available expertise to choose from the wide variety of available modalities, both established and new. Major efforts are needed to collect prospective data that will allow specific recommendations to be made regarding the best, most effective, and least expensive, methods of palliation while new methods of treatment for cure are sought.
Relative Bioavailability of Aspirin Gum

The bioavailability of aspirin gum relative to unbuffered aspirin tablets was determined in six normal volunteers. Twenty-four hours following the administration of two aspirin tablets, 91.2 +/- 1.7% (SE) of the 648-mg dose was recovered in the urine. The relative bioavailability of aspirin gum was 69.5 +/- 3.4% (SE), based on cumulative 4-hr urinary excretion of total salicylate after the chewing of three gum tablets for 15 min. The chewed gum was analyzed for total salicylate and contained an average of 37.8% of the administered dose. When added to the cumulative amount of total salicylate excreted in the urine at 24 hr after dosing, the salicylate contained in the chewed gum accounted for essentially 100% of the dose administered. Chewing aspirin gum for up to 30 min did not significantly (p greater than 0.05) reduce the amount of salicylate entrapped in the gum base when compared to chewing times of 5, 10, and 15 min. Based on the results of this study, four pieces of aspirin gum would be needed to provide the same amount of salicylate to the general circulation as two 324-mg aspirin tablets.
Self-deception vs. self-caused deception: A comment on professor Mele

Mele's study of philosophical and psychological theories of self-deception informatively links the conceptual and dynamic aspects of self-deception and explicates it without positing mutually inconsistent beliefs, such as those occurring in two-person deception. It is argued, however, that he does not do full justice to the dissociation characteristic of self-deception and does not sufficiently distinguish self-deception from self-caused deception.
Dentistry in a neighborhood health center: an evaluation.

In this report, Dr. Posnick presents a comprehensive view of the organization and activity of a neighborhood health center in Pilot City — a low-income section of Minneapplis.
Space charge limits in proton synchrotrons

Abstract A simulation program has been written to study the effects of space charge and to compute the space charge limit in circular accelerators. This program tracks particles through the elements of the accelerator lattice, representing the space charge force as a kick at the exit and entrance of each element. The results of the simulation study indicate that the intrinsic space charge limit appears to play a dominant role in determining the space charge limit. The intrinsic space charge limit is the space charge limit in the absence of magnetic field errors, and is the limit due to forces generated by the beam itself. The intrinsic limit appears to provide an upper bound for the space charge limit which is not far from what is actually achieved by three operating accelerators. The presence of resonances due to magnetic field errors becomes important only when the beam intensity gets close to the intrinsic limit, and can prevent the accelerator from achieving the intrinsic limit. The results of the simulation study are compared with measured results for three existing accelerators. Results are also given for the proposed AGS booster.
Dipole strengths and rotational strengths from dispersion for quartz

Abstract Literature data on the refractive dispersion of quartz, over the wavelength span, 0·224–3·09 μ, are matched by the equation n 2 = 1·350041 + 1·0068013λ 2 (λ 2 − 0·010593776) + 1·165451λ 2 (λ 2 − 105·04887) to ±0·93 in the fifth decimal place of n. The corresponding equation for fused silica, n 2 = 1·263685 + 0·8405792λ 2 (λ 2 − 0·010444828) + 0·8821964λ 2 (λ 2 − 96·57026) matches the literature to ±1·54 in the fifth decimal place of n. These correspond in quartz to a transition of ƒ-value 11·9 at effectively 97,200 cm−1 and one of ƒ = 1·39 × 10 −3 at effectively 976 cm−1. For fused silica, ƒ = 12·2 at 97,800 cm−1 and 1·39 × 10−3 at 1018 cm−1. Averaged dipole strengths (c.g.s. units) are 114 × 10−17 and 1·3 × 10−17 for the u.v. and i.r. absorptions respectively. The differences in n are ascribable primarily to the differences in specific gravity of the crystalline and glassy materials. The ultra-violet wavelength of the refractive dispersion in quartz is essentially the same as that of the rotatory dispersion (as nφ) reported previously. The rotatory strengths of the positive and negative dichroic terms are equal within 2 per cent, with average value 9·6 × 10−38 erg cm3/molecule. The dissymmetry ratio, Δ e e , is computed to be 0·74 × 10−3 (3 times this on some assumptions), comparable with quite weak dichroism for an organic asymmetric molecule.
Plasma reactions of methane in nitrogen and nitrogen/oxygen carriers by matrix isolation FTIR spectroscopy

The plasma-induced reactions of traces of methane in nitrogen and nitrogen/oxygen carriers have been investigated by freezing the products onto a 10 K CsI substrate and performing FTIR analysis on the product mixture. Isotopic substitution studies have been used to assist in identification of reaction intermediates and final products. A combination of low (10 mTorr) and high (2 Torr) pressure discharges has also been used to help in the identification of these products. Oxygen concentration was increased in a stepwise fashion to determine its effect on the reaction product distribution. In the present work, methyl radical was the principal product in low-pressure N2/CH4 plasmas, and small amounts of HCN and NH3 were also produced. In the higher-pressure plasmas, HCN and NH3 were the principal products. As O2 was added to the plasmas, CO, H2O, CO2, N2O, NO, O3, HONO, and HNO3 were produced in approximately the order shown, i.e., CO was formed in good yield at low oxygen partial pressures, but HNO3 was produced only in slight yield even at the highest oxygen pressures used in this work. These results are discussed in terms of the development of a plasma device having potential application for destruction of environmentally hazardous materials and how trace organic pollutants might react in such a system.
Distinct predictors of pre‐ versus post‐discharge venous thromboembolism after hepatectomy: analysis of 7621 NSQIP patients

Abstract Objectives Hepatectomy patients are known to be at significant risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), but previous studies have not differentiated pre‐ versus post‐discharge events. This study was designed to evaluate the timing, rate and predictors of pre‐ (‘early’) versus post‐discharge (‘late’) VTE. Methods All patients undergoing elective hepatectomy during 2005–2010 and recorded in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participant use file were identified. Perioperative factors associated with 30‐day rates of early and late VTE were analysed. Results A total of 7621 patients underwent 4553 (59.7%) partial, 802 (10.5%) left, 1494 (19.6%) right and 772 (10.1%) extended hepatectomies. Event rates were 1.9% for deep venous thrombosis, 1.2% for pulmonary embolus and 2.8% for VTE. Of instances of VTE, 28.6% occurred post‐discharge. The median time of presentation of late VTE was postoperative day 14. Multivariate analysis determined that early VTE was associated with age ≥75 years [odds ratio (OR) 1.92, P = 0.007], male gender (OR 1.87, P = 0.002), intraoperative transfusion (OR 2.49, P 240 min (OR 2.28, P P P 240 min (OR 2.35, P = 0.008), OSI (OR 3.78, P P = 0.011). Conclusions Late VTE events occur in patients with clearly identifiable intraoperative and postoperative risk factors. This provides a rationale for the selective use of post‐discharge VTE chemoprophylaxis in high‐risk patients.
Continuous Deep Sedation in End-of-Life Care: Disentangling Palliation From Physician-Assisted Death

Chervenak and McCullough (2011) acknowledge the importance of including pregnant women in biomedical research as a means of ensuring that pregnant women and their fetuses have timely access to safe...
Brain self-stimulation, locomotor activity and tissue concentrations of ethanol in male rats

Abstract These studies were aimed at correlating the effects of ethanol on operant behavior and on locomotor activity with its distribution in selected tissues in the body. One group of male rats was trained on a continuous reinforcement schedule for intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) with electrodes in the lateral hypothalamus. Another group was studied in a locomotor activity apparatus, and both groups were given ethanol intraperitoneally over the dose-range 0.3–1.7 g/kg. Urine was collected 15 min and 60 min after ethanol administration and samples of blood, brain, heart, lung, liver, muscle and testis were obtained at both time points. Depressions of ICSS and of locomotor activity occurred, and these changes in behavior were correlated with increasing concentrations of ethanol in blood, urine and tissue. Thus, the disrupting effects of ethanol on behavior which occurred shortly after its acute administration were closely linked to its concentrations throughout the body.
Porphyroblast inclusion trail geometries in the Grand Canyon: evidence for non-rotation and rotation?

Abstract Porphyroblasts in Paleoproterozoic supracrustal rocks of the Grand Canyon grew during a progressive deformation that involved shortening and heterogeneous development of NE-striking subvertical foliation (S2) that crenulates and transposes an earlier foliation (S1). Inclusion trails in syn-S2 porphyroblast cores show a remarkably consistent NW strike across the regional transect, suggesting a lack of appreciable porphyroblast rotation relative to the trace of the NE-striking S2 foliation. These apparently non-rotated porphyroblast cores thus preserve a regional NW-striking S1 orientation. Porphyroblast rims and younger porphyroblasts locally overgrow NE-striking S2 indicating that porphyroblast growth (and continued non-rotation) spanned S2. Apparent non-rotation of most porphyroblasts across the transect is interpreted to reflect a dominance of coaxial shortening. In contrast, single thin sections show domains of these ‘non-rotated’ garnets with sigmoidal inclusion trails adjacent to domains where the characteristic sigmoids are rotated by about 45°. This documents local rotation of garnets relative to S2 during a heterogeneous late or post-S2 ‘reactivation’ of the foliation. Thus these types of studies should continue to look for both rotational and non-rotational behaviors at all scales and continue to specify the frame of reference.
NT-32TISSUE ABLATION DYNAMICS DURING MAGNETIC RESONANCE-GUIDED LASER INDUCED THERMAL THERAPY FOR INTRACRANIAL TUMORS

BACKGROUND: Magnetic Resonance-guided Laser Induced Thermal Therapy (MRgLITT) is a minimally-invasive procedure used in the treatment of intracranial tumors, epilepsy and pain. Thermal damage is estimated using real-time MR thermometry but little is known about the dynamics of the process and how various intracranial tumors affect overall ablation. OBJECTIVES: Determine the relationship between thermal energy delivery and the time to maximal estimated thermal damage in the setting of previously untreated glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), recurrent GBM, and metastatic tumors or radiation necrosis. We aim to understand whether differences exist between these intracranial malignancies and how the ablation process is affected. METHODS: We used real-time ablation data from 24 patients across five unique intracranial pathologies. Ablations were performed using the Visualase Thermal Therapy System (Visulase Inc.) using a 980-nm diffusing tip diode laser. Thermal damage area was plotted against time for each ablation. Subsequently, the duration required to reach 50% (t50) and 97% (t97) of maximum damage was estimated. Comparisons were then made between different intracranial pathologies. RESULTS: The average (mean ± SEM) t97 for previously untreated GBM (n = 7) recurrent GBM (n = 6) and tumor metastasis/radiation necrosis (n = 7) are 167 ± 18, 165 ± 22, 97 ± 22 seconds, respectively. The mean t97 is significantly shorter for tumor metastasis/radiation necrosis when compared with previously untreated GBM (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: While optimal duration of thermal ablation varies between intracranial tumors, we found that metastatic tumor/radiation necrosis requires significantly shorter duration of ablation. In most cases, maximal ablation was reached long before the industry recommended ablation time. Understanding the duration required to reach maximal ablation may reduce thermal exposure times during the ablation process. Future studies are needed to examine the relationship between ablation power, irrigation speed, and the effect of prior therapies on the ablation dynamics.
Local and global well-posedness of semilinear Reissner–Mindlin–Timoshenko plate equations

Abstract This is a study of local and global well-posedness of nonlinearly perturbed Reissner–Mindlin–Timoshenko plate equations. This PDE system represents an extension of the Timoshenko beam model to plates and accounts for shear deformations. The primary feature of the considered model is the interplay between nonlinear viscous interior damping and nonlinear source terms . The main results verify local and global existence of solutions as well as their continuous dependence on the initial data in the appropriate function spaces. Moreover, a blow-up result is proved for solutions with negative initial energy.
Isabel: A Review

Medical students use various clinical decision support systems (CDSS) to solve challenging cases. In this review, an academic medical librarian reviews the Isabel CDSS and evaluates the product's utility in medical education.
Role of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP-10) in the programmed activation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β during adipogenesis

Hormone induction of growth-arrested preadipocytes triggers mitotic clonal expansion followed by expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)alpha and differentiation into adipocytes. The order of these events is critical because C/EBPalpha is antimitotic and its expression prematurely would block the mitotic clonal expansion required for differentiation. C/EBPbeta, a transcriptional activator of the C/EBPalpha gene, is expressed early in the differentiation program, but lacks DNA-binding activity and fails to localize to centromeres until preadipocytes traverse the G(1)-S checkpoint of mitotic clonal expansion. Evidence is presented that dominant-negative CHOP-10 expressed by growth-arrested preadipocytes transiently sequesters C/EBPbeta by heterodimerization. As preadipocytes reach S phase, CHOP-10 is down-regulated, apparently releasing C/EBPbeta from inhibitory constraint and allowing transactivation of the C/EBPalpha gene. In support of these findings, up-regulation of CHOP-10 with the protease inhibitor N-acetyl-Leu-Leu-norleucinal prevents activation of C/EBPbeta, expression of C/EBPalpha, and adipogenesis.
Ethics in the practice of speech-language pathology in health care settings

ETHICS refers to a moral philosophy or a set of moral principles that determine appropriate behavior in a society. Medical ethics includes a set of specific values that are considered in determining appropriate conduct in the practice of medicine or health care. Because the practice of medicine and medical speech-language pathology affects the health, well-being, and quality of life of individuals served, adherence to a code of ethical conduct is critically important in the health care environment. When ethical dilemmas arise, consultation with a bioethics committee can be helpful in determining the best course of action. This article will help to define medical ethics and to discuss the six basic values that are commonly considered in discussions of medical ethics. Common ethical mistakes in the practice of speech-language pathology will be described. Finally, the value of a bioethics consultation for help in resolving complex ethical issues will be discussed.
Activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes inhibit phosphatidylcholine synthesis in cultured type II alveolar cells.

Activated human neutrophils (PMNs) were demonstrated to inhibit total de novo phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis in monolayered rat alveolar type II cells (T2C). Non-activated PMNs had no effect on PC synthesis in this system. The magnitude of inhibition of T2C PC synthesis by phorbol myristate acetate-activated PMNs in six experiments averaged 59.0 ± 13%. Exogenous chelated iron (ferric pyrophosphate) did not appear to augment the PMN-mediated inhibition of T2C PC production in this model. Alpha-1-antiprotease usually provided no protection relative to the PMN insult towards the T2C. However, superoxide dismutase and catalase alone or in combination generally provided a significant, protective effect. Although activated PMNs consistently decreased T2C PC synthesis, this effect did not appear to involve generalized T2C cytotoxicity, as assessed by lack of release of cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase. These results indicate that PMNs can inhibit T2C PC synthesis in vitro, probably via oxyradical injury. This type of pulmonary host autoinjury may be operative in a variety of acute lung injury syndromes involving pulmonary sequestration of activated PMNs. Pediatr Pulmonol 1991; 10:164–171.
Stimulation of intradentinal dye penetration by feeding in the rat.

Dentinal fluid movement, as measured by intradentinal dye penetration (IDDP), may be under the control of an endocrine system that includes the parotid glands. It was earlier demonstrated that parotid hormone stimulates IDDP when infused into rats, and in the pig the onset of feeding signals the release into the circulation of immunoreactive parotid hormone (iPH), the titre of which remains elevated for more than 1 h after feeding. As, for technical reasons, it is impossible to measure iPH and IDDP activity in the same animal, the hypothesis that feeding causes IDDP stimulation in the rat was now tested. Feeding rats for 15 min stimulated IDDP to a level significantly higher than when fasting (0.418 ± 0.040 versus 0.106 ± 0.022, p < 0.001). Within the experimental conditions, IDDP stimulation lasted longer than 15 min. Sialoadenectomy before the feeding experiment did not change the feeding-stimulated IDDP response unless the parotid glands were removed. In parotidectomized and totally sialoadenectomized rats fed for 15 min, the level of IDDP was not different from that of sham-operated fasting animals. It is postulated that, in addition to the existence of possible local regulatory factors in the pulp, dentinal permeation may be under a physiological control mechanism involving a parotid endocrine function. It is also suggested that a hormonally controlled mechanism of dentinal fluid movement may play a systemic, protective role against the bacterial acidogenic challenge to teeth.
Literary Tales of Late Life

Studies of late life as a cultural construct rooted in particular literary and historical moments have blossomed in recent years, although age has long implicitly organized the field of literary st...
Diffuse calcifications of the spleen: a novel association with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objectives While anatomical and physiological changes in the spleen are reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex autoimmune disease that can affect most organ systems, calcifications have not been described as a characteristic feature. We report 4 lupus patients with extensive splenic calcifications with no apparent cause except for their primary disease. The relevant literature on calcifications of the spleen in SLE is also reviewed. Methods Four lupus patients with extensive splenic calcifications are described, identified by radiologists at 2 large urban academic centers. In addition, the relevant literature was reviewed (PubMed search 1947 through May 2010) using the following terms: "lupus," "spleen," and "calcified," "calcification," "calcifications," or "microcalcifications." English-language case reports and series were selected. Results Four lupus patients were found to have a unique pattern of splenic calcifications. The age range was 36 to 73 years. Two of the patients were women, and 1 of these had SLE and limited systemic sclerosis. On reviewing the literature, 6 additional cases of lupus and splenic calcifications were found, 1 of which had pathologic assessment of the spleen on autopsy. The incidence of infection was apparently not increased in affected patients. Conclusions A unique pattern of calcifications of the spleen may be found in lupus patients, which can suggest the diagnosis of the underlying connective tissue disease. Whether splenic calcification can predispose to hyposplenism remains to be determined. While the exact significance of diffuse splenic calcification is still unknown, this unique radiologic finding may be a result of the disease process itself.
The Strength of Wooden Bends and Joints Exposed to Elevated Temperatures

Different types of bends and joints constructed of 0.75 inch thick Southern Pine were exposed to either 212 ° , 320° or 473°F for predetermined lengths of time. The strength and rigidity of each bend and joint were then measured at room temperature. The data generated indicate the effects of temperature, exposure time, grain orientation, bend geometry, and joint configuration on the strength, rigidity, and maximum deflection.
Simultaneous congenital and acquired extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in two dogs.

Two dogs with simultaneous congenital and acquired portosystemic shunts are reported. The first dog was an eight–month-old, male Golden Retriever with a history of peritoneal effusion, polyuria/ polydipsia, and stunted growth. The dog had a microcytic, hypochromic anemia, a mildly elevated AST, and a moderate to severely elevated preprandial and postprandial serum bile acids. Transcolonic portal scintigraphy confirmed the presence of a portosystemic shunt. An intraoperative mesenteric portogram was performed. Two conjoined congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts and multiple acquired extrahepatic portosystemic shunts were identified. The second dog was a five-month-old, mixed breed with two week history of peritoneal effusion. Abdominal ultrasound and transcolonic scintigraphy were used to diagnose a portosystemic shunt. A single extrahepatic portosystemic shunt, portal hypertension, and multiple acquired collateral shunts were identified at surgery. The histologic alterations observed in these dogs were consistent with a portosystemic shunt. In these dogs, the presence of congenital and acquired portosystemic shunts and histopathologic findings are considered to represent a combination of congenital portosystemic shunts and noncirrhotic portal hypertension or portal vein hypoplasia.
Effects of fastigial stimulation upon visually-directed saccades in macaque monkeys.

Abstract When the initial eye position was changed by stimulating the fastigial nucleus prior to visually-directed saccades, monkeys could not compensate for the stimulation-induced movement. The line of sight missed the target location by a distance and direction almost equal to the vector of the evoked saccade. When the stimulation was delivered 75–130 ms after the target presentation, saccades were triggered prematurely. Their initial movement reflected only the evoked saccade in some responses and reflected the vector sum of the evoked and visually-directed saccades in the other. In contrast, when stimulus latencies were greater than 130 ms, saccades started toward the target location. The visuomotor processing for saccades seemed to be completed during this period, which is approximately half the latency of normal saccades. When the stimulation was applied while the eyes were already in motion, the trajectories of the saccades were strongly modified and terminated in deviated locations. These results indicate that cerebellar output impulses are projected down-stream to saccade-programming circuits where visual information has already been converted into motor-command signals.
β-endorphin and sprint training

Abstract Male, Wistar rats were sprint trained using a high intensity, interval type, treadmill running protocol. Sprint training produced a significant decrease in plasma β-endorphin levels. Conversely, animals who performed a high intensity acute run displayed significant increases in the concentration of plasma β-endorphin which may be stress-related. Neither training nor acute running had any significant effect on the β-endorphin levels of the pituitrary, cortex, posterior or anterior hypothalamus.
Elaborating a simpler theory of anchoring

Abstract Within the classic anchoring paradigm, in which respondents are forced to consider provided numbers as possible responses to a target judgment, Wegener et al. (2008) proposed that cognitive load affects the psychological mechanism by which these anchors influence judgments. We propose, instead, that level of cognitive resources does not fundamentally affect how anchoring works, but only whether respondents can access other considerations that bear on the target judgment. Though we share the authors' view that environmental circumstances can influence the relative contribution of associative and deliberative inputs in judgments, we contend that cognitive load primarily affects the types of information that respondents consider, not the manner by which a focal element is processed.
Oleander Odyssey: The Kempners of Galveston, Texas, 1854-1980s

When Harris Kempner arrived at Ellis Island in 1854, he was an uneducated immigrant teenager escaping anti-Semitism and conscription into the czar's army. When he died forty years later, he was a millionaire and had instilled in his descendants the ideals of private enterprise, public service, and harmonious family cohesion that have made the Kempner family a major force in Galveston for a century. After establishing himself as a peddler in East Texas and later expanding his business as a cotton factor and wholesaler and relocating to Galveston, Kempner had risen high in Island business and social hierarchies when he died prematurely, in 1894. Harris's twenty-one-year-old son Ike became head of the family along with his mother, and he expanded the business to include international trade in cotton, plus subsidiaries in banking and insurance. The family transformed Sugar Land, Texas, and the Imperial Sugar Company from a notoriously abusive operation to a model company town and successful business. The Kempners' main center of operations was Galveston, which survived the devastating Great Storm of 1900 substantially because of the initiative and leadership of Ike Kempner, who directed relief efforts and instigated plans for the seawall, the causeway to the mainland, and the grade-raising project to elevate the city. The complete archives of the Kempner family papers housed at the Rosenberg Library in Galveston provided the primary source material for this work, and Harold Hyman's further research provides a backdrop of social, political, and religious factors affecting four generations of Kempners in Galveston. The result is a story about large, diverse family businesses, Progressive urban reform and community development, the acculturation of American and Southern Jews, and the dynamics of life, politics, and the economy in Southeast Texas.
Effects of Motor Boats on Submerged Aquatic Macrophytes

ABSTRACT Excluding motor boats from small experimental plots in a lake with heavy boat traffic significantly increased macrophyte biomass, coverage, and shoot height compared to impacted areas. Lakes across the country are increasingly threatened by overuse, particularly involving more and larger motor boats. In recent years, Lake Ripley, located in Jefferson County in southern Wisconsin, has exhibited a decline in macrophyte abundance along with increased motor boat activity. To examine the possible connections between these two events, a study on the effects of motor boats on submerged aquatic macrophytes was conducted during the summer of 1995. Four enclosures, two of solid plastic and two of mesh fencing, were built in each of two areas in about 1 m of water adjacent to high boat traffic areas. These enclosures were intended to exclude motor boat access and, in the solid-walled enclosures, to block the turbidity generated by boat-induced sediment resuspension. Weekly water samples were collected for t...
Chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis in adolescents.

This review will provide a detailed account of chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis two conditions that frequently occur in adolescents. Current approaches used to evaluate and treat these patients will be addressed. Although previous investigations have established relative rates of disease and basic treatment algorithms for endometriosis in adolescents its pathogenesis is yet to be explained. Recent scientific works have focused on the interplay of specific genes and the role of host immune response. Despite such progress we have not yet learned how to apply this knowledge to clinical use. Most innovative treatment strategies are based on algorithms generated primarily for adults with only a small percentage focusing on adolescents. Treating pain associated with endometriosis may be facilitated by early intervention. Future study should focus on identifying adolescents with progressive disease and introducing less invasive therapies that could reverse inflammatory pathways and minimize subsequent morbidity. (authors)