cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant therapy for resected non-small-cell lung cancer: recent advances, emerging agents, and lingering questions.

Survival rates for all stages of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are dismal. Despite complete resection of earlystage NSCLC, many patients have recurrence at distant metastatic sites, reinforcing the need for effective systemic adjuvant therapy. Chemotherapy, and more recently, targeted therapies, have been evaluated in the adjuvant setting. Although initial trials did not suggest improved survival, a 1995 meta-analysis favored adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The recently published International Adjuvant Lung Trial confirms this finding and suggests a new standard of care. In this paper we review data on adjuvant chemotherapy and limitations of recent clinical trials, including those with targeted therapies. We also address the most effective and least toxic regimens for adjuvant chemotherapy and the subsets of patients likely to derive the most benefit.
Gray scale echography in evaluation of hepatorenal relationships.

Abstract Excellent methods are available to produce quality images of the liver and kidneys. Gray scale echography is the only suitable method of simultaneously showing hepatic and renal anatomic detail in addition to the instantaneous relationship of these organs to each other. Gray scale echography may be used to determine (1) if normal liver and a normal right kidney have interacted to give the false clinical impression of disease, (2) when renal lesions simulate hepatic disease, (3) when hepatic lesions mimic renal disease, and (4) of structural hepatic and structural renal disease are related or unrelated.
Management of Bladder Cancer After Renal Transplantation

Objective To review our experience managing bladder cancer (BCa) in patients who have had renal transplantation. Optimal oncologic treatment can be challenging due to the immunosuppressed state and higher comorbidity. Methods From January 2000 to August 2011, we identified 17 patients with a history of renal transplantation who were treated for BCa. Clinical, demographic, and oncologic data were collected. Patients treated with intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) were assessed for complications. Results BCa diagnosis occurred at a median of 88.1 months after renal transplantation. Median age was 62.4 years and median follow-up was 9.2 months. The most common presentation was gross hematuria (58.8%), and the median Charlson comorbidity index was 5. Twelve patients were identified with non-muscle invasive (NMI) BCa. Four patients with NMI BCa received intravesical BCG, with no urinary tract infection, fever, or BCG-associated sepsis. Four patients were identified with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), and 1 patient had biopsy proven metastatic disease. Five patients underwent radical cystectomy (RC) with diversion, 7 underwent transurethral resection and surveillance, 3 underwent chemotherapy, and 1 received palliative radiation for metastatic disease. Overall, 6 patients were deceased, 4 of whom died of disease at a median of 9.7 months from the time of BCa diagnosis. Conclusion Treatment of patients with BCa after renal transplantation is challenging because of immunosuppression and overall high comorbidity. Optimal management with stage-appropriate therapy should be considered in appropriate patients. Intravesical BCG may be considered in select patients, although overall efficacy may be reduced.
Exhibits the Farmer Will Remember

Abstract The first requisite in designing an exhibit that anybody will remember is to have something that is worth remembering. Many exhibits are a hodge podge. If they have a story at all, it is almost obscured with charts, diagrams, graphs and panels so heavily worded that the farmer becomes discouraged and leaves. I take it for granted that no one would prepare an exhibit at all were it not for the purpose of presenting some idea or suggestion that is well worth while remembering or acting upon. Granting this point, the question is how can we present this in a way that will first, cause the farmer to stop at the exhibit; second, tell the story quickly and simply, and third, leave a distinct and lasting impression of the worth of the idea. STOPPING QUALITY It is obvious that none can remember an exhibit without seeing it. We must therefore, . . .
Problems of Optimal Structural Design

Optimal sandwich structure design for stiffness, natural frequency, buckling load and safety through plasticity
Influence of surface band gaps on the lifetimes of charge transfer states

Abstract Using a first principles electronic structure method, we investigate how a band gap in the surface projected density of states of a noble metal influences the resonant tunneling lifetime of an atomic level near the surface. Comparing Li atoms outside Cu(1 1 1), where the Li 2s level is within the gap, with Cu(0 0 1), where the Li 2s level is below the gap, reveals that the lifetime of the ionization level of Li is longer on Cu(1 1 1). This difference is caused both by the decreased final state phase space for the tunneling electron on Cu(1 1 1) and by a reduction in intra-atomic hybridization in Li outside a surface whose band gap encompasses the ionization level. Our results are consistent with previous experiments and theory that predict a similar trend for the ionization level of Cs above Cu(1 1 1) and Cu(0 0 1).
High-order accurate implementation of solid wall boundary conditions in curved geometries

We propose a new technique to implement solid wall boundary conditions for steady two-dimensional Euler equations for problems in curved geometries. The technique is to be used with high-order methods on unstructured, straight-sided element meshes. By modeling flow around a physical rather than computational geometry, significant improvement in quality of the solution is achieved. The technique does not require a complex reconstruction and is easy to implement. Examples are presented to demonstrate validity of the new approach.
Photoelectron microscopy and photoelectron quantum yields of the fluorescent dyes flourescein and rhodamine

Abstract Photoelectric properties of the dyes fluorescein and rhodamine were determined with the aim of assessing the usefulness of these compounds as labels in photoelectron microscopy. The photoelectron quantum yields were measured over the wavelength range 180–230 nm. At 230 nm the quantum yields for fluorescein disodium salt, rhodamine B free base and rhodamine B HCl salt are approximately 10-5 electrons per incident photon. At 180nm these values rise to approximately 10-3 electrons per incident photon. All forms of fluorescein do not have the same quantum yield. The neutral form of fluorescein has a quantum yield an order of magnitude lower than the disodium salt. Beam current measurements were performed on labeled and unlabeled proteins to determine the effect of the high light intensity employed in the photoelectron microscope. The initial beam current measurements and the quantum yield curves are consistent and demonstrate that there is significant contrast between labeled and unlabeled proteins. However, after several minutes in the photoelectron microscope, the proteins become more photoemissive and the contrast diminishes. This change in contrast explains several puzzling observations in the literature.
Primum non nocere: commentary on an article by Shlomo Mandel, MD, MPH, et al.: "a retrospective analysis of vertebral body fractures following epidural steroid injections".

Primum non nocere , or “first do no harm,” is the well-known maxim from the Hippocratic corpus advocating that a physician’s first priority should be to avoid precipitating further injury, or inadvertent worsening of conditions, in patients who are under his or her care. With this founding precept of the health-care tradition in mind, I commend the efforts of Dr. Mandel and his colleagues in bringing to our attention the potential for epidural steroid injections to elevate the risk of vertebral body fracture in elderly individuals. Although this association has been alluded to in previous publications, to the best of my knowledge the study by Mandel et al. is the first scientifically rigorous effort to quantify the fracture risk associated with epidural steroid administration. The study was conducted with use of a propensity-matched cohort with an average age of sixty-six years. Comparison between the patients who received epidural steroid and the controls in the primary analysis revealed that the risk of fracture increased by 21% per episode of steroid administration. Moreover, in the secondary analysis in which the possibility of multiple fractures in a single patient was considered, a significant elevation in the risk of subsequent vertebral fracture following steroid administration was again demonstrated. The identification of this significant association, as well as the quantification of risk inherent with each injection event, represent novel contributions to the literature. It is necessary to appreciate these findings, however, …
Double-density dual-tree wavelet-based polarimetry analysis

For the past two decades, the Discrete Wavelet Transformation (DWT) has been successfully applied to many fields. For image processing applications, the DWT can produce non-redundant representations of an input image with greater performance than other wavelet methods. Further, the DWT provides a better spatial and spectral localization of image representation, capable of revealing smaller changes, trends, and breakdown points that classical methods often miss. However, the DWT has its own limitations and disadvantages such as lack of shift invariance. That is, if the input signal or image is shifted, then the wavelet coefficients will exacerbate that shift. The DWT also lacks the ability to represent directional cases. The Double Density Dual-Tree Discrete Wavelet Transformation (D3TDWT) is a relatively new and enhanced version of the DWT with two scaling functions and four distinct wavelets designed in such a way that one pair of wavelets is offset with another pair so that the first pair lies in between the second. In this paper, we propose a D3TDWT polarimetry analysis method to analyze Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) polarimetry imagery to discriminate objects such as people and vehicles from background clutter. The D3TDWT method can be applied to a wide range of applications such as change detection, shape extraction, target recognition, and simultaneous tracking and identification.
The transcription factor Gcr1 stimulates cell growth by participating in nutrient-responsive gene expression on a global level

Transcriptomic reprogramming is critical to the coordination between growth and cell cycle progression in response to changing extracellular conditions. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the transcription factor Gcr1 contributes to this coordination by supporting maximum expression of G1 cyclins in addition to regulating both glucose-induced and glucose-repressed genes. We report here the comprehensive genome-wide expression profiling of gcr1Δ cells. Our data show that reduced expression of ribosomal protein genes in gcr1Δ cells is detectable both 20 min after glucose addition and in steady-state cultures of raffinose-grown cells, showing that this defect is not the result of slow growth or growth on a repressing sugar. However, the large cell phenotype of the gcr1Δ mutant occurs only in the presence of repressing sugars. GCR1 deletion also results in aberrant derepression of numerous glucose repressed loci; glucose-grown gcr1Δ cells actively respire, demonstrating that this global alteration in transcription corresponds to significant changes at the physiological level. These data offer an insight into the coordination of growth and cell division by providing an integrated view of the transcriptomic, phenotypic, and metabolic consequences of GCR1 deletion.
Using neural networks to detect patterns in inter-specific data: An example from net-spinning caddisflies (Trichoptera: Annulipalpia)

Abstract We introduce neural networks (NNs) as a method for detecting patterns and visually comparing multivariate inter-specific morphological data. Neural networks have relatively relaxed statistical assumptions, do not require a phylogeny, and can collapse multivariate data sets into two dimensions. The NN converts the multivariate data into vectors which are then plotted in two dimensions on a self-organizing map. Self-organizing maps visually display any hidden patterns in the data uncovered by the NN. We used a NN to study multivariate sexual dimorphism in 40 species of adult net-spinning caddisflies (Trichoptera: Annulipalpia) from North America. Utilizing eight morphological traits of adult caddisflies, the NN accurately predicted phylogenetic structure (accuracy rate: family = 92%; genus = 82%; species = 72%) and sexual dimorphism (80%) based solely on morphology. Leg traits were most important in discriminating among families and sexes whereas antennal length and eye width were most important for predicting genus and species. Overlaying the self-organizing map on the phylogenetic tree indicated that sexual dimorphism is widespread among net-spinning caddisfly taxa. Our neural network can be used to detect patterns in inter-specific biological data from any set of organisms. Future work should be aimed at developing NNs as a tool in evolutionary biology.
To Brand or Not To Brand? Trade-offs in Corporate Branding Decisions

This paper presents a framework for managers that identifies critical internal and external, dual-acting, pressures affecting strategic branding decisions. By focusing on a pan-organizational approach to corporate brands emphasizing internal locus of decision-making and external uncertainty, this paper identified that different corporate branding strategies can create value over time. Four corporate branding strategies are described with managerial implications explained for each.
Dietary influence of iron formulation on the development of gypsy moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) in laboratory colonies

Colonies of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), reared on the standard wheat germ diet have been experiencing periods of unexplained slow asynchronous development. The cause of the variability in development has been identified to be the variable nature of ferric phosphate provided in the diet. As a separate ingredient or in a salt mixture, ferric phosphate is a mixture of the amorphous and crystalline forms of this compound. Slow, asynchronous development occurred when ferric phosphate containing inadequate quantities of the amorphous form (6 mg/liter) was used in the preparation of diet. When the amount of amorphous ferric phosphate was higher, 35-49 mg/liter, larvae developed normally. Slow, asynchronous development did not occur when diet containing sufficient amorphous ferric phosphate was supplemented with extra crystalline ferric phosphate. Thus, the presence of crystalline ferric phosphate did not cause the developmental problems. Insects fed diet containing ferric citrate as a substitute for ferric phosphate, or Beck's mineral supplement containing ferrous sulfate, developed synchronously and faster than siblings fed diet containing inadequate amorphous ferric phosphate, indicating that the iron component of ferric phosphate was the nutrient affecting synchrony and speed of development. The possibility of an iron deficiency caused by differences in bioavailability of amorphous and crystalline ferric phosphate is discussed.
An Integrative Psychological Developmental Model of Supervision for Professional School Counselors-in-Training

Professional school counselors (PSCs) at higher levels of psychological development negotiate complex situations and perform counselor-related tasks with empathy, flexibility, tolerance for ambiguity, boundary setting, personal and interpersonal awareness, and self-care more effectively than do individuals at lower levels of development. This article introduces an integrative clinical supervision model designed to promote the psychological growth (ego maturity) of PSCs-in-training; presents practical components of the model; and discusses implications for PSC educators, supervisors, and researchers.
Double-stranded RNA synthesized in animal cells in the presence of actinomycin D.

Animal RNA synthesized in the presence of actinomycin D is 40 per cent resistant to ribonucleases A and T1, unmethylated and polydisperse on sucrose density gradients. The ribonuclease resistant core possesses properties of double-stranded RNA although the base composition suggests that it is not a simple base-paired structure.
Analysis of Long-Term Potassium Regulation*

Potassium regulation is maintained by a system which affects the rate of renal excretion of the ion and its distribution between the intra- and extracellular spaces. Long-term regulation is accomplished by the interactions of several components of the control system. The direct effect of changes in plasma potassium concentration on potassium secretion by the cells of the distal nephron is the most powerful regulator of K excretion. Changes in aldosterone concentration interact multiplicatively with the effect of plasma K on K excretion, and changes in aldosterone also affect the distribution of the ion so that elevations in aldosterone shift a greater proportion of K into the cells of the body. Sodium intake affects K excretion, increases in intake resulting in a higher rate of K excretion. Aldosterone secretion is regulated by a multiplicative interaction between angiotensin II and potassium concentration. An hypothesis that states in essence that long-term K regulation is determined by the interaction of several component systems is developed. A mathematical model constructed from the hypothesis employing data from experiments designed to quantitatively analyze the functions of the individual components is presented. The model is used to test the hypothesis by comparing the operation of the model with the results of experiments in which the potassium control system is subjected to a wide range of challenges and perturbations. General agreement between model predictions and experimental results was obtained, thereby providing support for the validity of the hypothesis. Building the model drew attention to several areas in which experimental investigation is required to obtain understanding of several important physiological processes. Finally, several predictions obtained from the model may have clinical relevance in the areas of renal medicine and hypertension.
Why Professions Matter: Structural Invariance, Institutional Consequences, Bias

Received wisdom in the sociology of professions employs two approaches, a narrow socio-economic approach (largely in the Anglo-American world) and a much broader cultural and social-psychological approach (largely on the Continent). Both approaches agree on two points. First, professions cannot be distinguished at a conceptual level from other occupations. Second, whatever consequences either successful or failed professionalism introduces into civil society or state administration are confined to the occupational order and stratification system. They do not and cannot affect the direction of social change. The alternative approach outlined and discussed here is structural and institutional. With this approach we distinguish professions proper analytically from other occupations and we identify consequences of professionalism proper that uniquely reflect or anticipate notable shifts in the direction of social change.
Trauma and PTSD Symptoms: Does Spiritual Struggle Mediate the Link?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) characterizes the reexperiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal, and emotional numbing symptoms that may persist in response to traumatic events. Because PTSD symptomatology is increasingly being conceptualized as a continuum of normal stress reactions (Ruscio, Ruscio, & Keane, 2002) to events of varying severity (Breslau & Davis, 1987; Van Hooff, McFarlane, Baur, Abraham, & Barnes, 2009) it is important to understand the precursors to PTSD symptoms in response to a range of highly stressful experiences. Many theories of PTSD share the premise that PTSD symptoms are caused and maintained by a person’s cognitive efforts to cope with the traumatic event (Keane, Fisher, Krinsley, & Niles, 1994). For example, information processing theories implicate faulty processing of and cognitions about the trauma memory in the development and maintenance of PTSD (Foa & Kozak, 1986; Resick & Calhoun, 2001). The “meaning of threat” transforms a trauma from a neutral structure to a “fear structure” in memory (Foa, Steketee, & Rothbaum, 1989, p. 166), and PTSD symptoms are sustained by a strong sense of current threat derived in part from negative appraisals of the traumatic event and/or its sequelae (Ehlers & Clark, 2000, 2008). Social-cognitive theorists postulate that PTSD symptoms result from trauma that shatters one’s basic assumptions about the invulnerability of the self and the safety of the world (Janoff-Bulman, 1989) or reinforces preexisting negative beliefs (Resick, Monson, & Chard, 2008). Faulty beliefs and misattributions, including self-blame and guilt, and over generalized problems with safety, trust, control, esteem, and intimacy, prevent the trauma from being integrated into memory (McCann & Pearlman, 1990; Resick & Calhoun, 2001). Until trauma-related information is reconciled with prior beliefs, symptoms of PTSD persist while the trauma remains in active memory (Horowitz, Wilner, & Alvarez, 1979). The development and maintenance of PTSD symptoms have been shown to relate to particular negative cognitions after trauma exposure, including negative appraisals of the trauma and its implications (Dunmore, Clark, & Ehlers, 2001; Ehlers, Mayou, & Bryant, 1998). A range of post-traumatic cognitions have been categorized by researchers into negative beliefs about the self (e.g., I am damaged, inadequate, or unacceptable), the world (e.g., others are dangerous and untrustworthy; the event is likely to recur),1 and self-blame (Ehlers & Clark, 2000; Foa, Ehlers, Clark, Tolin, & Orsillo, 1999). These negative cognitions have been shown to predict PTSD symptom severity better than other risk factors (Ehring, Ehlers, & Glucksman, 2006) and to predict the persistence of PTSD symptoms (Fairbrother & Rachman, 2006; Halligan, Michael, Clark, & Ehlers, 2003).
Competitiveness of the World Durum Wheat and Durum Milling Industries under alternative trade policies

A spatial equilibrium model was developed to evaluate optimal production and distribution of durum wheat for milling and export under alternative trade policies. This study found that the US and Canadian FTA will benefit US durum producers more than Canadian producers. The EEP is important in maintaining US market shares in the world market and the ERP is important for France. Canadian market shares increase when either the EEP or the ERP is eliminated. This study also found that the competitiveness of the milling industry is less sensitive to changes in trade policies than that of the durum wheat industry. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Functional domains and DNA-binding sequences of RFLAT-1/KLF13, a Krüppel-like transcription factor of activated T lymphocytes.

RFLAT-1/KLF13, a member of the Kruppel-like family of transcription factors, was identified as a transcription factor expressed 3-5 days after T lymphocyte activation. It binds to the promoter of the chemokine gene RANTES (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted) and regulates its "late" expression in activated T-cells. In this study, a series of experiments to define the functional domains of RFLAT-1/KLF13 were undertaken to further advance the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional regulation by this factor. Using the GAL4 fusion system, distinct transcriptional activation and repression domains were identified. The RFLAT-1 minimum activation domain is localized to amino acids 1-35, whereas the repression domain resides in amino acids 67-168. Deletion analysis on the RFLAT-1 protein further supports these domain functions. The RFLAT-1 activation domain is similar to that of its closest family member, basic transcription element-binding protein 1. This domain is highly hydrophobic, and site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that both negatively charged and hydrophobic residues are important for transactivation. The nuclear localization signal of RFLAT-1 was also identified using the RFLAT-1/green fluorescence protein fusion approach. RFLAT-1 contains two potent, independent nuclear localization signals; one is immediately upstream of the zinc finger DNA-binding domain, and the other is within the zinc fingers. Using mutational analysis, we also determined that the critical binding sequence of RFLAT-1 is CTCCC. The intact CTCCC box on the RANTES promoter is necessary for RFLAT-1-mediated RANTES transcription and is also required for the synergy between RFLAT-1 and NF-kappaB proteins.
Design of a compact, aluminum, tungsten-coil electrothermal vaporization device for inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry

Abstract A new compact, aluminum electrothermal vaporization cell was constructed for inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry analysis. This cell is compact enough to fit within the space occupied by the spray chamber and fits directly to the quartz torch without extraneous tubing through the use of a simple Compression fitting. Sample volumes as low as 10 μL were analyzed with an automated control program for efficient vaporization. Twelve elements were analyzed utilizing a time resolved acquisition method so that real-time data could be generated over a period of 10 s with an average improvement factor of 14 for elements over a wavelength range of 193–445 nm.
Application of Spectroscopic Analysis Techniques to the Determination of Slag Structures and Properties: Effect of Water Vapor on Slag Chemistry Relevant to a Novel Flash Ironmaking Technology

Flash ironmaking technology is an ecofriendly process for producing iron from iron oxide concentrates via a flash reactor that uses gaseous fuels and reductants that reduce energy consumption and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. It has the potential to achieve steelmaking in a single, continuous process. The phase equilibria and chemistry of selected slag systems were investigated during the development of a novel flash ironmaking process. Among the proposed reductants and fuels are H2, natural gas, and coal gas. In different ironmaking processes, the molten bath (iron-slag bath) is expected to be at equilibrium with gas atmospheres of H2/H2O, CO/CO2/H2/H2O, and CO/CO2. The first two gas mixtures were used to represent the processes based on H2 or natural gas/coal gas, respectively, whereas the CO/CO2 mixture was used for a comparison. The slag composition of interest in this process was selected to resemble that of the blast furnace and is based on the CaO-MgO-SiO2-Al2O3-FeO-MnO-P2O5 system with CaO/SiO2 in the range 0.8–1.4. The temperature range was 1550–1650°C encompassing a wide range of expected ironmaking temperatures for the novel flash process. The oxygen partial pressure was maintained in the reducing range of 10−10–10−9 atm in the three gas atmospheres. It was found that H2O dramatically affects the chemistry of the slag and strongly affects the phase equilibria in the slag as well as the equilibrium distribution of elements between slag and molten metal. The effects of water vapor on the chemistry of the slag as well as the equilibrium reactions involving the slag have been studied for the first time.
Using Multisensory Phonics to Foster Reading Skills of Adolescent Delinquents

This study examined the effectiveness of a multisensory phonics-based reading remediation program for adolescent delinquents classified as poor readers living at a residential treatment center. We used a pretest–posttest control group design with random assignment. The treatment group participated in a 30-hr multisensory phonics reading intervention over a period of 8 weeks; the control group received standard reading instruction. Both groups completed pretest and posttest norm-referenced reading measures to assess changes in reading skills. The treatment group showed significantly greater improvement than the control group, with large effect sizes. Participants with higher preintervention reading scores and those with a higher verbal IQ responded more favorably to the reading intervention. We address the implications and limitations of this study.
Knee Extensor Strength for Independent Locomotion in the Elderly

養護老人ホーム利用者80名を対象として，起居移動動作の自立状況および膝伸展筋力を測定し，起居移動動作の自立に必要な膝伸展筋力について検討した。対象者を階段昇降，入浴動作，歩行，トイレ動作，車椅子からベッドへの移乗動作の5項目に関して，Barthel indexのMobility indexを用いて，自立している群と介助を要する群とに分類した。膝伸展筋力は徒手保持型マイオメーターで測定した最大等尺性膝伸展筋力を体重比百分率に換算し，左右両側の合算値であらわした。起居移動動作の各項目について自立群と介助群との膝伸展筋力を比較すると，すべての項目で自立群は介助群よりも有意に大きい値を示した(p<0.01)。判別分析の結果,自立群と介助群とを判別する膝伸展筋力値は階段昇降で体重の約48.5%，それ以外の項目で44～45%程度と考えられた。これらの筋力値は高齢者において起居移動動作が自立するために保つべき膝伸展筋力の目安になると考えられる。
A note on the Axioms of Restriction and Fundierung

Abstract A sentence (W) is found such that (Res), the Axiom of Restriction, is equivalent to the conjunction of (F), the axiom of Fundierung, and (W), and furthermore (W) is independent of (F). The discussion takes place in NBG, the von Neumann-Bernays-Godel set theory.
Mechanical divertor experiments in Macrotor

The feasibility of pumped limiters has been demonstrated on the Macrotor tokamak using both small neutral collection probes (2.5 cm diameter) and a large-area limiter (20 cm × 60 cm). Neutral pressures due to particle accumulation have reached as high as 8 microns. The particle removal efficiency of the neutral collection probes was measured to be 17% and estimated to be greater than 50% in the large-area limiter case. A quadratic dependence of the pressure on plasma density is observed.
Optical spectroscopy with Van De Graaff accelerators

Abstract The utility of a beam of positive ions from a Van de Graaff accelerator for studies of optical transitions will be discussed. Particular attention will be directed to the advantages of this approach to atomic spectroscopy relative to the traditional methods.
Laser desorption mass spectrometry for DNA analysis and sequencing

Laser desorption mass spectrometry has been considered as a potential new method for fast DNA sequencing. Our approach is to use matrix-assisted laser desorption to produce parent ions of DNA segments and a time-of-flight mass spectrometer to identify the sizes of DNA segments. Thus, the approach is similar to gel electrophoresis sequencing using Sanger`s enzymatic method. However, gel, radioactive tagging, and dye labeling are not required. In addition, the sequencing process can possibly be finished within a few hundred microseconds instead of hours and days. In order to use mass spectrometry for fast DNA sequencing, the following three criteria need to be satisfied. They are (1) detection of large DNA segments, (2) sensitivity reaching the femtomole region, and (3) mass resolution good enough to separate DNA segments of a single nucleotide difference. It has been very difficult to detect large DNA segments by mass spectrometry before due to the fragile chemical properties of DNA and low detection sensitivity of DNA ions. We discovered several new matrices to increase the production of DNA ions. By innovative design of a mass spectrometer, we can increase the ion energy up to 45 KeV to enhance the detection sensitivity. Recently, we succeeded in detecting a DNA segment with 500 nucleotides. The sensitivity was 100 femtomole. Thus, we have fulfilled two key criteria for using mass spectrometry for fast DNA sequencing. The major effort in the near future is to improve the resolution. Different approaches are being pursued. When high resolution of mass spectrometry can be achieved and automation of sample preparation is developed, the sequencing speed to reach 500 megabases per year can be feasible.
An architectural analysis of Archaeopteris, a fossil tree with pseudomonopodial and opportunistic adventitious growth

Abstract Currently recognized hierarchies of lateral organs in Archaeopteris are presented and phenomena that mediate organography and organotaxis in the taxon are discussed. It is demonstrated that Archaeopteris is totally lacking extant architectural analogues, and the methodology employed in the architectural analysis of such fossil plants is introduced. Proposed growth categories or phases for the Archaeopteris plant are presented and tested against evidence from a large silicified log of Callixylon, the trunk of Archaeopteris. An architectural model is put forward that encompasses such growth phases. Finally, the occurrence of reiterative, opportunistic growth in Archaeopteris is discussed.
Oscillation theory of ordinary linear differential equations

The purpose of this article [a compilation of lectures originally presented at the Associated Western Universities Differential Equations Symposium, Baulder, Colorado in the summer of 19671 is to give motivating examples and ideas which ‘have influenced the author in his studies of oscillation properties of solutions of linear ordinary differential equations. This is a subject where the mathematical tools needed are relatively elementary but where it is easy to state an unsolved problem. For example, the familiar second-order equation y” +\ Q(X)JJ = 0 is still a valid subject for research, although it has a voluminous literature. As far as oscillation theory is concerned, most texts in Differential Equations, both elementary and advanced, deal only with second-order equations. A few deal with self-adjoint fourth-order equations and, perhaps, those of arbitrary even order and systems of first or second-order equations. Any discussion of oscillatory properties of third-order equations or other nonself-adjoint equations is hard to find and that is the lowest order where truly nonself-adjoint equations occur. In this article an attempt is made to give a self-contained inductive development from equations of one order to the next. Most of the discussion will deal with equations of second, third, and fourth orders, with linear systems of second-order equations and with generalizations of those results to equations of higher orders. No attempt is made to survey all of the oscillation theory of equations of orders higher than four. Considerable attention is devoted to equations of order three (Section II) and this is in line with the increased recent interest in these equations, as the Bibliography will show. Instead of the usual format where proofs follow the respective
Differential temporal dynamics of serum and brain cocaine: relationship to behavioral, neuroendocrine and neurochemical cocaine induced responses.

Abstract Rats administered cocaine 10 mg/kg i.p. exhibited hyperlocomotion which occured within 5 min post injection. Subsequently, rats were injected with 10 mg/kg cocaine and brain and serum concentrations of cocaine were measured at 5, 10, and 20 min post injection. Within this time frame, cocaine concentration in limbic brain tissue was maximal at 5 min post injection and then declined substantially by 20 min post injection. In contrast, serum cocaine concentration increased from 5 to 20 min. post injection. Neurochemical effects of cocaine upon limbic dopamine turnover and plasma corticosterone had a time course similar to serum cocaine. Brain cocaine concentrations paralleled the locomotor stimulant cocaine response whereas cocaine neuroendocrine effects paralleled serum cocaine concentrations. These findings point to the importance of brain cocaine concentration ddeterminations in neurobehavioral studies of cocaine.
Depressive symptoms, cognitive decline, and risk of AD in older persons

Background : Cross-sectional and retrospective case-control studies suggest an association of depression symptoms with cognitive impairment and AD, but there have been few prospective studies and their results have been inconsistent. Methods : Participants are Catholic clergy members who were aged ≥65 years and who did not have clinical evidence of AD. During a 7-year period, they underwent annual clinical evaluations that included clinical classification of AD and detailed cognitive function testing from which global and specific measures of cognition were derived. Number of depressive symptoms was assessed at baseline with a modified, 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The association of CES-D score with incident AD, using proportional hazards models, and cognitive decline, using random effects models, was examined. Results : At baseline, participants reported an average of about one depressive symptom on the CES-D scale (range, 0 to 8). During the 7 years of follow-up, 108 persons developed AD. In analyses that controlled for selected demographic and clinical variables including baseline level of cognitive function, CES-D score was associated with both risk of AD and rate of cognitive decline. For each depressive symptom, risk of developing AD increased by an average of 19%, and annual decline on a global cognitive measure increased by an average of 24%. Conclusions : The results raise the possibility that depressive symptoms in older persons may be associated with risk of developing AD.
Inter-domain dynamic routing in multi-layer optical transport networks

Next-generation optical transport networks will automatically and dynamically provision end-to-end connections. In this paper, we study the problem of inter-domain dynamic routing under a multi-layer multi-domain network model, which allows the end-to-end connections to be set up not only across multiple routing domains but also through two transport layers: the optical layer and the digital layer. In this model, a connection can traverse the domain boundary either through optical bypass or through optical-electrical-optical (O/E/O) processing. We propose an inter-domain dynamic routing scheme with modest time complexity to address the problem from an algorithmic perspective.
Metabolic Effects of Blocking Tone Conditioning on the Rat Auditory System

The Kamin blocking phenomenon occurs when behavioral expression of conditioning to a novel stimulus fails in the presence of a previously conditioned stimulus (CS). Neural metabolic effects of a tone conditioned as an excitor were compared to the effects of the same physical tone when excitatory conditioning was blocked by previous conditioning with a light. We examined the metabolic activity of the auditory system to test the hypothesis that auditory processing of a tone CS changes during blocking. Quantitative histochemistry of cytochrome oxidase (C.O.), the final mitochondrial enzyme for oxidative metabolism, was used to evaluate cumulative changes in the metabolic capacity of the auditory system resulting from blocking. Rats (Long-Evans) in the Blocking group received pairings of a light CS with a mild footshock unconditioned stimulus (US) during Phase 1 training. Rats in the Control group received random presentations of the same stimuli during Phase 1. Both groups then received the same Phase 2 training consisting of simultaneous tone and light presentations paired with footshock. The Control group exhibited significant suppression of drinking to tone alone presentations after training, whereas the Blocking group did not. Metabolic mapping results demonstrated that blocking effects were localized to auditory regions receiving direct US somatosensory projections. Significantly greater C.O. activity in the inferior colliculus and the dorsal cochlear nucleus was found for the Blocking group relative to the Control group. Input cell layers of secondary auditory cortex also demonstrated a group difference, in that layers II/III and IV had lower levels of C.O. activity in the Blocking group. These specific changes in C.O. activity linked to behavioral training demonstrated that the blocking phenomenon produced distinct neural metabolic changes in CS processing in the auditory system localized to regions with CS-US interactions.
Seasonal variation in serum cholesterol levels may be another explanation for seasonal variation in acute myocardial infarction.

The recent report of seasonal variation in serum cholesterol [1] not only has implications for lipid screening guidelines but also may serve as another explanation for seasonal variation in acute myocardial infarction [2]. It has been well established that there is an increase in acute myocardial infarction in winter months worldwide [2–6]. Several explanations have been offered [2,7], including meteorological [2,8] and infectious [3]. Obviously, whereas temperature may be a contributor to seasonal variation in acute myocardial infarction, it does not solely explain the winter increases [7]. There also seems to be a greater amplitude in seasonal variability in women [1]. According to Grech et al. [9], low winter temperatures may be more likely to trigger acute myocardial infarction in older patients, and as women tend to present with acute myocardial infarction at a later age than men, women will therefore tend to exhibit a more marked seasonal variation than men. Finally, more patients could have been diagnosed as having high blood lipids during the winter due to a possible selection bias because of more coronary events during the winter months [1]. On the other hand, these two findings might be causally related. This causality undoubtedly will have significant therapeutic implications. Obviously more research is needed to better understand the association between winter, increased serum cholesterol levels and acute myocardial infarction.
Pneumococcal mastoiditis in children.

Objective. To determine the impact of antibiotic resistance on the frequency, clinical features, and management/outcome of mastoiditis attributable to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Design. Retrospective review of the medical records of children with mastoiditis caused by S pneumoniae from September 1993 through December 1998. Patients. Infants and children with pneumococcal mastoiditis cared for at 8 children9s hospitals in the United States. Results. Thirty-four children with pneumococcal mastoiditis were identified. The median age of the children was 12 months (range: 2 months–12.5 years); 28 (82%) were ≤2 years old. Six children had recurrent otitis media. A subperiosteal abscess was noted in 13 children (37%). The mastoids were abnormal in all 25 patients on whom computed tomography was performed. There was no trend toward increasing numbers of cases per year despite increasing proportions of pneumococcal isolates, which were nonsusceptible to penicillin. Serogroup 19 accounted for 57% of isolates, serogroup 23 for 14.3% of isolates, and serotype 3 for 10.7% of isolates. Except for receipt of less antibiotic therapy in the previous 30 days, children with penicillin-susceptible isolates had similar demographic features and clinical findings and surgical treatment as did children whose isolates were nonsusceptible to penicillin. Conclusions. Pneumococcal mastoiditis occurs primarily in children
Use of systematics for the evaluation of rare-earth phase diagrams and crystallographic data

When a metallic element is alloyed with each of the rare-earth elements, a systematic variation in the physical properties is observed. Examination of the variations as a function of rare-earth atomic number is a useful tool in evaluating rare-earth binary phase diagrams.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Attenuates Apoptosis and Decreases Inflammation in an Ischemic Wound Model

The molecular mechanisms whereby hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) improves ischemic wound healing remain elusive. In this study, a rat model of wound ischemia was used to test the hypothesis that HBO enhances wound healing by modulating hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) signaling. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent creation of a previously validated ischemic flap. Three groups underwent daily treatment: HBO (90 minutes, 2.4 atm); systemic administration of the free radical scavenger, N-acetylcysteine (NAC 150 mg kg(-1) intraperitoneal); control (neither HBO nor NAC). HBO treatment improved healing of the ischemic wounds. Analysis of ischemic wound tissue extracts demonstrated significantly reduced expression of HIF-1alpha, p53, and BNip3. Additionally, HBO increased expression of Bcl-2 while decreasing cleaved caspase-3. DNA fragmentation was abolished and the number of TUNEL-positive cells was reduced compared to the other groups. Vascular endothelial growth factor, cyclooxygenase-2, and neutrophil infiltration were reduced in ischemic wounds treated with HBO. These results indicate that HBO improves ischemic wound healing by downregulation of HIF-1alpha and subsequent target gene expression with attenuation of cell apoptosis and reduction of inflammation.
Choroid plexus failure in the Kearns-Sayre syndrome

The Kearns-Sayre syndrome is a mitochondrial disorder (generally due to mitochondrial DNA deletions) that causes ophthalmoplegia, retinopathy, ataxia and brain abnormalities such as leukoencephalopathy. In this syndrome, the choroid plexus epithelial cells, unlike brain cells, are greatly enlarged and granular, consistent with their inability to adequately transport folate from blood into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and homovanillic acid (a dopamine metabolite) from CSF into blood. This inability to transport folates from blood into CSF (and brain) adequately, causes cerebral folate deficiency that can be partially reversed by very high doses of reduced folates. The Kearns-Sayre syndrome is a disease that interferes with key choroid plexus functions and is a cause of generalized choroid plexus failure.
The Other Casualties of War: Soldiers and Civilians with Disabilities, Compromised Care Systems, and Responsive Ethical Reasoning

As I sit working at the computer over the weekend of Memorial Day 2008, I find myself thinking about the ambivalent purposes of a memorial to the war dead. The ambivalence stems from a number of so...
Teachers' concerns about spelling instruction: A national survey.

Teachers' concerns regarding spelling instruction and the spelling abilities of their students were sought in a national survey. Using a random sample of teachers of grades one through five across all 50 states, respondents reported teaching practices, degree of agreement with theoretical statements, and responded to open-ended statements. Teachers reported a traditional memorization model was most often used, but that they were dissatisfied with the results with student carryover to independent writing. Implications from this study demonstrate the need for expanding teachers' understanding about the developmental nature of spelling knowledge and revision of instruction by constructing more appropriate word lists.
Standardization of gravimeter calibrations in the geological survey

The calibration of gravimeters has long been primarily the concern of geodesists involved in measuring large gravity differences, but recent developments suggest that the precision and stability of gravimeter calibrations may have greater geologic importance in the future. First, the use of high-speed computers and an increasing variety of supplemental data now make possible the geologic interpretation of gravity anomalies so small that they would not have been noticed in surveys made ten years ago. The kind of gravity interpretation that identifies small reefs and local accumulations of petroleum [McCulloh, 1967] often requires local increases in station density and the assurance that the calibration of meters used in all parts of a survey are compatible. Second, temporal changes of gravity have already been measured in connection with earthquakes [Barnes, 1966], volcanic eruptions [Iida et al, 1952], and the movement of ice caps [Behrendt, 1967]; they are now being considered for several other types of geologic processes.