cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of tumor fixation of rectal carcinoma: Implications for adjunctive radiation therapy

BACKGROUND This study was conducted to assess the prognostic significance of adjunctive radiation in the surgical management of rectal carcinoma patients with tumor fixation. METHODS Two hundred and ninety-seven patients with a histologic diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the rectum were treated with high dose preoperative radiation ( > or = 45 Gray [Gy]) followed by surgical resection of the tumor (Group A). One hundred and seventy-four patients underwent initial curative surgery (Group B) followed by selective postoperative radiation (45-50 Gy) for those with pathologic T3, T4, or N+ (B2, C) cancers (N = 143). The two patient groups were compared by presenting clinical stage of the disease to assess the prognostic significance of tumor fixation on results of adjunctive therapy. Follow-up ranged from 24 months to 180 months. RESULTS The 5-year actuarial survival of Groups A and B was similar, 69% and 61% respectively. Survival was significantly better for Group A patients with fixed cancer (57% vs. 33%, P = 0.003). Survival was also better for patients in Group A with tumors located in the distal rectum (70% vs. 56%, P = 0.02). The local recurrence rate for patients with tumors located in the distal rectum was 17% for Group A and 19% for Group B (P = 0.74). The local recurrence rate for fixed cancers was 23% and 50% for Group A and Group B respectively (P = 0.0009). The incidence of small bowel complications (Grade 3 or 4) was lower for patients undergoing preoperative radiation compared with patients treated with postoperative radiation, (4% vs. 13%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS When special considerations of sphincter-preserving surgery are not an issue, mobile rectal carcinoma may be effectively treated with surgery and selective postoperative radiation. However, fixed tumors, especially those located in the distal rectum, are better treated with high dose preoperative radiation.
Abstract LB-114: Molecular and lineage analysis of glioblastoma stem cells identifies clinically relevant models of glioblatoma

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL The Cancer Genome Atlas project described a robust gene expression-based molecular classification of GBM. However, the functional and biological significance of the molecular subclasses are being determined. In this study, we hypothesize that Glioma Stem Cells (GSCs) isolated from individual patient tumor samples will recapitulate the molecular characteristics of tumor samples and provide a relevant model for functional analysis of the molecular subclasses. Thus we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 26 GSC lines with expression array, RPPA, and a series of neural lineage markers. Analysis of the expression data classified the 26 GSC lines into four subtypes ( Classical, Proneural 1, Proneural 2 and Mesenchymal ,) closely similar to the TCGA subclasses with a distinct profile for each subtype (c-Myc, Cyclin D2 for Classical ; Olig2, NKX2–2, Notch-1, Notch-3 for Proneural 2 ; BMP4, DCX, p16INK4a, ID2 for Proneural 1 ; CD44, CAV1, TGFBR2 for Mesenchymal ). Further analysis showed that GSC subtypes exhibit divergent patterns of signaling pathway activation. The major pathways activated in 4 subtypes were Notch pathway in Proneural 2 , Wnt/β-Catenin in Proneural 2 and Classical , while FGF/VEGF and TGF-β in Mesenchymal. In vitro treatment with SB 431542, a TGF-βR inhibitor, showed that Mesenchymal subtype is more sensitive than other subtypes. More importantly, lineage analysis of GSCs subtypes show that Proneural and Classical GSCs differentially express lineage markers for neural stem/progenitor cells and were responsive to differentiating agent retinoic acid. In addition, GSC subtypes exhibit distinct biological behaviors in self-renewal capacity, proliferation, invasiveness, angiogenic potential, response to growth factor stimulus, and differentiation in vitro and in vivo with Classical subtype being more proliferative and Mesenchymal subtype being more angiogenic and invasive. In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis showed that GSCs reflect patient tumor subclass and these subtypes showed distinct regulatory pathway activation, lineage profile and biological behaviors. Thus GSC is biologically and molecularly a more relevant model system for preclinical studies of therapeutic intervention and to expand our molecular understanding of human GBM. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-114. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-LB-114
A novel anti-apoptosis gene, survivin , expressed in cancer and lymphoma

Inhibitors of programmed cell death (apoptosis) aberrantly prolonging cell viability may contribute to cancer by facilitating the insurgence of mutations and by promoting resistance to therapy. Despite the identification of several new apoptosis inhibitors related to bcl-2 or to the baculovirus IAP gene, it is not clear whether apoptosis inhibition plays a general role in neoplasia. Here, we describe a new human gene encoding a structurally unique IAP apoptosis inhibitor, designated survivin. Survivin contains a single baculovirus IAP repeat and lacks a carboxyl-terminal RING finger. Present during fetal development, survivin is undetectable in terminally differentiated adult tissues. However, survivin becomes prominently expressed in transformed cell lines and in all the most common human cancers of lung, colon, pancreas, prostate and breast, in vivo. Survivin is also found in approximately 50% of high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (centroblastic, immunoblastic), but not in low-grade lymphomas (lymphocytic). Recombinant expression of survivin counteracts apoptosis of B lymphocyte precursors deprived of interleukin 3 (IL-3). These findings suggest that apoptosis inhibition may be a general feature of neoplasia and identify survivin as a potential new target for apoptosis-based therapy in cancer and lymphoma.
Spontaneous Reports of Thrombocytopenia in Association With Quinine: Clinical Attributes and Timing Related to Regulatory Action

Quinine has been marketed in the United States (U.S.) both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription for numerous purposes, including malaria and muscle spasms. In 1994 and 1995, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acted to limit the marketing of quinine based on the conclusion that no data supported its safe and efficacious use in these settings. This report includes clinical attributes from the largest case series to date of apparently isolated thrombocytopenia in association with quinine and trends in the receipt of spontaneous adverse event reports to FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) for this drug–event combination in relation to regulatory action. In this study, we reviewed reports of spontaneous adverse drug events received by CDER. From 1974 through December 2000, CDER received 397 adverse event reports for quinine. Based on crude, unreviewed counts, 141 (35.5%) of these reports described apparently isolated thrombocytopenia. Reporting for this event peaked in 1995, coincident with regulatory action, and has subsequently declined. After elimination of cases confounded by acute or chronic disease or concomitant drug therapy, 64 reports of quinine-associated thrombocytopenia were used to form a case series. This case series, including 11 cases since January 1996, supports the potential for rapid time-to-onset (median 7 days) and clinical severity (hospitalization reported in 55 of the 64 cases). Although the number of reports since regulatory action is limited, CDER continues to receive reports of thrombocytopenia in association with quinine in use for nocturnal leg cramps. Extrapolation of spontaneous adverse event reports for a product with substantial OTC use precludes estimates of rates/incidence. Therefore, the effect of regulatory actions in 1994/1995 is difficult to measure using this approach. Although reports have decreased since regulatory actions on quinine, quinine remains available in the U.S. by prescription and in food products/dietary supplements. This case series confirms previous smaller series that suggest quinine-associated thrombocytopenia may present rapidly with symptoms of profound thrombocytopenia. Clinicians evaluating patients with new-onset and apparently idiopathic thrombocytopenia should maintain clinical vigilance for ingestion of quinine and elicit a detailed food/dietary supplement history from the patient. Am. J. Hematol. 70:313–317, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Principal modes of interannual and decadal variability of summer rainfall over South America

Using the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP) product together with the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) reanalysis and the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) sea-surface temperature (SST) data, we have conducted a diagnostic study of the interannual and decadal scale variability of principal modes of summer rainfall over South America for the period 1979–1995. By filtering the annual and short (<12 months) time-scale variations, results of empirical orthogonal function analysis show three leading modes of rainfall variation identified with interannual, decadal and long-term variability. Together, these modes explain more than half the total variance of the filtered data. The first mode is highly correlated with El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), showing a regional rainfall anomaly pattern largely consistent with previous results. This mode captures the summer season interannual variability, not only the Northeast Brazil drought but also its connection with excessive rainfall over Southern Brazil and the Ecuador coast in El Nino years. Another distinctive feature is the strengthening of the low-level flow along the eastern foothills of the eastern Andes, signifying an enhancement of the South American summer monsoon in response to an El Nino anomaly. The decadal variation displays a meridional shift of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which is tied to the anomalous cross-equatorial SST gradient over the Atlantic and the eastern Pacific. Associated with this mode is a large-scale mass swing between polar regions and the mid-latitudes. Over the South Atlantic and the South Pacific, the anomalous subtropical high and the associated anomalous surface wind are dynamically consistent with the distribution of local SST anomalies, suggesting the importance of atmospheric forcing at the decadal time scale. The long-term variation shows that since 1980 there has been a decrease of rainfall from the northwest coast to the southeast subtropical region and a southwards shift of the Atlantic ITCZ, leading to increased rainfall over northern and eastern Brazil. Possible links of this mode to the observed SST warming trend over the subtropical South Atlantic and to the interdecadal SST variation over the extratropical North Atlantic are discussed. Copyright © 2001 Royal Meteorological Society
Portable Digital Devices: Meeting Challenges to Psychotherapeutic Privacy

Portable digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and netbooks, now permeate our society. These devices allow substantial efficiencies in access to and communication of information by mental health professionals. They also bring with them risks to psychotherapist–client privacy. This article reviews these threats and offers suggestions as to their mitigation.
Bit-serial systolic sorting: general complexities and an implementation in VLSI

Bit-serial systolic sorting in very large scale integration (VLSI) is considered. Lower bounds on the area, computation time, and flush time for such a sorter are derived for three different input formats, namely the bitwise, the wordwise and the unconstrained formats. The logic design and CMOS circuit design of an optimal bit-serial wordwise systolic sorter are presented. The performance characteristics of the designed chip are discussed.
Entropy analysis of product energy distributions in nonreactive inelastic collisions

Abstract Final state distributions for inelastic collisions of I * 2 with rare gas atoms are analyzed with the recently introduced surprisal function. Both experimental data and classical trajectory results are compared. Both vibrational and rotational state distributions follow linear surprisal plots, with fairly large values of λ = d j ( ▵ E )/d(▵ E , indicating relatively weak coupling between internal and translational degrees of freedom. The λ u and λ j values appear to be relatively independent of the initial state of the excited molecule and of the collision partner.
Posttransplant survival is not diminished in heart transplant recipients bridged with implantable left ventricular assist devices.

Background The purpose of this study was to compare posttransplantation morbidity and mortality in orthotopic heart transplant recipients bridged to transplant with a left ventricular assist device with nonbridged recipients. To account for potential differences across device types, we stratified bridge-to-transplant recipients by type of ventricular assist device: extracorporeal (EXTRA), paracorporeal (PARA), and intracorporeal (INTRA). Methods The United Network for Organ Sharing provided de-identified patient-level data. The study population included 10,668 orthotopic heart transplant recipients aged 18 years old or older and undergoing transplantation between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2006. Follow-up data were provided through August 3, 2008, with a mean follow-up time of 3.17 ± 2.15 years (range, 0–8.11 years). The primary outcome was actuarial posttransplant graft survival. Other outcomes of interest included infection, stroke, and dialysis during the transplant hospitalization; primary graft failure at 30 days; transplant hospitalization length of stay; and long-term complications including diabetes mellitus, transplant coronary artery disease, and chronic dialysis. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression (backward, P P Results In multivariable Cox regression analysis, when compared with the nonbridged group, risk-adjusted greater than 90-day graft survival was diminished among the EXTRA group (hazard ratio = 3.54, 2.28–5.51, P P = .834) or the PARA group (1.06, 0.642–1.76, P = .809). There were no significant differences in risk-adjusted graft survival across the 4 groups during the 90-days to 1-year or 1- to 5-year intervals. However, at more than 5 years, risk-adjusted graft survival in the INTRA group (0.389, 0.205–0.738, P = .004) was better than in the nonbridged group. The EXTRA, PARA, and INTRA groups all experienced increased risks of infection. The EXTRA group had increased risks of dialysis, stroke, and primary graft failure at 30 days, whereas neither the PARA nor the INTRA group differed from the nonbridged group. Long-term complications did not differ by group. Conclusion The use of implantable left ventricular assist devices as bridges to transplantation, including both intracorporeal and paracorporeal devices, is not associated with diminished posttransplant survival. However, 90-day survival was diminished in recipients bridged with extracorporeal devices.
Interpersonal Communication in Organizations

The article reviews the book “Interpersonal Communication in Organizations,” by Otis W. Baskin and Craig E. Aronoff.
SHARE 2012: analysis of illumination differences on targets in hyperspectral imagery

This paper looks at a new data set that has been designed to analyze the various impacts of illumination change on targets. Similar targets were placed on different backgrounds where spectral signatures were analyzed to determined impacts of background type. Targets were also placed next to tree lines where they were fully illuminated but with the possible impact of tree shine. Hyperspectral, multispectral, and LiDAR modalities were used to image the targets in the above mentioned scenarios. Applications such as target detection with results are used to assess difficulties with finding such targets and impacts on illumination.
Brand versus generic advertising: A conceptual framework with an application to cheese

Economic research measures the existence of advertising effects, but provides little insight into the mechanisms responsible for the observed responses. Drawing chiefly from constructs gleaned from the psychology and marketing literatures, an “inference-based” conceptual model is posited that elucidates the differing roles of generic and brand advertising in a consumer-choice setting. The model's key hypotheses, recursivity and complementarity, are tested with consumer awareness data on cheese advertising. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Calcium binding to retinal rod disk membranes.

Abstract 3a 2+ , ATP and reducible disulfide linkages interact on disk membranes prepared from bovine rod outer segments. Two classes of ATP binding sites are described. At one, ATP increases the number of Ca 2+ binding sites. ATP present at a second site enables dithiothreitol to decrease Ca 2+ binding. Cyclic AMP and illumination do not affect the amount of Ca 2+ bound under any of the conditions tested. The possible role of these interactions in visual excitation is discussed.
“SAFE PERIOD” OF ANTICOAGULATION WITHDRAWAL IN PATIENTS WITH MECHANICAL HEART VALVE(S)

Maintenance of consistent anticoagulation is a tenet in management of patients with mechanical heart valves. However, withdrawal is sometimes necessary due to comorbidities, but no data exist regarding a possible “safe period”. We assessed this in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures in
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Role of Anterior Plate Fixation in Degenerative Cervical Disorders

Anterior surgical approaches to the cervical spine have steadily gained in popularity since originally proposed in the 1950’s. 1 Along with the expanded use of the anterior approach, since the original description of the anterior cervical discectomy, there has been an overwhelming trend to combine this with an intervertebral fusion. Between 1985 and 1996, there has been a 300% increase in cervical spine fusion procedures. 2 Ninety percent of these fusions have been in the treatment of degenerative cervical spine disorders. The literature supports this trend as the long-term outcome of patients appears to be favorably impacted by the addition of the fusion. 3,4 Despite the fact that the original techniques pioneered by Smith and Robinson, Cloward, and Bailey and Badgley have been refined only relatively modestly over the past several decades, a failure of the reconstruction continues to be one of the most common causes of an unsatisfactory clinical outcome. 1,5,6 This is in addition to the morbidity that may be associated with a bone graft harvest if autograft is utilized for the fusion. Several reports in the literature have documented a roughly 20% rate of complications, either major or minor, from the site of an autologous bone graft harvest. 7-9
Metabolism of Griseofulvin in Dogs

Quantitative and qualitative aspects of griseofulvin metabolism in the dog are presented. The plasma disappearance curves of griseofulvin in dogs after intravenous injection were biexponential. In two dogs the average half-lives were 4 and 47 min. for the fast and slow exponential components, respectively. Plasma clearance values were 487 and 588 ml./min. in these two dogs. After intravenous administration a metabolite of griseofulvin in the urine was isolated and confirmed to be 6-demethylgriseofulvin. Approximately 40 and 57% of the dose was found to be excreted as 6-demethylgriseofulvin in two dogs given doses of griseofulvin ranging from 100 to 280 mg. An additional 25% of the dose was excreted as 6-demethylgriseofulvin glucuronide. Biliary excretion of intact griseofulvin was absent and less than 3% of the dose was excreted in the bile as 6-demethylgriseofulvin. Based on these studies, it appears that the dose of griseofulvin presently used in dogs for dermatomycoses is inadequate. A new dosage calculated to be 90 mg./kg./day is probably required to maintain therapeutically effective body levels of griseofulvin.
Tuberculosis: diagnosis and treatment of resurgent disease.

Abstract Purpose: The incidence of tuberculosis is, once again, on the rise in this country after many years of decline. As advances in the therapeutic management of tuberculosis occur, oral and maxillofacial surgeons should be aware of the current treatment modalities. This article provides a comprehensive review of tuberculosis, because it is likely that we will be seeing more patients with this disease in our practices.
Radiation effects on elasticity of metals

Abstract For a metal containing a periodically arranged (three-dimensional) system of voids, explicit analytical expressions are developed for the bulk and the shear moduli (and, consequently, Young's modulus and the Poisson ratio), on the assumption that the metal is initially (nonirradiated) homogeneous and isotropic. These expressions include the effect of the interaction between adjecent voids and the void size, but do not take into account the effects of the void shape. The results are compared with previous estimates by other investigators who did not include the influence of the interaction between adjacent voids. The interaction effect becomes more pronounced with the increasing volume fraction of the voids. Hence, the present results provide more realistic estimates of the material elasticity. These and related results are illustrated by means of numerical examples. Then the mechanism of void and gas bubble formation in irradiated metals is briefly discussed and some relevant theoretical and experimental results are summarized. In particular, curves are developed which relate the reduction in elastic moduli to the neutron fluence, temperature, and other relevant parameters. Finally, on the basis of an approximate model we give a rough estimate for the reduction in the yield stress due to irradiation.
NPP VIIRS Early On-Orbit Geometric Performance

The NASA/NOAA Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument on-board the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP) satellite was launched in October, 2011. The instrument geometric performance includes sensor spatial response, band-to-band co-registration (BBR), and geolocation accuracy and precision. The geometric performance is an important aspect of sensor data record (SDR) calibration and validation. In this paper we will discuss geometric performance parameter characterization using the first seven-month of VIIRS' earth and lunar data, and compare with the at-launch performance using ground testing data and analysis of numerical modeling results as the first step in on-orbit geometric calibration and validation.
Application of a methodology to determine priorities of nuclear power plant safety issues

Abstract The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES) is sponsoring a research program to determine priorities of nuclear power plant safety issues. A methodology has been developed at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) to provide technical assistance in the development of risk and cost estimates for implementing resolutions to the safety issues. The information development methods are intended to provide the NRC with a consistent level of information for use in ranking the issues. The NRC uses this information, along with judgmental factors, to rank the issues for further consideration by the NRC staff. The primary purpose of the priority rankings are to assist in the allocation of resources to issues that have high potential for reducing public risk as well as to remove issues from further consideration that have little safety significance.
Polysaccharide-Based Micelles for Drug Delivery

Delivery of hydrophobic molecules and proteins has been an issue due to poor bioavailability following administration. Thus, micelle carrier systems are being investigated to improve drug solubility and stability. Due to problems with toxicity and immunogenicity, natural polysaccharides are being explored as substitutes for synthetic polymers in the development of new micelle systems. By grafting hydrophobic moieties to the polysaccharide backbone, self-assembled micelles can be readily formed in aqueous solution. Many polysaccharides also possess inherent bioactivity that can facilitate mucoadhesion, enhanced targeting of specific tissues, and a reduction in the inflammatory response. Furthermore, the hydrophilic nature of some polysaccharides can be exploited to enhance circulatory stability. This review will highlight the advantages of polysaccharide use in the development of drug delivery systems and will provide an overview of the polysaccharide-based micelles that have been developed to date.
Reply to Zeitzer: Good science, in or out of the laboratory, should prevail.

In our randomized, within-participant, inpatient study, we demonstrated that reading from a light-emitting eReader compared with a printed book induced biological effects on alertness and on specific sleep and circadian measures. We strongly disagree that these results do not apply to normal individuals, as all of the participants in our study were healthy young men and women and the results were both substantial and significant. The experimental protocol was designed as a mechanistic study and not as an epidemiological investigation in the field. Although we acknowledge that there are limitations to studies designed to elucidate physiologic mechanisms, such studies are critical to both the design and interpretation of large-scale epidemiologic studies.
Photosynthesis and the intracellular inorganic carbon pool in the bluegreen alga Anabaena variabilis: Response to external CO2 concentration.

The apparent photosynthetic affinity of A. variabilis to CO2 is greatly affected by the CO2 concentration in the medium during growth. Halfmaximal rate of photosynthetic O2 evolution is achieved at 10 μM and 100 μM inorganic carbon (Cinorg) in cells grown at low-CO2 (air) and high CO2 (5% v/v CO2 in air), respectively, whilst the maximum rate of photosynthesis is similar in both cases. Both high- and low-CO2-grown Anabaena accumulate Cinorg within the cell; however, the rate of accumulation and the steady-state internal Cinorg concentration reached is much higher in low as compared with high-CO2-grown cells. It is suggested that Anabaena cells actively accumulate Cinorg. Measurements of the kinetics of Cinorg transport indicate that the affinity of the transport mechanism for Cinorg is similar (Km(Cinorg(≃150 μM) in both high- and low-CO2-grown cells. However, Vmax is 10-fold higher in the latter case. It is suggested that this higher Vmax for transport is the basis of the superior capability to accumulate Cinorg and the higher apparent photosynthetic affinity for external Cinorg in low-CO2-grown Anabaena. Carbonic anhydrase activity was not detectable in Anabaena, yet both photosynthetic affinity to Cinorg in the medium (but not Vmax) and the rate of accumulation of Cinorg were inhibited by the carbonic-anhydrase inhibitor ethoxyzolamide.
Activation of transglutaminase in μ-calpain null erythrocytes

Abstract Intracellular transglutaminases (protein–glutamine: amine γ-glutamyltransferase, EC 2.3.2.13) are calcium-dependent thiol enzymes that catalyze the covalent cross-linking of proteins, including those in the erythrocyte membrane. Several studies suggest that the activation of some transglutaminases is positively regulated by the calcium-dependent cysteine protease, μ-calpain. Using μ-calpain null ( Capn1 −/− ) mouse erythrocytes, we demonstrate that the activation of soluble as well as membrane-bound forms of transglutaminase (TG2) in mouse erythrocytes was independent of μ-calpain. Also, the absence of μ-calpain or any detectable cysteine protease did not affect the transglutaminase activity in the erythrocyte lysate. Our studies also identify physiological substrates of μ-calpain in the erythrocyte membrane and show that their cleavage has no discernible effect on the transglutaminase mediated cross-linking of membrane proteins. Taken together, these data suggest the existence of a calpain-independent mechanism for the activation of transglutaminase 2 by calcium ions in the mouse erythrocytes and presumably also in non-erythroid cells.
Treatment of leaks and fistulae after bariatric surgery

Gastric leaks are an ominous complication following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass associated with a high mortality. Surgical revision is often complicated and not without risk. Several series have brought to light endoscopic interventions that may play a role in the management of these patients. This paper provides an overview of the surgical approach to this difficult problem and outlines several endoscopic approaches to gastric leak and fistulae management, including stents, clips, fibrin glue, and endoscopic suturing.
Religious Impact of a Poverty Immersion Experience on College Students.

An increasing number of universities have initiated activities and assignments to foster empathic and altruistic behavior in students. This study is a report of an outcomes assessment of a poverty immersion experience in a Christian urban ministries course. Following Firmin's (2006) protocol, we used a qualitative methodology that included three waves of interviews with 23 undergraduate students. Analyses of the data suggested that students underwent both affective and behavioral changes as a result of their experience. Affectively, students reported deepening their appreciation for the grace of God in their lives and changed perceptions of homeless people as children of God deserving of dignity and for whom they should care and provide assistance. Behaviorally, students reported the intent to teach other Christians about the spiritual lessons learned, to make urban ministries a long-term part of their individual ministries to others, and to make a tangible difference in the lives of people less fortunate...
Dissociation of anosognosia for hemiplegia and aphasia during left-hemisphere anesthesia

Article abstract-The stroke literature indicates that the explicit denial of hemiplegia, a form of anosognosia, is associated more commonly with right- than left-hemisphere lesions. Some investigators have suggested that this asymmetry may be an artifact and that the aphasia that often accompanies left-hemisphere dysfunction may mask some instances of anosognosia. Mechanisms suggested for anosognosia have been either "global" or "modular" in nature. Mechanisms posited in global explanations include psychological denial and general mental deterioration; modular explanations include feedback and feedforward theories. Videotapes of 54 patients with medically intractable seizures who had selective barbiturate anesthesia (Wada test) as part of their evaluation for seizure surgery were assessed for anosognosia of hemiplegia and aphasia after hemispheric anesthesia had worn off. The results suggest that, although aphasia may confound the reported rate of anosognosia for hemiplegia following left-hemisphere dysfunction, the frequency of anosognosia for hemiplegia is still higher with right- than left-side dysfunction. Anosognosia for hemiplegia and aphasia were dissociable, providing support for the postulate that awareness of dysfunction is mediated by a modular system. NEUROLOGY 1995;45: 65-67
Turbulent transport to a rotating cylinder

Abstract The turbulent flow about a rotating cylinder, in an otherwise quiescent fluid, is studied. Velocity and temperature distributions are obtained by solving the corresponding conservation equations. A modified mixing length, which includes the effect of centrifugal forces in terms of the Richardson number, is used. A comparison is made with experimental data over a range of Reynolds numbers from 16,000 to 72,000.
The spectral distribution and the frequency shift of the supercontinuum

Abstract We compute numerically the spectral distribution of an intense femtosecond pulse propagating in a one-space-dimension Kerr medium (optical fibre). We include in our calculations the effects of self-phase modulation, self-steepening, group velocity dispersion, higher order dispersion (β (3) term), and Raman scattering. We find that for every intense pulses self-frequency shift can be towards the blue, in contrast to the red shift present for weaker pulses. We show explicitly the contribution to this shift from the different terms.
Human Innate Immunity to Toxoplasma gondii Is Mediated by Host Caspase-1 and ASC and Parasite GRA15

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) functions as a key regulator of inflammation and innate immunity. The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii actively infects human blood monocytes and induces the production of IL-1; however, the host and parasite factors that mediate IL-1 production during T. gondii infection are poorly understood. We report that T. gondii induces IL-1 transcript, processing/cleavage, and release from infected primary human monocytes and THP-1 cells. Treating monocytes with the caspase-1 inhibitor Ac-YVAD-CMK reduced IL-1 release, suggesting a role for the inflammasome in T. gondii-induced IL-1production. This was confirmed by performing short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown of caspase-1 and of the inflam- masome adaptor protein ASC. IL-1induction required active parasite invasion of monocytes, since heat-killed or mycalolide B-treated parasites did not induce IL-1. Among the type I, II, and III strains of T. gondii, the type II strain induced substan- tially more IL-1mRNA and protein release than did the type I and III strains. Since IL-1transcript is known to be induced downstream of NF-B signaling, we investigated a role for the GRA15 protein, which induces sustained NF-B signaling in a parasite strain-specific manner. By infecting human monocytes with a GRA15-knockout type II strain and a type I strain stably expressing type II GRA15, we determined that GRA15 is responsible for IL-1 induction during T. gondii infection of human monocytes. This research defines a pathway driving human innate immunity by describing a role for the classical inflammasome components caspase-1 and ASC and the parasite GRA15 protein in T. gondii-induced IL-1 production. IMPORTANCE Monocytes are immune cells that protect against infection by increasing inflammation and antimicrobial activities in the body. Upon infection with the parasitic pathogen Toxoplasma gondii, human monocytes release interleukin-1 (IL-1), a "master regulator" of inflammation, which amplifies immune responses. Although inflammatory responses are critical for host defense against infection, excessive inflammation can result in tissue damage and pathology. This delicate balance underscores the importance of understanding the mechanisms that regulate IL-1during infection. We have investigated the molecular pathway by which T. gondii induces the synthesis and release of IL-1 in human monocytes. We found that specific proteins in the parasite and the host cell coordinate to induce IL-1production. This research is significant because it contributes to a greater understanding of human innate immunity to infection and IL-1regulation, thereby enhancing our potential to modu- late inflammation in the body.
Parasitic life styles of marine dinoflagellates

Several genera of marine dinoflagellates contain species that have evolved parasitic life styles. Dinoflagellate infections have been reported for a wide range of host organisms including sarcodines. ciliates, free-living dinoflagellates, various invertebrates, and a few vertebrates. Some dinoflagellates even parasitize other parasitic dinoflagellates. Most species are obligately parasitic and rely on heterotrophy as their sole means of nutrition; however, some are mixotrophic, as they possess chloroplasts during part or all of their life cycle. Many are ectoparasites that use highly specialized structures to attach to their host and feed, while others are intracellular parasites that feed by osmotrophy. Parasitic dinoflagellates often have adverse effects on their host that can lead to reproductive castration or death. The ecological importance of parasitic dinoflagellates is particularly evident during epidemic outbreaks that cause mass mortality of host organisms. Species that infect fish can pose threats to aquaculture. while other species can make commercially important crustacea unpalatable. In the planktonic realm, parasitic dinoflagellates influence the structure and function of the microbial food web. They compete with copepods and other grazers by utilizing ciliates as hosts and can stimulate rapid recycling of nutrients by causing the decline of toxic and non-toxic red tides.
Graphite Foams for Lithium-Ion Battery Current Collectors

Graphite open-cell foams, with their very high electronic and thermal conductivities, may serve as high surface area and corrosion resistant current collectors for lithium-ion batteries. As a proof of principle, cathodes were prepared by sintering carbon-coated LiFePO4 particles into the porous graphite foams. Cycling these cathodes in a liquid electrolyte cell showed promising performance even for materials and coatings that have not been optimized. The specific capacity is not limited by the foam structure, but by the cycling performance of the coated LiFePO4 particles. Upon extended cycling for more than 100 deep cycles, no loss of capacity is observed for rates of C/2 or less. The uncoated graphite foams will slowly intercalate lithium reversibly at potentials less than 0.2 volts versus lithium.
CHROMATOGRAPHIC SEPARATION OF PHENOLS ON ION-EXCHANGE PAPER.

Abstract Paper loaded with strong base ion-exchange resin in Cl − form was used to accomplish the chromatographic separation of a number of monohydric and dihydric phenols and their derivatives by the use of two solvent systems. Data obtained confirmed the results of others who found that there is good correlation between p K a values of some phenols and their R F values for separation on paper that contains a highly polar stationary phase. This is not true for other phenols, suggesting that several factors may affect these chromatographic separations.
Do centres with well-developed protocols, training and infrastructure have higher rates of thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke?

Background: The introduction of intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue Plasminogen Activator (rt-PA) has greatly improved the effectiveness of acute ischaemic stroke care. However, in most hospitals only 2–10% of all admitted stroke patients are treated with thrombolysis . Aim: The purpose of this study is to identify if available protocols, training and infrastructure influence the thrombolysis rate. Design: Cohort study of 12 hospitals in the Netherlands. Methods: In a cohort of patients admitted with acute stroke within 24 h from onset of symptoms, data were obtained. Stroke service characteristics of 12 hospitals were acquired through structured interviews with intra- and extramural representatives, in order to asses (i) protocols, (ii) training and (iii) complexity of infrastructure. Data were analysed with multi-level logistic regression to relate the likelihood of treatment with thrombolysis to availability and completeness of protocols, training and infrastructure both outside (extramural) and inside (intramural) each centre. Results: Overall 5515 patients were included in the study. Thrombolysis rates varied from 5.7% to 21.7%. An association was observed between thrombolysis rates and extramural training [odds ratio (OR): 1.11; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99–1.25] and availability of intramural protocols (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.12–1.91). After adjustment for hospital size and teaching vs. nonteaching hospital, these associations became stronger; extramural training [adjusted OR (aOR): 1.14; 95% CI: 1.01–1.30] and availability of intramural protocols (aOR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.30–2.39). Conclusions: Extramural training and intramural protocols are important tools to increase thrombolysis rates for acute ischaemic stroke in hospitals. Intramural protocols and extramural training should be aimed at all relevant professionals.
Testing high-speed SoCs using low-speed ATEs

Presents a test methodology to allow testing high-speed circuits with low-speed ATEs. The basic strategy is adding an interface circuit to partially supply test data, coordinate sending the test patterns and collecting the signatures. An ILP formulation is presented to globally optimize such coordination in terms of the overall test time and the hardware cost.
Evaluation of EMC Programs

The paper shows how the evaluation and effectiveness of Electromagnetic Compatibility programs for systems can be enhanced by appraising the important facets of electromagnetic compatibility engineering and management. Derivation of an "Electromagnetic Compatibility Score" and its application to a contract definition phase and development contract are shown. The EMC scores and EMC costs of competing subcontractors are compared.
A novel confocal fiber-optic laser method for exact intraocular lens dioptric power measurement

Based on a fiber-optic confocal design, we have developed a simple, accurate, objective and quick method for exact focal length measurement of both positive and negative intraocular lenses providing a spatial resolution exceeding 1 mum.
Assertion, Practical Reason, and Pragmatic Theories of Knowledge

Defenders of pragmatic theories of knowledge (such as contextualism and sensitive invariantism) argue that these theories, unlike those that invoke a single standard for knowledge, comport with the intuitively compelling thesis that knowledge is the norm of assertion and practical reason. In this paper, I dispute this thesis, and argue that, therefore, the prospects for both “high standard” and “low standard” invariantist theories are better than the pragmatists contend. I also provide a limited defense of the “high standard” approach, and contend that if one abandons the thesis that knowledge is the norm of assertion and practical reason, the most serious arguments against it lose their force.
Structural properties of stage-2 alkali-metal graphite interclation compounds: a molecular dynamics study

Abstract An extensive study on low temperature solid and high temperature liquid phases of stage 2 alkali-metal graphite intercalation compounds (GICs), as examples of two dimensional screened Coulomb (repulsive) systems on strongly corrugation modulated substrates, is presented using constant energy and constant temperature (Nose) Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. We present pair correlation functions, static structure factors and snapshots of microscopic structures in the liquid phase, in the freezing region and in the solid phase. Average energy, diffusion constant and the number of disclinations are monitored as a function of temperature to track down the transition (freezing) region. We also find that the number density of the topological defects (such as dislocations and disclinations) decreases rapidly at the freezing transition. In the solid phase of RbC24 we find small triangular domains of (√7 × √7) Rb structure with welldefined domain walls consisting of (2 × 2) and (2 × 3 × √7) elemental pl...
Penicillin-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in Metropolitan New York Hospitals: Case Control Study and Molecular Typing of Resistant Isolates

During the 4-month period from January to April, 1998, 476 patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae infections were detected in 12 metropolitan New York hospitals and 112 penicillin-resistant (PRP) isolates (24%) were identified in 11 institutions. A case control study of 100 patients with penicillin-resistant and susceptible pneumococci from four of the widely dispersed hospitals revealed a high incidence of underlying medical illnesses in adult patients (74%), a preponderance of patients with pneumonia (63%), and a majority of patients who had underlying risk factors for pneumonia or invasive disease (51%). In this limited case control study, no difference was noted between cases and controls regarding known risk factors for penicillin-resistant pneumococcal infections. The percentage of single-patient PRP isolates varied among individual hospitals but the mean percentages of PRP from the four participating University Medical Centers and seven community hospitals were similar: 26% and 22% respectively. By...
A hydro-climatological lake classification model and its evaluation using global data

Summary For many of the world’s lakes, particularly those in remote regions, an assessment of the basin’s sensitivity to climate change is limited by the availability of appropriate hydrologic data. A regional steady-state lake water balance model was developed that uses simple, yet easily estimated or obtained, data to generate an aridity index (potential evapotranspiration to precipitation ratio) to predict changes in lake basin area to lake surface area ratio, a non-dimensional lake-basin property that can be easily obtained from digital maps. In the model, lake water balance components include precipitation, lake evaporation, and runoff into the lake. Both basin runoff and evaporation are incorporated in the analytical model using an empirical equation (based on the Budyko hypothesis) that utilizes the aridity index and a calibration parameter to account for vegetative influence. Observed records of lake to basin area ratio, as a function of their evapotranspiration to precipitation ratio, for a range of climates and land cover conditions, were plotted and compared to a family of calculated steady-state curves. Dividing the domain of calculated curves into regions of permanent, land-cover change sensitive, and ephemeral lakes allows for comparison of model predicted lake classification with lake sediment records. The impact of land cover and climate change on lake persistence is also discussed. The model is most applicable for closed basin lakes in sub-humid, semi-arid, and arid environments. The model can be used: (1) as a diagnostic tool to analyze lake response to climate change; (2) to assess environmental and anthropogenic factors leading to transient lake response; and (3) as a paleoclimatic research tool, to identify lakes that can potentially provide high-resolution paleorecords of water balance.
Photodarkening and photobleaching in fiber optic Bragg gratings

A photobleaching effect is reported which reduces the broadband losses induced by the single-pulse writing of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs). A primary application of the optical FBG reflector is as arrays of wavelength-encoded sensing elements for detecting mechanical strain. Instrumentation is being developed to interrogate >100 point sensors along a single fiber with FBGs and detectors operating in the 790-820 nm band. In this paper, we describe broadband absorptions induced by writing single-pulse FBGs which would impose a 10 dB power penalty with as few as 40 serialized FBGs. We have reduced these photo-induced losses more than seven-fold (measured near 800 nm) using a photobleaching process which minimally affects the FBG's reflectivities. After treatment, optical losses are sufficiently low to allow the interrogation of hundreds of FBGs along a single fiber. Photodarkening and photobleaching are measured in gratings prepared by single laser pulses, and by multiple pulses with and without hydrogen loading. Parasitic loss following photobleaching is lower for single-pulse FBGs operated near 800 nm than for FBGs written with multiple pulses in hydrogen loaded fibers and operated near 1300 nm.