cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Triple Procedure: Descemet’s Stripping and Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty Combined with Phacoemulsification and Intraocular Lens Implantation

Purpose To evaluate visual acuity (VA), graft clarity, and refractive outcome of Descemet's stripping and automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with coexisting Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy and immature senile cataracts. Design Pilot, prospective, noncomparative, surgical case series. Participants Twenty-one eyes of 21 consecutive patients with coexisting visually significant immature senile cataracts and Fuchs' corneal dystrophy with guttata of Descemet's membrane and either microcystic epithelial edema or stromal edema presenting to a single academic eye institute. Methods All patients underwent phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL implantation through temporal clear corneal incision, followed by DSAEK. The intent was to render all eyes as close to emmetropia as possible. Main Outcome Measures Six-month postoperative best spectacle-corrected VA (BSCVA), refractive spherical equivalent (SE), refractive astigmatism, and keratometry. Results Average BSCVAs were 20/68 preoperatively and 20/34 postoperatively ( P P = 0.69). Complications included graft dislocations requiring repositioning (3), 2 of which experienced recurrent dislocation requiring reoperation with a new graft; acute graft rejection (3); and pupillary block glaucoma (2). Conclusions This pilot case series of 6-month results of DSAEK combined with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation suggests that it provides rapid visual rehabilitation with predictable refractive outcomes.
Cognitive functioning differentially predicts different dimensions of older drivers' on-road safety

The extent to which deficits in specific cognitive domains contribute to older drivers' safety risk in complex real-world driving tasks is not well understood. We selected 148 drivers older than 70 years of age both with and without neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer disease-AD and Parkinson disease-PD) from an existing driving database of older adults. Participant assessments included on-road driving safety and cognitive functioning in visuospatial construction, speed of processing, memory, and executive functioning. The standardized on-road drive test was designed to examine multiple facets of older driver safety including navigation performance (e.g., following a route, identifying landmarks), safety errors while concurrently performing secondary navigation tasks ("on-task" safety errors), and safety errors in the absence of any secondary navigation tasks ("baseline" safety errors). The inter-correlations of these outcome measures were fair to moderate supporting their distinctiveness. Participants with diseases performed worse than the healthy aging group on all driving measures and differences between those with AD and PD were minimal. In multivariate analyses, different domains of cognitive functioning predicted distinct facets of driver safety on road. Memory and set-shifting predicted performance in navigation-related secondary tasks, speed of processing predicted on-task safety errors, and visuospatial construction predicted baseline safety errors. These findings support broad assessments of cognitive functioning to inform decisions regarding older driver safety on the road and suggest navigation performance may be useful in evaluating older driver fitness and restrictions in licensing. Language: en
The role of spiral CT vs plain films in acute cervical spine trauma: a comparative study

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic yield of conventional radiographs versus helical computed tomography (CT) in screening acute trauma patients. Methods: We reviewed 604 trauma patients who presented to our level I trauma emergency room and underwent both conventional radiography and spiral CT of the cervical spine of. Results: Of the 604 patients, 30 (5.13 %) had fractures seen on helical CT, only 10 of which were diagnosed on conventional radiography. Conclusion: In the screening of acute trauma patients, conventional radiography is less sensitive in detecting fractures than helical CT. CT should therefore be considered as a standard modality choice in such cases.
Distributed decision support for cancer research associated to Infectious Disease

The use of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) and other supportive treatments for Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are changing research on malignancies associated with HIV-infected patients, both for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)-defining malignancies (ADM) as well as non-AIDS-defining malignancies (nADM). At the same time, studies linking HIV/AIDS registries to cancer registries have shown potential for exploring new approaches to prevention and treatment of opportunistic disease. We take an innovative approach to semantic modeling using data curation and interactive representation of the semantically aggregated information, using biostatistical analysis and annotation tools as well as geographic information systems technology. Our hypothesis is that, by investigating the application of innovative translational informatics methods and creating prototypes of collaborative knowledge bases, we can facilitate novel clinical research related to the identification of patterns in current and new data, linking the integrated information and outcomes to available registries.
Simulating both dynamic and kinematic behaviors of mechanical mechanisms

Current theories in the qualitative simulation field tend to draw lines between the dynamic and kinematic behaviors of physical systems. However, cognitive scientists (Metz) believe that humans, including children, seem to have a unified knowledge representation scheme which supports various kinds of reasoning in describing mechanism behavior. If a person knows how a device works dynamically, he is likely capable of analyzing the kinematic behavior of the same device. Inspired by such an observation, we have built a computational model which applies the bond graph technique of system dynamics to perform both kinds of behavioral reasoning using the same underlying representation. Based on the notion of motion propagation, our system, KREATOR, generates either dynamic or kinematic descriptions depending on the input given. The model has been fully implemented and can handle both ordinary and intermittent mechanical devices.
Intestinal perforation in preterm infant as an unusual initial presentation of Hirschsprung's disease

Abstract Intestinal perforations in preterm infants are often associated with necrotizing enterocolitis or spontaneous ileal perforation. Isolated colonic perforation is a rare presentation of Hirschsprung's disease (HD), especially in premature infants. We report a case of descending colon perforation with pneumoperitoneum at 3 days of life in a 34 week infant which was initially attributed to NEC. This case demonstrates that an isolated colonic perforation, even in the descending colon and preterm infant, can be attributed to Hirschsprung's disease.
Towards systematic knowledge building: An anti-crime research and development continuum

This response argues that the National Research Council (NRC) report, while valuable and thorough, would have benefited from conceptualizing evaluation activities along a continuum of knowledge development, with evaluations initially verifying the effectiveness of program concepts, before moving to evaluations of the feasibility and generalizability of anti-crime strategies and, finally, to evaluations of the costs and benefits of implementation of new strategies.
Antipredatory Behaviour of Feverish Tadpoles: Implications for Pathogen Transmission

In this paper we propose the hypothesis that pathogen-induced host defense responses result in altered host behaviors and enhanced predation. In particular we examine the effects of the acute phase response (whose effects include fever, reduced activity and malaise) on antipredatory behavior in bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpoles. This host response is associated with the preliminary stages of infection with many pathogens yet its behavioral effects have received little attention. Bullfrog tadpoles were injected with alcohol-killed bacteria to induce a response to infection and their ability to detect and avoid capture by predatory salamanders (Taricha granulosa) was explored. We predicted that acute phase responses increase tadpole vulnerability to predation by influencing thermoregulatory behavior and their ability to detect, and avoid capture by, salamanders. We found that the sterotypical effects of the acute phase response can lead to increased predation. Malaise affected the refuge seeking behavior of the tadpoles in the presence of salamanders. We suggest that for tadpoles provided with refuges, altered behaviors are a liability. This endogenous response may afford some parasites a potential pathway to their next host.
Advances in Glaucoma Therapy: Brimonidine Tartrate

Brimonidine, a newly approved α2-adrenoceptor agonist, is a 2-imidazoline derivative which is more highly selective for the α2-adrenoceptor than either clonidine or apraclonidine. The mechanism of action by which it lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) involves a decrease in aqueous humor production and an increase in aqueous humor outflow through the uveoscleral pathway. Clinical studies have been performed for acute indications using the 0.5% concentration and chronic indications using the 0.2% concentration. This review discusses the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of this new compound.
Measurement of Biomechanical Properties of Tissues Under Uniaxial Stress

• Knowledge of biomechanical properties of tissues is necessary for credible description of their constitutive behavior in physiological conditions of normality and stress • A comprehensive and comparative understanding of tissue properties is of prime importance from the perspectives of device-tissue interactions • Moreover, ablation has become a common medical procedure, which alters both the structure and function of the ablated tissue; and in small percentage of cases, it can cause collateral damage of surrounding vital structures, which can have severe clinical implications • In order to maximize the efficacy of ablative procedures and minimize collateral damage, it is important to understand the biomechanical properties of all tissues that may be potentially affected by ablation • We have developed unique methodologies to assess the biomechanical properties of various tissues under uniaxial stress that include measurement of force-displacement graphs, stress-strain characteristics, calculations of avulsion forces, avulsion strains, energies associated with avulsions, and the elastic moduli of various tissue samples
Finite-Element Method to Predict Reinforcing Bar Buckling in RC Structures

Buckling of longitudinal bars is a common form of damage in reinforced concrete (RC) structures subjected to earthquakes. Previous research has illustrated the impact of cyclic loading on bar buckling which often occurs upon the reversal from a tensile loading cycle. This paper presents a finite-element method to predict reinforcement buckling under seismic loading that also captures the details of the buckling mechanism. This method combines a fiber-based model to simulate the reinforced concrete member itself and an independent finite-element model of the local plastic hinge region. The strain demands in the plastic hinge region are determined from the fiber-based model of the overall structure subjected to the ground motion. The strain history is then imposed on the finite element bar buckling model to predict the localized behavior. Comparisons between the model performance and experimental observations are shown to assess the accuracy of the proposed method.
Lipogenesis in iron-deficient adult rats

Iron-deficient (5 ppm Fe) or control (307 ppm Fe) diets were fed ad libitum to female rats for 7 weeks, and then meal-fed for 4 weeks. Body weights, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrits were lower (p less than 0.01) in deficient group (184 +/- 7, 7.1 +/- 0.4, 32.7 +/- 0.6) than in the control group (220 +/- 10, 16.9 +/- 0.3, 51.8 +/- 0.8) at the end of the 11-week experiment. Animals were killed 4 hr after meal feeding, and liver slices, mesenteric adipose tissue, and segments of mid-jejunum were incubated in vitro with [U-14C] glucose or 3H2O. Adipose tissue from deficient rats had incorporation of [U-14C] glucose into triglycerides two to three times greater than control rats (p less than 0.01). Release of 14CO2 from glucose was greater in adipose tissue of deficient rats than controls (p less than 0.05). Incorporation of 3H2O into triglycerides was also two to three times greater in deficient adipose tissue than in controls (p less than 0.02). In liver slices, incorporation of glucose in polar lipids was slightly higher in deficient rats than in control rats (p less than 0.05). No significant differences were found in incorporation of 3H20 or [U-14C] glucose into lipids or CO2 in jejunum. Thus, iron- deficient adult rats have greater lipid synthesis from 3H2O and glucose in adipose tissue than rats fed adequate levels of iron.
Accurate Determination of the Impedance Profile Using Enhanced Accuracy Time Domain Reflection and Transmission Measurements

A method of determining the impedance profile of transmission structures with high accuracy is presented. It employs frequency domain error correction and reconstruction of the original time domain data. This method is particularly useful for extracting the equivalent circuit model of the interconnects in the ICs and IC packages, which require high precision time domain reflection and transmission measurements.
Response of Intraocular Ovarian Isografts to LH in Male Mice.

SummaryIntraocular ovarian isografts in intact male mice develop mature follicles that show only sporadic luteinization. A single dose of LH-NIH-B1 produced a peak of formation of corpora lutea on the 3rd day after administration. The 50% effective dose was 0.48 μg (IV in saline), 1.55 μg (IP in saline), 4.27 μg (SC in saline), or 7.34 μg (SC in gelatin).
Acute toxicity of zinc and copper singly and in combination to the bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)

Zinc and copper are common components of aquatic effluents from various industrial and mining sources. The acute toxicity of various compounds of Cu and Zn has been determined for many species of fish using continuous flow as well as static toxicity tests under different chemical, temperature, and temporal regimes. Similarly, the toxicity of mixtures of these two, as well as of more complex mixtures of heavy metals, has been studied by many researchers. While many of these studies report the toxicity of Cu and/or Zn to the bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), to our knowledge the literature does not mention the acute toxicity of mixtures of these two metals to this species. The present study was undertaken to investigate the acute toxicity of divalent Zn-Cu mixtures to the bluegill.
Cognitive development: Some pervasive issues

(But R has no dog.) R's building tumbles down and he builds a new one. Stops building and goes to Miss E. "You got a boyfriend?" Miss E nods. "Why don't you marry him?" A classmate has put ramps onto R's building. R starts trucks down the ramps, once, twice. Takes down the ramps and goes on with his building for several minutes more. Moves off to the ironing board. Stretches out cloth for ironing, but another boy has taken the iron. R (to boy with the iron): "Did you see my doggie?" The boy shakes his head in the negative and gives R the iron without his asking for it. R drops it and it comes apart. Attempts to put it together once, twice, and then discards it. Goes over to pick up a book. Puts down the book. Goes for five more. Lays them out on a table and goes for chairs to put around the table. "Today's my birthdaymake believe. I'm seven years old-but I'm really only six." Sets the tables for a party. R sits at the head of the table looking at Babar,
Health-Related Quality of Life and Cognitive Functioning from the Perspective of Parents of School-Aged Children with Asperger’s Syndrome Utilizing the PedsQL™

HRQOL as a multidimensional construct has not been previously investigated in children with Asperger’s Syndrome. The objective of the present study was to examine the initial feasibility, reliability, and validity of the PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales and PedsQL™ Cognitive Functioning Scale parent proxy-report versions in school-aged children with Asperger’s Syndrome. The PedsQL™ evidenced no missing responses (0.0%), achieved excellent reliability for the Generic Core Total Scale score (α = 0.82) and Cognitive Functioning Scale (α = 0.92), distinguished between children with Asperger’s Syndrome and a matched sample of healthy children, and was related to similar constructs on the Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale. The results demonstrate the initial measurement properties of the PedsQL™ in school-aged children with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Mott glass to superfluid transition for random bosons in two dimensions

We study the zero-temperature superfluid-insulator transition for a two-dimensional model of interacting, lattice bosons in the presence of quenched disorder and particle-hole symmetry. We follow the approach of a recent series of papers by Altman, Kafri, Polkovnikov, and Refael, in which the strong disorder renormalization group is used to study disordered bosons in one dimension. Adapting this method to two dimensions, we study several different species of disorder and uncover universal features of the superfluid-insulator transition. In particular, we locate an unstable finite disorder fixed point that governs the transition between the superfluid and a gapless, glassy insulator. We present numerical evidence that this glassy phase is the incompressible Mott glass and that the transition from this phase to the superfluid is driven by a percolation-type process. Finally, we provide estimates of the critical exponents governing this transition.
From FUS to Pandora syndrome: Where are we, how did we get here, and where to now?

New concepts:Ideas about the causes of lower urinary tract signs (LUTS) in cats have changed significantly in the past 40 years. Recent research is challenging the conventional view that the bladde...
Axonal pathfinding during the regeneration of the goldfish optic pathway

Retinal ganglion cells in fish and amphibians regenerate their axons after transection of the optic nerve. Fiber tracing studies during the third month of regeneration show that the axons have reestablished a basically normal fiber order in the two brachia of the optic tract; axons originating in the ventral hemiretina are concentrated in the dorsal brachium, axons from the dorsal hemiretina in the ventral brachium. Attardi and Sperry (Exp. Neurol. 7:46–64, 1963) first suggested that the reestablishment of the fiber order reflects path-finding by the regenerating axons. Recently, however, Becker and Cook (Development 101:323–337, 1987) have claimed that the fiber order observed at later stages of regeneration is due to secondary axonal rearrangements and that the initial brachial choice is random. In order to evaluate whether regenerating axons are capable of navigating in the optic tract and brachia and on the tectum, the present study examined the pathway choices and the morphology of regenerating axons en route to their tectal targets in goldfish. Subsets of axons were labeled at various time intervals (2 to 30 days) following an optic nerve crush, by intraretinal application of the lipophilic fluorescent tracer 1,1-dioctadecyl-3-3-3′-3′-tetra-methylcarbocyanine (DiI). After a survival time of 18 to 72 hours (to allow for diffusion of DiI along the axons), the experimental animals were perfused with fixative and their right and left optic pathways (nerve, tract, and tectum) were dissected free and separated at the chiasm. Fluorescently labeled axons were traced in whole-mounted pathways. Pathway choices were examined at the brachial bifurcation where axons from ventral and dorsal hemiretinae normally segregate. DiI was found to label axons reliably up to their growth cones, even at the earliest stages of regrowth. The pathway choices of the axons were nonrandom. The majority of the ventral axons reached the appropriate, dorsal hemitectum through the appropriate dorsal brachium of the tract. Dorsal axons reached the ventral hemitectum mainly through the ventral brachium. This suggests the presence of specific guidance cues, accessible to the regenerating axons. Differences in the complexity of the growth cones of the regenerating axons (simple in the nerve and tectal fiber layer, complex in the tract and the synaptic layer of the tectum) provide further evidence for specific interactions between the regenerating axons and their substrates along the pathway. These result argue that regenerating retinal axons in fish are capable of axonal path-finding.
“MySpace” or Yours? The Ethical Dilemma of Graduate Students' Personal Lives on the Internet

The booming popularity of the Internet, and particularly increasing use of personal Web sites, social networking sites, and blogging, raises questions regarding the ethical use of psychology graduate students' personal online information for academic purposes. Given rising controversies such as use of such information to screen applicants, I refer to the principles and standards of the Ethics Code of the American Psychological Association (2002) to examine ethical concerns associated with graduate students' personal information on the Internet, namely, the protection of privacy, use of informed consent, consideration of autonomy, and implications for students' clinical work. Finally, I make several recommendations for graduate training faculty and graduate students as they consider placing and using information on and from the Internet.
Overexpression of messenger RNA for cholecystokinin-A receptor and novel expression of messenger RNA for gastrin (cholecystokinin-B) receptor in azaserine-induced rat pancreatic carcinoma

Using receptor binding assays, we have previously demonstrated the overexpression of the high-affinity cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor and the novel expression of the gastrin (CCK-B) receptor in the azaserine-induced rat pancreatic carcinoma DSL-6. Since cDNA of both the CCK-A receptor (classical pancreatic CCK receptor) coding region and the CCK-B receptor coding region have recently been cloned and sequenced, we investigated the expression of messenger RNA of these receptors in DSL-6 pancreatic carcinoma. Our results showed that the 32P-labelled cDNA probe of the CCK-A receptor coding region hybridized with an approximately 2.7 kb mRNA from both DSL-6 pancreatic carcinoma and normal rat pancreas. However, the relative expression of the CCK-A receptor mRNA in DSL-6 pancreatic carcinoma was approximately 8-fold of that in normal rat pancreas. The 32P-labelled cDNA probe of the CCK-B receptor coding region hybridized with an approximately 2.7 kb mRNA from DSL-6 pancreatic carcinoma; no hybridizing mRNA could be identified from normal rat pancreas. In summary, the CCK-A receptor mRNA is overexpressed approximately 8-fold and the gastrin (CCK-B) receptor mRNA is novelly expressed in DSL-6 pancreatic carcinoma as compared to normal rat pancreas. These results further confirm our previous findings based on receptor binding assays. The gene overexpression of the CCK-A receptor and the novel gene expression of the gastrin (CCK-B) receptor may be generated by alterations in gene regulation during carcinogenesis, and may play an important role in promoting tumor growth.
Corticosteroids for Blastomycosis-Induced ARDS: A Report of Two Patients and Review of the Literature

ARDS secondary to blastomycosis is associated with a high mortality rate despite appropriate antifungal therapy. Corticosteroids are of proven benefit in the treatment of severe Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and are recommended for the treatment of severe pulmonary infections with Histoplasma capsulatum. However, their role in the treatment of severe pulmonary infections with Blastomyces dermatitidis has not been established. We report the cases of two previously healthy men who presented with severe ARDS secondary to blastomycosis. Refractory hypoxemia developed in both patients despite adequate antifungal coverage with amphotericin B. Dramatic improvement was seen in each patient after initiation of corticosteroids in addition to amphotericin B. Both patients survived and did well on follow-up. We suggest that treatment with corticosteroids may be of benefit in patients with blastomycosis-induced ARDS. This may be due to a decrease in the severity of the inflammatory response.
Hounsfield Units on Computerized Tomography Predict Stone-Free Rates After Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

ABSTRACTPurpose: Studies suggest that HU values on noncontrast computerized tomography may predict the ability to fragment urinary calculi. We determined whether the HUs of in vivo urinary stones could be used to predict the stone-free rates after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.Materials and Methods: We evaluated 50 patients who underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for 5 to 10 mm. upper urinary tract stones. Chemical analyses and HU calculations were performed for each stone and posttreatment radiographic assessment categorized patients into a stone-free or a residual stone group. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student t test to compare mean HU values in the 2 groups.Results: Of the patients 32 (64%) were stone-free and 18 (36%) had residual stones. Mean values ± SEM for the stone-free and residual stone groups were significantly different (551.20 ± 46.66 versus 926.20 ± 51.42 HU, p <0.0001). A total of 30 calculi (60%) were located in the ureter, including 21 in the stone-...
Expansion of LTC-ICs and maintenance of p21 and BCL-2 expression in cord blood CD34(+)/CD38(-) early progenitors cultured over human MSCs as a feeder layer.

Allogeneic transplantation with umbilical cord blood (UCB) is limited in adult recipients by a low CD34+ cell dose. Clinical trials incorporating cytokine-based UCB in vitro expansion have not demonstrated significant shortening of hematologic recovery despite substantial increases in CD34+ cell dose, suggesting loss of stem cell function. To sustain stem cell function during cytokine-based in vitro expansion, a feeder layer of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was incorporated in an attempt to mimic the stem cell niche in the marrow microenvironment. UCB expansion on MSCs resulted in a 7.7-fold increase in total LTC-IC output and a 3.8-fold increase of total early CD34+ progenitors (CD38−/HLA-DR−). Importantly, early CD34+/CD38−/HLA-DR− progenitors from cultures expanded on MSCs demonstrated higher cytoplasmic expression of the cell-cycle inhibitor, p21cip1/waf1, and the antiapoptotic protein, BCL-2, compared with UCB expanded in cytokines alone, suggesting improved maintenance of stem cell function in the presence of MSCs. Moreover, the presence of MSCs did not elicit UCB lymphocyte activation. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that the addition of MSCs as a feeder layer provides improved conditions for expansion of early UCB CD34+/CD38−/HLA-DR− hematopoietic progenitors and may serve to inhibit their differentiation and rates of apoptosis during short-term in vitro expansion.
Effects of Type and Breed of British, Zebu, and Dairy Cattle on Production, Carcass Composition, and Palatability,

Abstract These data from the Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station involving eight breeds or crosses indicate that there is no ideal breed for meat production. All of the breeds have certain desirable production or carcass traits and also possess undesirable traits. Angus carcasses graded highest of all but had low cutting yields, largely due to a higher per cent fat. Hereford carcasses had higher cutting yields and were rated slightly higher than Angus on palatability, despite a significantly lower carcass grade and degree of marbling. Both British breeds were above average in palatability. Jersey steaks and roasts were scored most tender of all breeds, but differences between Jerseys and Herefords were not always significant. However, Jersey steers were least efficient, were next to lowest on daily gains, and produced the poorest carcass yields. Holstein steers had the highest daily gains with the highest feed efficiency and produced carcasses with high cutting yields. They were average among the breeds in eating quality. Brahmans had a high per cent of separable muscle but had poor feedlot performance and ranked last on palatability scores. Santa Gertrudis and Brahman crosses had acceptable gains, feed conversion, and carcass cuttability, but usually were ranked next to Brahmans on palatability scores. In general, they were intermediate between the British breeds and purebred Brahmans in the traits studied. Charolais and crosses were fast gainers, very efficient in feed utilization, high dressers, and low in waste fat (high percentage of muscle), but were relatively low in marbling and carcass grade, with about average palatability. It would appear that favorable production, composition, and palatability characteristics can be obtained from some dairy breeds and dairy-beef crosses.
A directed random paragraph generator

Abstract : The document gives a description of a computer program for generating strings of sentences that have the properties of 'real' discourse. The program implements certain linguistic assumptions about 'development' and 'cohesion' among sentences. The generator consists of two major parts: a data conversion program for establishing compact data tables with associative links and a generation program for synthesizing sentences. The objective is to gain a better theoretical understanding of the interrelationship of sentences in a connected discourse.
Recent advances and perspectives in synchrotron radiation TXRF

Abstract Total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) using Synchrotron Radiation is likely to be the most powerful non-destructive technique for the analysis of trace metal impurities on silicon wafer surfaces. Of fundamental importance in TXRF is the achievable sensitivity as characterized by the minimum detection limit. This work describes the progress we achieved recently at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL) in minimum detection limits for transition metals and will give an estimate of what can be achieved using a third generation synchrotron radiation source such as SPEAR3.
Linear Perfect Codes and a Characterization of the ClassicalDesigns

A new definition for the dimension of a combinatorial t- (v,k,\lambda) design over a finite field is proposed. The complementary designs of the hyperplanes in a finite projective or affine geometry, and the finite Desarguesian planes in particular, are characterized as the unique (up to isomorphism) designs with the given parameters and minimum dimension. This generalizes a well-known characterization of the binary hyperplane designs in terms of their minimum 2-rank. The proof utilizes the q-ary analogue of the Hamming code, and a group-theoretic characterization of the classical designs.
Patterns of p57Kip2 expression in embryonic rat brain suggest roles in progenitor cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation.

In developing central nervous system, a variety of mechanisms couple cell cycle exit to differentiation during neurogenesis. The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p57Kip2 controls the transition from proliferation to differentiation in many tissues, but roles in developing brain remain uncertain. To characterize possible functions, we defined p57Kip2 protein expression in embryonic day (E) 12.5 to 20.5 rat brains using immunohistochemistry combined with markers of proliferation and differentiation. p57Kip2 was localized primarily in cell nuclei and positive cells formed two distinct patterns including wide dispersion and laminar aggregation that were brain region-specific. From E12.5 to E16.5, p57Kip2 expression was detected mainly in ventricular (VZ) and/or mantle zones of hippocampus, septum, basal ganglia, thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain and spinal cord. After E18.5, p57Kip2 was detected in select regions undergoing differentiation. p57Kip2 expression was also compared to regional transcription factors, including Ngn2, Nkx2.1 and Pax6. Time course studies performed in diencephalon showed that p57Kip2 immunoreactivity co-localized with BrdU at 8 hr in nuclei exhibiting the wide dispersion pattern, whereas co-localization in the laminar pattern occurred only later. Moreover, p57Kip2 frequently co-localized with neuronal marker, β-III tubulin. Finally, we characterized relationships of p57Kip2 to CDK inhibitor p27Kip1: In proliferative regions, p57Kip2 expression preceded p27Kip1 as cells underwent differentiation, though the proteins co-localized in substantial numbers of cells, suggesting potentially related yet distinct functions of Cip/Kip family members during neurogenesis. Our observations that p57Kip2 exhibits nuclear expression as precursors exit the cell cycle and begin expressing neuronal characteristics suggests that the CDK inhibitor contributes to regulating the transition from proliferation to differentiation during brain development.
Observed Egg Shell Damage in a Mechanical Gathering System

Abstract INTRODUCTION IT HAS been estimated that cracked or checked eggs account for 3 to 5 percent of all eggs produced in commercial production units (Forsythe, 1966). A combination of adverse factors such as older aged birds and hand gathering in wire baskets has been shown by Michigan workers (Toleman et al., 1964) to result in 5.7 percent cracked eggs at the production level. This same study indicated that the lowest level of checks, 0.6 percent occurred in eggs from young flocks collected on molded fiberboard trays from rollaway nests. These estimates and studies were made before the general use of mechanical gathering for large commercial operations. The loss in value due to cracked shells has been estimated at from five to seven cents per dozen. Thus, the dollar loss in the U.S. may be in the range of three to four million dollars for every one percent of damaged eggs,…
Late gastrointestinal toxicity after radiation for prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND. The current study was designed to determine rates and predictors of late, lower gastrointestinal toxicity after radiation therapy in a population-based cohort of older men with prostate cancer. METHODS. The study population consisted of men with localized or regional stage prostate cancer who were age ≥66 years and were diagnosed between 1992 and 1999 who were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database. Gastrointestinal diagnoses were ascertained through claims from 6 to 60 months after diagnosis. The relative rates of diagnoses in the radiation group versus the nonradiation group were used as a means of estimating toxicity from radiotherapy. Cox modeling was used to determine factors associated with gastrointestinal diagnoses. RESULTS. A total of 57,955 men were included, 24,130 of whom were treated with radiation therapy. Among patients with 5 years of follow-up, the rates of gastrointestinal diagnoses were 19.4% higher in irradiated patients than among patients who did not have local therapy. Hemorrhage was the most common diagnosis, and was increased by 18.9% among patients treated with radiation (39.6% of irradiated patients vs. comparison rates of 18.2% in patients treated with radical prostatectomy and 20.7% in patients with no local therapy). Diagnostic lower endoscopies were performed in an additional 20.9% of men (32.4% of men treated with radiation vs. 12.7% of men who underwent prostatectomy). In all, 4.4% of irradiated men were hospitalized with a gastrointestinal diagnosis versus comparison rates of 3.2% among men with no local therapy. In multivariate models, increasing patient age, hormonal therapy, comorbidity, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and hemorrhoids were all associated with gastrointestinal diagnoses consistent with toxicity, whereas tumor stage and grade were not predictors. CONCLUSIONS. Lower gastrointestinal toxicity after radiation therapy for prostate cancer continues for at least 5 years and may be more common than previously reported. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
The phosphatase C(X)5R motif is required for catalytic activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Acr2p arsenate reductase.

Acr2p detoxifies arsenate by reduction to arsenite in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This reductase has been shown to require glutathione and glutaredoxin, suggesting that thiol chemistry might be involved in the reaction mechanism. Acr2p has a HC(X)5R motif, the signature sequence of the phosphate binding loop of the dual-specific and protein-tyrosine phosphatase family. In Acr2p these are residues His-75, Cys-76, and Arg-82, respectively. Acr2p has another sequence, 118HCR, that is absent in phosphatases. Acr2p also has a third cysteine residue at position 106. Each of these cysteine residues was changed individually to serine residues, whereas the histidine and arginine residues were altered to alanines. Cells ofEscherichia coli heterologously expressing the majority of the mutant ACR2 genes retained wild type resistance to arsenate, and the purified altered Acr2p proteins exhibited normal enzymatic properties. In contrast, cells expressing either the C76S or R82A mutations lost resistance to arsenate, and the purified proteins were inactive. These results suggest that Acr2p utilizes a phosphatase-like Cys(X)5Arg motif as the catalytic center to reduce arsenate to arsenite.
Superlattices and long-range order in electrodeposited dendrites.

We observe the spontaneous reemergence of long-range crystalline order in the electrochemical deposition of metal dendrites very far from equilibrium. This long-range order appears simultaneously with novel superlattice structures as revealed by high-resolution x-ray and electron diffraction. In order to explain these observations, we propose a simple picture, which we call the «keystone model», for electrocrystallization in an aqueous environment
Cavitation erosion of cast iron diesel engine liners

Abstract Photomicrographs from vibratory facility cavitation specimens and from an eroded liner of a field diesel engine are compared. The causes of erosion are similar. Corrosion tests show that the results are different from those from cavitation. This further confirms that liner erosion of a diesel engine is primarily due to cavitation erosion caused, in most cases, by vibration of the liner wall.
The influence of creep strain on the elastic modulus, crystallographic orientation and density of a poco graphite

Abstract POCO HPD-1 graphite is a very fine-grained, high-density, nearly isotropic graphite. However, it becomes less isotropic and less dense during high temperature creep deformation. Changes in crystallographic orientation, density, and modulus were measured as functions of creep strain. The modulus changes induced by creep seem to be related to the orientation and density changes. Modulus values were intermediate between calculated values based on the constant-stress model and those based on the constant-strain model.
A Function for Monoubiquitination in the Internalization of a G Protein–Coupled Receptor

Modification of an S. cerevisiae G protein-coupled receptor with ubiquitin is required for its ligand-stimulated internalization. We now demonstrate that monoubiquitination on a single lysine residue is sufficient to signal receptor internalization, a modification distinct from that required for proteasome recognition. Formation of a polyubiquitin chain is not necessary, as demonstrated by the ability of mutant ubiquitins that lack lysine residues to serve as efficient internalization signals. Fusion of ubiquitin in-frame to a receptor that lacks cytoplasmic tail lysines also promotes rapid receptor internalization, indicating that ubiquitin itself and not a specific type of linkage to the receptor acts as an internalization signal. Thus, we have defined a cellular function for monoubiquitination in alpha-factor receptor endocytosis.
Voices of Our Past: Using Oral History to Explore Funds of Knowledge within a Puerto Rican Family

This article presents an educational rationale for using oral history to teach students that there are multiple sources of knowledge and ways to seek valid information. A case study to explore the funds of knowledge within an extended Puerto Rican family is used illustratively. The study describes the leadership role played by one grandmother as the family participated in multiple migrations, describes creative ways employed by her and other women to reestablish the community, and challenges some stereotypes of Latinas.
A compendium of intraoral flaps

Intraoral flaps are an excellent source of tissue for reconstruction after resection of small malignant tumors of the oral cavity, pharynx, and hypopharynx. The principal donor sites used are the tongue, buccal mucosa, and palate. Intraoral flaps enable rapid rehabilitation of deglutition and speech with minimal morbidity. They provide easily transferred, well-vascularized tissue from sites adjacent to the operative defects. These flaps permit closure without tension and obviate the need for more distant tissue transfers. Their use does not compromise the oncologic resection.
Activation of the sympathetic nervous system, is it key to the developmental origins of enhanced cardiovascular risk?

the barker hypothesis or the theory of fetal programming proposes that undernutrition during fetal life slows fetal growth programming an increase in risk factors for cardiovascular disease ([10][1]). Numerous experimental models of undernutrition induced by protein restriction during gestation or
Animal models for studies on cold-induced platelet activation in human beings.

Abstract When human platelets are chilled below about 20°C, they spontaneously activate, a phenomenon that limits their storage lifetime. We have previously shown that this activation in chilled human platelets is associated with passage through a lipid phase transition. Because animal models are necessary for investigating methods for cold storage of platelets, it is essential to determine whether such phase transitions and chilling-induced activation are found in these models. In this study we examined platelets from some commonly used animal models—pigs, rhesus monkeys, mice, dogs, and rabbits. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), we detected the thermotropic membrane phase transition in intact platelets and assessed the morphologic response of the platelets to chilling. Statistical analysis of both FTIR and shape change show that of the animal models tested, pig platelets are most similar to human platelets. These studies suggest that pigs and pig platelets are the models of choice for the study of cold-induced platelet activation in human beings. (J Lab Clin Med 2000;135:339-46)
Securability for system of systems

As the Department of Defense (DoD) pursues methods within the systems engineering process to combat potential information assurance (IA) vulnerabilities, a new paradigm is required. This paper introduces the concept of securability as a new ility to be considered within the systems life cycle. Alongside the traditional system ilities (i.e., reliability, maintainability, supportability, etc.), securability will establish a standardised, measurable and rigorous approach to ensuring a system meets its mission objectives in a secure manner. DoD systems security capability analysis continues to mature today with the improvement of information assurance controls (DoD 8500 and NIST 800-53), but it is still conducted in a non-standard ad hoc fashion in various phases of the systems life cycle. This paper provides a foundation for the concept of securability which will focus on the technical performance measures of a systems’ security from the beginning stages (e.g., concept development) to the end point (e.g., retirement and disposal). The time has come to establish securability as an integral part of the design and operational criteria for systems and the larger more vexing systems of systems through a formal and rigorous engineering approach instead of the current external and ad hoc approach.
EVOLUTION AND SPECIAL CREATION

. The logical relationships between the ideas of evolution and of special creation are explored here in the context of a recent paper by Alvin Plantinga claiming that from the perspective of biblical religion it is more likely than not that God acted in a “special” way at certain crucial moments in the long process whereby life developed on earth. I argue against this thesis, asking first under what circumstances the Bible might be thought relevant to an issue of broadly scientific concern. I go on to outline some of the arguments supporting the thesis of common ancestry, and argue finally that from the theistic perspective, special creation ought to be regarded as, if anything, less rather than more likely than its evolutionary alternative.
Molecular biology and allergy: current status and future prospects

Techniques of molecular biology are now being applied to all fields of clinieal medicine. Molecular biology shows particular promise in the field of allergy. Already, cloning studies are defining the protein sequence of many allergens and allowing recombinant allergens to be synthesized. Soon these reeombinant allergens will be added to immunotherapy extracts so that extracts will contain standard amounts of clinically important allergens. Molecular biology may fundamentally change the practice of allergy. The receptors for IgE on mast cells and basophils have been cloned. Mechanisms of regulation of IgE are being elucidated. It will soon be possible to design recombinant molecules i) to specifically inhibit the synthesis of IgE, ii) to inhibit the binding of IgE to its receptor, and iii) to prevent the transmission of signals which result in the release of mediators. The allergist may soon be able to attack the underlying atopic diathesis in his or her patients, not just treat the allergic symptoms.
Compliance with regulations on weight gain 6 months after delivery in active duty military women.

ABSTRACTObjective: To determine factors associated with active duty military women being within Navy weight standards 6 months following childbirth. Methods: Inclusion criteria for this study were active duty women who delivered a nonanomalous fetus at a Naval Hospital and who remained in the area and their weight was recorded 6 months following childbirth. Multivariate logistic regressions, adjusted for 14 covariates, determined the factors for achieving acceptable weight. Results: Among 1,009 women who participated in this prospective cohort study, 68% began within Navy body weight standards and 52% had a normal body mass index (BMI) (<25). Six months after childbirth, 48% were within Navy body weight standards and 32% had a BMI <25. Only 2 factors, BMI at first visit and cesarean delivery, significantly influenced the percentage of women who met the weight standards at 6 months. Conclusions: Lowering the prepregnancy BMI and avoiding a cesarean delivery may improve the percentage of active duty women w...
11-(2,2-Dimethylpropyl)-12-{2-[12-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)- 9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethenoanthracen-11-yl]- ethyl}-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethenoanthracene

Reaction of tert-butyl­lithium with 11,12-di­methyl­ene-9,10-di­hydro-9,10-ethano­anthracene and 4,5-di­iodo­penta­cyclo­[4.3.0.02,4.03,8.05,7]­nonane gives three products, one of which crystallizes from petroleum ether as the title compound, C44H46, (I). Molecules of (I) are positioned on inversion centers (Z′ = 0.5) in the space group P21/n and lack any discernible intermolecular interactions.