cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in older adults' life space during lung cancer treatment: A mixed methods cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Maintenance of function during cancer treatment is important to older adults. Characteristics associated with pretreatment life-space mobility and changes during non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment remain unknown. METHODS: This mixed methods cohort study recruited adults age ≥65 with advanced NSCLC starting palliative chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and/or targeted therapy from a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Veterans Affairs, and safety-net clinic. Patients completed geriatric assessments including Life-Space Assessment (LSA) pretreatment and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months after treatment initiation. LSA scores range from 0 to 120 (greater mobility); LSA <60 is considered restricted. We used mixed-effects models to examine pretreatment LSA, change from 0 to 1 month, and change from 1 to 6 months. A subgroup participated in semistructured interviews pretreatment and at 2 and 6 months to understand the patient experience of life-space change. For each interview participant, we created joint displays of longitudinal LSA scores juxtaposed with illustrative quotes. RESULTS: Among 93 patients, median age was 73 (range 65-94). Mean pretreatment LSA score was 67.1. On average, LSA declined 10.1 points from pretreatment to 1 month and remained stable at 6 months. Pretreatment LSA score was associated with several demographic, clinical, geriatric assessment, and symptom characteristics. LSA decline at 1 month was greater among patients with high anxiety (slope = -12.6 vs. -2.3, p = 0.048). Pretreatment body mass index <21 kg/m2 was associated with LSA improvement from 1 to 6 months (slope = 4.1 vs. -0.04, p = 0.003). Joint displays illustrated the impact of different life-space trajectories on patients' lives in their words. CONCLUSION: Older adults with NSCLC have low pretreatment life space with many developing restricted life space during treatment. Incorporating life-space assessments into clinical cancer care may help older adults concretely visualize how treatment might impact their daily function to allow for informed decision making and identify early changes in mobility to implement supportive interventions.
Central Nervous System Effects of COVID-19 in People with HIV Infection

The convergence of the HIV and SARS-CoV-2 pandemics is an emerging field of interest. In this review, we outline the central nervous system (CNS) effects of COVID-19 in the general population and how these effects may manifest in people with HIV (PWH). We discuss the hypothetical mechanisms through which SARS-CoV-2 could impact the CNS during both the acute and recovery phases of infection and the potential selective vulnerability of PWH to these effects as a result of epidemiologic, clinical, and biologic factors. Finally, we define key research questions and considerations for the investigation of CNS sequelae of COVID-19 in PWH.
Chapter V On Thurston's Uniformization Theorem for Three-Dimensional Manifolds

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an outline of Thurston's existence theorem for hyperbolic structures on three-dimensional manifolds-the three-dimensional uniformization theorem. It is based on lectures given by Thurston at the symposium on the Smith conjecture. The chapter provides a complete proof of the uniformization theorem. The criterion for deciding to treat the various pieces was simple: the parts of the argument that are more formal rely on the Bers–Ahlfors–Teichmuller theory or rely on three-dimensional topology. The statements of the main theorem concerning the existence of hyperbolic structures in the case when the manifolds have finite volume are considered. The chapter describes all the topological results necessary to carry out the inductive process of cutting apart the three-manifolds. The chapter focuses on Maskit's combination theorems thatdeal with gluing Kleinian groups together along common quasi-Fuchsian subgroups.
Deposition of graphene nanomaterial aerosols in human upper airways

Graphene nanomaterials have attracted wide attention in recent years on their application to state-of-the-art technology due to their outstanding physical properties. On the other hand, the nanotoxicity of graphene materials also has rapidly become a serious concern especially in occupational health. Graphene naomaterials inevitably could become airborne in the workplace during manufacturing processes. The inhalation and subsequent deposition of graphene nanomaterial aerosols in the human respiratory tract could potentially result in adverse health effects to exposed workers. Therefore, investigating the deposition of graphene nanomaterial aerosols in the human airways is an indispensable component of an integral approach to graphene occupational health. For this reason, this study carried out a series of airway replica deposition experiments to obtain original experimental data for graphene aerosol airway deposition. In this study, graphene aerosols were generated, size classified, and delivered into human airway replicas (nasal and oral-to-lung airways). The deposition fraction and deposition efficiency of graphene aerosol in the airway replicas were obtained by a novel experimental approach. The experimental results acquired showed that the fractional deposition of graphene aerosols in airway sections studied were all less than 4%, and the deposition efficiency in each airway section was generally lower than 0.03. These results indicate that the majority of the graphene nanomaterial aerosols inhaled into the human respiratory tract could easily penetrate through the head airways as well as the upper part of the tracheobronchial airways and then transit down to the lower lung airways, where undesired biological responses might be induced.
Survey report on the assessment of individuals with spinal cord injuries for assistive technology

The purpose of this paper is to identify the current assessment process used by rehabilitation teams in the area of assistive technology for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Through the use of technology, many individuals with SCI have been able to reach higher levels of independent functioning than ever before possible, including independent living and employment. Many individuals with SCI have a great need for adapted equipment and assistive technology devices. This paper will suggest recommended areas of assessment for assistive technology, based on both a review of the literature and the results of current research. It is the intent of the authors that the suggestions will be applicable generally and are not limited to individuals with spinal cord injuries. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.
Lay Effect of Wire Rope

A theory has been developed to predict the static response of wire rope consisting of strands in which the wires in the strand are wound in different directions. In the right lay-regular lay rope under tension, a tightening up of the wires in the strand is produced. This results in a stiffer rope when compared with the right lay-lang lay rope. Numerical results are presented for two cases of practical interest, i.e.: (1) Ropes with zero end-moment; and (2) ropes restrained against rotation. The rope has six strands with 12 wires in each strand. The results show that a lang lay rope under tension with no end restraint against rotation has practically no stiffness and the lay will just run out.
Batch introduction techniques.

Abstract Mass spectrometry (MS) is widely used as a rapid tool for peptide profiling and protein identification. However, the success of the method is compromised by dirty and contaminated samples. Moreover, analysis from a small sample volume with a relative high concentration is usually required. In this chapter, different microscale sample preparation methods are discussed for off‐line, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and nanoelectrospray ionization (nanoESI) MS analysis.
U.S. Federal Oversight of Rail Transportation of Toxic by Inhalation Materials

The 9/11 Commission created as a consequence of the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington had two goals. The first goal was to study the incidents to determine the specific security failures; the second was to provide recommendations for preventing future incidents. In August 2007, President Bush signed U.S. Public Law 110-53 that implemented the 9/11 Commission recommendations. Section 1551 of the law requires every railroad carrier that transports security-sensitive materials in commerce to provide a written analysis of the safety and security risks for every calendar year. This paper discusses the background behind the current regulatory requirements, the nature of the security-sensitive materials involved, the rail industry and its role in the movement of security-sensitive materials, and the new U.S. federal regulatory requirements associated with the shipment of toxic by inhalation (TIH) materials.
A personal history of Bayesian statistics

The history of Bayesian statistics is traced, from a personal perspective, through various strands and via its re-genesis during the 1960s to the current day. Emphasis is placed on broad-sense Bayesian methodology that can be used to meaningfully analyze observed datasets. Over 750 people in science, medicine, and socioeconomics, who have influenced the evolution of the Bayesian approach into the powerful paradigm that it is today, are highlighted. The frequentist/Bayesian controversy is addressed, together with the ways in which many Bayesians combine the two ideologies as a Bayes/non-Bayes compromise, e.g., when drawing inferences about unknown parameters or when investigating the choice of sampling model in relation to its real-life background. A number of fundamental issues are discussed and critically examined, and some elementary explanations for nontechnical readers and some personal reminiscences are included. Some of the Bayesian contributions of the 21st century are subjected to more detailed critique, so that readers may learn more about the quality and relevance of the ongoing research. A recent resolution of Lindley's paradox by Baskurt and Evans is reported. The axioms of subjective probability are reassessed, some state-of-the-art alternatives to Leonard Savage's axioms of utility are discussed, and Deborah Mayo and Michael Evan's refutation of Allan Birnbaum's 1962 justification of the likelihood principle in terms of the sufficiency and conditionality principles is addressed. WIREs Comput Stat 2014, 6:80–115. doi: 10.1002/wics.1293 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. Additional Supporting Information may be found at http://www.thomashoskynsleonard.co.uk. Disclaimer: Reference to third party websites in this article does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the Publisher. Views and opinions expressed on third party websites are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this Publisher. Conflict of interest: The author has declared no conflicts of interest for this article.
Prostate Cancer Reporting on Biopsy and Radical Prostatectomy Specimens

Modern prostate needle biopsy and radical prostatectomy reports are extremely detailed so as to maximize clinical utility. Accurate diagnosis of cancer-specific features requires up-to-date knowledge of grading, quantitation, and staging criteria, which are reviewed in this chapter. While some areas remain controversial, efforts to codify existing knowledge have significantly impacted pathology practice.
Aging of adrenocortical cells in culture.

Publisher Summary The adrenocortical cells express the characteristics of particular adrenal zones only when appropriate stimuli are added, thus the actual zonal cell type to which adrenocortical cells correspond under long-term growth in the absence of stimulators cannot be ascertained. The maintenance of steroidogenesis in nonproliferating human adrenocortical cultures is broadly similar to that in rat cells; adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) derivatives stimulate the rate of steroid production and have long-term trophic effects on steroid hydroxylase activities. However, in human adrenocortical cell cultures, cAMP is not the sole regulator of 11β-hydroxylase activity. Under identical ACTH stimulation, cells at high densities have higher 11 β-hydroxylase activity than those at lower densities, indicating that other factors are involved in the control of this enzyme. Bovine adrenocortical cell cultures synthesize and secrete fluorogenic steroids in response to ACTH, monobutyryl cAMP (mbcAMP), prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), and cholera toxin. Primary cultures initially synthesize cortisol, but under standard culture conditions, with or without cell proliferation, 11 β-hydroxylase activity is rapidly lost and the cortisol production ceases.
From Tolerance to Hospitality

This chapter explores the emergence in the Western philosophical tradition of tolerance as the quintessential modern Western virtue, articulated by John Locke and distinctly tied to the development of the Western liberal tradition. It argues that tolerance is a minimalist virtue with problematic dimensions. The need for a more robust virtue, as conceptualized in various religious traditions and central to the Hizmet movement, is explored. Drawing on a range of religious and philosophical sources, it argues that the practice of dialogue requires an understanding and practicing of the virtue of hospitality. Tolerance should be promoted as a first step toward the more robust virtue of hospitality so needed in our contemporary global world of inter-cultural and inter-religious interactions.
Unusual stability of multiply charged organo-metallic complexes

Stabilization of multiply charged ions in the gas phase has been one of the most fundamental challenges in chemistry since it is hindered either because of fragmentation or auto-electron detachment. Closo-borane B12H122− is among the best known multiply charged di-anion in chemistry where the second electron is bound by 0.9 eV. We show that transition metal based organo-metallic di-anions such as Cr[BC5(CN)6]2 can be even more stable than B12H122− where the second electron is bound by 2.58 eV. This is in contrast to C6H6 which is unstable even as a mono-anion. The unusual stability of the organo-metallic complex is brought about by having the added electrons simultaneously satisfy three separate electron-counting rules, namely the octet rule, the aromaticity rule, and the 18-electron rule. Mono-anionic Mn[BC5(CN)6]2 which is isoelectronic with di-anionic Cr[BC5(CN)6]2 is also found to be very stable. The design of unusually stable singly and multiply charged organo-metallic negative ion complexes in the gas phase opens the door to the synthesis of new salts with potential applications as organic cathodes and electrolytes in Li ion-batteries and beyond. Equally important, electron counting rules can be used effectively to guide the synthesis of electronegative species beyond super- and hyperhalogens, and hence opening the door for new oxidizing agents.
Late Palaeozoic-Mesozoic development of the Skrzynno Fault (northeastern border of the Holy Cross Mts.)

The prominent regional Skrzynno Fault, running NW-SE, crosses the northeastern periphery of the Holy Cross Mts. On either side of this fault two deep boreholes were drilled 5 km apart (Ostalow 1 and Ostalow PIG 2). A comparison of the stratigraphical successions in these boreholes enabled a reconstruction of the fault's evolution. This is a normal fault with a downthrown northeastern wall. At the sub-Cenozoic surface close to the fault plane, the lower Middle Jurassic is in contact with lowermost Lower Jurassic. The base of the Jurassic is thrown by 810 m, and the base of the Permian by 1010 m. These values suggest that the Skrzynno Fault was a synsedimentary fault, active from the Permian until the Jurassic. On the upthrown side, the Permian is underlain by the Middle Devonian, but on the downthrown side, by the Lower Carboniferous. Estimating the thickness of deposits removed from the upthrown side shows that the pre-Permian fault throw could have amounted to about 1300 m. On the downthrown side thin Rotliegend deposits are preserved. A local saline basin was formed during deposition of the Zechstein PZ1 cycle. The southwestern fault wall was subsiding during sedimentation of the upper Zechstein and in the Early Triassic -- the difference in thicknesses of the Buntsandstein is nearly 200 m. Another stage of fault activity and the lowering of its northeastern wall occurred during Keuper (upper part of the Triassic) sedimentation. These deposits are thicker by approximately 300 m here, as compared with the southwestern side. Later evolution of the fault cannot be precisely reconstructed due to erosion of post-Hettangian sediments of the upthrown side. General knowledge of the geology of the region indicates that the Skrzynno Fault was strongly active in particular around the Jurassic/Cretaceous boundary and during the Paleogene tectonic inversion.
Placement of Multiple Full Pins for External Fixation Technique and Results in Four Dogs

A technique using a third bar and guide clamp was developed to permit reduction and stabilization of distal limb fractures with full pins and two connecting bars, one on each side of the bone. The system uses only single Kirschner clamps. Four distal limb fractures were stabilized using this technique. Closed reduction was used in three dogs to avoid devitalization of fragments and avoid contamination of a closed fracture. The fracture site stability achieved with this configuration allowed early return to weight bearing and rapid bone healing.
Thermal responses of juvenile squaretail mullet (Liza vaigiensis) and juvenile crescent terapon (Terapon jarbua) acclimated at near-lethal temperatures, and the implications for climate change

Abstract The negative effects of climate alteration on coral reef fishes receive ever increasing attention; however, implications of rising sea temperatures on fishes inhabiting marine nursery environments are poorly understood. We used critical thermal methodology to quantify critical thermal maxima (CTmaxima) of juvenile squaretail mullet (Liza vaigiensis) and juvenile crescent terapon (Terapon jarbua) captured from shallow seagrass nursery areas around Hoga Island, southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. We tested the hypothesis that these distantly related fishes, when acclimated to cycling temperatures, would display higher CTmaxima than groups acclimated at constant temperatures. Groups of mullet acclimated to a constant temperature of 37 °C and temperature cycles of 35 to 39 °C or 37 to 41 °C displayed statistically similar mean CTmaxima of 44.7, 44.4 and 44.8 °C, respectively. Likewise, terapon acclimated at temperature cycles of 37 to 40 °C did not display a higher CTmaxima than fish acclimated at a constant temperature of 37 °C, with both acclimation groups' mean CTmaxima equal to 43.8 °C. Acclimation to higher cycling temperatures did not result in significant upper temperature tolerance acquisition for either species; however, mullet values were significantly higher than those seen in terapon (P
Lateral waves on a plane air–water interface*

We report the results of an experimental study of the lateral wave produced by a laser beam on an air-water interface. Our data, obtained for two laser wavelengths (441.6 and 632.8 nm), are reasonably consistent with the predictions of Tamir and Oliner that (a) the ratio of the lateral irradiances for incident light-polarized parallel and perpendicular to the plane of incidence, Ip /Is, is n4, where n is the water–air relative index of refraction, and (b) the irradiances of both polarizations decrease as the cube of the surface-path length. The surface-path lengths of the lateral wave in this study range from 1.5 to 7 cm.
Computational model of the mutual dependence of hardness and strength of porous materials

The results of numerical investigations of materials produced by the methods of powder metallurgy definitely show that the major part of the physicomechanical and service properties of these materials strongly depends on their porosity. In the present work, we study the dependence of hardness of a sintered material on its porosity. According to the Brinell method, the hardness of the material is defined as the ratio of the applied force P to the area of the indentation
Toward microendoscopy-inspired cardiac optogenetics in vivo: technical overview and perspective

The ability to perform precise, spatially localized actuation and measurements of electrical activity in the heart is crucial in understanding cardiac electrophysiology and devising new therapeutic solutions for control of cardiac arrhythmias. Current cardiac imaging techniques (i.e. optical mapping) employ voltage- or calcium-sensitive fluorescent dyes to visualize the electrical signal propagation through cardiac syncytium in vitro or in situ with very high-spatiotemporal resolution. The extension of optogenetics into the cardiac field, where cardiac tissue is genetically altered to express light-sensitive ion channels allowing electrical activity to be elicited or suppressed in a precise cell-specific way, has opened the possibility for all-optical interrogation of cardiac electrophysiology. In vivo application of cardiac optogenetics faces multiple challenges and necessitates suitable optical systems employing fiber optics to actuate and sense electrical signals. In this technical perspective, we present a compendium of clinically relevant access routes to different parts of the cardiac electrical conduction system based on currently employed catheter imaging systems and determine the quantitative size constraints for endoscopic cardiac optogenetics. We discuss the relevant technical advancements in microendoscopy, cardiac imaging, and optogenetics and outline the strategies for combining them to create a portable, miniaturized fiber-based system for all-optical interrogation of cardiac electrophysiology in vivo.
Different Hats, Different Obligations: Plural Occupational Identities and Situated Moral Judgments

It is well understood that moral identity substantially influences moral judgments. However, occupational identities are also replete with moral content, and individuals may have multiple occupatio...
Aerodynamic parameters estimated from flight and wind tunnel data

A procedure for determination of aerodynamic model structure and estimation of aerodynamic parameters is applied to data from a modern fighter operating within an angle of attack range of 5-60 deg. The paper briefly describes the airplane, available flight and wind tunnel data, postulated models for airplane aerodynamic coefficients, and flight data analysis. The results presented contain only a small number of selected longitudinal and lateral parameters. These parameters were obtained from various maneuvers and subsets of joined data from several flights. The estimated parameters are in good agreement with the wind tunnel measurements. The resulting aerodynamic model equations seem to be satisfactory for the prediction of airplane motion.
Assessment of energy efficiency improvement and CO2 emission reduction potentials in India's cement and iron & steel industries

Abstract India's cement industry accounted for over six percent of the world's annual cement production and its iron and steel industry accounted for nearly five percent of the world's annual steel production in 2010. We analyzed 22 and 25 energy efficiency measures applicable to India's cement and iron and steel industries. A forward looking bottom-up Conservation Supply Curve (CSC) model utilizes forecasted Indian cement and iron and steel demand, current adoption estimates for energy efficiency measures, and a stock roll-over methodology for each industry. From 2010 to 2030 cumulative cost-effective electricity savings are 83 TWh, with an associated 82 Mt CO2 emissions reduction; and cumulative cost-effective fuel savings are 1029 PJ, with associated CO2 emission reduction of 97 Mt CO2 for India's cement industry. In India steel sector, cumulative cost-effective electricity savings are 66 TWh, with an associated 65 Mt CO2 emissions reduction; and cumulative cost-effective fuel savings are 768 PJ, with associated CO2 emission reduction of 67 Mt CO2. The estimates from this study give a comprehensive perspective to the Indian cement and iron and steel industries and policy makers about the energy efficiency potential and its associated costs over the next twenty years.
Inhibition of premixed and non-premixed flames with fine droplets of water and solutions

Inhibition/extinction of premixed and non-premixed methane/air flames with fine droplets of water and solutions containing several chemical agents has been investigated experimentally. While solutions allow delivery of much higher concentrations of chemical agent to the flame front than otherwise possible, the non-premixed flame extinction results indicate saturation (or condensation) of the agent at some effective temperature below the flame temperature. Based on the chemical additives considered, on a molar basis, the following order of effectiveness is observed: KOH>NaCl>NaOH. The inhibition of premixed flames by similar size droplets indicates insensitivity to NaOH mass fraction in the water. This insensitivity was related to the shorter residence time of the droplets (13 μm median diameter) through the premixed flame structure. Detailed comparison of the premixed and non-premixed flame inhibition/extinction with pure water droplets supports the importance of droplet residence time and optimum droplet size in controlling the interaction of droplets with the flame front.
An evaluation of the effect of a training program on worker lifting postures

Though worker training is often chosen as a means to reduce the risk of low back pain if involved in lifting activities, the effect on a worker's lifting posture is rarely reported. This paper describes a video analysis method of recording lifting postures and the results of one evaluation of a training program specifically designed to modify lifting postures. It is concluded that a four-hour training program had beneficial but minor effects on the lifting techniques used by healthy workers in a warehouse when handling relatively light to moderate loads (i.e., 85% of loads lifted were below 30 pounds).
The Production of High‐purity Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Using Two‐step Urea‐inclusion Crystallization I and Hydrophilic Arginine‐CLA Complex

ABSTRACT: The application of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) as a functional ingredient has been limited due to the high cost of purification and its water-insoluble nature. In this study, high-purity CLA was obtained from safflower oil and a hydrophilic form of CLA was produced by complexation with arginine (Arg). CLA was prepared by alkali-isomerization and purified up to 95% using urea-inclusion crystallization. Total purified CLA comprised 41% and 50% of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 isomers, respectively, with 35% recovery. Arg was attached to the carboxyl end of CLA. Optimum weight ratio of CLA to Arg was 1.7 and yield was 91%. Arg-CLA complex could expand the scope of CLA application in various food industries.
Electronic properties of tetrathiafulvalenium-tetracyanoquinodimethanide (TTF-TCNQ)

Several important experimental results on tetrathiafulvalenium-tetracyanoquinodimethanide (TTF-TCNQ) suggestive of collective many-body effects are summarized and measurements of the dc conductivity are discussed.
Photometric determination of cell permeability at constant volume.

Abstract An optical method is described for the study of permeability of cell suspensions under conditions approximating constant volume. This method minimizes solute-solvent interactions as well as membrane distortions accompanying volume changes, and makes possible the study of effects of cell volume changes on permeability. Further, facilitated transport and passive diffusion can be easily distinguished. The method is applied to a study of glycerol permeability of beef erythrocytes. Glycerol permeability is not altered significantly by osmotic volume changes occurring in media ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 times the isotonic concentration.
Amplification mechanisms for the enhancement of antigen-mediated mast cell activation.

Activation of mast cells in the allergic inflammatory response occurs via the high affinity receptor for IgE (FceRI) following receptor aggregation induced by antigen-mediated cross-linking of IgE-occupied FceRI. Recent observations suggest this response is profoundly influenced by other factors that reduce the threshold for, and increase the extent of, mast cell activation. For example, under experimental conditions, cell surface receptors such as KIT and specific G protein-coupled receptors synergistically enhance FceRI-mediated mast cell degranulation and cytokine production. Activating mutations in critical signaling molecules may also contribute to such responses. In this review, we describe our research exploring the mechanisms regulating these synergistic interactions and, furthermore, discuss the relevance of our observations in the context of clinical considerations.
Changes in study design, gender issues, and other characteristics of clinical research published in three major medical journals from 1971 to 1991.

OBJECTIVE: To examine trends in study design and other characteristics of original research published inJAMA, Lancet, and theNew England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) between 1971 and 1991.
The dimers of isoprene

The cyclic C6 and C8 dimers of isoprene have been prepared by thermal dimerization and their physical and chemical properties obtained. The infrared spectra of these substances are also given and are used to confirm the structures deduced chemically.
Constitutively active erythropoietin receptor expression in breast cancer cells promotes cellular proliferation and migration through a MAP-kinase dependent pathway

The role of erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) expression in tumor cells and the potential of EpoR-mediated signaling to contribute to cellular proliferation and invasiveness require further characterization. To determine whether EpoR expression and activation in tumor cells modulates intracellular signal transduction to promote cellular proliferation and migration, we employed a novel experimental model using human breast cancer cells engineered to stably express a constitutively active EpoR-R129C variant. EpoR-R129C expression resulted in increased cellular proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells and these effects were associated with significantly increased Epo-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, AKT and c-Jun-NH2-kinase (SAPK/JNK) proteins. Expression of the constitutively active EpoR-R129C receptor promoted the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells via activation of ERK- and SAPK/JNK-dependent signaling pathways, respectively. These findings suggest that EpoR over-expression and activation in breast cancer cells has the potential to contribute to tumor progression by promoting the proliferation and invasiveness of the neoplastic cells.
Structure of weak Descartes systems

Abstract A weak Descartes system is a basis of functions such that every ordered subset is a weak Tchebycheff system, the canonical example being the usual spline basis involving truncated power functions. By examining the intervals of degeneracy for a WD-system, we show that it is possible to produce a new basis that has a simple and convenient structure similar to the spline basis.
Multi-channel open-wire carrier telephone systemߞSalisbury (Southern Rhodesia) to Kitwe (Northern Rhodesia)

The use of open wires to provide a high-capacity carrier telephone system in conditions where radio interference is very light and climate extremes unknown is described. The system is specially applicable to underdeveloped territories where two pairs of relatively light construction may be used to provide at least 132 channels over distances of 500 miles.
Rainbow scattering in axial ion-channeling involving very thin crystals: Experimental and theoretical results

Abstract We have studied the angular scattering distributions produced in axial channeling when incident protons (7 MeV) are well aligned to the axial direction of a thin silicon crystal (1400 A). Measured angular distributions obtained in the 〈100〉 and 〈110〉 directions using a 2-D position-sensitive detector have been interpreted by comparison with Monte Carlo trajectory calculations for these channels in the momentum approximation. The measured angular distributions show structures at certain off-axis angles which are in good agreement with the calculations. The general shape and structure in the angular contour map for a given channel has been shown to be a consequence of extrema in the 2-D classical deflection functions for the two Cartesian scattering angles in the detection plane. The occurrence of the extrema in a very thin crystal (i.e. a rainbow effect in axial channeling) is a consequence of the channeling geometry when atomic strings surrounding the axial channel interact with the projectile simultaneously.
AVALANCHE IONIZATION AND DIELECTRIC BREAKDOWN IN SILICON WITH ULTRAFAST LASER PULSES

Experimental evidence is presented demonstrating avalanche ionization as the dominant mechanism for dielectric breakdown in silicon with ultrafast laser pulses at above-gap photon energies. Data are presented for pulses between 80 fs and 9 ns at 786 nm and 1.06 \ensuremath{\mu}m. Associated electric fields range from 0.3 to 40 MV/cm. Avalanche ionization coefficients range from ${10}^{10}$ to ${10}^{14} {\mathrm{s}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ and are discussed in relation to semiempirical dc ionization theory and recent ac Monte Carlo calculations. Correlation is obtained between electron collision times and associated ionization rates.
Infantile botulism: pitfalls in electrodiagnosis.

Botulism in infants, unless recognized early, is associated with high mortality and morbidity. The diagnosis is suspected when infants present with sudden onset of weakness, respiratory failure, an...
Putting a Name and a Face With a Voice and a Place: The JACC Editorial Staff

![Graphic][1] Our editorial office in San Francisco handles almost 2,000 manuscripts per year. Thus, many authors and reviewers have had the opportunity to speak with one or more members of our editorial staff. We are proud of these dedicated, hardworking people who really make the Journal
Charged Higgs boson searches at the LHC

We present the latest results from searches for singly charged Higgs bosons carried out by the ATLAS and CMS Collaborations at the LHC. Both experiments have searched for production of charged Higgs bosons in pp collisions of up to ∼20(∼5) fb−1 of data at s=8(7) TeV using several final states. In the absence of evidence of signal, limits have been set on cross sections and/or branching ratios, some of which have been interpreted under the assumptions of a Type 2 two-Higgs doublet model to the exclusion of previously unreached regions of the mH+, tan β parameter space.
Hair loss from squalene.

SummarySqualene, an isoprene polymer occurring in normal human sebum, caused complete reversible local depilation in rabbits and guinea pigs after a single topical application. No hair loss was observed in mice. In vitro, squalene inactivated the free sulfhydryl groups of glutathione, human epidermis and mouse liver and inhibited succinic dehydrogenase activity of mouse liver. The depilatory and sulfhydryl inactivating effects of squalene are believed to be due to alkylation of the sulfhydryl group by the unsaturated double bonds in the molecule. The possibility is raised that squalene or a related unsaturated compound in sebum may influence human hair growth.
An exploratory study of adopting requirements for audit committees for non‐US commercial bank registrants: an empirical analysis of foreign equity investment

This study examines whether the presence of audit committees for US commercial bank registrants (SEC Form 10‐K filers) significantly affects the likelihood of adoption by certain non‐US commercial bank registrants (SEC Form 20‐F filers). Results of a logistic regression analysis of 31 US commercial bank registrants with audit committees and 31 non‐US commercial bank registrants without audit committees suggest that demand for oversight protection in the sample non‐US commercial banks is more likely to increase as the total market capitalization (size) increases. Additionally, this paper investigates whether the presence of audit committees for non‐US commercial bank registrants (Form 20‐F filers) increases their transparency with a concomitant effect on infusion of foreign equity investment. Results of a logistic regression analysis suggest that the presence of audit committees does not significantly affect the likelihood of an increase in the banks’ American depository receipts.
Salvage therapy after postoperative chemotherapy for primary brain tumors in infants and very young children.

BACKGROUND A trend toward the use of prolonged postoperative chemotherapy, with radiotherapy deferred until relapse, has emerged for very young children with malignant brain tumors. This study was undertaken to determine the failure patterns among infants who receive such treatment and to evaluate their responses to first salvage therapy, particularly radiotherapy, after postoperative chemotherapy. METHODS A retrospective cohort was assembled, which comprised all children younger than 36 months with biopsy-proven malignant brain tumors diagnosed during the years 1987-1993 at 3 pediatric oncology referral centers. Fifty-eight children were treated with postoperative chemotherapy without irradiation, 40 of whom experienced relapse of their malignancy. These patients' charts were reviewed for failure patterns. Thirty-five of these children received salvage therapy. Statistical and survival analysis with the Cox proportional hazards regression model was performed. RESULTS Among the 40 children who experienced relapse, 30 of 31 (97%) with solitary disease at initial diagnosis relapsed at the primary site of disease. Thirty-seven of 39 infants (95%) developed relapse that included their primary site of disease. Sixty percent of relapses were asymptomatic and were detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) surveillance rather than by clinical examination. Two-year progression free survival (PFS) after relapse for infants who received salvage therapy was 29% (standard error [SE] = 8%). For infants who received radiotherapy alone, the 2-year PFS was 21% (SE = 9%). PFS did not differ according to whether relapses were detected clinically or radiographically or treated by radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, or multimodal therapy. CONCLUSIONS Relapse of brain tumors in infants after prolonged postoperative chemotherapy is largely a problem of local disease control. Salvage is possible after prolonged postoperative chemotherapy, but it yields few instances of long term, progression free survival. No therapeutic modality is superior for salvage at relapse. A strategy of reserving radiotherapy for the salvage of infants whose brain tumors relapse during postoperative chemotherapy demonstrated only limited effectiveness. Cancer 1998;83:566-574. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
The Transfer of Japanese-Style Management to American Subsidiaries: Constraints, and Competencies

This paper first reviews the theories of the transfer of Japanese management practices overseas. The paper then outlines a contingency theoretical model that specifies the factors which are hypothesized to impact the transfer of Japanese-style HRM practices to overseas subsidiaries. Qualitative data from a field study of ten Japanese subsidiaries in the U.S., five in the service industry and five in manufacturing, are used to illustrate the concepts presented in the theoretical discussion.
Prevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis fecal shedding in alpacas presented to veterinary hospitals in the United States.

Background The prevalence of Johne's disease in alpacas in the United States is unknown. The limits of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in alpaca feces have not been determined. Objectives To evaluate the use of PCR for MAP detection in alpaca feces; and to estimate the prevalence of MAP fecal shedding in alpacas presented to veterinary teaching hospitals. Animals Alpacas presenting to 4 US veterinary teaching hospitals from November 2009 to February 2011. Methods Prospective study. Ten dilutions of a wild MAP strain were added to negative alpaca feces and processed for MAP detection by means of a commercial real-time PCR (RT-PCR) assay, and cultured on Herrold's Egg Yolk Medium (HEYM) and liquid broth. The limits of detection for each method were determined. Fecal samples from alpacas admitted to the veterinary teaching hospitals during the study period were evaluated for MAP via PCR and HEYM. Results The lowest MAP dilution detectable via PCR was 243 MAP colony-forming units (CFU)/g of feces, at which concentration MAP growth was detectable on HEYM. Ten (6%; 95% confidence interval: 3–9%) of the 180 fecal samples collected were positive on PCR. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Polymerase chain reaction can provide an accurate and rapid detection of MAP fecal shedding in alpacas; and the prevalence of MAP fecal shedding in hospitalized alpacas in 4 US veterinary teaching hospitals was 6%.
Microbial degradation of mefenoxam in rhizosphere of Zinnia angustifolia.

Abstract The fate of the fungicide mefenoxam was studied in a containerized rhizosphere system. The rhizosphere system used Zinnia angustifolia (Tropic Snow) in a bark/sand potting mix and was compared to bulk potting mix (no plants). Rhizosphere microbial populations were allowed to establish for 3 weeks prior to fungicide addition ( 20 μg per g mix). Mefenoxam and degradation product concentrations were determined by High HPLC or capillary electrophoresis after extraction. Seventy eight percent of the fungicide originally applied to the rhizosphere was degraded after 21 days compared to 44% in bulk system (no plant). The primary degradation product was the free acid N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N-(methoxyacetyl)-DL-alanine, which accounted for 71% of the applied parent chemical after 30 days. N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-acetamide was also detected, but in lesser amounts. Bacterial populations in the rhizosphere increased during the 30-day period, which correlated with an increase in degradation of the parent compound. Pure cultures of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Chrysobacterium indologenes isolated from the rhizosphere system could degrade the applied fungicide (10 μg/ml ) almost completely to the free acid within 54 h.
Treatment of Unipolar Depression with Social Skills Training

Five unipolar nonpsychotic female depressives were treated with social skills training consisting of instructions, role-playing, feedback, modeling, positive reinforcement, social perception instruction, correct self-evaluation, and home-work assignments. Each of the five patients received 12 one-hour sessions during the initial treatment phase. Three of the patients were then given maintenance treatment once a month for six months; one patient received maintenance treatment once a month for three months. Self-report scales, psychiatric rating scales, and behavioral measures for depression and assertiveness indicated marked improvements in each of the patients. Data adduced suggest that this social skills treatment package appears to be effective in ameliorating both the interpersonal and vegetative signs of unipolar nonpsychotic depression.
Heterogeneous expectations and stock prices in segmented markets: application to Chinese firms

Abstract We explain the price discount and high returns for B shares relative to their A-share counterparts in Chinese stock markets. We report evidence that the higher the dispersion of domestic analysts’ forecasts, the lower are A-share returns, implying that the short-sales restriction is binding for trading in A shares. In contrast, there is no evidence that the short-sales restriction is binding for trading in B shares. Another factor contributing to low B-share prices and high returns is the near- or total absence of non-domestic analysts’ forecasts for a significant proportion of companies. Our evidence that “neglect” increases B-share returns is significant and robust.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF MINERALOCORTICOID RECEPTOR ACTION IN PSEUDOHYPOALDOSTERONISM : A RESPONSIVENESS TEST AND THERAPY

Pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA), characterized by congenital resistance to aldosterone and excessive salt loss, has been traditionally treated with salt replacement. Although the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) has been suggested as a potential locus of the defect in this disease, no such abnormality has been identified as yet. We studied a 17-yr-old male patient with congenital multifocal target organ resistance to aldosterone. Both carbenoxolone, an 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, and a high dose of fludrocortisone normalized the patient's serum electrolyte concentrations and decreased his urinary excretion of sodium, suggesting that this patient's resistance was partial and could be overcome by high concentrations of endogenous or exogenous mineralocorticoids. We hypothesized that the beneficial effect of these treatments was mostly mediated by the MR, because the administration of dexamethasone, while this patient was receiving a therapeutic dose of carbenoxolone, caused its reversal. These findings convinced us that there was functional, albeit possibly defective, MR in this patient and led us to perform molecular studies. Both alleles of the MR gene were expressed in the patient and his clinically and biochemically normal father. A conservative heterozygous mutation (A760-->G760, Ileu180-->Val180) and a nonconservative homozygous mutation (C944-->T944, Ala241-->Val241) were identified in the complementary DNA of both the patient and his father. The first untranslated exon and 0.9 kilobase of the 5'-regulatory region were also identical in the two men. It appears that the mutations causing amino acid substitutions represent polymorphisms, as we found high frequencies of both in the general population. We conclude that carbenoxolone and fludrocortisone may help define the presence of functional MR in patients with PHA and that the former could be used in the long term therapy of this disease. We hypothesize that the defect causing PHA in this patient might be in a post-MR step of aldosterone action.