cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Induction Chemotherapy and Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy on Operative Morbidity and Mortality in Patients with Locoregional Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach or Gastroesophageal Junction

Background Significant tumor downstaging has been achieved in patients with localized gastric or gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma by induction chemotherapy and preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CTX–CTXRT). However, the influence of CTX–CTXRT on operative morbidity and mortality has not yet been clarified. The aim of the present study was to document the frequency and nature of morbidity and mortality after surgery combined with CTX–CTXRT, and identify factors predictive of postoperative complications in patients with localized gastric or gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.
Piezoelectric ceramic implants: A feasibility study†

A piezoelectric ceramic has been investigated as a direct substitute for hard tissues. Barium titanate (BaTiOz) power was slipcast and fired at 1430 degrees C for 2 hr, then made piezoelectric by polarizing. After 16 and 86 days of implantation in the cortex of the femoral midshafts, the femora with test specimens were sectioned into about 4-cm lengths. Their voltage outputs were measured under cyclic load at 1 Hz. The present results show that the voltage gradient at the implant surface is 0.15 mV/mm for the 16-day implantation with a 445-N (100-lbs.) load. This in turn can give rise to about 0.01 microA current flow in the adjacent area of the 16-day implant. The 86-day implant showed an order of magnitude higher voltage output compared to the 16-day implant with the same magnitude of loads. This is probably due to the "load-transfer" efficiency through the implants, since the voltage output is directly proportional to the actual load transferred to the implant. The more bone implant interface matures, the better the load transfer occurs through the implant, resulting in higher voltage output.
On the existence of pseudo-tetrahedral tetrachlorozincate(II) in hydrochloric acid solutions☆

Abstract We have examined two solutions of zinc chloride dissolved in hydrochloric acid with mole fractions of Zn2+ of 0·015 and 0·019 and with chloride/zinc solution stoichiometries of ca. 6:1 by X-ray diffraction. Our results, coupled with Raman spectra/analysis previously published, establish that the predominant species in these solutions is ZnCl42− where the coordination of Zn2+ is at least near-tetrahedral. The mean ZnCl distance is 2·30 A. Non-bonded interactions between tightly coordinated chlorides occur at ( 8 3 ) 1 2 × 2· 30 A .
Speed Control by Phase-Locked Servo Systems -- New Possibilities and Limitations

The operation of phase-locked servo systems is described and a linear discrete model is developed to describe their behavior. This model explains the observed phenomenon that the system becomes unstable at low speeds. Also discussed are the design problems, speed variations, and the extension of lock range by lag-lead networks.
Fluctuations of particle ratios and the abundance of hadronic resonances

In this letter we will argue that the event-by-event fluctuations of the ratio of positively over negatively charged pions provides a measurements of the number of rho and omega mesons right after hadronization. This finding can be utilized to put the hypothesis of chemical equilibration in relativistic heavy ion collisions to a test.
Experimental verification of arm-locking for LISA using electronic phase delay

We present results of an electronic model of arm-locking, a proposed technique for reducing the laser phase noise in the laser interferometer space antenna (LISA). The model is based on a delay of 500 ms, achieved using the electronic phase delay (EPD) method. The observed behavior is consistent with predictions.
Effect of neuropeptides present in skin on the proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and T cells.

The release of neuropeptides, such as substance P (SP) and somatostatin (SOM), from primary sensory nerve fibers has been implicated in the modulation of local immune responses in surface tissues, such as the skin, the pulmonary airways, and the gastrointestinal mucosa. We have investigated the influence of six neuropeptides substance P (SP), somatostatin (SOM), substance K (SK), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), bombesin (BOM), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) on the proliferation of resting and partially stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBMLs) and T lymphocytes. Neuropeptides in concentrations from 10-7 to 10-12M were added to either resting or partially stimulated cells [interleukin-2 (IL-2), concanavalin A (Con A), and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)]. Cellular proliferation was assessed by incorporation of 3H-thymidine after 72h. With the exception of SP, no significant effect of any of these neuropeptides on 3H-thymidine incorporation was found. In resting cells, 10-9MSP elicits an 80... maximal increase of 3H-thymidine incorporation, whereas no statistically significant effect on partially stimulated leukocytes was found. These results contradict a previous report on a significant mitogenic effect of SP on partially stimulated T cells. Considering the very minimal effect of SP on resting cells and, particularly, the absence of an effect on partially stimulated cells, we would question a significant modulatory role for SP and the five other neuropeptides in the proliferation of immunocompetent cells in skin.
Differences in the performances of baccalaureate, associate degree, and diploma nurses: a meta-analysis

The findings of 139 studies of nurses educated in one of three basic nursing education programs (associate degree, diploma, and baccalaureate degree) were synthesized using meta-analysis. The results indicated significant differences between professional (BSN) and technical (AD and diploma) nurses on measures of nurse performance. Measures resulting in larger effects for professional nurses included communication skills, knowledge, problem-solving, and professional role. No differences resulted from studies of nurses from the two technical programs, AD and diploma. Further analyses indicated that the effects could not be solely attributed to substantive and methodological features of the studies. However, the hospital setting where a study was conducted and years of nursing experience decreased the size of the effect. The results of the meta-analysis have implications for policy development about educational preparation and for service expectations of professional and technical nurses.
How important is your personality? Labor market returns to personality for women in the US and UK

Why do apparently similar people have varied success in the labor market? While cognitive performance and educational attainment have been shown to be strong indicators of economic success, there remains a large portion of unexplained variance in earnings after controlling for the standard variables. This paper uses the National Longitudinal Survey of Young Women and women from the National Child Development Study to explore the value of incorporating psychological traits into wage determination models. This research finds that traits such as locus of control, aggression, and withdrawal are all statistically significant factors in the wage determination models of white women.
Single molecule imaging reveals differences in microtubule track selection between Kinesin motors.

Cells generate diverse microtubule populations by polymerization of a common α/β-tubulin building block. How microtubule associated proteins translate microtubule heterogeneity into specific cellular functions is not clear. We evaluated the ability of kinesin motors involved in vesicle transport to read microtubule heterogeneity by using single molecule imaging in live cells. We show that individual Kinesin-1 motors move preferentially on a subset of microtubules in COS cells, identified as the stable microtubules marked by post-translational modifications. In contrast, individual Kinesin-2 (KIF17) and Kinesin-3 (KIF1A) motors do not select subsets of microtubules. Surprisingly, KIF17 and KIF1A motors that overtake the plus ends of growing microtubules do not fall off but rather track with the growing tip. Selection of microtubule tracks restricts Kinesin-1 transport of VSVG vesicles to stable microtubules in COS cells whereas KIF17 transport of Kv1.5 vesicles is not restricted to specific microtubules in HL-1 myocytes. These results indicate that kinesin families can be distinguished by their ability to recognize microtubule heterogeneity. Furthermore, this property enables kinesin motors to segregate membrane trafficking events between stable and dynamic microtubule populations.
On conjunctive queries containing inequalities

Conjunctive queries are generalized so that inequality comparisons can be made between elements of the query. Algorithms for containment and equivalence of such “inequality queries” are given, under the assumption that the data domains are dense and totally ordered. In general, containment does not imply the existence of homomorphisms (containment mappings), but the homomorphism property does exist for subclasses of inequality queries. A minimization algorithm is defined using the equivalence algorithm. It is first shown that the constants appearing in a query can be divided into “essential” and “nonessential” subgroups. The minimum query can be nondeterministically guessed using only the essential constants of the original query.
FOUR-ATOM-LINKED CAPPED PORPHYRINS : SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION

Three new capped porphyrins, H2(OC2OPor) (7), H2(OC(CO)NPor) (13), and H2(OC2NPor) (14), to be used as heme model compounds, have been synthesized and characterized. These compounds have the shortest linkages between cap and porphyrin plane of any four-arm capped porphyrins synthesized to date. The general synthetic procedure for H2(OC2OPor) involves the reaction of a tetraaldehyde “cap” with pyrrole to form the capped porphyrin. In the synthesis of the tetraamide-capped porphyrin, H2(OC(CO)NPor), a tetraacid chloride cap is reacted with meso-α,α,α,α-tetra(o-aminophenyl)porphyrin. The amide groups may be reduced to form H2(OC2NPor). With the use of FeBr2, Fe2+ may be inserted in high yield into H2(OC2OPor) and H2(OC(CO)NPor). The crystal structures of H2(OC2NPor), Fe(OC2OPor)(OMe), and [Fe(OC2OPor)]2(μ-O) provide details on the types and amounts of cap expansion necessary to accommodate small ligands of biological interest, such as O2 and CO.
Volumetric segmentation of magnetic resonance images

Current computer graphics techniques can generate 3-D views of the human anatomy from magnetic resonance images. These techniques require that the images first be segmented into the various tissue types. However, there has been no fully automated system that can perform this task on a single set of high-resolution 3-D magnetic resonance images. We present a fully automated segmentation algorithm based on the 3-D difference of Gaussians (DOG) filter. A novel method for the classification of regions found by the DOG filter, as well as a correction procedure that detects errors from the DOG filter, is presented. Regions are classified based on the mean gray level of the voxels within closed contours. In previous work, the user had to manually split falsely merged regions. Our automated correction algorithm detects such errors and splits the merged regions. Spatial information is also incorporated to help discriminate between tissues. Encouraging results were obtained with an average of less than five percent error in each image. Integral shading is used to obtain a 3-D rendering of the data set.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Loop modeling: Sampling, filtering, and scoring.

We describe a fast and accurate protocol, LoopBuilder, for the prediction of loop conformations in proteins. The procedure includes extensive sampling of backbone conformations, side chain addition, the use of a statistical potential to select a subset of these conformations, and, finally, an energy minimization and ranking with an all-atom force field. We find that the Direct Tweak algorithm used in the previously developed LOOPY program is successful in generating an ensemble of conformations that on average are closer to the native conformation than those generated by other methods. An important feature of Direct Tweak is that it checks for interactions between the loop and the rest of the protein during the loop closure process. DFIRE is found to be a particularly effective statistical potential that can bias conformation space toward conformations that are close to the native structure. Its application as a filter prior to a full molecular mechanics energy minimization both improves prediction accuracy and offers a significant savings in computer time. Final scoring is based on the OPLS/SBG-NP force field implemented in the PLOP program. The approach is also shown to be quite successful in predicting loop conformations for cases where the native side chain conformations are assumed to be unknown, suggesting that it will prove effective in real homology modeling applications. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Vanadium-spinel composites for structural applications in hostile environments

Vanadium-spinel composites are promising materials for structural applications in radiation environments. Powders of two Vanadium-spinel composites, 20/80 vol. %, were prepared by (a) ball milling mixtures of vanadium and spinel powders (alloy VSLP) and (b) through a self-sustained reaction synthesis of vanadium, MgO, and Al powders (alloy VSHP). These powders were consolidated by hot isostatic pressing. Most of the V and spinel domains in the the compacts are sub-micron in size. The compacts have K{sub c} toughness values of 3.9, about three times the toughness obtained by hipping mixtures of commercial powders.
Occurrence of urinary tract infection in children with significant upper urinary tract obstruction.

Objectives Ureteropelvic junction obstruction and obstructive megaureter are common causes of upper urinary tract obstruction. Recent data have demonstrated that the rate of urinary tract infection (UTI) among children with upper tract obstruction not treated with prophylactic antibiotics is >36%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of UTI in our patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction and megaureter to better assess the role of prophylactic antibiotics. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted. The inclusion criteria were grade 3 or 4 hydronephrosis secondary to obstructive megaureter or ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children not maintained on prophylactic antibiotics. UTI was defined as a culture-documented symptomatic infection. Fisher's exact tests were used to evaluate for an association between the occurrence of UTI with sex, level of obstruction, grade of hydronephrosis, and circumcision status. Results A total of 92 patients met the study criteria. The rate of UTI in all patients was 4.3% (95% confidence interval 0.2%-8.6%). No statistically significant difference in the infection rate was noted according to sex, obstruction level, hydronephrosis grade, or circumcision status. Conclusions Our results have demonstrated a low occurrence of UTI in antenatally diagnosed patients not maintained on antibiotics. We have concluded that antibiotic prophylaxis is unlikely to benefit most children with grade 3 or 4 hydronephrosis secondary to upper tract obstruction.
β1 integrins regulate axon outgrowth and glial cell spreading on a glial-derived extracellular matrix during development and regeneration

In the present study we have investigated functional roles for beta 1 integrin receptors in regulating axon outgrowth, and glial cell adhesion and spreading in the Xenopus retina. The XR1 glial cell line, isolated from Xenopus retinal neuroepithelium, deposits a proteinaceous extracellular matrix (ECM) with potent neurite outgrowth promoting activity. To investigate a potential role of the integrins as cellular receptors for these glial cell-derived ECM components, embryonic and regenerating retinal explants were cultured in the presence of polyclonal antibodies directed against the beta 1 integrin receptor complex. The IgGs and Fabs of the anti-beta 1 integrin antibody strongly inhibited ganglion cell axon outgrowth on the glial cell-derived ECM, although axons grew freely across the surfaces of glial cells surrounding the explants. The antibodies also inhibited outgrowth on purified laminin containing substrates in a dose-dependent fashion. In addition, the anti-beta 1 antibodies were effective at inhibiting the spreading of glial cells that migrated out from the embryonic explants, and also inhibited attachment and spreading of Xenopus XR1 glial cells on ECM substrates. These results show that the beta 1 integrins play important functional roles in axon outgrowth during development and regeneration, and also serve in regulating retinal glial cell attachment and spreading in vitro, and thus are likely to play similar roles in vivo.
Combustion of isolated bubbles in an elevated-temperature fluidized bed

Combustion of isolated bubbles was investigated with a laboratory-scale fluidized-bed reactor. Two different combinations of oxygen and argon were employed as the fluidizing gas. Single bubbles of methane were injected into an incipiently fluidized bed maintained at elevated temperatures. Gas composition inside the bubbles was measured using a suction probe connected to an on-line mass spectrometer, and the temperature of the bubbles was monitored using a fast-response thermocouple. The effects of bed particle type, particle size, bubble size, bed temperature, and oxygen concentration in the emulsion phase were examined for bed temperatures between 923 and 1203 K. A theoretical model of homogeneous combustion within the bubble phase was developed for comparison to the experimental results. The model accounted for the heat and mass transfer between bubble and emulsion phases, but only considered combustion within the bubble. The results indicated that small bubble size and high oxygen concentrations in the emulsion phase enhanced bubble-phase combustion. The bed temperature also proved to be an important parameter, with higher temperatures promoting bubble combustion, but unlike some other investigations, no critical ignition temperatures were observed in either experiments or model results. The fluidized bed's particle size and particle composition influence the heat and mass-transfer coefficients, and therefore the bubble-phase combustion, but these have a smaller influence than bed temperature and bubble size. Model results for bubble-phase gas composition and temperature compared favorably with the experimental measurements.
Teaching and Assessing Colorectal Surgery Residents in the Age of ACGME Competencies: Pieces of the Whole

Educators have struggled with teaching and evaluation of the six Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies since their introduction in 1999. In addition, many authors have questioned the construct validity of the competencies. Concern has also arisen regarding the educational effects of the competencies and the subsequent limitation of resident duty hours, the combination of which have forced unprecedented changes in American graduate medical education. This article attempts to present an understanding of how these events have had direct and indirect effects on the education of residents in colon and rectal surgery, and to provide a framework for educators in colon and rectal surgery to adapt in their curricula.
The Effect of Governor Support on Legislative Behaviour in the Russian Duma

Abstract Until the 2007 Duma election, the Russian polity displayed several characteristics that should have allowed regional leaders to have an impact on deputies: a federalist system, an electoral system that encouraged regional representation, weak political parties, and regional leaders with electoral resources. Recent research on Russian mixed-member Duma elections argues that governors influenced the election of single-member district deputies. This raises the spectre that governors could have influenced the behaviour of these deputies. Using data from the third post-communist Duma, I demonstrate that single-member district deputies backed by regional leaders in the 1999 Duma election behaved differently from others in two critical areas: parliamentary party choice and support for the presidential legislative agenda. Governor support did not, however, affect committee choice.
A new method for the direct flame calibration of nebulized additive concentrations

Abstract A new technique is described to calibrate the flame delivery flux of an aerosol-producing nebulizer. The method is based on flame deposition. It centers on the nature of deposition onto a cooled surface immersed in the burned flame gases that contain an alkali salt (Na, K, Rb, or Cs) that has been nebulized into the flame. This deposition process has been shown to be controlled solely by the alkali concentration in the flame and for the same alkali flux the rates of deposition are invariant being independent of the nature of the alkali flame speciation, the fuel, equivalence ratio, flame or probe temperature (in the 350-800 K range for the latter), probe material, or the deposit’s molecular composition. In flames containing, for example, sodium and sulfur or chlorine, there is a pronounced preferential ranking of Na 2 SO 4 > NaCl > Na 2 CO 3 > NaOH for the resulting composition of the deposit. This dominance of sulfate formation is so pronounced that it produces a linear titration method for the alkali, and fractional addition of sulfur reflects into a corresponding fractional formation of Na 2 SO 4 . In flames containing solely sodium and sulfur additives, insufficient sulfur for a Na 2 SO 4 formulation will result in a fractional mixture of the sulfate, with the remaining sodium forming carbonate. Collecting a deposit from a flame containing a nebulized alkali salt solution aerosol and a known trace addition of SO 2 , and then analyzing the deposit using an inductively coupled plasma/atomic emission spectrometer (ICP/AES) for its alkali to S ratio, provides a measure of the extent of sulfate formation. This then translates into an absolute calibration of the nebulizer delivery flux of alkali in the burned gases. A variation of the method is to use instead a Raman scattering spectrometer to measure the ratio of sulfate to carbonate in a deposit, in this case for flames free of halogens. The method has the advantage that it can be used in any flame, turbulent or laminar, requires only a trace of deposit for ICP analysis, and is accurate. Moreover, the probe can intercept any partial part of the flame gases. A limited number of other techniques currently are available for nebulizer calibration. However, other than the curve of growth method, these have not been discussed in combustion texts. Their various limitations and accuracies are outlined together with that of the presently suggested method.
Welcome to Our New Co-Editor

I am delighted to welcome George Yancey as the new co-editor of The Psychologist-Manager Journal. George has been on the journal's editorial board and is a frequent contributor of high-quality arti...
THE EFFECTS OF SEVERAL METHODS OF FISH PREPARATION ON RESIDUES OF POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS IN STRIPED BASS

Fifty striped bass were captured in Long Island Sound. The concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was determined in the fish fillets before and after baking, boiling, frying, microwaving or poaching to study possible reduction of PCB residues by these cooking procedures. The cooked portions were evaluated for sensory characteristics. PCB content was significantly reduced by cooking, but there were no significant differences in that reduction among the six cooking methods. Tasters preferred fish prepared by “oil-based” cooking methods (bake, broil, fry) as compared to “water-based” methods (microwave, poach, boil).
The HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets): Much ado about nothing?

The question of whether the HELLP syndrome exists as a distinct entity or is part of a spectrum of pregnancy complications, which have in common hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and thrombocytopenia, has long been a source of speculation and debate among obstetricians and internists. A review of the literature indicates a definite need for a uniform definition, diagnosis, and management of this syndrome. Patients manifesting this syndrome usually are seen before term (
Offshore CCS in the Northern Gulf of Mexico and the Significance of Regional Structural Compartmentalization

Abstract Many countries foresee the ability of offshore geologic settings to meet anticipated long-term national CO2 storage needs. Although the costs of operating offshore are significant, they may be offset by reduced issues of risk, property ownership and long-term liability. Continued interest in offshore CCS (e.g., EU, Australia, Japan, and U.S.A.) has focused on aspects familiar to onshore work: storage capacity, risk, monitoring, and containment assurance. Over the last decade, the Gulf Coast Carbon Center at the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology conducted numerous studies of storage potential along the eastern seaboard of the U.S. and the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Much of the work focused on regional geologic characterization, capacity assessment, and identification of potential risks and migration pathways. In general, capacity estimates indicate that the offshore storage resource has been under- appreciated as a national resource in the United States, but is receiving more attention. Current research efforts focus on the offshore northwestern GOM where the bulk of potential storage capacity resides. The work has also focused attention on the significant role of regional structural compartmentalization on storage capacity, pressure evolution, potential migration pathways, and long-term containment.
Use of statistical analysis of cytologic interpretation to determine the causes of interobserver disagreement and in quality improvement

BACKGROUND Disagreements in cytologic interpretation can have several causes, including differences in diagnostic threshold and diagnostic accuracy. These can be distinguished by a combination of statistical analyses. METHODS For demonstration purposes, a nonrandom collection of 80 cervicovaginal smears, the majority of which (74) were originally diagnosed as atypical cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), were reviewed by 3 separate observers and classified as either negative, negative and reactive, ASCUS favor reactive, ASCUS not otherwise specified, ASCUS suggestive of a squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), low grade SIL, or high grade SIL. The results were compared with corresponding biopsies and analyzed with distribution analysis, the kappa statistic, threshold analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS Distribution analysis of diagnoses from the three observers demonstrated statistically significant differences in how cases were classified and a low level of agreement. Kappa analysis confirmed a very poor interobserver agreement. Threshold analysis revealed that one observer used a threshold between negative and ASCUS that was statistically more specific but less sensitive than the other observers. ROC curve analysis showed that another observer was more accurate than this observer. CONCLUSIONS Variation in cytologic interpretation may have several causes. Distribution, threshold, and ROC analysis allow distinction between differences in diagnostic accuracy and diagnostic thresholds. This approach to analyzing cytologic interpretation may be useful for quality improvement efforts. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 1997; 81:212-9. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Hypothalamic Gene Transfer of BDNF Inhibits Breast Cancer Progression and Metastasis in Middle Age Obese Mice

Activation of the hypothalamus-adipocyte axis is associated with an antiobesity and anticancer phenotype in animal models of melanoma and colon cancer. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key mediator in the hypothalamus leading to preferential sympathoneural activation of adipose tissue and the ensuing resistance to obesity and cancer. Here, we generated middle age obese mice by high fat diet feeding for a year and investigated the effects of hypothalamic gene transfer of BDNF on a hormone receptor-positive mammary tumor model. The recombinant adeno-associated viral vector-mediated overexpression of BDNF led to marked weight loss and decrease of adiposity without change of food intake. BDNF gene therapy improved glucose tolerance, alleviated steatosis, reduced leptin level, inhibited mouse breast cancer EO771 growth, and prevented the metastasis. The reduced tumor growth in BDNF-treated mice was associated with reduced angiogenesis, decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis, and reduced adipocyte recruitment and lipid accumulation. Moreover, BDNF gene therapy reduced inflammation markers in the hypothalamus, the mammary gland, the subcutaneous fat, and the mammary tumor. Our results suggest that manipulating a single gene in the brain may influence multiple mechanisms implicated in obesity-cancer association and provide a target for the prevention and treatment of both obesity and cancer.
Studies in the mathematical biophysics of discrimination and conditioning: III

The theory dealing with recognition learning is generalized to include five variables. These are the errors, trials, possible number of choices, the number of items and the fraction of prompting. The theory is then extended to include recall learning. This extension necessitates the introduction of a variable which is the number of trials without responses, i.e., the third category of judgment. The strengths of reward and punishment are also introduced as variables. Thus a curve in nine dimensions is determined.
Sinonasal melanoma: a clinicopathologic review of 61 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To review the Mayo Clinic experience with sinonasal melanoma.STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review (case series).SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We identified 61 patients who had melanoma arising from the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, or both. All were treated at our institution from 1955 through 2003. Clinical and pathologic data were summarized, and survival curves were generated.RESULTS: The most common symptoms at presentation were epistaxis and nasal congestion. The most common treatment was excision only (48%). The cancer-specific survival rate (ie, rate of death due to disease) was 48.9% and 22.1% at 3 and 5 years, respectively. Median time between diagnosis and death due to disease was 19 months.CONCLUSION: Sinonasal melanoma is a rare but devastating disease. Wide local excision is the treatment of choice, and some patients may benefit from postoperative radiotherapy. Local recurrence and distant metastasis are common. Improved survival depends on better systemic therapies.
Amyloid Precursor Protein Mediates Proinflammatory Activation of Monocytic Lineage Cells

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by extracellular deposition of beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide containing neuritic plaques. Abeta peptides are proteolytically derived from the membrane-bound amyloid precursor protein (APP). Although the function of APP is not entirely clear, previous studies demonstrate that neuronal APP colocalizes with beta(1) integrin receptors at sites of focal adhesion, suggesting that APP is involved in mediating neuronal process adhesion. Integrin-dependent adhesion is also a well-characterized component of immune cell proinflammatory activation. Using primary mouse microglia and the human monocytic cell line, THP-1, we have begun investigating the role of APP in integrin-dependent activation. Co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrate that APP is recruited into a multi-receptor signaling complex during beta(1) integrin-mediated adhesion of monocytes. Stimulation induces a subsequent, specific recruitment of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins to APP, including Lyn and Syk. Antibody cross-linking of cell surface APP leads to a similar response characterized by activation and recruitment of tyrosine kinases to APP as well as subsequent activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and increased proinflammatory protein levels. These data demonstrate that APP can act as a proinflammatory receptor in monocytic lineage cells and provide insight into the contribution of this protein to the inflammatory conditions described in Alzheimer's disease.
Clinicopathologic and molecular analysis of high-grade dysplasia and early adenocarcinoma in short- versus long-segment Barrett esophagus

Abstract Barrett esophagus, especially dysplastic Barrett mucosa, has been regarded as a preneoplastic lesion for esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of dysplasia and early adenocarcinoma in short- (SSBE) and long- (LSBE) segment Barrett esophagus have not been studied in detail. The aims of this study were to clarify clinicopathologic and genetic differences between high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and early adenocarcinoma in SSBE versus LSBE. We analyzed the clinicopathologic features from 47 patients (19 SSBE [ v 57.1%; P =.004). HGD or T1 tumors arising from SSBE were less likely to show adjoining nondysplastic Barrett mucosa than those from LSBE (73.6% v 100%; P =.02). LSBE more frequently showed a circumferential pattern of Barrett mucosa than did SSBE (96.4% v 47.3%; P =.0002). Chromosomal allelic losses on 3p, 5q, 9p, and 17p were detected in 19% (4 of 21), 43% (15 of 35), 40% (14 of 35), and 48% (16 of 33) of HGD, respectively, and 26% (5 of 19), 35% (8 of 23), 35% (8 of 23), and 57% (13 of 23) of T1 tumor, respectively. There were no significant differences in allelic loss of 3p, 5q, 9p, or 17p in HGD or T1 tumors from SSBE versus LSBE. These results suggest that both HGD and early adenocarcinoma in SSBE and LSBE may occur through similar genetic alterations, whereas there are some clinicopathologic differences between SSBE and LSBE. HUM PATHOL Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
Hypersonic shapes of maximum drag for a given heat-transfer rate

Nonlifting blunt axisymmetric hypersonic shape determination to maximize pressure drag for given convective heat transfer, diameter and free-stream conditions
Reversible desensitization of fibroblasts to cadmium receptor stimuli: evidence that growth in high zinc represses a xenobiotic receptor.

The xenobiotic Cd2+ triggers the production of inositol trisphosphate and releases stored Ca2+ in certain cell types, apparently by binding to a zinc site in the external domain of an “orphan” receptor (no known endogenous stimulus). Cd2+ and bradykinin evoke similar spikes in cytosolic free Ca2+. Growth in high Zn2+ (100–200 μM) abolished the free Ca2+ spike evoked by Cd2+ without affecting the spike produced by bradykinin. Growth in high Zn2+ almost abolished Cd2+-evoked production of [3H]inositol mono-, bis-, and trisphosphate. Bradykinin-evoked [3H]inositol phosphate production was not affected by growth in high Zn2+. Growth in high Zn2+ nearly prevented the stimulation of 45Ca2+ efflux by Cd2+ without affecting the stimulation of 45Ca2+ efflux by bradykinin or histamine. Removing Zn2+ from the culture medium and incubating the cells for several hours fully restored responsiveness to Cd2+. Cycloheximide, actinomycin D, or tunicamycin prevented the restoration of Cd2+ responsiveness, indicating that resensitization requires macromolecular synthesis. Growth in high Zn2+ reversibly abolished Ca2+ mobilization evoked by two additional stimuli: a decrease in extracellular pH or Na+ concentration. These findings support the hypothesis that the three stimuli (Cd2+ or a decrease in external pH or Na+ concentration) activate the same orphan receptor. Growth in high Zn2+ apparently desensitizes the cells to the Cd2+ receptor stimuli by repressing receptor synthesis.
Effects of Acute Removal of Potassium from Dogs Changes in the Electrocardiogram

Potassium has been rapidly removed from the circulating blood of dogs in 22 experiments in which other extracellular electrolytes were maintained constant. In these experiments potassium extraction occurred in an acute phase accompanied by a reduction in serum level and a second phase of continued extraction with little change in the extracellular concentration. In the first phase the P wave increased markedly in amplitude and width. The A-V conduction time became prolonged. The QRS complex widened, the T wave became broadened and rounded, and the S-T segment depressed, the latter change occurring in the second phase of dialysis. In these experiments, acute depletion of potassium in dogs consistently reflects the electrocardiographic changes ascribed to hypokalemia.
Human metastable epiallele candidates link to common disorders

Metastable epialleles (MEs) are mammalian genomic loci where epigenetic patterning occurs before gastrulation in a stochastic fashion leading to systematic interindividual variation within one species. Importantly, periconceptual nutritional influences may modulate the establishment of epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation at MEs. Based on these characteristics, we exploited Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip kits in a 2-tissue parallel screen on peripheral blood leukocyte and colonic mucosal DNA from 10 children without identifiable large intestinal disease. This approach led to the delineation of 1776 CpG sites meeting our criteria for MEs, which associated with 1013 genes. The list of ME candidates exhibited overlaps with recently identified human genes (including CYP2E1 and MGMT, where methylation has been associated with Parkinson disease and glioblastoma, respectively) in which perinatal DNA methylation levels where linked to maternal periconceptual nutrition. One hundred 18 (11.6%) of the ME candidates overlapped with genes where DNA methylation correlated (r > 0.871; p < 0.055) with expression in the colon mucosa of 5 independent control children. Genes involved in homophilic cell adhesion (including cadherin-associated genes) and developmental processes were significantly overrepresented in association with MEs. Additional filtering of gene expression-correlated MEs defined 35 genes, associated with 2 or more CpG sites within a 10 kb genomic region, fulfilling the ME criteria. DNA methylation changes at a number of these genes have been linked to various forms of human disease, including cancers, such as asthma and acute myeloid leukemia (ALOX12), gastric cancer (EBF3), breast cancer (NAV1), colon cancer and acute lymphoid leukemia (KCNK15), Wilms tumor (protocadherin gene cluster; PCDHAs) and colorectal cancer (TCERG1L), suggesting a potential etiologic role for MEs in tumorigenesis and underscoring the possible developmental origins of these malignancies. The presented compendium of ME candidates may accelerate our understanding of the epigenetic origins of common human disorders.
Global gene expression profiling in Escherichia coli K12. The effects of integration host factor.

We have used nylon membranes spotted in duplicate with full-length polymerase chain reaction-generated products of each of the 4,290 predicted Escherichia coli K12 open reading frames (ORFs) to measure the gene expression profiles in otherwise isogenic integration host factor IHF+ and IHF−strains. Our results demonstrate that random hexamer rather than 3′ ORF-specific priming of cDNA probe synthesis is required for accurate measurement of gene expression levels in bacteria. This is explained by the fact that the currently available set of 4,290 unique 3′ ORF-specific primers do not hybridize to each ORF with equal efficiency and by the fact that widely differing degradation rates (steady-state levels) are observed for the 25-base pair region of each message complementary to each ORF-specific primer. To evaluate the DNA microarray data reported here, we used a linear analysis of variance (ANOVA) model appropriate for our experimental design. These statistical methods allowed us to identify and appropriately correct for experimental variables that affect the reproducibility and accuracy of DNA microarray measurements and allowed us to determine the statistical significance of gene expression differences between our IHF+ and IHF− strains. Our results demonstrate that small differences in gene expression levels can be accurately measured and that the significance of differential gene expression measurements cannot be assessed simply by the magnitude of the fold difference. Our statistical criteria, supported by excellent agreement between previously determined effects of IHF on gene expression and the results reported here, have allowed us to identify new genes regulated by IHF with a high degree of confidence.
Effect of glucagon on concentration of several free amino acids in plasma.

Abstract The protein catabolic influence of glucagon is known to be accompanied by a significant drop in the total plasma free amino acid concentration. In these studies carried out on four subjects it has been shown that the plasma concentration of threonine, proline, glycine, alanine, lysine, arginine, citrulline, serine, cystine and histidine were very significantly lowered by catabolic doses of glucagon ( 3 4 -1 mg. every 6 hours ). The concentration of methionine, valine, and tyrosine were significantly lowered. The leucine level was probably significantly lower than control values. Only the phenylalamine concentration was not significantly affected in these studies. The effect was noted 30 minutes after injection of glucagon in one subject. Urinary amino acid nitrogen declined slightly. The pattern of the glucagon effect on amino acid concentrations was quite similar to that of progesterone which is also catabolic. In the glucagon studies, only the concentrations of glycine and cystine were so lowered that even following a high protein meal when plasma levels rise, they were as low or lower than fasting non-treatment levels. It is suggested that the catabolic effect of glucagon and progesterone is due primarily to an enhancement of hepatic utilization of amino acids, and that the resulting lowered plasma level of one or several amino acids enhances mobilization of more amino acids from peripheral tissues. On the basis of these studies and the plasma amino acid levels observed during catabolic processes induced by progesterone, thyroid and glucocorticoids, it is suggested that the glycine concentration in plasma may be responsible for regulating the mobilization of amino acids. Only the concentration of this amino acid was either lowered or uninfluenced during all four catabolic processes.
Change in peripherally inserted central catheter tip position with abduction and adduction of the upper extremity.

PURPOSE This study examines whether the tip of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) moves significantly with changes in arm position from abduction to adduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS The catheters were inserted in the brachial or basilic veins under ultrasonographic guidance with the upper extremity in a 90° abducted position. A flexible, radiopaque ruler was then placed on the anterior chest and digital images were obtained with the arm abducted and adducted in a similar phase of quiet respiration. Catheter tip movement was measured with use of the radiopaque ruler and fixed, bony anatomic landmarks. RESULTS Sixty-one consecutive PICCs were placed and evaluated during the study period (eight patients were excluded). Thirtythree catheters were placed from the right arm and 20 from the left. Overall, 43 moved caudally, seven moved cephalad, and three did not move with movement of the arm from abduction to adduction. Of those that moved caudal, the mean distance of movement was 21 mm (range, 2–53 mm). Right arm PICCs tended to move more than left arm PICCs, but this did not attain significance ( P = .29). CONCLUSIONS There is a tendency for the PICC tip to move in a caudal direction with the change in arm position from abduction to adduction; 58% of PICCs moved 20 mm or more. This change in position should be considered during final catheter tip positioning.
Remaining Challenges in Assessing Non-Inferiority

Despite decades of experience with non-inferiority trials, they remain a source of great controversy and involve fundamental areas of disagreement. Indeed, there can be little more fundamental than the definition of the hypothesis to be tested, and yet it can be argued that the null hypothesis commonly used in these trials, which involves specification of a non-inferiority margin, is the wrong one. Non-inferiority trials involve an indirect comparison between the experimental treatment under evaluation and placebo, but the null hypothesis based on a non-inferiority margin does not address this aspect of the trial’s objective. In addition, the criterion in common use for concluding that the experimental treatment preserves a prespecified fraction of the control treatment’s effect is in conflict with a reasonable criterion for preference of the experimental treatment over the control, and can lead to inconsistencies in drug approval decisions. This review discusses these issues and provides recommendations.
Simplified Method for Free SO2 Measurement Using Gas Detection Tubes

The classic Monier–Williams method for free sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) measurement in wines was modified using inexpensive SO 2 detection tubes developed for the mining industry. An acidified wine sample was treated with an antacid tablet to evolve CO 2 in situ and the gas flow directed to a commercial SO 2 detection tube. The length of tube that changed color was proportional to the original free SO 2 concentration. Initial calibration of the tubes was performed in model wines using aeration-oxidation (A-O) as a reference method. Using a 20 mL sample, the SO 2 tube method achieved a linear response from 5 to 40 mg/L. Accuracy was evaluated by measuring free SO 2 concentrations in 16 wines (seven whites, nine reds) by both the SO 2 tube and A-O reference methods. Free SO 2 concentrations for individual wines measured by each method were within ±2 mg/mL and the RMSE was 0.89 mg/L. The limit of detection of the SO 2 tube method was 3.3 mg/L in wine. The SO 2 tube method has several advantages over A-O, including requiring less time per analysis and no specialized glassware or equipment. The major consumable cost is the detection tubes, which can be conserved in exchange for precision by using smaller sample sizes.
A femtosecond study of electronic state dynamics of fucoxanthin and implications for photosynthetic carotenoid-to-chlorophyll energy transfer mechanisms

Abstract The electronic state dynamics and absorption properties of the carotenoid fucoxanthin are examined, both in vitro and in vivo . An S 2 lifetime of 0.15 ps and an S 1 lifetime of 40 ps are measured for fucoxanthin dissolved in ethanol. Fluorescence emission from both S 2 and S 1 is observed, allowing corroboration of the direct measure of the S 2 lifetime and determination of the S 1 →S 0 oscillator strength. Emission from the S 2 state of carotenoids in thylakoid membranes of Phaeodactylum tricornutum is also seen, but S 1 emission in vivo is obscured by chlorophyll a (chl a ) fluorescence. These new results, together with previous time-resolved and two-photon excitation results, are discussed and the importance of considering Coulomb coupling as a mechanism for carotenoid-to-chl a energy transfer is demonstrated, at least for Phaeodactylum tricornutum .