cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prednisone and Vinblastine Chemotherapy for Canine Mast Cell Tumor—41 Cases (1992–1997)

Forty-one dogs with mast cell tumors (MCTs) were treated with oral prednisone and injectable vinblastine (VBL), both in the adjuvant setting (23 dogs) and in dogs with gross disease (18 dogs). Adverse effects were noted in 20% (8/41) of the patients, usually after the 1st dose of VBL. Adverse effects were considered mild in 6, and severe, necessitating treatment discontinuation, in 2 (5%). Overall response rate in the evaluable dogs with gross disease was 47% (7/15), consisting of 5 complete responses and 2 partial responses. Median response duration was 154 days (24 to >645 days). As adjuvant therapy to incomplete surgical resection, prednisone and VBL conferred a 57% 1- and 2-year disease-free rate. Median survival time (MST) for the entire patient population was not reached with a median follow-up of 573 days; however, the MST for dogs with grade III MCT was 331 days, with 45% of dogs alive at 1 and 2 years. This is an apparent improvement over historical survival data employing surgery alone. Upon univariate analysis, significant prognostic factors (P < .05) for survival included presence of a locally recurrent tumor, presence of gross disease, argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region frequency, lymph node status, histologic grade, previous chemotherapy, and ulceration of the tumor. Similar criteria were significant when analyzed for time to treatment failure. Response to therapy was also predictive of survival in the gross disease group. Upon multivariate analysis, histologic grade (P = .012) and presence of a locally recurrent tumor (P < .001) were significant factors for survival.
Decreased expression of H-2 antigens following acute measles virus infection.

Abstract Acute infection of the A-strain mouse neuroblastoma cell line, N 2 A (H-2 a ), with measles virus caused a selective decrease in the expression of H -2 K k determinants, as measured by the quantitative absorption assay. No effect was seen on the H -2 D d determinants. This decrease was paralleled by an increase in expression of measles antigen on the cell surface. Compared to uninfected cells, measles-infected N 2 A cells became less susceptible to lysis by cytotoxic lymphocytes sensitized against H-2 a . The reduced expression of H-2K k was not due to inhibition of total host cell protein synthesis by measles virus, nor was it the result of removal of H-2K k molecules by budding virus. These results are consistent with the concept that an interaction between measles virus and H -2 K k determinants can result in “altered self” antigens, and produce an apparent decrease in the expression of native H -2 K k , but not on H-2D d , antigens suggests that viral antigens may selectively interact with specific histocompatibility antigens but not affect others. The results also demonstrate that altered expression of H -2 determinants is not a sufficient condition for recognition and cytolysis of virus-infected cells by immune T cells.
Generation of recognition diversity in the nervous system

For decades, it has been suggested that complex neural wiring might be specified by extensive diversity in receptor isoforms. Dscam is a cell surface protein with 38,016 potential alternatively spliced isoforms in the fly nervous system. Remarkable binding studies now show that Dscam isoform diversity indeed results in an unprecedented level of recognition diversity, showing isoform-specific homophilic binding. In vivo studies have begun to suggest models for use of Dscam diversity in neuron-target recognition, axon fasciculation, and neuron self-recognition.
The use of stem cells in liver disease.

Purpose of reviewCell transplantation to restore liver function as an alternative to whole liver transplantation has thus far not been successful in humans.Recent findingsAdult mature hepatocytes and various populations of liver progenitors and stem cells are being studied for their regenerative cap
Effects of aluminum-induced aggregation on the fluorescence of humic substances

Aluminum-induced aggregates of terrestrial and aquatic humic acid standards from the International Humic Substances Society are shown to be fluorescent by means of a multiwavelength fluorescence anisotropy experiment in which the data were treated with a model for nonspherical particles. While aggregates of aquatic humic acids appear in the fluorescence signal at both short and long excitation wavelengths, aggregates of terrestrial humic acids are detected only at the long Wavelength. Furthermore, the results indicate that emission obtained at longer excitation wavelengths is representative of smaller particles. At pH 4, the aquatic humic acids appear to exist in an extended conformation, whereas the terrestrial humic acids show less extension. The size and shape of the fluorescent particles display a complex dependence on Al concentration. Both enhancement and quenching of fluorescence are observed in the total luminescence spectra upon Al addition. However, quenching is shown to be the result of decreased humic acid concentration due to precipitation by Al rather than photophysical processes.
Different modes of loss of photoreversibility of mutation and lethal damage in ultraviolet-light resistant and sensitive bacteria

Abstract Loss of photoreversibility of UV-induced mutation to streptomycin resistance and lethal damage in an hcr + strain of Escherichia coli occurs during the first 20 min of postirradiation incubation and is unaffected by absence of tryptophan with an amino acid-requiring substrain or by absence of thymine with a thymine-requing substrain, but is blocked by dinitrophenol. The initial postirradiation replication of DNA which begins after 40 min of incubation is significant in the mutation process since expression of streptomycin resistance (measured in streptomycin-containing agar medium blocking protein synthesis) does not occur unless DNA replication is allowed before plating and is thymine-dependent. Loss of photoreversibility of streptomycin-resistant mutations and lethal damage in an hcr− strain of E. coli begins after 20 min of incubation and requires 80 min for completion and is tryptophan-dependent and thymine-dependent. Unlike streptomycin-resistant mutation, loss of photoreversibility of suppressor mutations in a tryptophan-requiring strain is correlated with DNA replication even in hcr + bacteria and is amino acid- and thymine-dependent in hcr − bacteria.
Psychiatric Diagnosis Of Patients Requesting Sex Reassignment Surgery

Abstract This paper presents the psychiatric diagnostic findings on 51 patients who requested Sex Reassignment Surgery. The biologic females, as a group, were significantly healthier than the males. Ninety-two percent of the males and 58% of the females had psychiatric diagnoses, apart from gender dysphoria. Most of the abnormalities in both groups were character disorders; eight percent of the patients, however, were schizophrenic. Psychometric evaluation suggested that approximately one-half of the patients had more serious disorders than were indicated during clinical evaluation. The initial and ongoing diagnostic processes are helpful in the pre-and postoperative management of patients with gender dysphoria.
Use of computerized tomography to assess myocardial infarct size and ventricular function in dogs during acute coronary occlusion and reperfusion

Prospectively ECG-gated and nongated computed tomography (CT) can be used to assess global and regional left ventricular (LV) function and to measure myocardial infarct (MI) size. In the current study, CT was used to assess the effects of coronary occlusion and reperfusion in 16 dogs. Ten dogs were subjected to permanent occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery and 6 dogs were reperfused after a 2-hour period of total coronary occlusion. Gated scans were used to quantitate the extent of wall thickening in the ischemic zone and to assess changes in mid-LV cross-sectional chamber area at end-diastole and end-systole. Nongated scans were used to estimate the size of the initial perfusion defect during contrast injection shortly after coronary occlusion and the size of the MI as indicated by delayed enhancement of the infarct 10 to 30 minutes after cessation of contrast administration. Neither group showed significant changes in end-diastolic chamber area during acute occlusion or 3 days later. Both groups showed a significant deterioration in percent change in chamber area both early after coronary occlusion and 3 days later; however, in the permanent occlusion group, percent wall thickening in the ischemic zone decreased from 46.2 +/- 16.5% (mean +/- standard deviation) to 1.6 +/- 9.0% during acute occlusion (p less than 0.01) and thickening remained depressed 3 days later (2.4 +/- 10.1%, p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Worsening plight of Palestinian refugees in Syria

680 www.thelancet.com Vol 382 August 24, 2013 Lebanon, and around 8000 to Jordan, adding pressure on health services in these countries. The Syrian confl ict has substantially aff ected health access for Palestinian refugees in Syria. More than 60% of UNRWA health facilities in Syria are closed, and daily medical consultations have decreased by more than 60%. With prevalence of diabetes (10%), hypertension (16·8%) already high, provision of regular and continued health care is critical for improving people’s quality of life and preventing complications. For aff ected Palestinian refugees unable to access health facilities in Syria, the consequences are devastating. Support from the international community has allowed UNRWA to continue relief services including health care in less violent areas in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan through the use of alternative mechanisms, albeit with increasing costs. However at the present pace, the costs will soon reach unsustainable levels. Growing instability coupled with increasing financial, human, and social costs stemming from the widening Syrian confl ict have brought the whole region to the verge of a tipping point. Palestinian refugees in Syria are especially vulnerable and in need of assistance and support. The time to act is now—while there is still some hope.
Methacholine Challenge Testing in the Diagnosis of Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether methacholine challenge testing (MCT) combined with serial laryngoscopy could elicit and visualize paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) during asymptomatic periods and suggest laryngeal dysfunction as an etiology of episodic dyspnea. Study Design: A retrospective study of seven adult patients. Methods: Medical records of seven adult patients who were referred to an otolaryngology clinic with recurrent episodes of dyspnea or choking and underwent bronchoprovocation testing were reviewed. After initial fiberoptic laryngoscopy and pulmonary function testing (PFT), bronchoprovocation was performed using aerosolized methacholine at increasing concentrations. Each administration was followed by repeated laryngoscopy and PFT. A positive endoscopic test was marked by the visualization of paradoxical adduction of the true vocal folds during inspiration. A positive bronchoprovocation test was marked by a 20% or greater decline in the forced expiratory volume. Results: All seven patients demonstrated normal upper airway anatomy and function on initial laryngoscopy. In three patients, a positive endoscopic examination demonstrating PVFM was elicited during MCT. In three, the bronchoprovocation test was positive, and asthma was diagnosed. In one patient, both tests were negative. PVFM was seen in all patients whose chief complaint was choking (n = 2) but in only one of five patients whose chief complaint was dyspnea. Conclusions: PVFM may be elicited and observed during MCT coupled with serial laryngoscopy. This test holds promise in differentiating vocal cord dysfunction from asthma during asymptomatic periods in patients who present with recurrent episodes of refractory dyspnea.
Thinking one thing, saying another: The behavioral correlates of mind-wandering while reading aloud

Although mind-wandering during silent reading is well documented, to date no research has investigated whether similar processes occur during reading aloud. In the present study, participants read a passage either silently or aloud while periodically being probed about mind-wandering. Although their comprehension accuracies were similar for both reading conditions, participants reported more mind-wandering while they were reading aloud. These episodes of mindless reading were associated with nearly normal prosody, but were nevertheless distinguished by subtle fluctuations in volume that were predictive of both overall comprehension accuracy and individual sentence comprehension. Together, these findings reveal that previously hidden within the common activity of reading aloud lies: (1) a demonstration of the remarkable automaticity of speech, (2) a situation that is surprisingly conducive to mind-wandering, (3) subtle vocal signatures of mind-wandering and comprehension accuracy, and (4) the promise of developing useful interventions to improve reading.
Anti-PCSK9 Antibody Pharmacokinetics and Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol Pharmacodynamics in Nonhuman Primates Are Antigen Affinity–Dependent and Exhibit Limited Sensitivity to Neonatal Fc Receptor–Binding Enhancement

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind PCSK9 and prevent PCSK9:low-density lipoprotein receptor complex formation reduce serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) in vivo. PCSK9-mediated lysosomal degradation of bound mAb, however, dramatically reduces mAb exposure and limits duration of effect. Administration of high-affinity mAb1:PCSK9 complex (1:2) to mice resulted in significantly lower mAb1 exposure compared with mAb1 dosed alone in normal mice or in PCSK9 knockout mice lacking antigen. To identify mAb-binding characteristics that minimize lysosomal disposition, the pharmacokinetic behavior of four mAbs representing a diverse range of PCSK9-binding affinities at neutral (serum) and acidic (endosomal) pH was evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys. Results revealed an inverse correlation between affinity and both mAb exposure and duration of LDL-C lowering. High-affinity mAb1 exhibited the lowest exposure and shortest duration of action (6 days), whereas mAb2 displayed prolonged exposure and LDL-C reduction (51 days) as a consequence of lower affinity and pH-sensitive PCSK9 binding. mAbs with shorter endosomal PCSK9:mAb complex dissociation half-lives (<20 seconds) produced optimal exposure-response profiles. Interestingly, incorporation of previously reported Fc-region amino acid substitutions or novel loop-insertion peptides that enhance in vitro neonatal Fc receptor binding, led to only modest pharmacokinetic improvements for mAbs with pH-dependent PCSK9 binding, with only limited augmentation of pharmacodynamic activity relative to native mAbs. A pivotal role for PCSK9 in mAb clearance was demonstrated, more broadly suggesting that therapeutic mAb-binding characteristics require optimization based on target pharmacology.
On the brink of change: plant responses to climate on the Colorado Plateau

The intensification of aridity due to anthropogenic climate change in the southwestern U.S. is likely to have a large impact on the growth and survival of plant species that may already be vulnerable to water stress. To make accurate predictions of plant responses to climate change, it is essential to determine the long-term dynamics of plant species associated with past climate conditions. Here we show how the plant species and functional types across a wide range of environmental conditions in Colorado Plateau national parks have changed with climate variability over the last twenty years. During this time, regional mean annual temperature increased by 0.18°C per year from 1989–1995, 0.06°C per year from 1995–2003, declined by 0.14°C from 2003–2008, and there was high interannual variability in precipitation. Non-metric multidimensional scaling of plant species at long-term monitoring sites indicated five distinct plant communities. In many of the communities, canopy cover of perennial plants was sensitive to mean annual temperature occurring in the previous year, whereas canopy cover of annual plants responded to cool season precipitation. In the perennial grasslands, there was an overall decline of C3 perennial grasses, no change of C4 perennial grasses, and an increase of shrubs with increasing temperature. In the shrublands, shrubs generally showed no change or slightly increased with increasing temperature. However, certain shrub species declined where soil and physical characteristics of a site limited water availability. In the higher elevation woodlands, Juniperus osteosperma and shrub canopy cover increased with increasing temperature, while Pinus edulis at the highest elevation sites was unresponsive to interannual temperature variability. These results from well-protected national parks highlight the importance of temperature to plant responses in a water-limited region and suggest that projected increases in aridity are likely to promote grass loss and shrub expansion on the Colorado Plateau.
The Structure of Open-End Spun Yarn

If open-end spun yarns are to find wide use, it is necessary to understand more fully the structure of the yarns. The differences in structure arise because of the manner in which the yarn is made....
Visibility science operations with the Keck Interferometer

The visibility science mode of the Keck Interferometer fully transitioned into operations with the successful completion of its operational readiness review in April, 2004. The goal of this paper is to describe this science mode and the operations structure that supports it.
Scattering and thermodynamics in integrable N=2 theories

Abstract We study N = 2 supersymmetric integrable theories with spontaneously-broken Z n symmetry. They have exact soliton masses given by the affine SU( n ) Toda masses and fractional fermion numbers given by multiples of 1 n . The basic such N = 2 integrable theory is the A n -type N = 2 minimal model perturbed by the most relevant operator. The soliton content and exact S -matrices are obtained using the Landau-Ginzburg description. We study the thermodynamics of these theories and calculate the ground-state energies exactly, verifying that they have the correct conformal limits. We conjecture that the soliton content and S -matrices in other integrable Z n N = 2 theories are given by the tensor product of the above N =2 Z n scattering theory with various N = 0 theories. In particular, we consider integrable perturbations of N = 2 Kazama-Suzuki models described by generalized Chebyshev potentials, CP n −1 sigma models, and N = 2 sine-Gordon and its affine Toda generalizations.
A micromethod for measuring neutrophil candidacidal activity in neonates.

Summary: We developed a micromethod, requiring but a few drops of blood, for measuring the ability of neutrophils to kill ingested Candida albicans. The neutrophils of 10 normal adults killed 26.2 ± 9.5% of ingested C. albicans in 2.5 hr in a standard fungicidal assay, and 21.4 ± 6.5% in our new micromodification. Neutrophils from 14 full term, healthy 30− to 40-hr-old infants, studied with the micromethod, killed 23.2 ± 6.0% of ingested C. albicans. We conclude that the neutrophils of normal neonates are competent in this sphere of antimicrobial activity. Speculation: Traditional methods of measuring the microbicidal activity of leukocytes are frequently unsuited for the study of neonates because they require considerable amounts of blood. Micromethods, such as the one herein described, may facilitate analysis of the host factors related to infections in newborns and infants.
Population aging and the economics of international travel.

This paper examines the relationship between the aging of the US population and outbound international travel using individual survey responses of overseas recreational travellers from the USA in 2009. The econometric analysis indicates that there are significant differences across age groups in the propensity to travel, the length of stay and the level of expenditure overseas that are consistent with the different economic incentives and constraints that each age group faces. The econometric models are used to project the changes in aggregate international travel expenditures that will result from anticipated demographic changes over the next decade.
Requirements For And Capabilities Of X-Ray Video Systems To Provide Quantitative Information

The utilization of x-ray video images for providing quantitative information poses more strict requirements on such systems. In this paper, a discussion of some of the important factors is given. An understanding of some of the limitations places an upper bound on our expectations.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mode coupling in single-mode fiber: the advantage of using higher-order spatial-distortion-function harmonics

It is demonstrated that light power may be converted from the guided LP01 mode to the radiative LP11 mode in single-mode optical fiber by using a periodic square-shaped distortion function. Coupling between these modes is measured directly as a function of distortion wavelengths and amplitudes for different optical wavelengths. The beating length between the modes (approximately 0.5 mm) becomes practical (1.5 mm and more) through the use of the higher harmonics of the distortion function.
A note on least squares methods

We examine the relationship of preconditioned L2 residual, Sobolev gradient and H−1 least squares methods. Of particular interest are: (1) a demonstration that the Sobolev gradient approach is simply a form of preconditioning for the standard L2 scheme, and (2) that the Sobolev preconditioner is related to the additional solve step in the H−1 formulation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermo-Mechanical Finite Element Modeling of the Friction Drilling Process

Friction drilling uses a rotating conical tool to penetrate the workpiece and create a bushing in a single step without generating chips. This research investigates the three-dimensional (3D) finite element modeling (FEM) of large plastic strain and high-temperature work-material deformation in friction drilling. The explicit FEM code with temperature-dependent mechanical and thermal properties, as well as the adaptive meshing, element deletion, and mass scaling three FEM techniques necessary to enable the convergence of solution, is applied. An inverse method to match the measured and modeling thrust force determines a coefficient of friction of 0.7 in this study. The model is validated by comparing the thrust force, torque, and temperature to experimental measurements with reasonable accuracy. The FEM results show that the peak temperature of the workpiece approaches the work-material solidus temperature. Distributions of plastic strain, temperature, stress, and deformation demonstrate the thermomechanical behavior of the workpiece and advantages of 3D FEM to study of work-material deformation in friction drilling.
Using Case Studies to Develop Theory: Roadmap to a Dialogue

This issue’s target article by William Stiles (2009) presents a general paradigm that explains how the "logical operations" of deduction, induction, and abduction can be applied to case-study-level observations in order to build, test, and refine applied psychology theories in areas like psychotherapy. Stiles’ paradigm is exemplified in the development of his own "assimilation model" of psychological change across many types of successful therapy. The subsequent commentaries, written by nine well-known psychologists representing a wide diversity of perspectives and expertise, fall into three general categories. These include illustrations of the usefulness of Stiles paradigm, and critiques of the Stiles paradigm as either being "insufficiently grounded" in mainstream scientific method and philosophy of science, or being "too grounded" in traditional science and not open to new philosophical developments in the areas of moral theory, pragmatic approaches to truth, and methodical hermeneutics. Because of the richness of the issues raised here, publication of further dialogue between Stiles and the commentators is planned for 2010.
Functional characteristics of L-glutamate, N-methyl-D-aspartate and kainate receptors in isolated brain synaptic membranes.

l-Glutamic acid (l-Glu) and other excitatory amino acids and amino acid analogs enhanced [35S]thiocyanate (SCN−) uptake in isolated-resealed synaptic membrane vesicles. The SCN− uptake was used as a measure of membrane depolarization to evaluate the characteristics of functional excitatory amino acid receptors in the synaptic membranes.N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) andl-Glu produced additive effects on SCN− accumulation indicating the presence of distinctl-Glu and NMDA receptors. On the other hand, kainic acid (KA) andl-Glu shared either common receptor sites or ion channels. The effects of antagonists on NMDA,l-Glu, and KA stimulation of SCN− influx were consistent with previously reported electrophysiologic observations in intact neurons.
Effects of three-dimensional Earth structure on CMT earthquake parameters

Abstract We investigate errors in centroid earthquake parameters due to unmodeled structural heterogeneity. We generate a simulated dataset consisting of synthetic seismograms for 50 earthquakes and 150 stations distributed globally. To generate the synthetic seismograms we use a spectral-element wave-propagation package (SPECFEM3D_GLOBE) that accounts for the Earth’s three-dimensional structure. An established centroid–moment-tensor inversion algorithm from the Global CMT project is used to invert the synthetic dataset, with and without added noise, for earthquake source parameters. This algorithm uses a one-dimensional earth structure, together with approximate corrections for three-dimensional structure, to model the seismograms. We interpret the differences between the estimated source parameters and the parameters used to compute the synthetic dataset as errors due to unmodeled structural heterogeneity and the presence of noise. We expect that the errors obtained in this study are representative of the errors in the Global CMT catalogue. We find that the errors in scalar moment, moment-tensor elements and location are small on average. The depth and centroid time are, however, biased by a small amount. We find that the error in depth can be reduced significantly by applying corrections for the difference in the velocity structure at the source and receiver locations from the Earth’s average structure in the CMT inversions. This modification has a minimal effect on the errors in centroid time. We do not find large errors in scalar moments, even where the crustal thickness at the source is very different from the Earth’s average crustal thickness.
Alternative Indexes for Monitoring Customer Perceptions of Service Quality: A Comparative Evaluation in a Retail Context

Customer satisfaction and service quality measures obtained through consumer surveys invariably have skewed distributions. As such, researchers have questioned the appropriateness of the popular approach of using the mean rating to summarize such data. However, no detailed study on this topic has yet been conducted. In two independent studies, the relative validity of the various indexes that can be used to summarize consumer’s service quality ratings (e.g., mean, median, mode, kurtosis, skewness, top/bottom-tail percentiles) are examined. In Study 1, using typical commercial survey data from a fast-food/convenience retail chain, both the mean and top-box percentiles are found to be the best indicators of service quality, based on their correlation with customer-driven business performance measures. In Study 2, the results are further confirmed by an extensive simulation that varies factors such as the shape of the underlying distribution of customer ratings and the strength of the relationship between customer ratings and business performance measures. The article concludes with a discussion of the findings and implications for future research.
Previously unreported shoulder deformity following right lateral thoracotomy for esophageal atresia.

Abstract An ugly elevated shoulder deformity is reported in 18 children following thoracotomy for esophageal atresia as neonates. The shoulder deformity has not been previously reported. The evolution of the thoracotomy incision used today for the repair of esophageal atresia is traced. The inexplicable use in a number of these patients of a nonstandard thoracotomy incision is discussed. Attention is drawn to the importance of the key muscle, the serratus anterior, which is partially denervated in the thoracotomy incision used and which causes the major part of the deformity. The latissimus dorsi contributes to the deformity especially if divided above the myoneural junction of nerve to the latissimus dorsi. Modification in the standard thoracotomy incision is described in order to prevent the deformity, as treatment of the established deformity is intractable.
Distribution of PSA velocity by total PSA levels: data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

OBJECTIVES To describe the distribution and implications of prostate-specific antigen velocity (PSAV) by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in an unselected population. A PSAV >0.35 and >2.0 ng/mL/y have been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer (CaP) death more than 10 years and 1 year before diagnosis, respectively. It is unknown how frequently PSAVs of this magnitude occur in community men. METHODS From the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, we examined the PSAV distribution in 786 men with serial PSA measurements (3474 PSAV observations) at total PSA levels 0.4 ng/mL/y. At PSA levels of 3-10 ng/mL, the probability of life-threatening CaP was 9.8% based on PSA alone vs 12% with PSAV >0.4 ng/mL/y. CONCLUSIONS PSAV was significantly higher in CaP observations than controls in all PSA ranges studied and altered the risk of overall and life-threatening CaP at a given PSA level. Because the value of PSAV is PSA-dependent, the PSA level should be taken into account when interpreting PSAV.
Caffeine and risk of Parkinson's disease in a large cohort of men and women

Caffeine consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). The association is strong and consistent in men, but uncertain in women, possibly because of an interaction with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We sought to confirm these findings using data on PD incidence in the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort (CPS II-Nutrition), a large, prospective study of men and women. We conducted a prospective study of caffeine intake and risk of PD within the CPS II Nutrition Cohort. Intakes of coffee and other sources of caffeine were assessed at baseline. Incident cases of PD (n = 317; 197 men and 120 women) were confirmed by treating physicians and medical record review. Relative risks (RRs) were estimated using proportional hazards models, adjusting for age, smoking, and alcohol consumption. After adjustment for age, smoking, and alcohol intake, high caffeine consumption was associated with a reduced risk of PD. The RR comparing the 5th to the 1st quintile of caffeine intake was 0.43 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26, 0.71; P trend = <0.002) in men, and 0.61 (95% CI: 0.34, 1.09; P trend = 0.05) in women. Among women, this association was stronger among never users of HRT (RR = 0.32) than among ever users (RR = 0.81; P interaction = 0.15). Consumption of decaffeinated coffee was not associated with PD risk. Findings from this large, prospective study of men and women are consistent with a protective effect of caffeine intake on PD incidence, with an attenuating influence of HRT in women. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society.
Chronic Cigarette Smoking in Healthy Middle-Aged Individuals Is Associated With Decreased Regional Brain N-acetylaspartate and Glutamate Levels

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking is associated with metabolite abnormalities in anterior brain regions, but it is unclear if these abnormalities are apparent in other regions. Additionally, relationships between regional brain metabolite levels and measures of decision making, risk taking, and impulsivity in smokers and nonsmokers have not been investigated. METHODS: In young to middle-aged (predominately male) nonsmokers (n 5 30) and smokers (n 5 35), Nacetylaspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds, creatine-containing compounds (Cr), myo-inositol (mI), and glutamate (Glu) levels in the anterior cingulate cortex and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) were compared via 4-tesla proton single volume magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Groups also were compared on NAA, cholinecontaining compounds, Cr, and mI concentrations in the gray matter and white matter of the four cerebral lobes and subcortical nuclei/regions with 1.5-tesla proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Associations of regional metabolite levels with neurocognitive, decision-making, risk-taking, and self-reported impulsivity measures were examined. RESULTS: Smokers showed lower DLPFC NAA, Cr, mI and Glu concentrations and lower lenticular nuclei NAA level; smokers also demonstrated greater age-related decreases of DLPFC NAA and anterior cingulate cortex and DLPFC Glu levels. Smokers exhibited poorer decision making and greater impulsivity. Across the sample, higher NAA and Glu in the DLPFC and NAA concentrations in multiple lobar gray matter and white matter regions and subcortical nuclei were associated with better neurocognition and lower impulsivity. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides additional novel evidence that chronic smoking in young and middle-aged individuals is associated with significant age-related neurobiological abnormalities in anterior frontal regions implicated in the development and maintenance of addictive disorders.
American and Egyptian culture: a brief comparison

This article provides a brief comparative overview of American and Egyptian cultures. It uses the seven dimensions of cultural polarity developed by Fons Trompenaars and his colleagues to cover two influential countries in world affairs: the United States, a representative of the developed world; and Egypt, a microcosm of the developing world. While Trompenaars developed these dimensions to enlighten business executives, globalization makes it imperative for us all to develop “cultural competence” in order to successfully navigate our cross-cultural interactions.
Resonance energies of vinylcarbenes.

The stabilization energy provided by resonance in singlet and triplet vinylcarbenes is evaluated using density functional and G3 theory, without symmetry restriction. Structural and charge change upon rotation are reviewed with singlet vinylcarbene exhibiting a larger barrier (1s-TS−1s-E), 5.49 (7.10) kcal/mol, than triplet (1t-TS−1t-E), 4.06 (4.54) kcal/mol. The changes in charge upon rotation for singlet vinylcarbene are consistent with a simple resonance picture for the ground state, whereas there is insignificant charge change for the triplet. Difficulties of the rotational analysis are avoided by evaluating the inductive stabilization difference between ethyl and vinyl in isodesmic equation 1. This inductive difference was determined by comparing the energy change for hydrogen loss for polyene series 2 (n double bonds) with polyene series 3 (n double bonds), which are combined in isodesmic equation 4. The effect of the ultimate vinyl group in equation 2 is restricted to inductive interaction by holdi...
Complex random telegraph signals in 0.06 μm2 MDD n-MOSFETs

Abstract Medium doped drain n-MOSFET with W eff × L eff = 0.29 × 0.20 μm 2 have been used to investigate complex random telegraph signals (RTS) in the drain to source voltage. Four-level switching events were observed, from which three discrete traps were distinguished. Their behavior was observed in the range of gate-to-source and drain-to-source voltages of 0.5–1.8 V, all in strong inversion. The capture and emission times of each trap were investigated as a function of gate bias as well as drain voltage. Using the mark-space ratio of the switching events, the position of the traps from the Si–SiO 2 interface was calculated to be about 0.43, 0.55 and 0.74 nm. These evaluations were used successfully to determine the trap energy level with respect to oxide conduction band edge. Comparative evaluation of the mobility fluctuations with respect to number fluctuations was done using RTS amplitude. The screened scattering coefficient due to the Coulomb scattering effect was examined with respect to the variation of carrier density in the channel as well as in the drain voltage for all three traps. An influence of one trap on another was observed and found that there is a change of the energy level of 0.06 eV due to this effect.
High-spin five-coordinate nickel(II) complexes of a tridentate aliphatic amine containing primary amino groups

Abstract Examples of five-coordinate high-spin nickel(II) halide complexes of a tridentate aliphatic amine containing primary amino groups have been prepared. The stereochemistry of complexes of the type Ni[H 2 N(CH 2 ) 3 N(CH 3 )(CH 2 3 NH 2 ]X 2 X = Cl, Br, I is deduced from spectral, magnetic, molecular weight and conductivity data.
Approximate Schumann resonance parameters for a two-scale-height ionosphere

An isotropic, spherically symmetric two-scale-height ionosphere's transverse magnetic mode eigenfrequencies, as well as the height and angular profiles of its electric and magnetic fields, are presently addressed by an approximate solution. The electromagnetic energy in the eigenmodes is equally partitioned between the electric and magnetic fields, allowing a simple expression of the relative degrees of dissipation within the radial and tangential dissipation layers. The results obtained may be relevant to interpretations of the temporal variations in the Schumann resonances.
Cohesion, Cooperation, and the Value of Doing Things Together How Economic Exchange Creates Relational Bonds

A recent debate in sociological exchange theory concerns which form of exchange is likely to promote cohesion in exchange relations. One side maintains that bilateral exchange, often associated with economic transactions, entails joint action to share mutual benefits, contributing more to feelings of cohesion than do independent acts of unilateral giving from one person to another, typical of social exchange. The other side argues that bilateral exchange requires dividing resources under binding terms of exchange, which strains relationships by underscoring competitive aspects of exchange. The present study reconciles these divergent claims by testing a new model of exchange that combines key propositions from past theories to specify when bilateral exchange promotes or undermines cohesion. Results from two laboratory experiments provide support for the model’s core claim that cooperative forms of bilateral exchange can reinforce cohesion more than unilateral exchange does, contrary to the enduring assump...
Experimental Neutron Damage Equivalences Utilizing Device Parameters

When considering neutron-induced damage to transistors, it is desirable to relate the damage caused by one spectrum to that of another. Recent experimental work shows that the damage curves based on displacements in bulk silicon are an over simplification when applied to devices, and give significant errors. Using the experimental technique described in this paper, it is possible to compare the damage of different spectra using the actual device parameter of prime interest. Results obtained using this technique show that damage induced in devices involves several damage mechanisms and is more complex and severe than that predicted from displacements alone. While damage ratios for different spectra may be quantitatively obtained, a totally satisfactory explanation for the increasing damage for spectra becoming increatingly "harder" is not presently available. The difficulty of explaining the damage ratios obtained that are larger than anticipated is compounded by the fact that these ratios appear to be dependent upon the operating point of the device, the device parameter used as a basis, and possibly the device type.
Managing the accreditation process : a survey of academic business librarians

Reports a survey of business librarians in the USA which investigates the role that they have played in the process of the accreditation of their business schools by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business. Two important findings are the reported lack of documentation available to the business librarians, and the perceived low levels of their involvement in the accreditation process. Argues that the involvement of the librarians will assist in the overall quality of business education and increase the visibility and usefulness of academic librarians to university administrators and teaching faculty.
Selenium and Other Trace Metals in Pelicans Dying at the Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is the largest inland body of water west of the Rocky Mountains and is an important wildlife habitat. Originally created in 1905 when the Colorado River overflowed its man-made irrigation canal and flooded the dry alkaline basin of the Imperial valley, the Salton Sea is now replenished largely by runoff from surrounding mountains and agricultural areas. The only outflow is by evaporation, which concentrates salts and environmental contaminants in the Salton Sea. Selenium and other trace inorganics, DDT and other pesticides have been found at concentrations that may threaten fish and other wildlife populations (Setmire et al. 1990; Setmire et al. 1993). Phosphatic fertilizers commonly used in this region can contain cadmium, nickel, zinc, iron, calcium, vanadium, strontium and uranium (Koranda et al. 1979). Higher concentrations of nickel, chromium, and zinc than are typically found in soils of the Western United States have been detected in sediments of the Whitewater River, another source of water replenishment for the Salton Sea (Setmire et al. 1990).
METACOGNITIVE ABILITY: A CURRICULUM PRIORITY

This paper reviews the concept of metacognition and argues that metacognition should be viewed as a general and pervasive aspect of cognitive development. Metacognitive skills are required for school success and schooling itself provides an excellent environment for fostering these skills. Metacognitive skills are not currently an articulated aspect of the curriculum but perhaps they should be. Metacognitive skills develop when the individual is faced with both the need to know and a source of information about strategic processes that work. Schooling requires these skills and presents many opportunities in which both need and strategy can be made explicit.
Inhibition and activation of venom proteases.

Abstract 1. 1. Serum from the blood of the American king snake has been found to inhibit the proteolysis of gelatin and hemoglobin by water moccasin and rattlesnake venom, the clothing of fibrinogen by thrombin and rattlesnake venom, the fibrinolytic effect of plasmin and the liquefaction of gelatin by Pseudomonas aeruginosa . 2. 2. King snake and rattlesnake sera will inhibit the lethal effects of moccasin and rattlesnake venom in mice. 3. 3. The in vivo activity of venoms may be correlated with their proteolytic activity measured by digestion of gelatin on a photographic film. 4. 4. An inorganic activator of rattlesnake venom protease may be demonstrated by means of the gelatin film proteolysis technique.
The Teaching Using Technology Studio: Innovative Professional Development to Meet the Needs of English Learners.

This study investigated the impact of an innovative professional development initiative on teachers' ability to use technological resources to improve English learners' academic language. The Teaching Using Technology Studio, a collaborative effort between school district and university personnel, was designed as a responsive professional development program for 16 upper elementary teachers in California. Pre–post scores on a knowledge/use scale and a Teacher Technology Proficiency Assessment, as well as teacher reflections, interviews, classroom observations, and field notes, showed significant changes in the teachers' knowledge of and ability to use technology to develop activities and lessons designed to impact academic language development. Student scores on district benchmark assessments and on the annual state assessment suggest that teachers' participation in this professional development initiative led to positive academic language outcomes for the English learners in their classrooms.
An expert system approach to liquefaction analysis part 2: Evaluation

Abstract This is the second paper in a two-part series describing the development of LIQUEFY. The functional issues in designing LIQUEFY are presented: the implementation of five different methods for liquefaction hazards assessment and their incorporation into a unique framework for liquefaction evaluation. The system groups the implemented liquefaction methods into a preliminary and a final task. The performance of LIQUEFY is compared to published case histories which shows that LIQUEFY may be an effective tool in solving liquefaction hazard problems and make liquefaction evaluation methods more accessible to the profession.
The breakdown of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation for a diatomic molecule: The dipole moment and nuclear quadrupole coupling constants

Abstract In the Born-Oppenheimer approximation the dipole moment of the vibrational levels of a 1Σ electronic state of a heteronuclear diatomic molecule can be expressed as a power series in [ ( B e ω e )(v + 1 2 ) ], where v is the vibrational quantum number, and to order ( B e ω e ) 2 this expression is μ v =[μ e +( B e ω e ) 2 μ c ]+μ 1 [( B e ω e )(v+ 1 2 )]+μ 2 ( B e ω e )(v+ 1 2 )] 2 Similarly the nuclear quadrupole coupling constant eQq of each nucleus in the molecule can be expressed as eQq=[eQq e +( B e ω e ) 2 eQq c ]+eQq 1 [( B e ω e )(v+ 1 2 )]+eQq 2 ( B e ω e )(v+ 1 2 )] 2 In this paper the effect of the breakdown of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation on the expressions for μv and eQq for an isolated 1Σ ground electronic state of a heteronuclear diatomic molecule is determined. The effect is to change only μc and eQqc and, therefore, to alter the relationship between the μv or eQq values of two isotopes of a molecule. The intensities of the lines in the rotation and rotation-vibration spectrum are also slightly modified by this effect. For the HCl molecule we find that μ v =[1.0908+( B e ω e )(164)]+8.6[( B e ω e )(v+ 1 2 )]−9.5[( B e ω e )(v+ 1 2 )] 2 D where the second term (+164 D) would have the value −4 D in the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. Similarly for the 35Cl nucleus of the HCl molecule we have eQq=[−66.806+( B e ω e )(2460)]−472.23[( B e ω e )(v+ 1 2 )]+750[( B e ω e )(v+ 1 2 )] 2 MHz where the second term (+2460 MHz) would be −110 MHz in the Born-Oppenheimer approximation.