cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geometrical basis for the standard model

The robust character of the Standard Model is confirmed. Examination of its geometrical basis in three equivalent internal symmetry spaces-the unitary planeC 2, the quaternion spaceQ, and the real spaceR 4—as well as the real spaceR 3 uncovers mathematical properties that predict the physical properties of leptons and quarks. The finite rotational subgroups of the gauge groupSU(2) L ×U(1) Y generate exactly three lepton families and four quark families and reveal how quarks and leptons are related. Among the physical properties explained are the mass ratios of the six leptons and eight quarks, the origin of the left-handed preference by the weak interaction, the geometrical source of color symmetry, and the zero neutrino masses. The (u, d) and (c, s) quark families team together to satisfy the triangle anomaly cancellation with the electron family, while the other families pair one-to-one for cancellation. The spontaneously broken symmetry is discrete and needs no Higgs mechanism. Predictions include all massless neutrinos, the top quark at 160 GeV/c 2, theb′ quark at 80 GeV/c 2, and thet′ quark at 2600 GeV/c 2.
Surgical treatment of invasion of the upper aerodigestive tract by well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma☆

Forty-eight patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma invading upper aerodigestive tract structures have been described. Age at diagnosis was found to be a negative prognostic factor, and duration of disease before invasion was found to be a positive prognostic factor. Treatment with radical surgery and adjuvant therapy provided no improvement in survival over treatment with near-total (skeletonizing) excisions combined with adjuvant therapy. All patients treated with partial debulking procedures, with or without tracheotomy, died from disease. We believe that partial resection of upper aerodigestive tract structures without sacrifice of voice, normal breathing, or swallowing should be considered in patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
The role of aqueous humor, insulin and trivalent chromium in glucose utilization of rat lenses

Aqueous humor contains a stimulatory factor to lens glucose utilization not found in artificial media. Systemic insulin administration, in the presence of trace quantities of trivalent chromium, further enhances the stimulatory effect of aqueous humor. Excess amounts of trivalent chromium partially reverse the inttinsic stimulation, while in vivo injection of insulin overcomes the chromium inhibition. It is not known whether or not the stimulatory substance is insulin itself. It is believed, however, that trivalent chromium ion and the stimulator act in the area of the lens capsule.
Survival after first recurrence of breast cancer. The Miami experience.

Background. Four hundred thirty-three patients with recurrent breast cancer were treated by the authors at a large medical breast oncology facility from 1976–1982. The median survival time from first relapse (MSFR) for the 193 patients whose survival experience was not confounded by lead-time bias was 26 months. This MSFR is similar to that of most series published in the 1970s and 1980s and is approximately double that of series published in the 1960s. Methods. In this series, regression analysis identified disease-free interval (DFI), estrogen receptor (ER) status, and dominant disease site as significant prognostic variables, similar to other published series. Results. In 113 patients with known ER values, DFI, and dominant metastatic sites, a prognostic spectrum of MSFR patterns was identified among combinations of these three variables. The MSFR ranged from 15 months for poor risk patients with negative ER values, visceral dominant sites, and DFI of less than 24 months, to more than 90 months for good risk patients with positive ER values, soft tissue dominant sites, and DFI of more than 24 months. Although menopausal status alone was not a significant prognostic variable in regression analysis, 66% of premenopausal patients had a constellation of “poor” prognostic variables. Conclusions. This type of prognostic factor analysis at first relapse could help identify subsets of patients who might be considered for aggressive investigational therapies such as high-dose chemotherapy with autologous bone marrow reconstitution.
p21-Activated Kinase 1 (Pak1) Phosphorylates BAD Directly at Serine 111 In Vitro and Indirectly through Raf-1 at Serine 112

Background Cell survival depends on the balance between protective and apoptotic signals. When the balance of signals tips towards apoptosis, cells undergo programmed cell death. This balance has profound implications in diseases including cancer. Oncogenes and tumor suppressors are mutated to promote cell survival during tumor development, and many chemotherapeutic drugs kill tumor cells by stimulating apoptosis. BAD is a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, which can be phosphorylated on numerous sites to modulate binding to Bcl-2 and 14-3-3 proteins and inhibit its pro-apoptotic activities. One of the critical phosphorylation sites is the serine 112 (S112), which can be phosphorylated by several kinases including Pak1. Methodology/Principal Findings We mapped the Pak phosphorylation sites by making serine to alanine mutations in BAD and testing them as substrates in in vitro kinase assays. We found that the primary phosphorylation site is not S112 but serine 111 (S111), a site that is sometimes found phosphorylated in vivo. In transfection assays of HEK293T cells, we showed that Pak1 required Raf-1 to stimulate phosphorylation on S112. Mutating either S111 or S112 to alanine enhanced binding to Bcl-2, but the double mutant S111/112A bound better to Bcl-2. Moreover, BAD phosphorylation at S111 was observed in several other cell lines, and treating one of them with the Pak1 inhibitor 2,2′-Dihydroxy-1,1′-dinaphthyldisulfide (IPA-3) reduced phosphorylation primarily at S112 and to a smaller extent at S111, while Raf inhibitors only reduced phosphorylation at S112. Conclusion/Significance Together, these findings demonstrate that Pak1 phosphorylates BAD directly at S111, but phosphorylated S112 through Raf-1. These two sites of BAD serve as redundant regulatory sites for Bcl-2 binding.
High resolution crystal structures of amphibian red-cell L ferritin: potential roles for structural plasticity and solvation in function.

Abstract Ferritin is a highly conserved multisubunit protein in animals, plants and microbes which assembles with cubic symmetry and transports hydrated iron ions and protons to and from a mineralized core in the protein interior. We report here the high resolution structures of recombinant amphibian red-cell L ferritin and two mutants solved under two sets of conditions. In one mutant, Glu56, 57, 58 and 60 were replaced with Ala, producing a lag phase in the kinetics of iron uptake. In the second mutant, His25 was replaced with Tyr with, at most, subtle effects on function. A molecule of betaine, used in the purification, is bound in all structures at the 2-fold axis near the recently identified heme binding site of bacterioferritin and horse spleen L ferritin. Comparisons of the five amphibian structures identify two regions of the molecule in which conformational flexibility may be related to function. The positions and interactions of a set of 10 to 18 side-chains, most of which are on the inner surface of the protein, are sensitive both to solution conditions and to the Glu→Ala mutation. A subset of these side-chains and a chain of ordered solvent molecules extends from the vicinity of Glu56 to 58 and Glu60 to the 3-fold channel in the wild type protein and may be involved in the transport of either iron or protons. The “spine of hydration” is disrupted in the Glu→Ala mutant. In contrast, H25Y mutation shifts the positions of backbone atoms between the site of the mutation and the 4-fold axis and side-chain positions throughout the structure; the largest changes in the position of backbone atoms are in the DE loop and E Helix, approximately 10 A from the mutation site. In combination, these results indicate that solvation, structural plasticity and cooperative structural changes may play a role in ferritin function. Analogies with the structure and function of ion channel proteins such as annexins are noted.
Measurement of Heteroduplex Repair in Human Cell Extracts

Abstract A method for measuring repair in extracts of human cells of DNA containing mismatched bases is described. Wild-type and mutant M13mp2 phage derivatives are used to prepare a double-stranded DNA substrate that contains a nick in the (−) strand and mismatched bases in the lacZ α-complementation gene. Introduction of this heteroduplex DNA into an Escherichia coli strain defective in mismatch repair yields M13 plaques on host indicator plates that are blue, colorless, or a mixture of the two. Repair of the same substrate during incubation in a human cell extract reduces the percentage of mixed-color plaques and increases the percentage of pure color plaques. Since the nick directs repair to the (−) strand, the ratio of the (+) strand phenotype increases relative to that of the (−) strand phenotype. The assay permits determination of the efficiency of repair of all single-base mismatches in a variety of sequence contexts as well as repair of substrates containing one or more unpaired bases in either strand. It can be used to examine repair in extracts made from a variety of cell lines. Substrates can also be analyzed for repair-specific DNA synthesis by including radioactive dNTP precursors in the extract reaction mixture.
The wrong way to go

Librarianship and science are antithetical as knowledge systems because the substance of the former is instrumental to the latter and vice versa. This is revealed by the diametric oppositions of (a) their objects and methods of study, and (b) their objects and means of mastery. The resulting differences between them may be summarized as follows: (1) The object of study in science is matter; in librarianship it is form. (2) The method of study is empirical in science; in librarianship it is rational. (3) The object of mastery is the physics of experience in science; in librarianship it is the metaphysics of thought. (4) The means of mastery is formal in science; in librarianship it is material.
The stimulation of normal human melanocyte proliferation in vitro by melanocyte growth factor from bovine brain

Cell culture conditions for the selective growth and serial propagation of normal human melanocytes from epidermal tissue are described. In addition to the presence of 2% fetal bovine serum, the human melanocyte cell culture environment contains the following growth factor supplements: epidermal growth factor (10 ng/ml), triiodothyronine (10(-9) M), hydrocortisone, (5 X 10(-5) M), insulin (10 micrograms/ml), transferrin (10 micrograms/ml), 7S nerve growth factor (100 ng/ml) cholera toxin (10(-10) M), and bovine brain extract (150 micrograms/ml). The ability to establish selectively the human melanocyte in vitro has been attributed to the contrast between human epidermal keratinocytes and melanocytes for attachment to fibronectin, while the growth of the human melanocyte has been attributed to the mitogenic activity of the growth factor-supplemented medium. Human melanocytes can be cultivated for at least 15 cumulative population doublings and are capable of [3H]-Dopa incorporation. The growth factor-supplemented medium contains a neutral extract from bovine brain that is a potent source of a human melanocyte mitogen. The biological activity of melanocyte growth factor is described as a heat and alkaline-labile mitogen with an estimated molecular weight of 30,000 by gel exclusion chromatography and a weakly cationic isoelectric point. The mitogen is capable of stimulating the growth of quiescent populations of human melanocytes in vitro. The ability to isolate and propagate normal human melanocytes in vitro permitted an examination of the expression of fibronectin and tissue plasminogen activator. Human epidermal melanocytes established in culture do not contain either tissue plasminogen activator or fibronectin. In contrast, human melanoma cell lines contain immunologically detectable fibronectin and tissue plasminogen activator. The absence of tissue plasminogen activator and fibronectin in normal human melanocytes also occurs under conditions of co-cultivation with human melanoma cells. These contrasts between normal human melanocytes and human melanoma cells may be relevant to the metastatic capabilities of human melanoma.
The influence of microprocessors on computer architecture: Distributed processing

It has recently become both technologically and economically feasible to produce a complete, general purpose, stored program process or on a small number of LSI circuits. This development has already begun to influence computer system architecture in the direction of distributed processing—the construction of a larger machine from a multiplicity of smaller ones. Critical issues in this effort appear to be process partitioning and assignment, interprocess communication, and processor interconnection. In a distributed computer, processors may function as: special purpose components (e.g., decimal processing unit) in a larger processor; dedicated support (e.g., I/O) processors; or multiple main (i.e., “central”) processors.
Factors Predicting Relationship Satisfaction, Investment, and Commitment When Women Report High Prevalence of Psychological Abuse

Relationship satisfaction, investment, and commitment in women experiencing extensive psychological abuse were examined to determine predictive factors. Participants were the top quartile of a national sample of women in conflictual relationships (N = 81) experiencing psychological maltreatment. Relationship satisfaction, investment, and commitment were each used as criterion variables with conceptually related factors as the predictors (e.g., reactions to the psychological abuse; mental health indicators; personality variables; perceived harm; problematic relationship schemas; response styles; demographics). These relationship markers were differentially predicted within this group of women. Three independent clusters of women, based on patterns of satisfaction, investment, and commitment scores, were compared regarding physical abuse, reactions to psychological abuse, ratings of perceived harm, endorsement of relationship schemas, psychological distress variables, and personality variables. The cluster of women reporting higher satisfaction, investment, and commitment in these seemingly aversive relationships frequently demonstrated differences from the other two clusters. Implications for clinical applications are discussed.
Primary and Secondary Impacts of a Water Resource Development Project

: At a time in history when water resource development in the United States is being condemned as both economically inefficient and an environmental disaster, perhaps economists need to look back at previous development to see what the fruits of water development (be they sweet or sour) have been. The Boise Project of south-western Idaho is 70 years old and to some people it represents a gross error in resource use, while to others it represents a means of livelihood and well being. A recent research project at the University of Idaho attempted to measure not only the direct economic income benefits of the project (from irrigation), but also the indirect or secondary income benefits (from the food processing industry). Periodic regional input-output tables were constructed to assess the income generated from irrigation and food processing over the period from 1946 to 1970. Input-output analysis allowed researchers to evaluate the direct and indirect impacts of both the irrigation sector and the food processing sector and to compare their growth over time.
Selection of HIV resistance associated with antiretroviral therapy initiated due to pregnancy and suspended postpartum.

OBJECTIVE Compare the risk of HIV drug resistance in women stopping suppressive nelfinavir (NFV)-based or Nevirapine (NVP)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) after pregnancy. METHODS Specimens collected after stopping ART were tested for drug resistance by an oligonucleotide ligation assay and consensus sequencing. When postpartum drug resistance was detected, specimens obtained at study entry and during ART were evaluated. RESULTS Sixteen of 38 women with ART-induced suppression of viral replication suspended ART postpartum. Resistance mutations were detected in 75% who stopped NFV-ART and in 50% who stopped NVP-ART. M184V, associated with Lamivudine resistance, was more frequent among those randomized to NFV-ART compared with NVP-ART (6 of 8 versus 1 of 8; P = 0.04), and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance was detected in 4 of 8 stopping NVP-ART. CONCLUSIONS HIV drug resistance was frequently observed among women who stopped suppressive NVP-ART or NFV-ART postpartum. This suggests that NFV-ART may have suboptimal potency, that staggering discontinuation of NVP-ART may be warranted, and/or ART adherence may be lax in women who choose to stop ART postpartum.
Stop the Biting: Targeting a Mosquito’s Sense of Smell

Mosquitoes are a great threat to human health. Fortunately, they have a weakness: they utilize their sense of smell to target a human host. Recent studies examine the effectiveness of protecting humans from attack by ablating or odorant targeting mosquito olfactory receptors. The results are both promising and alarming.
Malaria Research in the Post-genomic Era

Within the next few years, the complete genomic sequences of Plasmodium falciparum, and potentially several other Plasmodium spp, will be available to researchers worldwide. These complete genomic sequence data are certain to provide the foundation for nearly all malaria research in the next decades, as discussed here by Dan Carucci.
Latitudes of loss: On the vicissitudes of empathy

In this article, I examine loss, the vicissitudes of empathy, and the existential complexity of one's subjective life in relation to the lived experiences of others. I focus specifically on some observations I made about the dynamics of empathy and the experience of grief during a recent trip back to the island of Yap (Waqab), Federated States of Micronesia. In so doing, I argue for the significance of recognizing that empathy is rarely an all or nothing affair. Nor is it necessary that it be based on some set of homologous experiences shared between individuals. It is, instead, a process that is temporally arrayed, intersubjectively constituted, and culturally patterned. Even in the face of mutual misunderstanding, possibilities still exist for moments of empathetic insight to arise.
Mitochondrial genome diversity in parasites

Mitochondrial genomes have been sequenced from a wide variety of organisms, including an increasing number of parasites. They maintain some characteristics in common across the spectrum of life-a common core of genes related to mitochondrial respiration being most prominent-but have also developed a great diversity of gene content, organisation, and expression machineries. The characteristics of mitochondrial genomes vary widely among the different groups of protozoan parasites, from the minute genomes of the apicomplexans to amoebae with 20 times as many genes. Kinetoplastid protozoa have a similar number of genes to metazoans, but the details of gene organisation and expression in kinetoplastids require extraordinary mechanisms. Mitochondrial genes in nematodes and trematodes appear quite sedate in comparison, but a closer look shows a strong tendency to unusual tRNA structure and alternative initiation codons among these groups. Mitochondrial genes are increasingly coming into play as aids to phylogenetic and epidemiologic analyses, and mitochondrial functions are being recognised as potential drug targets. In addition, examination of mitochondrial genomes is producing further insights into the diversity of the wide-ranging group of organisms comprising the general category of parasites.
The implicit use of explicit conceptions of social intelligence

Abstract The psychometric literature on individual differences in social intelligence shows little agreement about the definition and the content of this construct. To examine its conceptual origin, subjects' implicit conceptions were studied. In Study 1, subjects judged 18 putative components of social intelligence in terms of their centrality, with considerable interjudge agreement. In Study 2, subjects described a peer whom they liked or disliked. The two studies suggest that the most central components of social intelligence: (1) include cognitive aspects (e.g. understanding others, knowing social rules) as well as behavioral aspects (dealing with people, social adaptability), (2) load together on a distinct factor in peer ratings, and (3) are independent of two other peer rating factors, Social Influence and Social Memory. The relations between subjects' implicit conception of social intelligence and several explicit models are discussed.
Stratigraphy of Georgetown Formation, Central Texas: ABSTRACT

The Cretaceous Georgetown Formation is composed of irregularly interbedded fossiliferous micrite (microcrystalline limestone) and marl beds that are profusely burrowed. Beds can be recognized through great distances and are practically synchronous throughout their lateral extent, at least in the area of this report. The Georgetown Formation is divisible into five members. They are, in ascending order, the Duck Creek, Fort Worth, Denton, Weno, and Main Street Members. The members are lithologically consistent throughout northern Travis County and Williamson and Bell Counties, Texas; the members maintain an almost constant thickness, except that the upper two members thin slightly southward. The formation is approximately 95 ft. thick in northernmost Bell County and approximately 70 ft. thick at Austin, central Travis County; 75% of this southward thinning is in the Weno and Main Street Members. The Georgetown conformably overlies the Kiamichi Formation in the area of the Round Rock syncline; it disconformably overlies the Edwards Formation above the Belton high and on the northeastern flank of the San Marcos arch. The Georgetown is overlain conformably by the Del Rio Formation. Deposition was continuous throughout the time of accumulation of the Georgetown Formation, except for the minor interruptions that produced bedding planes. The Georgetown was deposited in an environment that contained abundant life and where no coarse terrigenous debris was deposited. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2319------------
Earth’s solid inner core: Seismic implications of freezing and melting

Seismic P velocity structure is determined for the upper 500 km of the inner core and lowermost 200 km of the outer core from differential travel times and amplitude ratios. Results confirm the existence of a globally uniform F region of reduced P velocity gradient in the lowermost outer core, consistent with iron enrichment near the boundary of a solidifying inner core. P velocity of the inner core between the longitudes 45°E and 180°E (quasi-Eastern Hemisphere) is greater than or equal to that of an AK135-F reference model whereas that between 180°W and 45°E (quasi-Western Hemisphere) is less than that of the reference model. Observation of this heterogeneity to a depth of 550 km below the inner core and the existence of transitions rather than sharp boundaries between quasi-hemispheres favor either no or very slow inner core super rotation or oscillations with respect to the mantle. Degree-one seismic heterogeneity may be best explained by active inner core freezing beneath the equatorial Indian Ocean dominating structure in the quasi-Eastern Hemisphere and inner core melting beneath equatorial Pacific dominating structure in the quasi-Western Hemisphere. Variations in waveforms also suggest the existence of smaller-scale (1 to 100 km) heterogeneity.
Combined Atomic Force and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope

We present a novel combined atomic force microscope (AFM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). The sample is supported from the side by a boom from a piezo tube scanner, allowing top and bottom access to the sample. The sample is scanned above an inverted microscope objective with a fixed optical path for fluorescent CLSM imaging. An AFM positioned directly above the sample simultaneously measures surface topography. The piezo tube scanner is angled, placing its center of scan curvature directly above the microscope objective. This geometry allows flat scans up to 300 μm on a side. Because the sample is scanned, the AFM and CLSM images are acquired in direct registration.
Maximum warming occurs about one decade after a carbon dioxide emission

It is known that carbon dioxide emissions cause the Earth to warm, but no previous study has focused on examining how long it takes to reach maximum warming following a particular CO2 emission. Using conjoined results of carbon-cycle and physical-climate model intercomparison projects (Taylor et al 2012, Joos et al 2013), we find the median time between an emission and maximum warming is 10.1 years, with a 90% probability range of 6.6–30.7 years. We evaluate uncertainties in timing and amount of warming, partitioning them into three contributing factors: carbon cycle, climate sensitivity and ocean thermal inertia. If uncertainty in any one factor is reduced to zero without reducing uncertainty in the other factors, the majority of overall uncertainty remains. Thus, narrowing uncertainty in century-scale warming depends on narrowing uncertainty in all contributing factors. Our results indicate that benefit from avoided climate damage from avoided CO2 emissions will be manifested within the lifetimes of people who acted to avoid that emission. While such avoidance could be expected to benefit future generations, there is potential for emissions avoidance to provide substantial benefit to current generations.
Flow of wormlike micelle solutions past a confined circular cylinder

In this paper, we present the results of an investigation into the flow of a series of viscoelastic wormlike micelle solutions past a confined circular cylinder. Although this benchmark flow has been studied in great detail for polymer solutions, this paper reports the first experiments to use a viscoelastic wormlike micelle solution as the test fluid. The flow kinematics, stability and pressure drop were examined for two different wormlike micelle solutions over a wide range of Deborah numbers and cylinder to channel aspect ratios. A combination of particle image velocimetry and pressure drop measurements were used to characterize the flow kinematics, while flow-induced birefringence measurements were used to measure the micelle deformation and alignment in the flow. The pressure drop was found to decrease initially due to the shear thinning of the test fluid before increasing at higher flow rates as elastic effects begin to dominate the flow. Above a critical Deborah number, an elastic instability was observed for just one of the test fluids studied, the other remained stable for all Deborah number tested. Flow-induced birefringence and velocimetry measurements showed that observed instability originates in the extensional flow in the wake of the cylinder and appears not as periodic counter-rotating vortices as has been observed in the flow of polymer solutions past circular cylinders, but as a chaotic rupture event in the wake of the cylinder that propagates axially along the cylinder. Reducing the cylinder to channel aspect ratio and the degree of shearing introduced by the channel walls had a weak impact on the stability of the flow. These measurements, when taken in conjunction with previous work on flow of wormlike micelle solutions through a periodic array of cylinders, definitively show that the instability can be attributed to a breakdown of the wormlike micelle solutions in the extensional flow in the wake of the cylinder.
Day-Ahead Power Grid Optimal Dispatching Strategy Coordinating Wind Power

Aimed on solving the potential difficulty of power grid operation and dispatching in wind power developed provinces of china, this paper presents a modeling methodology of day-ahead optimal dispatching to coordinate wind power. By considering the short-term and medium-and-long-term wind power prediction, the day-ahead optimal dispatching decision process combined with the concept of energy saving generation dispatching strategy has been studied. Also the unit commitment model and 96-points generation planning model suitable for practical grid application have been created in this paper. Finally, the recommended model were analyzed with actual grid operating data, the effectiveness and rationality of these model have been demonstrated.
SOME BASIC CONSIDERATIONS IN REVAMPING INSTITUTIONAL PROGRAMS FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED

Psychological aspects of the traditional hospital model for residential care of the mentally retarded are explored and found to be wanting. Desirability of modifying administrative philosophy in the direction of a child-care model focusing on the needs of the individual is discussed. It is suggested that in-service training programs should focus on developing a cadre of child-care workers to replace the institution aide. Modification of the living units should be in the direction of breaking down large ward areas into smaller ones through the use of partitioning and construction of bays. The psychological advantages of these changes are presented.
THE MITOGENIC ACTIVITY OF POLYADENYLICPOLYURIDYLIC ACID COMPLEXES

Polyadenylic-polyuridylic acid complexes (poly A:U) at the 1-5 mu g level, were mitogenic for spleen cells when given intravenously to normal Balb or cortisone-treated mice. Similarly, mitogenicity was evident when poly A:U was added to tissue culture fluids containing spleen cells from normal or cortisone-treated mice, or bone marrow cells from normal mice. Under these conditions, this adjuvant was not mitogenic for thymus cells or mesenteric lymph node cells, either in vivo or in vitro.
Large vessel coronary vasospasm: Diagnosis, natural history and treatment

The diagnosis of coronary artery spasm is confirmed by angiography, for example, change in caliber of the coronary arteries plus evidence of ischemia. The prevalence and contribution of coronary artery spasm in the individual patient with symptoms of ischemic heart disease is not known and depends on how the condition is defined. The prognosis of patients with coronary artery spasm appears to depend on the presence or absence of severe coronary atherosclerosis, that is, those with severe disease have a worse prognosis. Nitrates should be used to initiate therapy in all patients with this problem. Intravenous nitrates have proven useful in patients whose symptoms are difficult to control and who require hospitalization. beta blockers used alone may be detrimental in patients with coronary artery spasm, but studies supporting the detrimental effects are few. The combination of nitrates, beta blockers and nifedipine has proved effective therapy for many patients with recurrent angina at rest, possibly related to coronary artery spasm. Several open-label and double-blind placebo control trials have shown that all of the calcium antagonists are effective short-term agents for patients with proven coronary artery spasm. When nifedipine was compared with isosorbide dinitrate in a randomized crossover, double-blind trial in patients with coronary artery spasm, both drugs were shown to be efficacious and neither was superior. The traditional alpha-blocking agents have not been shown to be an effective therapy, but a recent study of prazosin, a selective alpha blocker, revealed excellent results in patients whose conditions were resistant to therapy with traditional calcium blockers, beta blockers and, in 1 case, phenoxybenzamine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Variations in meanings of the personal core value “Health”

Abstract Objective Preventive health behavior patterns and practices are influenced by many factors. Knowledge about a person's core values may improve the ability to predict decisions related to behaviors such as healthy eating. Methods In this cross-case comparison study, we illuminate the meanings ascribed to the core value “health” in relationship to fruit and vegetable intake for colorectal cancer survivors and for persons with no cancer history. Results We found that both survivors and non-survivors gave three accounts of how the value “health” influenced having a healthy diet. These were: (1) good health was necessary to fulfill/attain other values; (2) health was a manifestation of God's will; and (3) good health was not possible unless one values responsibility. Conclusion Understanding a person's core values provides insight about how values may act as motivators for behavior change. Practice implications Practitioners using motivational interviewing techniques should include a values clarification exercise to improve their assessment of how values influence behaviors.
A look at some challenging problems in computational electromagnetics

Recent years have seen a spectacular increase in our capability to model, simulate the performance of, and design complex electromagnetic systems. Much progress has been made in enhancing the available numerical techniques, viz., the method of moments (MoM), the finite-element method (FEM), and the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) or its variants. Great strides have recently been made in enlarging the scope of MoM via the use of the fast multipole method (FMM), which has made it feasible for us to solve problems that require the handling of 106 degrees of freedom, or even higher, and distributed processing has enabled the FDTD to handle upward of 109 degrees of freedom on a moderate-size computing platform. Despite this recent progress, many practical computational electromagnetic (CEM) modeling problems of interest present formidable challenges, and the search for numerically efficient techniques to solve large problems involving complex structures continues unabated. The objectives of this paper are to identify some of these challenging problems encountered by the author during the last five years, and to present the results of application of a technique called CBFM - developed at the EMC Laboratory at Penn State - that has been found useful for addressing them.
Exploring Effects of Speed and Font Size with RSVP

As electronic devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), cellular phones and pagers become daily tools for viewing e-mail, news, and websites, the need for new methods of reading text on small screen interfaces increases. Recent studies have demonstrated Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) to be a viable method of presenting text on small screens. This study examined the effects of three font sizes (12, 20, & 28-point) and two presentation rates on reading comprehension of text presented in RSVP. Results showed significantly higher reading comprehension for text presented at 250 wpm compared to 650 wpm. No effect of font size was found for reading comprehension, but participants preferred the 20-point font size compared to the 12-point font size.
The Lyre of Orpheus: Popular Music, the Sacred, & the Profane

It is true that the study of the intersection of sacred and popular music has been, for the most part, neglected by academics. Christopher Partridge hopes to rectify the omission and begins his stu...
Scalp necrosis overlying a ventriculoperitoneal shunt: a case report and literature review

Author(s): Nguyen, Tuyet A; Cohen, Philip R | Abstract: Background: The use of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts has become ubiquitous in neurosurgery for the treatment of hydrocephalus. VP shunts work by creating a conduit for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flow from the cerebral ventricles to the peritoneum and thus relieving pressure. Although typically safe, VP shunt complications are extremely common, occurring in up to 29% of adult cases and approximately half of pediatric cases. These complications may require patients to undergo several revisions throughout their lifetimePurpose: We describe a man who developed scalp necrosis overlying his VP shunt. We also summarize the potential complications of VP shunts. We discuss the presentation and pathogenesis of scalp necrosis in these patients.Materials and methods: A PubMed search of the following terms was performed and relevant citations were assessed: ventriculoperitoneal shunt, VP shunt, shunt complications, scalp necrosis, skin necrosis, ventriculoperitoneal shunt induced scalp necrosis, ventriculoperitoneal shunt induced skin necrosis.Results: A 73-year-old man developed VP shunt-induced scalp necrosis leading to loss of skin overlying the shunt valve. The patient was emergently referred to neurosurgery and admitted for revision of the shunt due to the significant risk for infection. The VP shunt was replaced with an external drain and a skin flap was used to repair the defect.Conclusion: VP shunts are devices that are frequently used for reducing intracranial pressure associated with hydrocephalus. The insertion of the shunt beneath the scalp sets the stage for potential pressure-induced scalp necrosis. The early recognition and diagnosis of VP shunt-induced scalp necrosis is essential to prevent infections and future complications.
Some Designs and Normalized Diversity Product Upper Bounds for Lattice-Based Diagonal and Full-Rate Space–Time Block Codes

In this paper, we first present two tight upper bounds for the normalized diversity products (or product distances) of 2ntn2 diagonal space-time block codes from quadratic extensions on \BBQ (i) and \BBQ ( \mmbzeta6), where i =radic{-1} and \mmbzeta6=exp( i 2pi/6). Two such codes are shown to reach the tight upper bounds and therefore have the maximal normalized diversity products. We present two new diagonal space-time block codes from higher order algebraic extensions on \BBQ (i) and \BBQ ( \mmbzeta6) for three and four transmit antennas. We also present a nontight upper bound for normalized diversity products of 2ntn2 diagonal space-time block codes with QAM information symbols, i.e., in \BBZ [i ], from general 2ntn2 complex-valued generating matrices. We then present an nntnn-diagonal space-time code design method directly from 2n real integers based on extended complex lattices (of generating matrix size nntn2n) that are shown to have better normalized diversity products than the optimal diagonal cyclotomic codes do. We finally use the optimal 2ntn2 diagonal space-time codes from the optimal quadratic extensions to construct two 2ntn2 full-rate space-time block codes and find that both of them have better normalized diversity products than the Golden code does.
Primary aldosteronism due to unilateral adrenal hyperplasia.

A 45-yr-old man with hypertension, hypokalemia, low plasma renin, and hyperaldosteronism was studied. Plasma and urine aldosterone were consistently above normal, remaining abnormally high even on a 300-meq sodium intake. Plasma aldosterone had a marked circadian rhythm, which was correlated with plasma cortisol. Aldosterone secretion was temporarily suppressed after dexamethasone administration and was stimulated by exogenous ACTH. The effect of posture was variable in the eight studies performed, possibly due to episodic secretion of aldosterone observed near the sampling times of 0800 and 1200 h. Blood from the right adrenal vein contained 50–100 times more aldosterone than the left adrenal venous samples. The right adrenal gland was excised and found to contain many microscopic subcapsular nests of clear cells. Plasma aldosterone, renin, and potassium returned to normal after surgery, and blood pressure fell to 120/75 over the next 8 months. Three years later, the patient is normotensive without drugs.
Longterm central venous access in gynecologic cancer patients.

Abstract Background: To assess the utility and safety of three different longterm indwelling intravenous catheters in patients with gynecologic malignancies. Study Design: A retrospective review was performed of the records of all women with gynecologic malignancies who required longterm venous access catheters and ports between 1990 and 1997. Results: Two hundred sixty-eight women underwent placement of 308 indwelling catheters, of which 305 were available for analysis. Of those, 68 (22%) were Hickman catheters, 162 (53%) were infusaports, and 75 (25%) were Peripheral Access System (PAS) ports. Venous access was obtained percutaneously in 152 (50%) patients and by cutdown in 153 (50%). Prophylactic anticoagulation was used with 96 catheters (31%). Catheter placement was associated with 12 (4%) immediate complications and 87 (29%) delayed complications. The average duration of a catheter in place was 5.6 months for the Hickman, 12.5 months for the infusaport, and 16.0 months for the PAS port (p Conclusions: Infusaports and PAS ports were associated with a lower risk of infection and have a longer life than Hickman catheters. The cutdown approach was associated with a lower complication rate. Low-dose prophylactic anticoagulation should be given to all patients with longterm central venous catheters.
Utility of a Peritoneal Dialysis Leukocyte Test Strip in the Diagnosis of Peritonitis

Expeditious diagnosis of peritonitis remains a significant goal in the management of patients maintained on peritoneal dialysis. Several attempts to use leukocyte esterase reagent strips to diagnose peritonitis have been described. In this study we examined the usefulness of a new reagent strip, the PeriScreen Test Strip, in the diagnosis of peritonitis. A series of 72 peritoneal effluent samples obtained from 22 maintenance peritoneal dialysis patients is reported. In this study, the test strips had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 98.3% as compared to an abnormal leukocyte count. Thus, in the diagnosis of peritonitis we believe that the PeriScreen Test Strip can be used as a simple bedside screening test to exclude peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients.
Calling and life satisfaction: It's not about having it, it's about living it.

The present study examined the relation of career calling to life satisfaction among a diverse sample of 553 working adults, with a specific focus on the distinction between perceiving a calling (sensing a calling to a career) and living a calling (actualizing one’s calling in one’s current career). As hypothesized, the relation of perceiving a calling to life satisfaction was fully mediated by living a calling. On the basis of this finding, a structural equation model was tested to examine possible mediators between living a calling and life satisfaction. As hypothesized, the relation of living a calling to life satisfaction was partially mediated by job satisfaction and life meaning, and the link between living a calling and job satisfaction was mediated by work meaning and career commitment. Modifications of the model also revealed that the link of living a calling to life meaning was mediated by work meaning. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Seasonal physicochemical characteristics of thirty northern Ohio temporary pools along gradients of GIS-delineated human land-use

Human development pollutes runoff and ground water. Temporary pools are good habitats to study the influence of general non-point source pollution because they are created by runoff and ground water, among other processes, which, in northern Ohio, can contain substances accumulated over the winter. Furthermore, little information on land-use effects on temporary pools exists. To ascertain if general human activities influenced the water quality of northern Ohio temporary pools, monthly measurements of pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, and depth were monitored from March–June 2004 in 30 dispersed pools of the Cuyahoga River basin, Ohio, USA. Nutrient measurements for most pools were taken in May and June 2004. Pools were located in ten sub-watersheds containing differing percentages of geographic information system (GIS)-delineated urban/suburban and agricultural lands. General water quality characteristics of northern Ohio temporary pools were variable, both spatially and temporally. Nutrient levels were generally low (oligotrophic). Spearman rank correlation coefficients between the characteristics and percent land-use showed that conductivity and percent agriculture were positively correlated, while depth and percent urban were negatively correlated. Temporally, dissolved oxygen and depth showed fairly strong seasonal decreases from March–June. Some measurements from pools in mostly natural sub-watersheds suggested poor water quality. Although large-scale (watershed) land-use influences can affect the physicochemical nature of temporary pools, local anthropogenic influences, both past and present, probably also affect the quality of temporary pool wetlands.
Scientific Explanation And The Sense Of Understanding

Scientists and laypeople alike use the sense of understanding that an explanation conveys as a cue to good or correct explanation. Although the occurrence of this sense or feeling of understanding is neither necessary nor sufficient for good explanation, it does drive judgments of the plausibility and, ultimately, the acceptability, of an explanation. This paper presents evidence that the sense of understanding is in part the routine consequence of two well‐documented biases in cognitive psychology: overconfidence and hindsight. In light of the prevalence of counterfeit understanding in the history of science, I argue that many forms of cognitive achievement do not involve a sense of understanding, and that only the truth or accuracy of an explanation make the sense of understanding a valid cue to genuine understanding.
Tumor-derived exosomes: A message delivery system for tumor progression.

Intercellular communication is a key process in the development and progression of cancer. The dynamic and reciprocal interplays between the tumor and its microenvironment orchestrate events critical to the establishment of primary and metastatic niches and maintenance of a permissive environment at the tumor−stroma interface. Atay and colleagues found that gastrointestinal stromal tumor cells secrete vesicles known as exosomes. These exosomes contain oncogenic KIT and their transfer and uptake by surrounding smooth muscle cells lead to enhanced AKT and MAPK signaling and phenotypic modulation of several cellular processes, including morphological changes, expression of tumor-associated markers, secretion of matrix metalloproteinases, and enhanced tumor cell invasion. This provocative study emphasizes that exosome-mediated signaling within the tumor microenvironment acts as a positive feedback loop that contributes to invasiveness and that interfering with this message delivery system may represent promising therapeutic approaches, not only for GIST, but for other types of cancer.