cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact on survival of thromboembolic phenomena occurring before and during protocol chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND. Thromboembolic events (TEEs) are considered common in patients with gastroesophageal carcinoma, but their frequency at baseline and during chemotherapy is not known. Because prophylactic anticoagulation results in improved overall survival (OS) of solid tumor patients, the authors hypothesized that TEEs at baseline and during chemotherapy would have an adverse effect on OS. METHODS. The authors analyzed patients with advanced gastroesophageal carcinoma who were treated on 4 prospective chemotherapy Phase II/III trials. Baseline and subsequent TEEs were documented and correlated with OS. RESULTS. On the 4 trials, 191 patients received single-agent or a combination of a taxane, camptothecin, platinum, or fluoropyrimidine. At baseline, TEEs occurred in 5.3% of untreated patients compared with 8.5% of previously treated patients (who had received prior treatment for metastatic disease). The median OS was only 3.9 months for patients who had a TEE at any time versus 8.7 months for patients who never developed a TEE (P = .007). TEEs at baseline were correlated with poor median OS in untreated patients (4.9 months vs 8.9 months for patients without a TEE; P = .014). There was no associated between TEEs and the type of chemotherapy used. CONCLUSIONS. The current results established that TEEs at baseline and/or during chemotherapy are frequent and result in poor OS for patients with advanced gastroesophageal carcinoma. Aggressive methods to treat or prevent TEEs are warranted. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Effect of photoelectric fluorescence on the formation of x-ray absorption lines in laser-plasma experiments

In laser-plasma experiments, conditions in an embedded layer in a target shell can be inferred from the spectral attenuation of x-ray continuum radiation by the layer [B. Yaakobi et al., Opt. Commun. 34, 213 (1980)]. In such experiments, absorption lines are formed by 1s-2p absorption transitions in heliumlike through fluorinelike species of certain ions in the layer to be diagnosed. The areal density of each species can be inferred from the attenuation in the spectrum within its respective band, provided the average 1s-2p absorption cross sections for each species are known and provided competing line-forming mechanisms are taken into account. In photoelectric fluorescence, which is one such potentially important competing mechanism, the formation of a 1s vacancy by photoionization is followed by 2p-1s spontaneous emission within the same spectral range as the 1s-2p absorption band of the same ion. The importance of photoelectric fluorescence depends on the supply of ionizing photons, which is sensitive to the design of the experiment. This process should be considered when analyzing experiments where the continuum is hardened by high core temperatures, by opacity effects, or by core components that radiate efficiently at ionizing energies.
Diferulate cross-links impede the enzymatic degradation of non-lignified maize walls

We assessed the e†ect of ferulate substitution and diferulate cross- linking of xylans on the degradation of cell walls by two fungal enzyme mixtures, one of which contained feruloyl esterase and high xylanase activities. Non- ligni-ed cell suspensions of maize (Zea mays) were grown with 0 or 40 lM 2- aminoindan-2-phosphonic acid to produce walls with normal (17E 2m g g~1 )o r reduced (5E 1m g g~1) ferulate concentrations. Walls were incubated with mercap- toethanol to inhibit diferulate formation or with hydrogen peroxide to stimulate diferulate formation by wall bound peroxidases. Varying the ferulate substitution of xylans did not a†ect cell wall hydrolysis. In contrast, increasing ferulate dimer- isation from 18 to 40% reduced carbohydrate release by 94E122 mg g~1 after 3 h and by 0E48 mg g~1 after 54 h of enzymatic hydrolysis. Diferulate cross- links impeded the release of xylans, cellulose and pectins from walls. These results provide compelling evidence that diferulate cross-links reduce the rate and, to a lesser degree, the extent of wall hydrolysis by fungal enzymes. Our results also suggest that enzyme mixtures containing high xylanase activity but not feruloyl esterase activity can partially overcome the inhibitory e†ects of diferulate cross-linking on wall hydrolysis. 1998 SCI. (
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL MIXED CONVECTION HEAT TRANSFER FROM A FINNED ARRAY OF DISCRETE SOURCES

Computations have been performed for a four-row heat source array, which is mounted on the bottom wall of a horizontal channel and whose surface area is augmented by longitudinal fins. The influence of entry-region effects, spanwise and longitudinal inter-mittency in the heater arrangement, and buoyancy-induced flow is considered. The buoyancy-induced flow consists of counterrotating circulation cells confined between neighboring fins, with upflow adjacent to the fins and downflow between the fins. The development of the three-dimensional velocity and temperature fields has been predicted and used to interpret local Nusselt number distributions for the exposed base and for the fin surfaces.
Update on High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema: Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment

High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a life-threatening noncardiogenic form of pulmonary edema (PE) that afflicts susceptible persons after rapid ascent to high altitude above 2500 m. Its pathogenesis is related to increased sympathetic tone, exaggerated hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, uneven hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction with overperfusion of some regions of the pulmonary vascular bed, increased pulmonary capillary pressure, stress failure of pulmonary capillaries, and alveolar fluid leak across capillary endothelium resulting in interstitial and alveolar edema. Prevention of HAPE is most effectively achieved by gradual ascent with time for acclimatization, although recent small studies have highlighted a number of pharmacologic options. Inhaled salmeterol prevents HAPE presumably by increasing alveolar fluid clearance, the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor tadalafil works by acting as a pulmonary vasodilator, and dexamethasone seems to prevent HAPE by stabilizing the capillary endothelium, along with other potential effects. These investigations have yet to be validated in widespread clinical practice. Nifedipine, which prevents HAPE via its effects as a pulmonary vasodilator, has a longer history of clinical use. The most effective and reliable treatment of established HAPE is immediate descent and/or adequate flow supplemental oxygen to maintain arterial saturation above 90%, accompanied by rest from strenuous physical activity. Use of a portable hyperbaric chamber is an effective temporizing measure, and nifedipine may be used for treatment of HAPE, although only as an adjunct to descent and/or supplemental oxygen if these methods of treatment are not immediately available to a person with HAPE.
Conformational analysis of tertiary cycloalkyl (C6,C7,C8) carbocations using molecular mechanics. Comparison with stable ion experimental data

Abstract Conformational calculations of the 1-methylcyclohexyl, 1-methylcycloheptyl, and 1-methylcyclooctyl cations agree with reported experimental observations.
Mal de debarquement.

Mal de debarquement (MdD), the “sickness of disembarkment,” occurs when habituation to background rhythmic movement becomes resistant to readaption to stable conditions and results in a phantom perception of self motion typically described as rocking, bobbing, or swaying. Although several studies have shown that brief periods of MdD are common in healthy individuals, this otherwise natural phenomenon can become persistent in some individuals and lead to severe balance problems. Increased recognition of MdD in a persistent pathological form occurred after the publication of a case series of six patients by Brown and Baloh in 1987. Over 20 years later, although more is known about the clinical syndrome of persistent MdD, little is known about what leads to this persistence. This review addresses the clinical features of MdD, the associated symptoms in the persistent form, theories on pathogenesis, experience with treatment, and future directions for research.
Pushing Boundaries: Language and Culture in a Mexicano Community

Foreword Luis C. Moll Preface 1. Introduction 2. Eastside: a Mexicano community 3. Home and school contexts for language learning 4. Bilingual children crossing cultural borders 5. Negotiating culture and language in the home 6. Moving towards a recognition perspective 7. Meeting the challenges of diversity Notes References Index.
Angiolipoma of the cheek in a child.

Abstract A case of angiolipoma of the cheek in a 4-year-old boy, an unusual neoplasm in the head and oral area in a rarely affected age group, is reported. Intraoral lipoma is briefly reviewed.
Predicting trabecular bone strength and micro-strain using homogenization theory

Using a recently developed elasticity theory for the mechanics of microstructured materials (homogenization theory) the dependence of trabecular bone strength on volume fraction of bone was calculated. Using a spherical void model for trabecular bone, the results showed a quadratic dependence of strength on solid volume fraction for loadings along the principal strength axes, and a cubic dependence for loading in shear. These results are consistent with the theoretical predictions of other investigators and with experimental results. The assumed failure mechanism was tensile tissue rupture rather than the more commonly assumed trabecular buckling failure. The homogenization approach also provides the means of approximating the microstrains in the trabeculae by post-processing the results of standard finite element analyses. Using an axi-symmetric finite element model of a lumbar vertebra it was demonstrated that the pattern of peak strain energy density (SED) in the trabeculae throughout the vertebra is different from the pattern of apparent SED calculated using the standard finite element method. Hence, the relationship between peak trabecular micro-SED (strain) and the apparent SED (strain) calculated by standard finite element analysis is not straightforward. The difference in pattern may have profound implications for the understanding of trabecular bone failure and stress induced remodeling.
Stress and rodent models of drug addiction: role of VTA–accumbens–PFC–amygdala circuit

Stress can trigger, intensify, and prolong drug consumption, as well as reinstate previously extinguished drug-taking behavior by directly impacting a neural circuit often referred to as a reward pathways. Animal models of drug abuse have been used to understand these neural circuits mediating stress-induced drug intake and relapse through examination of cellular and subcellular molecular mechanisms. Several types of intermittent stressors have been shown to induce cross-sensitization to psychomotor stimulants, enhance conditioned place preference under most conditions, increase self-administration of cocaine and amphetamine and induce reinstatement of heroin and cocaine seeking via activation of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system.
Comparison of RF-induced calcium efflux from chick brain tissue at different frequencies: Do the scaled power density windows align?

The recent suggestion that the pattern of positive and negative results of RF-induced calcium efflux from chick brain tissue, when appropriately scaled, matches at three frequencies is examined. Close scrutiny of this recently reported analysis by Joines and Blackman suggests that the uncertainties in the calculated scaling quantities are too large to permit meaningful conclusions.
A profile approach to impulsivity in bipolar disorder: the key role of strong emotions

Objective Bipolar disorder has been associated with elevated impulsivity – a complex construct subsuming multiple facets. We aimed to compare specific facets of impulsivity in bipolar disorder, including those related to key psychological correlates of the illness: reward sensitivity and strong emotion. Method Ninety-one individuals diagnosed with bipolar I disorder (inter-episode period) and 80 controls completed several well-validated impulsivity measures, including those relevant to reward (Fun-seeking subscale of the Behavioral Activation System scale) and emotion (Positive Urgency and Negative Urgency scales). Results Bipolar participants reported higher impulsivity scores than did controls on all of the impulsivity measures, except the Fun-seeking subscale of the Behavioral Activation System scale. Positive Urgency – a measure assessing the tendency to act impulsively when experiencing strong positive emotion – yielded the largest group differences: F(1,170) = 78.69, P < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.316. Positive Urgency was also associated with poorer psychosocial functioning in the bipolar group: ΔR2 = 0.24, b = −0.45, P < 0.001. Conclusion Individuals with bipolar I disorder appear to be at particular risk of behaving impulsively when experiencing strong positive emotions. Findings provide an important first step toward developing a more refined understanding of impulsivity in bipolar disorder with the potential to inform targeted interventions.
Clinical Significance of Taurodontism

Two cases are reported to show the clinical significance of taurodontism. Although the taurodont form does not seem to interfere with routine operative procedures, endodontic treatment may be hampered because orifices of the pulp canal are not easily located and instrumentation and obturation may be difficult.
Differential effects of naloxone on the release of neurohypophysial hormones in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Abstract The hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system is altered in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). We hypothesized that an aberrant regulation of vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) release by endogenous opiod peptides alters this neuroendocrine system in the SHR. Concentrations of the neurohypophysial hormones in plasma and the pituitary were measured in 17-week-old SHRs and two strains of normotensive controls, Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were decapitated 20 min after s.c. injection of saline (1 ml/kg) or naloxone hydrochloride (1 or 10 mg/kg). In addition, neurohypophysial hormones excreted during the day (08.00–17.30 h) and night (17.30–08.00 h) were determined in urine from 16-week-old animals kept in metabolic cages for 5 days. VP at extrahypothalamic sites was also measured as [VP] in acid extracts of the subfornical organ area, hippocampal commissure-fornix and choriod plexus. Hormones were quantified by radioimmunoassay. The pituitary content, plasma concentration, and urinary excretion of OT were reduced (P
Use of molecular stoichiometry to estimate vibrational energy

Abstract Using a data base of molecular vibrational energies computed by a density functional procedure, temperature-dependent relationships have been developed which permit these energies to be accurately estimated from molecular stoichoimetry. This should significantly facilitate the calculation of reaction energetics.
Ancient origins of human developmental plasticity.

Animals have the ability to alter development, physiology, growth, and behavior in response to different environmental conditions. These responses represent critical assessments of both external and internal factors. For example, the timing of metamorphosis, hatching, or birth depends on the trade-offs between growth opportunity and mortality risk in the developmental habitat. Physiological sensors compute these trade-offs as a function of energy balance and environmental stress, and effectors initiate physiological, developmental, and behavioral responses to these determinations. The neuroendocrine stress axis provides a means for animals to integrate information from multiple sources and to respond accordingly. Considerable evidence now supports the view that the secretion of hormones critical to development (corticosteroid and thyroid hormones) is controlled by a common neuroendocrine stress pathway involving corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and related peptides. CRF produced in the hypothalamus stimulates the biosynthesis and secretion of both thyroid and corticosteroid hormones, leading to accelerated tadpole metamorphosis. Similarly, in mammals CRF of fetal and placental origin has been shown to influence the timing of birth. Studies in several experimental animal models and in humans show that early life experience can have long-term phenotypic consequences. Furthermore, there is evidence that phenotypic expression is strongly influenced by the actions of stress hormones produced during development. The integrated neuroendocrine response to stress, and its role in timing critical life history transitions and establishing long-term phenotypic expression, arose early in the evolution of vertebrates. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 17:44–54, 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Influences of alcohol, interpersonal feedback, and drinking experience upon performance and judgment.

The effect of alcohol, social feedback, and drinking experience on performance, performance awareness, and awareness of intoxication was studied using 24 male subjects selected on the basis of drinking experience. Twelve subjects were inexperienced drinkers; of the 12 experienced drinkers, the average drinking pattern was five or more drinks at one sitting several times per week. Subjects consumed either a placebo or an alcoholic beverage (target blood alcohol concentration of 0.05% or 0.10%) over a 45-minute period prior to each of three experimental sessions. Within experienced and inexperienced groups, subjects were paired and completed a series of cognitive and psychomotor tasks. During each session, subjects evaluated both their own and their partner's performance and degree of intoxication. A series of correlations between performance or measures of blood alcohol concentration and judgments determined relative awareness. Alcohol significantly impaired performance, with inexperienced drinkers being significantly more impaired than experienced drinkers. All subjects overestimated their blood alcohol concentration, but inexperienced drinkers evaluated themselves as highly intoxicated. Subjects generally underestimated alcohol impairment, and correlations showed awareness decreased as blood alcohol concentration increased. It was determined that alcohol, drinking experience, and interpersonal feedback appear to have a major effect on performance and subjective evaluations of performance and intoxication. The influence of alcohol on performance supports generally accepted findings that increasing blood alcohol concentration impairs cognitive and psychomotor abilities. The slight tolerance for alcohol exhibited by experienced drinkers does not compensate for the markedly impairing influence of an 0.10% blood alcohol concentration.
Quick Search for Rare Events

Rare events can potentially occur in many applications. When manifested as opportunities to be exploited, risks to be ameliorated, or certain features to be extracted, such events become of paramount significance. Due to their sporadic nature, the information-bearing signals associated with rare events often lie in a large set of irrelevant signals and are not easily accessible. This paper provides a statistical framework for detecting such events so that an optimal balance between detection reliability and agility, as two opposing performance measures, is established. The core component of this framework is a sampling procedure that adaptively and quickly focuses the information-gathering resources on the segments of the dataset that bear the information pertinent to the rare events. Particular focus is placed on Gaussian signals with the aim of detecting signals with rare mean and variance values.
Hoxa‐10 deficient male mice exhibit abnormal development of the accessory sex organs

The role of mammalian Hox genes in regulating segmental patterning of axial structures and the limb is well established. A similar role in development of soft tissue organ systems has recently been suggested by observations linking several 5' members of the HoxA and HoxD clusters to segmentation events and morphogenesis in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. We have specifically examined the role of Hoxa-10 in development of the male accessory sex organs by characterizing expression of Hoxa-10 in the developing male reproductive tract and correlating expression to morphologic abnormalities in knockout mice deficient for Hoxa-10 function. We report that Hoxa-10 expression in the Wolffian duct and urogenital sinus is regionally restricted and temporally regulated. The domain of expression is defined anteriorly by the caudal epididymis and extends posteriorly to the prostatic anlagen of the urogenital sinus. Expression was maximal at E18 and down-regulated postnatally, well before accessory sex organ morphogenesis is completed. Expression in the prostatic anlagen of the urogenital sinus cultured in vitro does not depend upon the presence of testosterone. Loss of Hoxa-10 function is associated with diminished stromal clefting of the seminal vesicles and decreased size and branching of the coagulating gland. The ductal architecture of the coagulating gland was altered in approximately 30% of mutants examined and suggests a partial posterior morphologic transformation of the coagulating gland. We interpret these data to indicate that Hoxa-10 is expressed in a region specific manner during late gestation and into the perinatal period and that Hoxa-10 is required for normal accessory sex organ development.
Deficient DNA end joining activity in extracts from fanconi anemia fibroblasts.

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a genetic disorder associated with genomic instability and cancer predisposition. Cultured cells from FA patients display a high level of spontaneous chromosome breaks and an increased frequency of intragenic deletions, suggesting that FA cells may have deficiencies in properly processing DNA double strand breaks. In this study, an in vitro plasmid DNA end joining assay was used to characterize the end joining capabilities of nuclear extracts from diploid FA fibroblasts from complementation groups A, C, and D. The Fanconi anemia extracts had 3–9-fold less DNA end joining activity and rejoined substrates with significantly less fidelity than normal extracts. Wild-type end joining activity could be reconstituted by mixing FA-D extracts with FA-A or FA-C extracts, while mixing FA-A and FA-C extracts had no effect on end joining activity. Protein expression levels of the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK)/Ku-dependent nonhomologous DNA end-joining proteins Xrcc4, DNA ligase IV, Ku70, and Ku86 in FA and normal extracts were indistinguishable, as were DNA-dependent protein kinase and DNA end binding activities. The end joining activity as measured by the assay was not sensitive to the DNA-PK inhibitor wortmannin or dependent on the nonhomologous DNA end-joining factor Xrcc4. However, when DNA/protein ratios were lowered, the end joining activity became wortmannin-sensitive and no difference in end joining activity was observed between normal and FA extracts. Taken together, these results suggest that the FA fibroblast extracts have a deficiency in a DNA end joining process that is distinct from the DNA-PK/Ku-dependent nonhomologous DNA end joining pathway.
A Projected Grating Technique For Gaging Surface Curvatures

A new technique is presented in this paper for gaging curvatures of industrial parts such as the panels of automobile bodies. This non-contact technique utilizes the projection of a grating upon the surface to be gaged. Implementation of the proposed technique is carried out with a digital image processor. Experimental results of applying the technique are presented.
Controllability analysis for passively and actively controlled heat pipes

An analytical technique was developed for steady state and pseudo-transient control analysis of variable conductance heat pipes (VCW) and feedback controlled heat pipes (FCHP). The approach uses a modified vapor temperature profile ar.d a simple 5node thermal network. This approach differs from past techniques in that it a,ccounts for gas blockage of the sdiabatic sec t ion and the set point tcmperature is referenced to the control point node rather than the vapor node. In FCHP systems, the gas inventory is determined at a design set point temperature and held constant for analysis of varying controller set point temperatures. The pseudotransient analysis integrates the reservoir response time equations with the steady state control equations. reservoir volume increases due to controller set point, response time, and reservoir temperature limitations; and the existence of minimum and maximum controller s a point temperatures when reservoir temperature limitations exist. The most significant findings were that Radiator fin efficiency Radiator off efficiency Slowest response time Fastest response time qf
Real-time measurement of ArF excimer laser corneal tissue ablation rates using cross-correlation of laser waveforms

The current popularity of excimer laser refractive surgery suggests a need for continued research and refinements to further improve clinical outcomes. A fundamental limitation of current clinical systems is the lack of real-time feedback specifically addressing the laser-tissue interactions as directly related to laser ablation rates. This paper reports data to assess the feasibility of a novel approach that holds promise as a real-time feedback scheme based on comparison of the incident and reflected laser pulse waveforms, as quantified using a cross-correlation algorithm. The approach is evaluated for ablation of bovine cornea over a range of clinically relevant laser fluences. A linear relationship was observed between several cross-correlation metrics and the directly measured corneal ablation rate, yielding an average RMS predictive error of 3.9% using a 25-shot average reflected waveform. Assessment of the cross-correlation approach for single-shot ablation data revealed a brief transient corresponding to the first few laser pulses, which is attributed to a slight hydration gradient near the surface of the de-epithelialized cornea. Clinical refractive data are necessary to assess the precision of this approach for actual refractive surgery.
Effect of vibrational relaxation on DIET: a density matrix treatment

The influence of substrate-induced vibrational relaxation on desorption induced by electronic transitions (DIET) is studied using a density matrix formulation. The one-dimensional model describing the DIET dynamics of NO consists of two electronic states. Relaxation in both electronic and vibrational modes is simulated with dissipative Liouvillians of the Lindblad form. As expected, vibrational relaxation results in a smaller desorption yield and lower product translational temperature.
Fracture failure mechanisms in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta

This investigation examines the failure mechanism of bone from patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Mechanical testing and ultrastructural analysis of surgically obtained bone specimens, from patients with OI and from approximately age matched normal controls, were performed. Small rectangular bone samples (1.0 mm X 1.2 mm X 15 mm) with a prismatic cross section were put under three-point bending to determine the work to fracture. Furthermore, the fracture surface was observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM observation of partially dissected lamellae was also performed to determine the collagen organization of the bone. The OI bone has a consistently lower work to fracture and reduced collagen organization than the normal controls. The fracture surface of the OI bone is rough and exhibits a "pull-out" type of morphology, as opposed to the smoother fracture surface of the controls. This study shows that a relatively simple mechanical test utilizing a small amount of bone can differentiate between a diseased state (OI) and a normal state of bone. Language: en
Source location measurements of terrestrial kilometric radiation obtained from lunar orbit

Two-dimensional source locations of individual terrestrial kilometric radiation (TKR) events have been measured by the Radio Astronomy Explorer-2 (RAE-2) spacecraft in lunar orbit. Although the average source location at 250 kHz is above the polar regions near the earth (r nearly 2-3 earth radii), approximately 10% of the events occur at a distance larger than 7 earth radii from the earth. Furthermore, there is considerable evidence for multiple sources and source motion over the time scale of tens of minutes. Recent TKR mechanism theories which assume that the emission occurs at or near the local electron plasma or gyrofrequency would predict generation much closer to the earth's surface. Alternative emission mechanisms or special propagation conditions are required to explain many TKR events.
THE ROLE OF CMR-GUIDED MANAGEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT PERICARDITIS

Recurrent pericarditis (RP) is a common complication of acute pericarditis, with 30% recurrence after first attack. Steroids are associated with increased recurrence of pericarditis with known major side effects. Cardiac MR (CMR) has been used to assess inflammation and management. The aim of study
Kinetic disguises in heterogeneous photocatalysis

Photoreactor design requires reliable analytic expressions for the dependence of reaction rate on key variables. As in other areas of heterogeneous catalysis involving a solid catalyst in contact with a fluid phase, gas or liquid, the rate dependence upon concentration is often initially modeled with the Langmuir–Hinshelwood rate form: $$ rate = k K C / ( 1 + K C ).$$ We show here that various kinetic “disguises” exist in photocatalysis, so that this apparently simple rate form may have several origins. In particular, The steady state assumption and slow step assumption for the kinetic mechanism each provide the same global rate form, though only the former is consistent with the recently observed intensity dependences of both the rate constant, k, and the apparent binding constant, K. Mass transfer and diffusion influences may appear under both steady and transient (periodic) illumination, in liquid and gas phase systems.
Spouse Preferences of Never-Married, Divorced, and Cohabiting Americans

This research demonstrates that mate-selection preferences are patterned according to men's and women's prior experiences with marriage, divorce, and cohabitation. Compared with men and women who have never divorced or cohabited, men and women who have experienced one or both of these events express consistently different references in their willingness to marry others with particular personal traits. The research was based on a national sample of 2,536 unmarried individuals interviewed as part of the National Survey of Families and Households. The existence of patterned differences in mate-selection preferences is interpreted to imply the possible existence of different "marriage markets" for those who have and have not experienced divorce or cohabitation. The implications of the existence of such varied marriage markets for the cultural meaning of marriage are explored.
The Autonomous Sciencecraft Experiment Onboard the EO-1 Spacecraft

The Autonomous Sciencecraft Experiment (ASE), currently flying onboard the Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) spacecraft, integrates several autonomy software technologies enabling autonomous science analysis and mission planning. The experiment demonstrates the potential for future space missions to use onboard decision-making to respond autonomously to capture short-lived science phenomena. The AAAI software demonstration will consist of two sections: a real-time display of an ASE-commanded ground contact from the EO-1 spacecraft, and a simulation of the full ASE autonomous science-response scenario.
Sustained Experiential Learning: Modified Monasticism and Pilgrimage

This article outlines a template for sustained experiential learning designed to provide a context for learning the affective and performative as well as intellectual power of religion. This approach was developed for a traditional academic framework, adapting pedagogies developed for experiential learning, aesthetic training, and study abroad, and draws on personal experiences of teaching East Asian religions. The approach integrates intellectual learning with out of class experience to stimulate and enrich the highly personal and often significant questions that may arise upon studying religion and encountering religious practices both in and out of the classroom.
Delta Hedging IO Securities Backed by Senior Life Settlements

Investors in securitized senior life settlements are exposed to longevity risk. The value of their security will decrease if life settlers live above life expectancy because premia will have to be paid for a longer period and the death benefits are not received at life expectancy but at a later date. The authors examine a block of life settlements and show how it is possible to create an IO (interest only) security, and a PO (principal only) security by stripping apart the premia from death benefits for the pool of life settlements backing a life settlement securitization. They show how it is possible to hedge the value of this IO security.
Interferons: Current status and future directions of this prototypic biological

As phase II trials with alpha interferon are nearing completion it is clear that they have anti-tumor activity in several malignancies. When compared to other drugs currently used for malignant disease, the level of activity suggests their ultimate usefulness in clinical practice. Some patients have manifested complete responses to interferon administration: others have had long-term sustained anti-tumor effect. In addition to their significant clinical activity, interferons are prototypic biologic response modifiers. In this role, the development of the interferons has provided a model for other biologicals which are currently entering phase I clinical trials. As a model for the clinical application of biologics in general and for the clinical use of specific protein molecules, interferons are fulfilling their substantial promise.
Klebsiella pneumoniae induces an inflammatory response in human retinal-pigmented epithelial cells.

Abstract Purpose The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a barrier to Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in endogenous endophthalmitis. Nevertheless, the inflammatory response of RPE cells upon interaction with this pathogen has not been studied. Here we tested the hypothesis that K. pneumoniae induces an inflammatory response in human retinal epithelial cells. Methods In this study we set out to investigate the effects of whole K. pneumoniae and of its lipopolysaccharide on RPE cells in vitro using bacterial invasion and cytotoxicity assays, fluorescent microscopy and ELISA. For that, we utilized K. pneumoniae strain ATCC 43816 and the continuous human retinal-pigmented epithelial cell line ARPE-19. Results Stimulation of ARPE-19 with live K. pneumoniae for 24 h induced a 31.5-fold ( p = 0.0132) increase in IL-6 and 6.5-fold ( p = 0.0004) increase in MCP-1 levels compared to the non-infected control cells. Purified K. pneumoniae LPS (1 μg ml −1 ) also induced cytokine levels, MCP-1 (1.7-fold upregulation; p = 0.0006) and IL-6 (1.3-fold upregulation, p = 0.065). The tested K. pneumoniae strain ATCC 43816 did not have a significant effect on the viability of ARPE-19 cells (11% decrease, p = 0.096) and showed a low ability to invade the cells. Conclusions Both whole live K. pneumoniae and K. pneumoniae LPS exert a strong pro-inflammatory effect on retinal pigmented epithelial cells, consistent with clinical manifestations of disease. Bacterial pro-inflammatory effects are not likely related to host cell invasion. This is the first investigation of the interactions of a major endogenous endophthalmitis pathogen, K. pneumoniae with human retinal pigmented epithelial cells.
Existence of colloidal primitive building units exhibiting memory effects in zeolite growth compositions

This study focuses on the clear, stable mother liquors obtained after completion of crystallization of nanocrystalline sodalite, zeolite A, and zeolite Y. Characterization of the freeze-dried mother liquors by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed regions of crystallinity for both zeolites A and Y, and ∼5 nm regions of crystallinity could be identified in zeolite Y. Upon adding the mother liquor to nutrient solutions of aluminates and silicates, it was found that the mother liquor could direct formation of the corresponding framework, thereby manifesting a memory effect. Dynamic light scattering studies showed that there were units present in the mother liquors that grew into crystals at a faster rate than the parent compositions used to generate the mother liquors. We propose that the mother liquors recovered after crystallization contain primary structural units having memory of the zeolite formed and that these units can assemble to form viable nuclei if provided with a source of nutr...
Increasing incidence of dementia in the oldest old: evidence and implications

The oldest old are the fastest growing segment of the US population but accurate estimates of the incidence of dementia in this age group have been elusive. Corrada and colleagues present data on the 5-year age-specific rates of dementia incidence in persons 90 years and older from The 90+ Study. Their findings show a continued exponential increase in dementia incidence after age 90 that mirrors the increase observed in persons aged 65 to 90, with a doubling every 5.5 years. This contrasts with previous smaller studies reporting a slowing of the increase in incidence after age 90. If confirmed, the continued increase, rather than a plateau, in the incidence of dementia in the oldest old has implications for proper healthcare planning. Strategies for prevention and treatment will require more information regarding risk factors and the etiopathogenesis of dementia in the oldest old.
The effect of cell resistance on acute polarographic maxima

Abstract In the absence of external resistance in the circuit the resistance of a polarographic cell, R cell = Ri + Re , in which Ri acts as a true internal resistance in the immediate vicinity of the growing mercury drop and varies with time ( t ) according to the expression Ri = kt − 1 3 . The component Re acts as external resistance, is independent of t and increases with increasing separation between the dropping electrode and the reference electrode. The value of k is smaller than that calculated by I lkovic and depends on the diameter of the tip of the capillary. With a capillary with an external diameter of the orifice of 0.5 mm the value of k was in satisfactory agreement with that calculated by I lkovic .
Comprehensive analysis and management of chronic pain

Given the pervasive effect of chronic pain, a comprehensive approach to nursing care is needed. Addressing the physical effects of persistent pain on multiple systems and bodily functions requires combining (drug and nondrug) interventions to reduce pain and improve functioning. Targeting anxiety, depression and anger effectively can halt or even reverse the escalation of pain attributed to emotions. Recognizing belief patterns associated with distress and disability, while challenging patients to rethink the truthfulness of their perceptions is an important step in helping patients think, feel, and do better. Eliciting self-reflective narratives about the context of pain in their lives taps into the spiritual domain and initiates processes of grieving, forgiveness, and acceptance that are needed to transcend perceived limits and find new meaning in their lives. By attending to social interactions, including therapeutic relationships, chronic pain patients can become more independent and involved in family or socially meaningful activities. Combined, nurses can help patients restore joy, functioning, and a sense of purpose despite the devastating toll persistent pain has taken.
Oxidative stress can activate the epidermal platelet-activating factor receptor.

Platelet-activating factor (1-alkyl-2-acetyl-glycerophosphocholine) is a lipid mediator that has been implicated in keratinocyte function and cutaneous inflammation. Keratinocytes both synthesize platelet-activating factor and express functional platelet-activating factor receptors linked to calcium mobilization. Oxidative stress to various cells including keratinocytes can also result in the mobilization of intracellular Ca 2+ , a known stimulus for platelet-activating factor biosynthesis. The ability of the epidermal platelet-activating factor receptors to modulate oxidant-induced signaling was investigated using a unique model system created by retroviral-mediated transduction of the platelet-activating factor receptor-negative epithelial cell line KB with the platelet-activating factor receptor. Treatment of KB cells with the lipid pro-oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide induced transient increases in intracellular Ca 2+ in a concentration-dependent fashion. Expression of the platelet-activating factor receptor in KB cells lowered the threshold for tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced Ca 2+ flux by an order of magnitude (10 μM in control KB versus 1 μM in KB cells expressing the platelet-activating factor receptors) and increased the peak change in intracellular Ca 2+ concentration in response to this lipid hydroperoxide. This augmentation of tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced Ca 2+ mobilization was inhibited by pretreatment with the two competitive platelet-activating factor receptor antagonists CV-6209 and WEB 2086, as well as by the antioxidants vitamin E and 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-2-thiourea. KB cells synthesized platelet-activating factor and the platelet-activating factor receptor agonist 1-palmitoyl-2-acetyl-glycerophosphocholine in response to tert-butyl hydroperoxide treatment, suggesting the augmentation of oxidative stress-induced signaling seen in platelet-activating factor receptor-expressing cells was due in part to endogenous platelet-activating factor biosynthesis. These studies suggest involvement of the epidermal platelet-activating factor receptors in oxidant-mediated signaling.
The clinical laboratory evaluation of GH responsiveness.

The IGF-I generation test has been proposed to select patients with GH insensitivity. Studies have shown that children with idiopathic short stature and GH deficiency, who were expected to be sensitive to GH, presented absent IGF-I and IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 responses and/or discordant results at IGF-I and IGFBP-3 generation test for unknown reasons. To assess the reproducibility of the generation test, we studied a group of 12 prepubertal children with short stature and normal GH secretion in whom defects in coding region of GH receptor gene were ruled out. All patients underwent the test twice. Discordant responses between the first and second test were found in five and six patients for IGF-I and IGFBP-3, respectively. When the results of the generation tests were compared, one notices that IGF-I generation has more concordant positive results than IGFBP-3. In eight generation tests that showed discordant results between IGF-I and IG-FBP-3, seven presented a positive IGF-I with a negative IG-FBP-3 response. Taking both tests into account, all children presented a normal IGF-I generation. Our findings showed that IGF-I and IGFBP-3 generation test was not reproducible in children that should have responded to GH stimulation. We suggest that, when IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels fail to respond in the generation test, another test should be performed to confirm GH insensitivity.
Chapter 5 Gender differences in mathematics problem solving and science: A longitudinal analysis

Abstract This study describes gender differences in achievement in the academic areas of mathematics problem solving and science. Standardized achievement test scores for a sample of 3002 students who were tested in each of ten consecutive years, grades 3 through 12, were used to assess the differences in mathematics while matched data for grades 9 through 12 were available in science. Selected percentiles (90th, 75th, 50th, 25th, 10th) were estimated for both Female and male score distributions for each area. The results indicate fairly consistent patterns of differences. Males generally performed better at the upper percentile levels of the score distributions in mathematics problem solving and science, while females closed the gap and, in some instances, outperformed males at the lower percentile levels.
Transformation of Myeloid Leukemia Cells to Cytokine Independence by Bcr-Abl Is Suppressed by Kinase-defective Hck

Bcr-Abl is the constitutively active protein-tyrosine kinase expressed as a result of the Philadelphia translocation in chronic myelogenous leukemia. Bcr-Abl is coupled to many of the same signaling pathways normally regulated by hematopoietic cytokines. Recent work shows that Hck, a member of the Src tyrosine kinase family with myeloid-restricted expression, associates with and is activated by Bcr-Abl. Here we investigated the mechanism of Hck interaction with Bcr-Abl and the requirement for Hck activation in Bcr-Abl transformation signaling. Binding studies demonstrated that the Hck SH3 and SH2 domains are sufficient for interaction with Bcr-Ablin vitro. Hck binding localizes to the Abl SH2, SH3, and kinase domains as well as the distal portion of the C-terminal tail. To address the requirement for endogenous Src family kinase activation in Bcr-Abl signaling, a kinase-defective mutant of Hck was stably expressed in the cytokine-dependent myeloid leukemia cell line DAGM. Kinase-defective Hck dramatically suppressed Bcr-Abl-induced outgrowth of these cells in the absence of cytokine compared with a control cell line expressing β-galactosidase. In contrast, kinase-defective Hck did not affect cell proliferation in response to interleukin-3, suggesting that the effect is specific for Bcr-Abl. These data show that Hck interacts with Bcr-Abl through a complex mechanism involving kinase-dependent and -independent components and that interaction with Hck or other Src family members is essential for transformation signaling by Bcr-Abl.
Sn(IV) Schiff base complexes: triplet photosensitizers for photoredox reactions

We present the synthesis and characterization of a series of four fluorescent Sn(iv) Schiff base complexes, which also possess long-lived triplet excited states. The complexes absorb visible light (λmax = 420 to 462 nm) and the optical properties are easily tunable without laborious synthetic elaboration. The triplet excited states are not luminescent, but can be observed and followed using nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. The lifetimes of the triplet excited states are on the order of 500 μs-10 ms in PMMA matrices. The triplet state energies were estimated via energy transfer reactions with a series of organic triplet acceptors. In addition, the photoexcited complexes react with electron donors and acceptors in solution. These results demonstrate the potential for the development of photosensitizers based on main group elements with high spin orbit coupling constants.