cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemotherapy of Metastatic Breast Cancer in the Elderly: The Piedmont Oncology Association Experience

Objective. —To determine the effect of age on treatment outcome in women with metastatic breast cancer treated with chemotherapy. Design. —Case-comparison study of patients with metastatic breast cancer treated in five clinical trials of the Piedmont Oncology Association. Setting. —University and private practice physicians participating in the Piedmont Oncology Association clinical trials in the southeastern United States. Patients. —Seventy patients 70 years of age or older were compared with 60 patients aged 50 through 69 years and 40 patients less than 50 years of age. All patients were ambulatory or capable of self-care, with adequate hematologic, renal, and hepatic function. Interventions. —Treatment with multidrug chemotherapy regimens. Main Outcome Measures. —Response to treatment, time to disease progression, survival, and toxic effects. Results. —Pretreatment characteristics including race, performance status, disease-free interval, prior therapy, sites of metastatic disease, and number and dominant sites of metastases were similar for the three age groups. The response rates for the younger-than-50, 50-through-69, and 70-or-older age groups were 40%, 31%, and 29%, respectively ( P =.53). There were no significant differences in time to disease progression or survival for patients in the three age groups. Estimates for time to progression and survival were 9.1 and 17.9 months, 6.2 and 12.8 months, and 7.2 and 14.2 months, respectively. Toxic effects, dose delivery, and dose delays were also similar for all three age groups. Conclusions. —Women 70 years of age or older who were enrolled in these trials were similar to their younger counterparts in response rates, time to disease progression, survival, and toxic effects. Women in this age group should not be excluded, based on age alone, from clinical trials involving chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer. ( JAMA . 1992;268:57-62)
A model of cultural differences and international alliance performance

We propose a model of cultural differences and international alliance performance to explain the ambiguous findings regarding the influence of national culture differences on alliance performance. Building on research on national, organizational, and professional cultures, we argue that the closer the domain of a social group is to the value-creating activities of an alliance, the more disruptive cultural differences between the partners’ members of that social group will be. Organizational culture differences will tend to be more disruptive than national culture differences, and differences in the professional culture most relevant to alliance value creation typically will be the most disruptive. Implications for research and managerial practice are discussed, and the model's relevance for international R&D alliances is highlighted.
Extreme Scaling of Production Visualization Software on Diverse Architectures

This article presents the results of experiments studying how the pure-parallelism paradigm scales to massive data sets, including 16,000 or more cores on trillion-cell meshes, the largest data sets published to date in the visualization literature. The findings on scaling characteristics and bottlenecks contribute to understanding how pure parallelism will perform in the future.
Clinical Importance of β-Adrenoceptor Polymorphisms in Cardiovascular Disease

beta-Adrenoceptor antagonists play an important role in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and have been used for three decades in the treatment of hypertension and ischemic heart disease. More recently they have been demonstrated to improve survival in patients with mild to moderate congestive heart failure. The beneficial effects of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists stems from their ability to limit the deleterious effects of adrenergic stimulation, which in the cardiovascular system is primarily transmitted through two subclasses of receptor, beta(1) and beta(2). The advances of the Human Genome Project have led to an increased appreciation that variations in genetic background may underlie a substantial portion of the clinical heterogeneity apparent in cardiovascular disease. This review examines the molecular, functional, and clinical significance of the most common polymorphisms of the beta(1 and beta(2)-adrenoceptors. Initial research in adrenoceptor variation focused on the beta(2)-adrenoceptor. Three common polymorphisms appear to influence receptor function: Arg16-->Gly, Glu(27)-->Gln, and Thr(164)-->Ile. In in vitro studies of agonist stimulation, Gly(16) receptors demonstrate enhanced downregulation, while Glu(27) variants are resistant to downregulation. There is much controversy and conflict among various clinical studies regarding the effect of these variants on vasoreactivity and hypertensive risk. The Ile(164) variant demonstrates decreased responsiveness to agonist activity both in vitro and in animal models. In studies of patients with congestive heart failure, this variant has been associated with poor functional capacity and decreased survival. More recent investigations have focused on the two common polymorphisms of the beta(1)-adrenoceptor: Ser(49)-->Gly, and Arg(389)-->Gly. In vitro studies of Arg(389) receptors demonstrate a gain of function, as agonist stimulation results in significantly higher intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate when compared with the Gly(389) variant. Consistent with the in vitro data, clinical studies demonstrate increased responsiveness to beta-agonist stimulation, and an increased risk of hypertension among Arg(389) homozygotes. Further investigation of the clinical implications of these common variants of beta(1)- and beta2)-adrenoceptors are needed. Importantly, the pharmacogenetic impact of these variants on the effectiveness of beta-adrenergic blockade remains unknown.
The insular mother: her problems in parent-child treatment

Eighteen mother-child dyads were referred for psychological help because of the children's oppositional behaviors and the mothers' aversive reactions to the children. All dyads were from low income families in which the mothers reported themselves to be relatively isolated from social contact in their communities. Following a baseline phase, the mothers were trained to modify their children's oppositional behaviors through time out and a point system. Fourteen of the dyads were observed in three phases of the study: baseline, parent training or treatment, and a 1-year follow-up period. In Phases one and two, child opposition and mother aversive reactions to the children were measured twice weekly by professional observers in the home settings. During Phase three (follow-up), these observations occurred twice per month. In addition, the mothers' self-reported contacts with people in their communities were obtained immediately after each observation. Results showed significant improvement in the mother-child problems during the parent training or treatment phase. However, the problems returned to baseline levels of occurrence during the follow-up phase. The self-report findings indicated that number of mother contacts with friends was an inverse predictor of these problems. On days marked by high proportions of friend contacts, mother-child problems were lower in frequency than on days marked by low proportions of friend contacts. These correlational findings were taken to suggest that a mother's extra-family social contacts may influence her child interaction patterns at home. This possibility was discussed as a factor in the long-term success of parent training as a treatment strategy.
Age-specific recruitment and natality of California sea lions at San Miguel Island, California

We conducted a 15 yr mark-resight study of branded California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) at San Miguel Island, California, to estimate age-specific recruitment and natality of the population. We used the Schwarz and Stobo model to estimate sighting, survival, recruitment, timing of births, abundance, and age-specific natality from sighting histories of 1,276 parous females. The advantage of this approach was that the reproductive status of females did not have to be known for all females of reproductive age. Probability of recruitment into the reproductive population began at age 3 or 4, peaked between ages 5 and 7, and slowly declined. Age-specific natality was similar for ages 4–16 but declined after age 17, suggesting that reproductive senescence occurs in older females. The average annual natality for parous females 4–16 yr of age was 0.77 (SE = 0.03); natality declined to 0.56 (SE = 0.10) for parous females 17–21 yr of age. Natality for both age classes was reduced during El Nino conditions by 24% and 34%, respectively. In addition to reducing natality, El Nino events may result in a delay of recruitment if females experience El Nino conditions before they turn 4 yr of age.
Inhibition of ADP-induced Platelet Aggregation by Substituted Amino-acids

AGGREGATION of platelets in the presence of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) appears to be important in haemostasis and in the genesis of platelet thrombosis. There is evidence that this reaction is common to platelet clumping induced by a variety of stimuli, including collagen, adrenaline, long-chain fatty acids, and perhaps weak solutions of thrombin. Although this phenomenon is under investigation in many laboratories, the mechanism by which ADP causes platelet aggregation is largely unknown. Certain inhibitors of platelet clumping have been described (for example, inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation by heparin1 or of ADP by adenosine2), and investigation of the inhibitory reaction has afforded some insight into the underlying process.
Acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccines among women older than 26 years.

Abstract Objective To examine older women's (>26 years) acceptance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and factors associated with this outcome. Study design A convenience sample of 872 women age 26–77 years were surveyed regarding the likelihood they would accept the HPV vaccine if offered to them by their provider, and factors associated with this outcome. Binomial regression, Chi square and MacNemar's analyses were used to determine associations of this outcome with demographic, attitudinal, and experiential variables. Results The response rate was 60.8%. Half the respondents indicated they would want the vaccine, even if they had to pay for it. In multivariable analyses, the only factor associated with wanting the vaccine was higher self-reported knowledge about HPV (risk ratio 1.43, 95% Confidence Interval 1.12, 1.83). A majority of participants also believed that older women in general would want the vaccine if it were covered by insurance. However, this perspective was significantly diminished if the vaccine had to be paid for out of pocket (97% vs. 22% for 26–45 year olds; 84% vs. 20% for 46–65 year olds, 60% vs. 8% for 66+ year olds, p Conclusions A high proportion of women over 26 would want the HPV vaccine if offered by their provider, even if they had to pay for it out of pocket. This suggests that if providers were to routinely offer the HPV vaccine to their older patients, many women would choose to get vaccinated.
AN ASSAY FOR PENTADECYLCATECHOLS IN POISON IVY EXTRACTS BY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY.

Abstract A method for the assay of pentadecylcatechols by gas-liquid chromatography has been developed. The resin to be analyzed is reacted with acetic anhydride to prepare acetylated pentadecylcatechol. Aliquots of the untreated resin and of the acetylated resin are then analyzed in succession using a hydrogen flame ionization detector. The sum of the areas under (1) the peak appearing in the analysis of the acetylated sample with a retention time identical with pentadecylcatechol and either (2) the peak with a retention time on a polyester column slightly longer than pentadecylcatechol or (3) a retention time on a silicone rubber column slightly shorter than pentadecylcatechol are a function of the urushiol present.
Optical Metamaterials and Nano-Scale Circuit Elements and Systems in Optics

Ideas for development of double-negative and single-negative metamaterials in optical domains are presented and potential applications of such optical metamaterials in near-field devices and systems using the concept of nanocircuit elements in optics are discussed.
The politics of religious dualism: Naim Frashëri and his elective affinity to religion in the course of 19th-century Albanian activism

In standard Albanian studies and Western scholarship, including both the work of religious and political activists and that of less ‘interested’ lay people, historical and textual fact-finding efforts have only confirmed and indeed perpetuated the myth that the thinking of Naim Frasheri was formed and dominated by Bektashism and that his ‘Albanianism’ had a Bektashi foundation. The author intends to scrutinize and disprove this analysis, arguing that while Frasheri’s thinking did indeed have a religious cast, it went far beyond Bektashism in its heterodoxy, being a kind of liberation theology and pantheism, which generated an all-inclusive attitude to Albanian identity, not one limited in any particular way to Bektashism. Methodologically, such a picture must arise if we submit the available empirical evidence to critical analysis from the perspective of social theoretical approaches to religion developed in sociology and anthropology.
Alterations in Taste Reactivity to Alcohol in Rats Given Continuous Alcohol Access Followed by Abstinence

Naive, male rats (n = 14) were given continuous access to 10% alcohol and water for a period of 6 weeks. Concurrent taste reactivity tests showed a consistent increase in ingestive responding to a range of alcohol concentrations (10%-40%) over the course of alcohol access. The rats also showed a consistent decrease in aversive responding over time. These data suggested that the palatability of alcohol increased with alcohol experience. After a 1-month period of alcohol abstinence, however, ingestive taste reactivity to alcohol returned to the same level as that found when the rats were alcohol naive, whereas aversive responding approached the level seen initially. A separate control group (n = 13) given only water for the same length of time failed to show similar changes in taste reactivity to alcohol solutions.
Male partners' appraisals of undesired pregnancy and abortion: Implications for women's adjustment to abortion.

The impact of men's attributions for pregnancy and expectations for coping with abortion on their partner's post-abortion adjustment was examined. Men's and women's attributions and coping expectations were assessed in a sample of 73 couples prior to obtaining a first-trimester abortion of an undesired pregnancy. Women's depression was assessed 30 minutes post-abortion. Partners did not differ in their coping expectations or attributions of the pregnancy to chance, situation, another person, or their own behavior, but men blamed the pregnancy more on their own character than did their partners. Male partner's coping expectancies affected women's adjustment only if the women themselves had low coping expectancies. Among women with low coping expectancies, those accompanied by partners who also had low coping expectancies were the most depressed. Men's attributions were unrelated to their partner's adjustment.
Investigations of the oogenesis-flight syndrome in Anthonomus grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) using tethered flight tests

This paper investigates the relationship between oogenesis and flight duration and the use of tethered flight as an indicator of tendency to migrate inAnthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), the boll weevil. When boll weevils were flown to exhaustion in tethered flight tests, many flew between 2 and 3 h, with several flying more than 4 h. To test the validity of the tethered flight test as an indicator of tendency to migrate, comparisons of mean flight duration were made between boll weevils trapped in pheromone traps far from any cultivated cotton and those trapped at the edge of heavily infested, flowering cotton fields. There was a significant difference in mean flight time between the two groups, supporting the assumption that long-duration tethered flight in the laboratory reflects the tendency to make long-distance flights in the field. Groups of weevils of different ages were killed after flight testing, and the degree of ovarian development and fat body status were determined and related to duration of tethered flight. Insects with undeveloped or partially developed ovaries were the most likely to make long flights. Weevils with ovaries bearing chorionated eggs made very few long flights. Flight duration was positively correlated with degree of fat body development. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the degree of ovarian development with fat body status. We conclude from these experiments thatA. grandis grandis is capable of long-distance flight, that this species displays some behavioral and physiological characteristics typical of many insect migrants including an oogenesis-flight syndrome, and that a tethered flight test is an appropriate means of measuring migratory tendency in this species.
Effects of trial duration on overall and momentary rates of maintained autoshaped keypecking: Choice and single-stimulus trials

Pigeons were exposed to differentially cued autoshaping trials in which conditioned stimuli were followed by food after 6 or 14 sec. Average and momentary rates of keypecking were examined on two types of unreinforced test trials: single-stimulus probe trials and simultaneous choice trials, each 40 sec in duration. Rates averaged over the 40-sec test trials did not favor the cue associated with the shorter delay to food (the short-delay cue) on either type of test trial; however, average rates prior to the scheduled time of food delivery were reliably higher for the short-delay cue on choice trials. Momentary rates of keypecking during choice trials varied as a function of both cue and elapsed time from trial onset. At short elapsed trial times, rate of pecking was higher for the short-delay cue, with this difference reversing at longer times. A reversal of the programmed relation between key color and delay to food presentation for 5 birds confirmed the generality of these findings. Implications of these data for models of Pavlovian conditioning and for methods of assessing conditioned response strength are discussed.
Three-dimensional temperature distribution in EHD lubrication. II. Point contact and numerical formulation

A numerical study of Newtonian thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHD) of rolling/sliding point contacts has been conducted. The two-dimensional Reynolds, elasticity and the three-dimensional energy equations were solved simultaneously to obtain the pressure, film thickness and temperature distribution within the lubricant film. The control volume approach was employed to discretize the differential equations and the multi-level multi-grid technique was used to simultaneously solve them. The discretized equations, as well as the nonorthogonal coordinate transformation used for the solution of the energy equation, are described. The pressure, film thickness and the temperature distributions, within the lubricant film at different loads, slip conditions and ellipticity parameters are presented. 20 refs.
TrkB inhibition by GNF‑4256 slows growth and enhances chemotherapeutic efficacy in neuroblastoma xenografts

manner, with an IC 50 around 7 and 50 nM, respectively. Furthermore, GNF-4256 inhibits the growth of NB xenografts as a single agent (p < 0.0001 for mice treated at 40 or 100 mg/ kg BID, compared to controls), and it significantly enhances the antitumor efficacy of irinotecan plus temozolomide (Irino–TMZ, p < 0.0071 compared to Irino–TMZ alone). Conclusions Our data suggest that GNF-4256 is a potent and specific Trk inhibitor capable of significantly slowing SY5YTrkB growth, both in vitro and in vivo. More importantly, the addition of GNF-4256 significantly enhanced the antitumor efficacy of Irino–TMZ, as measured by in vitro and in vivo growth inhibition and increased event-free survival in a mouse xenograft model, without additional toxicity. These data strongly suggest that inhibition of TrkB with GNF-4256 can enhance the efficacy of current chemotherapeutic treatment for recurrent/ refractory high-risk NBs with minimal or no additional toxicity.
Cloning of a Xenopus laevis Inwardly Rectifying K+ Channel Subunit That Permits GIRK1 Expression of IKACh Currents in Oocytes

Xenopus oocytes injected with GIRK1 mRNA express inwardly rectifying K+ channels resembling IKACh. Yet IKACh, the atrial G protein-regulated ion channel, is a heteromultimer of GIRK1 and CIR. Reasoning that an oocyte protein might be substituting for CIR, we cloned XIR, a CIR homolog endogenously expressed by Xenopus oocytes. Coinjecting XIR and GIRK1 mRNAs produced large, inwardly rectifying K+ currents responsive to m2-muscarinic receptor stimulation. The m2-stimulated currents of oocytes expressing GIRK1 alone decreased 80% after injecting antisense oligonucleotides specific to the 5' untranslated region of XIR, but GIRK1/CIR currents were unaffected. Thus, GIRK1 without XIR or CIR only ineffectively produces currents in oocytes. This result suggests that GIRK1 does not form native homomultimeric channels.
Abrogation of Oral Tolerance by Feeding Encapsulated Antigen

Abstract Results from previous studies have indicated that suppression of immune responses cannot be abrogated once oral tolerance has been established. Using a new methodology, OVA was encapsulated and fed to tolerized BDF1 mice. Results from these studies indicated that although IgG2a titers remained low, total IgG and IgG1 antibody titers were no longer suppressed compared to controls. Furthermore, in vitro splenocyte proliferation was not significantly suppressed in tolerized mice fed encapsulated OVA. To determine whether oral tolerance could be abrogated in other strains of mice, BALB/c mice were tolerized and fed encapsulated OVA. Results from these studies indicated that IgG2a as well as IgG1 and total anti-OVA antibody titers were no longer suppressed. Although splenocyte proliferation did remain significantly suppressed in these mice, IFN-γ and IL-4 levels were no longer decreased. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that abrogation of an established oral tolerance has been demonstrated.
Molecular orientation and rheology in sheared lyotropic liquid crystalline polymers

This article summarizes recent experiments relating measurements of molecular orientation to bulk rheological behavior in liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) under shear. The principal experimental techniques are flow birefringence and x-ray scattering. Since LCPs usually exhibit a “polydomain” texture, measurements of flow-induced orientation reflect both the local distribution of molecular orientation around the director and the heterogeneous distribution of director orientations in the sheared LCP. In model lyotropic solutions of poly(benzyl glutamate) (PBG) and hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), there are clear structural signatures of a transition from director tumbling dynamics at low Deborah number to flow alignment at high Deborah number. Rheo-optical measurements of the full refractive index tensor in PBG allow the orientation predictions of microstructural theories for LCP rheology to be quantitatively tested. At low shear rates the two model materials differ: PBG solutions exhibit significant orientation, while HPC solutions show little orientation. This is correlated with the presence of so-called “Region I” shear thinning in HPC solutions. Conversely, in PBG solutions of high concentration, x-ray scattering measurements demonstrate that Region I arises from the presence of a hexagonal phase. The model systems are further differentiated in relaxation. Molecular orientation increases in PBG solutions, but decreases in HPC solutions upon flow cessation; these differences are manifested in the evolution of dynamic properties. Finally, structural investigations of a PBG solution and a nematic surfactant solution during step changes in shear conditions are used to interrogate tumbling dynamics at low shear rates and test microstructural tumbling models.
Normal apical myocardial perfusion in the rat model with Takotsubo syndrome: is subsequent microvascular dysfunction and hypoperfusion an epiphenomenon?

The pathophysiology of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) continues to be elusive, but important recent contributions, like the one published on line on 5 July 2013 in the Journal ,1 will pave the way for the eventual unravelling of the mysteries surrounding this illness. The authors work focused on the crux of the pathophysiological conundrum: whether myocardial hypoperfusion is the cause, or a consequence of TTS. They referred to the literature about the conflicting reports showing myocardial hypoperfusion (often associated …
Interdiffusion and reaction at the Fe/GaAs(110) interface.

We report synchrotron radiation photoemission studies of room-temperature deposition of iron on cleaved GaAs(110). Core-level and valence-band spectra indicate substrate disruption with Fe, Ga, and As atomic intermixing. Detailed analysis shows that reacted regions develop which contain significant amounts of both Ga and As for nominal Fe coverages below \ensuremath{\sim}3 A\r{}. Coverage-dependent studies reveal that two different Fe---As bonding configurations form with the first phase being very thin and the second (dilute) Fe-As component persisting to high coverage. In contrast, Fe---Ga bonding does not produce a well-defined chemical environment. Valence-band results indicate that Fe metal starts to form by approximately 5 A\r{}, although the core-level results show that significant amounts of As are always present in the surface region. In contrast, Ga appears to be trapped near the original interface. Recent reports of magnetic properties and epitaxial growth of Fe on GaAs are evaluated in the context of the present results.
Leg Endoscopic Groin Lymphadenectomy (LEG Procedure): Step-by-Step Approach to a Straightforward Technique

Abstract Background Inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy can serve as a diagnostic and potentially therapeutic procedure in a variety of malignancies, including those of the genitalia and the skin. Historically, this procedure was associated with significant morbidity. Objective We hypothesized that both superficial and deep groin dissection (complete inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy) could be performed endoscopically, in a step-by-step manner, with low morbidity, including those patients with obesity and previously treated groins. Design, setting, and participants Twenty-five groin dissections were undertaken in 16 patients, male and female, over a 12-mo time period. Surgical procedure The femoral triangle was marked. An initial fingers' breadth–sized incision was made 3cm below the apex of the femoral triangle. Finger dissection was used to develop the skin flaps at the apex of the triangle out to two additional 10-mm ports. The anterior space was dissected, and, following that, the saphenous vein was transected distally with an endoscopic stapler. The lateral planes on the adductor longus and sartorius muscles were developed, and, finally, the posterior plane was developed, lifting the packet off the fascia lata. Deep femoral nodes were removed as well. The saphenofemoral junction was transected and the packet was removed. A drain was placed. Measurements The number of lymph nodes harvested was recorded. The development of skin complications, leg edema, and deep venous thrombosis was recorded as well. Results and limitations The average length of procedure was 147min. The mean number of lymph nodes harvested was nine. A groin seroma requiring further drainage was observed in one patient. Cellulitis was observed in two patients. Conclusions Leg endoscopic groin lymphadenectomy (LEG procedure) is straightforward to learn, with operative times that parallel the open procedure. Less morbidity has been observed in our first group of patients compared to contemporary open series.
Discourse understanding at the U. of Rochester

Current participants in the discourse understanding project at the University of Rochester are James Allen, Steven Small, Gary Cottrell, Alan Frisch, Andy Haas, Hans Koomen, Diane Litman, Lokendra Shastri, and Marc Vilain. The project is studying dialogues that concern some task that one agent is assisting the other to perform, or some complex behavior that one agent is attempting to explain to the other. Thus there is a well defined set of goals that are pursued throughout the dialogue. In such dialogues, there is extensive use of utterances that consist of short sentence fragments. In addition, clarification subdialogues arise frequently in which previous misunderstandings are corrected. In order to model such dialogues, many sources of knowledge must be exploited. In particular, we emphasize
Analysis of discrete data: rerandomization methods and complexity

Abstract Analysis of discrete data, and especially contingency table data, plays a central role in biostatistics. Traditional methods rely on approximations based on asymptotic results which are very powerful but not always appropriate. In this article we show that efficient rerandomization methods may be developed for many commonly used models and tests: multinomial testing, specifically goodness-of-fit and max tests; and goodness-of-fit of log-linear models for contingency tables. The feasibility (complexity) of these algorithms is a function of the sufficient statistics for the models. By contrast, algorithms which require the explicit enumeration of all outcomes in the sample space are exponential in the degrees of freedom, and are usually not feasible except when sample sizes are unrealistically small. The algorithms we present are different from recently proposed methods since we show how to calculate permutation distributions of commonly used statistics rather than calculating p-values for exact tests, and we emphasize underlying probability formulas rather than implementation details.
Fiber-Optic Controlled PCSS Triggers for High Voltage Pulsed Power Switches

Triggers for high voltage (HV) switches have always been critical components for reliable, efficient pulsed power systems because they control the timing synchronization and amplitude variation of multiple pulse forming lines that combine to produce the total system output pulse. In pulsed power systems of the future, the role of trigger systems are even more critical as they trigger more components and produce shaped-pulses by independent timing of individual switches or switch groups. Conventional trigger systems require high voltage trigger cables or line-of-sight optics that complicate design, demand space, and require extensive maintenance. With electrical triggers, large diameter, high voltage transmission line cables must be fed through high field regions. With optical triggers, line-of-sight optics must focus high energy laser beams to the interior of the switches with clean, rigidly-mounted, shock- withstanding optics. This paper reports on efforts to develop fiber- optically triggered photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSS) to trigger high voltage switches with improved precision and eliminate the need for large- diameter trigger cables or line-of-sight optics. These triggers simplify design because their optical-isolation allows them to "float" with the switches that they trigger and have truly independent EMP-free timing control over 200 micron diameter optical fibers. They improve the performance of prime power switches, diverters, and diagnostics because their low-jitter sub-nanosecond rise times are more precise and more easily adjusted than conventional trigger sources. For pulse charged switches, the PCSS triggers can generally derive their trigger energy from the stray fields of the high voltage switch. Test results will be presented that have demonstrated 100 ps r-m-s jitter from a 40 kV, 500 ps rise time, PCSS- triggered 300 kV trigatron gas gap. PCSS design requirements, switching properties, and trade-offs for building high voltage trigger systems will also be described based on many previous experiments with PCSS technology. Results from PCSS Blumlein and PCSS capacitive discharge pulsers will be discussed along with the designs to use these pulsers to trigger both DC and pulse charged high voltage switches.
Repeated stress alters dendritic spine morphology in the rat medial prefrontal cortex

Anatomical alterations in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) are associated with hypothalamopituitary adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, altered stress hormone levels, and psychiatric symptoms of stress-related mental illnesses. Functional imaging studies reveal impairment and shrinkage of the mPFC in such conditions, and these findings are paralleled by experimental studies showing dendritic retraction and spine loss following repeated stress in rodents. Here we extend this characterization to how repeated stress affects dendritic spine morphology in mPFC through the utilization of an automated approach that rapidly digitizes, reconstructs three dimensionally, and calculates geometric features of neurons. Rats were perfused after being subjected to 3 weeks of daily restraint stress (6 hours/day), and intracellular injections of Lucifer Yellow were made in layer II/III pyramidal neurons in the dorsal mPFC. To reveal spines in all angles of orientation, deconvolved high-resolution confocal laser scanning microscopy image stacks of dendritic segments were reconstructed and analyzed for spine volume, surface area, and length using a Rayburst-based automated approach (8,091 and 8,987 spines for control and stress, respectively). We found that repeated stress results in an overall decrease in mean dendritic spine volume and surface area, which was most pronounced in the distal portion of apical dendritic fields. Moreover, we observed an overall shift in the population of spines, manifested by a reduction in large spines and an increase in small spines. These results suggest a failure of spines to mature and stabilize following repeated stress and are likely to have major repercussions on function, receptor expression, and synaptic efficacy.
On the probability that the product of k n × n matrices over a finite field will be zero

Needless to say our result has nothing to do with probability theory, and the problem and its solution are purely combinatorial. In Section 1 we introduce our basic terminology and notation, in par- ticular the Gaussian coefficients [;I. We prove a formula for the number of linear transformations T of a vector space such that dim T(Z) = j where Z is a given i-dimensional subspace. Using this, we derive a recursive formula for the desired probability p(n, k). In Section 2 we use the q-analogue of the binomial theorem to prove two combinatorial identities involving the Gaussian coefficients. These are needed for the proof of our main theorem but may prove to be of some independent interest. The last section is devoted entirely to the statement and proof of our main result-an explicit formula for p(n, k). The proof is by induction but involves some rather nontrivial manipulations.
The inclusion problem of an infinite strip

This paper presents a direct solution for the stresses in an infinite strip containing a rigid circular inclusion located at any position within the strip. The solution is applicable to any stress system even with respect to the cross axis of symmetry of the strip. The strip is regarded in a state of generalized plane stress.
Duodenal pepsinogens in experimental duodenal ulcer in rats

Abstract Chemically induced duodenal ulcer in rats resembles the duodenal ulcer disease in humans. The mechanism of such an ulceration is not well established. This is an attempt to show that pepsinogens may play a role in such an ulceration. Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 150–175 g each were divided into four groups of six rats each. The control group (A) was given 0.5 ml of distilled water subcutaneously and experimental groups were each given cysteamine (42.5 mg/100 g body wt of rats). The rats were sacrificed at 1, 2, and 4 hr. The pepsinogen content per milligram of protein was calculated in gastric and duodenal mucosa of all groups. Cysteamine produced a marked increase in duodenal mucosal pepsinogen level; however, gastric pepsinogen levels fell and were less than half at 4 hr. This might explain why cysteamine produced only duodenal ulcers and not gastric ulcers in this experimental model.
In vitro correlates of hapten-specific delayed hypersensitivity

Abstract Azobenzenearsonate conjugates of l and d -amino acid polymers were studied in respect to their ability to stimulate lymphocytes from guinea pigs sensitized to the hapten. Using the two in vitro techniques of thymidine incorporation and inhibition of macrophage migration, it was shown that only conjugates of the l -amino acid polymers were active. The results confirm previous in vivo studies and suggest as one possibility that a preliminary processing event by macrophages may be obligatory for all associated phenomena of hapten-specific delayed hypersensitivity.
Non-cryogenic anatomical imaging in ultra-low field regime: hand MRI demonstration.

Abstract Ultra-low field (ULF) MRI with a pulsed prepolarization is a promising method with potential for applications where conventional high-, mid-, and low-field medical MRI cannot be used due to cost, weight, or other restrictions. Previously, successful ULF demonstrations of anatomical imaging were made using liquid helium-cooled SQUIDs and conducted inside a magnetically shielded room. The Larmor frequency for these demonstrations was ∼3 kHz. In order to make ULF MRI more accessible, portable, and inexpensive, we have recently developed a non-cryogenic system. To eliminate the requirement for a magnetically shielded room and improve the detection sensitivity, we increased the frequency to 83.6 kHz. While the background noise at these frequencies is greatly reduced, this is still within the ULF regime and most of its advantages such as simplicity in magnetic field generation hardware, and less stringent requirements for uniform fields, remaining. In this paper we demonstrate use of this system to image a human hand with up to 1.5 mm resolution. The signal-to-noise ratio was sufficient to reveal anatomical features within a scan time of less than 7 min. This prototype can be scaled up for constructing head and full body scanners, and work is in progress toward demonstration of head imaging.
Accuracy of determinations of serum magnesium by flame emission and atomic absorption spectrometry.

Accuracy of Determinations of Serum Magnesium by Flame Emission and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
A Tale of Two Tales

Cromwell's Being Human: Human Being (2010) covers a broad array of theoretical and practical arenas that can impact how we all—but psychologists in particular—conceptualize the nature and function of human mentation. In this article, I will abstract an overarching theme from the book that explains how (and even why) humans evolve as storytellers—first to serve intrapersonal goals, but eventually to social ends (which themselves reflect back onto intrapersonal purposes). The tale begins with each person's own private invention of time, space, and self via the constructed linkage between separate stimuli, and continues through the concoction and communication of complex theoretical frameworks. Each step of this journey involves the human being constructing a bridge between events; in other words, composing a story. Finally, the theme of “human being as storyteller” will be applied reflexively to Cromwell's decision to and action of authoring Being Human: Human Being.
Environmental reactivity characteristics of copper-oxide superconductors

Although it is known that some of the high‐Tc phases react rapidly with water, CO2, CO, and acids, no systematic comparison of the relative reactivities of the various cuprate superconductors is available. In this letter, x‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray photoemission spectroscopy, and electrochemical measurements are utilized to establish a comprehensive comparison of the intrinsic reactivity characteristics of the common copper‐oxide superconductors. Consequently, the following reactivity scale has been determined: YBa2Cu3O7≳Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3O10≳Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 ≥La1.85Sr0.15CuO4 ≳Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO4≳Nd1.85Th0.15CuO4.
Dispersal-limited zooplankton distribution and community composition in new ponds

Twelve new experimental ponds were constructed identically, filled simultaneously, had similar physical and chemical properties, and were maintained with minimal manipulation. Colonizing Zooplankton communities were sampled bi-weekly for one year. Rotifers dominated Zooplankton communities in densities, biomass, and species number (47 of 61 observed species were rotifers). Only 14 species were observed in all 12 ponds; 9 were rotifers. Twenty-nine species (26 rotifers) were recorded in ≤6 ponds. Species with high vagility exhibited greater viability. Ponds differed in Zooplankton community composition throughout the year, due to differences in both vagility and viability among colonizing species.
Variation by state in outcomes classification for deliveries less than 500 g in the United States.

The purpose of this study is to explore state-level fetal death rates and 20 weeks gestation from the NCHS live birth-infant death and fetal death files for 1999-2002 (n = 37,813). Infant deaths within 24 h of birth were selected to estimate odds of classification as a fetal death versus a live birth/infant death by state. Logistic regression was used to derive odds of classification as a fetal death and to adjust for maternal characteristics, calculating unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios. We identified 37,813 outcomes from 48 states reporting in this birthweight category. Unadjusted odds of classification of outcomes as a fetal death versus a live birth/death within 24 h by state ranged from OR = 0.38 (95% CI = 0.24-0.59) to OR = 2.93 (95% CI = 2.26-3.78); adjusted for maternal age and race, the range narrowed slightly to a OR = 0.31 (95% CI = 0.20-0.48) to aOR = 2.54 (95% CI = 1.96-3.30). Six states were more likely to classify outcomes as a live birth/infant death, while 14 states were more likely to classify as a fetal death, when compared to a large reference state. The remaining states did not differ significantly in their outcomes. The fraction of outcomes classified as fetal deaths varied by state during the years studied. This study suggests fetal death and early infant death outcomes reported for babies less than 500 g reflect differential classification thus influencing the validity of these vital statistics data at the state level. Further studies are needed to explore the factors that influence these differences.
TRIARYLMETHANE DYE PHOTOCHROMISM: SPECTROSCOPY AND PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF BRILLIANT GREEN LEUCOCYANIDE

— The spectroscopy and photochemistry of brilliant green leucocyanide 1a were investigated at room and low temperature, in polar and nonpolar solvents. At 77 K, 1a exhibits solvent independent absorption, fluorescence (φf= 0.1), and phosphorescence (φp= 0.5). Solvent effects become important at room temperature; in polar solvents, φf, decreases and photodissociation yielding brilliant green dye 3 occurs [φdis,(EtOH) ˜0.91. Dye formation and 1a fluorescence can be quenched by 0.1 M crotononitrile. Attempts to sensitize dye formation with triplet sensitizers were unsuccessful. The spectroscopy of 3 was also examined.
Computation of steady and unsteady compressible quasi-axisymmetric vortex flow and breakdown

The unsteady, compressible Navier-Stokes equations are used to compute and analyze compressible quasi-axisymmetric isolated vortices. The Navier-Stokes equations are solved using an implicit, upwind, flux-difference splitting finite-volume scheme. The developed three-dimensional solver has been verified by comparing its solution profiles with those of a slender, quasi-axisymmetric vortex solver for a subsonic, isolated quasi-axisymmetric vortex in an unbounded domain. The Navier-Stokes solver is then used to solve for a supersonic quasi-axisymmetric vortex flow in a configured circular duct. Steady and unsteady vortex-shock interactions and breakdown have been captured. The problem has also been calculated using the Euler solver of the same code and the results are compared with those of the Navier-Stokes solver. The effect of the initial swirl has been tentatively studied.
Comparative pharmacokinetics of coumarin anticoagulants VI: Effect of plasma protein binding on the distribution and elimination of bishydroxycoumarin by rats

The partitioning of bishydroxycoumarin (BHC) from rat plasma to an organic solvent phase decreases with increasing drug concentration to a minimum value and then increases as the concentration is further increased. The same type of profile is observed in the partitioning of BHC from rat plasma to the liver, both in vitro and in vivo. The elimination of large doses (60 mg./kg.) of BHC in the rat is much more rapid than the elimination of smaller (2-20 mg./kg.) doses. A plot of the elimination rate constant of BHC as a function of dose yields a curve which is similar to the partitioning profiles of BHC from plasma to liver and from plasma to organic solvent. The minimum concentration ratio, liver:plasma, in a perfused liver system and in intact animals, and the minimum in vivo elimination rate constant, occur at the same plasma concentration of BHC. These results reflect the unusual concentration dependence of the plasma protein binding of this drug. They demonstrate the pronounced effect of protein binding on the distribution of BHC, and the effect of distribution on the elimination of this drug.
MR features of a 24-year-old gossypiboma

Retained surgical sponges can cause serious diagnostic problems. We report on our experience with a piece of gauze, encapsulated for 24 years, that mimicked a soft-tissue neoplasm, and we describe its MR features.
mRNA Degradation Plays a Significant Role in the Program of Gene Expression Regulated by Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Signaling

Control of gene expression by the phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase/Akt pathway plays an important role in mammalian cell proliferation and survival, and numerous transcription factors and genes regulated by PI 3-kinase signaling have been identified. Because steady-state levels of mRNA are regulated by degradation as well as transcription, we have investigated the importance of mRNA degradation in controlling gene expression downstream of PI 3-kinase. We previously performed global expression analyses that identified a set of approximately 50 genes that were downregulated following inhibition of PI 3-kinase in proliferating T98G cells. By blocking transcription with actinomycin D, we found that almost 40% of these genes were regulated via effects of PI 3-kinase on mRNA stability. Analyses of β-globin-3' untranslated region (UTR) fusion transcripts indicated that sequences within 3' UTRs were the primary determinants of rapid mRNA decay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) experiments further showed that knockdown of BRF1 or KSRP, both ARE binding proteins (ARE-BPs) regulated by Akt, stabilized the mRNAs of a majority of the downregulated genes but that knockdown of ARE-BPs that are not regulated by PI 3-kinase did not affect degradation of these mRNAs. These results show that PI 3-kinase regulation of mRNA stability, predominantly mediated by BRF1, plays a major role in regulating gene expression.