cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mitral Valve Endocarditis: A Rare Manifestation of Lyme Disease

Valvular involvement in Lyme disease is rare. Confirmation of Borrelia species as the causative agent with polymerase chain reaction was done in a few cases in Europe and the United States. We describe a case of mitral regurgitation with a preoperative diagnosis of myxomatous mitral valve degeneration. During surgery, the surgeon suspected infective rather than degenerative etiology; the results of tissue cultures were negative. However, universal bacterial polymerase chain reaction on explanted valve tissue detected Borrelia burgdorferi DNA. If a surgeon suspects infective endocarditis at the time surgery, appropriate specimens should be sent for histopathologic analysis, culture, and polymerase chain reaction assay.
The Philosophical Gulf on the Rehnquist Court

The article examines the philosophical gulf among the members of the Court and the differing brands of liberal and conservative philosophies to which each of the justices subscribe. It is based on the conclusion that a single liberal-conservative axis is not an adequate description of the divisions on the Court. It is a study for what became Stephen E. Gottlieb, MORALITY IMPOSED: THE REHNQUIST COURT AND LIBERTY IN AMERICA (New York: New York University Press, 2000).
Stability of Supersonic Flow with Injection

Gas injection into supersonic flow past a 5° half-angle cone is studied with three injected gases: helium, nitrogen, and RC318. Experiments are performed in a Mach 4 Ludwieg tube with nitrogen as t...
Interbody Fusions in the Lumbar Spine: A Review:

BackgroundLumbar interbody fusion is among the most common types of spinal surgery performed. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a number of different approaches to the intervertebral spa...
Annals On Call - Fecal Transplantation for C difficile

In this episode of Annals On Call, Dr. Centor discusses the treatment of recurrent C difficile infection with Dr. Dimitri Drekonja.
Identifying Turmeric Powder by Source and Metanil Yellow Adulteration Levels Using Near-Infrared Spectra and PCA-SIMCA Modeling.

ABSTRACT Turmeric sourced from six retailers was processed into a powder and adulterated with metanil yellow (MY) at concentrations of 0.0 to 30% (w/w). A handheld near-infrared spectrometer was used to obtain spectral scans of the samples, which were preprocessed using Savitzky-Golay first-derivative (SG1) approximation using 61 smoothing points and second-order polynomial. The preprocessed spectra were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) followed by classification by soft independent modeling class analogy (SIMCA) and were used to group the adulterated turmeric powder samples according to the source (i.e., processor) of adulteration. Results showed the first principal component (PC1) of PCA models was sensitive to adulteration level, but when coupled with SIMCA, unadulterated and adulterated samples could be classified according to their source despite having high levels of MY. At 5% level of significance, all of the samples were correctly classed for origin during validation. Some samples were classified under two groups, indicating possible inherent similarities. When the PCA model was built using only unadulterated samples, the PCA-SIMCA model could not classify the adulterated samples but could classify those with very low levels (≤2%, w/w) of MY, allowing for segregation of adulterated samples but not identification of sources. The combination of near-infrared and PCA-SIMCA modeling is a great tool not only to detect adulterated turmeric powder but also, potentially, to deter it in the future because the source of adulterated food can be traced back to the source of adulteration. HIGHLIGHTS
Total Eclipse of the Zoo: Animal Behavior during a Total Solar Eclipse

The infrequency of a total solar eclipse renders the event novel to those animals that experience its effects and, consequently, may induce anomalous behavioral responses. However, historical information on the responses of animals to eclipses is scant and often conflicting. In this study, we qualitatively document the responses of 17 vertebrate taxa (including mammals, birds, and reptiles) to the 2017 total solar eclipse as it passed over Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina. In the days leading up to the eclipse, several focal teams, each consisting of researchers, animal keepers, and student/zoo volunteers conducted baseline observations using a combination of continuous ad libitum and scan sampling of each animal during closely matched seasonal conditions. These same focal teams used the same protocol to observe the animals in the hours preceding, during, and immediately following the eclipse. Additionally, for one species-siamangs (Symphalangus syndactylus)-live video/audio capture was also employed throughout observations to capture behavior during vocalizations for subsequent quantitative analysis. Behavioral responses were classified into one or more of four overarching behavioral categories: normal (baseline), evening, apparent anxiety, and novel. Thirteen of seventeen observed taxa exhibited behaviors during the eclipse that differed from all other observation times, with the majority (8) of these animals engaging in behaviors associated with their evening or nighttime routines. The second predominant behavior was apparent anxiety, documented in five genera: baboons (Papio hamadryas), gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), giraffes (Giraffa cf. camelopardalis), flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber), and lorikeets (Trichoglossus moluccanus and Trichoglossus haematodus). Novel behaviors characterized by an increase in otherwise nearly sedentary activity were observed only in the reptiles, the Galapagos tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra) and the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). While the anthropogenic influences on animal behaviors-particularly those relating to anxiety-cannot be discounted, these observations provide novel insight into the observed responses of a diverse vertebrate sample during a unique meteorological stimulus, insights that supplement the rare observations of behavior during this phenomenon for contextualizing future studies.
The Covers of Young Adult Novels and Their Graphic Novel Adaptations: A Qualitative Multimodal Content Analysis.

Drawing from theories of visual culture, social semiotics, and multimodality, the researchers conducted a qualitative multimodal content analysis of the covers of 21 young adult (YA) books that had...
Patient navigation among recently hospitalized smokers to promote tobacco treatment: Results from a randomized exploratory pilot study

Abstract Introduction Adding screening for health-related social needs to tobacco treatment interventions initiated during hospitalizations may improve intervention effectiveness among vulnerable populations. Our objective was to examine the effect the acceptability and feasibility of a intervention in which a patient navigator screens for and addresses social needs to increase receipt of smoking cessation medication among recently hospitalized smokers at a safety-net hospital. Methods In a two-group randomized exploratory pilot study, we assigned hospitalized smokers to either the Enhanced Traditional Control (ETC) group (list of smoking cessation resources) or ETC + Patient Navigation (up to 10 h of navigation over a 3-month period, in which a navigator screens for and addresses health-related social needs). We assessed socio-demographics, smoking-related variables, and process data. Results Of 171 individuals screened, 44 (26%) were enrolled. Participants (mean age = 54.9 years, 61.4% non-Hispanic black, 68.2% high school education or less) smoked a mean of 11.4 cigarettes/day. 20 participants received a prescription for a cessation medication, 42.9% in the ETC group and 47.8% in the ETC + Patient Navigation group. 11 participants (47.8%) in the ETC + Patient Navigation group received the minimum intervention dose (completion of the social needs screener and at least one counseling session). Barriers to navigation were participants’ medical illness and difficulty connecting with participants. Conclusions Although nearly half of hospitalized smokers receiving support from a patient navigator received a prescription for a smoking cessation medication, the percentage did not differ by study arm. Refinement of the protocol to coordinate with hospital-wide tobacco treatment and social needs screening initiatives is needed.
The role of directionality in determining spatiotemporal tau pathology differs between AD-Like and Non-AD-Like mouse models

ABSTRACT Introduction Current research indicates divergent spatiotemporal tauopathy progression between conditions and implicates transsynaptic connectome-based spread as a main mechanism. We examine tauopathy and connectome interactions to investigate why different spatiotemporal patterns of pathology arise. Methods We test whether divergent spatiotemporal tau pathology patterns from 15 mouse-model datasets can be explained by a directional bias in tau transmission along fiber tracts via a mathematical model called Directed Network Transmission (DNT). Results Amyloid-comorbid tauopathic mouse models meant to mimic AD demonstrate spatiotemporal tauopathy patterns consistent with retrograde direction spread biases. Non-amyloid-comorbid mice demonstrate no consistent spread biases. Further, canonically ‘early’ tau pathology regions in AD are implicated as having earliest pathology in a simulation with random tauopathy seeding locations with retrograde biased spread. Discussion These results implicate directional biases in tau pathology spread along fiber tracts as a strong candidate explanation for divergent spatiotemporal tau progression between conditions.
Re-evaluating intergroup dynamics in the South: Racial attitudes among Latino immigrants in Durham, NC.

Abstract Racial attitudes have long been studied for their salience to inter-group relations and the insight they provide into the nature of ethno-racial hierarchies. While research on racial attitudes among Latinos, now the largest minority group in the United States, has grown in recent decades, critical gaps remain. As such, this paper explores Latino immigrants’ attitudes toward Whites, Blacks, and other Latinos across multiple dimensions, including perceived affluence, intelligence, cultural behaviors, and receptivity to contact. We examine cross-group and cross-dimension variation in attitudes in order to evaluate key theories in the literature on racial attitudes, including the effects of socio-demographic factors, social contact, perceived threat, and forms of insecurity. Overall, Latino attitudes do not neatly subscribe to White superiority across dimensions, as they perceive differences in intelligence to be more modest than those in affluence, and rate their own cultural behaviors above those of Whites. Increased contact is associated with more positive views toward Blacks, but more negative views toward Whites and to a lesser extent, other Latinos. Perceived threat results in lower evaluations of all groups, whereas greater insecurity results in negative attitudes toward Whites and Blacks, but appears to push Latinos closer to their own group. Overall, results suggest that among immigrant Latinos, greater integration and social contact reduce White supremacy, rather than simply improving attitudes towards all out-groups, but that the softening of anti-Black prejudice is undermined by perceived vulnerability to crime and anti-immigrant forces.
A Bespoke Electronic Health Record for Epilepsy Care (EpiToMe): Development and Qualitative Evaluation

Background: While electronic health records (EHR) bring various benefits to health care, EHR systems are often criticized as cumbersome to use, failing to fulfill the promise of improved health care delivery with little more than a means of meeting regulatory and billing requirements. EHR has also been recognized as one of the contributing factors for physician burnout. Objective: Specialty-specific EHR systems have been suggested as an alternative approach that can potentially address challenges associated with general-purpose EHRs. We introduce the Epilepsy Tracking and optimized Management engine (EpiToMe), an exemplar bespoke EHR system for epilepsy care. EpiToMe uses an agile, physician-centered development strategy to optimize clinical workflow and patient care documentation. We present the design and implementation of EpiToMe and report the initial feedback on its utility for physician burnout. Methods: Using collaborative, asynchronous data capturing interfaces anchored to a domain ontology, EpiToMe distributes reporting and documentation workload among technicians, clinical fellows, and attending physicians. Results of documentation are transmitted to the parent EHR to meet patient care requirements with a push of a button. An HL7 (version 2.3) messaging engine exchanges information between EpiToMe and the parent EHR to optimize clinical workflow tasks without redundant data entry. EpiToMe also provides live, interactive patient tracking interfaces to ease the burden of care management. Results: Since February 2019, 15,417 electroencephalogram reports, 2635 Epilepsy Monitoring Unit daily reports, and 1369 Epilepsy Monitoring Unit phase reports have been completed in EpiToMe for 6593 unique patients. A 10-question survey was completed by 11 (among 16 invited) senior clinical attending physicians. Consensus was found that EpiToMe eased the burden of care documentation for patient management, a contributing factor to physician burnout. Conclusions: EpiToMe offers an exemplar bespoke EHR system developed using a physician-centered design and latest advancements in information technology. The bespoke approach has the potential to ease the burden of care management in epilepsy. This approach is applicable to other clinical specialties.
Who gets to vote? Racialized mental images of legitimate and illegitimate voters

When people support voter identification (ID) laws, who do they imagine they are keeping in and out of the voting booth? We investigated this question across three studies. First, using a tradition...
Qualitative exploration of the reproductive health perceptions of middle-aged women in the United States.

Empirical literature exploring the reproductive health experiences of middle-aged women is limited. Little is known about their experiences and decision-making processes related to reproductive hea...
Yasui Conversion After Biventricular Repair in Patients With Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction

Surgical re-intervention for progressive left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after a standard biventricular repair of aortic arch obstruction and ventricular septal defect is rare but can occur. In this situation, left ventricular outflow bypass surgery can be performed to relieve left ventricular outflow tract obstruction by creating an intraventricular baffle to channel the re-opened ventricular septal defect to the pulmonary valve, Damus-Kaye-Stansel anastomosis, and right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery connection with a valved conduit. This strategy, termed as “Yasui conversion,” is a safe and useful alternative procedure for selected patients.
Mechanisms of Acoustic Desorption of Atomic Clusters and Exfoliation of Graphene Multilayers

The phenomenon of acoustic desorption is studied in a series of atomistic simulations that account for the nonlinear evolution of the acoustic wave profiles during the wave propagation through the ...
Contour Analysis of a Mechanism with One Dyad

Closed contour equations for velocities and accelerations are given for closed kinematic mechanisms. The contour equations are based on contour diagrams and take into consideration the relative velocities and accelerations between two adjacent links. The inverse dynamics is based on contour diagrams and D’Alembert principle.
Law and Economic Development: The Supply Of Precedents in Ghana

(2005). Law and Economic Development: The Supply Of Precedents in Ghana. Oxford University Commonwealth Law Journal: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 1-28.
Nielsen Receives 2001 Horton medal

Donald R. Nielsen was awarded the Robert E. Horton Medal at the AGU Spring Meeting Honors Ceremony, which was held May 31, 2001, in Boston, Massachusetts. The medal recognizes outstanding contributions to the geophysical aspects of hydrology.
Impact of BGP Dynamics on Router CPU Utilization

The Internet is an interconnection of separately administered networks called Autonomous Systems or ASes. To reach entities outside the AS, the inter-domain routing protocol used today is the Border Gateway Protocol or BGP [1]. It has been approximately 15 years since BGP was deployed on the Internet. The number of ASes participating in BGP has grown to over 16,000 today. However, this growth has been super-linear during the past few years [2]. With this sudden growth there has been concern in the research community about how well BGP is scaling. In particular, it has been noted that there is significant growth in the volume of BGP route announcements (or route flapping) [3] and in the number of BGP route entries in the routers of various ASes [2].
Collective intelligence in the social web

Many online communities are emerging that, like Wikipedia, bring people together to build valuable long-lasting artifacts in peer production communities. These communities exhibit several forms of collective intelligence, including effective decentralized cooperation within large groups of humans, partnerships between human and computer agents, and interaction effects between the two.
On the Diophantine equation NX2+2L3M=YN

Abstract We prove that the Diophantine equation N X 2 + 2 L 3 M = Y N has no solutions ( N , X , Y , L , M ) in positive integers with N > 1 and gcd ( N X , Y ) = 1 , generalizing results of Luca, Wang and Wang, and Luca and Soydan. Our proofs use results of Bilu, Hanrot, and Voutier on defective Lehmer pairs.
Adam Smith and the Free Market

In this chapter I show Adam Smith’s great admiration for the new free market economy that is exemplified by his report on the enormous productivity of the pin-factory. Smith attributes this great productivity to the division of labor which allows workers to specialize and which encourages them, out of self-interest, to look for machines to help in their work. On the demand side, the new economy relies on the human tendency to barter where self-interest replaces friendship as the means to get what one wants. This tendency to barter entices the system to produce what people want at the cheapest possible price. This is, according to Smith, the presence of a kind of “invisible hand.” It is not the result of a (government) plan. Next, I show that Smith, provides an argument that the help of the government is needed in the case of the provision of roads thereby prefiguring the modern concept of public goods. I show how Smith anticipates the modern concept of merit good in his discussion of education, monopolies and the need of governmental control of banking. Smith even discusses the danger of lobbying to influence the regulatory power of the state.
Involvement of Radical Species in the Oxidation of Aminopyrine and 4-Aminoantipyrine by Cumene Hydroperoxide in Rat Liver Microsomes

Spectral changes observed during the microsomal oxidation of aminopyrine by cumene hydroperoxide have demonstrated the formation of the aminopyrine radical prior to, and concomitant with, the formation of antipyrine red. The latter chromophore is the oxidation product of 4-aminoantipyrine in several systems, including microsomes with cumene hydroperoxide, which generate one-electron oxidants. The spin-trap nitrosobenzene strongly inhibited not only the cumene hydroperoxide-supported oxidation of aminopyrine and its metabolite, but also the oxygen utilization of microsomes stimulated by this hydroperoxide. Thus, efficient trapping by nitrosobenzene of reactive organic radicals derived from cumene hydroperoxide inhibits their subsequent reactions, i.e., substrate oxidation and initiation of lipid peroxidation. These cumene hydroperoxide-dependent activities of microsomes were significantly inhibited by micromolar concentrations of metyrapone and also by known substrates of cytochrome P-450, thus demonstrating the essential role of this hemeprotein in these reactions.
ANALYSIS OF THE ALBINO-LOCUS REGION OF THE MOUSE. I. ORIGIN AND VIABILITY

Numerous specific-locus experiments designed to test the mutagenic effect of external radiation have yielded, in over 3,600,000 animals observed, altogether 119 presumed mutations involving the c locus. Of these, 55 were viable and albino (cav), 13 were viable and of various intermediate pigment types (cxv), four were subvital (cas and cxs), seven were neonatally lethal albinos (cal), 28 prenatally lethal albinos (cal); 12 died untested. All of the prenatally lethal and at least one of the neonatally lethal c-locus mutations (cal classes) are probably deficiencies that we have analyzed extensively in other experiments. Since absence of the locus mimics albino in phenotype, the intermediates (cxv and cxs groups) probably resulted from intragenic changes. The class of viable albino mutants (cav) might include, in addition to intragenic changes, some extremely small deficiencies. --The effects on viability of c-locus lethals (cal's) in heterozygous condition are not drastic enough to be perceived in stocks of mixed genetic background except in the case of the two longest known deficiencies and a few others. --Analysis of the relation between radiation treatment and type of c-locus mutants obtained shows that the relative frequency of viable mutations, for each germ-cell type, is greater for low-LET than for neutron irradiation; however, the difference for any individual cell type is not significant. The majority (66.7%) of mutations derived from X- or gamma-ray irradiated spermatogonia are viable, and the proportion of "intermediates" among these viables is similar to that among presumed spontaneous c-locus mutations. No significant dose-rate effect on the proportion of lethals could be demonstrated within the set of mutants induced by low-LET irradiation of spermatogonia. Although sets from other germ-cell stages are too small for statistical tests, the results for oocytes are similar, as far as they go. Furthermore, most of the c-locus mutations induced in spermatogonia, even by high-dose-rate X-ray or gamma irradiation, are of a type most likely to result from single-tract events (62% cxv, cxs, and cav; plus 16% presumed deficiencies not involving the closest marker). These results support the view that most of the reduction in mutation frequency at low dose rates is not due to a change in relative proportion of two-track and one-track ionizing events.
Preventing injuries, disability, and death at work (starting with vehicles and guns!)

ABSTRACT In this issue of The Journal (p 692), Baker and colleagues report a painstaking epidemiologic investigation of all 148 fatal work-related injuries for one year in the state of Maryland. The diverse causes and circumstances are specified in detail and on a scale far more comprehensible than the National Safety Council's national estimates of 13,000 deaths and more than 200 million lost workdays per year. Surprisingly, perhaps, the leading cause of death by far was motor vehicle accidents of many kinds, and the second leading cause was assault with guns. The majority of deaths involved hazards not addressed by most professional or regulatory efforts to improve occupational safety and health. People who drive on the job, pilots, farmers, and persons at high risk of being assaulted are outside the protection of the Occupational Safety and Health Act for all practical purposes.These results in one state reflect the nationwide shift
Western Oregon Grass Seed Crop Rotation and Straw Residue Effects on Soil Quality

Understanding the impact of crop rotation and residue management in grass seed production systems on soil quality and, in particular soil C dynamics, is critical in making long-term soil management decisions supporting farm sustainability. The effects of a 6-yr rotation and residue management (high vs. low residue) on soil quality were investigated at three locations in Oregon, each contrasting in soil drainage classification. The crop rotations were continuous perennial grass seed production, grass/legume seed production, and grass/legume/cereal seed production. The grass species grown at each location were different and represented those most commonly produced in each environment; perennial ryegrass (L.), tall fescue [ (Scop.) Holub], and creeping red fescue (L.). All three grass seed crop rotations and residue methods maintained high soil quality in conventional or direct seeded soils, but under some situations, soil quality was higher with continuous grass rotation and high residue. Data suggest that straw removal for value-added use, like bioenergy production, can be accomplished in the Pacific Northwest Marine climate without appreciably affecting soil quality. Furthermore, grass seed cropping systems play an important role in soil C storage and enhancement, a valuable ecosystem service in this region where grass seed is produced on land that is not suitable for production of conventional crops that require better-drained soil. We conclude that by nature perennial grass seed crops promote high soil fertility and enriched soil C pools and consequently contribute to the tolerance of these systems to the use of less conservation-oriented crop management methods at times when crop loss could be potentially high. This attribute provides producers greater latitude in selecting soil and crop management options to address issues of soil fertility, pest, weed, or seed certification to minimize economic crop yield losses.
Activity-independent neural influences on cat soleus motor unit phenotypes

The physiological and phenotypic properties of motor units in the cat soleus muscle were studied after 4 months of inactivity induced by spinal cord isolation (SI). The soleus of some SI cats were stimulated for 30 min/day during an isometric (SI-I), shortening (SI-S), or lengthening (SI-L) phase of a simulated step cycle. Mean maximum tetanic tensions were approximately 15, 26, 32, and 51% of the control in the SI, SI-S, SI-L, and SI-I groups. Mean time-to-peak tension was approximately 50% shorter than the control in all SI groups. One motor unit was glycogen-depleted in each muscle via repetitive stimulation. Eighteen physiologically slow and 9 fast motor units from the spinal cord-isolated groups consisted of fibers that contained only slow myosin heavy chain (MHC) and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum calcium-adenotriphosphatase (SERCA) isoforms. Two motor units (physiologically fast) consisted primarily of fibers that contained both fast and slow MHC and SERCA. These data reflect a dissociation between isometric speed-related properties and MHC and SERCA isoforms following inactivity. The predominance of fibers containing both fast and slow MHC and SERCA isoforms in 2 motor units demonstrates a strong motoneuronal influence on the muscle-fiber phenotype even when the motoneurons are silent.
The Supreme Court's spring term: abortion, the right to die, and the decline of privacy rights

In the spring of 1990 several Supreme Court decisions were handed down that will drastically affect health policy in the US for decades. Hodgson v. Minnesota affirmed a Minnesota statute that required unemancipated minors seeking abortion to give 48-hour notice to both parents. The only exceptions are in cases of medical emergency or through a judicial bypass. Ohio v. Akron Center for Reproductive Health upheld the constitutionality of an OHio law that requires physicians to personally give a 24-hour notice or a 48-hour constructive notice by mail before performing an abortion for an unemancipated minor. A judicial bypass is also allowed in the Ohio law. Cruzan v. Missouri Department of Health affirmed the constitutionality of a state court decision to deny the family of a woman in a persistent vegetative state to discontinue her life-sustaining treatment. This decision severely changes the right to die that has previously been upheld by lower courts. The 2 abortion cases have clearly shown the court to has taken a stance that will significantly weaken the right to abortion in Roe. The Cruzan case raises many questions about the vested state interest in protecting its citizens compared to an individuals right to refuse treatment.
The human trisomy 21 brain: Insights from mouse models of Down syndrome

One of the most common genetic disorders, Down syndrome has involved physicians and scientists from many disciplines in the attempt to understand the varied and sometimes specific phenotypes resulting from the presence of extra genetic material on human chromosome 21. Among the nervous system phenotypes seen in Down syndrome, mental retardation and the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease have presented major challenges. Advances in the development of animal models of Down syndrome have greatly facilitated our ability not only to ask fundamental questions about the pathogenesis of various nervous system phenotypes, but to determine strategies to prevent or ameliorate certain abnormalities. This review summarizes what we have learned from mouse models of Down syndrome about the Down syndrome brain. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of staging lymphadenectomy in prostate cancer

Abstract Objectives. To prospectively evaluate a clinical algorithm that predicts nodal status in patients with prostate cancer and to assess the impact on the outcome. Methods. Between September 1988 and December 1994, 192 patients with organ-confined prostate cancer and considered surgical candidates for radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP) were stratified using the algorithm: prostate-specific antigen (PSA) 20 ng/mL or less, Gleason score 7 or lower, and clinical Stage T2a or lower. Patients failing any of these criteria were placed in the high-risk group and underwent a pelvic lymphadenectomy. Patients who satisfied all the criteria were placed in the low-risk group and underwent RPP without evaluation of the pelvic lymph nodes. Another contemporaneous cohort of patients (n = 65) underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy and radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) without use of the algorithm and were used as a control group. Patients were monitored for at least 24 months. Results. In the RPP group, 177 patients were considered low risk according to the algorithm and were not offered staging lymphadenectomy before surgery, whereas 15 patients were categorized as high risk for metastasis and underwent staging lymphadenectomy. In the RRP and lymphadenectomy group, 41 patients were considered at low risk and 24 at high risk of disease spread according to the algorithm. In the RPP group, low-risk patients (no lymphadenectomy) had a PSA recurrence rate (27%) similar to that of low-risk patients in the RRP group with negative lymph nodes (29%), P = 0.8. Similarly, high-risk patients with negative lymph nodes in both groups had a similar recurrence rate (53% for RPP and 50% for RRP). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that PSA was the most significant predictor for disease recurrence (P = 0.0004) followed by preoperative Gleason scores (P = 0.02) and clinical stages (P = 0.03). Multivariate stepwise analysis demonstrated that Gleason score and clinical stage did not add to the prediction of recurrence over PSA alone. Conclusions. Staging lymphadenectomy can be omitted in low-risk patients without deleterious effects on the outcome as measured by PSA recurrence.
Four predicted high-temperature superconductors

The charge-reservoir oxygen model has successfully predicted that four materials will superconduct. In all cases the successful predictions were based on the idea that the superconductivity inhabits the charge reservoirs, not the cuprate-planes.
Automatic Generation Control and Its Implementation in Real Time

In power systems, the control mechanism responsible for maintaining the system frequency to the nominal value and the real power interchange between balancing authority areas to the scheduled values is referred to as automatic generation control (AGC). The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic way to determine, in real time, the power allocated to each generator participating in AGC by taking into account the cost and quality of the AGC service provided. To this end, we formulate the economic dispatch process and gain insights into the economic characteristics of the generating units. We value the quality of AGC service by taking into consideration the ramping constraints of the generating units. The proposed methodology is illustrated in the WECC system and is compared with other allocation methods.
The Role of For-Profit Colleges in Increasing Postsecondary Completions

DOI 10.1515/cjpp-2012-0010 Calif. J. Politics Policy 2012; 4(2): 140–160 Research Article Su Jin Jez* The Role of For-Profit Colleges in Increasing Postsecondary Completions Abstract: For-profit institutions of higher education have been in the hot seat for their recruiting practices and questions of quality have reached a crescendo. Still, a large number of students are attending these colleges. For-profits enroll a more diverse student population than any other higher education sector in California, including the community colleges, and about half of their students receive Pell Grants – a smaller proportion than non-profits, and a number similar to the Uni- versity of California system. Not only are many students attending for-profits, but a large number of them are graduating from these institutions. I found that in 2010, more than 20% of the long-term certificates, associates and bachelor’s degrees were awarded by a for-profit institution. These certificates and degrees focus on career-related fields, such as health sciences, and few are in the tra- ditional liberal arts, such as the humanities, math, or social sciences. As state- level policy conversations in higher education focus on outcomes and increasing educational attainment rates, they must include for-profit institutions in strategic planning. While there may be much to be critical of regarding for-profits, they still educate a huge number of students, and these numbers are only growing. Keywords: For-Profit Colleges; higher education policy; state-level policy *Corresponding author: Su Jin Jez, Department of Public Policy & Administration, California State University, Sacramento, CA, USA, e-mail: jez@csus.edu 1 Introduction President Barack Obama has called for the USA to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020 (Obama 2009). To achieve this goal, about 60% of young Americans would need a college degree (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development 2010). Thirty-eight percent of young Californians have a postsecondary degree (“American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample” 2009), and if current trends continue, this figure would reach 40% by
Treatment of Malignant Mesothelioma With Methotrexate and Vinblastine, With or Without Platinum Chemotherapy

Study objective To determine the efficacy of methotrexate, vinblastine, and platinum chemotherapy in patients with diffuse unresectable malignant mesothelioma. Design Patients with histologically confirmed malignant mesothelioma were evaluated for treatment with methotrexate, vinblastine, and cisplatin chemotherapy. If the patient had preexisting hearing loss or neuropathy, or was significantly disabled (eg, spending greater than half of the day in bed or a chair), cisplatin therapy was withheld. Setting All patients were initially evaluated at the University of Washington Medical Center and received chemotherapy at the University of Washington or in the community. Interventions Between 1990 and 1994, 17 patients received this chemotherapy. Ten patients received cisplatin, 100 mg/m 2 IV on day 1, methotrexate, 30 mg/m 2 IV on days 8, 15, and 22, and vinblastine, 3 mg/m 2 IV on days 8, 15, and 22, in 28-day cycles. One patient had carboplatin substituted for cisplatin due to preexisting hearing loss. Six patients received weekly methotrexate and vinblastine at the same doses without platinum. Measurements and results Nine of the 17 (53%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 28 to 77%) patients responded, including two complete remissions, two partial remissions, and five regressions. Median time to progression is 8 months. The median survival time for all patients is 14 months. Projected 2-year survival is 35% (95% CI, 12 to 60%). Conclusions Although the number of the patients in this study is small, the response rate and projected 2-year survival of 35% are better than those typically reported for unresectable malignant mesothelioma. Further investigation is warranted in confirmatory trials.
3D image reconstruction algorithms for cryo-electron-microscopy images of virus particles

A statistical model for the object and the complete image formation process in cryo electron microscopy of viruses is presented. Using this model, maximum likelihood reconstructions of the 3D structure of viruses are computed using the expectation maximization algorithm and an example based on Cowpea mosaic virus is provided.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nitro-Functionalized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with direct covalent bonding to nitro groups are reported. SWNTs covalently functionalized with nitro groups are prepared by chemical transformation of the carboxylic acid groups introduced on the wall of carbon nanotubes. Nitro-functionalized SWNTs have potential applications in energetic materials. The nitrated SWNTs are characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
The synthesis of 14C‐safrole, myristicin and elemicin labeled in the allyl side chain

The preparation of 1-[ (3′-14C)-Allyl]-3,4-methylene dioxy-,1-[(3′-14C)-allyl]-3-methoxy-4,5-methylene dioxy-, and 1-[(3′-14C)-allyl]-3,4,5-trimethaoxy benzenes is described. The 14C-label was introduced into the 3′-carbon of the allylic side chain via the Wittig reaction.
The influence of elastic strain energy on the formation of coherent hexagonal phases

The elastic strain energy function,Y (n), of coherent hexagonal phases has been derived for arbitrary directions,n, in a parent phase with arbitrary crystal structure. These calculations indicate that in all casesY (n) exhibits transverse isotropy about thec axis. As a result,Y (n) has a pronounced effect on the morphology of the precipitating structures. In the case of hexagonal inclusions, three possible optimum shapes in reciprocal space are identified: 1) a rod parallel to thec axis, 2) a plate perpendicular to thec axis, and 3) a hollow conical shape with the axis of revolution parallel toc. The precise precipitate shape can be predicted by identifying the directionno which minimizes the strain energy function,Y (n). Evaluation ofY (n) for η and ή MgZn2 precipitates in the ternary Al-Mg-Zn system correctly predicts the orientation and morphology of the particles. This method has also been extended to explore the morphology of the microstructure of hexagonal spinodal alloys. It is shown that the gradient energy term is generally anisotropic, and that together with the strain energy function,Y(n), has a strong influence on composition fluctuations. It is predicted that a one-dimensional periodic compositional variation along the [001] direction should be observed whenY [001] is a global minimum. In all other cases, the microstructure is complex and lacks periodicity.
Beta-receptor blockade decreases carnitine palmitoyl transferase I activity in dogs with heart failure

Background: Pharmacological inhibition of carnitine palmitoyl transferase I (CPT-I), the enzyme controlling the rate of fatty acid transport into the mitochondria, prevents the contractile dysfunction, myosin isozyme shift and deterioration in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2− handling that occurs in rat models of left ventricular hypertrophy. In this study we examine whether the improved cardiac function with beta blockade therapy in heart failure is associated with an alteration in CPT-I activity. Methods and Results: We examined dogs with coronary microembolism-induced heart failure treated for 12 weeks with metoprolol (25 mg twice daily). Myocardial activities of CPT-I, medium-chain acyl co-enzyme A dehydrogenase (MCAD, a beta-oxidation enzyme), citrate synthase, and triglyceride content were measured. The progressive decrease in cardiac function was prevented by treatment with metoprolol, as reflected by an improved ejection fraction over 12 weeks in the metoprolol group (from 35% to 40%) compared to the untreated heart failure dogs (decrease from 36% to 26%). Dogs treated with metoprolol had a marked decrease in CPT-I activity (0.46 ± 0.03 vs. 0.64 ± 0.02 μmol min−1g−1wet weight; P < .02) along with an increase in triglyceride concentration compared to untreated heart failure dogs (3.9 ± 0.3 v 4.9 ± 0.2 μmol/g wet weight, respectively; P < .003). By contrast, MCAD and citrate synthase activities did not change. Conclusion: Metoprolol induced a decrease in CPT-I activity and an increase in triglyceride content. These results suggest that the improved function observed with beta blockers in heart failure could be due, in part, to a decrease in CPT-I activity and less fatty acid oxidation by the heart.
Critical Factors for Enhancing Municipal Public Hearings

Although public hearings are the most common form of citizen input, they often fail to achieve their objectives. This nationwide survey of city administrators identifies factors that contribute most to successful public hearings. The most successful hearings have (1) a greater number of prehearing educational methods, (2) more media types and greater media frequency in the formal presentation, (3) more control over speakers' presentation time, (4) greater use of open follow-up meetings, and (5) more use of newspaper and direct mail to communicate posthearing decisions to the public. The qualitative data reveal city managers' 10 critical factors that are essential to the success of public hearings: effectively notifying and educating the public before the hearing; carefully planning the meeting; giving a clear, media-rich presentation of the issues; properly facilitating the meeting; and conducting appropriate follow-up.
Gender differences in coping and daily stress in conduct-disordered and non-conduct-disordered adolescents

Research shows that conduct disorder (CD) manifests differently in boys and girls, yet little is known about specific characteristics of girls with CD. This study examined gender differences in stress and coping in both CD (n = 69) and non-conduct-disordered (NCD) adolescents (n = 64). Results indicated similar patterns of gender differences in stress and coping, although CD adolescents reported a higher frequency of stress and maladaptive coping strategies than NCDs. Girls reported more daily stress and greater use of coping associated with both social relationships and emotional venting. A significant interaction effect distinguished girls with CD from other groups by their higher level of daily stress, more frequent use of self-injurious behavior and emotion-focused coping, and deficits in active coping.
Biocytin as a constituent of methylmalonyl-oxaloacetic transcarboxylase and propionyl CoA carboxylase of bacterial origin

Abstract Propionyl-CoA carboxylase containing tritium-labeled biotin has been partially purified from Mycobacterium smegmatis. After preliminary purification the purity of the enzyme can be followed by specific radioactivity. The propionyl-CoA carboxylase of bacterial origin differs from the same enzyme isolated from animal tissues. It has a broader pH range and a greater substrate affinity. Biocytin (ϵ-N-biotinyl- l -lysine) containing tritium-labeled biotin has been isolated and purified from preparations of oxaloacetic transcarboxylase of Propionibacterium shermanii and of propionyl-CoA carboxylase of M. smegmatis. 3
Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Thin Metal Films by Means of Bulge Testing of Micromachined Windows

Free-standing films of gold and aluminum have been fabricated using standard micro-machining techniques. LPCVD silicon nitride films are deposited onto (100) silicon wafers. Square and rectangular silicon nitride membranes are made by anisotropic etching of the silicon substrates. Then, metal films are deposited onto the silicon nitride membranes by means of evaporation. Finally, the sacrificial silicon nitride film is etched away by means of reactive plasma etching, resulting in well-defined, square and rectangular metal membranes. Bulge testing of square windows allows one to determine the biaxial modulus of the film as well as the residual stress in it. Testing rectangular windows yields the plane-strain elastic modulus and the residual stress. Since deformation in rectangular membranes approaches plane-strain deformation, this geometry is ideal for studying the plastic properties of the metal films. Stress-strain curves can be readily determined from the load-deflection curves of rectangular membranes. The gold films have a biaxial modulus of 161±3 GPa and a plane-strain modulus of 105±5 GPa, slightly lower than the literature values for a (111) textured film. The yield stress of these films is approximately 231±17 MPa at 10−4% plastic strain. The elastic moduli of the aluminum films are 105±3 GPa and 76.4±0.7 GPa, respectively; the yield stress of these films is 187±30MPa.
Education and the Internet: applications to communication curricula

Abstract The internet is taking the Universities by storm, impacting all aspects of the traditional institutions. Faculty, students and the physical campus itself are facing the challenge of keeping up with technology or being left behind. Communication departments will have the opportunity and the necessity to incorporate these new tools into their methods of teaching as well as into their curricula.