cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Image-Guided Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for IgG4-Related Ophthalmic Disease.

Background. IgG4-related ophthalmic disease is a rare, newly recognized entity with high failure rates on first-line therapy of systemic corticosteroids and no other proven management options. Case Presentation. Here, we present the clinical course of a patient with IgG4 ophthalmic disease who achieved a favorable response from radiotherapy. Our patient initially presented with a history of recurrent painful flares of orbital inflammation, a pathologic diagnosis follicular lymphoid hyperplasia from a right lacrimal gland biopsy, and MRI imaging noting expansion of the lateral rectus muscle of the right eye. Initial treatment with dacryoadenectomy and multiple courses of corticosteroids failed to keep his symptoms at bay. Further evaluation revealed florid IgG4 staining. In this context, he was evaluated for image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT) to the orbit to 20 Gy in 10 fractions. His ophthalmic symptoms resolved. Conclusions. This treatment experience suggests radiotherapy may be a favorable option for symptom relief in patients with IgG4-related ophthalmic disease not controlled by corticosteroids.
Investigating the Impact of Cognitive Training for Individuals With Bothersome Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive training in improving tinnitus bother and to identify predictors of patient response.Study DesignProspective open-label randomized controlled tri...
Interfacial detection with nanotube pipette laden graphene quantum dots electrode

Single-cell analysis is an emerging technology that can provide a mechanistic understanding of complex biological systems and cell heterogeneity. Any disruption of its activity can be monitored through interfacial bioelectrochemistry. A new glass nanopipette electrode laden with graphene quantum dots (20–50 nm) has been constructed for in vitro interfacial bioelectrochemical studies. A platinum or copper wire (0.0006″ dia) was placed inside the glass nanopipette with a tip size of 1 mm which was subsequently covered with graphene by dip coating. The glass nanopipette has been characterized by X-ray fluorescence as containing Si (96.82%), K (2.65%), and Fe (0.20%). The suitability of the electrode for studies involving oxidative stress produced by p-aminophenol (PAP) that results in membrane disruption and the frequency of molecular attachment of PAP to graphene has been relevant to the understanding of cell disruption. In this context, the electrochemical oxidation of PAP has been probed in vitro through differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using the glass nanopipette electrode. The new electrode shows promise for examining electroactive neurotransmitter during its functioning in chronic diseases.
Changes in Assessment of and Satisfaction With Discharge Preparation From the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Background A successful transition from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to home is aided by a comprehensive discharge planning program that keeps families involved and engaged with the discharge preparation process. Purpose To compare the assessment of parental NICU discharge preparedness with parental satisfaction with the NICU discharge preparation. Methods Families were surveyed 4 to 6 weeks after NICU discharge, and those selecting "very prepared" were considered "satisfied" with their discharge preparation. On discharge day, families were considered "prepared" for discharge based on their overall level of preparedness and their nurse's rating of them on a discharge readiness assessment tool. Results In total, 1104 families (60%) reported being both "satisfied" and "prepared"; 293 families (16%) were "satisfied" but not "prepared"; 297 families (16%) were not "satisfied" but were "prepared"; and 134 families (7%) were neither "satisfied" nor "prepared." Compared with families that were both "satisfied" and "prepared," families that were neither "satisfied" nor "prepared" were more likely to be raising the infant alone, of Black race, and to have sicker infants. Implications for practice Some families are at a higher risk and merit more consideration during NICU discharge planning. Assess the discharge readiness of all families prior to discharge. Those at an increased risk may benefit from more discharge education and training, specifically for single mothers, those with limited resources, or others considered at high risk.
Development and Validation of an Improved Pathological Nodal Staging System in Men With Prostate Cancer.

Background Prostate cancer pathological nodal staging uses a single category for all node-positive patients. We sought to improve risk stratification by creating and validating a novel pathological nodal staging system incorporating number of metastatic lymph nodes (+LNs). Methods 118,450 men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for nonmetastatic prostate cancer in the National Cancer Database comprised our development cohort. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis with restricted cubic splines was used to assess the non-linear association between number of +LNs and overall mortality (OM). A novel staging system based on number of +LNs was derived by recursive partitioning analysis (RPA). The staging system was validated for prediction of overall and prostate-specific mortality (PCSM) in 105,568 men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer undergoing RP from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Discrimination was assessed via Harrell's c-index. Results In multivariable Cox analysis, OM risk increased with higher number of +LNs up to four (HR1.30 per each LN+, 95%CI 1.23-1.38), with a non-statistically significant increase in risk (HR 1.05, 95%CI 0.99-1.11) beyond four +LN. In the development cohort, RPA identified optimal cutoffs at 0 (N0:Ref), 1 (N1:HR1.40, 95%CI 1.25-1.58), 2 (N2:HR1.67, 95%CI 1.40-1.99), 3-5 (N3a: HR2.18, 95%CI 0.84-2.60), and ≥6 (N3b:HR3.00, 95%CI 2.37-3.79) +LNs. In the validation cohort, these groups had markedly different 10-year OM (0+LNs (N0:15%), 1+LN (N1:35%), 2+LNs (N2:43%), 3-5+LNs (N3a:52%), and ≥6+LNs(N3b:59%) (p Conclusions Pathological nodal staging in prostate cancer is improved with stratification by number of +LNs.
Cartesian formulation of membrane theory.

Cartesian formulation of membrane theory, discussing equations of equilibrium, strain energy, variation formulation and boundary conditions
Changes in Dendritic Cells in Cancer and Aging

The majority of common cancers preferentially affect the older population. However, despite the recognized role of dendritic cells in cancer immunotherapy, relatively little is known about the consequence of aging on these important cells. Recent studies have revealed that dendritic cells from old hosts exhibit significant functional defects at multiple levels. These changes may provide a mechanistic basis for the disappointing results of dendritic cell-based immunotherapy in older cancer patients. There is clearly a need to improve our knowledge on how aging modulates these parameters to optimally exploit DC in anticancer vaccines.
Appearance of a Ribonucleic Acid Polymerase-Binding Protein in Asporogenous Mutants of Bacillus subtilis

A 70,000-dalton protein that is found in sporulating Bacillus subtilis and that binds to ribonucleic acid polymerase is present in asporogenous mutants that proceed to or beyond stage II of sporulation, but is absent from mutants blocked at stage zero.
The NCAA's Initial Eligibility Requirements and the Americans with Disabilities Act in the Post-PGA Tour, Inc. v. Martin Era: An Argument in Favor of Deference to the NCAA

In 1990, Congress enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act (the "ADA") to eradicate discrimination against individuals with disabilities. In 2001, in PGA Tow; Inc. v. Martin, the U.S. Supreme Court interpreted the ADA to prohibit a professional golf association from denying a golfer with a disability the use of a golf cart during competitions, despite a rule requiring all competitors to walk the course. The Martin decision has sparked questions regarding the application of the ADA, including its application to the initial academic eligibility requirements of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (the "NCAA"). This Note examines the impact of the Martin decision on future ADA claims challenging the validity of the NCAA's initial eligibility requirements. Specifically, after examining pre-Martin ADA claims against both the NCAA and academic institutions and comparing two courts' interpretations of Martin, this Note argues that in future cases challenging the NCAA's initial eligibility requirements, courts should interpret Marlin to provide the NCAA as much deference as courts continuously have granted to academic institutions.
Object-oriented development at work: fusion in the real world

(Note: Each chapter contains a introduction and conclusion). Overview of Fusion. Introduction. Analysis. Design. I. CASE STUDIES. 1. Transition to Object Technology Using Fusion Pilot Projects: A Case Study. Introducing Object Technology into a Software Development Organization. Project Management. Complementing the Fusion Development Process. Development Environment. Reuse. Results of the Pilot Project. 2. Using Fusion on an HP Medical Imaging Project: Analysis Phase Retrospective. Project Context. Process and Organization. Building Analysis Models. Fusion: Improvements, Problem/Solutions, Value. II. APPLICATIONS. 3. Extending the Fusion Design Process for TMN Application Development. TMN Application Development. Application Information Models. Gaining Access to the MIB. Extending the Fusion Design Process. 4. Using Fusion for Commercial Fixed-Price Bespoke Development. Background. Project Planning. Staffing. Project Execution. 5. An Approach to Process Description Using Fusion. General Modeling Strategy. Notation Adaptation. Guidelines for Building Process Models. Hierarchical Decomposition. Views. The Domain Maintenance Process. Concurrent Processes. III. MANAGING FUSION PROJECTS. 6. Evolutionary Fusion: A Customer-oriented Incremental Life Cycle for Fusion. Evolutionary Fusion. 7. Method Metrics and Defect Tracking: Measuring and Improving the Fusion Development Process. Method Metrics. Defect Tracking. IV. EXTENSIONS TO FUSION. 8. Requirements Engineering within the Fusion Method. Hospital Information System Case Study. Requirements Engineering Process Model. 9. Proposed Enhancements to the Fusion Method. Levels of Abstraction. Concurrency in Design. Using Roles in Design. 10. Extensions to Fusion Supporting NEXTSTEP/OpenStep (Portable) Distributed Objects. What are Distributed Objects? Fusion Extensions. What we Learned. 11. Improving the Analysis Stage of the Fusion Method. Choice of a Development Method. Students' Feedback and Problems Encountered. Major Difficulties for the Software Developer. Improving the Fusion Analysis Practice. Improving the Analysis Part of the Fusion Method. 12. Extending Fusion: Practical Rigor and Refinement. Catalysis Overview: Terms and Process. Collaborations-" What" at the domain level. Specifying Services-"Who" . Design-"How" . The Role of Refinement in Design. Appendices.
A New Approach to the Installation of Solar Panels

The need for electric energy, which is an indispensable part of life, is increasing with each passing day in parallel to the developments in technology. However, the fact that costs rise in meeting these needs, and that damage is done to nature while energy is being obtained bring clean energy sources such as solar and wind energies to the agenda. On the other hand, the possibility that birds, though slightly, may suffer when wind is used as a source of energy renders solar energy more environment-friendly and important. Therefore, the use of solar panels is increasing rapidly. Solar panels, which, with their increased power capacity, are used in homes, country cottages, street lighting, meeting the electricity needs of public buildings, garden lighting and irrigation systems, are especially used in meeting the energy needs in specific remote locations. In this study, a new approach was suggested in the selection of material to be used in solar panel systems in country cottages. In the suggested approach, the panels are connected in two different groups taking into consideration the hours of usage of the loads that will consume the electricity. One of these groups is used to meet instant needs whereas the other is used to charge the battery. In this way, fewer solar panels are needed compared with the conventional calculation method. Moreover, the number of batteries needed by the system is also reduced. As a result, the number of solar panels and battery-related costs can be reduced. The proposed system was tried in a country cottage in the province of Konya in Turkey in the months of July and August and it was seen that the system was able to meet its energy need from photovoltaic panels and batteries without the network.
Wide Complex Tachycardias: Understanding this Complex Condition Part 2 - Management, Miscellaneous Causes, and Pitfalls

R eview Wide Complex Tachycardias: Understanding this Complex Condition Part 2 - Management, Miscellaneous Causes, and Pitfalls Gus M. Garmel, MD Stanford University School of Medicine / Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara Supervising Section Editors: Sean O. Henderson, MD Submission history: Submitted August 18, 2007; Revision Received October 19, 2007; Accepted November 26, 2007. Reprints available through open access at www.westjem.org [WestJEM. 2008;9:97-103.] Introduction Patients who present with electrocardiograms (ECGs) demonstrating wide complex tachycardias (WCTs) are often challenging to clinicians. Not only may the patient present with (or be at risk for) hemodynamic compromise, but their treatment may result in hemodynamic collapse if the incorrect pharmacologic agent is selected. In Part 1 of this article, 1 the identification, epidemiology, and electrophysiology of WCTs were discussed. In this article, treatment of WCTs and miscellaneous causes of this condition will be described. In patients presenting with WCTs, correct interpretation of the ECG should not be the primary concern of emergency physicians. In fact, it is appropriate (and may be preferred) to “diagnose” the ECG as “wide complex tachycardia of unknown (or uncertain) etiology.” This may allow the treating clinician to focus on the patient and his or her hemodynamic status, rather than the academic exercise of ECG interpretation. The most important aspect of treating patients who present with WCTs is to select a therapeutic approach that does no harm. Several diagnostic algorithms were provided for the interpretation of WCTs, although none have proven superior over others, and great debate continues among researchers as to the preferred approach. Given this circumstance of uncertainty, proper treatment will be described for conditions resulting in WCTs. It is critical to note that once a WCT is identified, the Figure 1. ECG representing Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPWS) with Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB). Note the wide QRS complexes, and the irregularly irregular rhythm. In lead II, the axis changes. A slurred delta wave can be identified in the left precordial leads, since the overall rate is not as fast as it might be when these conditions coexist. The R-R interval of the first two QRS complexes seen in leads V1-3 approaches 300, which is extremely dangerous. Volume IX, no . 2 : May 2008 The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
Leadership for Community Engagement--A Distributed Leadership Perspective.

This article presents distributed leadership as a framework for analysis, showing how the phenomenon complements formal higher education structures by mobilizing leadership from various sources, formal and informal. This perspective more accurately portrays the reality of leading engaged institutions. Using the application data from 224 Carnegie-classified community-engaged institutions from the 2008 and 2010 cycles, this study investigated leaders responsible for institutional community engagement; their ways of leading and institutionalizing engagement; and the structural, contextual, and developmental elements in the distribution of leadership for engagement in classified engaged institutions. The findings suggest that the engaged institution as a holistic system locates, aligns, and coordinates tasks, processes, and resources along lines of expertise, and not necessarily in alignment with institutional lines of command. The collectivism involved in community engagement provides space for coexistence of planned and spontaneous performance as well as the alignment of leadership functions across various sources of leadership.
A study of the tritium handling systems in magnetic and inertial confinement fusion reactors with and without tritium breeding

The tritium pathways and handling systems in 20 different conceptual magnetic and inertial confinement fusion reactor designs have been examined and compared. The primary objectives of this investigation were: to determine the effects, if any, of the plasma confinement scheme, reactor fueling method, and first-wall protection scheme on the design and relative complexity of the tritium handling systems; and to quantify the advantages and disadvantages of removing the tritium breeding function from the reactor. It is concluded that, from a tritium handling viewpoint, inertial confinement reactors with either gasprotected or magnetically protected first walls, pellet-fueled tandem mirrors, and reversed-field pinch reactors are preferred. On the other hand, the tritium handling problem is at a maximum in laser-driven reactors with either a wetted wall or lithium fall protection, tokamaks, standard mirrors, and fast-liner reactors. Theta pinches and neutral-beam-fueled tandem mirrors belong to an intermediate category. It is also concluded that transfer of the tritium breeding function from the reactor blanket to an external source does not result in significant benefits.
Demystifying zero-crossing distortion in single-phase PFC converters

Input current distortion in the vicinity of input voltage zero crossing in single-phase power factor corrected (PFC) AC-DC converters is analyzed in this paper. The key result includes a new model that relates the input current to the input voltage and the reference current. For typical single-phase PFC converter designs employing average current control, this model indicates that the input current response is underdamped and has a leading phase relative to the input voltage, which are largely responsible for the input current zero-crossing distortion. The phase-lead effect is especially prominent in systems with high tine frequencies, such as 400 Hz on commercial aircraft. Additional phase lead may be caused by the filter capacitors on the DC side of the rectifier bridge. Reduction of the zero-crossing distortion through modifications of both control and power stage design is proposed based on the analyses. Numerical simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the analyses.
Estrogen regulates adrenal angiotensin AT1 receptors by modulating AT1 receptor translation.

Hypertension and associated cardiovascular disease increase after menopause. Angiotensin AT1 receptor (AT1R) antagonists are effective treatments, in part, by inhibiting angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced aldosterone release from the adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG). Estrogen decreases the number of AT1Rs in the adrenal gland and attenuates acute Ang II-induced aldosterone release. Here, we examined the effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) on AT1R gene regulation in the rat adrenal cortex (AC). Female rats were ovariectomized and injected with vehicle or E2. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of both estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ in the ZG, and E2 treatment increased the intensity of their nuclear staining. Under conditions in which AT1R maximal binding capacity was decreased by 46%, chronic miniosmotic pump Ang II-induced aldosterone secretion was reduced by 43%. E2 treatment had no effect on AT1aR and AT1bR mRNA levels in the AC, whereas the AT1R mRNA polysome distribution in sucrose gradients was shifted ...
Role of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors with curative radiotherapy in men with prostate cancer

Brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy are effective and commonly used treatment modalities in men with localized prostate cancer. In this review, we explore the role of radiation therapy in the curative management of prostate cancer, including the use of conformal therapeutic techniques to allow for the escalation of radiation doses to tumor, along with the use of combined radiation and hormonal therapy to enhance disease outcomes in men with aggressive disease. We also review the possible anticancer role of HMG-CoA reductase inhibiting agents (statins) in men with prostate cancer. Laboratory evidence suggests that statins may have antineoplastic effects when used alone and may sensitize cells to radiation therapy when given in combination. We explore the biologic basis for an anticancer effect and the clinical evidence suggesting statins may aid in improving outcomes with radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer.
Antithrombotic Therapy Practices in Older Adults Residing in the Long-Term Care Setting.

OBJECTIVES To explore physician practice patterns with regard to antithrombotic therapy, including antiplatelets and anticoagulants, in long-term care residents and compare resulting embolic complications. METHODS Conducted between August 2012 and March 2013, this study was a retrospective chart review of 400 residents of a long-term care facility. Electronic charts from October 2005 through January 2013 were selected using systematic random sampling. RESULTS Approximately one-third of residents (29.6%) received anticoagulants, 27.3% received antiplatelets, 15.8% received both, and 27.3% did not receive any antithrombotic therapy. The most commonly prescribed antithrombotic drugs were aspirin (37.5%) and warfarin (22.1%). The type of antithrombotic therapy was significantly associated with medical history, including deep vein thrombosis (P = 0.03), the presence of atrial fibrillation (P = 0.001) and other nonsurgical medical conditions (P = 0.0001). Weight (P = 0.009) and body mass index (P = 0.007) also were significantly associated with type of antithrombotic therapy, indicating that heavier residents and those with a higher body mass index were more likely to receive both anticoagulants and antiplatelets. There was no difference in the number of embolic complications among groups. CONCLUSIONS Physicians are more disposed to initiate and maintain residents on aspirin while being more cautious when prescribing anticoagulants such as warfarin, dabigatran, heparin, and enoxaparin. In some residents, anticoagulants were not used at all, even when residents had particular risk factors, demonstrating that at times physicians may err on the side of overcautiousness. Antithrombotic therapy should be individualized for each resident based on bleeding risk, comorbidities, and benefits of a particular therapy for our most vulnerable populations.
Investigation of the attenuating effects of atmospheric water content at 400 GHz

We present an experimental study of electromagnetic losses resulting from atmospheric absorption and scattering on terahertz (THz) radiation. A sealed, high-Q quasi-optical resonator system permits the control of the atmospheric water content and allows for measurement of electromagnetic losses.
The reality of media preferences: do professional groups vary in awareness?

This study is based on earlier research by the author that employed social judgment analysis (SJA; J. Stefl-Mabry, 2001, 2003) to identify the information judgment preferences held by professional groups. This study explores the extent to which individuals, professional groups, and subgroups are self-aware of their judgment profiles. Three specialized groups of professionals--law enforcement, medicine, and education--were chosen to determine if preference profiles cluster around professions or around demographic and other background variables. As the proliferation of data continues to increase, the need to understand users' media preference and selection decisions is of tremendous value to every industry, governmental agency, and institution of learning. In 1966, H. Menzel first raised concern about the reliability of users' to self-assess, and scientists continue to explore the issue of competency in human judgment. To understand the reliability of users' self-assessment regarding media preferences, this study examines the extent to which individuals and groups are self-aware of the empirical judgment profiles they employ in evaluating information source scenarios. This investigation explores the congruence of three groups of professionals' self-reported media preferences as compared to their empirical judgment values, as defined by social judgment analysis.
Third party monitoring in the Israeli‐Palestinian conflict

(2003). Third party monitoring in the Israeli‐Palestinian conflict. The International Spectator: Vol. 38, No. 4, pp. 33-45.
Heat transfer from a partially uncovered reactor core

Abstract This paper documents a model which has been developed for predicting the temperature distribution along a “flow channel” of a pressurized water reactor during simulated, uncovered core conditions. In the model, heat conduction along the fuel element, convection from the surface to the coolant, radiation exchange between the clad surface and steam, and surface exchange between adjacent fuel rods are considered. Variations of the thermophysical properties of the fuel road and of the coolant with temperature are accounted for, but oxidation of Zircaloy is not modeled. Extensive sensitivity studies on the effects of heat generation in the core, steam velocity, pressure level, uncovered core height, presence of hydrogen gas in the coolant, power skew, clad emissivity, and convective heat transfer correlations have been examined. The results show that the importance of radiation in comparison with convection increases with an increase in the fuel rod temperature, pressure, and clad emissivity.
Magnetic properties and colossal magnetoresistance of La(Ca)MnO3 materials doped with Fe.

The effect of Fe doping (20%) on the Mn site in the ferromagnetic ($x=0.37$) and the antiferromagnetic ($x=0.53$) phases of ${\mathrm{La}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ca}}_{x}\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ has been studied. The same ionic radii of ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$ and ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{3+}$ cause no structure change in either series, yet conduction and ferromagnetism have been consistently suppressed by Fe doping. Colossal magnetoresistance has been shifted to lower temperatures, and in some cases enhanced by Fe doping. Doping with Fe bypasses the usually dominant lattice effects, but depopulates the hopping electrons and thus weakens the double exchange.
Hydrothermal synthesis of molecular oxovanadium compounds. The crystal and molecular structures of [VO2(terpy)]NO3, [VO(terpy)(OH3PC6H5)2], [{Cu(H2O)(terpy)}V2O6], [{Cu(ttbterpy)}V2O6] and [{Cu(ttbterpy)}VO2(HO3PCH2PO3)] · H2O (terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine; ttbterpy = 4,4′,4″-tri-tert-butyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine)

Abstract Hydrothermal conditions have been exploited in the syntheses of five molecular oxovanadium species [VO2(terpy)]NO3 · H2O (1 · H2O), [VO(terpy)(HO3PC6H5)2] (2), [{Cu(H2O)(terpy)}V2O6] · H2O (3 · H2O), [{Cu(ttbterpy)}V2O6] · 2H2O (4 · 2H2O), and [{Cu(ttbterpy)}VO2(HO3PCH2PO3)] · H2O (5 · H2O). The binuclear molecular cation of compound 1 exhibits a planar {V2O4}2+ core from the fusion of two cis-oxovanadium(V) units. Compound 2 is a six coordinate V(IV) species with {VO3N3} coordination geometry. Compounds 3 and 4 are constructed from the common {V4O12}4− cluster with peripheral Cu(II)–ligand subunits. The Cu(II) square pyramids of the [{Cu(H2O)(terpy)}2V4O12] cluster of 3 share a single vertex with the vanadate cluster as a consequence of coordination of an aqua ligand. In contrast, in [{Cu(ttbterpy)}2V4O12] (4), each Cu(II) square pyramid shares two vertices with the vanadate core. Of the materials of this study, only compound 5 incorporates both Cu(II) and diphosphonate into the final product. The structure of the dimer consists of a cyclic {V2P2O4} core linked through diphosphonate ligands to two peripheral {Cu(ttbterpy)}2+ units.
Characters of irreducible representations of the virasoro algebra

On obtient les caracteres des modules irreductibles non integrables de plus haut poids L ((h,0)). On determine les caracteres des familles L ((t,25)) et L((t,26)) duales de L ((h,1)) et de L ((h,0))
Detection and Quantitation Of Several Atomic Species By Intra-cavity Quenching Of Laser Emission

Abstract Until recently laser research has been the province of the physicist wherein lasers have been utilized extensively as sources of coherent, highly monochromatic energy. The thrust of this research has been to employ the organic solution laser output as an analytical signal from which information about a particular system may be extracted. Preliminary investigations in this laboratory showed that a great number of variables are active in the achievement of lasing from an organic solution. More significantly, concurrent work in this laboratory produced some anomalous results which were subsequently attributed to a cavity defect. This suggested that small energy losses at discrete wavelengths within the resonant cavity of an organic solution laser could result in quenching of broad band laser emission at those specific wavelengths. These considerations led to investigations in which atoms and mlecules were purposefully introduced into the resonant cavity of an organic solution laser.1 A search of the...
Identity crises: Identity, identity politics, and beyond

(1999). Identity crises: Identity, identity politics, and beyond. Critical Review of International Social and Political Philosophy: Vol. 2, Feminism, Identity and Difference, pp. 3-26.
Excitation of Lunar Luminescence by Solar Protons

RECENTLY, Derham and Geake1 discovered that bombarding a certain kind of stony meteorites (achondritic enstatite) by a proton beam of 40 keV caused a strong luminescence of the material over a broad range of wavelengths near 6700 A.
Pig islet xenograft rejection in a mouse model with an established human immune system.

: Background: Xenotransplantation from pigs provides a potential solution to the severe shortage of human pancreata, but strong immunological rejection prevents its clinical application. A better understanding of the human immune response to pig islets would help develop effective strategies for preventing graft rejection. Methods: We assessed pig islet rejection by human immune cells in humanized mice with a functional human immune system. Humanized mice were prepared by transplantation of human fetal thymus/liver tissues and CD34+ fetal liver cells into immunodeficient mice. Islet xenograft survival/rejection was determined by histological analysis of the grafts and measurement of porcine C-peptide in the sera of the recipients. Results: In untreated humanized mice, adult pig islets were completely rejected by 4 weeks. These mice showed no detectable porcine C-peptide in the sera, and severe intra-graft infiltration by human T cells, macrophages, and B cells, as well as deposition of human antibodies. Pig islet rejection was prevented by human T-cell depletion prior to islet xenotransplantation. Islet xenografts harvested from T-cell-depleted humanized mice were functional, and showed no human cell infiltration or antibody deposition. Conclusions: Pig islet rejection in humanized mice is largely T-cell-dependent, which is consistent with previous observations in non-human primates. These humanized mice provide a useful model for the study of human xenoimmune responses in vivo.
Teaching interactions of black and Cuban teenage mothers and their infants

Possible factors related to maternal teaching styles are socioeconomic status, ethnic group membership, maternal age, maternal locus of control, and the mother's “hidden agenda” or goals for her child. In this study, 32 lower income, Black and Cuban, teenage and adult mothers and their 12 month old infants participated in a simple task teaching their infant how to operate a “Jack‐in‐the‐box”. The mothers were also interviewed on questionnaires designed to tap locus of control, “hidden agendas”, and demographic characteristics. The results showed that Cuban mothers demonstrated the task to their infant with verbalization significantly more often than the Black mothers. The groups did not differ on maternal “hidden agendas”. Adult mothers showed a more internal locus of control than teenage mothers. Infants of Black, teenage mothers vocalized significantly less often than infants of the other groups. Results of this study provide additional support for existing literature in which maternal age and cultural ...
Nerve growth factor attenuates neurotoxic effects of taxol on spinal cord-ganglion explants from fetal mice

Most neurons in organotypic cultures of dorsal root ganglia from 13-day-old fetal mice require high concentrations of nerve growth factor for survival during the first week after explanation. These nerve growth factor-enhanced sensory neurons mature and innervate the dorsal regions of attached spinal cord tissue even after the removal of exogenous growth factor after 4 days. In cultures exposed for 4 days to nerve growth factor and taxol (a plant alkaloid that promotes the assembly of microtubules) and returned to medium without growth factor, greater than 95 percent of the ganglionic neurons degenerated and the spinal cord tissues were reduced almost to monolayers. In contrast, when the recovery medium was supplemented with nerve growth factor, the ganglionic neurons and dorsal (but not ventral) cord tissue survived remarkably well. Dorsal cord neurons do not normally require an input from dorsal root ganglia for long-term maintenance in vitro, but during and after taxol exposure they become dependent for survival and recovery on the presence of neurite projections from nerve growth-factor-enhanced dorsal root ganglia.
Systems-Level Performance Estimation of a Pulse Detonation Based Hybrid Engine

A key application for a Pulse detonation engine concept is envisioned as a hybrid engine, which replaces the combustor in a conventional gas turbine with a pulse detonation combustor (PDC). A limit-cycle model, based on quasi-unsteady computational fluid dynamics simulations, was developed to estimate the performance of a pressare-rise PDC in a hybrid engine to power a subsonic engine core. The parametric space considered for simulations of the PDC operation includes the mechanical compression or the flight conditions that determine the inlet pressure and the inlet temperature conditions, fill fraction, and purge fraction. The PDC cycle process time scales, including the overall operating frequency, were determined via limit-cycle simulations. The methodology for the estimation of the performance of the PDC considers the unsteady effects of PDC operation. These metrics include a ratio of time-averaged exit total pressure to inlet total pressure and a ratio of mass-averaged exit total enthalpy to inlet total enthalpy. This information can be presented as a performance map for the PDC, which was then integrated into a system-level cycle analysis model, using GATECYCLE, to estimate the propulsive performance of the hybrid engine. Three different analyses were performed. The first was a validation of the model against published data for a specific impulse. The second examined the performance of a PDC versus a traditional Brayton cycle for a fixed combustor exit temperature; the results show an increased efficiency of the PDC relative to the Brayton cycle. The third analysis performed was a detailed parametric study of varying engine conditions to examine the performance of the hybrid engine. The analysis has shown that increasing the purge fraction, which can reduce the overall PDC exit temperature, can simultaneously provide small increases in the overall system efficiency.
ORALLY-ADMINISTERED BOVINE COLOSTRAL IMMUNOGLOBULINS (BCI) PROTECT LEUKOPENIC MICE AGAINST Ps. AERUGINOSA (Ps)

We immunized pregnant cows with Ps Extract Vaccine (Wellcome, UK) to produce anti-Ps BCI. Anti-Ps BCI have agglutinating and opsonizing activity against Ps, but are not bacteriacidal or static. By adsorption with Ps, these activities can be removed from BCI. Bovine IgGl can be identified on the surface of Ps adsorbed with anti-Ps BCI. We compared the protective effect of orally-fed anti-Ps BCI, control BCI from non-immunized (NI) cows, pooled human immune globulin (HIG), and D5W on the mortality of leukopenic mice orally-inoculated with Ps. Mice (18-22g) were made leukopenic with cyclophosphamide, fed globulins or D5W daily (days 1-6) per gavage, and orally-inoculated on day 4 with 106 Ps serotype 10. WBCs on day 4 were 2331 ± 696. Survival data were evaluated by the Kruskal-Wallis statistic and nonparametric log-rank test with adjustment for multiple comparisons. Treatment group survival curves were not equal (p<0.01). Anti-Ps BCI-fed animals had less mortality than NI-BCI, HIG, or D5W-fed animals, but these differences reached statistical significance only for anti-Ps BCI vs D5W (z=3.676, p<0.05). Conclusion: Orally fed anti-Ps BCI may reduce the incidence and mortality of Ps sepsis in the transiently leukopenic host
Inflammation and oxidative stress are elevated in the brain, blood, and adrenal glands during the progression of post-traumatic stress disorder in a predator exposure animal model.

This study sought to analyze specific pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the progression of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by utilizing an animal model. To examine PTSD pathophysiology, we measured damaging reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines to determine if oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, adrenal glands, and systemic circulation were upregulated in response to constant stress. Pre-clinical PTSD was induced in naive, male Sprague-Dawley rats via a predator exposure/psychosocial stress regimen. PTSD group rats were secured in Plexiglas cylinders and placed in a cage with a cat for one hour on days 1 and 11 of a 31-day stress regimen. In addition, PTSD group rats were subjected to psychosocial stress whereby their cage cohort was changed daily. This model has been shown to cause heightened anxiety, exaggerated startle response, impaired cognition, and increased cardiovascular reactivity, all of which are common symptoms seen in humans with PTSD. At the conclusion of the predator exposure/psychosocial stress regimen, the rats were euthanized and their brains were dissected to remove the hippocampus, amygdala, and pre-frontal cortex (PFC), the three areas commonly associated with PTSD development. The adrenal glands and whole blood were also collected to assess systemic oxidative stress. Analysis of the whole blood, adrenal glands, and brain regions revealed oxidative stress increased during PTSD progression. In addition, examination of pro-inflammatory cytokine (PIC) mRNA and protein demonstrated neurological inflammatory molecules were significantly upregulated in the PTSD group vs. controls. These results indicate oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, adrenal glands, and systemic circulation may play a critical role in the development and further exacerbation of PTSD. Thus, PTSD may not be solely a neurological pathology but may progress as a systemic condition involving multiple organ systems.
The impact of illness on the family and the family's impact on illness

This paper discusses the influence that familial relationships can have on illness and the way in which illness can impact on the functioning of the family system. Developmental phases of illness, the family life cycle and chronic illness are all examined in relation to the family and it's functioning. The way in which health behaviours are adopted within families, and behavioural and genetic predispositions to illness are also discussed.
Reference Materials for the Disabled

A library user, who was in a wheelchair, mentioned recently that she had no idea how libraries are organized Or the amount of resources available in them. She explained that until the passage of Section 504 of the National Rehabilitation Act, when public buildings were required to be accessible, she could not get inside a library building.
Predicting the Hall-Petch Effect in FCC Metals Using Non-Local Crystal Plasticity

Abstract Many conventional continuum approaches to solid mechanics do not address the size sensitivity of deformation to microstructural features like grain boundaries, and are therefore unable to capture much of the experimentally observed behavior of polycrystal deformation. We propose a non-local crystal plasticity model, in which the geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) density is calculated using a non-local integral approach. The model is based on augmented F e F p kinematics, which account for the initial microstructure (primarily grain boundaries) present in the polycrystal. With the augmented kinematics, the initial GND and the evolving GND state are determined in a consistent manner. The expanded kinematics and the non-local crystal plasticity model are used to simulate the tensile behavior in copper polycrystals with different grain sizes ranging from 14 μm to 244 μm. The simulation results show a grain size dependence on the polycrystal’s yield strength, which are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Toward Empirical Theory of Genocides and Politicides: Identification and Measurement of Cases since 1945

This paper reports on a global survey of cases of massive state repression since World War II. The universe of analysis includes sustained episodes in which the state or its agents impose on a communal or political group “conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or part.” We develop and use a typology which distinguishes between two categories of genocide (in which the victim groups are defined primarily in terms of communal characteristics) and four types of politicide (in which victim groups are defined in terms of their political status or opposition to the state). Forty-four episodes meet the operational guidelines developed here. Analysis of their properties and distribution shows that they occurred in all world regions, but with relatively few European and Latin American cases. Two or more began in each five-year period after 1945, with some clustering in the period of African decolonization; their median duration was five years. Aggregate fatalities were between seven and sixteen million people, at least as many who died in all international and civil wars in the period.
Association study of schizophrenia and the dopamine D3 receptor gene locus in two independent samples.

Using a case-control design, an association of schizophrenia with the dopamine D3 receptor gene (D3RG) locus was investigated. Initial analysis of pooled results from published studies revealed a significant excess of individuals homozygous for either allele among the patients. The association was next tested in two cohorts ascertained independently at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and at Houston, Texas. The Pittsburgh sample was comprised of patients with schizophrenia (DSM-III-R) (n = 130). The controls belonged to two groups: adults screened for the absence of substance abuse or major psychiatric illness (n = 128), and neonates (n = 160). Multivariate analysis suggested an association with allele 1 of the biallelic D3RG polymorphism in comparison with the adult, but not the neonatal, controls. The association was most marked among Caucasian patients with a family history of schizophrenia (odds ratio 13.69, confidence intervals 1.80, 104.30). Survival analysis suggested an earlier age of onset among male patients homozygous for allele 2. The Houston cohort included Caucasian patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (DSM-III-R criteria, n = 50), and normal controls matched for gender (n = 51). In this group, no significant associations were noted among all the patients or among subgroups of patients based on family history or age of onset. Possible reasons for the discordant results are discussed. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Alternative high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for p-aminohippuric acid (PAH): effect of aging on PAH excretion in the isolated perfused rat kidney

Para-aminohippuric acid (PAH), an indicator of renal plasma flow, is a commonly used marker of organic anion transport by the kidney. An analytical method for PAH using HPLC was developed. The method is simple, fast and requires a minimum amount of organic solvent. Sample preparation involved protein precipitation with zinc sulfate. Para-amino benzoic acid was utilized as an internal standard (IS). Chromatography was performed using a reversed-phase phenyl column with UV detection at a wavelength of 254 nm. Mobile phase consisted of 0.1 M acetic acid and acetonitrile (99:1) at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. The assay was validated over a standard concentration range from 1 to 25 microg/ml. Accuracy, precision, reproducibility and specificity of the method was established with coefficients of variation 0.99). The assay was used to study the effect of aging on PAH excretion in the isolated perfused rat kidney model. Experiments were conducted in kidneys from young (2-3 months, n=6), adult (6-9 months, n=5) and aged (12-16 months, n=3) male Sprague-Dawley rats at an initial drug concentration of 20 microg/ml. Significant differences in kidney function (e.g. glomerular filtration rate and glucose reabsorption) were observed in aged kidneys. Despite a 5-fold reduction in glomerular filtration rate, PAH renal clearance (kidney weight-corrected) decreased by only 2-fold in aged (2.2+/-0.42 ml/min per gram) compared to young (4.6+/-0.70 ml/min per gram, P<0.05) rats. Furthermore, renal excretion ratio was significantly higher in aged rats (27+/-8.0 vs. 15+/-5.0, P<0.05). These preliminary findings challenge the 'Whole Nephron Hypothesis' that assumes parallel reductions in renal filtration and secretory capacity secondary to disease or aging.
Identification of a protein-containing enamel matrix layer which bridges with the dentine–enamel junction of adult human teeth

Abstract Objective To investigate the ultrastructure and chemical composition of the dentine–enamel junction and adjacent enamel of minimally processed third molar tooth sections. Design Undecalcified human third molar erupted teeth were sectioned and etched with 4% EDTA or 37% phosphoric acid prior to visualization by scanning electron microscopy. Confocal Raman spectroscopy was carried out at 50 μm and more than 400 μm away from the dentine–enamel junction before and after mild etching. Results A novel organic protein-containing enamel matrix layer was identified for the first time using scanning electron microscopy of etched bucco-lingual sections of crowns. This layer resembles a three-dimensional fibrous meshwork that is visually distinct from enamel “tufts”. Previous studies have generally used harsher solvent conditions which likely removed this layer and precluded its prior characterization. The shape of the organic enamel layer generally reflected that of sheath regions of enamel rods and extended from the dentine–enamel junction about 100–400 μm into the cuspal enamel. This layer exhibited a Raman C H stretching peak at ∼2931 cm −1 characteristic of proteins and this signal correlated directly with the presence and location of the matrix layer as identified by scanning electron microscopy. Conclusions The enamel protein layer was most prominent close to the dentine–enamel junction and was largely absent in cuspal enamel >400 μm away from the dentine enamel junction. We hypothesize that this protein containing matrix layer could provide an important biomechanical linkage between the enamel and the dentine–enamel junction and by extension, with the dentine, of the adult tooth (246 words).