cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Production and systemic absorption of toxic byproducts of tissue combustion during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Among the potential hazards of laparoscoplc surgery using electrocautery IS the release of chermcal byproducts of incomplete tissue combustion into the pneumoperitoneum with subsequent transpentoneal absorption into the bloodstream and/or release into the operatmg room. The purpose of this study of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was twofold (1) to assess the relationship between intraperitoneal concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) and blood levels of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and methemoglobin (MetHb), and (2) to assess the surgeon’s inhalation of CO resulting from ambient smoke exposure During LC with monopolar electrocautery, 21 patients were evaluated intraoperatively for intraperitoneal [CO] by sampling gas from a trocar, whereas arterial [COHb] and [MetHb] were determmed penoperatlvely The surgeon’s venous blood was drawn pre- and postoperatively to assay [COHb] and [MetHb] Patients completed visual analogue questionnaires 6 hours and 24 hours postoperatively to assess for adverse symptoms Mean (± SEM) patient age and weight were 45 ± 3 years and 84 ± 4 kg, respectively Mean duration of the operaaon was 69 ± 5 mmutes, and electrocautery was used for 3 0 ± 0 3 mmutes Intrapentoneal [CO] rose to peak levels of 209 ± 19 ppm at 50 minutes, whereas systenuc [COHb] and [MetHb] were unchanged The surgeon’s systermc [COI-Ib] and [MetHb] did not increase postoperauvely Nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue scores decreased significantly between 6 and 24 hours postoperatively, however, there were no correlations between these symptoms and peak intraperitoneal [CO] Although LC using electrocautery increases intraperitoneal [CO] to “hazardous” levels, systemic [COHb] and [MetHb] are not elevated by generation of intraperitoneal smoke The surgeon’s exposure to CO by the evacuation of smoke through laparoscopic ports 1s negligble Production of smoke during LC using monopolar electrocautery, therefore, does not appear to pose a threat to either the patient or the surgeon
Incipient and developed stuttering as two distinct disorders

Abstract Educational Objectives: The reader will learn and be able to describe (1) the characteristic of transient stuttering, (2) developed stuttering, and (3) the contributions of genetics and learning factors to each.
Removal of Iatrogenic Foreign Bodies within Cardiac Chambers and Great Vessels

This paper reports six cases (age range 8 months to 69 years) of iatrogenic foreign bodies lodged within the heart or great vessels. Four cases were produced during left heart catheterization by breakage of a metal stylet, and two after the insertion of a Pudenz valve (for hydrocephalus) which embolized into the right ventricle and pulmonary artery. In five of these patients, the foreign body was intracardiac (three in the left ventricle and two in the right ventricle and pulmonary artery) and the open-heart surgery was utilized for successful removal. In the sixth patient, the stylet was removed from the innominate artery via a closed procedure. Five of the six patients survived (including the youngest and oldest) and their postoperative course was uneventful. The one death followed removal of the right-left atrial foreign body and total aortic valve replacement for calcific stenosis, and failure appeared related to the basic disease rather than to the foreign body. Such complications have rarely been re...
tRNA methyltransferases during embryogenesis in Musca domestica

Abstract Activity and diversity of the tRNA methyltransferases were examined during embryogenesis of the housefly, Musca domestica . A rapid rise in the activity of the tRNA methyltransferases was observed during the first 3 hr of embryogenesis. Activity increased slowly until the tenth hour of embryogenesis and then declined until hatching at 12 hr. The greatest diversity of tRNA methyltransferases, as indicated by extent of methylation, existed at 6 hr of embryogenesis; the least diversity was observed in 1-hr embryos, while 12-hr embryos showed intermediate levels. Inhibition of embryonic tRNA methyltransferases at high concentrations of enzyme was observed in all extracts examined.
Distribution of Ca2+-dependent protein kinase C isoforms in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the diurnal murid rodent, Arvicanthis niloticus

Abstract The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) contain the major `biological clock' in mammals that controls most circadian rhythms expressed by these animals. The functional importance of protein phosphorylation and intracellular Ca2+ in the mammalian circadian pacemaker is becoming increasingly apparent. Here we report the immunocytochemical localization of the four Ca2+-dependent protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms (α, βI, βII, γ) within the SCN of the diurnal murid rodent, Arvicanthis niloticus, and the nocturnal golden hamster. In the SCN of A. niloticus, PKCα was the most abundant of the four isoforms. Cells containing PKCα were homogeneously distributed throughout the SCN. PKCβI cells were sparsely distributed in the perimeter of the SCN and were absent in its central area. PKCβII and -γ were not found in the SCN of A. niloticus. In the SCN of the golden hamster, PKCα cells were most heavily concentrated in the dorsomedial region, though some were also present laterally and ventrally. The distribution of arginine–vasopressin (AVP) cells in the SCN overlapped with that of PKC in both species. Species differences in the location of the Ca2+-dependent PKC isoforms suggest differences in function such as the relaying of photic or non-photic information to the clock mechanism, or the synchronization of AVP neurons and their subsequent output signals.
Effects of ploidy and recombination on evolution of robustness in a model of the segment polarity network.

Many genetic networks are astonishingly robust to quantitative variation, allowing these networks to continue functioning in the face of mutation and environmental perturbation. However, the evolution of such robustness remains poorly understood for real genetic networks. Here we explore whether and how ploidy and recombination affect the evolution of robustness in a detailed computational model of the segment polarity network. We introduce a novel computational method that predicts the quantitative values of biochemical parameters from bit sequences representing genotype, allowing our model to bridge genotype to phenotype. Using this, we simulate 2,000 generations of evolution in a population of individuals under stabilizing and truncation selection, selecting for individuals that could sharpen the initial pattern of engrailed and wingless expression. Robustness was measured by simulating a mutation in the network and measuring the effect on the engrailed and wingless patterns; higher robustness corresponded to insensitivity of this pattern to perturbation. We compared robustness in diploid and haploid populations, with either asexual or sexual reproduction. In all cases, robustness increased, and the greatest increase was in diploid sexual populations; diploidy and sex synergized to evolve greater robustness than either acting alone. Diploidy conferred increased robustness by allowing most deleterious mutations to be rescued by a working allele. Sex (recombination) conferred a robustness advantage through “survival of the compatible”: those alleles that can work with a wide variety of genetically diverse partners persist, and this selects for robust alleles.
Subunit interrelationships among the pituitary glycoprotein hormones

Abstract The three pituitary glycoprotein hormones, ICSH(LH), FSH, and TSH, are whown to have a similar general type of chemical nature, in that all three consist of chemically dissimilar subunits, designated α and β. Structure studies have elucidated the primary amino acid sequences of the subunits of two of the hormones, ICSH and TSH. These results show that ICSH-α and TSH-α are virtually identical in their structure. Thus, it can be concluded that the biological specificity of each hormone is a function of the β subunit. The β subunits of ICSH and TSH, however, show at least 50% homology. These results suggest that the subunits are ultimately derived from a common ancestral glycoprotein molecule. Both subunits are required for full biological activity in the commonly employed bioassays; however, the α subunit of one hormone may be combined with the β subunit of another hormone with the restoration of the biological activity of the β subunit-derived hormone.
Interests, Institutions, and the Reliability of International Commitments

One feature associated with democratic governance is frequent leadership turnover. While the ease of replacing leaders improves accountability, it may impede the ability of democracies to make credible long-term international commitments. Using newly collected data that identify cases in which leaders who derive their support from different domestic interests come to power, we evaluate the effects of changes in domestic political leadership on one important aspect of foreign policy—decisions to maintain military alliances. An analysis covering bilateral alliances between 1919 and 2001 reveals that changes in societal supporting coalitions in nondemocratic states are associated with decisions to abrogate alliances prior to their scheduled end dates, but changes in societal supporting coalitions in democracies have no effect on the probability of premature alliance termination. We conclude that international cooperation is sensitive to changes in core supporting coalitions, but that this effect is moderated by democratic political institutions.
Analysis of Desquamative Gingivitis Using Direct Immunofluorescence in Conjunction With Histology

Chronic desquamative gingivitis (DG) is a common condition often first recognized by periodontists. DG is characterized clinically by erythema with epithelial desquamation, ulceration, and/or the presence of vesiculobullous lesions of the free and attached gingiva. However, DG is actually a clinical manifestation of several different disease processes, particularly lichen planus and benign mucous membrane pemphigoid. Correct diagnosis in DG is critical since proper treatment and follow-up will depend on which disease is involved. However, the diseases that cause DG frequently present diagnostic problems because their lesions often resemble each other clinically and routine histological examination sometimes cannot differentiate between them. Thus, immunohistology, particularly immunofluorescence, is increasingly being used with routine histology to more accurately diagnose DG diseases. This article reviews our experience over the past 10 years in the diagnosis of 72 cases of DG using direct immunofluorescent (DIF) in conjunction with histology and clinical evaluation. Of the 72 DG cases in this study, 30 cases were diagnosed as erosive lichen planus or lichenoid mucositis; 29 cases were diagnosed as benign mucous membrane pemphigoid; 2 cases each of linear IgA disease and pemphigus vulgaris were diagnosed; there was 1 case of bullous pemphigoid; and 1 suspected case of paraneoplastic pemphigus. Even with DIF analysis, 7 cases could not be definitively assigned a particular cause. DIF analysis is not only proving very useful for differential diagnosis, but also adds insight into possible pathogenic mechanisms of DG.
Identification of the anterior and posterior portions of the lateral pedicle cortex by roentgenograms in pedicle screw fixation.

Forty lumbar pedicles and pedicle screws in four cadavers were used to identify the anterior and posterior portions of the lumbar pedicle cortex by roentgenograms in order to evaluate the penetration of the pedicle cortex by pedicle screws intraoperatively. Firstly, the transverse pedicle angles were measured on roentgenograms. Three roentgenograms were taken on each pedicle in three different directions: (1) medial to the pedicle axis; (2) pedicle axis; (3) lateral to the pedicle axis. They revealed that the anterior portion of the lateral pedicle cortex was demonstrated by the pedicle lateral outline on the roentgenogram medial to the pedicle axis, and the posterior portion by the pedicle lateral outline on the roentgenogram lateral to the pedicle axis. Wire markers were used to confirm these data. Finally, anterior and/or posterior penetrations on the lateral pedicle cortex in pedicle screw fixation were studied by roentgenograms in these cadavers and showed that anterior penetration of lateral cortex was demonstrated by the view medial to the pedicle axis, and posterior penetration by the view lateral to the pedicle axis. It is concluded that projections medical and lateral to the pedicle axis are necessary to identify lateral screw penetration intraoperatively when X-ray checking is used. The French version of this article is available in the form of electronic supplementary material and can be obtained by using the Springer Link server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00276-002-0049-y
Crystalline structure in oriented fibers of KBr–amylose

The study of the structure of KBr–amylose begun by Senti and Witnauer has been extended by a three-dimensional crystallographic analysis and by stereochemical considerations. Location of Br− at (0.200, 0.200, 0.000) and K+ at (0.540, 0.540, 0.000) was obtained from the three-dimensional map of vector interactions. By using known parameters for the D-glucose residue and accurate space-filling models, an amylose helix was constructed to meet the fiber repeat spacing of 16.1 A. The helix was determined to be left-handed, and the correct space group for KBr–amylose is P43 212. Placement of the helix in the unit cell resulted from structure factor calculations; minima in the grid of R values were checked with space-filling models to establish the final structure. Both ions are located in a waterlike environment. The oxygen atoms O(2), O(3), and O(4) from glucose residues on adjacent chains coordinate around K+.
Effect of indomethacin on blastogenesis of lymphocytes from cancer patients: differentiation of patient types.

Abstract The presence of an indomethacin-sensitive suppressor-cell population was investigated in 24 patients with cancer and 28 healthy controls. The suppressor-cell population was measured by determining the effect of the indomethacin on the in vitro response of the patients' or healthy controls' lymphocytes to phytohemagglutin in (PHA). Significant abnormalities were present in 8 of the 24 patients studied. Two patients had decreased response to PHA only, 2 had increased indomethacin-sensitive suppressor-cell populations only, and 4 had both abnormalities. The presence or absence of decreased PHA response, and/or indomethacin-sensitive suppressor-cell population did not always correlate with the immunocompetence or disease status of the patients. Indomethacin is useful in differentiating two types of mechanisms responsible for decreased in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis.
Flow microfluorometric analysis of sperm DNA content: Effect of cell shape on the fluorescence distribution

The DNA content of individual sperm from populations of acriflavine-stained cells was investigated by analysis of fluorescence frequency distributions obtained with high-resolution flow-systems instruments. Sperm with spherical or cylindrical heads from three mollusk species produce narrow, symmetric fluorescence distributions. Flat sperm heads from six eutherian species produce asymmetric distributions consisting of a peak with a lateral extension to higher fluorescence values. The unexpected shape of these distributions was shown to be due to the flat geometry and high refractive index of the sperm heads in conjunction with the orthogonal axes of flow, excitation, and detection in the flow-systems instruments. The theoretical and experimeytal results indicate that the lateral extension can be eliminated either by controlling the sperm orientation with planar flow conditions or by accounting for sperm orientation by means of orientation sensing.
Compensatory Responses to Inhibition of Hepatic Squalene Synthase

The mechanism by which depletion of hepatic cholesterol levels, achieved by inhibition of squalene synthase, alters hepatic LDL receptor, HMG-CoA reductase, and cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase gene expression was investigated by measuring transcription rates, mRNA stability, rates of translation, translational efficiency, and levels of sterol response element binding proteins. It was found that the transcription of both hepatic LDL receptor and HMG-CoA reductase were increased about twofold. The increase in LDL receptor transcription occurred within 2 h after giving 2 mg/kg zaragozic acid A, a potent inhibitor of squalene synthase. This preceded the increase in transcription of HMG-CoA reductase that occurred at 4 h. Increases in the stability of both of these mRNAs were also observed. These changes account for the increases in LDL receptor and HMG-CoA reductase mRNA levels previously observed. The rate of transcription of hepatic cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase was decreased to about 25% of control within 3 h after administration of zaragozic acid A, which correlates with the decrease in this mRNA. The rates of translation, as determined by pulse labeling, of both hepatic HMG-CoA reductase and LDL receptor were increased two- to threefold. The translational efficiency of these two mRNAs was also increased as judged by polysome profile analysis. There was an increase in mRNA associated with the heaviest polysome fraction and a decrease in that associated with monosomes. No significant change was observed in the levels of sterol response element binding protein 2, the form that mediates induced transcription, in response to zaragozic acid A treatment, indicating that this protein might not be involved in mediating the observed transcriptional changes. An increase in sterol response element binding protein -1 was observed 30 min after giving zaragozic acid A. The results suggest that compensatory responses to depletion of squalene-derived products involve alterations in the rates of transcription, mRNA stability, and translational of key proteins involved in cholesterol homeostasis.
Catching ease influences perceived speed: evidence for action-specific effects from action-based measures.

According to the action-specific account of perception, people perceive the environment in terms of their ability to act. Here, we directly tested this claim by using an action-based measure of perceived speed: Participants attempted to catch a virtual fish by releasing a virtual net. The net varied in size, making the task easier or harder. We measured perceived speed by using explicit judgment-based measures and an action-based measure (time to release the net). Participants released the net later when playing with the big as compared with the small net, indicating that the fish looked to be moving more slowly when participants played with the big net. Explicit judgments of fish speed were similarly influenced by net size. These results provide converging evidence from both explicit and action-based measures that a perceiver’s ability to act influences a common underlying process, most likely perceived speed, rather than postperceptual processes such as response formation.
The synergy of functional programming and very large scale integration

In 1977 functional programming received a fresh and timely examination from Turing Award recipient John Backus. This work raised awareness of inherent deficiencies in traditional von Neumann architecture and languages. In his subsequent writings Backus uses results from combinatory logic to further develop a high-level functional programming form (FP) in which variable-free programs are built from a set of primitive programs using a few combining forms and recursive definitions. The symmetric properties of the underlying program forming operations (PFO's) in FP provide a strong mathematical structure with which to study the "algebra of programs." These PFO's generate programs which are semantically simple, are clearly hierarchical, and facilitate program correctness proofs. Unfortunately, FP style code does not execute as quickly on traditional von Neumann machines as do traditional languages. Very large scale integration (VLSI) chip design technology may address this problem. Development of VLSI offers low cost architectural possibilities for concurrent processing to which FP is well suited. In return, FP offers the clarity, structure, and mathematically sound software which VLSI applications require to justify their design, development, and implementation.
Versions of Pygmalion in the Illuminated Roman de la Rose (Oxford, Bodleian Library, Ms. Douce 195): The Artist and the Work of Art

Ms. Douce 195, a late fi fteenth-century copy of the Roman de la Rose, contains an unusual sequence of nine images for the poem’s Pygmalion digression, the work of the illuminator Robert Testard. This paper focuses on differences between the story of Pygmalion as it is told in the text of the Rose and in Testard’s miniatures. Building on scholarship on the Rose that sees the Pygmalion digression along with the poem’s Narcissus episode as the poets’ refl ections on poetry itself, and on representations of images and the use of frames in miniatures throughout Ms. Douce 195, the paper argues that the Pygmalion sequence likewise represents Testard’s refl ections on the changing status of the artist and the work of art.
Comparison of the Chemical Composition of Extracts from Scutellaria lateriflora Using Accelerated Solvent Extraction and Supercritical Fluid Extraction versus Standard Hot Water or 70% Ethanol Extraction

The aqueous extract of American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L. (S. lateriflora), Lamiaceae) has been traditionally used by North American Indians as a nerve tonic and for its sedative and diuretic properties. Recent reports stated that flavonoids and possibly amino acids are responsible for the anxiolytic activity. As a part of our search for environmentally friendly solvents to extract the active components from medicinal plants, we used S. lateriflora in a comparison of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) using water, and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using CO2 and 10% EtOH as modifier, at different temperatures. Flavonoids and amino acids were quantified by HPLC−UV and HPLC−MS, respectively. The flavonoid content was compared with conventional extraction methods (hot water extraction and 70% ethanol). The use of ASE at 85 °C with water as solvent gave the best results for flavonoid glycosides and amino acids, whereas SFE gave higher yields of flavonoid aglycones. However, the results obta...
Native beta-adrenergic support for left ventricular dysfunction in experimental mitral regurgitation normalizes indexes of pump and contractile function.

BACKGROUNDIt is generally accepted that the adrenergic nervous system provides inotropic support for the failing heart. However, the magnitude of this support has never been studied extensively. The present study was performed to test the hypothesis that the adrenergic nervous system is capable of maintaining indexes of pump and contractile function in the normal range despite significant innate myocardial depression.METHODS AND RESULTSWe used our model of experimental canine mitral regurgitation, which produces left ventricular dysfunction after 3 months of volume overload. We studied indexes of contractile function on and off beta-blockade at baseline and again on and off beta-blockade 3 months after chronic mitral regurgitation had induced significant contractile dysfunction. At baseline, acute beta-blockade caused insignificant reductions in the mass-corrected slope of the end-ejection stress-volume relation (EESVR), the end-systolic stiffness constant, and the ejection fraction-end-systolic stress an...
Flight Height, Droplet Size, and Moisture Influence on Grasshopper Control Achieved with Malathion Applied Aerially at ULV

Replicated plot tests were conducted by applying technical malathion (95%) at ultra low volume (8 fl oz per acre) against grasshoppers on rangeland from Cessna® 337 aircraft. When fine (volume-median-diameter (vmd) of 135 µ.) and coarse (vmd, 278 µ.) sprays were applied from different heights, fine spray from 200 ft was significantly inferior to coarse spray in the degree of control produced. No significant difference was apparent between treatments with fine spray from 50 or 100 ft and with coarse spray from 100 and 200 ft. The experiments indi-cate malathion is the most efficient against grasshoppers when delivered in a moderately coarse spray cloud and flight height does not exceed 100ft. When 0.1 inch of moisture was applied to plots immediately before and at 2 and 8 hours after treatment with malathion, no significant effect on treatment was apparent. These results were substantiated by the observed effects of natural rainfall and dew. However, experience in the field has shown that rainfall can be detrimental to control with malathion.
Maeterlinck’s L’Oiseau bleu, Hollywood and Textual Instability

It is clear that popular culture can alter the way a literary work is perceived, but less often considered is the extent to which popular culture can alter the text itself. When Gerard Genette pondered this question, he suggested that divergent interpretations always preserve a single, monolithic text. A closer look at the example of Maurice Maeterlinck’s iconic L’Oiseau bleu, however, provides compelling evidence that interpretations can also lead to divergent texts. At its first performance in Moscow in 1908, Maeterlinck’s dreamlike feerie about a brother and sister’s quest for the elusive bluebird of happiness was considered injouable. In part owing to its technical challenges, by 1976 the play had become a vehicle for many, often lavish adaptations in Hollywood, designed to flaunt the technical achievements of its producers. Three of these productions are considered: the first, directed by Konstantin Stanislavski in 1908; the Hollywood 1940 version starring Shirley Temple; and the novel 1976 USSR-USA co-produced film, starring Elizabeth Taylor. Whereas Americans embraced Maeterlinck for his cheerfulness in times of crisis, Parisian audiences had come to regard L’Oiseau bleu’s Americanized optimism as proof that Maeterlinck had compromised his integrity. editions Fasquelle nevertheless released a new edition after the 1976 film, which established a different text from that of the first 1909 edition, including several alterations destined to make the piece more light-hearted. An analysis of these texts reveals that the shifting aesthetics we commonly associate with movie adaptations can also play an important role in changing literary texts themselves.
Solution-Focused Counseling for Clients With Religious and Spiritual Concerns

Solution-focused counseling is presented as a framework for clients with religious and spiritual concerns. The theory of solution-focused counseling is described. Implications for using this model with religious and spiritual clients are considered. A case example is provided to illustrate the application of solution-focused counseling for a client dealing with religious and spiritual issues.
Chlamydia muridarum enters a viable but non-infectious state in amoxicillin-treated BALB/c mice.

In culture, exposure to penicillin and other stressors induce chlamydiae to enter a non-infectious but viable state termed persistence. Chlamydiae may reenter their normal developmental cycle after stressor removal. Though aberrant RB similar to those present in culture models of persistence have been observed within infected tissues, the existence of persistent chlamydiae has not been definitively demonstrated in vivo. As a result, the role of persistent organisms in pathogenesis is undefined. In order to establish an experimentally tractable model of in vivo persistence, Chlamydia muridarum vaginally-infected mice were gavaged with either water or amoxicillin (amox). Vaginal swabs were collected for chlamydial titration and RNA isolated for quantification of pre-16s rRNA. Uterine tissue was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Although amox-treatment reduced vaginal shedding by >99%, C. muridarum pre-16s rRNA accumulation was unchanged by treatment. These data indicate that the amox-exposed organisms were viable but not infectious. Furthermore, TEM analyses demonstrated that inclusions in amox-treated animals contained primarily large, aberrant RB, but those observed in untreated control animals were normal. Collectively, these data suggest that amoxicillin treatment induces C. muridarum to enter the persistent state in vivo. This model also represents the first experimentally tractable animal model of chlamydial persistence.
Gastrointestinal, urological, and sexual dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Recognition has grown regarding the importance of nonmotor dysfunction in the setting of Parkinson's disease. Autonomic involvement, including gastrointestinal, urinary, and sexual dysfunction is frequent and may significantly impair quality of life for affected individuals. Both recognition and attention to appropriate treatment are important for optimum clinical management.
Introduction: Education, ethics, and the “cult of efficiency”: implications for values and leadership

In 1962, historian Raymond E. Callahan argued that American educators had allowed themselves to become overly enchanted by Taylorite notions of scientific management and had adopted the techniques of the business‐industrial world, to the detriment of the nation's students. Callahan's Education and the Cult of Efficiency not only offered a new and bold interpretation of the history of education in the twentieth century, but it also coined a phrase that continues to represent the constant struggle faced by educators as they seek to balance high‐quality instructional practices with external calls for accountability that often come from corporate and public leaders. This special issue of the Journal of Educational Administration (JEA) presents a set of articles which explore the theme of “Education, Ethics, and the Cult of Efficiency.” The articles that make up this issue began as papers delivered at the 8th Annual Values and Educational Leadership Conference held at Pennsylvania State University in October 2...
Preserving traceability and encoding meaning in legal requirements extraction

Information system developers must ensure that their systems comply with government laws and regulations. To demonstrate compliance, developers can trace from statements in law to their system specifications while preserving how they identify and interpret ambiguity. In this paper, we present an application of the legal requirements specification language (LRSL) as a means to encode laws into a machine-readable specification. The encoding reduces ambiguity by making relations between requirements statements explicit. These relations include refinement, pre- and post-conditions, and exceptions that shape the environment in which the developer's system must operate and limiting the behavior of the system to a set of mandatory and discretionary actions. We illustrate the LRSL using a legal excerpt from Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, section164.512(f) governing disclosures of protected health information to law enforcement in the United States.
On the propagation of concentration polarization from microchannel-nanochannel interfaces. Part II: Numerical and experimental study

We present results of a combined computational and experimental study of the propagation of concentration polarization (CP) zones in a microchannel-nanochannel system. Our computational model considers the combined effects of bulk flow, electromigration, and diffusion and accurately captures the dynamics of CP. Using wall charge inside the nanochannel as a single fitting parameter, we predict experimentally observed enrichment and depletion shock velocities. Our model can also be used to compute the existence of CP with propagating enrichment and depletion shocks on the basis of measured ion mobility and wall properties. We present experiments where the background electrolyte consists of only a fluorescent ion and its counterion. These results are used to validate the computational model and to confirm predicted trends from an analytical model presented in the first of this two-paper series. We show experimentally that the enrichment region concentration is effectively independent of the applied current, while the enrichment and depletion shock velocities increase in proportion to current density.
Acute effects of gabapentin and pregabalin on rat forebrain cellular GABA, glutamate, and glutamine concentrations

The effects of antiepileptic drugs, gabapentin, pregabalin and vigabatrin, on brain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate and glutamine concentrations were studied in Long Evans rats using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of perchloric acid extracts. Cellular glutamate concentrations significantly decreased by 7% (P<0.05) 2 hours after intraperitoneal injection of 100mg/kg gabapentin and 4% (P<0.05) with 1000 mg/kg. No differences were observed in cellular GABA and cellular glutamine concentrations in rats treated with gabapentin. Pregabalin, an analogue of gabapentin, significantly decreased cellular glutamate concentrations by 4% (P<0.05), while no effect was observed on cellular GABA or glutamine concentrations in the healthy rat forebrain. Vigabatrin, used as a positive control to increase GABA levels, produced a 50% increase in cellular GABA compared to saline treated rats (P<0.003). Although, gabapentin and pregabalin are anticonvulsants designed to mimic GABA, these drugs do not raise cellular GABA levels acutely but modestly decreased cellular glutamate levels in our healthy rat forebrain model.
Nicotine induces resistance to chemotherapy in nasal epithelial cancer.

BACKGROUND Epidemiological and clinical data implicate that in patients with cancer, continued smoking causes progression of cancer growth and resistance to therapy. The carcinogens possess the ability to block apoptosis, an important mechanism in the development of tumors and resistance to chemotherapy. We previously showed that nicotine enhances growth and proliferation in lung cancer. However, the effects of nicotine, a tobacco carcinogen that inhibits apoptosis, have not been studied before in nasal epithelial carcinoma (NC). In this study, we sought to determine the effects of nicotine on chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in human NC. METHODS Primary human NC cells were grown per protocol, treated with combination chemotherapy, and the apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling) and DNA fragmentation assays. The regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase B (AKT) signal transduction pathway was examined by real time quantitative polymerized chain reaction, and immunofluorescent staining assays. RESULTS Combination chemotherapy with cisplatin (35 microM) plus etoposide (20 microM) caused a significant increase in NC apoptosis compared with single agent alone, and nicotine, in part, inhibited chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in NC. Furthermore, nicotine induced activation of AKT and MAPK pathways, while inhibition of MAPK using U0126 and AKT by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002, in part, blocked the antiapoptotic effects of nicotine against cisplatin and etoposide-induced apoptosis in NC. CONCLUSION Nicotine inhibits chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in NC via the AKT and MAPK-mediated signaling pathways. We speculate that nicotine may play a role in oncogenesis and resistance to cancer therapy in NC.
Military Leadership and the Complexity of Combat and Culture

This article highlights the leadership challenges in today's irregular and counterinsurgency military missions. Sociocultural knowledge gaps in leader development are highlighted, as are prescripti...
Head and neck cancer with lower neck nodal metastases: Management of 23 cases and review of the literature

Summary To investigate the patient outcomes associated with the applied modes of therapy in head and neck cancer with lower neck nodal metastases. The medical records of 23 consecutive individuals who were managed by intent to treat for head and neck cancer with metastatic disease in the lower neck nodes over a 19-year period were reviewed. The mean age was 53.5 years, and the larynx was the most frequently affected primary site (57%). Overall, locoregional tumor control was achieved in the majority (75%) of the cases and the 2-year survival rate was 48%. The 2-year survival rates of people managed by surgery and postoperative radiotherapy, chemoradiation or single modality therapy were 63%, 56% and 17%, respectively, ( p = 0.04). Aggressive therapy resulted in five (22%) long-term (>5 years) survivors. The combination of treatment modalities proved to be effective management for head and neck cancer with lower neck nodal metastases and should be further investigated in prospective trials.
Solubility parameter, specific molar cohesion, and the solubility of ethylene oxide in polymers

The polarity of polymers is commonly characterized by their solubility parameter to describe their interaction with small molecules or by their specific molar cohesion to describe interchain attraction. A linear relation between these two parameters is demonstrated. Ethylene oxide (EO) is used to sterilize containers and devices containing plastics or elastomers. The solubility parameter concept is applicable to the sorption of EO by such polymers provided crystallinity and rubbery/glassy state are taken into account. The delta value of EO, calculated from the temperature dependence of its vapour pressure, is 10.8 (cal/cm3)1/2. The highest EO solubility is in polyvinyl chloride and polycarbonate, whose solubility parameters match that of EO closely. The solubility in other polymers decreases as their solubility parameters diverge increasingly from 10.8. At comparable delta values, polymers in the rubbery state dissolve 6000 to 8000 ppm EO more than polymers in the glassy state. EO solubility in the amorphous fraction of polymers above their glass transition temperatures ranges from 20 800 ppm for plasticized polyvinyl chloride (delta = 9.2) to 800 ppm for polytetrafluorethylene (delta = 6.2).
Cutting Edge: Different Toll-Like Receptor Agonists Instruct Dendritic Cells to Induce Distinct Th Responses via Differential Modulation of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase-Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and c-Fos

Dendritic cells (DCs) are pivotal in determining the class of an adaptive immune response. However, the molecular mechanisms within DCs that determine this decision-making process are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that distinct Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands instruct human DCs to induce distinct Th cell responses by differentially modulating mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Thus, Escherichia coli LPS and flagellin, which trigger TLR4 and TLR5, respectively, instruct DCs to stimulate Th1 responses via IL-12p70 production, which depends on the phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2. In contrast, the TLR2 agonist, Pam3cys, and the Th2 stimulus, schistosome egg Ags: 1) barely induce IL-12p70; 2) stimulate sustained duration and magnitude of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, which results in stabilization of the transcription factor c-Fos, a suppressor of IL-12; and 3) yield a Th2 bias. Thus, distinct TLR agonists differentially modulate extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling, c-Fos activity, and cytokine responses in DCs to stimulate different Th responses.
Examining the Stress Response and Recovery Among Children With Migraine

Objective This study compared physiological differences between children diagnosed with migraine and their healthy peers. Method Physiological measures were obtained at baseline, after discussing an emotional stressor, and after a 5-min recovery period in 21 children with pediatric migraine and 32 healthy peers. Comparisons were also made on psychological measures investigating anxiety. Results Children with migraine exhibited a significantly higher pulse rate compared to comparison children at rest, and higher diastolic blood pressure and higher low-frequency/high-frequency ratio after a 5-min recovery from an emotional stressor. Additionally, when anxiety was entered as a covariate, group differences after the 5-min recovery period were no longer significant. Conclusions Results suggest that relative to comparison children, children with migraine exhibit some physiological elevation at rest, as well as a prolonged physiological recovery period after an emotional stressor. Group differences after the 5-min recovery period suggest that children with migraine experience delayed sympathetic hyperarousal and prolonged sympathovagal imbalance. The treatment implications of these findings are discussed.
Fundamental cellular processes do not require vertebrate-specific sequences within the TATA-binding protein.

Abstract The 180-amino acid core of theTATA-binding protein (TBPcore) is conserved from Archae bacteria to man. Vertebrate TBPs contain, in addition, a large and highly conserved N-terminal region that is not found in other phyla. We have generated a line of mice in which the tbp allele is replaced with a version, tbpΔN , which lacks 111 of 135 N-terminal amino acid residues. MosttbpΔN/ΔN fetuses die in midgestation. To test whether a disruption of general cellular processes contributed to this fetal loss, primary fibroblast cultures were established from +/+, ΔN/+, and ΔN/ΔN fetuses. The cultures exhibited no genotype-dependent differences in proliferation or in expression of the proliferative markers dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) mRNA (S phase-specific) and cdc25B mRNA (G2-specific). The mutation had no effect on transcription initiation site fidelity by either RNA polymerase II (pol II) or pol III. Moreover, the mutation did not cause differences in levels of U6 RNA, a pol III-dependent component of the splicing machinery, in mRNA splicing efficiency, in expression of housekeeping genes from either TATA-containing or TATA-less promoters, or in global gene expression. Our results indicated that general eukaryotic cell functions are unaffected by deletion of these vertebrate-specific sequences from TBP. Thus, all activities of this polypeptide domain must either be compensated for by redundant activities or be restricted to situations that are not represented by primary fibroblasts.
Shock wave interaction with microstructures and heterogeneous media

Shock waves interacting with heterogeneous energetic materials are important in studies related to detonation and deflagration in condensed media. They have plethora of applications in propulsive devices, munitions and explosive targets. The study of release of energy is crucial requirement in these systems. Traditional models for these applications are based on continuum theories where the inherent microstructure of material is ignored. These simulations based on continuum mechanic approach on macro scale miss the key aspect of modeling energy release at a scale corresponding to particle size. Designing propulsion devices and munitions for precise operational performances demands comprehensive understanding and manipulation of the spatial and temporal distribution of energy release in activated energetic materials. The localized events like void collapse and inter-particle friction must account for in detailed study of these materials. The proposed work seeks to develop a computational tool to conduct a realistic modeling of the multi scale dynamics of heterogeneous media.
Castilleja and Pedicularis confirmed as telial hosts for Cronartium ribicola in whitebark pine ecosystems of Oregon and Washington

Summary The primary objective of this research was to determine whether native species of Castilleja and Pedicularis are naturally infected by Cronartium ribicola in whitebark pine ecosystems of the Oregon and Washington Cascade Range, USA. Secondary objectives were to monitor the phenology of aecial and telial hosts to determine whether there is sufficient time for C. ribicola to complete its life cycle within high-elevation stands and to evaluate the variety of susceptible native host species within these genera through field and growth chamber inoculation. These objectives were approached through fieldwork in 2008 and 2009 in whitebark pine ecosystems at Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, Mt. Bachelor, Tumalo Mtn. and Crater Lake. Forty-nine observational study plots were established and monitored. Natural C. ribicola infection was detected on 84 Pedicularis racemosa plants and five Castilleja plants (C. applegatei, C. miniata and C. parviflora). Field observation provided evidence that there is sufficient time for C. ribicola to complete its life cycle on hosts within high-elevation whitebark pine stands. In 2009, 18 field inoculation plots were established at Mt. Rainier and Crater Lake. Field inoculation confirmed the susceptibility of two additional species within these genera, C. arachnoidea and P. bracteosa. All four Castilleja species inoculated in the growth chamber developed infection, with an overall infection incidence of 62% (167 out of 270 plants). The identity of the rust species on field specimens as C. ribicola was verified through PCR and sequencing of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of DNA. Improved understanding of the role of these newly recognized hosts in white pine blister rust epidemiology should be used to prioritize sites for the restoration of ecologically valuable whitebark pine.
The assessment of empathy in early childhood

Abstract In much of the literature on empathy in young children, researchers have assessed empathy with the FASTE (Feshbach and Roe Affective Situations Test for Empathy). Consequently, much of the literature on early affective responsiveness and the role of empathy in prosocial development is dependent on the validity of the FASTE. However, examination of the literature on gender differences in young children's empathy has suggested a methodological flaw in picture/story techniques such as the FASTE; children's responses to these instruments appear to vary as a function of the interaction of sex of experimenter with sex of subject. In the present study, we empirically examined the effects of sex of experimenter on children's responses to the FASTE. Eighty preschool children were randomly assigned by sex to four male and four female experimenters and were administered the FASTE. Children scored higher when interviewed by a same-sex experimenter, especially if only the stories that the children comprehended (the happy/sad episodes, not the anger or fear episodes) were examined. The implications of the findings for interpreting the literature on children's empathy (especially gender differences in empathy) are discussed.
On a Method of J. H. C. Whitehead

In this article which is partly a continuation of Goldstein (1999), we give some necessary and sufficient conditions for an element of a free group to be primitive. For certain words x, we also give a lower bound on the length of words obtained from x by an automorphism. In the last section we give another proof of the Primitivity Theorem recently proven by Lee, using ideas from the first part of the article.
Higher dimensional consensus algorithms in sensor networks

This paper introduces higher dimensional consensus, a framework to capture a number of different, but, related distributed, iterative, linear algorithms of interest in sensor networks. We show that, by suitably choosing the iteration matrix of the higher dimensional consensus, we can capture, besides the standard average-consensus, a broad range of applications, including sensor localization, leader-follower, and distributed Jacobi algorithm. We work with the concept of anchors and explicitly derive the consensus subspace and provide the dimension of the limiting state of the sensors.