cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gallbladder Needle Decompression During Radiofrequency Ablation of an Adjacent Liver Tumour

Gallbladder perforation with bile leak can result from thermal injury during radiofrequency ablation of liver tumours. Two case studies demonstrate a technique for preventing gallbladder injury to the peritoneal surface of a distended gallbladder adjacent to the anticipated hepatic ablation zone. The use of percutaneous gallbladder needle decompression can safely separate or retract the peritoneal surface of the gallbladder from a contiguous hepatic radiofrequency ablation zone.
An FTRI study of the structure of human serum albumin adsorbed to polysulfone

Internal reflection infrared spectroscopy was employed in a study of the structural changes in human serum albumin that result from adsorption to cast films of polysulfone. Adsorption experiments were carried out in a flow-through cell at 30°C in the presence of either a H2O-based or D2O-based saline buffer. Spectral features show adsorption results in Amide I bandwidth broadening and diminished Amide II band intensities relative to the Amide I band. Deconvolution and band-fitting of spectra obtained in the presence of D20 show appearance of beta and aperiodic conformations at the expense of helical structures. The results suggest considerable change in the secondary structure of human serum albumin upon adsorption to polysulfone.
Spectropolarimetry of comets Austin and Churyumov-Gerasimenko

Abstract Spectropolarimetric observations from 5000 to 8000 A have been obtained for comets P/Austin (1982g) and P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (1982f). The observations were spaced over phase angles of 50–125° for comet Austin and 10–40° for comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko. The use of spectropolarimetry allowed an evaluation of continuum polarization without molecular line contamination. Especially for comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the curve of polarization versus phase angle resembles curves for asteroids, where the polarization is negative (electric vector maximum parallel to the scattering plane) for phase angles less than 20° and the most negative polarization is from −1 to −2%. The negative polarization at backscattering angles may be due to multiple scattering in agglomerated grains, as assumed for asteroids, or to Mie scattering by small dielectric particles. If multiple scattering is important in comet dust, polarization measurements may imply a low albedo, less than 0.08. The polarization of comet Austin remained steady during a large change in the dust production rate. Both comets increased continuum flux by a factor of 2 near perihelion. The continuum of comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko had the shape of the solar spectrum with derivations less than 5%. The equivalent width of spectral features of C 2 , NH 2 , and O varied as r −2 .
A true aneurysm of the superficial temporal artery: Is there an underlying pre-disposition to such rarities?

INTRODUCTION A 32 year old man presented to our vascular clinic with a lump over the left eyebrow. It had become larger in size and was cosmetically unacceptable.
The role of challenging incentives in feedback-assisted heart rate reduction for coronary-prone adult males.

Three experiments were performed to study the influence of challenging incentives on feedback-assisted heart rate reduction for coronary-prone (Type A) and non-coronary-prone (Type B) males. In the first experiment, when subjects were given a competitive instructional set, Type As were significantly more successful relative to Type Bs in reducing their heart rate; with a noncompetitive set, Type Bs were significantly more successful than were Type As. In the second experiment, when told that heart rate reduction was a scarce ability, Type As reduced heart rate significantly better than did Type Bs; when told that heart rate reduction was a common ability, Type Bs achieved significantly greater heart rate reduction than did Type As. In the third experiment, when heart rate reduction was described as being instrumental to time-urgency (i.e., getting more done in less time), Type As reduced heart rate significantly bettern than did Type Bs; when heart rate reduction was described as being instrumental to relaxation, Type Bs were significantly better able to reduce heart rate. In all three studies, the incentives had no effect on heart rate when feedback was not provided. The results are discussed as support for the notion that Type A behavioral pattern characteristics can be exploited to reduce Type A symptoms. Implications for how coronary-prone individuals may be challenged to modify symptoms within the clinical setting are discussed.
Cloning and characterization of a lignin peroxidase gene from the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor.

Six putative lignin peroxidase (LIP) genes were isolated from a λEMBL3 phage library of the white-rot fungus, Trametes versicolor, using the Phanerochaete chrysosporium LIP cDNA CLG5 as the probe. Sequence analysis of one of the genes, VLG1, showed that its coding region is interrupted by six small introns (49–64 bp) and that it encodes a mature LIP protein (341 aa; Mr: 36,714) that is preceded by a 25 aa signal sequence. This protein has a relatively high degree of aa homology to the N-termini of the LIP proteins purified from T. versicolor and has an aa homology of 55–60% to the LIP proteins of P. chrysosporium, which is comparable to that found between P. chrysosporium and Phlebia radiata LIP proteins.
Interposition of sural nerve restores function of cavernous nerves resected during radical prostatectomy.

AbstractPurpose: The permanent loss of erectile function when both neurovascular bundles are widely resected at radical prostatectomy as well as the successful use of autologous nerve grafts in reconstructive surgery led us to perform bilateral nerve grafts in an effort to restore erectile function in potent patients treated for prostate cancer who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy and resection of both neurovascular bundles.Materials and Methods: Radical retropubic prostatectomy with deliberate resection of both neurovascular bundles was recommended for high grade, locally extensive prostate cancer in 9 select, sexually active men who reported normal erectile function. After the prostate was removed but before vesicourethral anastomosis an autologous sural nerve graft was interposed between the divided ends of the cavernous nerves bilaterally. Erectile function was monitored by patient interview, questionnaire and nocturnal penile tumescence testing after the operation.Results: Four to 5 months ...
Innovations in Agricultural and Natural Disaster Insurance

Agricultural production has always been a risky endeavor. Farmers constantly have to deal with unfavorable weather conditions, variability in prices of inputs and outputs, livestock disease outbreaks, pests, etc. The uncertainty of future incomes complicates both short-term production decisions and long-term planning (e.g., expansion of production or capital investments in machinery and equipment). It also renders lending institutions less willing to provide loans to farmers, since the probability of default is relatively high. Although some forms of selfinsurance may be available to farmers (e.g., crop diversification or intertemporal income transfers), these have certain limitations and ultimately reduce farm profits in the long term.
The Reflected Best Self field experiment with adolescent leaders: exploring the psychological resources associated with feedback source and valence

This study provides a preliminary examination of the efficacy of the Reflected Best Self Exercise. We conducted a field quasi-experiment with 108 adolescent leaders assigned to a 2 × 2 design: (1) valence of feedback (i.e., strengths-only versus strengths and improvement-oriented) and (2) source of feedback (i.e., professional (e.g., teachers, coaches, bosses) only versus professional and personal (e.g., friends and family)). By ANOVA, support was found for the hypothesis that feedback from the combination of professional and personal sources is associated with more positive emotional, agentic, and relational resources than feedback from only professional sources. Little support was found for the hypothesis that strengths-based feedback generates more positive emotional, agentic, or relational resources. Limitations, implications for practice and directions for future research are discussed.
Evaluation of Interactive Video Conferences as a Medium for Professional Continuing Education

Abstract Distance education techniques are increasingly being used to deliver continuing education (CE) to dietetic professionals. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the acceptability of a one-way video, two way audio interactive video conference for professional CE on leadership development for public health nutritionists. The evaluation instrument addressed technical, production and content issues and obtained demographic information from participants. The instrument contained 29 items and used a 5-point hedonic scale for most items. Face validity of the instrument was established by a panel of 3 registered dietitians and 2 teleconference specialists. Evaluations were received from 327 public health nutritionists from 30 sites in an 8 state region in the southeastern US. Most respondents (64%) had worked in public health over 5 years and 74% had administrative responsibilities. Most (70%) spent at least half of their time working with mothers and children. Most participants strongly agreed or agreed that the down link sites were convenient (85%), facilities were appropriate (81%), audio/video reception was clear (88%), video conference length of 3 hours was appropriate (94%), and the format was enjoyable (91%). Most participants strongly agreed or agreed that they had an opportunity to call in with questions during the interactive video conference (77%) and thought visual aids used were helpful (82%). Most participants rated the video conference as very good to excellent (88%). Most participants strongly agreed or agreed that the video conference met its objectives (87%), increased their knowledge and skills in leadership (88%), and developed confidence in their leadership roles (70%). Results indicate that distance learning technology, such as an interactive video conference, is an acceptable medium for providing professional CE to dietetic professionals in public health settings.
Levamisole as an adjuvant to chemotherapy in extensive bronchogenic carcinoma: a Veterans Administration Lung Cancer Group Study.

A randomized trial of 381 patients with extensive lung cancer compared immunochemotherapy with levamisole (150 mg/m2 orally three times a week), cyclophosphamide (700 mg/m2 IV every three weeks) and CCNU (70 mg/m2 orally every six weeks) with the same chemotherapy without levamisole. When disease progressed, doxorubicin hydrochloride or doxorubicin hydrochloride plus levamisole was used. Hematologic toxicity required reduction of the levamisole dosage to 2.5 mg/kg (100 mg/m2) three times a week, every other week. When corrections are made for all variables, levamisole itself had a negative influence on survival. Patients given 150 mg/m2 had a shorter median time to treatment failure (P = 0.02), lower response rate (P = 0.02), more toxicity (P = 0.08), and shorter median survival (P = 0.08). Patients with 10% or greater weight loss had significantly shorter survival (P = 0.006). The regimen with the reduced dosage of levamisole also was more toxic (P = 0.05) but otherwise did not differ from the control regimen. The cause of the adverse effect of levamisole is unknown. It did not occur because of an excess of toxic deaths or because smaller doses of cytotoxic drugs were given to patients treated with levamisole. Neither the initial lymphocyte count nor the Candida skin test reactions had a significant effect on the study endpoints when correction was made for dominant prognostic factors such as the initial performance status and weight loss.
Sequence Features of Oxytricha trifallax (Class Spirotrichea) Macronuclear Telomeric and Subtelomeric Sequences

We sequenced and analyzed the subtelomeric regions of 1356 macronuclear "nanochromosomes" of the spirotrichous ciliate Oxytricha trifallax. We show that the telomeres in this species have a length of 20 nt, with minor deviations; there is no correlation between telomere lengths at the two ends of the molecule. A search for open reading frames revealed that the 3' and 5' untranslated regions are short, with a median length of approximately 130 nt, and that surprisingly there are no detectable differences between sequences upstream and downstream of genes. Our results confirm a previously reported purine bias in the first approximately 80 nucleotides of the subtelomeric regions, but with this larger data set we curiously detected a 10 bp periodicity in the bias; we relate this finding to the possible regulatory and structural functions these regions must serve. Palindromic sequences in opposing subtelomeric regions, although present in most sequences, are not statistically significant.
What Makes a Top-Selling Textbook? Comparing Characteristics of AIS Textbooks

The factors involved in the selection of accounting textbooks are under-investigated, and most of the research is survey-based, largely ignoring the information that could be analyzed by direct inspection of textbook content and its impact on textbook selection. In this study the authors fill this lacuna by deploying content analysis of the textbook content and devising new measures of textbook quality that may impact their ultimate selection by accounting information systems (AIS) instructors. These novel measures are discussed in the light of textbook market share information gleaned from three sources: a survey of AIS instructors, and executives at two leading educational publishers. The authors conclude with a consideration of pedagogical policy implications of the findings.
A simple model for a water gas shift membrane reactor

A simplified process model was developed to simulate a catalytic membrane water gas shift (WGS) reactor. A number of computer simulations were conducted to determine the potential of increased carbon monoxide (CO) conversion in WGS reaction due to simultaneous separation of product hydrogen (H2) from the reactant mixture. Gas separation factors based on Knudsen diffusion were used in these simulations to assess the feasibility of inorganic and ceramic membranes in a high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) coal gasification environment. The simulations indicated that although the increase in CO conversion and hydrogen concentration in a single membrane reactor stage was significant, a multistage membrane separation system would be needed to increase the hydrogen product concentration above 90%. As expected, increasing the feed pressure to permeate pressure ratio was found to increase the CO conversion and the product hydrogen concentration. At low feed to permeate pressure ratios, the model predicted a much better membrane reactor performance with a countercurrent feed and permeate flow scheme when compared with a concurrent flow scheme. The membrane performance, of course, depends strongly on the gas separation factors. With gas separation factors lower than the ideal Knudsen diffusion separation factors (e.g. H2 to CO2 separation factor of 2 instead of the ideal Knudsen value of 4.7), the model simulation predicted a much smaller increase in CO conversion and product hydrogen concentration.
‘The Isle is Full of Noises’: Using Wiki Software to Establish a Discourse Community in a Shakespeare Classroom

For the last four semesters my courses in Shakespeare have used QwikiWiki and MediaWiki, two versions of the wiki software, for writing exercises and directed reflection on language — including both by the students about Shakespeare's language, and by the teacher/researcher regarding the students' performance in ‘Writing to Learn’. In experimenting with this technology I have learned that wiki software presents an ideal platform for generating reading and writing assignments that encourage language awareness in the literary domain. It provides an easy way to complete short (rather than long) writing assignments, extending group work outside the class by continuing it asynchronously on the wiki, and enabling students to structure their discussions on their own. In this last instance the wiki is unique: it provides a minimally structured platform so that the students may determine how what they read and talk about relates to itself.
Multi-purpose extrinsic Fabry-Perot sensor with miniature dual fiber configuration

A miniature sensor based on extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometry is proposed. In this setup, two optical fibers are integrated into a miniature sensing head to produce a pair of quadrature signals for solving direction ambiguity problem. It can also achieve nanometer resolution and at least 10kHz dynamic range after electronic subdivision. Comparing with capacitive senor, it has advantages including electromagnetic interference immunity and long distance measurement capability. In this paper, related theoretical descriptions are introduced and the comparisons with capacitive sensor are conducted. An experiment for detecting the characteristics of hard disk drive with this novel sensor is depicted. Furthermore, a new method of measuring liquid refractive index is described. All the experiment results show that this novel sensor is excellent in displacement and vibration measurement and many other applications.
Strong electron-lattice coupling as the mechanism behind charge density wave transformations in transition-metal dichalcogenides

We consider a single band of conduction electrons interacting with displacements of the transitional ions. In the classical regime strong enough coupling transforms the harmonic elastic energy for an ion to the one of the well with two deep minima, so that the system is described in terms of Ising spins. Intersite interactions order spins at lower temperatures. Extension to the quantum regime is discussed. Below the charge density wave (CDW) transition the energy spectrum of electrons remains metallic because the structural vector $\mathbf{Q}$ and the Fermi surface sizes are not related. Large values of the CDW gap seen in the tunneling experiments correspond to the energy of the minima in the electron-ion two-well complex. The gap is defined through the density of states inside the electronic bands below the CDW transition. We focus mainly on electronic properties of transition-metal dichalcogenides.
ATR regulates hexavalent chromium-induced S-phase checkpoint through phosphorylation of SMC1

Hexavalent chromium (Cr[VI]) is an industrial waste product known to cause nasal and lung cancer in exposed workers. Intracellularly, Cr[VI] undergoes a series of enzymatic reductions resulting in the formation of reactive chromate intermediates and oxygen free radicals. These metabolites react with DNA to cause numerous types of genomic lesions, but the cellular response to these genotoxic insults is poorly understood. Recently, we demonstrated that in response to DNA damage induced by Cr[VI], an ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and structural maintenance of chromosomal protein 1 (SMC1)-dependent S-phase checkpoint is activated. Interestingly, this checkpoint response was only ATM-dependent in cells exposed to low doses of Cr[VI], we demonstrate that the ATM and Rad3 related kinase, ATR, is required to activate the S-phase checkpoint. In response to all doses of Cr[VI], ATR is activated and phosphorylates SMC1 to facilitate the checkpoint. Further, chromatin binding ability of Rad17 is required for this process. Taken together, these results indicate that the Rad17-ATR-SMC1 pathway is essential for Cr[VI]-induced S-phase checkpoint activation.
Mutagenicity of oil-shale ash.

Abstract 3 oil-shale ash samples were extracted with solvents and analyzed for mutagenicity with a number of test systems. In Salmonella typhimurium , the ash extracts were highly mutagenic with the Ames his reversion and the ara -resistant systems. Mutation induction by the ash in Salmonella was independent of metabolic activation and was of the frameshift type. These ash extracts showed a substantial killing effect, but failed to induce ad-3 reversion in Neurospora crassa , gene conversion and mitotic crossing-over in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and TG r mutation in cultured CHO cells.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF THE BLADDER MUCOSA

Antibacterial activity of bladder mucosa is believed to be a host defense against infection. In this study we examined the antibacterial activity of the bladder mucosa without the effect of voiding. In addition we examined whether the property of adherence was advantageous for the organism in contact with the bladder mucosa. For this, three adhering and three nonadhering strains of E. coli were placed in contact with the bladder mucosa for 4 h in an in vivo rabbit model. E. coli grown in broth and applied to 32 bladders increased in titer by 1 log. E. coli grown in rabbit urine and applied to seven bladders increased in titer by 1.2 log. In contrast E. coli inoculated into control vials containing broth increased in titer by 2.3 log (P=0.01). There was no significant difference in the titer between adhering and nonadhering strains of E. coli after 4 h of contact with the bladder mucosa. Bladder mucosa may have an inhibitory effect on bacterial growth (regardless of adherence characteristics) and with urine flow serves to prevent infection of the bladder urine.
Applications of the chemical oxygen-iodine laser

The Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser (COIL) has been developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory for military applications. For example, the COIL is to be use as the laser device for the ABL. A high power laser is useful for applications that require the delivery of a substantial amount of energy to a very small focused laser spot. The COIL is a member of the class of high power lasers that are also useful for industrial applications, including the materials processing task of high speed cutting and drilling. COIL technology has received considerable interest over the last several years due to its short, fiber- deliverable wavelength, scalability to very high powers, and demonstrated nearly diffraction-limited optical quality. These unique abilities make it an ideal candidate for nuclear reactor decommissioning and nuclear warhead dismantlement. Japanese researchers envision using a COIL for disaster cleanup and survivor rescue. It is also being studied by the oil and gas industry for well drilling. Any commercial or industrial application that requires very rapid, precise, and noninvasive cutting or drilling, could be readily accomplished with a COIL. Because of the substantial power levels available with a COIL, the laser could also be used for broad area applications such as paint stripping. This paper includes a collection of experiments accomplished at the Air Force Research Laboratory Chemical Laser Facility, including metal cutting, hole drilling, high power fiber optic transmission, and rock crushing.
Fast Path Re-planning Based on Fast Marching and Level Sets

We investigate path planning algorithms that are based on level set methods for applications in which the environment is static, but where an a priori map is inaccurate and the environment is sensed in real-time. Our principal contribution is not a new path planning algorithm, but rather a formal analysis of path planning algorithms based on level set methods. Computational costs when planning paths with level set methods are due to the creation of the level set function. Once the level set function has been computed, the optimal path is simply gradient descent down the level set function. Our approach rests on the formal analysis of how value of the level set function changes when the changes in the environment are detected. We show that in many practical cases, only a small domain of the level set function needs to be re-computed when the environment changes. Simulation examples are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Relationship between arm usage and instrumental activities of daily living after unilateral stroke.

Abstract Haaland KY, Mutha PK, Rinehart JK, Daniels M, Cushnyr B, Adair JC. Relationship between arm usage and instrumental activities of daily living after unilateral stroke. Objective To determine whether the preferred pattern of arm use after unilateral hemispheric damage was associated with better everyday functioning. Our previous work showed that right-handed stroke patients with right hemisphere damage (RHD) used their right, ipsilesional arm most frequently, while those with left hemisphere damage (LHD) used both arms together most frequently. This effect was explained by right-hand preference, but its relationship to functional performance is not known. Design Observational cohort. Setting Research laboratory. Participants Stroke patients (n=60; 30 RHD, 30 LHD) and healthy controls (n=52). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures The Functional Impact Assessment was used to assess performance on instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Results The preferred patterns of arm use were similar to those in our previous report. However, it was the greater use of both arms together that was associated with better IADL performance in both stroke groups. Ipsilesional arm use alone was not significantly associated with IADL performance in the RHD group and was associated with poorer performance in the LHD group. Conclusions The modal arm use pattern did not always optimize IADL functioning. Better IADL functioning in both stroke groups was associated with the use of both arms together, which is the most common arm use pattern of healthy individuals doing these same IADLs. An important practical question that arises from these findings is whether bilateral arm rehabilitation should be emphasized, because using both arms together is the best predictor of better performance on everyday tasks.
Mechanical Load Induces a 100-Fold Increase in the Rate of Collagen Proteolysis by MMP-1

Although mechanical stress is known to profoundly influence the composition and structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the mechanisms by which this regulation occurs remain poorly understood. We used a single-molecule magnetic tweezers assay to study the effect of force on collagen proteolysis by matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). Here we show that the application of ∼10 pN in extensional force causes an ∼100-fold increase in proteolysis rates. Our results support a mechanistic model in which the collagen triple helix unwinds prior to proteolysis. The data and resulting model predict that biologically relevant forces may increase localized ECM proteolysis, suggesting a possible role for mechanical force in the regulation of ECM remodeling.
Oxidant-mediated AA release from astrocytes involves cPLA2 and iPLA2

Excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the central nervous system (CNS) is a leading cause of neuronal injury. Despite yet unknown mechanisms, oxidant compounds such as H(2)O(2) have been shown to stimulate the release of arachidonic acid (AA) in a number of cell systems. In this study, H(2)O(2) and menadione, a compound known to release H(2)O(2) intracellularly, were used to examine the phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)) responsible for AA release from primary murine astrocytes. Both H(2)O(2) and menadione dose-dependently stimulated AA release, and the release mediated by H(2)O(2) was completely inhibited by catalase. H(2)O(2) also stimulated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)). However, complete inhibition of cPLA(2) phosphorylation by U0126, an inhibitor for mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) and GF109203x, a nonselective PKC inhibitor preferring the conventional and novel isoforms, only reduced H(2)O(2)-stimulated AA release by 50%. MAFP, a selective, active, site-directed, irreversible inhibitor of both cPLA(2) and the Ca(2+)-independent iPLA(2), nearly completely inhibited H(2)O(2)-mediated AA release; but, HELSS, a potent irreversible inhibitor of iPLA(2), only inhibited H(2)O(2)-mediated AA release by 40%. Along with the observation that H(2)O(2)-mediated AA release was only partially inhibited upon chelating intracellular Ca(2+) by BAPTA, these results indicate the involvement of both cPLA(2) and iPLA(2) in H(2)O(2)-mediated AA release in murine astrocytes.
Fibromyalgia and childhood abuse: Exploration of stress reactivity as a developmental mediator

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to explore whether the human body’s stress reactivity in response to trauma may be a possible developmental mediator between childhood abuse and the development of fibromyalgia (FM). Four points are emphasized in this article. First, studies that have examined the prevalence of childhood physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in FM patients are evaluated. Second, health and neuroendocrine differences between abused and non-abused FM patients are examined. Third, studies that tested the association between childhood abuse and stress reactivity characterized by neurobiological abnormalities are reviewed. Fourth, studies that have investigated the association between stress reactivity and FM are analyzed. The results of the reviews showed significant associations between childhood abuse and FM, childhood abuse and stress reactivity, and stress reactivity and FM, indicating that childhood abuse may be one of the etiological factors that could lead to abnormal brain development, affecting stress reactivity, and ultimately lead to the development of FM.
Decreased breast cancer rates among women with choriocarcinoma.

Abstract Objective We hypothesized that exposure to high levels of hCG in women diagnosed with choriocarcinoma would decrease future breast cancer risk. Methods We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry limited-use database (1973–2004) to search for placenta tumors (ICD-10 C58), i.e. choriocarcinoma (CC). Demographics were obtained including patient ID, primary site, year of diagnosis, sex, race, DOB, age group and survival months. Patients with initial choriocarcinoma were searched for subsequent breast cancers. The cohort diagnosis with CC and subsequent breast cancers were compared to general population-based rates of breast cancer. Results A query for CC yielded 646 women between the ages 15 and 54 years. Of the 646 women, 422 were white, 129 African-American, and 95 "other". Total women-years of observation were 7165.3 with two CC patients developing breast cancer yielding a breast cancer incidence rate of 27.9/100,000 women-years. The incidence rate ratio(IRR) of the CC cohort to the general population was 0.21 (95% CI(0.145–0.327); P P P P P Conclusion Women with prior CC had a 79% reduction in breast cancer risk compared to the general population regardless of age and race. Given the high level of hCG and decreased rate of breast cancer among women with CC, the hypothesis that hCG is protective against breast cancer seems plausible.
Automated design of specialized representations

Abstract We present a general notion of specialized representation and a methodology that automates the design of such representations. These representations are combinations of data structure and procedure that efficiently perform inferences required in solving a problem. Our implementation of the methodology begins with a problem stated in a sorted first-order logic and designs a representation for the problem by combining building blocks, called representation schemes . It has a library of representation schemes. A scheme is identified for use in designing a representation by matching a description of the inferences it performs against one or more statements in a problem. Once a scheme is designed into a representation, the general problem solver need no longer consider the problem statements matched in the scheme identification process because the scheme computes the required inferences from those statements. The machinery to perform the required inferences has been moved out of the problem solving cycle and into the representation. Experience with the implementation has shown that a theorem prover reasoning about a smaller set of statements in a specialized representation is dramatically more efficient than reasoning about the original set of statements in the original representation.
Submarine slope angles, drowning unconformities, and self-erosion of limestone escarpments

We measured angle and height of carbonate platform slopes in the Pacific and the Atlantic and of siliciclastic continental slopes in the Atlantic. We also determined depositional regime and sediment budget of these slopes by using seismic profiles, morphology, and sediment cover. Slopes of carbonate platforms are significantly steeper than submarine slopes in siliciclastic terrains. Carbonate slopes are concave in profile; siliciclastic slopes are slightly convex or straight. The angle of carbonate slopes increases with height; the angle of siliciclastic slopes does not. The increase in slope angle of upward-growing carbonate platforms changes the sediment budget and depositional regime from accretionary slopes that have positive budget to erosional slopes that have negative budget. Oversteepening of carbonate platforms has important implications. (1) Drowning and burial of carbonate platforms by siliciclastics can produce a “drowning unconformity” that simulates a fall in sea level with seaward shift in onlap. (2) Upper slopes of high-rising platforms can be so steep that accretion is impossible, and instead, the slope is being eroded by slumps and turbidity currents from the platforms9 own sediment. This self-erosion is the prime cause of the conspicuous limestone escarpments in modern oceans.
Relationship Between Plant Type and Grain Quality of Japonica Hybrid Rice in Northern China

Abstract Plant type and grain quality are two major aspects in rice breeding. Using canonical correlation analysis and canonical redundancy analysis, the relationship between plant type traits and rice grain quality traits was studied with 100 crosses derived from 10 sterile lines × 10 restorer lines. There was a complex relationship between parts of the traits of the two aspects. The angle of the 2nd leaf from the top and single panicle weight played important roles in plant type system and amylose content and grain length in grain quality system. The angle of the 2nd leaf from the top, plant height and single panicle weight had a great effect on grain quality traits, and amylose content, brown rice rate and translucency were easily influenced by plant type traits. Selection index model indicated that japonica hybrid rice in Northern China with good quality was characterized by broad flag leaf and 2nd leaf from the top, narrow and short 3rd leaf from the top, low plant height, short culm, long and more panicles and low single panicle weight.
Characterization of the transmembrane orientation of aquaporin-1 using antibodies to recombinant fusion proteins

Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) is a member of a family of integral membrane proteins, the aquaporins, which function as molecular channels for the movement of water across the plasma membrane. While the primary structure of AQP1 has been obtained from the cloning of its cDNA, its secondary structure is less certain. In this study, antibodies have been generated to defined regions of AQP1 in order to characterize its secondary structure. The antibodies were produced in chickens against glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins which represented loops C and E, and the carboxyl terminus of AQP1 as defined in the six-transmembrane model of Preston and Agre [(1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 88, 11110]. Characterization of the antibodies showed that they recognized their corresponding fusion proteins as well as native AQP1 in erythrocytes and recombinant AQP1 expressed in COS7 cells. They differed, however, with respect to the specific conditions required for recognition. Thus, the anti-C-terminal antibodies recognized COS7 cells transfected with AQP1 that were fixed and permeabilized but did not recognize live cells (unpermeabilized). Conversely, antibodies to loop C labeled both live and fixed cells, while antibodies to loop E labeled live cells but not fixed. The data indicate that the carboxyl terminus of aquaporin-1 is intracellular and that loops C and E are extracellular. Furthermore, antibody recognition of loop E is very sensitive to the labeling conditions which may reflect an active role in the functional protein.
Influence of metal crystallite size and morphology on selectivity and activity of ethylene oxidation catalyzed by supported silver

Abstract The kinetic effects of total surface area, average silver crystallite size, and silver crystallite morphology of supported silver catalysts were investigated under ethylene oxidation conditions. Catalysts were prepared by impregnation of α-alumina with silver nitrate solution followed by drying, reduction, and calcination. They were characterized as to total surface area (0.02–3.03 m2/g) by the BET method, average silver crystallite size (300–7400 A) by selective oxygen chemisorption and X-ray diffraction line broadening, and silver crystallite morphology by scanning electron microscopy. The specific activity and selectivity of the catalysts were found to be strong functions of the total surface area. The specific rates to ethylene oxide and to carbon dioxide and water formation exhibited strong structure sensivity with minimum rates at silver crystallite sizes in the range of 500–700 A. The changes in specific activity and selectivity appeared to be related to changes in the morphology as well as the size of the silver crystallites.
Investigation of the Pyrolytic Conversion of Poly(silylenemethylene) to Silicon Carbide

The pyrolysis of poly(silylenemethylene) (PSE), [SiH2CH2]n, a linear polycarbosilane with a regularly alternating Si−C backbone structure and a high-yield precursor to stoichiometric SiC, was investigated by using a combination of thermogravimetric analysis, evolved gas analysis, and solid-state NMR and IR spectroscopies. The observed evolution of D2 from the deuterio-derivative of PSE, [SiD2CH2]n, as the primary gaseous product in the range of ca. 250−400 °C, where cross-linking of the polymer occurs, suggests that loss of H2 from the Si is a key step in the cross-linking process. A reaction pathway is postulated for the cross-linking and pyrolysis of PSE in which both 1,1-H2 elimination and intramolecular H-transfer reactions lead to highly reactive silylene intermediates; these insert into Si−H bonds of neighboring polymer chains forming Si−Si bonds which rapidly rearrange to Si−C bonds at these temperatures to form Si−C interchain cross-links. The cross-links prevent extensive fragmentation of the pol...
Surface extended-x-ray-absorption-fine-structure study of oxygen interaction with Al(111) surfaces

We have investigated the oxidation of Al(111) surfaces by means of polarization-dependent surface extended-x-ray-absorption-fine-structure (EXAFS) measurements. The experiments were performed above the oxygen $K$ absorption edge (\ensuremath{\sim}535 eV) using the total electron-yield detection technique. The oxidation range from monolayer chemisorption corresponding to an ordered oxygen (1 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} 1) overlayer to the formation of a thick surface layer of amorphous oxide has been studied. For the chemisorbed monolayer (100-150-L ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$) we find a strong polarization dependence of the EXAFS signal which allows the determination of the O-O intraoverlayer separation 2.90 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.05 \AA{}. The O-Al chemisorption bond length has been determined to be 1.79 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.05 \AA{}. Within experimental error we find the same O-Al distance for the initial oxide-like phase which accompanies the chemisorbed phase. At higher exposures (1000-L ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$) the vanishing low-energy-electron-diffraction pattern is accompanied by an increase in the O-Al bond length (1.88 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.03 \AA{}). This value is also observed for heavily oxidized surfaces. The O $K$ edge shows the formation of a strong "white-line"-like threshold resonance with increasing oxygen exposure. This resonance is attributed to transitions to localized final states in ${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$-like molecular units. It is pointed out that detailed analysis of the absorption threshold may by itself provide information on the local structure of surface complexes. Models for the progressive oxidation process of Al(111) surfaces implied by our data are discussed.
AN INVESTIGATION OF 3-D CURLED CHIP IN MACHINING-PART 1: A MECHANICS-BASED ANALYTICAL MODEL

Abstract This paper presents an analytical model of the 3-D curled chip that is commonly produced in oblique machining. The chip model is based on a 3-D spiral with continuously varying center and curl radius. Stresses in the chip are analyzed by an energy-based approach. Bending and torsional shear stresses in the chip are generated based on input reaction forces. A case study with typical input values of reaction forces is analyzed for finding the magnitude and location of the maximum stresses. Also, the octahedral shear stress is proposed as a comprehensive 3-D chip failure criterion, because it combines the individual effects of the bending and shear stresses.
Weight change after smoking cessation using variable doses of transdermal nicotine replacement

OBJECTIVE: Examine weight change in subjects receiving variable doses of transdermal nicotine replacement for smoking cessation.
Overestimation of umbilical cord coiling index with segmental versus total length assessment.

ABSTRACT The umbilical cord is the only communication between the fetus and the placenta and, not surprisingly, lesions or conditions affecting it may have detrimental effects in both. One important feature of the umbilical cord is its coiling index (UCI), with hypo- and hypercoiling being associated with fetal thrombotic vasculopathy, intolerance of labor, intrauterine growth restriction, cord stricture, thrombosis of cord and chorionic blood vessels, and fetal demise. It is essential that every placenta report include the UCI. The UCI could also be assessed prenatally, but there is currently no way of accurately assessing the entire length of the umbilical cord. The aim of this study was to compare UCI measured in a segment of cord 10 cm long (UCI-10) and over its total length (UCI-T). One hundred fifty consecutive placenta reports in which both measurements were recorded were retrieved from the files and analyzed. Gestational age ranged from 16 to 42 weeks, with a mean of 33.67 ± 5.96 weeks and a media...
Evidence for a transmissible substance affecting pigment synthesis inPisum

Alt-rezessive Erbsenpflanzen zeigen als Keimlinge normale Pigmentbildung, werden aber oberhalb des 5. oder 6. Knotens chlorotisch und sterben vor der Samenreife ab. Aufpfropfen des Wildtyps und Zugabe eines Extraktes regenerieren die Pigmentbildung in der Mutante, was auf die Anwesenheit einer ubertragbaren, stark basischen Substanz schliessen lasst.
CO2 jets formed by sublimation beneath translucent slab ice in Mars' seasonal south polar ice cap.

Two papers in this issue discuss the remarkable seasonal changes seen at the martian south pole. The ice caps on Mars are composed mainly of frozen carbon dioxide, with unusual dark spots that have been attributed to a clear slab of nearly pure CO2 ice. Langevin et al. present infrared and visible images from the THEMIS camera on Mars Odyssey that are not consistent with the presence of a thick slab of transparent ice. In the companion paper Kieffer et al. report infrared and visible data that show that the features stay at CO2 ice temperatures well into summer, and must be granular materials brought up to the surface of the ice. They propose a model involving a translucent, impermeable CO2 cap in which sublimation occurs at the base, producing high-velocity CO2 gas flow beneath the ice, levitation of the cap and jets that erupt sand-sized grains through vents. Infrared and visible observations show that features on the martian south polar cap remain at CO2 ice temperatures well into summer, and must be granular materials that have been brought up to the surface of the ice. The martian polar caps are among the most dynamic regions on Mars, growing substantially in winter as a significant fraction of the atmosphere freezes out in the form of CO2 ice. Unusual dark spots, fans and blotches form as the south-polar seasonal CO2 ice cap retreats during spring and summer. Small radial channel networks are often associated with the location of spots once the ice disappears. The spots have been proposed to be simply bare, defrosted ground1,2,3; the formation of the channels has remained uncertain. Here we report infrared and visible observations that show that the spots and fans remain at CO2 ice temperatures well into summer, and must be granular materials that have been brought up to the surface of the ice, requiring a complex suite of processes to get them there. We propose that the seasonal ice cap forms an impermeable, translucent slab of CO2 ice that sublimates from the base, building up high-pressure gas beneath the slab. This gas levitates the ice, which eventually ruptures, producing high-velocity CO2 vents that erupt sand-sized grains in jets to form the spots and erode the channels. These processes are unlike any observed on Earth.
A Gradient of Single-Channel Conductance in the Cochlea: Tuning the Cochlea's Strings?

Frequency tuning in the vertebrate cochlea requires a continuously varying amplifier in auditory hair cells. In this issue of Neuron, Ricci et al. show that the mechanosensitive transduction channel, a possible amplifier component, has a single-channel conductance that increases systematically along the frequency axis of the turtle cochlea.
Chronic illness as a family process: A social-developmental approach to promoting resilience

This paper describes a social-developmental approach to interventions in chronic illness using naturally occurring processes of change during family life-cycle transitions to promote more positive developmental outcomes. Clinical interventions can help build resilience by creating a therapeutic collaboration designed to help patients improve their use of existing and new resources in multiple systems. They can then better meet demands of the illness as it impacts on shared development. A case example of a 13-year-old daughter with complex, chronic health problems and developmental disabilities illustrates clinical interventions designed to promote family resilience during the entry into adolescence and a transition in schooling. This approach involves focusing on the family's own definition of the current problem and relevant history, constructing a multidimensional, coherent story of the illness and its impact that recognizes stressors yet highlights strengths, and normalizing their strategies for stability under circumstances of developmental stress. These interventions with mother, daughter, and family helped improve health efficacy, communication toward mutual understanding and shared problem solving, and better use of existing and new resources to enhance current and future developmental adaptation.
On Technical Eclecticism

Differences among unsystematic eclecticism, theoretical integrationism, and technical eclecticism are underscored. A brief case history is presented to demonstrate how and why a combination of theories, and a smorgasbord conception of eclecticism, yields clinical confusion rather than therapeutic precision. Unless counseling and psychotherapy are tied to empirical efficacy, the field is likely to become (or remain) a quasi-religious philosophy rather than a scientific enterprise. We explain why atheoretical or mechanistic procedures must be replaced by specific types of theories with a view to prescriptive matching on the basis of diagnostic entities, problem clusters, and interpersonal characteristics of clients. We contend that systematic, technical eclecticism may represent the Zeitgeist in counseling and psychotherapy well into the 21st century.