cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of BRACE Method to Address Treatment Selection Bias in Observational Data

Background: Cancer treatments can paradoxically appear to reduce the risk of non-cancer mortality in observational studies, due to residual confounding from treatment selection bias. Here we apply a novel method, Bias Reduction through Analysis of Competing Events (BRACE), to reduce bias in the presence of residual confounding. Methods: We studied 36630 prostate cancer patients, 4069 lung cancer patients, and 7117 head/neck cancer patients, using the Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure database. We estimated effects of intensive treatment (prostate: prostatectomy vs. radiotherapy; lung: lobectomy vs. sublobar resection or radiotherapy; head/neck: radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin and/or multiagent induction vs. radiotherapy with or without alternative systemic therapy) on cancer-specific mortality, non-cancer mortality, and overall survival (OS), using both multivariable Cox (MVA) and propensity score (inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW)) models. Next, we applied the BRACE method to adjust for residual confounding, based on the observed treatment effect on competing event and relative event hazards. Results: For each cohort, intensive treatment was associated with significantly reduced hazards for cancer-specific mortality, non-cancer mortality, and OS. Compared to the results for MVA and IPTW models, hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the effect of intensive treatment on OS were attenuated in each cohort after applying BRACE: (prostate- MVA: 0.75 (0.71, 0.80), IPTW: 0.73 (0.66, 0.75), BRACE: 0.98 (0.95, 1.00); lung- 0.79 (0.68, 0.91), 0.79 (0.66, 0.89), BRACE: 0.81 (0.65, 0.94); head/neck- 0.71 (0.66, 0.76), 0.70 (0.66, 0.76), BRACE: 0.81 (0.76, 0.86)). BRACE estimates were similar to findings from meta-analyses and randomized trials. Conclusions: We found evidence of residual confounding in several observational cohorts after applying standard methods, which were mitigated after applying BRACE. Application of this method could provide more reliable estimates and inferences when residual confounding is identified and represents a novel approach to improving the validity of outcomes research.
Multiple System Organ Failure

Multiple system organ failure is discussed in terms of clinical associations and the various effects/mediators that are currently thought to participate in the pathophysiology of this syndrome. The discussion focuses upon those mechanisms in which newer treatments currently have promise.
The Use of an E-Portfolio System in a Cadaver Autopsy Report

At UCF, students taking anatomy spend 17 weeks developing an autopsy report to guess the cause of death of their cadaver. Students used an e-portfolio system which helped with organization, group collaboration, and timely faculty feedback. Overall, the e-portfolio system provided a platform to enhance integration and critical thinking skills by allowing students to better organize their report as well as have prompt faculty feedback.
High temperature behavior of Ni-base weld metal: Part II – Insight into the mechanism for ductility dip cracking

Abstract The ductility dip cracking susceptibility of two Ni-base filler metals, Filler Metal 52 (59%Ni–29%Cr–9%Fe–1%Mn–1%Al) and Filler Metal 82 (72%Ni–20%Cr–1%Fe–3%Mn–3%Nb) was evaluated using the strain-to-fracture test. The analysis of these results and detailed weld metal microstructural characterization (SEM and TEM) was presented in Part I. Part II of this work provides new insight into the creep-like, grain boundary sliding mechanism that leads to elevated temperature intergranular cracking in these weld deposits. The effect of precipitation on grain boundary tortuosity and sliding, and its influence on ductility-dip cracking resistance is discussed in the context of current theories of high temperature creep. Finally, the effect of composition, including both precipitate forming elements and impurity elements, on ductility-dip cracking is discussed.
Hardware Effects on the Wear of Methanol-Fueled Engines

A 98-hour sequence test has been developed to study the wear of Ford OHC 2.3L methanol fueled engines. This test requires only half the test time of an ASTM Sequence V-D test used by many researchers, and yet provides sufficient severity to generate measurable bore wear to discriminate engine hardware changes. A portable fixture was designed to provide rapid, convenient, and accurate measurement of radial bore wear at a prescribed depth in the cylinder. The fixture can measure radial bore wear with accuracies to 0.004 mm. Its portability allows on-site measurement of engines on dynamometer test stands, or in vehicles with minimal engine disassembly. The test procedure and measurement fixture were used to quantitatively document the ring and bore wear effects of numerous variables, such as fuels, fully formulated lubricants, top ring configurations, coolant temperatures and flow patterns, intake heat addition, and fuel contamination.
Performance Analysis of the Palindrome Network.

Abstract The performance evaluation for a fault-tolerant interconnection network referred to as the Palindrome Interconnection Network(PIN) using analytical model is presented. We propose a simplified routing algorithm which includes drop and hold models as its conflict resolution strategies. Under this simplified routing algorithm, we obtained the lower bound for the performance of the PIN. The result shows that the performance of the PIN under this simplified routing algorithm is comparable to that of its counterpart, Gamma network.
Implementation of ICH S6: Japanese Perspective

The safety assessment of biopharmaceuticals in preclinical studies has been improved in Japan with the implementation of the ICH S6 and Points-to-Consider document. The analysis of data from a questionnaire survey conducted by JPMA suggests that the ICH S6 was well understood and adequately implemented in Japan. The Japanese Points-to-Consider document helps industry scientists and regulatory reviewers understand the ICH S6 guideline and case-by-case approaches to preclinical programs. Keywords: biopharmaceuticals; pharmaceutical companies; preclinical studies; in vivo preclinical studies; ADME studies
Engineering antibodies for biosensor technologies.

Publisher Summary The emphasis of this chapter is directed towards the progress made using genetically engineered antibodies that could provide solutions to many of the problems currently associated with the use of conventional antibodies in biosensor systems. The conventional antibodies used in biosensor systems, such as polyclonal, monoclonal, and digested antibodies, are discussed in this chapter. The development of recombinant antibody technology provides an alternative source of recognition elements with significant potential to satisfy the shortcomings of conventional antibody reagents. High affinity recombinant antibodies can be quickly selected from huge libraries displayed on various platforms. Use of recombinant antibodies also provides the ability to manipulate the sequence at the genetic level, to introduce novel features that could not be gained by immunization protocols. A significant advantage to the use of recombinant antibodies is that once a suitable antibody has been isolated, it does not have to represent a finished product. Characteristics such as increased affinity and stability in elevated temperatures and in the presence of solvents or denaturing buffers can be introduced by molecular engineering. The chapter also presents the type of biosensors, isolation and production of recombinant antibodies for use in the detection system, and engineering antibodies for enhanced utility in biosensor system.
The Pathology and Clinical Features of Early Recurrent Membranous Glomerulonephritis

We assessed the earliest manifestations of recurrent membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) in renal allografts. Clinical, laboratory and pathologic data were reviewed in 21 patients at the initial biopsy within 4 months post-transplant with evidence of MGN and on follow-up biopsies, compared to a biopsy control group of eight transplants without recurrent MGN. The mean time of first biopsy with pathologic changes was 2.7 months. In each earliest biopsy, immunofluorescence (IF) showed granular glomerular basement membrane (GBM) staining for C4d, IgG, kappa and lambda. IF for C3 was negative or showed trace staining in 16/21. On each MGN biopsy positive by IF, 14/19 showed absence of deposits or rare tiny subepithelial deposits by electron microscopy (EM). At the earliest biopsy, the mean proteinuria was 1.1 g/day; 16 patients had 1 g/day proteinuria; 12 were treated with: rituximab (n = 8), ACEI and increased prednisone dose (n = 2), ACEI or ARB only (n = 2). All patients showed reduction in proteinuria after treatment. A total of 11/16 patients showed progression of disease by EM on follow-up biopsy. Recognition of early allograft biopsy features aids in diagnosis of recurrent MGN before patients develop significant proteinuria.
Do violence dynamics matter

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Intimate partner violence is a complex, non-linear phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to determine whether violence dynamics (pattern, degree of non-linearity, optimal non-linearity) contributed to outcomes in violent relationships. METHODS: The study was conducted in six primary care clinics, enrolling 200 adult women in violent relationships. In addition to baseline and end-of-study interviews, women completed daily telephone assessments of household environment and partner violence using interactive verbal response. Three non-linearity measures of violence were computed with 'optimal' non-linearity estimated using Z-transformations. Assignment of dynamic patterns (periodic, chaotic, random) was made based upon Lyapunov exponent and correlation dimension. Outcomes across dynamic patterns were analysed using analysis of variance. In addition, stepped multiple linear regression explained factor-analysed outcomes, adjusting for demographic, childhood, mental health and marital variables; attitudinal/behavioural outcomes were also adjusted for when explaining clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Women experiencing periodic violence recognized the importance of violence and used their active coping to seek mental health care. Those with chaotic dynamics recognized that they were not responsible, experienced fewer psychological symptoms and emotional role limitations, and did not seek help. Those experiencing random violence recognized its unpredictability and uncontrollability. Violence non-linearity predicted negative coping, positive appraisals and hope/support in regression analyses, while optimal non-linearity contributed to readiness for change and symptoms functioning. Of the nine outcomes investigated, violence non-linearity contributed to five outcomes. CONCLUSION: Dynamic pattern of violence, degree of violence non-linearity and optimal non-linearity correlated with several attitudinal/behavioural and clinical outcomes. Knowledge of violence dynamics may have applications when working with violent couples. Language: en
Influence of steroid distribution between microsomes and soluble fraction on steroid metabolism by microsomal enzymes.

When progesterone labeled with one isotope and 17-hydroxyprogesterone labeled with another were incubated together in the presence of an 800 ×g × 10 min supernatant fraction of mouse testis homogenate, the ratio of progesterone label to 17-hydroxyprogesterone label in androstenedione and testosterone was greater than in the original mixture. No evidence of a pathway from progesterone to androstenedione not involving 17-hydroxy progesterone could be found. When the same substrate mixture was incubated with a similar homogenate fraction in the absence of both oxygen and cofactors, very little metabolism occurred. The mitochondrial and microsomal fractions were separated from the incubated mixture and the proportion of the 2 substrates in each was determined. The ratios of the 2 in the particulate fractions resembled those in androstenedione and testosterone under normal incubation conditions rather than the ratio added. Thus, it seems that there is a differential distribution of the 2 steroids into the micr...
Properties of CMAS glass from desert sand

Abstract X-ray diffraction analysis of as-received desert sand from a Middle East country showed the presence of quartz (SiO2), calcite (CaCO3), gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O), NaAlSi3O8, Mg2(Al3.9Si5.1O18) and Mg3Al2(SiO4)3 phases. A batch of as-received desert sand was melted into calcium magnesium aluminosilicate (CMAS) glass at ~1500 °C. From inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, chemical composition of the CMAS glass was analyzed to be 27.8CaO-4MgO-5Al2O3-61.6SiO2-0.6Fe2O3-1K2O (mole %). Various physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the glass have been evaluated. Bulk density of CMAS glass was 2.69 g/cm3, Young׳s modulus 92 GPa, Shear modulus 36 GPa, Poisson׳s ratio 0.28, dilatometric glass transition temperature (Tg) 706 °C, softening point (Td) 764 °C, Vickers microhardness 6.3±0.4 GPa, indentation fracture toughness 0.75±0.15 MPa.m1/2, and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) 9.8×10−6/°C in the temperature range 25 to 700 °C. Temperature dependence of viscosity has also been estimated from various reference points of the CMAS glass using the Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman (VFT) equation as well as from the glass composition. The glass remained amorphous after heat treating at 850 °C for 10 h but crystallized into CaSiO3 and Ca2Mg0.5AlSi1.5O7 phases at 900 °C or higher temperatures. Crystallization kinetics of the CMAS glass has also been investigated by differential thermal analysis (DTA).
Analysis of group differences in processing speed: where are the models of processing?

Recently, Myerson, Adams, Hale, and Jenkins (2003) replied to arguments advanced by Ratcliff, Spieler, and McKoon (2000) about interpretations of Brinley functions. Myerson et al. (2003) focused on methodological and terminological issues, arguing that (1) Brinley functions are not quantile-quantile (QQ) plots of distributions of mean reaction times (RTs) across conditions; that the fact that the slope of a Brinley function is the ratio of the standard deviations of the two distributions of means has no implications for the use of slope as a measure of processing speed; that the ratio of slopes of RT functions for older and young subjects plotted against independent variables equals the Brinley function slope; and that speed-accuracy criterion effects do not account for slowing with age. We reply by showing that Brinley functions are plots of quantiles against quantiles; that the slope is best estimated by the ratio of standard deviations because there is variability in the distributions of mean RTs for both older and young subjects; that the interpretation of equality of the slopes Brinley functions and plots of RTs against independent variables in terms of processing speed is model dependent; and that speed-accuracy effects in some, but not all, experiments are solely responsible for Brinley slopes greater than 1. We conclude by reiterating the point that was not addressed in Myerson et al. (2003), that the goal of research should be modelbased accounts of processing that deal with correct and error RT distributions and accuracy.
Direct identification and characterisation of beta-adrenergic receptors in rat brain.

MODULATION of cellular function by the autonomic nervous system is accomplished, at least in part, by the stimulation of β-adrenergic receptors by catecholamines at neuroeffector junctions1. Activation of these receptors results in stimulation of adenylate cyclase with increased intracellular levels of cyclic AMP. The β-adrenergic receptors of a variety of non-neural tissues have been characterised indirectly by measurement of altered adenylate cyclase activity or of intracellular cyclic AMP in response to β-adrenergic agonists and antagonists. Direct characterisation of the β-adrenergic receptors in avian2,3 and amphibian4 erythrocytes and in canine heart5 has been accomplished by binding assays using radioactive β-adrenergic antagonists.
An approximate theory of secondary creep for a class of thin structures

Abstract The geometric assumption of thinness is applied to an integrodifferential equation which governs a class of secondary creep problems in such a way as to reduce it to a first order ordinary differential equation. Results are then obtained for solutions of the latter equation concerning monotonicity and asymptotic behavior and comparing them with solutions of the original equation at infinity. Also, for special cases, various closed form solutions are presented.
Preparation of large-particle-size monodisperse latexes in a rotating-cylinder reactor

Abstract The feasibility of preparing large-particle-size monodisperse latexes in a simulated microgravity environment was investigated using a rotating cylinder reactor. A rotational speed of 8 rpm was chosen for the polymerization of polystyrene particles in the size range of 6–60μm on the basis of results obtained in sedimentation studies. Improved particle-size uniformities were obtained when compared to more conventional polymerization techniques.
Seed predation, germination and seedling establishment of Acacia erioloba in northern Botswana.

The low rate of new Acacia erioloba seedling establishment in wildlife areas in northern Botswana may be influenced by seed predation, insufficient rainfall for seed germination and seedling establishment or browsing. Mammal and insect predation on A. erioloba pods, seeds, and seedlings were monitored in three wildlife areas to determine the effects on seed germination and seedling survival during 2 drought years followed by 2 years with average rainfall. Although bruchid beetles infested half of the seeds, removal of unripe pods by chacma baboons Papio cynocephalus and vervet monkeysCercopithecus aethiops was the primary source of seed predation in areas near perennial water sources. The same number of seeds from pods collected under mature A. erioloba trees germinated as seeds from elephant dung when kept in saturated sand; however, seeds from dung began germinating in three days but those from pods did not start germinating until the tenth day. During the drought years, few seedlings emerged and none survived. New seedlings, identified by their cotyledons, emerged in December 1995 after >100 mm rain over several days, but by mid-January, more than half of the seedlings died from dessication. Only 15% of the seedlings remained in June and none survived through the dry season in 1996. Dispersal of more rapidly germinating seeds in elephant dung would be beneficial in sandy semi-arid savannas where sufficient rainfall for seed germination and seedling establishment appears to be rare. These results suggest that while seed predation reduces the number of seeds in the seed bank, inadequate rainfall limits A. erioloba seedling establishment, even during years with average annual rainfall.
Further Evidence that Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone also Is Follicle-Stimulating Hormone-Releasing Hormone

While LHRH evokes the release of both LH and FSH under a wide spectrum of experimental conditions, this hormone has not been shown to induce the discharge of FSH unaccompanied by LH release. As a consequence, the possibility that a separate FSHRH exists has not been discounted. These experiments were designed to demonstrate that LHRH is capable of promoting marked increases in plasma FSH concomitant with physiologically insignificant changes in plasma LH and, thus, that LHRH is also FSHRH. Seven groups of cyclic female rats received phenobarbital at 1200 h proestrus to block spontaneous preovulatory LH and FSH surges. These various groups then were subdivided according to whether phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), LHRH, or both was infused (iv). The experimental protocol consisted of infusing material for an initial 30 min (priming period), stopping the infusion for 30 min (rest interval), and again infusing material for an additional 210 min (maintenance period). When PBS was infused during the priming and...
Health related quality of life and perceptions of child vulnerability among parents of children with a history of Kawasaki disease.

Aim: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute paediatric vasculitis. The psychosocial consequences of this sudden illness for parents are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate health related quality of life (HRQOL) and parental perceptions of child vulnerability (PPCV) in parents of children with KD, and to identify variables associated with PPCV. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 288 parents (83% mothers) of KD patients (mean age 8.7 years). HRQOL was assessed using the TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult’s HRQOL (TAAQOL) and PPCV using the Child Vulnerability Scale (CVS). Scores of KD parents were compared with reference groups of Dutch parents. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associated variables. Results: The HRQOL of KD parents was comparable to the HRQOL of parents of healthy children. However, KD parents showed significantly higher PPCV, regarding both the median CVS total score and the percentage in the clinical range. No differences were found in CVS outcomes between KD parents and parents of a chronically ill child. None of the studied parental, child and disease characteristics were significantly associated with PPCV. Conclusion: Parents perceived their KD child more vulnerable to illness than healthy children, while in reality the majority had fully recovered from KD.
Satō Nobuhiro and the Political Economy of Natural History in Nineteenth-Century Japan

After the economic crises of the 1790s and 1830s, various domains of Tokugawa Japan initiated a series of reforms of their administrative and productive systems. Among these, the reform plan carried on by the Shimazu lords of the Satsuma domain, in the southern island of Kyushu, is particularly revealing. Under the lead of Zusho Hirosato and inspired by the writings of scholar Satō Nobuhiro, Satsuma became one of the wealthiest regions of nineteenth-century Japan. The plan consisted of assuring direct samurai control over productive and marketing activities, the development of monoculture in cash-crops like sugarcane in the southern islands of Amami and Okinawa (under the proto-colonial administration of Satsuma) and food self-sufficiency on the mainland. The philosophical foundations of this reform plan rested on a conceptualization of a systematic human domination over nature that coincided with similar notions developed in Europe and that unfolded in an analogous framework of exploitation of natural re...
Holographic Compensation of Motion Blur by Shutter Modulation

Ordinarily, in photographic recording, the shutter is opened for a finite time which can be described by a rectangular shutter function (= flux as a function of time). Such a shutter function, in connection with linear image motion, creates a degradation due to motion blur. If the shutter modulates the flux by a function cos2 (t2), a recording is obtained that has the properties of an incoherent one-dimensional hologram. Hence, compensation of motion blur is achieved by reconstructing a sharp image from the hologram. This method can be modified in order to cope with harmonic vibrational or random translational motion.
Isotope partitioning with Ascaris suum phosphofructokinase is consistent with an ordered kinetic mechanism.

Isotope partitioning and initial velocity studies have been used to study the kinetic mechanism of Ascaris suum phosphofructokinase (PFK) at pH 8.0 for the native enzyme (nPFK), and at pH 6.8 for a form of enzyme desensitized (dPFK) to hysteresis in the reaction time course, to ATP allosteric inhibition, and to F6P homotropic cooperativity. Complete trapping (P*max approximately equal to 100%) of the E:MgATP* complex as fructose (1-32P)-1, 6-bisophosphate for both enzyme forms is consistent with the previously proposed steady-state ordered mechanism [Rao, G.S.J., Harris, B.G., & Cook, P.F. (1987) J.Biol. Chem. 262, 14074-14079] with MgATP binding before fructose 6-phosphate (F6P). K'F6P values for trapping of MgATP of 0.54 +/- 0.09 mM for nPFK and 0.85 +/- 0.15 mM for dPFK were obtained. Saturating amounts of the heterotropic activator fructose 2, 6-bisphosphate (F26P2) gives no change in the trapping parameters for nPFK with a P*max of 100% and a K'F6P of 0.40 +/- 0.06 mM. For dPFK, however, F26P2 causes a decrease in both parameters, giving a P*max of 54% and a K'F6P of 0.26 +/- 0.07 mM. The partial trapping of E:MgATP* in the presence of F26P2 for dPFK suggests that the activator changes the kinetic mechanism from an ordered to a random binding of substrates. Initial velocity studies confirm the change in mechanism. Uncompetitive inhibition by arabinose 5-phosphate (Ara5P), a dead-end inhibitory analog of F6P, versus MgATP for nPFK in the absence and presence of F26P2 is consistent with an ordered mechanism with MgATP adding to enzyme prior to F6P. An uncompetitive pattern is also obtained with dPFK for Ara5P versus MgATP in the absence of F26P2, but the pattern becomes noncompetitive in the presence of F26P2, consistent with a change to a random mechanism. No trapping of the E:[14C]F6P complex could be detected, indicating either that the E:[14C]F6P complex does not form in a significant amount under the conditions used or that the off-rate for F6P from enzyme is much faster than the net rate constant for formation of the first product, FBP. The data are consistent with a predominantly ordered mechanism with MgATP binding prior to F6P. The minor pathway with MgATP dissociating from the E:F6P:MgATP ternary complex becomes apparent for the dPFK in the presence of F26P2.
Evidence of acid–base interactions between amines and model indoor surfaces by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

Molecular associations of pyridine with cellulose and gypsum, surrogates for common indoor surface materials, were studied using an attenuated total reflection (ATR)-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometric method. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the molecular interactions of amines with well-characterized materials that affect their partitioning between indoor air and surfaces. The experimental results suggest the presence of at least two sorptive states for volatile and semivolatile amines, attributed to the chemisorbed species and to a more labile surface state (i.e., physisorbed pyridine). Both exhibited spectroscopic signatures corresponding to aromatic C–H stretching modes (2950–3100 cm−1) in the studied spectral region. Chemisorbed pyridine could be identified by the presence of additional IR signals in the N–H and O–H stretching region of the spectrum (2900–3600 cm−1). During desorption under a stream of N2, surface enrichment in the chemisorbed species was evidenced by a slower reduction of the absorbance of the broad band at 2900–3600 cm−1 in relation to the total pyridine absorbance change. This spectroscopic evidence for acid–base interactions between amines and surfaces is consistent with the desorption behavior observed in previous work for nicotine from model surfaces.
Future requirement for arterial wall imaging modalities in the evaluation of novel anti-atherosclerotic therapies

AbstractBackground:While arterial wall imaging has been used to characterize progression of atherosclerosis, there remain limitations to this approach.Scope:A selective overview of emerging modalities to image the artery wall and highlight how they may be used to evaluate emerging anti-atherosclerotic agents.Findings:Ongoing developments appear to enable assessment of composition and molecular properties of plaque in addition to quantitation of burden. Non-invasiveness and correlation with clinical outcome remains a challenge.Conclusion:New developments in imaging should enhance the ability to provide early characterization of the potential therapeutic efficacy of experimental agents.
Examination of ATCC stocks for HeLa marker chromosomes in human cell lines

INTRASPECIES contamination of cell cultures is a serious technical problem when more than one cell line is maintained in continuous serial subculture within a laboratory. Biochemical1–3 and immunological4,5 evidence has strongly suggested that many “cell lines” that are commonly used in the laboratory around the world have been contaminated with HeLa cells. Chromosome rearrangements resulting in specific “markers” provide a unique opportunity to monitor for intralinear specificity in HeLa and other human cells. Because certain cell lines in the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) repository have already been shown to possess the type A (fast) G6PD characteristic of HeLa, we initiated a survey of these cell lines for the chromosome features described for HeLa cells6–9 using the trypsin–Giemsa banding technique10. Ten cell lines, including two HeLa lines, have been studied so far. Five of these lines have been found to contain marker chromosomes typical of HeLa cells. The non-HeLa cell lines have chromosome characteristics of their own which can also be used to monitor their purity.
Solar-electric propulsion system performance for a close solar probe mission.

Suitability of Saturn IB/Centaur and Atlas/ Centaur launched solar-electric propulsion vehicles for performing 0.1-AU solar probe mission
ψ Superposition and Quantum Periodicity

The superposition law for probability amplitudes, usually considered as an empirical rule and introduced into the quantum theory as an ad hoc assumption, is shown to be the mathematical solution of almost selfevident requirements for the structural metric of the probabilities in general. When combining the general ψ metric of superposition with the postulate of a constant probability density in p-space for given p, and of a constant probability density in p-space for given q, one arrives at the mathematical result that ψ (q,/p) must necessarily have complex periodic form, exp(iqp/const). Various quantum principles can thus be reduced to a nonquantal basis.
On the current-voltage characteristics of n + -p-p + diodes

The J-V characteristics of n+-p-p+diodes are analyzed based on the assumption of negligible recombination in the lowly-doped base. The analysis represents a generalization of the approach used by Mertens et al. [1] for high-injection conditions and is valid for all injection levels. Two coupled nonlinear equations from which the J-V characteristics can be calculated are derived. It is shown that under high-injection conditions the equations reduce to those by Mertens et al. For low-injection conditions the electron current density J n and hole current density J p are decoupled and single equations are obtained for J n and J p , respectively. For the case where the back side contact approaches an ohmic contact, the classical equation for a short-base diode results. The analysis is justified by very close correspondence with exact numerical calculations using the Finite Element Device Analysis Program (FIELDAY).
Assessment of prescribed increases in physical activity: application of a new method for microprocessor analysis of heart rate.

Abstract A portable solid-state recorder-display system was used to measure and analyze heart rate during the waking hours of 3 consecutive days in free-living sedentary normal middle-aged men who were randomized to undergo 3 regimens of physical activity during a 12-week period: low-intensity exercise training at home (n = 21), high-intensity exercise training at home (n = 23) and customary activity (n = 20). This was done to determine whether the system could detect changes in heart rate and, indirectly, in physical activity within the 3 groups. In both training groups the percentage of total recorded time spent within the prescribed high or low heart rate range recorded at 6 or 12 weeks increased significantly (p
Improved oxidative stability of veal lipids and cholesterol through dietary vitamin E supplementation.

The influence of dietary vitamin E supplementation on the α-tocopherol content of muscle membranes and on the resultant oxidative stability of veal was investigated. Daily supplementation of veal calves with 500 mg vitamin E in the form of α-tocopherol acetate for 12 weeks after birth increased muscle and membranal α-tocopherol concentrations approximately 6-fold over those of control animals. Oxidative stability of mitochondrial and microsomal lipids was enhanced by dietary supplementation as indicated by the results of an oxidative assay using hydrogen peroxide-activated metmyoglobin as the catalyst of oxidation. Muscle lipid and cholesterol stability was also improved by supplementation.
Value on Health, Health Concerns and Practices of Women Who Are Homeless

ABSTRACT The fastest growing segment of the homeless population is women, many of whom have inadequately addressed health needs. Descriptive studies have captured the realities of homeless life that these women face from acquiring food and shelter to caring for their health. Few studies have examined the factors that are associated with the health-related behaviors of homeless women. This study adds to the homeless health behavior literature by investigating the importance of competing values in determining health-related practices in 105 homeless women. Health concerns (but not global value on health) were associated with basic health practices and health preventive/protective behaviors (e.g., brushing teeth, showering, being up-to-date on Pap smears). Women who reported greater importance attached to health concerns were more likely to report basic health practices and some preventive health behaviors. Implications for intervention and future research are discussed.
An Acid-induced Transformation of α-Conarachin

THOUGH for most proteins there is a characteristic pH. range of stability to irreversible changes, seed proteins in general are particularly sensitive to mild conditions of acidity. Perhaps the classical example is the transformation edestin undergoes at a pH. of approximately 5, the so-called edestin-edestan transformation1. Conarachin was reported to undergo irreversible changes when exposed to pH values below 4 (ref. 2). This communication reports the effect of mild acidity on α-conarachin which is separated from the conarachin fraction of peanut proteins by chromatography on DEAE cellulose3. It is part of an investigation of the effect of acid conditions as a means of elucidating some of the structural aspects of seed proteins.
Pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis is associated with changes in esophageal microRNAs

The incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has increased in the past several years, yet our understanding of its pathogenesis remains limited. To test the hypothesis that microRNAs (miRNAs) ar...
The Clinician's Perspective on Pneumothorax Management

Objective We sought to determine the current practice habits among clinicians treating spontaneous pneumothorax and bronchopleural fistula. Methods Practice habits were determined by a randomized postal survey of 3,000 American College of Chest Physicians members. Group comparisons are performed by X 2 analysis with p Results Four hundred nine respondents (13.6%) included 176 practicing pulmonologists (43.0%), 67 academic pulmonologists (16.4%), 102 thoracic surgeons (25.0%), and 64 others (15.6%). More than 50% of respondents treat a first small primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) by simple observation, a first small secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) by chest tube, persistent air leak in both PSP and SSP with chest tube+video-assisted thoracoscopy, and use a 20 to 24F chest tube in mechanically ventilated ARDS-related tension pneumothorax. First recurrences of PSP and SSP were treated by a variety of interventions that included simple observation (PSP=14%, SSP=4%), chest tube (22%/17%), chest tube+sclerosis (20%/16%), chest tube+video-assisted thoracoscopy (36%/48%), and chest tube+thoracotomy (5%/12%). The most popular sclerosing agents are doxycycline (48%), talc slurry (24%), and talc poudrage (19%). More than 75% of physicians intervened in a persistent air leak between 5 and 10 days. Chest tubes are initially placed to suction by 48% of respondents in PSP and removed >24 h after air leak ceases in 79%. Chest tube clamping prior to removal is employed by 67% of respondents. Significant differences exist between thoracic surgeons and pulmonologists with surgeons placing more chest tubes for first-time PSP and performing chest tube+video-assisted thoracoscopy for first recurrences of PSP more often than pulmonologists. Thoracic surgeons seldom use sclerosis in spontaneous pneumothorax compared to pulmonologists. Conclusions Marked practice variation exists in clinicians' approaches to the management of spontaneous pneumothorax and bronchopleural fistulas that is partially explained by differences between pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons. A national consensus statement is needed to guide randomized studies in pneumothorax management.
Post-Growth Annealing of Bridgman-grown CdZnTe and CdMnTe Crystals for Room-temperature Nuclear Radiation Detectors

Bridgman-grown cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe or CZT) and cadmium manganese telluride (CdMnTe or CMT) crystals often have Te inclusions that limit their performances as X-ray- and gamma-ray-detectors. We present here the results of post-growth thermal annealing aimed at reducing and eliminating Te inclusions in them. In a 2D analysis, we observed that the sizes of the Te inclusions declined to 92% during a 60-h annealing of CZT at 510 °C under Cd vapor. Further, tellurium inclusions were eliminated completely in CMT samples annealed at 570 °C in Cd vapor for 26 h, whilst their electrical resistivity fell by an order of 102. During the temperature-gradient annealing of CMT at 730 °C and an 18 °C/cm temperature gradient for 18 h in a vacuum of 10-5 mbar, we observed the diffusion of Te from the sample, causing a reduction in size of the Te inclusions. For CZT samples annealed at 700 °C in a 10 °C/cm temperature gradient, we observed the migration of Te inclusions from a low-temperature region to a high one at 0.022 μm/s. During the temperature-gradient annealing of CZT in a vacuum of 10-5 mbar at 570 °C and 30 °C/cm for 18 h, some Te inclusions movedmore » toward the high-temperature side of the wafer, while other inclusions of the same size, i.e., 10 µm in diameter, remained in the same position. These results show that the migration, diffusion, and reaction of Te with Cd in the matrix of CZT- and CMT-wafers are complex phenomena that depend on certain conditions.« less
Evidence That the Mean Radial Velocities of Many B0-B3 Stars Are Systematically Incorrect

Furenlid & Young showed that in main-sequence B0-B3 stars the Hα line profiles are distorted, showing shortward absorption evidently due to mass loss. Earlier, others have found evidence of mass loss in UV ionic lines in such stars. Are the radial velocities of B0-B3 stars in the optical region distorted by such effects? We looked at all the 10 young open clusters (log age <7.5 yr) with sufficient numbers of measured radial velocities, many of them measured with CORAVEL, and found that in each case that the main-sequence B0-B3 stars have larger velocities than earlier or later stars. However, that difference is in the wrong sense to be explained by mass loss effects. Could the distorted radial velocities be due to the Barr Effect in binaries? This study does not prove that the radial velocities of B0-B3 stars are misleading because of an uncertainty about what the cross-correlation measures represent. However, some previously published studies plus this one provide a warning that the radial velocities may be uncertain.
Sources and Gravitons

Gravitational theory is reconstructed from the source description of gravitons. As indirect evidence for this starting point, the theoretical basis for the four tests of Einsteinian gravitational theory is produced by elementary arguments. Following the electromagnetic example, the source description is recast as a numerical field theory characterized by an action principle. After recognizing that the physically restricted theory possesses invariance with respect to infinitesimal coordinate transformations, it is generalized to exhibit invariance under arbitrary coordinate transformations, which supplies the primitive interactions for multigraviton processes. There is a discussion of the necessary dependence of graviton sources upon the gravitational field, and a simple model is constructed. The qualitative structure of the modification that multiparticle exchange introduces in the graviton-propagation function is exhibited, with the corresponding modification in the Newtonian potential. There are some speculative remarks about Mach's principle and the accompanying interpretation of the gravitational constant. The paper concludes by pointing out empirical scaling laws that interconnect the cosmos, the laboratory, and the atom.
Emerging approaches for prophylaxis and management of oropharyngeal mucositis in cancer therapy.

Oral mucositis is a common treatment-limiting side effect of cancer therapy that may have a significant impact on quality of life and on the cost of care. Oral mucositis is the most distressing complication of cancer therapy as reported by head and neck cancer patients, in patients receiving dose-dense myelosuppressive chemotherapy and in patients receiving haematopoietic stem cell transplant. Mucositis may increase the risk of local and systemic infection, particularly in myelosuppressed patients. Severe oral mucositis can lead to the need to interrupt or discontinue cancer therapy, and thus may impact cure of the primary disease. Current care of patients with mucositis is essentially palliative, and includes appropriate oral hygiene, nonirritating diet and oral care products, topical palliative mouth rinses, topical anaesthetics and use of systemic opioid analgesics. Emerging approaches for prevention and treatment of oral mucositis are developing based on an increasing understanding of the pathobiology...
Effect of dopaminergic drug treatment on surgical findings in prolactinomas.

It has been reported that prolactinomas treated with Bromocriptine (BROM) show fibrosis that may interfere with complete surgical resection. The same has not been reported for Cabergoline (CAB). We retrospectively studied 24 consecutive patients (13 females, mean age 40 years, range 16–60) with histopathologically confirmed prolactinomas undergoing surgical resection at Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1992 and 2009. We compared these prolactinomas to 34 patients (22 females, mean age 42.9 years, range 15–75) with GH-secreting adenoma. The operative notes from 7 different neurosurgeons were reviewed to catalog the tumors as fibrous or not fibrous. Of the 24 prolactinomas, 21 (87.5%) were previously treated with DA. Indication for surgery was: DA resistance (n.5), DA intolerance (n.6), persistent mass effect (n.7) and CSF leak (n.3). Five (14.7%) of GH-secreting adenomas, were exposed to DA and/or somatostatin analogs. We found that 54% of prolactinomas and only 6% of GH-secreting adenomas were described as fibrous. 10/12 (77%) of prolactinomas exposed to BROM for at least 1 month, 2/9 (22%) exposed to CAB only, and 1/3 (33%) not previously treated were fibrous (P < 0.05). The mean BROM cumulative dose was 406 mg (range 75–1,375), while CAB dose was 28 mg (range 6–70). Only 18% of non-fibrous prolactinomas had been exposed to BROM. Only 3 patients had persistent biochemical remission (2 treated with CAB and 1 not treated). Patients exposed to BROM for at least 1 month are more likely to have tumor fibrosis than patients that are untreated or treated with CAB.
Modern algebra and polynomial ideals

The aim of the following exposition is to give some idea of the scope of modern algebra in the light of the theory of ideals. It consists for the most part of definitions, examples, and the statement of theorems without proof; but the selection is severely restricted even in idealtheory. Thus no reference is made to the highly important matter of homomorphic, or multiply isomorphic, correspondence and its consequences.
Tax progression in Lindahl equilibrium

Abstract This paper demonstrates that the incidence of benefit taxation depends on the ratio of income and price elasticities of demand for public goods. Several previously stated special cases of this formula are derived and some conflicting empirical evidence is discussed.
Coastal landscape evolution as a function of eustasy and surface uplift rate, Cascadia margin, southern Oregon

We explore the relative importance of eustatic versus tectonic factors in sculpting, preserving, and modifying coastal landforms. The study area is a 30-km coastal reach in southern Oregon. Using degree of soil development as a means of correlating wave-cut platforms along the coast, we document that surface uplift rate is variable in a shore-parallel sense, variability being a function of differential vertical displacement of crustal blocks along faults and flexures in the upper plate of the Cascadia subduction zone. A consequence of this variability is that in areas of moderate uplift rate (0.7-0.9 m/k.y.), flights of up to seven emergent wave-cut platforms are preserved along the interfluves of coastal drainages, whereas in areas of low uplift rate (0.05-0.2 m/k.y.), only one wave-cut platform commonly exists, within a few meters of present sea level. Preservation of shore platforms in both areas is the result of the inter-action of tectonic uplift and eustatic sea-level changes operating on a high-energy coast subject to platform planation. Platform reoccupation can be a consequence of late Pleistocene eustatic sea-level changes operating on low-up-lift-rate coasts. Particularly in the cases of the ∼200 ka and ∼125 ka high sea stands, reoccupation by the later highstand is probable when coastal uplift rates are about 0.2 m/k.y. The same eustatic history, operating on a higher-uplift-rate section of the coast, results in multiple emergent platforms and no instances of reoccupation. Coastal drainage basins in the size range of 5-10 km2 have different hypsometries, reflecting whether platforms in coastal basins are preserved over a range of altitudes or only near sea level. The hypsometric differences are thus a product of differences in uplift rate. The dominant mechanism of base-level fall varies between the two areas: coastal retreat during sea-level highstands drives baselevel fall in lower- uplift-rate basins, whereas tectonic uplift mainly drives base-level fall in moderate-uplift-rate basins, even though the magnitude of coastal retreat may be about the same in the two areas. Where coastal retreat largely provides the mechanism for base-level fall, steep coastal drainages discharge their debris onto coastal piedmonts ("benches"), and the resultant alluvial fans prograde over marine deposits. In southern Oregon, the alluvial fan-building episode was relatively short, about 2-20 k.y. in duration. Fan aggradation ceased as a consequence of fan entrenchment, most likely brought on by buildup and steepening of the fan over time.
The isolation of l-iduronic acid from the crystalline barium acid salt of heparin

Abstract The thrice-recrystallized barium acid salt of heparin was hydrolyzed by a modified Monier-Williams method with 72% sulfuric acid at 25°, followed by dilution and refluxing. The uronic acid fraction (13%) of the hydrolyzate was chromatographically shown to contain d -glucuronic acid, l -iduronic acid, and their lactones. The l -iduronolactone component was isolated, and characterized as the crystalline brucinium salt of its acid. It was established that the l -iduronic acid was derived neither from contaminant dermatan sulfate nor through C-5 epimerization of d -glucuronic acid. Previous hydrolytic conditions (which gave, in addition to 2-amino-2-deoxy- d -glucose, only d -glucuronic acid or d -glucose from purified heparin or its partially carboxyl-reduced derivatives, respectively) are now considered to have been too drastic to give all of the representative, degradation fragments.