cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seizure outcome after AED failure in pediatric focal epilepsy: impact of underlying etiology.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to identify long-term seizure outcome in pediatric nonsyndromic focal epilepsy after failure of serial antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) due to lack of efficacy. Methods Children (1 month–17 years) with new-onset focal epilepsy not meeting the criteria for a defined electroclinical syndrome diagnosed between 1980 and 2009 while residing in Olmsted County, MN, were retrospectively identified. Medical records of those followed for ≥ 2 years were reviewed to assess etiology, the number of AEDs that failed due to lack of efficacy, and seizure outcome at final follow-up. Etiology was classified into structural/metabolic, genetic, or unknown. Favorable outcome was defined as seizure freedom ≥ 1 year, on or off AEDs, without prior epilepsy surgery. Poor outcome was defined as ongoing seizures in the preceding year or having undergone prior epilepsy surgery. Results Nonsyndromic focal epilepsy accounted for 275/468 (59%) of all patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy — of these, 256 (93%) were followed for a minimum of two years and were included in the study. Median duration of follow-up was 10.0 years. At least one AED had failed due to lack of efficacy in 100 (39.1%) children. Favorable outcomes occurred in 149/156 (95.5%) children with no AED failure, 16/30 (53.3%) with one AED failure, 8/25 (32%) with two AED failures, and only 2/45 (4.4%) with three AED failures. After two AED failures, the seizures of nearly one-quarter of children who had epilepsy with an unknown cause responded favorably to the third AED compared with only 7.8% of the cohort that had epilepsy with a structural/metabolic cause. Children with a remote brain insult had a significantly higher likelihood of favorable outcome with serial AEDs than those with other structural abnormalities. Significance Etiology is an important determinant of pharmacoresistance in nonsyndromic focal epilepsy. Surgical evaluation should be considered after failure of 1–2 AEDs in those who have epilepsy with structural causes, excluding remote brain insults. Conversely, as surgical success is lower with normal MRI or more diffuse brain insults, it appears reasonable to hold off surgical evaluation until 2–3 AEDs have failed in such children.
Transurethral laser prostatectomy in the canine model.

A technique for performing transurethral prostatectomy was devised using a Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet laser in a canine model. Six dogs underwent transurethral laser prostatectomy following establishment of a perineal urethrostomy. The efficacy of the prostatectomies was judged by retrograde urethrography, transrectal prostate ultrasonography, cystoscopy, and histologic examination. The method of applying laser energy while holding the tip of the fiberoptic light guide 2–3 mm away from the prostate was ineffective; with power ranging from 40 to 70 watts, this technique resulted mainly in coagulation necrosis and removal of only a small amount of tissue. However, placing the tip of the light guide in direct contact with the prostate and using power from 70 to 100 watts produced impressively large prostatectomy defects by tissue vaporization. We conclude that this newly devised technique for transurethral prostatectomy in the canine model can be performed safely and effectively using a Neodymium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet laser (Neodymium:YAG).
Organizational Fields and the Diffusion of Information Technologies Within and Across the Nonprofit and Public Sectors: A Preliminary Theory

This qualitative-inductive study examines the diffusion of information technologies across service providers that contract to provide public services for a state human service agency. The researchers were struck by extensive data that illustrated salient "ruptures," inconsistencies, and contradictions in the information systems that stand in stark contrast to the touted characteristics of the ostensible systems. The analysis draws attention to the extensive political symbolism attached to the actual information systems and to contradictory institutional logics that different participants impose on the collecting and valuing of various parcels of information. The researchers provide a preliminary theory about the isomorphic diffusion of technologies into and across the nonprofit sector and argue that these institutional dynamics imply a structuration process at a level that is much more macro institutional than the structuration of information technology artifacts that has been emphasized by recent scholars who write in the adaptive structuration perspective.
Positron emission tomography/computed tomography.

Accurate anatomical localization of functional abnormalities obtained with the use of positron emission tomography (PET) is known to be problematic. Although tracers such as 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 F-FDG) visualize certain normal anatomical structures, the spatial resolution is generally inadequate for accurate anatomic localization of pathology. Combining PET with a high-resolution anatomical imaging modality such as computed tomography (CT) can resolve the localization issue as long as the images from the two modalities are accurately coregistered. However, software-based registration techniques have difficulty accounting for differences in patient positioning and involuntary movement of internal organs, often necessitating labor-intensive nonlinear mapping that may not converge to a satisfactory result. Acquiring both CT and PET images in the same scanner obviates the need for software registration and routinely provides accurately aligned images of anatomy and function in a single scan. A CT scanner positioned in line with a PET scanner and with a common patient couch and operating console has provided a practical solution to anatomical and functional image registration. Axial translation of the couch between the 2 modalities enables both CT and PET data to be acquired during a single imaging session. In addition, the CT images can be used to generate essentially noiseless attenuation correction factors for the PET emission data. By minimizing patient movement between the CT and PET scans and accounting for the axial separation of the two modalities, accurately registered anatomical and functional images can be obtained. Since the introduction of the first PET/CT prototype more than 6 years ago, numerous patients with cancer have been scanned on commercial PET/CT devices worldwide. The commercial designs feature multidetector spiral CT and high-performance PET components. Experience has demonstrated an increased level of accuracy and confidence in the interpretation of the combined study as compared with studies acquired separately, particularly in distinguishing pathology from normal, physiologic tracer uptake and precisely localizing abnormal foci. Combined PET/CT scanners represent an important evolution in technology that has helped to bring molecular imaging to the forefront in cancer diagnosis, staging and therapy monitoring.
Development of passive hydrogen separation membranes made from Co-synthesized nanoscale cermet powders

Abstract A powder comprised of nickel oxide and proton-conducting Nd- and Zr-doped barium cerate with a particle size on the order of 10 nm has been co-synthesized using the glycine–nitrate combustion process. The two compositions are intimately mixed with no significant elemental substitution between them after synthesis. To ensure complete reaction of the cerate components, the synthesized powder must be calcined at 1000 ∘ C . Among the barium cerate compositions investigated, the 30% Zr- and 15% Nd-doped material exhibited the best combination of chemical stability in CO2 and conductivity in hydrogen environments. At least 35 vol% Ni is required to achieve percolation in the composites. When sintering is carried out in an atmosphere which promotes reduction of nickel oxide to nickel metal, the result is a mixed electronic- and protonic-conducting composite which has potential use as a hydrogen separation membrane. Composites with a relative density of 99.2% and nanoscale grains have been prepared by hot pressing.
A cautious self‐tuning controller for chemical processes

An adaptive controller is presented that is able to perform effectively in the presence of nonlinearities and of model uncertainty typical of industrial processes. The controller incorporates a minimum variance part and a caution part. The latter is independent of the estimated model and becomes dominant in the case of a large mismatch between plant and estimated model. Application to a simulated nonlinear continuous stirred-tank reactor demonstrates its effectiveness, even when other adaptive controllers give unsatisfactory performance.
Rent-seeking in arts policy

The argument of my paper is that rent-seeking is an important reason why governments assist the arts. While I cannot offer it as a settled conclusion, I do put it forward as more than a hypothesis. In making my argument, I shall try to establish its necessary conditions: (1) that the economic structure of the arts lends itself to rent-seeking, (2) that the arts not only receive assistance but solicit it, and (3) that the assistance clearly benefits those who solicit it while others benefit less or not at all even though they are said to. What I shall not try to do is to make the argument conclusive, simply because by its nature it cannot be, not even if people in the arts came forward and declared, 'Nostro culpa, we are rent-seekers.' I would believe it, but not because they said it. (1) The economic structure of the arts is more favorable than not to rentseeking. The demand for the performing arts is income-elastic. By one estimate it is unitary in the U.S. (Moore, 1968: 90).1 For the visual arts, it appears to be one or more also as indicated by the continual increase in museum attendance, by the increase in the real price of admission, and by the increase in expenditure for art objects. The demand for the performing arts is not so incomeelastic as to offset entirely the increase in their cost that comes from their being labor intensive.
Assessing time-integrated dissolved concentrations and predicting toxicity of metals during diel cycling in streams

Evaluating water quality and the health of aquatic organisms is challenging in systems with systematic diel (24 h) or less predictable runoff-induced changes in water composition. To advance our understanding of how to evaluate environmental health in these dynamic systems, field studies of diel cycling were conducted in two streams (Silver Bow Creek and High Ore Creek) affected by historical mining activities in southwestern Montana. A combination of sampling and modeling tools was used to assess the toxicity of metals in these systems. Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films (DGT) samplers were deployed at multiple time intervals during diel sampling to confirm that DGT integrates time-varying concentrations of dissolved metals. Site specific water compositions, including time-integrated dissolved metal concentrations determined from DGT, a competitive, multiple-toxicant biotic ligand model, and the Windemere Humic Aqueous Model Version 6.0 (WHAM VI) were used to determine the equilibrium speciation of dissolved metals and biotic ligands. The model results were combined with previously collected toxicity data on cutthroat trout to derive a relationship that predicts the relative survivability of these fish at a given site. This integrative approach may prove useful for assessing water quality and toxicity of metals to aquatic organisms in dynamic systems and evaluating whether potential changes in environmental health of aquatic systems are due to anthropogenic activities or natural variability.
Tuning the rate and pH accessibility of a conformational electron transfer gate.

Methods to fine-tune the rate of a fast conformational electron transfer (ET) gate involving a His-heme alkaline conformer of iso-1-cytochrome c (iso-1-Cytc) and to adjust the pH accessibility of a slow ET gate involving a Lys-heme alkaline conformer are described. Fine-tuning the fast ET gate employs a strategy of making surface mutations in a substructure unfolded in the alkaline conformer. To make the slow ET gate accessible at neutral pH, the strategy involves mutations at buried sequence positions which are expected to more strongly perturb the stability of native versus alkaline iso-1-Cytc. To fine-tune the rate of the fast His 73-heme ET gate, we mutate the surface-exposed Lys 79 to Ala (A79H73 variant). This mutation also simplifies ET gating by removing Lys 79, which can serve as a ligand in the alkaline conformer of iso-1-Cytc. To adjust the pH accessibility of the slow Lys 73-heme ET gate, we convert the buried side chain Asn 52 to Gly and also mutate Lys 79 to Ala to simplify ET gating (A79G52 variant). ET kinetics is studied as a function of pH using hexaammineruthenium(ll) chloride (a 6 Ru 2+ ) to reduce the variants. Both variants show fast direct ET reactions dependent on [a 6 Ru 2+ ] and slower gated ET reactions that are independent of [a 6 Ru 2+ ]. The observed gated ET rates correlate well with rates for the alkaline-to-native state conformational change measured independently. Together with the previously reported H73 variant (Baddam, S.; Bowler, B. E. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 9702-9703), the A79H73 variant allows His 73-heme-mediated ET gating to be fine-tuned from 75 to 200 ms. The slower Lys 73-heme (15-20 s time scale) ET gate for the A79G52 variant is now accessible over the pH range 6-8.
Absolute cross sections for the dissociative electron impact ionization of the CFx (x = 1-3) free radicals

Abstract We studied the dissociative ionization of the CFx (x = 1−3) free radicals by electron impact and measured absolute partial cross sections and appearance energies for the formation of the various fragment ions. Fast beams (3–3.5 kV) of CF3, CF2 and CF were prepared by near-resonant charge transfer of CF+3, CF+2 and CF+ with Xe under conditions where the neutral beams contained primarily ground state ions with little vibrational excitation (0.5 eV or less). Absolute cross sections for the various molecular fragment ions were measured from threshold to 200 eV with peak cross sections of up to 1.3 A2. The cross sections for the formation of the atomic C+ and F+ ions were found to be small (0.3 A2 or less) except for the F+ cross section from CF2. The measured appearance energies indicate that the fragment ions are formed with excess kinetic energies ranging from essentially zero to about 3 eV per fragment. The CF+ cross section from CF2 shows a second onset which corresponds to the double positive ion formation CF2 → CF+ + F+. Extensive ion trajectory calculations were carried out in order to quantify the collection efficiency of our apparatus for fragment ions formed with excess kinetic energy.
Uptake of 40K and 137Cs in native plants of the Marshall Islands

Uptake of 137Cs and 40K was studied in seven native plant species of the Marshall Islands. Plant and soil samples were obtained across a broad range of soil 137Cs concentrations (0.08–3900 Bq/kg) and a narrower range of 40K soil concentrations (2.3–55 Bq/kg), but with no systematic variation of 40K relative to 137Cs. Potassium-40 concentrations in plants varied little within the range of 40K soil concentrations observed. Unlike the case for 40K, 137Cs concentrations increased in plants with increasing 137Cs soil concentrations though not precisely in a proportionate manner. The best-fit relationship between soil and plant concentrations was P=aSb where a and b are regression coefficients and P and S are plant and soil concentrations, respectively. The exponent b for 40K was zero, implying plant concentrations were a single value, while b for 137Cs varied between 0.51 and 0.82, depending on the species. For both 40K and 137Cs, we observed a decreasing concentration ratio (where concentration ratio=plant concentration/soil concentration) with increasing soil concentrations. For the CR values, the best-fit relationship was of the form CR=aSb/S=aSb−1. For the 40K CR functions, the exponent b−1 was close to −1 for all species. For the 137Cs CR functions, the exponent b−1 varied from −0.19 to −0.48. The findings presented here, as well as those by other investigators, collectively argue against the usefulness of simplistic ratio models to accurately predict uptake of either 40K or 137Cs in plants over wide ranges of soil concentration.
Bringing Cognitive Dissonance to the Classroom

We describe a classroom procedure that induces cognitive dissonance in students by pointing out inconsistencies between their behaviors and attitudes. Given that experimental tests of the concept of dissonance can sometimes be difficult to explain, enabling students to experience dissonance may make the teaching task easier. In an assessment of the exercise, most students reported feeling some dissonance and positively evaluated its effectiveness.
Activation of the transforming potential of a normal cell sequence: a molecular model for oncogenesis

The molecularly cloned, long terminal repeat (LTR) of the Moloney sarcoma virus (M-MSV) provirus has been covalently linked to c-mos, the cellular homolog of the M-MSV-specific sequence, v-mos. These newly constructed clones lack any M-MSV-derived sequences other than the LTR, but in DNA transfection assays they transform cells as efficiently as cloned subgenomic M-MSV fragments containing both v-mos and LTR. Cells transformed by LTR:c-mos hybrid molecules contain additional copies of mos DNA, and several size classes of polyadenylated RNA's with sequence homology to mos. The activation of the transforming potential of c-mos by the proviral LTR suggests a model whereby LTR-like elements could activate other normal cell sequences with oncogenic potential.
Experimental studies of free defect generation during irradiation — Implications for reactor environments

Abstract Over the past several years, systematic experiments have revealed that irradiations which generate energetically dense cascades are much less effective than light-ion, MeV electron, or thermal neutron irradiations at producing freely-migrating defects. In this paper, the systematic results on freely-migrating defect production from ion-irradiation studies are briefly summarized. Difficulties with applying a simple extrapolation of the ion-irradiation results to neutron environments are discussed. This discussion, coupled with our existing knowledge of neutron-induced property changes, indicates that Compton scattering, and the (n, γ), (n, He) and (n, p) nuclear reactions, are considerably more important for producing freely-migrating defects than was previously realized.
Using abbreviations to increase reading speed in low vision

In the absence of a suitable abbreviation scheme, we abbreviated numbers written as words (e.g., twenty three) with their digit equivalents (e.g., 23). Using digits was convenient for this study: digits are familiar, easy to read, and they substantially reduced the length of the texts. Methods: ‣ Reading speeds were collected from 4 students with normal vision ‣ Field loss was simulated by limiting how much text was visible at a time: 1⁄2, 1, 2, or 4 characters. ‣ The texts consisted of three 3-digit numbers, written in words or abbreviated using digits.
SU-GG-T-468: Development of a Proton Beam Double-Scattering Apparatus for Radiobiology Research

Purpose: To develop a proton beam wheel‐modulated, double‐scattering (WMDS) apparatus which will produce a robust selection of proton fields for the support of radiobiology research goals at the University of Pennsylvania. Methods and Materials: A passively spread double‐scattering design was chosen for its affordability, and wheel modulation was chosen for its established reliability. The proposed beam line apparatus will allow for a wide range of beam configurations due to its modular design. Beam specific modulation wheel, contoured second scatterer, and compensator design will be supported by the NEU code developed at the Harvard Cyclotron Laboratory. Component milling and construction will be carried out at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center (RPTC) where the finished device will be tested and ultimately utilized. An existing 230 MeV IBA cyclotron currently supporting clinical proton treatments at RPTC will supply an energy‐selectable pencil beam to the WMDS apparatus. The WMDS apparatus will then passively shape this pencil beam to the desired modulated field. The apparatus will eventually be installed in the research‐dedicated vault at RPTC. Results: It is expected that field sizes up to 100×100 cm2. with maximum water penetrations of up to 7 cm, will be obtainable given the available beam energies, apparatus dimensions, and 5 meter throw available at the proposed location. Smaller fields could bring maximum water penetrations of up to 30 cm with the possibility of full Bragg peak modulation. Conclusion: This beam line apparatus is currently under construction at the RPTC and is expected to be ready for testing by May 2010. Presently beam components are being designed to configure the apparatus for a very large, low dose rate, field to study the biological effects of low dose rate proton fields on astronauts. More clinically relevant configurations will eventually be employed for oncological radiobiology studies.
Carbonyl adducts of bis(1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane)rhodium(I) cation. Crystal and molecular structure of [Rh2(Ph2P(CH2)4PPh2)3(CO)4](PF6)2

Abstract The reaction of CO with CH2Cl2 solutions of [Rh(dppb)2]+X−, where X = BF4 or PF6 and dppb = Ph2P(CH2)4PPh2, yields the binuclear complex [Rh2(dppb)3(CO)4]2+ and uncoordinated dppb. This complex was isolated in the solid state as the PF6 salt and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure consists of two trigonal bipyramidal RhP3(CO)2 cores bridged by a dppb ligand via axial coordination sites. The CO ligands are cis and occupy equatorial sites and the chelating dppb ligands span equatorial and axial sites of their respective coordination cores. One binuclear molecule (Rh2(dppb)3)(CO)4](PF6)2 is contained in the P 1 unit cell such that an inversion center exists in the center of the backbone of the bridging dppb ligand. The unit cell dimensions are a = 12.385(2), b = 15.286(2), c = 12.353(4) A, α = 99.77(2), β = 107.03(2), γ = 103.66(1)°, and V = 2100 A3. Atotal of 5780 observed reflections were used to solve the structure and the final R value was 0.060. The formation of the binuclear complex in acetone solution was monitored by 31P{1H} NMR. The complex is fluxional at 25°C but exhibits a complicated pattern at −65°C in addition to a sharp singlet due to uncoordinated dppb ligand.
Automatic visual inspection system for stamped sheet metals (AVIS 3 M)

This paper presents a development of an automatic system for visual inspection of stamped sheet metals. Visual inspection operations in manufacturing processes can be challenging for humans. Human operators have several disadvantages compared to intelligent machines including; subjectivity, productivity, consistency, repeatability, etc. In this study we present an investigation of an automatic visual inspection system to improve some of these deficiencies. Our approach proposes an integrated software system based on machine vision theory that includes: image preprocessing, image segmentation, connected component analysis, region analysis, feature extraction, defect detection, quantification and classification and decision making. Our proposed demonstrated superior efficiency, reliability and stability compared to human subjects.
Monochromator versus deconvolution for XPS studies using a kratos ES300 system

Abstract Deconvolution has been used by several workers to reduce or eliminate X-ray and analyzer-induced broadenings of XPS spectra, but there is a 30% limit on the amount of improvement in the FWHM of XPS peaks. Deconvolution algorithms generally used also increase the noise in the spectrum. Monochromatic X-ray sources can give high resolution data directly, but the count rates are generally low. Given these limitations, a comparison has been made to see which method of high resolution data acquisition. can achieve data of a certain quality in the least amount of time, for a given system, namely a Kratos ES300 photoelectron spectrometer. Signal-to-noise ratios are used as a means of comparing spectral quality at a given resolution. Results for the Kratos ES300 show that if the desired resolution could be achieved without deconvolution, an order of magnitude less counting time was needed for the Mg K α standard source. If deconvolution is necessary, the counting times for both sources to achieve a given S/N ratio were found to depend mainly upon the signal-to-background ratios of the peak measured with each source. These results are illustrated for the S 2 p doublet from MoS 2 and the Ni 2 p peaks from oxidized stainless steel.
Effective properties of spray-applied fire-resistive material for resistance to cracking and delamination from steel structures

Abstract This paper presents a study on quantifying the effective properties of spray-applied fire-resistive material (SFRM) to mitigate delamination of fire insulation from steel structures. The crack development in SFRM, its propagation and then delamination is investigated for two types of structural elements; a flimsy steel truss chord, and a beam-column assembly in a moment-resisting frame insulated with three types of SFRM widely utilized in steel construction. In the truss chord, the strain ductility of steel at which delamination initiates and propagates is studied, while in the beam-column assembly, the extent of delamination over the plastic hinge region developed on the beam is monitored. A fracture mechanics-based numerical model is employed to undertake parametric studies to determine effective parameters of SFRM for minimizing delamination. In the sensitivity study, the material properties of SFRM applied on steel members are varied over a wide range. Results from the sensitivity study indicate that the elastic modulus of fire insulation ( E ), thickness of insulation ( t ) and interfacial fracture energy ( G c ) are the crucial factors that govern the delamination of SFRM from the steel surface. Subsequently, results from an additional set of parametric studies, carried out on a beam-column assembly, also infer that delamination of SFRM occurs over the plastic hinge region and is mainly governed by the critical factors of E , t and G c . Results from these studies indicate that all three governing factors play a critical role in determining the extent of delamination and such delamination can be overcome if the interface fracture energy in normal mode is enhanced to 350 J/m 2 .
13C and 15N in microarthropods reveal little response of Douglas‐fir ecosystems to climate change

Understanding ecosystem carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling under global change requires experiments maintaining natural interactions among soil structure, soil communities, nutrient availability, and plant growth. In model Douglas-fir ecosystems maintained for five growing seasons, elevated temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2) increased photosynthesis and increased C storage belowground but not aboveground. We hypothesized that interactions between N cycling and C fluxes through two main groups of microbes, mycorrhizal fungi (symbiotic with plants) and saprotrophic fungi (free-living), mediated ecosystem C storage. To quantify proportions of mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi, we measured stable isotopes in fungivorous microarthropods that efficiently censused the fungal community. Fungivorous microarthropods consumed on average 35% mycorrhizal fungi and 65% saprotrophic fungi. Elevated temperature decreased C flux through mycorrhizal fungi by 7%, whereas elevated CO2 increased it by 4%. The dietary proportion of mycorrhizal fungi correlated across treatments with total plant biomass (n= 4, r2= 0.96, P= 0.021), but not with root biomass. This suggests that belowground allocation increased with increasing plant biomass, but that mycorrhizal fungi were stronger sinks for recent photosynthate than roots. Low N content of needles (0.8–1.1%) and A horizon soil (0.11%) coupled with high C : N ratios of A horizon soil (25–26) and litter (36–48) indicated severe N limitation. Elevated temperature treatments increased the saprotrophic decomposition of litter and lowered litter C : N ratios. Because of low N availability of this litter, its decomposition presumably increased N immobilization belowground, thereby restricting soil N availability for both mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth. Although increased photosynthesis with elevated CO2 increased allocation of C to ectomycorrhizal fungi, it did not benefit plant N status. Most N for plants and soil storage was derived from litter decomposition. N sequestration by mycorrhizal fungi and limited N release during litter decomposition by saprotrophic fungi restricted N supply to plants, thereby constraining plant growth response to the different treatments.
Predicting ecological responses of the Florida Everglades to possible future climate scenarios: introduction.

Florida’s Everglades stretch from the headwaters of the Kissimmee River near Orlando to Florida Bay. Under natural conditions in this flat landscape, water flowed slowly downstream as broad, shallow sheet flow. The ecosystem is markedly different now, altered by nutrient pollution and construction of canals, levees, and water control structures designed for flood control and water supply. These alterations have resulted in a 50 % reduction of the ecosystem’s spatial extent and significant changes in ecological function in the remaining portion. One of the world’s largest restoration programs is underway to restore some of the historic hydrologic and ecological functions of the Everglades, via a multi-billion dollar Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. This plan, finalized in 2000, did not explicitly consider climate change effects, yet today we realize that sea level rise and future changes in rainfall (RF), temperature, and evapotranspiration (ET) may have system-wide impacts. This series of papers describes results of a workshop where a regional hydrologic model was used to simulate the hydrology expected in 2060 with climate changes including increased temperature, ET, and sea level, and either an increase or decrease in RF. Ecologists with expertise in various areas of the ecosystem evaluated the hydrologic outputs, drew conclusions about potential ecosystem responses, and identified research needs where projections of response had high uncertainty. Resource managers participated in the workshop, and they present lessons learned regarding how the new information might be used to guide Everglades restoration in the context of climate change.
Catalysis of dioxygen reduction at graphite electrodes by an adsorbed cobalt(ii) porphyrin

Abstract The electroreduction of dioxygen to hydrogen peroxide is catalyzed when the Co(II) porphyrin shown in Fig. 1 is adsorbed on the surface of graphite electrodes. The electroreduction of the adsorbed catalyst occurs at potentials well separated from those where the dioxygen is reduced showing that more than a simple redox catalysis is involved. The porphyrin also catalyzes the electro-oxidatoin of hydrogen peroxide. In 1 M NaOH catalyst-coated electrodes yield reversible, almost nernstian responses to the O 2 O 2 H − couple. Cyclic and rotating disk voltammetry were used to examine the kinetics of the catalyzed reactions and mechanistic schemes are proposed to account for the observed kinetics.
Long-term outcome of women who undergo panniculectomy at the time of gynecologic surgery

Abstract Objective. While panniculectomy has been shown to be a useful technique in obese women undergoing gynecologic surgery, the long-term outcome of these patients has been poorly described. The goal of this study was to determine the long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction of women who underwent panniculectomy at the time of pelvic surgery. Methods. A retrospective review of patients who underwent panniculectomy at the time of pelvic surgery between 1996 and 2004 was performed. Postoperative complications and long-term trends in weight were evaluated. Patient satisfaction was assessed by telephone survey. Results. Forty-two patients were identified. The mean EBL was 522 ml, the mean operating time was just over 4 h. Wound complications were noted in 36% of the subjects. Two weeks after the procedure, 86% of the women had a weight that was lower than their preoperative weight. Weight loss peaked 3 months postoperatively, 97% of the subjects had a net lower weight, with a mean loss of nearly 20 lb. Over the ensuing 2 years, weight loss gradually declined. After 2 years of follow-up, 62% of the women were below their preoperative body weights. The mean weight loss at 24 months was 7 lb. Overall patient satisfaction with the procedure was high. Eighty-six percent of the subjects responded that they would undergo the procedure again given their outcome. Conclusions. Panniculectomy is well tolerated and associated with a high rate of patient satisfaction. Panniculectomy is a valuable component of gynecologic surgery in morbidly obese women.
Aggression and counteraggression during child psychiatric hospitalization.

ABSTRACT The article reports on a 1-year descriptive study of aggressive incidents and staff counteraggressive strategies within a child psychiatry inpatient unit. Ninety-nine child/adolescent patients produced a total of 887 reportable aggressive incidents during the 12-month study period. Seclusion, activity restriction, physical restraint, and administration of p.r.n. medication were studied in relation to patient aggression. Results of the study confirm the hypotheses that (1) much patient aggression within defined clinical contexts conforms to patterns of prediction directly related to person and environmental variables, and (2) the primary value of counteraggression strategies such as seclusion and restraint resides in the acute management of aggressive children and not in long-term therapeutic functions. The article offers some recommendations for new research in this general area as well as suggestions for clinical applications of these methods.
Degradation Kinetics of Myosin Heavy Chain of Pacific Whiting Surimi

Pacific whiting surimi paste was ohmically heated to investigate degradation of myosin heavy chain (MHC) caused by endogenous proteinase over a range of 40–85°C and 0.5–35 min. Degradation was best described with an apparent reaction order of 1.4. Changes of degradation rate increased with temperature and reached a maximum at 57°C. Then, rate of MHC degradation decreased with higher temperature and reached a minimum at 75°C. Ea values of activation and inactivation zone were 142.3 and 83.1 kJ/mol, respectively. Generally, failure shear stress and shear strain increased linearly with MHC content. Proteolytic degradation of actin exhibited the same trend as that of MHC but at a slower rate. The synergistic effect of actin in the gelation of whiting surimi was predominant at ≥75°C.
Mass of the H dibaryon in a chiral model

We evaluate the mass of the dibaryon in a chiral model which includes the ..omega.. vector meson. We compare our results with those of the Skyrme model.
What parents of children with asthma tell us.

Abstract Introduction: The family's contribution to effective asthma management is increasingly being recognized. This study gathered and analyzed information from parents about their greatest fears relative to having a child with asthma and identified information that parents believed was critical for providers to acknowledge. The methodology serves as a model for possible practitioner-directed action research with their care population. Methods: Written information from 52 parents who attended focus groups comprise the data. Data were analyzed using constant comparative strategies. Results: Common parental fears included uncertainty, long-term effects of medication, and concern that the condition would not go away or improve. Common themes parents wanted providers to know included the following: parents need more information; parents are scared and fearful; living with asthma is difficult, and this stress affects the parents' behavior; and parents know what is best for their child. Age trends were identified for fear themes only. Discussion: Findings suggest parents can and should be asked about their greatest fears and concerns. Although developmental patterns may be used to initiate discussion, providers need to identify parents' unique concerns so they can integrate them in refining the child's asthma action plan. J Pediatr Health Care. (2000). 14, 122–126.
CONTROL OF DEVELOPMENTAL TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR SIGMA F BY SPORULATION REGULATORY PROTEINS SPOIIAA AND SPOIIAB IN BACILLUS SUBTILIS

Abstract The sporulation operon spoIIA of Bacillus subtilis consists of three cistrons called spoIIAA, spoIIAB, and spoIIAC. Little is known about the function of spoIIAA and spoIIAB, but spoIIAC encodes a sigma factor called sigma F, which is capable of directing the transcription in vitro of genes that are expressed in the forespore chamber of the developing sporangium. We now report that the products of the spoIIA operon constitute a regulatory system in which SpoIIAA is an antagonist of SpoIIAB (or otherwise counteracts the effect of SpoIIAB) and SpoIIAB is, in turn, an antagonist of SpoIIAC (sigma F). This conclusion is based on the observations that (i) overexpression of spoIIAB inhibits sigma F-directed gene expression, (ii) a mutation in spoIIAB stimulates sigma F-directed gene expression, (iii) a mutation in spoIIAA blocks sigma F-directed gene expression, and (iv) a mutation in spoIIAB relieves the block in sigma F-directed gene expression caused by a mutation in spoIIAA. The SpoIIAA/SpoIIAB/SpoIIAC regulatory system could play a role in controlling the timing of sigma F-directed gene expression and/or could be responsible for restricting sigma F-directed gene expression to the forespore chamber of the sporangium.
Plasticity of Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Serotonin 1A Receptors in an Animal Model of Epilepsy-Associated Depression

Depression is a common comorbidity of temporal lobe epilepsy and has highly negative impact on patients' quality of life. We previously established that pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) in rats, concurrently with chronic epilepsy leads to depressive impairments, and that the latter may stem from the dysregulation of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and/or diminished raphe-hippocampal serotonergic transmission. We examined possible involvement of presynaptic and postsynaptic serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptors in epilepsy-associated depression. Based on their performance in the forced swim test (FST), post-SE animals were classified as those with moderate and severe depressive impairments. In moderately impaired rats, the activity of the HPA axis (examined using plasma corticosterone radioimmunoassay) was higher than in naive subjects, but the functional capacity of presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors (measured in raphe using autoradiography) remained unaltered. In severely depressed animals, both the activity of the HPA axis and the function of presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors were increased as compared with naive and moderately depressed rats. Pharmacological uncoupling of the HPA axis from raphe nucleus exerted antidepressant effects in severely impaired rats, but did not modify behavior in both naive and moderately depressed animals. Further, the function of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors was diminished in the hippocampus of post-SE rats. Pharmacological activation of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors improved depressive deficits in epileptic animals. We suggest that under the conditions of chronic epilepsy, excessively hyperactive HPA axis activates presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, thus shifting the regulation of serotonin release in favor of autoinhibition. Downregulation of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors may further exacerbate the severity of epilepsy-associated depression.
Theory of Hyperfine Structure Separations

Expressions are derived for the hyperfine structure separations of the levels of complicated electron configurations in different types of coupling. The few available experimental data are in distinct disagreement with the theoretical calculations. This undoubtedly means that our present knowledge of the interaction with nuclear spin is incomplete. The expressions in this article are derived by the well-known method of the invariance of energy sums.
Transcriptional profiling implicates TGFβ/BMP and Notch signaling pathways in ductular differentiation of fetal murine hepatoblasts

Bile duct morphogenesis involves sequential induction of biliary specific gene expression, bilayer generation, cell proliferation, remodeling and apoptosis. HBC-3 cells are a model system to study differentiation of hepatoblasts along the hepatocytic or bile ductular lineage in vitro and in vivo. We used microarray to define molecular pathways during ductular differentiation in response to Matrigel. The temporal pattern of expression of marker genes induced was similar to that observed during bile duct formation in vivo. Notch, HNF1beta, Polycystic kidney disease 2, Bicaudal C 1 and beta-catenin were up regulated during the time course. Functional clustering analysis revealed significant up regulation of clusters of genes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, ion transport, vacuoles, lytic vacuoles, pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes, transcription factors and negative regulators of the cell proliferation, while genes involved in the cell cycle were significantly down regulated. Notch signaling pathway was activated by treatment with Matrigel. In addition, TGFbeta/BMP signaling pathway members including the type I TGFbeta receptor and Smads 3, 4 and 5 were significantly up regulated, as were several TGFbeta/BMP responsive genes including Hey 1, a regulator of Notch pathway signaling. SMADS 3, 4 and 5 were present in the nuclear fraction of HBC-3 cells during ductular differentiation in vitro, but not during hepatocyte differentiation. SMAD 5 was preferentially expressed in hepatoblasts undergoing bile duct morphogenesis in the fetal liver, while the TGFbeta/BMP signaling antagonist chordin, was expressed throughout the liver suggesting a mechanism by which TGFbeta/BMP signaling is limited to hepatoblasts that contact portal mesenchyme in vivo.
Delay of normal development of sea urchin embryos by cytosine arabinoside

Le developpement des œufs d'oursins est ralenti par la cytosine arabinoside a laquelle on les expose pendant 4 a 8 h, mais il reprend son cours apres le traitement.
Outcome of conservatively managed early-onset breast cancer by BRCA1/2 status

Summary Background Management of early-stage breast cancer in young women with mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 remains controversial. This study assessed the long-term risks of ipsilateral and contralateral breast cancer in a cohort of young women who underwent breast-conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy. Methods Between 1975 and 1998, 290 women with breast cancer diagnosed at age 42 years or younger underwent lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy at our hospital. We recruited 127 of these women for complete sequencing of BRCA1 and BRCA2. Demographic, clinical, pathological, and outcome data were recorded. The primary endpoints were rates of ipsilateral and contralateral breast cancer, in relation to germline BRCA1/2 status. Findings 105 women were classified as having sporadic disease (94 with wild-type or known polymorphisms and 11 with variants of unclear significance) and 22 as having genetic predisposition (deleterious mutations in BRCA1 [15] or BRCA2 [seven]). At 12 years of follow-up, the genetic group had significantly higher rates of ipsilateral (49% vs 21%, p=0·007) and contralateral events (42% vs 9%, p=0·001) than the sporadic group. The majority of events were classified as second primary tumours. No patient in the genetic group had undergone oophorectomy or was taking prophylactic agents such as tamoxifen. Interpretation Patients with germline mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 have a high risk of developing late ipsilateral and contralateral second primary tumours. With breast-conserving therapy, chemoprophylaxis or other interventions to reduce the rate of second cancers may be valuable. Alternatively, bilateral mastectomy may be considered, to minimise the risk of second tumours in the breasts.
Platelet activating factor receptor blockade ameliorates murine systemic lupus erythematosus.

Platelet activating factor receptor blockade ameliorates murine systemic lupus erythematosus. Untreated 16-week-old MRL/MpJ-lpr/lpr (lpr) mice, when compared to congenic MRL/MpJ-+/+ (+/+) mice, are characterized by a systemic lupus erythematosus syndrome, including severe glomerulonephritis, proteinuria and reduction of renal function. We hypothesized that platelet activating factor (PAF), a potent chemotactic and proinflammatory phospholipid mediator synthesized and released by circulating cells, glomerular mesangial and renal medullary interstitial cells, may play a role in the development of renal injury in lupus mice. We assessed renal PAF synthesis in lpr as well as +/+ mice and the effect of treatment with a PAF receptor blocking agent. Treatment with the PAF receptor antagonist L659,989 for four weeks, starting at 12 weeks of age, significantly reduced acute glomerular infiltration and proliferation, and prevented chronic glomerular histological changes; proteinuria and serum creatinine levels were also significantly reduced in treated mice. Renal PAF production was increased in lpr when compared to +/+ mice, and treatment with L659,989 restored renal PAF synthesis to the control levels. Our results support the hypothesis that PAF can be one of the mediators of glomerular injury characteristic of murine lupus nephritis, and indicate the possible therapeutic utility of PAF receptor antagonists in immunologic renal diseases.
Medical Care in Old Age: What Do Nurses in Long-term Care Consider Appropriate?

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether nurses working in a long-term care institution, who are knowledgeable about the full range of conditions common among older people, favor limitations of treatment in old age; and to study whether the level of intensity of care they regard as appropriate varies with the overall health status of the older individual. DESIGN: Participants were asked to complete an intervention-specific advance directive for themselves, with scenarios representing terminal illness, dementia plus chronic illness, chronic illness in a nursing home resident, chronic illness in a community-dwelling older person, and a robust, community-dwelling older person. SETTING: A 725-bed long-term care institution, with residents having a mean age of 88 years and a wide range of physical and cognitive deficits. PARTICIPANTS: Full-time nurses at the long-term care facility were eligible and were given survey instruments; 102 of the 145 eligible nurses completed the questionnaire. MEASUREMENTS: The unit of analysis is the refusal rate, defined as the mean number of refusals of interventions for each respondent. MAIN RESULTS: The overall refusal rate for all five scenarios taken together was 72.1%. The refusal rate in the case of terminal illness was 90.9%, in the case of dementia plus chronic illness 81.8%, in the case of dementia in a nursing home 69.1%, for a homebound older person with chronic illness 70.9%, and for a previously healthy 85-year-old person living in the community, 50.0% (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Nurses working in a long-term care institution have strong preferences about limiting a variety of interventions in old age. The greater the degree of physical and cognitive impairment, the more limitations they favor. This suggests the necessity of expanding advance planning to include a discussion of what constitutes appropriate treatment in a broad range of circumstances. J Am Geriatr Soc 44:1322–1325, 1996.
Soviet-Cuban alliance (1959-1991)

In this work Yuri Pavlov, a former Soviet Foreign Service Officer, provides both a personal and political account of the history of the Soviet-Cuban alliance, and speculates about the future relationship between Cuba and Russia.