cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is full bilateral retroperitoneal lymph node dissection always necessary for postchemotherapy residual tumor

BACKGROUND. Traditionally, postchemotherapy (PC) surgery for metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) has used a full bilateral retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) from the crus of the diaphragm to the bifurcation of the common iliac arteries, from ureter to ureter. With the primary landing zone well defined in low-volume retroperitoneal disease, the authors performed modified dissections in the PC setting in a select population; and, herein, they report disease outcome. METHODS. From 1991 to 2004, a retrospective review of the testicular cancer database at the authors' institution was performed to identify patients with NSGCT, normal serum tumor markers after cisplatin-based chemotherapy, and residual retroperitoneal tumor who underwent modified PC-RPLND. All patients had metastatic disease at initial presentation that was limited to the primary landing zone (left or right). RESULTS. One hundred patients were identified, including 43 who underwent a right modified template, 18 patients who underwent a left full modified template, and 39 patients who underwent a left modified template. Pathology revealed cancer in 2% of patients, teratoma in 62% of patients, and necrosis in 36% of patients. The 2- and 5-year disease-free survival rate was 95%, and the median follow-up was 31.9 months (range, 1–152 months). Four patients developed recurrent disease with a median time to recurrence of 8.25 months (range, 6–11 months). All recurrences were outside the boundaries of a full bilateral RPLND. CONCLUSIONS. Selected patients at PC surgery can be managed with modified PC-RPLND. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
The relation of self-reported competencies to aptitude test scores

Abstract The scales of the Self-Directed Search were correlated with the scales of the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery for a sample of 192 high school girls. The two devices have small to moderate correlations that indicate that self-reported abilities and competencies have some concurrent validity.
Color octet scalars and high p T four-jet events at the LHC

We study the effect of color octet scalars on the high transverse momenta four-jet cross section at the LHC. We consider both weak singlet and doublet scalars, concentrating on the case of small couplings to quarks. We find that a relatively early discovery at the LHC is possible for a range of scalar masses.
Copper-catalyzed Csp2–H amidation of unactivated arenes by N-tosyloxycarbamates

[(Neocuproine)Cu]PF6 catalyzes the C–H amidation of unactivated arenes by N-tosyloxytrichloroethylcarbamates. Alkyl benzenes are selectively converted to aromatic amines and substituted arenes display variable regioselectivity.
An Overview of Information Resources for Herbal Medicinals and Dietary Supplements

The dramatic increase in the use of complementary and alternative medicine therapies over the past decade has led to a proliferation of resources for information on herbal medicinals and dietary su...
Application of microcalorimeter to characterize adhesion between asphalt binders and aggregates

Adhesion between asphalt binder and aggregate in a dry state as well as in the presence of water is critical to the performance and durability of asphalt mixtures. According to the literature, distress mechanisms in asphalt mixtures such as rutting, fatigue cracking, and moisture-induced damage are correlated to the nature and quality of adhesion between asphalt binder and aggregate. Surface free energy components of aggregates and asphalt binders can be used to compute the work of adhesion between the two materials in a dry condition as well as the thermodynamic potential of water to displace the asphalt binder from the surface of the aggregate. This paper presents a methodology to estimate the surface free energy components of aggregates using the microcalorimeter. The microcalorimeter is a relatively fast and simple alternative tool to estimate surface free energy components of aggregates compared to other techniques such as the gas adsorption method. In addition to surface energy measurement, the application of the microcalorimeter to directly measure the total energy of adhesion between the asphalt binder and the aggregate at mixing temperatures and the hydrophilicity of different aggregates at ambient temperatures is also demonstrated. Both of these properties influence the performance of asphalt mixtures in dry conditions and in the presence of water.
Amperometric titrations. III. The location of the minimum in amperometric titrations with regard to the equivalence point

1. When in an amperometric titration the precipitate has the composition AB, A and B being reducible at the applied e.m.f. and yielding diffusion currents and when the diffusion current constants of A and B are different the location of the minimum current does not coincide with the equivalence point. The same is true quite generally when the precipitate has the composition AB2 or A2B, etc. 2. A mathematical expression has been derived for the location of the minimum. Experimentally the latter has been determined with silver iodate. The experimentally determined location of the minimum (excess of silver) was found to coincide with the calculated value.
A method for the microlensed flux variance of QSOs

A fast and practical method is described for calculating the microlensed flux variance of an arbitrary source by uncorrelated stars. The required inputs are the mean convergence and shear due to the smoothed potential of the lensing galaxy, the stellar mass function, and the absolute square of the Fourier transform of the surface brightness in the source plane. The mathematical approach follows previous authors but has been generalized, streamlined, and implemented in publicly available code. Examples of its application are given for Dexter and Agol's inhomogeneous-disk models as well as the usual gaussian sources. Since the quantity calculated is a second moment of the magnification, it is only logarithmically sensitive to the sizes of very compact sources. However, for the inferred sizes of actual QSOs, it has some discriminatory power and may lend itself to simple statistical tests. At the very least, it should be useful for testing the convergence of microlensing simulations.
Large-scale recording of astrocyte activity

Astrocytes are highly ramified glial cells found throughout the central nervous system (CNS). They express a variety of neurotransmitter receptors that can induce widespread chemical excitation, placing these cells in an optimal position to exert global effects on brain physiology. However, the activity patterns of only a small fraction of astrocytes have been examined and techniques to manipulate their behavior are limited. As a result, little is known about how astrocytes modulate CNS function on synaptic, microcircuit, or systems levels. Here, we review current and emerging approaches for visualizing and manipulating astrocyte activity in vivo. Deciphering how astrocyte network activity is controlled in different physiological and pathological contexts is crucial for defining their roles in the healthy and diseased CNS.
A rapid method for ascertaining serial lag correlation.

The search for a mechanical means for rapidly assessing the similarity between two time series, and particularly for matching series of tree ring width measurements, has led the writer to construct a photoelectric device for the comparison of time series in the form of bar graphs. This paper is a discussion of a method and some problems of serial lag correlation by photoelectric measurement of such bar graphs. Portions of the theory developed in this connexion are also relevant to the rapid calculation of serial lag correlation by ordinary means. The study of tree ring width series, called dendrochronology, had its inception chiefly in the researches of the astronomer and climatologist, A. E. Douglass (1919, 1928, 1936). This study makes use of the fact that trees of the same species growing under similar conditions within a given climatic region agree to a considerable extent in the variations in width of their annual growth rings. By matching or 'cross-identifying-' overlapping series of ring widths, extending back from living trees to ancient specimens collected from prehistoric sites in the south-western United States, Douglass and his colleagues have established the average tree ring width record for nearly 2000 years past. This record gives valuable information concerning the climatic fluctuations of the period. By matching the rings of timbers from archaeological sites with the master ring width record at the proper position, the approximate year of construction for a great number of prehistoric habitations in this region has been determined. The problem of cross-identifying two tree ring width series is the problem of determining the relative position in which they are most similar, and in which the similarity is, with high probability, due to the same climatic factors rather than either to mere chance or to harmonic features displaced by an integral number of cycles. This problem is analogous to that of discovering the lag between two time series in economic, physical, and other studies. In the latter type of serial correlation problem the time bases are known for each series, i.e. each measurement corresponds to a known point on the time scale, but the lag remains to be discovered. Such problems might be termed dyschronous. In the dendrochronological problem the time base of one series is unknown, but the lag is known to be zero. By matching the two series, the time base of the unknown series may be determined from the known series. Such problems might be termed synchronous. The match position in synchronous serial correlation corresponds to the lag position in dyschronous correlation. The standard statistical correlation procedures are much too time-consuming for use in cross-identification where large numbers of tree ring series must be compared at innumerable match hypotheses. The photoelectric method of comparing bar graphs of time series is designed specifically for the rapid computation of measures of similarity between such series. It is equally applicable to dyschronous serial correlation, and to autocorrelation by employing pairs of identical graphs.
Unexplained Weight Loss in Two Growth Hormone Deficient Adolescent Males

Patient A has been followed in the pediatric endocrine clinic since age 18 months. He was diagnosed with growth hormone (GH) and thyroid deficiencies. GH was discontinued at age 15 years 1 month due to growth completion. He had an appendectomy 1 month prior to his routine endocrine follow-up visit, and complains of diminished energy level and a 15-lb weight loss despite adequate oral intake and absence of gastrointestinal symptoms. No acute illness has been noted by his pediatrician.
Image feature analysis and computer‐aided diagnosis in mammography: Reduction of false‐positive clustered microcalcifications using local edge‐gradient analysis

To improve the performance of a computerized scheme for detection of clustered microcalcifications in digitized mammograms, causes of detected false-positive microcalcification signals were analyzed. The false positives were grouped into four categories, namely, microcalcification like noise patterns, artifacts, linear patterns, and others. In an edge-gradient analysis, local edge-gradient values at signal-perimeter pixels of detected microcalcification signals were determined to eliminate false positives that look like subtle microcalcifications or are due to artifacts. In a linear-pattern analysis, the degree of linearity for linear patterns was determined from local gradient values from a set of linear templates oriented in 16 different directions. Threshold values for the edge-gradient analysis and the linear-pattern analysis were determined using a training database of 39 mammograms. It was possible to eliminate 59% and 25%, respectively, of 91 detected false-positive clusters with loss of only 3% of true-positive clusters. The combination of the two methods further improved the scheme in eliminating a total of 73% of the false-positive clusters with loss of 3% of true-positive clusters. Using these thresholds, the two methods were evaluated on another database of 50 mammograms. 62%, 31%, and 80% of the false-positive clusters were eliminated with loss of 3% of true-positive clusters or less, in the edge-gradient analysis, the linear-pattern analysis, and the combination of the two methods, respectively. The edge-gradient analysis and the linear-pattern analysis can reduce the false-positive detection rate, while maintaining a high level of the sensitivity.
Disregulation of proopiomelanocortin and contagious maladaptive behavior.

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is an untreatable and often life-threatening problem among individuals with developmental disorders, especially those diagnosed with autism. Functioning, relationships and processing of the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) system are "uncoupled" in subgroups of self-injuring individuals resulting in different ratios of ACTH and opioids in the bloodstream, particularly under conditions of stress. In this study, relations between SIB and POMC were evaluated in a multi-year study of the largest prospective sample studied to date. Observations were collected on palmtop computers for 45 treatment-resistant patients who exhibited chronic SIB. Behavior of each subject was observed in natural settings without disruption or intrusion, for continuous, 2.5-h periods, two times a day (morning and afternoon), 4 days a week for two consecutive weeks, for a total of 40 h/subject. Blood was collected in the morning, late afternoon and immediately after an SIB episode on two separate occasions separated by at least 6 months. Levels of beta-endorphin (beta E) and ACTH were assayed by RIA. We discovered that the SIB was the best predictor of subsequent SIB. Moreover, the majority of subjects exhibited this contagious pattern of SIB. Levels of POMC fragments were reliable over a 6- to 9-month period. Subjects exhibiting POMC disregulation characterized by high morning levels of beta E had the highest transitional probabilities of SIB (i.e. contagious patterns; F=8.17, P<0.01). These findings suggest that subjects with "contagious" SIB may represent a behavioral phenotype associated with disregulated expression of the POMC gene.
Phonon heat conduction in thin films : Impacts of thermal boundary resistance and internal heat generation

The measured thermal resistance across a thin film deposited on a substrate often includes the internal thermal resistance within the film and the thermal boundary resistance (TBR) across the film-substrate interface. These two resistances are frequently lumped and reported as an equivalent thermal conductivity of the film. Two fundamental questions should be answered regarding the use of this equivalent thermal conductivity. One is whether it leads to the correct temperature distribution inside the film. The other one is whether it is applicable for thin films with internal heat generation. This paper presents a study based on the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) to treat phonon heat conduction inside the film and across the film-substrate interface simultaneously, for the cases with and without internal heat generation inside the film. Material systems studied include SiO 2 and diamond films on Si substrates, representative of thin-film materials with low and high thermal conductivity. It is found that for a SiO 2 film on a Si substrate, the film thermal conductivity and TBR can be treated independently, while for a diamond film on a Si substrate, the two are related to each other by the interface scattering. When the free surface behaves as a black phonon emitter, the TBR for thin diamond films with internal heat generation is the same as that without the internal heat generation. When the free surface is adiabatic, however, the TBR increases and approaches the value of the corresponding black surface as the film thickness increases. Results of this study suggest that great care must be taken when extending the effective thermal conductivity measured for thin films under one experimental condition to other application situations.
Ventral hippocampal NMDA blockade and nicotinic effects on memory function

Nicotinic acetylcholine and NMDA glutamate receptors play critical roles in memory function. The brain areas involved in their interaction are still under investigation. One likely area is the hippocampus. Ventral hippocampal administration of nicotinic antagonists impair memory. Hippocampal administration of NMDA antagonists also cause memory impairments. We evaluated the importance of ventral hippocampal NMDA receptors for nicotinic actions on memory by testing the impact of systemic nicotine on memory with and without administration of the NMDA antagonist dizocilpine into the ventral hippocampus. Sprague-Dawley rats (N=11) trained on the 16-arm radial maze were bilaterally implanted with local infusion cannulae in the ventral hippocampus. The effects on memory function of ventral hippocampal infusions of 0, 2, 6 and 18 microg per side of dizocilpine were examined with and without acute systemic nicotine administration (0 or 0.4 mg/kg). The dizocilpine doses tested did not cause memory deficits by themselves but only did so when given in combination with systemic nicotine. Blocking NMDA ventral hippocampal actions revealed an impairing action of nicotine on memory. Nicotine effects on other non-NMDA hippocampal receptor systems or extra-hippocampal systems may have been left unchecked by the diminished nicotinic effect on ventral hippocampal NMDA receptors.
Hydrodynamics of an ensemble of drops (or bubbles) in the presence or absence of surfactants

Hydrodynamic effects of surfactants and neighbor particles on the terminal velocity of an ensemble of falling drops or bubbles have been analyzed and formulated. A free surface cell model which takes into account hindering effects among neighbor particles has been used to solve the equations of viscous fluid motion and continuity simultaneously with a conservation equation for diffusing surfactants. The terminal velocity of an ensemble of falling drops or bubbles in the presence or absence of surfactants has been expressed as where γ is the retardation coefficient due to the presence of surfactants and Φ is the dispersed-phase holdup fraction. This equation is a generalization of Levich's solution for a single drop in the presence of surfactants (Φ → 0), of Happel's solution for an ensemble of solid particles ((μd + γ) → ∞), of the Hadamard—Rybczynski solution (Φ → 0, γ → 0), and of Stokes solution (Φ → 0, (μd + γ) → ∞). Hence, this equation can predict terminal velocities of ensembles of solid particles, drops, or bubbles. Using the same free surface cell model, the velocity components of the present solution can be employed to predict heat, mass, and charge transfer rates in various particulate systems. A general stream function for ensembles of particles has been formulated and used to describe the flow patterns in the continuous and the dispersed phases. An analysis of the retardation effects of surfactants on the hydrodynamics of ensembles of drops or bubbles has been presented for some specific domains.
The Challenges of Fostering Community Participation: A Case Study of a Community-Based Organization in Rural California

Community development professionals commonly espouse participatory ideals regarding citizens' involvement in planning and decision-making, hut enacting these ideals is another matter. This case study of a community-based organization (CBO) examines how staff members attempted to involve residents in planning and implementing projects and the challenges they faced in doing so. These challenges included achieving broad participation, especially with White residents and youth; selecting decision-makers and delineating decision-making authority; building residents' skills so that they could participate effectively; eliciting residents' ideas; and deciding when to plan with or for residents. Staff also sought to foster participation by cultivating a welcoming organizational culture. The study shows that the level and type of participation can vary widely within the same organization and illustrates how local power relations and inequities complicated practitioners' efforts to encourage residents to participate...
Drastic reduction of adsorption of CO and H2 on (111)-type Pd layers

Clean surfaces of (111)-type Pd layers, grown from the vapor phase on Mo(110) at room temperature, were used to study the adsorption of CO and H2 by temperature-programmed desorption, Auger electron spectroscopy, and low-energy electron diffraction. Mild annealing of the as-grown layers during a single desorption cycle (to about 600 K) drastically reduces the adsorption for both adsorbates. Low-dose argon-ion bombardment introduces surface imperfections which restore a high adsorption probability. The results are interpreted in terms of particular (111)-type surface structures that persist tp layer thicknesses of about four monolayers; the results raise questions with respect to the surface structure of supported thin epitaxial islands and particles of Pd and possibly also with respect to conventional methods of preparing bulk surfaces of Pd for adsorption studies.
Computer studies of the scattering of low energy hydrogen ions from polycrystalline solids

Reflection of 50 eV to 10 keV H atoms from polycrystalline Cu, Nb and Au targets has been calculated using the binary collision cascade program MARLOWE. The fractions of particles and energy reflected (backscattered) increase with increasing atomic number of the target and decrease with increasing incident energy. The results indicate that the effects of polycrystallinity are modest, reducing the amorphous reflection coefficients by about 25 percent. The calculations agree quite well with the experimental data for Cu and Au, but are about a factor of two larger than is observed for Nb.
Invasive candidiasis treated in the intensive care unit: Observations from a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objectives The objectives of this study were to contrast risk factors, microbiology, and outcomes in patients with invasive candidiasis treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) with those in patients with invasive candidiasis treated outside an ICU and to describe therapeutic results with caspofungin in ICU patients. Materials and Methods We retrospectively identified patients with documented invasive candidiasis who received their first dose of the study drug in the ICU as part of a double-blind randomized trial. Participants were not stratified at entry by their ICU status. Patients received caspofungin (50 mg/d after a 70-mg loading dose) or conventional amphotericin B (0.6-1.0 mg/kg per day) for 10 to 14 days. A favorable response required resolution of signs and symptoms as well as eradication of Candida pathogens. Results Of the 224 patients, 97 (43%) received their first dose of the study drug in the ICU. Most patients had well-recognized risk factors for invasive candidiasis, including broad-spectrum antibiotics, central venous catheters, and hyperalimentation. Recent surgery was more common whereas malignancy, neutropenia, and immunosuppression were less common among ICU patients than among non-ICU patients. Candidemia was demonstrated in 81% of ICU patients and in 84% of non-ICU patients. Favorable response rates in the ICU patients vs the non-ICU patients were 68% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 53%, 82%) vs 77% (95% CI = 67%, 87%) for caspofungin and 56% (95% CI = 43%, 69%) vs 67% (95% CI = 55%, 79%) for amphotericin B. After accounting for differences in APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) II score, neutropenia status, and geographic region, we found that patients initiating the study therapy in an ICU were still more likely to die than patients initiating study therapy outside an ICU. For ICU patients, all-cause mortality rates were 45% (95% CI = 30%, 60%) for caspofungin recipients and 40% (95% CI = 28%, 53%) for amphotericin B recipients, whereas candidiasis-attributable mortality rates were 5% (95% CI = 0%, 12%) for caspofungin recipients and 11% (95% CI = 3%, 19%) for amphotericin B recipients. Overall, drug-related adverse events were reported less often among the ICU patients than among the non-ICU patients. Conclusions In ICU patients treated with antifungal therapy, invasive candidiasis is associated with substantial mortality, but most deaths cannot be directly attributed to this infection.
Evaluation of a high-yield technique for pancreatic islet isolation from deceased canine donors

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is one of the most frequently diagnosed endocrinopathies in dogs, and prevalence continues to increase. Pancreatic islet transplantation is a noninvasive and potentially curative treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus. Institution of this treatment in dogs will require a readily available source of canine islets. We hypothesized that clinically acceptable islet yield and purity could be achieved by using deceased canine donors and standard centrifugation equipment. Pancreata were procured from dogs euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study. Initial anatomic studies were performed to evaluate efficacy of pancreatic perfusion. Infusion into the accessory pancreatic duct resulted in perfusion of approximately 75% of the pancreas. Additional cannulation of the distal right limb of the pancreas allowed complete perfusion. Collagenase digestion was performed with a Ricordi chamber and temperature-controlled perfusion circuit. Islets were separated from the exocrine tissue with the use of a discontinuous density gradient and a standard laboratory centrifuge. After isolation, islet yield was calculated and viability was assessed with dual fluorescent staining techniques. Islet isolation was completed in 6 dogs. Median (interquartile range) islet yield was 36,756 (28,527) islet equivalents per pancreas. A high degree of islet purity (percentage of endocrine tissue; 87.5% [10%]) and viability (87.4% [12.4%]) were achieved. The islet yield achieved with this technique would require approximately 1 pancreas per 5 kg body weight of the recipient dog. Purity and viability of the isolated islets were comparable with those achieved in human islet transplantation program. According to initial results, clinically relevant islet yield and quality can be obtained from deceased canine donors with the use of standard laboratory equipment.
Nonenzymatic glycosylation of human plasma low density lipoprotein. Evidence for in vitro and in vivo glucosylation

Abstract To determine the effect of persistent hyperglycemia on the structure of the plasma low density lipoproteins (LDL), nonenzymatic glycosylation of human LDL was studied by incubating LDL isolated from normal subjects with 5 mM or 15 mM glucose in a sterile, buffered solution of pH 7.0 or 9.0, at 4°C, 23°C, or 37°C under nitrogen. The aliquots taken at different intervals showed that the glucose incorporation rate was linear up to the 5th day and was dependent upon pH. The glucose was not incorporated into the lipid portion of the LDL. When the LDL was chemically modified with group specific reagents (diketene for lysyl residues, and cyclohexanedione for arginyl residues), the LDL with modified lysyl residues incorporated glucose much less than untreated LDL, whereas the LDL modified with cyclohexanedione was glycosylated more than the control, suggesting that the lysyl residues are the primary reaction sites. When the amino acids of acid hydrolysates were analyzed by ion exchange chromatography, the radioactivities of either the LDL incubated with glucose and sodium [ 3 H-] borohydride, or the LDL reacted with [U- 14 C] glucose and sodium borohydride were found in glucosyllysine. The nonenzymatic glucosylation of LDL was also determined with purified LDLs from 6 normal and 6 overtly diabetic subjects. Incorporation of tritium from borohydride, delipidation, acid hydrolysis and chromatography gave radioactivity peaks identified as glycosyllysine. These results suggest that lysyl residues in human plasma LDL can be glycosylated in vivo and in vitro not only in diabetics, but also in normal subjects. The ϵ-amino groups of the lysyl residues on or near the surface of LDL, an important residue controlling its interaction with the LDL receptor(s), are the primary reactive sites. This interaction between plasma glucose and plasma LDL may have relevance in LDL metabolism in diabetic subjects.
Protein Hydrolysates from Pacific Whiting Solid Wastes

Alcalase and Neutrase showed optimum activity against Pacific whiting solid wastes (PWSW) at pH 9.5, 60 °C and pH 7.0, 55 °C, respectively. Alcalase had a higher proteolytic activity than Neutrase. Enzyme concentration, reaction time, and waste/buffer ratio significantly affected the hydrolysis and nitrogen recovery (NR) (p < 0.05). Optimum conditions for PWSW hydrolysis were 20 AU Alcalase/kg, 1 h reaction time, waste/buffer ratio of 1:1 (w/v). Correlation between the degree of hydrolysis (DH) and NR (R2 = 0.970−0.978) was high. Freeze-dried hydrolysate was brownish yellow in color (L* = 54.59, a* = 6.70, b* = 27.89) and contained 2.77% moisture, 79.97% protein, 13.44% ash, and 3.83% lipid. Amino acid composition of freeze-dried hydrolysate was similar to that of PWSW and Pacific whiting muscle but tryptophan was reduced to 21.50% and 14.74%, respectively. Keywords: Waste; Pacific whiting; hydrolysate; Alcalase; Neutrase
Intramembrane particle structures in epithelial cells of the toad urinary bladder: a quantitative freeze-fracture study.

Freeze-fracture electron microscopy reveals intramembrane particle arrays in basal membranes of granular epithelial cells as well as both upper and lower plasma membranes of the underlying basal cells in the toad urinary bladder. These particle arrays are morphologically indistinguishable from the luminal membrane aggregates which are known to be associated with antidiuretic hormone (ADH)-stimulated water transport. In both granular and basal cells particle arrays are frequently located in and/or around the openings of vesicular and/or tubular structures fused to the plasma membranes, suggesting that they may be transferred from the cytoplasm by membrane fusion. Quantification of cytoplasmic aggrephores in control granular cells shows that they can be numerous and as close to the basolateral membrane as they are with the luminal membrane, to which they are known to fuse and deliver aggregates upon ADH stimulation. Aggrephore-like tubules were also found in the basal cells. Particle array densities were quantified for 6 pairs of control and ADH-stimulated hemibladders. At least 1440 μm2 area of plasma membrane for each membrane domain was examined. Results indicate that the presence of these particle arrays in granular and basal cell membranes is highly variable and that exposure to ADH does not cause a statistically significant increase in their frequency.
Twenty Years Later: A Call for Existential Revolution: Vaclav Havel in Conversation with Adam Michnik

In this two-part conversation between two former dissidents and key political thinkers of the 1970s–80s democratic opposition in the region, conducted nearly 20 years after the end of communism, Michnik prompts Havel to revisit the momentous events of the Prague Spring of 1968, the politics of the Kremlin vis-a-vis the region, and the emergence of the human-rights-based initiative known as Charter 77. The situation in Russia under Putin, and the surfacing of a cohesive new authoritarianism called by Michnik Putinism, are discussed, along with the challenges of a young democracy infected by cynicism, compliance, and an addiction to the narrative that emerges from the files produced by the secret police. The second part of the conversation centers around Havel’s recent dramaturgical work that deals with questions of the loss of power and sudden political change. This two-part conversation was conducted on November 16, and November 17, 2008 at the Warsaw offices of Gazeta Wyborcza, before a large audience. The entire text was published in Gazeta Wyborcza on November 18, 2008.
Felodipine-Influenced Gingival Enlargement in an Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetic Patient

Background: The potential of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) to induce gingival enlargement (GE) as well as the influence of diabetes mellitus on periodontal tissues has been well documented. This case report documents a conservative clinical approach to the management of felodipine-influenced gingival enlargement and displays a clinical and histologic case of felodipine-influenced GE in an undiagnosed type 2 diabetic patient. Methods: At the initial examination, a medical consultation was requested and two incisional biopsies were taken for pathological evaluation. The patient was diagnosed with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Felodipine was withdrawn and the diabetes was controlled before dental treatment was initiated. The patient then underwent selective extractions and full-mouth scaling and root planing as well as oral hygiene instructions. No surgical therapy was indicated. Results: The histological results demonstrated the presence of elongated rete pegs; fibrous hyperplasia; a low-grade chronic inflammatory infiltrate, predominantly consisting of lymphocytes; and collagen bundle groups randomly distributed. These features were similar to those present in other drug-influenced GE. Clinical results have demonstrated almost complete resolution of GE after the withdrawal of felodipine and the control of diabetes. Further improvements were seen after scaling and root planing and oral hygiene instructions. No recurrences were noted 12 months after initial therapy. Conclusions: This report demonstrated that the control of systemic factors seemed to have the most influence on success for this particular case. Since the control of diabetes was managed at the same time as the felodipine withdrawal, it remains difficult to speculate how these two factors impacted both the severity of the GE and the therapeutic results. More importantly, the conservative treatment rendered demonstrated the stability of periodontal status during maintenance phase and the avoidance of surgical interventions. J Periodontol 2005;76:1217-1222.
The Dominant Negative Activity of the Human Glucocorticoid Receptor β Isoform SPECIFICITY AND MECHANISMS OF ACTION

Alternative splicing of the human glucocorticoid receptor gene generates a nonhormone binding splice variant (hGRbeta) that differs from the wild-type receptor (hGRalpha) only at the carboxyl terminus. Previously we have shown that hGRbeta inhibits the transcriptional activity of hGRalpha, which is consistent with reports of elevated hGRbeta expression in patients with generalized and tissue-specific glucocorticoid resistance. The potential role of hGRbeta in the regulation of target cell sensitivity to glucocorticoids prompted us to further evaluate its dominant negative activity in other model systems and to investigate its mode of action. We demonstrate in multiple cell types that hGRbeta inhibits hGRalpha-mediated activation of the mouse mammary tumor virus promoter. In contrast, the ability of the progesterone and androgen receptors to activate this promoter is only weakly affected by hGRbeta. hGRbeta also inhibits hGRalpha-mediated repression of an NF-kappaB-responsive promoter but does not interfere with homologous down-regulation of hGRalpha. We show that hGRbeta can associate with the heat shock protein hsp90 although with lower affinity than hGRalpha. In addition, hGRbeta binds GRE-containing DNA with a greater capacity than hGRalpha in the absence of glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoid treatment enhances hGRalpha, but not hGRbeta, binding to DNA. Moreover, we demonstrate that hGRalpha and hGRbeta can physically associate with each other in a heterodimer. Finally, we show that the dominant negative activity of hGRbeta resides within its unique carboxyl-terminal 15 amino acids. Taken together, our results suggest that formation of transcriptionally impaired hGRalpha-hGRbeta heterodimers is an important component of the mechanism responsible for the dominant negative activity of hGRbeta.
Electron-impact excitation of molybdenum from the (4d55s)a7S ground state

Theoretical results from multi-state nonrelativistic R-matrix (close-coupling) calculations are presented for electron-impact excitation of molybdenum from the (4d55s)7S ground state. The dependence of the results on the details of the theoretical model, particularly on the structure description and the number of coupled states, is analysed. These results represent the first step in an ongoing programme to obtain atomic data for spectroscopic modelling of a molybdenum-oxide lamp displaying strong transitions of Mo I.
AIDS knowledge and attitudes of primary Grade teachers and students

This study was conducted to assess knowledge of and attitudes toward AIDS in primary grade teachers and students before the implementation of a mandated AIDS curriculum. Teachers and children completed questionnaires. Although both the teachers and the children were knowledgeable about some aspects of AIDS, both groups revealed misconceptions and misinformation. A high percentage of the children reported a fear of getting AIDS even though they constitute a very low-risk group. Deficiencies in knowledge and fear of AIDS underscore the importance of the provision of accurate information to both teachers and elementary school children. Implications for school nurses and other health care providers are discussed.
Anatomically corrective repair of complete atrioventricular septal defects and major cardiac anomalies.

Abstract Background . Although satisfactory results of corrective surgery for atrioventricular septal defects (AVSDs) with complex lesions such as double-outlet right ventricle (DORV) or atrial isomerism have been reported in recent years, the optimal surgical options for isomerism hearts is still a controversial issue. Methods . We performed anatomically corrective repair on 13 children with balanced forms of complete AVSDs and associated major cardiac anomalies. Eight of the 13 patients had atrial isomerism (right in 1, left in 7), 5 of whom had DORV. Four others had DORV with trisomy 21, and 1 had tetralogy of Fallot. Atrial septation for isomerism with the placement of an additional prosthesis was performed on 4 patients. Results . Two hospital deaths and one late death occurred only in the isomerism group. Three reoperations were required solely in the left isomerism group: one replacement of the valved external conduit concomitantly with reconstruction of the left ventricular outflow obstruction, one mitral valve replacement for severe regurgitation of left atrioventricular valve, and one relief of progressing left ventricular outflow obstruction. Conclusions . The results of anatomically corrective surgery for AVSDs with major associated cardiac anomalies in the nonisomerism group were excellent. The optimal surgical options for isomerism heart, however, remain a controversial issue.
Involvement of the Matrix and Nucleocapsid Domains of the Bovine Leukemia Virus Gag Polyprotein Precursor in Viral RNA Packaging

The RNA packaging process for retroviruses involves a recognition event of the genome-length viral RNA by the viral Gag polyprotein precursor (PrGag), an important step in particle morphogenesis. The mechanism underlying this genome recognition event for most retroviruses is thought to involve an interaction between the nucleocapsid (NC) domain of PrGag and stable RNA secondary structures that form the RNA packaging signal. Presently, there is limited information regarding PrGag-RNA interactions involved in RNA packaging for the deltaretroviruses, which include bovine leukemia virus (BLV) and human T-cell leukemia virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and -2, respectively). To address this, alanine-scanning mutagenesis of BLV PrGag was done with a virus-like particle (VLP) system. As predicted, mutagenesis of conserved basic residues as well as residues of the zinc finger domains in the BLV NC domain of PrGag revealed residues that led to a reduction in viral RNA packaging. Interestingly, when conserved basic residues in the BLV MA domain of PrGag were mutated to alanine or glycine, but not when mutated to another basic residue, reductions in viral RNA packaging were also observed. The ability of PrGag to be targeted to the cell membrane was not affected by these mutations in MA, indicating that PrGag membrane targeting was not associated with the reduction in RNA packaging. These observations indicate that these basic residues in the MA domain of PrGag influence RNA packaging, without influencing Gag membrane localization. It was further observed that (i) a MA/NC double mutant had a more severe RNA packaging defect than either mutant alone, and (ii) RNA packaging was not found to be associated with transient localization of Gag in the nucleus. In summary, this report provides the first direct evidence for the involvement of both the BLV MA and NC domains of PrGag in viral RNA packaging.
Mortalities of kelp-forest fishes associated with large oceanic waves off central California, 1982–1983

Observations of three incidents of the mass mortality of nearshore fishes are reported; each corresponded to periods of high-amplitude, long-period swells during the 1982–1983 El Nino event along the coast of central California. Members of the nearshore kelp forest fish assemblage, primarily of the genusSebastes, accounted for 96% of the observed mortalities andS. mystinus (blue rockfish) alone accounted for 72%.
A Proteasome Assembly Defect in rpn3 Mutants Is Associated with Rpn11 Instability and Increased Sensitivity to Stress

Rpn11 is a proteasome-associated deubiquitinating enzyme that is essential for viability. Recent genetic studies showed that Rpn11 is functionally linked to Rpn10, a major multiubiquitin chain binding receptor in the proteasome. Mutations in Rpn11 and Rpn10 can reduce the level and/or stability of proteasomes, indicating that both proteins influence its structural integrity. To characterize the properties of Rpn11, we examined its interactions with other subunits in the 19S regulatory particle and detected strong binding to Rpn3. Two previously described rpn3 mutants are sensitive to protein translation inhibitors and an amino acid analog. These mutants also display a mitochondrial defect. The abundance of intact proteasomes was significantly reduced in rpn3 mutants, as revealed by strongly reduced binding between 20S catalytic with 19S regulatory particles. Proteasome interaction with the shuttle factor Rad23 was similarly reduced. Consequently, higher levels of multiUb proteins were associated with Rad23, and proteolytic substrates were stabilized. The availability of Rpn11 is important for maintaining adequate levels of intact proteasomes, as its depletion caused growth and proteolytic defects in rpn3. These studies suggest that Rpn11 is stabilized following its incorporation into proteasomes. The instability of Rpn11 and the defects of rpn3 mutants are apparently caused by a failure to recruit Rpn11 into mature proteasomes.
Male sexual assault

Reported cases of sexual assault in the United States increased 21% from 1974 to 1978. Recent literature discusses the medical, legal, and psychological management of the female sexual assault victim, but little has been written regarding appropriate management of male sexual assault. Twenty-nine male sexual assault victims were examined at University Hospital from 1976 to 1980. This study reviews evidence of genital and extragenital trauma and the percentage of those requiring gonorrhea prophylaxis. It further studies the background and characteristics of the sexual assault victim, characterization of the assailant, as well as the details and time of the assault. Information concerning male sexual assault and the unique problems associated with this group is scarce. This study is intended to aid in the development of an effective protocol in dealing with this group of patients and to sensitize physicians to this group of patients.
Transmission coefficient of an electron through a saddle-point potential in a magnetic field.

We study the motion of a charged particle in two dimensions in a quadratic saddle-point potential ${\mathit{V}}_{\mathrm{SP}}$(x,y)=${\mathit{U}}_{\mathit{y}}$${\mathit{y}}^{2}$-${\mathit{U}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathit{x}}^{2}$+${\mathit{V}}_{0}$, in the presence of a perpendicular magnetic field. A simple, analytic expression is obtained for the transmission coefficient through the saddle point. We also calculate the transmission coefficient in the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin approximation, and find that this agrees well with the exact result, provided that the distance of the closest approach of the classical trajectory of the electron to the saddle point is not too small. Our analysis makes use of the fact that the Hamiltonian for this system can be expressed as a sum of two commuting Hamiltonians, one involving only the cyclotron coordinates, and the other involving only the guiding-center coordinates. The former has the form of a one-dimensional particle in a confining harmonic potential and describes the oscillations of the electron about the guiding-center position. The latter has the form of a one-dimensional particle in an inverted harmonic potential.
Production of large quantities of32P-labeled RNA tumor virus nucleic acid

Abstract A perfusion device was used to automatically collect 32 P-labeled Rous sarcoma virus every 2 hr over an 8-day harvest period. During this time, a total of 64 × 10 6 counts of 32 P-labeled 70S RNA was collected, and electrophoretic analysis showed that intact 35S RNA was obtained throughout the harvest period.
Pervasive 3D viewing for product data management

Mechanical computer-aided design (MCAD) applications traditionally focus on the design and analysis phases of the production process. However, these applications typically require powerful workstations with large storage systems and high-performance 3D graphics adapters, which can be expensive. One approach is to use server-side rendering and transmission of video streams to the PDA via a wireless connection. This requires continuous connectivity to a server and may not provide adequate interactivity due to bandwidth and latency issues. Our goal was to provide a stand-alone solution that could achieve interactive frame rates for users who require access to MCAD 3D models during stages of the manufacturing process where using design workstations is impractical or limited. In this scenario, a user at a remote manufacturing location requires access to an MCAD drawing of a specific part. The user can reference this part with our PDA 3D viewer (called the IBM Mobile 3D Viewer) and annotate it with customer feedback or speculative design changes.