cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities. Survival and patterns of failure with conservative surgery and postoperative irradiation compared to surgery alone

Between 1960 and 1978, 81 patients received their primary treatment for localized soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities, buttock and shoulder at the University of California, San Francisco. Initial treatment consisted of surgery alone in 47 patients, planned conservative surgery followed by radiation therapy in 29 patients, and irradiation alone in five patients. The two- and five-year determinate survival for all cases was 86% and 73%, respectively. The local control rate achieved with surgery alone was related to the extent of surgery. Eighty-seven percent (14/16) of the patients undergoing amputation were locally controlled. Seventy-two percent (8/11) were treated with wide en bloc resection and had local tumor control while only 30% (6/20) having simple excision were controlled. The local control rate with surgery and postoperative irradiation was 90% (26/29). No patients treated with irradiation therapy alone were controlled. This review suggests that local tumor control achieved with limb preserving conservative surgery and postoperative irradiation is superior to limited surgery alone. The survival and patterns of failure of patients undergoing radical surgery is comparable to combined treatment with the risk-benefit ratio favoring the latter. (JMT)
Simplified reverse dot blot analyses for detecting ras oncogene mutations

Background : Mutations in members of the ras gene family (H- ras , K- ras , and N- ras ) have been identified in various human malignancies. A variety of techniques have been used to test for ras mutations. Methods and Results : A simplified reverse dot blot (RDB) assay was used in this study. Polymerase chain reaction products were hybridized to nitrocellulose membrane-fixed synthetic probes (20 nucleotides long) specific for codons 12, 13, and 61 of H-, K-, and N- ras mutations and their wild-type sequences. No special treatment or modification of the probes was necessary to obtain adequate results in overnight film exposure when the polymerase chain reaction was carried out using 32 P-end labeled primers. It was demonstrated that this sioplified RDB assay can also be used with fluorescein-11-dUTP and a chemiluminescence detection system. The RDB assay is more reliable than the single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) assay. By comparison, the SSCP assay is significantly less sensitive and less specific. It was confirmed with sequencing that 11 (12%) of 93 SSCP assays were false positive and 2 (2%) were false negative, whereas no false positive or false negative RDB assay was detected. The RDB assay also provides more additional detailed information about the specific point mutation and amino acid change, which may have clinical implications in some tumors. Conclusions : The RDB assay is very sensitive and able to detect mutations when the mutant allele is in 1% of the cells and can be used to detect minimal residual disease, particularly in some cases of leukemia and myelodysplasia.
Effect of catalyst dispersion on performance of slurry bubble column reactors

Using the sedimentation-diffusion model for catalyst dispersion the steady-state performance of semi-batch bubble column reactors has been studied over a wide range of mass transfer and reaction groups for reactions that are described by power law and Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) type of kinetics. The effect of catalyst dispersion on conversion is found to be a complex function of mass-transfer and reaction parameters. Nonuniform catalyst distribution has a detrimental effect on the values of conversion for systems following nth-order kinetics. However, the use of a L-H rate form predicts improved conversions for some values of model parameters in the presence of solid dispersion. Also the reactor model accounts exactly for volume change effects during reaction. It is found that volume contraction enhances conversion for reactions following the nth-order kinetics, but that the opposite is possible with the L-H kinetics.
Probabilistic self-stabilization

Abstract A probabilistic self-stabilizing algorithm for a ring of identical processes is presented; the number of processes in the ring is odd, the processes operate synchronously, and communication is unidirectional in the ring. The normal function of the algorithm is to circulate a single token in the ring. If the initial state of the ring is abnormal, i.e. the number of tokens differs from one, then execution of the algorithm results probabilistically in convergence to a normal state with one token.
SetLog, a tool for experimenting with new semantics

SetLog is a software system that can be used to experiment on several semantics for extensions of Prolog with sets. A first prototype of SetLog has been implemented including the features of a standard Prolog interpreter and of an interpreter for finite set expressions (SETL). Examples of uses of the system are also presented.
The primordial germ cells in early mouse embryos: light and electron microscopic studies.

Abstract The migrating primordial germ cells in mouse embryos aged between 8.5 and 11 days were identified under the light and electron microscopes by means of localizing alkaline phosphatase activity, and their ultrastructure was studied. Most of the migrating primordial germ cells were round with smooth contour; they were invariably in close contact with irregularly shaped surrounding cells. The ultrastructural characteristics of early primordial germ cells included: prominent nucleoli, cytoplasmic protrusions into the nuclei, Golgi complexes with alkaline phosphatase activity, disappearance of granular endoplasmic reticulum with increasing age of the embryos, dense cytoplasm with extremely abundant ribosomes, and cytoplasmic dense granules. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the origin and migration of mouse primordial germ cells.
Should I quit my day job?: : A hybrid path to entrepreneurship

Research suggests that the risk and uncertainty associated with entrepreneurial activity deters entry and contributes to the high rates of new business failure. In this study, we examine how the ab...
Variational principles for linear coupled thermoelasticity with microstructure

Variational principles for initial boundary value problem of fully coupled linear thermoelasticity for inhomogeneous anisotropic materials with microstructure
Women as agents of environmental change

Complex relationships between women, environment, gender and development have an impact on the management of natural resources. Women are both the primary consumers and producers of food and woodfuel to meet the daily needs of their families and communities yet their participation in environmental and developmental projects is constrained in many ways. Historical policies and cultural stereotypes serve to disempower women and devalue women's knowledge. Analyses of development projects aimed at slowing environmental degradation and restoring natural resources underscore the need for including women at every phase.
Dietary Cholesterol Affects Plasma Lipid Levels, the Intravascular Processing of Lipoproteins and Reverse Cholesterol Transport without Increasing the Risk for Heart Disease

The associations between dietary cholesterol and heart disease are highly controversial. While epidemiological studies and clinical interventions have shown the lack of correlation between cholesterol intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, there is still concern among health practitioners and the general population regarding dietary cholesterol. In this review, several clinical studies utilizing cholesterol challenges are analyzed in terms of changes that occur in lipoprotein metabolism resulting from excess consumption of cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol has been shown to increase both LDL and HDL in those individuals who respond to a cholesterol challenge without altering the LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio, a key marker of CVD risk. Further, dietary cholesterol has been shown to increase only HDL with no changes in LDL with average cholesterol consumption and during weight loss interventions. Ingestion of cholesterol has also been shown to increase the size of both LDL and HDL particles with the associated implications of a less atherogenic LDL particle as well as more functional HDL in reverse cholesterol transport. Other changes observed in lipoprotein metabolism are a greater number of large LDL and decreases in small LDL subfractions. All this information put together points to specific roles of dietary cholesterol in substantially altering intravascular processing of lipoproteins as well as reverse cholesterol transport.
A comparison of the binding of drugs to adult and cord plasma.

The binding of diphenylhydantoin, imipramine, diazoxide, cephalothin and cephaloglycin to adult and cord plasma is compared. The free (unbound) fraction of diphenylhydantoin, imipramine and diazoxide in cord plasma is greater than in adult plasma. Although total protein concentration of cord plasma is significantly lower than in adult plasma, this does not satisfactorily explain the lesser binding of these drugs to cord plasma.
Analysis of finite element methods for the nonlinear dynamic analysis of shells

Mathematical error analyses are given for several finite element methods, both continuous in time and fully discrete, for the nonlinear dynamic analysis of shells. The fully discrete methods presented are new and are shown to be unconditionally stable.
Observer-invariant histopathology using genetics-based machine learning

Prostate cancer accounts for one-third of noncutaneous cancers diagnosed in US men and is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Advances in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic imaging now provide very large data sets describing both the structural and local chemical properties of cells within prostate tissue. Uniting spectroscopic imaging data and computer-aided diagnoses (CADx), our long term goal is to provide a new approach to pathology by automating the recognition of cancer in complex tissue. The first step toward the creation of such CADx tools requires mechanisms for automatically learning to classify tissue types--a key step on the diagnosis process. Here we demonstrate that genetics-based machine learning (GBML) can be used to approach such a problem. However, to efficiently analyze this problem there is a need to develop efficient and scalable GBML implementations that are able to process very large data sets. In this paper, we propose and validate an efficient GBML technique-- $${\tt NAX}$$ --based on an incremental genetics-based rule learner. $${\tt NAX}$$ exploits massive parallelisms via the message passing interface (MPI) and efficient rule-matching using hardware-implemented operations. Results demonstrate that $${\tt NAX}$$ is capable of performing prostate tissue classification efficiently, making a compelling case for using GBML implementations as efficient and powerful tools for biomedical image processing.
The Mayo Dysphagia Questionnaire-30: Documentation of Reliability and Validity of a Tool for Interventional Trials in Adults with Esophageal Disease

The aim of this study was to develop the Mayo Dysphagia Questionnaire-30 Day (MDQ-30), a tool to measure esophageal dysphagia, by adapting items from validated instruments for use in clinical trials, and assess its feasibility, reproducibility, and concurrent validity. Outpatients referred to endoscopy for dysphagia or seen in a specialty clinic were recruited. Feasibility testing was done to identify problematic items. Reproducibility was measured by test–retest format. Concurrent validity reflects agreement between information gathered in a structured interview versus the patients’ written responses. The MDQ-30, a 28-item instrument, took 10 min (range = 5–30 min) to complete. Four hundred thirty-one outpatients [210 (49%) men; mean age = 61 years] participated. Overall, most concurrent validity κ values for dysphagia were very good to excellent with a median of 0.78 (min 0.28, max 0.95). The majority of reproducibility κ values for dysphagia were moderate to excellent with a median κ value of 0.66 (min 0.07, max 1.0). Overall, concurrent validity and reproducibility κ values for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms were 0.81 (95% CI = 0.72, 0.91) and 0.66 (95% CI = 0.55, 0.77), respectively. Individual item percent agreement was generally very good to excellent. Internal consistency was excellent. We conclude that the MDQ-30 is an easy-to-complete tool to evaluate reliably dysphagia symptoms over the last 30 days.
Peptidoglycan from the potentially pathogenic oral bacterium Actinomyces viscosus is a B-cell mitogen

Cell walls and peptidoglycan from Actinomyces viscosus, strain M-100 were compared for their ability to act as mitogens with spleen cells from germ-free Fischer rats. The cell walls were prepared from trypticase soy broth grown whole cells using a French press, followed by two consecutive washes with 0.1 M tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.0, 1 M NaCl and distilled water. Peptidoglycan was prepared from cell walls by three consecutive formamide extractions at 165 °C. On a dry-weight basis, the peptidoglycan was a significantly-better mitogen than cell walls, suggesting that the peptidoglycan is the major mitogenic component of A. viscosus cell walls. Mononuclear spleen cells were separated on a Nylon-wool column into a non-adherent subpopulation enriched for T lymphocytes and a weakly-adherent, plunger-removable subpopulation enriched for B lymphocytes. The non-adherent T-cell subpopulation responded strongly to the T-cell mitogen PHA, but was unresponsive to both the peptidoglycan and cell walls from A. viscosus. In contrast, the weakly-adherent enriched B-cell subpopulation was less responsive to PHA, but was strongly stimulated by A. viscosus peptidoglycan and cell walls. These results indicate that peptidoglycan and cell walls from A. viscosus are B-cell mitogens.
Dalbavancin, tedizolid phosphate, oritavancin diphosphate, and vedolizumab.

Antibacterial agents Skin and skin structure infections are most often caused by Grampositive bacteria such as streptococci and staphylococci. The number of these infections that are caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has rapidly increased in recent years in both the community and hospital settings. MRSA skin infections experienced in the community can usually be effectively treated with the oral use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, or doxycycline. Hospitalized patients with skin and skin structure infections (e.g., cellulitis, major abscess, wound infection) caused by MRSA usually require, at least initially, intravenous treatment with an antibiotic. Vancomycin continues to be highly effective for the treatment of most patients with these infections, but a number of options are available including linezolid (Zyvox), daptomycin (Cubicin), telavancin (Vibativ), and ceftaroline (Teflaro). Linezolid is available in formulations that may be administered intravenously or orally. In 2014, three new antibiotics— dalbavancin (Dalvance—Durata), tedizolid phosphate (Sivextro— Cubist), and oritavancin diphosphate (Orbactiv—The Medicines Company)—have been approved for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) caused by susceptible microorganisms. Based on the provisions of the Generating Antibiotic Incentives Now (GAIN) title of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Safety and Innovation Act, each of these antibiotics has been designated as a Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) because it is intended to treat a serious or life-threatening infection. Drugs receiving the QIDP designation are provided an expedited review of their application and qualify for an additional 5 years of marketing exclusivity. Dalbavancin, tedizolid, and oritavancin are considered on an individual basis in the following discussions. Dalbavancin (Dalvance—Durata) is a lipoglycopeptide that is a mixture of five closely related active homologs. It interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis and exhibits a bactericidal action; and its properties are most similar to those of telavancin. Dalbavancin is administered by intravenous infusion and is specifically indicated for the treatment of adult patients with ABSSSI caused by susceptible isolates of the Gram-positive microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (including methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant strains), Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes), Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae), and Streptococcus anginosus (S. anginosus) group (including S. anginosus, S. intermedius, and S. constellatus). It should only be used to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. The results of in vitro studies suggest that dalbavancin is also active against vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), as well as vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus. Dalbavancin, tedizolid phosphate, oritavancin diphosphate, and vedolizumab
Model Coordination Complexes for Designing Poly(terthiophene)/Rh(I) Hybrid Materials with Electrochemically Tunable Reactivities

The synthesis and characterization of two chiral, redox-active Rh(I) bis(diphenylphosphinite) monomers, complexes 3 and 4, are reported. Complex 4, [(η2-1,2- bis(diphenylphosphinite),4-oxo-6-(3‘-α-terthiophene)Rh(I)(η4-C7H8)]BF4, can be electrochemically polymerized to form poly-4, and the η4-C7H8 ligand can be hydrogenated in THF to form the metal-containing polymer 17. Polymer 17 is proposed to consist of a poly(terthiophene) backbone with Rh(I) phenyl-bridged dimers acting as cross-linkers between neighboring polymer chains. This structural formulation for polymer 17 is based upon its electrochemistry and a comparison with the solution chemistry of monomer 4. Significantly, this study discusses the importance of balancing polymerization potential, metal oxidation potential, and polymer ligating properties in the design of high surface area, polymeric, redox-switchable hemilabile ligands.
Fatigue Effects in High Strain Actuators

In all ceramic piezoelectric and electrostrictive actuator materials, the basic mechanism coupling electric and elastic properties is electrostriction, i.e., the strain xij is related to the components of the polarization PkPl by the relation:
Raman scattering by ground-state atomic oxygen

[1] Differential cross sections for Raman scattering between the multiplet levels of the ground electronic state of atomic oxygen are calculated from first principles. The calculated cross sections are in order-of-magnitude agreement with the available experimental measurements. The use of a Raman LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) has the potential of giving a three-dimensional map of the density of each of the three fine structure levels of atomic oxygen. Since it was established earlier that the fine structure levels are in local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) up to at least 350 km altitude, the Raman LIDAR therefore also has the potential of giving a three-dimensional map of the temperature of the atmosphere.
A model for rural trauma care

Background: In the United States and many other countries, there has been limited attempt to develop a trauma system that addresses the unique trauma situations that occur in rural areas. Rather the planners have attempted to simply extend the urban based trauma system into rural communities. This extension does not address the needs of the majority of patients who are injured in rural communities. Methods: A review of the types of patients seen in the rural communities, the volume of these patients and the destination protocols used in the rural communities as taught by the ACS/ATLS and the implications of the CDC Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients Recommendations of the National Expert Panel on Field Triage were reviewed, assessed and compared to the needs in the rural areas for a rural trauma system. In addition, a quality assessment tool was used from a major trauma centre whereby the frequency of patients transported to the centre that were inappropriate for the trauma centre was indicated by the volume that were discharged in 6 h. Results: Most of the patients injured in the rural communities can be treated in the critical access and rural hospital (> 90 per cent) and can be provided with good care without the need for emergency medical service (EMS) transportation long distances to the trauma centre, inappropriate use of air EMS vehicles thus circumventing families having to travel long distances to see patients, incurring expense and inconvenience, and avoiding loss of revenue to the local hospitals and the overload of urban trauma centres. Rather triage criteria can be taught as per the EMS systems, training given to rural hospital personnel, hospital administrators instructed as to the benefit of such a system, citizens educated as to the advantage of keeping their loved ones closer to home and trauma system registries used to enhance the correct use of the trauma system. Conclusion: Only 5–10 per cent of trauma injuries require the resources of a trauma centre. Proper triage and medical provider education can be used for the benefit of the patient, the EMS system, the rural and urban hospital, and proper quality assurance to assure that the ‘right patient is treated at the right hospital at the right time’, for the benefit of the patient. Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationships of skin depths and temperatures when varying pulse repetition frequencies from 2.0-μm laser light incident on pig skin

Human perception of 2.0-µm infrared laser irradiation has become significant in such disparate fields as law enforcement, neuroscience, and pain research. Several recent studies have found damage thresholds for single-pulse and continuous wave irradiations at this wavelength. However, the only publication using multiple-pulse irradiations was investigating the cornea rather than skin. Literature has claimed that the 2.0-µm light characteristic thermal diffusion time was as long as 300-ms. Irradiating the skin with 2.0-µm lasers to produce sensation should follow published recommendations to use pulses on the order of 10 to 100 ms, which approach the theoretical thermal diffusion time. Therefore, investigation of the heating of skin for a variety of laser pulse combinations was undertaken. Temperatures of ex vivo pig skin were measured at the surface and at three depths from pulse sequences of six different duty factors. Differences were found in temperature rise per unit exposure that did not follow a linear relation to duty factor. The differences can be explained by significant heat conduction during the pulses. Therefore, the common heat modeling assumption of thermal confinement during a pulse may need to be experimentally verified if the pulse approaches the theoretical thermal confinement time.
Cognitive modeling reveals menu search in both random and systematic

Appears in the ACM CHI‘97 Conference Proceedings. ABSTRACT To understand how people search for a known target item in an unordered pull-down menu, this research presents cognitive models that vary serial versus parallel processing of menu items, random versus systematic search, and different numbers of menu items fitting into the fovea simultaneously. Varying these conditions, models were constructed and run using the EPIC cognitive architecture. The selection times predicted by the models are compared with selection times of human subjects performing the same menu task. Comparing the predicted and observed times, the models reveal that 1) people process more than one menu item at a time, and 2) people search menus using both random and systematic search strategies.
Back to Bridgman

I defend my earlier position that operational definition is a ritual procedure that obscures and misleads psychologists about the nature of science. I use examples from Grace's (2001) paper and briefly sketch new problems for operationism as an approach to mentalistic vocabulary. I conclude that operationism is not the theoretically neutral technique it is purported to be, but instead endorses behaviorism and anti-realism in philosophy of science.
SU-CC-ValA-05: Advanced Integral Method for the Simulation of Diagnostic X-Ray Spectra

Purpose: To create a fast and accurate computer algorithm for simulating the emission x‐ray spectra from diagnostic tubes as a function of tube voltages, target material, and take‐off angles. Method and Materials: The method uses an integral model to determine the radiative losses from an electron as it slows down in arbitrary media. The effect of self‐absorption and backscatter is accurately described by distribution functions for electron number, electron depth, and angular distribution that are functions of electron slowing down energy. The Monte Carlo program PENELOPE was used to determine these three distribution functions. An exact accounting of electron orientation was found necessary due to large variations in the Bremsstrahlung cross‐section as a function of emission angle. These are accounted for in the integral model by pre‐computing tables based on the Kissel Bremsstrahlung shape function. Characteristic x‐ray emissions as a function of over‐voltage are described using Monte Carlo results for both direct and indirect production. The computer algorithm is implemented as a part of a larger program for computationally simulating x‐ray production, transmission, scattering, and detection for imagingsystems (XSPECT, V4.0). Results: We compared our program to the measured x‐ray spectra of Mercier, and spectral computations of PENELOPE. We found good agreement and an improvement over prior semi‐empirical estimates (Birch & Marshall, Tucker, Storm). Conclusion: We have developed a program that can simulate x‐ray spectra from tubes of arbitrary anode materials (including alloys), and target angles for tube voltages of 1 to 400 kV. After generation of target specific tables, the x‐ray spectra can be computed in a few seconds. The results are equivalent to Monte Carlo estimates that require days to compute a single spectra.
Identification of β-adrenergic receptors in pulmonary alveolar type II cells

Abstract Specific β-adrenergic receptors have been identified in dissociated preparations of rabbit lung cells greatly enriched for alveolar type II cells and compared with receptors in preparations of mixed lung cells and erythrocytes. Freshly isolated type II cells as well as mixed dissociated lung cells and erythrocytes from fetal (28 days gestation) and adult rabbits contained high-affinity, low-capacity binding sites for [ 3 H]dihydroalprenolol (DHA). Binding to all preparations was stereospecific and characteristic of the β 1 -subtype of β-adrenergic receptors. The concentrations of the receptors were similar in mixed lung cells and alveolar type II cells, indicating that β-adrenergic receptors are present not only in type II cells but also in other lung cell types. When the contribution of erythrocytes to receptor concentration observed in type II cells was determined, it was found to be insignificant. In mixed lung cells, both the affinity and concentration of the receptors were higher in adult than fetal preparations. The affinity of the receptors was also higher in adult than fetal type II cells, although we did not find a significant age-related difference in receptor concentrations in this cell type. These results suggest that stimulation of surfactant secretion observed after exposure of lung tissue to β-adrenergic agonists is mediated by specific β-adrenergic receptors on alveolar type II cells.
The Reaction of bis(dialkylamino)tin(II) compounds with trifluoroborane

Abstract The reactions of the bis(dialkylamino)tin(II) compounds, Sn(NR 2 ) 2 (R = CH 3 , C 2 H 3 ), with trifluoroborane have been investigated. A tensimetric titration of Sn(N(CH 3 ) 2 ) 2 with BF 3 indicated formation of a 1:3 adduct, which was confirmed by elemental analyses. Multinuclear NMR spectra of the product showed two boron environments, one with BF 3 coordinated to the omino nitrogens and the other with BF 3 coordinated to tin. Spectra of solutions containing 1:1 and 1:2 donor to acceptor ratios suggested that the initial site of BF 3 coordination was the tin atom and subsequent coordination occurred at the amino nitrogens. A 119 Sn Mossbauer spectrum of the air sensitive 1:1 adduct showed larger differences in isomer shift and quadrupole splitting parameters compared to those of the parent amino tin(II) compound.
Fast mapping word-learning abilities of language-delayed preschoolers.

The fast mapping skills of language-delayed 5-year-old children were investigated. Children viewed a video presentation in which four kinds of unfamiliar words (object, action, attribute, and affec...
Dynamics of pattern coarsening in a two-dimensional smectic system.

We have followed the coarsening dynamics of a single layer of cylindrical block copolymer microdomains in a thin film. This system has the symmetry of a two-dimensional smectic. The orientational correlation length of the microdomains was measured by scanning electron microscopy and found to grow with the average spacing between $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\frac{1}{2}$ disclinations, following a power law ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{2}(t)\ensuremath{\sim}{t}^{1/4}.$ By tracking disclinations during annealing with time-lapse atomic force microscopy, we observe dominant mechanisms of disclination annihilation involving tripoles and quadrupoles (three and four disclinations, respectively). We describe how annihilation events involving multiple disclinations result in similarly reduced kinetic exponents as observed here. These results map onto a wide variety of physical systems that exhibit similarly striped patterns.
On the Eshelby’s Inclusion Problem for Ellipsoids With Nonuniform Dilatational Gaussian and Exponential Eigenstrains

This work investigates the three-dimensional elastic state of inclusions in which the prescribed stress-free transformation strains or eigenstrains are spatially nonuniform and distributed either in a Gaussian, or an exponential manner. The prescribed eigenstrain distributions are taken to be dilatational. Typical research in the micromechanics of inclusions and inhomogeneities has dealt, by and large, with spatially uniform eigenstrains and, to some limited degree, with polynomial distributions. Solutions to Eshelby's inclusion problem, where eigenstrains are Gaussian and exponential in nature, do not exist. Such eigenstrain distributions arise naturally due to highly localized point-source type heating (typical in electronic chips), due to compositional differences, and those due to diffusion related mechanisms among others. The current paper provides such a solution for ellipsoidal shaped inclusions located in an infinite isotropic elastic matrix. It is shown, similar to the much-discussed uniform eigenstrain problem, that the elastic state is completely determined in closed form save for some simple one-dimensional integrals that are evaluated trivially using numerical quadrature. For the specialized case of a spherical shape, solutions in terms of known functions are derived and numerical results are presented. The elastic state both within and outside the inclusion is investigated. For the specific case of a sphere, the elastic strain energies are given in terms of simple formulas. Some applications of the current work in various areas such as electronics, micromechanics of composites, and material science are also discussed.
Time-dependent mediators of HPA axis activation following live Escherichia coli

The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is activated during an immune challenge to liberate energy and modulate immune responses via feedback and regulatory mechanisms. Inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins are known contributors to HPA activation; however, most previous studies only looked at specific time points following LPS administration. Since whole bacteria have different immune stimulatory properties compared with LPS, the aim of the present studies was to determine whether different immune products contribute to HPA activation at different times following live Escherichia coli challenge. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with E. coli (2.5 × 107 CFU) and a time course of circulating corticosterone, ACTH, inflammatory cytokines, and PGE2 was developed. Plasma corticosterone peaked 0.5 h after E. coli and steadily returned to baseline by 4 h. Plasma PGE2 correlated with the early rise in plasma corticosterone, whereas inflammatory cytokines were not detected until 2 h. Pretreatment with indomethacin, a nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, completely blocked the early rise in plasma corticosterone, but not at 2 h, whereas pretreatment with IL-6 antibodies had no effect on the early rise in corticosterone but attenuated corticosterone at 2 h. Interestingly, indomethacin pretreatment did not completely block the early rise in corticosterone following a higher concentration of E. coli (2.5 × 108 CFU). Further studies revealed that only animals receiving indomethacin prior to E. coli displayed elevated plasma and liver cytokines at early time points (0.5 and 1 h), suggesting prostaglandins suppress early inflammatory cytokine production. Overall, these data indicate prostaglandins largely mediate the early rise in plasma corticosterone, while inflammatory cytokines contribute to maintaining levels of corticosterone at later time points.
"Missing" one kidney.

A 74-year-old man had nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma for 3 years and was treated with radiation and chemotherapy. A technetium 99m-methylene diphosphonate bone scintiscan showed no bony abnormality, but there was nonvisualization of the left kidney. The right kidney was elongated with an unusual shape that had remained the same on four previous bone scintiscans obtained during the past 3 years. The patient had no urinary tract symptoms and gave no history of previous renal operation. Two days after the most recent bone scan, a 99"Tc-glucoheptonate renal scintiscan was performed, which showed that the lower part of the elongated right kidney was tilted medially and anteriorly. The visualized renal cortex demonstrated a congenital renal anomaly of crossed fused ectopia (Fig 1).
Histologic evaluation of the testicular remnant associated with the vanishing testes syndrome: is surgical management necessary?

Objectives There is controversy surrounding the optimal management of the testicular remnant associated with the vanishing testes syndrome. Some urologists advocate the need for surgical exploration, whereas others believe this is unnecessary. These differing opinions are based on the variable reports of viable germ cell elements found within the testicular remnants. To better understand the pathology associated with this syndrome and the need for surgical management, we reviewed our experience regarding the incidence of viable germ cell elements within the testicular remnant. Methods An institutional review board-approved, retrospective review was performed of all consecutive patients undergoing exploration for a nonpalpable testis at Eastern Virginia Medical School and Geisinger Medical Center between 1994 and 2006. Patients who were found to have spermatic vessels and a vas deferens exiting a closed internal inguinal ring were included in this analysis. Results Fifty-six patients underwent removal of the testicular remnant. Patient age ranged from 11 to 216 months. In 8 of the specimens (14%), we identified viable germ cell elements. In an additional 4 patients (7%), we identified seminiferous tubules without germ cell elements. Conclusions In our review, we identified that a significant number of testicular remnants associated with the vanishing testes syndrome can harbor viable germ cell elements or seminiferous tubules. The exact fate of these residual elements remains unknown; however, there may exist the potential for malignant transformation. Given the potential for malignant degeneration, we believe that these remnants should be removed.
Mitochondrial Nuclear Receptors and Transcription Factors: Who’s Minding the Cell?

Mitochondria are power organelles generating biochemical energy, ATP, in the cell. Mitochondria play a variety of roles, including integrating extracellular signals and executing critical intracellular events, such as neuronal cell survival and death. Increasing evidence suggests that a cross-talk mechanism between mitochondria and the nucleus is closely related to neuronal function and activity. Nuclear receptors (estrogen receptors, thyroid (T3) hormone receptor, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma2) and transcription factors (cAMP response binding protein, p53) have been found to target mitochondria and exert prosurvival and prodeath pathways. In this context, the regulation of mitochondrial function via the translocation of nuclear receptors and transcription factors may underlie some of the mechanisms involved in neuronal survival and death. Understanding the function of nuclear receptors and transcription factors in the mitochondria may provide important pharmacological utility in the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. Thus, the modulation of signaling pathways via mitochondria-targeting nuclear receptors and transcription factors is rapidly emerging as a novel therapeutic target.
Comparative pharmacology of the angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

The non-peptide angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonists are a new class of compounds that are continuing to be developed as therapeutic agents for the treatment of hypertension, heart failure (HF) and chronic renal disease (CRD). Several of these compounds are currently available for therapeutic use in the USA and the European community with several more in clinical trials and in development. Compounds in this new class are as effective as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in treating hypertensive patients and appeared to have a similar therapeutic profile to ACE inhibitors in patients with HF and CRD. One clinical advantage of the AII receptor antagonists over ACE inhibitors is an improved side-effect profile with the absence of the persistent dry cough associated with ACE inhibitor therapy. To date, it is clear that the AII receptor antagonists are effective antihypertensive agents. Clinical trials are currently in progress to determine the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs in the treat...
The effects of hydrofluoric acid addition on the hydrothermal synthesis of templated uranium sulfates

The effect of employing hydrofluoric acid as a mineraliser in the formation of organically templated uranium sulfate materials has been studied. Variable amounts of HF(aq) were added to a series of reaction gels in which all other reactant concentrations were invariant, resulting in the formation of three different phases, depending upon the fluoride concentration. Two of these phases are novel; [N2C4H14][UO2(H2O)(SO4)2] is a new templated uranium sulfate, containing anionic [UO2(H2O)(SO4)2]2− chains that hydrogen bond to one-another forming pseudo-layers, and [N2C4H14][UO2F(SO4)]2 is the first example of a templated uranium sulfate fluoride, which consists of uranium fluoride chains linked by sulfate groups to form [UO2F(SO4)]− layers. The role of F− in these reactions is two-fold; it acts as a mineraliser when present in small concentrations, while it is incorporated into the reaction product when present in larger mole fractions. Both of the new materials have been characterised using a range of physical techniques including single crystal X-ray structure analysis.
THE USE OF A MODIFIED MULTIPLE CHOICE ITEM UNDER VARIOUS CONDITIONS

THERE HAS recently appeared in the literature on test construction, a num ber of papers dealing with the problem of refining or broadening the use of ob jective tests by introducing modifications of the multiple-choice item(1,2). One of the modifications suggested (2) is the "free-choice" item. Like the conventional multiple-choice item, the "free-choice" item consists of a stem, one correct answer, and a number of distractors. It is different in that stu dents are informed that they are to mark as many choices as needed to be sure of including the correct answer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the following conditions on students' performance on a "free choice" test:
Molecular determinants of atrial and ventricular septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus.

Septation defects and patent ductus arteriosus are the most common human cardiovascular malformations (CVMs). Genetic factors play a major part in the origin of these malformations. Recent molecular analyses have shed light on several mendelian forms. In the autosomal dominant Holt-Oram syndrome, both atrial and ventricular septal defects are inherited in association with limb deformity as a result of mutations in the gene encoding the TBX5 transcription factor. Mutations in the NKX2.5 transcription factor gene cause autosomal dominant familial atrial septal defects in association with progressive atrioventricular block as well as complex congenital heart disease. Common atrial syndromes in autosomal dominant Ellis–van Creveld syndrome arise in the context of axial skeletal and limb malformation as a result of mutations in the EVC gene, whose function is unknown. Patent ductus arteriosis occurs in several syndromic forms of congenital heart disease, including Holt-Oram syndrome. Recent analyses of autosomal dominant Char syndrome, which includes, with variable penetrance, patent ductus arteriosus as well as craniofacial and hand malformations, have shown that the syndrome is caused by mutations in the TFAP2B transcription factor gene. Ongoing analyses are poised to determine the contribution of these genes as well as others yet to be identified to common, sporadic forms of congenital heart disease. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Semin. Med. Genet.) 97:304–309, 2000. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Treatment of Psychosis and Dementia in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been increasingly recognized as having a multitude of nonmotor symptoms including psychosis, cognitive impairment and dementia, mood disturbances, fatigue, apathy, and sleep disorders. Psychosis and dementia, in particular, greatly affect quality of life for both patients and caregivers and are associated with poor outcomes. Safe and effective treatment options for psychosis and dementia in PD are much needed. Antipsychotics with dopamine-blocking properties can worsen parkinsonian motor features and have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in elderly, dementia patients. For treating PD psychosis, a first step would be eliminating confounding variables, such as delirium, infections, or toxic-metabolic imbalances, followed by simplifying parkinsonian medications as tolerated. If additional treatment is warranted after such interventions, clozapine or quetiapine can be implemented at the low dose levels typically needed by PD patients. Although quetiapine is easy-to-use in clinical settings, does not require blood count monitoring like clozapine, and is anecdotally beneficial, it remains “investigational” in evidence-based medicine reviews. Though not currently available, the novel 5-HT2a inverse agonist, pimavanserin has shown promise in the treatment of PD psychosis. Current treatments for PD dementia are mostly derived from those utilized in Alzheimer’s disease, focusing mainly on cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, a NMDA receptor antagonist. Rivastigmine, the only Food and Drug Administration approved medication for PD dementia, is a reasonable first choice. Other cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine have not yet achieved recommendation status in evidence-based medicine reviews but are well tolerated in studies of PD dementia patients. At present, there are no approved treatments for mild cognitive impairment in PD, but rasagiline, a selective MAO-B inhibitor, and atomoxetine, a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, have been recently studied. Nonpharmacological interventions, including cognitive therapy, physical activity, music and art therapy, and noninvasive brain stimulation techniques, may be promising options for PD cognitive impairment but await rigorous study.
DIMENSIONS OF HUNGER IN WARTIME: CHUUK LAGOON, 1943–1945

ABSTRACT In war, deaths from disease and famine usually exceed combat deaths, and civilian suffering from food and other shortages extends far beyond the battlefield. This article uses historical and anthropological approaches, especially oral histories, to describe the experiences of Chuukese during the height of the Pacific War. Chuuk (formerly “Truk”), which had been under Japanese civilian rule before the war, served as a support base in the first years of war. In 1943, Micronesia's strategic role changed and Chuuk was strongly garrisoned in preparation for anticipated Allied invasion. Some 38,000 Japanese civilians, laborers, and troops, along with approximately 10,000 Chuukese, spent the remainder of the war under military rule, isolated and under continual air attack. The human and natural resources of Chuuk Lagoon were strained to support this inflated population, with lasting effects. Islander memories of these years emphasize personal and social responses to the stresses of food shortages.
Synthesis and characterization of some octahedral cobalt(III) complexes with β, β′, β″-(triaminotriethylamine)

Abstract The preparation of several new octahedral cobalt(III) complexes of the type [Co(tren) X 2 ] A (tren = β, β′, β″-triaminotriethylamine; X = NO 2 , NCS; N 3 ; A = anion) is reported, as well as those of several mixed complexes of the type [Co(tren) XY ] A ( X = NO 2 , NCS; Y = F, Cl, Br; X = Cl, Y = Br). The chelating anion C 2 O 4 2− forms a complex with the formula [Co(tren)C 2 O 4 ] A . The visible spectra of some of the tren complexes in water, and as Nujol mull indicate that the average ligand field around the cobalt ion can be higher or lower than in the corresponding ethylenediamine complexes, depending upon the nature of the cis anionic ligands. The i.r. spectra of the complexes [Co(tren)BrClO 4 ]Br.H 2 O and [Co(tren) X SO 4 ].H 2 O ( X = Cl, Br) indicates that the perchlorate and sulfate ions are coordinated in the solid state.
Supercritical CO2 Extraction of β‐Carotene from Sweet Potatoes

Using supercritical CO2 to extract beta-carotene there was approximately a five-fold or a three-fold increase in amount of carotenoids extracted from freeze-dried tissue relative to the amount extracted from ovendried or fresh tissue, respectively. The most efficient conditions were at 48 degrees C and 41.4 MPa. Of the total carotenoid content approximately 20% was inaccessible to supercritical CO2. The HPLC carotenoid profile of sweet potatoes showed that the unextracted tissue contained 90% beta- carotene, primarily as all-trans (ca. 99%). Supercritical CO2 extracts contained up to 94% beta-carotene. The isomer composition of beta-carotene of supercritical extracts showed approximately 14% 13-cis and 11% 9-cis.