cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Orbital myositis associated with Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) infection

Abstract Objective To report on the clinical findings in a patient with isolated left inferior rectus myositis associated with serologically confirmed Borrelia burgdorferi infection. Design Interventional case report. Testing Comprehensive clinical, laboratory, and imaging evaluation. Results Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a swollen inferior rectus muscle with infraorbital soft tissue swelling in a patient with diplopia and prior symptoms consistent with manifestations of Lyme disease. Positive serum and cerebrospinal fluid antibodies to B. burgdorferi by enzyme-linked immunoassay were confirmed by Western blot, and the cerebrospinal fluid/serum antibody ratio was elevated. No alternative cause for orbital myositis was found, and treatment with antibiotics resulted in a complete recovery. Conclusions Orbital myositis should be added to the expanding list of ophthalmic manifestations of Lyme disease. Correct diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy may reduce the likelihood of further neurologic or ophthalmologic sequelae.
An oxidative stress mechanism mediates chelerythrine‐induced heparin‐binding EGF‐like growth factor ectodomain shedding

Regulated shedding of cell surface proteins is a mechanism for rapid activation of autocrine and paracrine signaling. Here we report that chelerythrine, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor that possesses a variety of biological functions, is a potent inducer of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) shedding from the cell surface. Chelerythrine induced a time- and dose-dependent shedding of an HB-EGF–alkaline phosphatase (HB-EGF-AP) fusion protein expressed in MC2 rat prostate epithelial cells. The soluble form of HB-EGF-AP bound to heparin and exhibited potent biological activity as measured by DNA synthesis assay. Chelerythrine-induced HB-EGF shedding was metalloproteinase-(MMP-) mediated because specific MMP antagonists inhibited shedding by ≥60%. Chelerythrine stimulated production of reactive oxygen species, and antioxidants prevented chelerythrine-induced HB-EGF shedding, suggesting that the production of intracellular peroxides is necessary for this event. Consistent with this possibility, antioxidant- and MMP-inhibitable shedding was also demonstrated when hydrogen peroxide was used as an inducer. Although JNK/SAPK and p38 MAPK pathways were activated by chelerythine, these signaling mechanisms were not required to mediate the shedding event. However, JNK signaling was involved in chelerythrine-stimulated apoptosis. Our results suggest that HB-EGF shedding induced by chelerythrine is mediated predominantly via the production of reactive oxygen species. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Creating a performance appraisal template for pharmacy technicians using the method of equal-appearing intervals

Objective To design a highly quantitative template for the evaluation of community pharmacy technicians' job performance that enables managers to provide sufficient feedback and fairly allocate organizational rewards. Design Two rounds of interviews with two convenience samples of community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians were conducted. The interview in phase 1 was qualitative, and responses were used to design the second interview protocol. During the phase 2 interviews, a new group of respondents ranked technicians' job responsibilities, identified through the initial interviewees' responses, using scales the researchers had designed using an interval-level scaling technique called equal-appearing intervals. Setting Chain and independent pharmacies. Participants Phase 1—20 pharmacists and 20 technicians from chain and independent pharmacies; phase 2—20 pharmacists and 9 technicians from chain and independent pharmacies. Main Outcome Measures Ratings of the importance of technician practice functions and corresponding responsibilities. Results Weights were calculated for each practice function. A weighted list of practice functions was developed, and this may serve as a performance evaluation template. Customer service-related activities were judged by pharmacists and technicians alike to be the most important technician functions. Conclusion Many pharmacies either lack formal performance appraisal systems or fail to implement them properly. Technicians may desire more consistent feedback from pharmacists and value information that may lead to organizational rewards. Using a weighted, behaviorally anchored performance appraisal system may help pharmacists and pharmacy managers meet these demands.
An updated dose-response analysis in Hodgkin's disease.

Abstract Although radiotherapy cures a very high percentage of early stage patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD), there is a controversial dichotomy in the dose recommendations believed necessary to achieve > 95% local control: Whereas one school of thought is to administer 40–44 Gy, other reports claim equal results with about 36 Gy. It is also not clear what doses are required for various tumor cell burdens. The original recommendation of 40–44 Gy was derived from a retrospective analysis of in-field control of disease from mostly kilovoltage data three decades ago. However, there have been many advances in the evaluation of the extent of the disease and in the practice of radiotherapy since the 1960s. Many more dose-control studies have been published in recent years, necessitating a revisit to the dose-response question in HD. Here we have compiled the dose-control data from the 60s to the 90s and analyzed the original and the updated data with the same statistical method to see any differences. We also have performed similar analysis of dose-control information for subclinical disease, 6 cm disease. Whereas original analysis (1040 sites at risk) suggested 98% in-field control with 44 Gy, our re-analysis including modern megavoltage data (4117 sites at risk) shows that similar in-field control rates could be achieved with 37.5 Gy. With megavoltage radiotherapy, the doses required for 98% in-field control for subclinical disease and disease of 6 cm are, 32.4 Gy (1426 sites at risk), 36.9 Gy (1005 sites at risk) and 37.4 Gy (98 sites at risk), respectively. The results of current updated analysis will provide in-field disease control probabilities for different disease burdens and can serve as a guide in deciding dose prescriptions for practicing radiation oncologists.
Design and performance of large-pixel-size high-fill-fraction TES arrays for future X-ray astrophysics missions

Abstract We have designed, modeled, fabricated and tested a 600 μ m high-fill-fraction microcalorimeter array that will be a good match to the requirements of future X-ray missions. Our devices use transition-edge sensors coupled to overhanging bismuth/copper absorbers to produce arrays with 97% or higher fill fraction. An extensive modeling effort was undertaken in order to accommodate large pixel sizes (500– 1000 μ m ) and maintain the best energy resolution possible. The finite thermalization time of the large absorber and the associated position dependence of the pulse shape on absorption position constrain the time constants of the system given a desired energy-resolution performance. We show the results of our analysis and our new pixel design, consisting of a novel TES-on-the-side architecture which creates a controllable TES-absorber conductance.
Ergodicity of the Δ3 statistic and purity of neutron resonance data

The ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{3}(L)$ statistic characterizes the fluctuations of the number of levels as a function of the length of the spectral interval. It is studied as a possible tool to indicate the regular or chaotic nature of the underlying dynamics and to detect missing levels and the mixing of sequences of levels of different symmetry, particularly in neutron resonance data. The relation between the ensemble average and the average over different fragments of a given realization of spectra is considered. A useful expression for the variance of ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{3}(L)$ that accounts for finite sample size is discussed. An analysis of neutron resonance data presents the results consistent with a maximum likelihood method applied to the level spacing distribution.
Engineering controls for furniture strippers to meet the OSHA methylene chloride PEL.

This case study demonstrates how methylene chloride exposures during furniture stripping can be reduced to below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 25 ppm (as an 8-hour time-weighted average). Five surveys were conducted at one facility; the first four resulted in employee exposure geometric means from 39 to 332 ppm. For the fifth survey local exhaust ventilation was used at the stripping tank and the rinsing area, which together exhausted 138 m3/min (4860 ft3/min). Additional controls included providing adequate make-up air, adding paraffin wax to the stripping solution, raising the level of the stripping solution in the tank, and discussing good work practices with the employee. The employees' methylene chloride exposures during the fifth survey resulted in a geometric mean of 5.6 ppm with a 95% upper confidence limit of 8.3 ppm, which was found to be significantly lower than the OSHA PEL and the OSHA action level of 12.5 ppm. The cost of the ven...
Equilibrium Defect Concentration in Crystalline Lithium

The linear thermal expansion of pure lithium has been measured from 0 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C to the melting point by dilatometric and x-ray methods. Changes in length and lattice parameter were determined, respectively, by means of a Fizeau-type precision interferometer and by a high-angle backreflection x-ray technique. The two expansion curves diverge above 65 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C in a manner indicating the predominance of vacancy-type defects. If the divergence of the two curves is assumed to be due only to monovacancies, the results yield a formation energy ${E}_{1v}^{\mathrm{f}}=0.34\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04$ eV and a formation entropy ${S}_{1v}^{f}=(0.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.8)k$. The value of ${E}_{1v}^{f}$ accounts for 0.63 of the activation energy for self-diffusion. This result is much smaller than the corresponding ratio for Na, and, in fact, is comparable to results reported for fcc metals. The results are discussed in terms of the possible coexistence of monovacancies with either divacancies or interstitials.
Verification of Optimality and Costate Estimation Using Hilbert Space Projection

In this paper, we present a direct method for solving optimal control problems based on function approximation using Hilbert space projection. In this approach, the state and control variables are approximated in a finite-dimensional Hilbert space, and the state dynamics and the path constraints are imposed using projection. The resulting nonlinear programming problem is analyzed to derive a set of conditions under which the costates of the optimal control problem can be estimated from the associated Karush―Kuhn―Tucker multipliers. It is shown that the estimated costates have the same order of finite-dimensional approximation as the state and control approximations. The numerical results demonstrate that the present method can address a fairly general class of optimal control problems, including problems with state inequality constraints.
Neuronal Necrosis After Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Wistar Rats Progresses at Different Time Intervals in the Caudoputamen and the Cortex

Background and Purpose Most brain lesions that develop after an artery is occluded evolve from an initial stage of “ischemic injury” (probably reversible) to an infarct or an area where most neurons become necrotic. There is scant information on the time that must elapse after the arterial occlusion for neurons to undergo irreversible injury. The objective of these experiments was to chart the time course and the topographic distribution of the neuronal necrosis that follows the occlusion of a large cerebral artery. Methods One hundred fifty-one adult rats (including 15 controls) were used in this study. One hundred forty-seven had the right middle cerebral artery occluded for variable periods ranging from 30 minutes to 7 days. After processing the brains for histology, a meticulous structural evaluation of each specimen, including quantitation of necrotic neurons, was followed by a detailed statistical analysis of the neuronal counts. Results Few neurons in isolated sites showed morphological signs of necrosis during the initial 4 hours; the first significant increase in the percentage of necrotic neurons (15%) was observed within the territory of the occluded artery after 6 hours ( P <.05); 12 hours after the arterial occlusion most neurons (65%) had become necrotic ( P <.0001). Pannecrosis involving neurons, glial cells, and blood vessels was observed at 72 to 96 hours. However, even at this time pannecrosis involved only the preoptic area and the lateral putamen; a few intact neurons remained visible in the cortex, and scattered necrotic neurons could be identified beyond the edges of the “area of pallor,” which does not become clearly demarcated until 4 to 5 days after the arterial occlusion. Conclusions There is a predictable progression in the development of neuronal necrosis after a permanent arterial occlusion. Irreversible changes appear first in the caudoputamen and then spread to the cortex. The causes for the progression of the lesion are not known; however, therapeutic interventions that start within the first 1 to 2 hours after the arterial occlusion may alter the histopathologic responses to this form of injury. It remains to be determined whether the extent of the neurological deficit induced by an arterial occlusion correlates with the number of necrotic neurons.
Luxury perfusion (Hyperfixation) of cerebral fow imaging agent on brain SPECT

A 45-YEAR-OLD man was referred for brain single photon emission Computed tomography (SPECT) because of sudden onset of left-sided weakness for 4 days. He had a history of hypertension without being regularly on therapy for 2 years. Physical examination on admission revealed left hemianopsia: deviation of his mouth angle and uvula to the right; his tongue was deviated to the left side. There was weakness of the left extremities; a positive Babinski's sign was noted on the
Effects of ebselen on arachidonate metabolism by ocular and non-ocular tissues

The formation of cyclooxygenase products in rabbit and rat ocular and non-ocular tissues in vitro, detected by radio-thin-layer chromatography, was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by ebselen (PZ 51), an anti-inflammatory seleno-organic compound which has glutathione peroxidase and anti-oxidant activities. The exception was prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) formation in the rabbit irisciliary body which was stimulated by ebselen in the concentration range 2-10 microM. These observations were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The concentration that inhibited 50% of prostaglandin biosynthesis (IC50) in the rabbit iris-ciliary body was 9.3 microM. Ebselen also inhibited the formation of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) in rabbit and rat ocular tissues and rabbit platelets. The IC50 in the rabbit cornea was 4 microM, whereas higher concentrations were generally required to achieve similar inhibition in other tissues. The formation of 12-HETE by rabbit spleen, however, was not decreased by ebselen at concentrations that were inhibitory in other tissues.
Differential expression of TnI and TnT isoforms in rabbit heart during the perinatal period and during cardiovascular stress.

L. Gao, J. M. Kennedy and R. J. Solaro. Differential Expression of TnI and TnT Isoforms in Rabbit Heart during the Perinatal Period and during Cardiovascular Stress. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (1995) 27, 541–550. We have investigated developmental transitions of TnI and TnT isoforms in fetal, neonatal, and adult rabbit hearts by western blot analysis analysis. Our results provide the first evidence for the existence of two developmentally regulated isoforms of TNI in rabbit heart. These isoforms comigrate with adult rabbit cardiac TnI (cTnI) and slow skeletal TnI (ssTnI). At 23 days of gestation, ssTnI was the predominant TnI isoform. At 29 days of gestation, there was a significant increase in the relative amount of cTnI, that continued with maturation. The TnI isoform transition was significantly faster in right than left ventricles at gestation 30 and 32 days. Four TnT isoforms were detected in fetal fetal rabbit ventricles. The relative amount of TnT isoforms did not change from 23 to 29 days of gestation. However, the relative amount of the adult TnT isoform increased significantly around the time oF birth with the increase being significantly more prominent in left than in right ventricles. Maternal injection of phenylephrine (PHE), an α-1 adrenergic agonist, increased fetal cardiac force and arterial blood pressure, facilitated TnT, but not TnI, isoform transition in fetal heart. Our results indicate that the developmental transition of rabbit cardiac TnI and TnT isoforms is not coordinated and might be regulated by different mechanisms. Our results also provide evidence that the TnT isoform population is influenced by adrenergic stimulation and stress on the cardiovascular system during development.
Non-skipping timestamps for byzantine data storage systems

We study the problem of implementing a replicated data store with atomic semantics for non self-verifying data in a system of n servers that are subject to Byzantine failures. We present a solution that significantly improves over previously proposed solutions. Timestamps used by our solution cannot be forced to grow arbitrarily large by faulty servers as is the case for other solutions. Instead, timestamps grow no faster than logarithmically in the number of operations. We achieve this saving by defining and providing an implementation for non-skipping timestamps, which are guaranteed not to skip any value. Non-skipping timestamps allow us to reduce the space requirements for readers to O(max|Q|), Where |Q| ≤ n. This is a significant improvement over the best previously known solution which requires O(fn) space, where f is the maximum number of faulty servers in the system. The solution we present has a low write-load if f is small compared to n, whereas the previously proposed solution always has a high constant write-load.
Stability of Rapid Scanning Interferometers

An investigation is made to measure errors and instabilities associated with interferometric spectrometers. All data analysis is performed using the time or distance domain signal (interferogram) to eliminate any anomalies produced by transformation to spectral data. Three basic tests were performed which involved variations of the centerburst amplitude, the interferogram sampling offset and signal stability. These tests were performed on raw data and after all nonzero phase had been removed from the interferometric signal. All errors measured are extremely small, but are larger than ideal detector-limited noise. This paper does not attempt to identify all potential instabilities associated with interferometers, but presents methods by which instabilities can be measured and quantified on a relative basis.
Covariant quantization of a quark-binding string

An important tool for the investigation of relativistic quantum field theories of strong interactions is the study of their strong-coupling limits. These lead to semigeometric models in which the quark-binding fields reduce to constraining volumes (bags), surfaces (bubbles), or lines (strings). These models are usually first treated classically and then quantized by canonical quantization. The present model was previously investigated by Giles and Tye and by Tye and originated from the "SLAC bubble." A two-dimensional timelike cylinder is embedded in four-dimensional Minkowski space. Massless Dirac fields (quarks) are constrained to it. These can carry any internal-symmetry label. At a fixed time the model represents a loop (closed string) on which quarks circulate. The covariant quantization is possible in a special guage and for timelike (rather than null plane) dynamics if care is taken to treat the corresponding gauge conditions in an internally consistent way. Simultaneity of relative positions of this extended structure in every instantaneous rest frame leads to additional constraints which ensure the absence of ghost states. All primary constraints are proved to be first class also for the quantized system. There are no secondary constraints. The theory is manifestly covariant; the Poincar\'e algebra is verified explicitly. There are no tachyonic states since the total momentum points into the future light cone. Linearly rising Regge trajectories result as in the free string.
Improving systems engineering effectiveness in rapid response development environments

Systems engineering is often ineffective in development environments where large, complex, brownfield systems of systems are evolved through parallel development of new capabilities in response to external, time-sensitive requirements. This paper defines a conceptual framework to improve that effectiveness and better integrate the systems engineering and software engineering processes. The framework is based on a services approach to systems engineering and the use of kanban techniques to schedule scarce enterprise systems engineering resources across multiple related systems and software development projects. The framework also addresses the differing value of work items to multiple stakeholders in the scheduling and coordination processes. Models and simulations are being used to capture, refine and validate the framework prior to in vivo experimentation.
Heterogeneous Atrial Denervation Creates Substrate for Sustained Atrial Fibrillation

Background —Heterogeneous electrophysiological properties, which may be due in part to autonomic innervation, are important in the maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that heterogeneous sympathetic denervation with phenol would create a milieu for sustained AF. Methods and Results —After the determination of baseline inducibility, 15 dogs underwent atrial epicardial phenol application and 11 underwent a sham procedure. After 2 weeks of recovery, the animals had repeat attempts at inducing AF and effective refractory period (ERP) testing. Epicardial maps were obtained to determine local AF cycle lengths. ERPs were determined at baseline and during sympathetic, vagal, and simultaneous vagal/sympathetic stimulation. Dogs then underwent PET imaging with either a sympathetic ([11C]hydroxyephedrine, HED) or parasympathetic (5-[11C]methoxybenzovesamicol, MOBV) nerve label. None of the animals had sustained AF (>60 minutes) at baseline. None of the sham dogs and 14 of 15 phenol dogs had sustained AF at follow-up. Sites to which phenol was applied had a significantly shorter ERP (136±17.6 ms) than those same sites in the sham controls (156±19.1 ms) ( P =0.01). Although there was no difference in the ERP change with either vagal or sympathetic stimulation alone between phenol and nonphenol sites, the percent decrease in ERP with simultaneous vagal/sympathetic stimulation was greater in the phenol sites (17±8%) than in the nonphenol sites (9±9%) ( P =0.01). There was a significantly increased dispersion of refractoriness (21±6.4 ms in the sham versus 58±14 ms in the phenol dogs, P =0.01) as well as dispersion of AF cycle length (49±10 ms in the sham versus 105±12 ms in the phenol dogs, P =0.0001). PET images demonstrated defects of HED uptake in the areas of phenol application, with no defect of MOBV uptake. Conclusions —Heterogeneous sympathetic atrial denervation with phenol facilitates sustained AF.
Almost optimal solutions to k-clustering problems ?

We implement an algorithm for k-clustering for small k in fixed dimensions and report experimental results here. Although the theoretical bounds on the running time are hopeless for 1 + ∊ approximating k-clusters, we note that for dimensions 2 and 3, k-clustering is practical for small k (k ≤ 4) and simple enough shapes. For the purposes of this paper, k is a small fixed constant.
Effects of acute social stress on alcohol consumption in healthy subjects.

Background: There has been renewed interest in interactions between stress and use of drugs and alcohol. Although there is evidence that stress increases drug use in human drug users and in laboratory animals, the processes by which stress affects drug-motivated behavior are not understood. Here we examined the effects of an acute social stressor (performing a mental arithmetic task in front of an audience) on consumption of ethanol or placebo beverages in healthy social drinkers. Methods: Thirty-seven men and women, ages 21–35, were randomly assigned to a placebo (n= 15) or ethanol group (n= 22). Subjects participated in two sessions, one with stress (Trier Social Stress Test) the other without stress. In each session, immediately after the stress or no-stress period, subjects consumed the first dose (placebo or 0.3 g/kg of ethanol for men or 0.2 g/kg for women). Then, subjects were allowed to choose up to six more beverages (0.1 g/kg each for the ethanol group or placebo beverages for the placebo group). Measures included percentage of beverage consumed, salivary cortisol level, heart rate, blood pressure, and subjective ratings of mood and drug effect. Results: Subjects in both the placebo and ethanol groups consumed significantly more of their beverages after stress, compared to no stress. Stress increased anxiety, uneasiness, and produced some stimulant-like effects and, in the ethanol group, it dampened some of the acute subjective effects of ethanol. The direct physiologic and mood effects of the stress were fairly short-lived. Conclusions: It is concluded that acute stress may produce a modest increase in alcohol consumption in healthy, nonproblem social drinkers but that this increase is not directly related to the pharmacological effects of the drug. Nonpharmacological factors may include expectancies, thirst, or nonspecific facilitation of ongoing behaviors.
MOSFET asymmetry and gate-drain/source overlap effects on hot carrier reliability

The MOSFET gate-drain/source overlap is a critical factor in device performance. An understanding of trade-off between performance and reliability is important in process development. It is found that although the reduction of overlap can improve the performance, there is a sharp decrease in hot carrier reliability when the overlap is decreasing. More importantly we have found that the MOSFET asymmetry can degrade reliability even worse if overlap is small. The MOSFET asymmetry, gate-drain/source overlap and hot carrier reliability are studied on 90 nm technology.
Potential application of fuzzy techniques to math education: Emphasizing paradoxes as a (seemingly paradoxical) way to enhance the learning of (strict) mathematics

Classes are often taught in an authoritarian way, when students do not understand the need to study the material. So, a key to success is for a teacher to make sure that the students understand this need - before explaining the material itself. In mathematics, this need sometimes comes from practice; sometimes, from the fact that common sense treatment of the topics leads to contradictions (paradoxes) and therefore, a more formal treatment is needed. Our experience shows that explaining paradoxes like the irrationality of square root of 2 or paradoxes of set theory indeed enhances learning.
Diluting the founder effect: cryptic invasions expand a marine invader's range

Most invasion histories include an estimated arrival time, followed by range expansion. Yet, such linear progression may not tell the entire story. The European green crab (Carcinus maenas) was first recorded in the US in 1817, followed by an episodic expansion of range to the north. Its population has recently exploded in the Canadian Maritimes. Although it has been suggested that this northern expansion is the result of warming sea temperatures or cold-water adaptation, Canadian populations have higher genetic diversity than southern populations, indicating that multiple introductions have occurred in the Maritimes since the 1980s. These new genetic lineages, probably from the northern end of the green crab’s native range in Europe, persist in areas that were once thought to be too cold for the original southern invasion front. It is well established that ballast water can contain a wide array of nonindigenous species. Ballast discharge can also deliver genetic variation on a level comparable to that of native populations. Such gene flow not only increases the likelihood of persistence of invasive species, but it can also rapidly expand the range of long-established nonindigenous species.
QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF OPTIMUM SUSTAINABLE POPULATION LEVEL

Quantitative methods are reviewed and compared for determining whether a marine mammal population is at an optimum sustainable population (OSP) level, a management goal specified by the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act. Methods of OSP determination fall into two general types: those that require an estimate of a population’s maximum net productivity level (e.g., the backcalculation method) and those that do not (e.g., dynamic response analysis). The two types differ in the data they require and in whether they determine OSP with respect to present or historical cartying capaaty. Backdadation and dynamic response analyses are compared using data on the California gray whale (Erchn’chtius robustus). Marine mammal monitoring programs should be designed to detect trends in both the abundance of a population and its condition relative to carrying capacity, because both quantities are involved in the definition of OSP. The value of using both abundance and condition indices in an assessment is illustrated with data on the nonhern fur seal (Callorhinus minus).
Pulmonary Accumulation of Neutral Diamine Dithiol Complexes of Technetium‐99m

Abstract Twenty‐two neutral, lipid‐soluble 99m Tc complexes have been synthesized from diamine dithiol (DADT) ligands which vary in alkyl substitution pattern on nitrogen and carbon. The logarithm of the partition coefficients (log PC), as well as the capacity factor k /′, of the purified complexes increased linearly with molecular weight. The biodistribution of these complexes was determined in normal mice, and several of the complexes selectively accumulated in the lungs as compared to the liver or other organs. Pulmonary accumulation varied greatly with subtle changes in structure, and a 30‐fold range of lung uptake (1–31 % of the injected dose/organ) was observed for isomeric technetium complexes which have identical molecular weights and similar log PC. Further, a parabolic relationship between lung uptake and log PC was observed for a subset of the complexes which are derived from a homologous series of tetramethyl‐DADT ligands. Neutral and lipophilic radiopharmaceuticals labeled with technetium can therefore be developed which exhibit structurally specific uptake in the lung.
Analysis and Prediction of Dual-Mode Chemical and Electric Ionic Liquid Propulsion Performance

An analytical and numerical investigation of the performance of a dual-mode propulsion system using ionic liquids is presented. Chemical bi-propellant performance of select propellants is determined using Chemical Equilibrium with Applications. Comparison of predicted specific impulse of ionic liquids with hydrazine and UDMH show that the ionic liquid propellants have 3-12% lower specific impulse when paired with nitrogen tetroxide. However, when paired with hydroxlammonium nitrate, the specific impulse is comparable. Density Impulse for ionic liquids is found to be superior due to their higher density. Analytical investigation of an electrospray electric propulsion system shows that some ionic liquids are capable of operating in a purely ionic regime, providing very high specific impulse (~ 6000 sec). The predicted chemical and electric performance data will be used to quantify mass savings for representative dual-mode propulsion missions.
Cdc2 phosphorylation of BAD links the cell cycle to the cell death machinery

A mechanism that triggers neuronal apoptosis has been characterized. We report that the cell cycle-regulated protein kinase Cdc2 is expressed in postmitotic granule neurons of the developing rat cerebellum and that Cdc2 mediates apoptosis of cerebellar granule neurons upon the suppression of neuronal activity. Cdc2 catalyzes the phosphorylation of the BH3-only protein BAD at a distinct site, serine 128, and thereby induces BAD-mediated apoptosis in primary neurons by opposing growth factor inhibition of the apoptotic effect of BAD. The phosphorylation of BAD serine 128 inhibits the interaction of growth factor-induced serine 136-phosphorylated BAD with 14-3-3 proteins. Our results suggest that a critical component of the cell cycle couples an apoptotic signal to the cell death machinery via a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism that may generally modulate protein-protein interactions.
Improving teacher education in rural Mexico: The challenges and tensions of constructivist reform

Abstract In this article I examine the challenges facing constructivist approaches to educate rural teachers using an innovative program in Mexico. Constructivist approaches seek to help teachers learn new ways of thinking about teaching and learning, acquire better knowledge of different subject matters, form learning communities allowing teacher participation in the development of norms to facilitate shared understandings and dialogue, and develop democratic structures of authority in schools. But the urgency in Mexico for fast and massive educational change in a system with ingrained traditions of control and centralized hierarchical authority, and a disregard for the complexity of educational change processes may bring about a superficial implementation of the teacher education reform thus threatening the success and integrity of the constructivist approach, and introducing confusion and relativism among teachers and administrators.
Review: Beyond the Guidelines: New and Novel Agents for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiothoracic Surgery

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), a common complication of cardiac surgery, can increase the morbidity and mortality, as well as the costs of the surgery being preformed. Guidelines recommend the use of β-blockers, amiodarone, or sotalol to decrease the risk of experiencing POAF. However, none of these agents fully protect the patient from POAF, thus newer agents are needed to be used in combination with them. Many different agents have been studied to fit this role and may be grouped into 2 categories: agents with antiarrhythmic activity such as magnesium and polyunsaturated fatty acids and agents with anti-inflammatory activity such as statins and free radical scavengers. Most of these novel agents have been studied in a wide variety of trials; however, some clearly have more effect than others. Although none of these newer agents have the data required to make blanket recommendations for use at this point, given the safety profile and low costs of some, many continue to be evaluated in randomiz...
The Interplay of Symbolic and Subsymbolic Processes in Anagram Problem Solving

Although connectionist models have provided insights into the nature of perception and motor control, connectionist accounts of higher cognition seldom go beyond an implementation of traditional symbol-processing theories. We describe a connectionist constraint satisfaction model of how people solve anagram problems. The model exploits statistics of English orthography, but also addresses the interplay of sub symbolic and symbolic computation by a mechanism that extracts approximate symbolic representations (partial orderings of letters) from subsymbolic structures and injects the extracted representation back into the model to assist in the solution of the anagram. We show the computational benefit of this extraction-injection process and discuss its relationship to conscious mental processes and working memory. We also account for experimental data concerning the difficulty of anagram solution based on the orthographic structure of the anagram string and the target word.
The development and validation of the protective factors survey: A self-report measure of protective factors against child maltreatment

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the internal structure of a self-report measure of multiple family-level protective factors against abuse and neglect and explore the relationship of this instrument to other measures of child maltreatment. Methods: For the exploratory factor analysis, 11 agencies from 4 states administered the Protective Factors Survey (PFS), the Brief Child Abuse Potential Inventory (Ondersma et al., 2005), and another measure to establish content validity (N = 249 participants). Exploratory factor analyses were conducted to obtain a small, integrated set of items that tap the targeted protective factors correlated with other theoretically important constructs. Correlations were computed to explore PFS criterion-related validity. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on an additional sample of 689 participants from 19 agencies across the United States. Results: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded a 4-factor solution, consisting of Family Functioning, Emotional Support, Concrete Support, and Nurturing and Attachment. Four measures were administered to assess constructs that were predicted to correlate negatively with the protective factors: child abuse potential, depression, stress, and maladaptive coping. The PFS was also predicted to correlate positively with adaptive coping such as use of emotional and instrumental social support and positive reframing. Overall, the PFS subscales were significantly related to these measures in the directions predicted. Conclusions: The PFS is a valid and reliable instrument to measure individual differences in multiple protective factors in families. The measure is an easily administered tool that offers programs an alternative to costly, time-intensive measures.
Restructuring polymers via nanoconfinement and subsequent release.

During the past several years my students and I have been utilizing certain small-molecule hosts to create nanostructured polymers. This is accomplished by first forming noncovalently bonded inclusion complexes (ICs) between these small-molecule hosts and guest polymers, followed by the careful removal of the host crystalline lattice to obtain a coalesced bulk polymer. We have repeatedly observed that such coalesced polymer samples behave distinctly from those produced from their solutions or melts. Coalesced amorphous homopolymers exhibit higher glass-transition temperatures, while crystallizable homopolymers coalesced from their ICs display higher melting and crystallization temperatures, and sometimes different crystalline polymorphs. When ICs are formed with block copolymers or with two or more different homopolymers, the resulting coalesced samples can exhibit intimate mixing between the copolymer blocks, or between entire homopolymer chains. Each of the distinct behaviors observed for polymers coalesced from their ICs is a consequence of the structural organization of the polymer–host-ICs. Polymer chains in host-IC crystals are confined to occupy narrow channels (diameter ~0.5–1.0 nm) formed by the small-molecule hosts around the included guest polymers during IC crystallization. This results in the separation and high extension of the included guest polymer chains, which leads, following the careful removal of the host molecule lattice, to unique behaviors for the bulk coalesced polymer samples. Apparently, substantial degrees of the extended and unentangled natures of the IC-included chains are retained upon coalescence. In this review we summarize the behaviors and uses of coalesced polymers, and attempt to draw conclusions on the relationship between their behavior and the organization/structures/conformations of the constituent polymer chains achieved upon coalescence from their ICs.
The Effect of Cold Air Inhalation on Respiratory Gas Exchange During Exercise in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This study was done to determine whether gas exchange is affected, both at rest and with exercise, by airflow resistance alterations previously observed during cold air breathing in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease with a history of sensitivity to cold air. Nine patients with cold air sensitivity were studied at rest and daring treadmill exercise breathing room temperature and ?12°C air. Seven of the nine patients had more distress during cold air breathing, but there were no significant differences in heart rates, O2 consumption and arterial blood Po2 and Pco2 between room temperature and ?12°C air breathing, either at rest or during exercise. These results give support to the concept that the most marked change in air flow resistance during cold air breathing occurs in poorly ventilated lung areas.
Concerning trends and outcomes for National Institutes of Health funding of cancer research.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) considers its principal mission for three modalities: (1) the integration of discovery activities with collaborations of interdisciplinary types; (2) the acceleration of innovations and provision of technology that will allow achievements of translational research; and (3) to move the aforementioned new discoveries via translational methods for application in clinics and public health programs. This article will focus on the contemporary trends for 2003–2004 and the NIH budget of 2005 to enumerate the progress in surgical funding by the NIH and NCI. Specifically, this presentation focuses on outcomes in departments of surgery nationally with correlates for non-surgical clinical sciences and their funding. While the NCI and NIH continue to undergo a comprehensive scrutiny of their resources in this budget-reduced environment related to the efforts to secure peace in Iraq, it is highly probable that our current mechanisms in place will not change without participation of surgical scientists in oncology in the award mechanisms. It should be highly encouraged that surgeon–scientists actively participate on Study Sections of the NIH-NCI to provide surgical investigators the opportunity to be competitive with non-surgeons when reviews of meritorious proposals are submitted by their surgical oncology peers. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:161–166. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Properties of Dry and Non-contact Electrodes for Wearable Physiological Sensors

Dry and non-contact electrodes are an important part of building user-friendly wearable body sensor networks for physiological (ECG, EEG, EMG) recording. This paper presents the theory and characterization of several inexpensive and non-irritating electrode materials that implement dry and non-contact sensors, including lead-free PCB solder finish, latex, cotton, silver cloth and solder mask. The noise spectra of the electrodes were measured on a live subject to fully mode all the effects of biological and chemical noise processes at the skin- electrode interface. In addition, exemplary ECG physiological measurements are also presented and compared against the signal from reference clinical wet Ag/AgCl electrodes. Results show that PCB finish can function as a general purpose, low-noise dry electrode. Latex and solder mask also work well as insulated electrodes.
MAP Kinases in the Immune Response

MAP kinases are among the most ancient signal transduction pathways and are widely used throughout evolution in many physiological processes. In mammalian species, MAP kinases are involved in all aspects of immune responses, from the initiation phase of innate immunity, to activation of adaptive immunity, and to cell death when immune function is complete. In this review, we summarize recent progress in understanding the function and regulation of MAP kinase pathways in these phases of immune responses.
Local recurrence map to guide target volume delineation after radical prostatectomy

Abstract Purpose To describe the various anatomic locations of recurrent disease, in a cohort of men with radiographically visualized, biopsy-proven recurrent prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy (RP), in order to help guide contouring of the prostatic fossa clinical target volume (PF-CTV) when no gross recurrence is visible or when magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not used. Methods and materials Ten representative patients with MRI-detected, biopsy-proven local recurrences of prostate adenocarcinoma after RP were selected. Areas of recurrence were delineated on individual MRI images, and then mapped onto axial and sagittal "template" MRI images to compositely demonstrate the documented areas of recurrence. Coverage of these anatomic areas of recurrence was then evaluated by applying Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)-consensus PF-CTV contours to a postoperative computed tomographic template. Results The median age at the time of RP was 61 years (range, 50-73). In the superoinferior direction, recurrences ranged from the superior retrovesical region, to the inferior retrovesical region, to the posterior anastomosis, and as inferiorly as the posterior urogenital diaphragm. In the anteroposterior direction, the areas of recurrence ranged from involving the posterior bladder wall anteriorly to invading the rectum posteriorly. Recurrences were found at the center, right, and left of the prostate and seminal vesicle fossa. When target volumes were delineated using RTOG-defined consensus PF-CTV contours, coverage was marginal on recurrences in the posterolateral aspects of the CTV near the rectum and mesorectal fascia and lacking on recurrences occurring inferiorly at the posterior urogenital diaphragm. Conclusions Our findings describe the variation in location of prostate cancer recurrences and can be used to improve target definition in conformal radiation therapy in the postoperative adjuvant or salvage setting. RTOG-consensus contours for the PF-CTV should be applied carefully, with potential modifications in the posterolateral and inferior aspects.
Comparison of Practical Catfish Feeds Containing 26 or 30% Protein

Abstract Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were grown in 0.04-hectare earthen ponds and fed practical diets containing either 26 or 30% crude protein. Experimental diets were formulated to contain similar protein : energy ratios, the proper levels of essential amino acids, and a minimal amount of fish meal. Fish were stocked at a density of 7,413 fish!hectare and fed for 119 d at rates that gradually declined from 5% of body weight per day. Weight gain, survival, feed conversion ratio, dressout percentage, and proximate composition of edible tissue were not significantly different between dietary treatment groups. Based on these results, it appears that a feed containing 26% protein from a combination of high-quality sources and having the proper protein: energy ratio is adequate for channel catfish reared in ponds at low to moderate densities.
Partners in Student Success.

Pittsburg State University and Fort Scott Community College built a bridge program to make education more accessible to students.